Share

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

Penulis: Chris D
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-02-22 08:33:23

Flora's POV

I tuck Aurora into her crib, brushing a stray curl from her forehead. She stirs slightly but doesn’t wake, her tiny breaths steady and soft. I linger for a moment, watching her sleep, feeling the weight of everything pressing against my chest.

Just as I step away, my mother walks into the room, a gentle yet concerned expression on her face.

“How’s my granddaughter?” she asks softly, sitting on the edge of my bed.

“She’s fine,” I say, forcing a small smile. “Just put her to sleep again after her bath.”

She nods before her eyes settle on me. “I wanted to talk to you about the divorce… The lawyer called. The court date is set.”

I take a slow breath, bracing myself. “I’ve already signed the papers. Now, I just have to wait.”

My mother reaches for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “It’s almost over, Flora. Soon, you can finally move on.”

I nod, but before I can respond, she grabs the remote and turns on the television.

And just like that—my heart stops.

HEADLINE: STANLE
Lanjutkan membaca buku ini secara gratis
Pindai kode untuk mengunduh Aplikasi
Bab Terkunci

Bab terkait

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

    Stanley's POV I stare at Jessica, my mind racing with everything that just happened. My jaw tightens, and I take a deep breath before speaking.“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” My voice is low, and controlled, but laced with anger. “You just exposed everything to Flora. You ruined everything.”Jessica crosses her arms, completely unfazed. “Relax, Stanley,” she says with a smirk. “It was bound to happen sooner or later. Flora was going to find out. At least now, she heard it from me.”I run a frustrated hand through my hair. “That’s not your call to make!”She rolls her eyes. “Oh, please. Be thankful I did it. We both know you wouldn’t have told her the truth yourself. If I hadn’t said anything, you would’ve kept leading her on, pretending there was still a chance.” She steps closer, tilting her head. “I just made it easier for you.”I shake my head. “Easier? You made everything worse! And for what? There’s nothing going on between us, Jessica. So why the hell did you li

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

    Jessica’s POV I step out of the car with a smirk, my eyes scanning the grand mansion before me. Finally. This life this wealth, this luxury—is mine now. No longer Flora’s. She had her turn, and now it’s my time to shine. I adjust my sunglasses, flipping my hair over my shoulder as I make my way to the front door. Just as I’m about to step inside, a security guard blocks my path, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. "Ma’am, I didn’t receive any information regarding your visit. You’ll need to wait here while I confirm with Mr. Davis." I roll my eyes. Of course, Flora’s little lapdogs would still be here, acting all high and mighty. But I’m not just a visitor—I belong here now. Before I can respond, another set of guards begin unloading my boxes and bags from the trunk, placing them near the entrance. I smile to myself. The sight of my belongings being moved into Stanley’s home is proof that I’ve won. Just then, Stanley’s car pulls into the driveway. The moment he steps

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-23
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER TWENTY SIX

    Anonymous POV The moment Jessica’s message pops up on the screen, I reach for my second phone and dial her number. She picks up on the first ring, her tone laced with amusement, as if she already knows why I’m calling.“What do you mean by ‘the process has started’?” I ask, my voice low and sharp.She lets out a soft chuckle. “Relax. I just succeeded in making Flora hate Stanley even more. She caught us together, and now she thinks I’ve been sleeping with him for a long time.”I smirk. “That’s my girl. And?”“And,” she drawls, “I moved into Stanley’s house. Can you believe it? That fool actually let me in. Now I just have to push him a little more, and soon, he’ll be exactly where we need him.”I lean back in my chair, satisfied. “You’re a bad bitch, Jessica. You’re really doing your job well.”She hums in agreement. “I’m only in this for the money, you know. Nothing more.”“Of course,” I reply smoothly. “And don’t worry, you’ll get every penny you were promised.”Jessica clicks

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-24
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN

    Jessica’s POVI just got off the phone with Stanley.I had called him to ask what he’d like for dinner, expecting him to have some kind of preference, but instead, he hesitated like he didn’t even want to answer. Eventually, he mumbled something about me making whatever I liked before abruptly ending the call.I smile to myself, shaking my head. Men. Always so indecisive.Stretching, I step out of the bedroom and make my way to the kitchen, already imagining the meal I’ll prepare. Something extravagant, something that will remind Stanley why I belong here.But the moment I step into the kitchen, I come to a halt.Stanley’s mother stands there, her sharp eyes landing on me instantly.For a moment, neither of us says anything. She’s clearly trying to process what she’s seeing, and I wait, arms crossed, watching her reaction with amusement.Then, finally, she speaks.“What are you doing here?” Her voice is clipped, controlled but I can sense the underlying anger.I offer her my swee

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-25
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

    Flora's POV I wake up to the soft light streaming through the window and the faint sounds of Aurora giggling downstairs. For a moment, I just lie there, staring at the ceiling, gathering my thoughts. Today is the day.Pushing the blankets off, I get up and freshen up quickly before heading downstairs. My mother is in the kitchen, feeding Aurora, who claps her tiny hands excitedly when she sees me.“Good morning, sweetheart,” I coo, pressing a kiss to her forehead before turning to my mother. “Thank you for taking care of her.”My mom waves it off. “You don’t have to thank me, she's my granddaughter and I love her. Focus on your interview.”I take a cup,pour in some coffee and turn to look at my mom.“I feel so giddy,I just hope everything turns out well and that I get the job so I can finally be useful.” I say with a dry laugh.“Don't worry I'm sure everything will be fine so just take a deep breath and feel relaxed, everything will turn out just fine.” I nod, inhaling deep

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-26
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

    Jessica's POV I smirk as I finish typing the message, my fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard."Start sending the threats today. Make them brutal. Make her scared. Make it look like the whole world is against her for cheating on a man like Stanley. I don’t care how you do it, just get it done."I press send and toss my phone onto the bed, stretching lazily. It won’t take long before Flora starts feeling the heat. A woman like her, used to being adored, won’t handle hate well. She’ll break slowly, piece by piece.Just as I turn around, I nearly jump. Chloe is standing at the door, watching me closely. My pulse quickens for a split second before I school my expression back to calm indifference.She folds her arms. "Why do you look so startled, Jessica?"I recover quickly, flashing her a smile. "Because you’ve been standing there like a creep, watching me. That’s what’s startling."She rolls her eyes. "You know, I don’t trust you one bit. And I’m wondering how long it’ll take

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-27
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER THIRTY

    Chapter Thirty Flora's POV I follow the suited man through the long, quiet corridor. The farther we walk, the colder the air feels, or maybe it’s just my nerves. When we finally stop in front of a large, mahogany door, he turns to me with an unreadable expression."You’re the only one the boss wants to see," he says, his voice low and firm.My throat suddenly feels dry. "Okay."He nods and steps aside, pressing a button on the panel beside the door. It clicks open.I hesitate for a second before stepping in, my palms already sweaty. The room is dimly lit, the soft glow of a desk lamp casting shadows against the walls. The scent of expensive cologne lingers in the air.Behind the massive oak desk sits Mr. Rivera, the man who just gave me a job."Ms. Flora," he greets, his deep voice smooth yet commanding. "Have a seat."I remain standing, hesitant. Something about the way he’s looking at me makes me uneasy.He gestures to the chair again, this time more insistently. "Sit."It’s a

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-28
  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

    Jessica's POV I stand in front of Michael’s door, tapping my fingers impatiently against my thigh. I know he’s home I made sure of that before coming here. A few seconds later, the door swings open, and there he is, standing shirtless with a towel slung over his shoulder. His face twists into a frown the second he sees me."What the hell are you doing here, Jessica?" he asks, leaning against the doorframe.I smirk, stepping forward. "Relax, Michael. I just came to have a word with you."His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "You left with Stanley yesterday, and now you're here looking for me? What could you possibly want to talk about?"I push past him into the house, ignoring his groan of frustration. "I need you to do something for me. And if you agree, you’ll get a huge sum of money in return."Michael shuts the door, folding his arms. "Jessica, I don’t need your money. What kind of favor could you possibly want from me?"I take a deep breath, pretending to hesitate before droppi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-01

Bab terbaru

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER SIXTY TWO

    Flora’s POVI sit in the car, watching the city lights blur past through the window, and for a moment,I can’t breathe.Did I just do that?Did I really sit through a dinner with Stanley and Jessica like it didn’t break every nerve in my body? Did I smile? Stay calm? Keep my voice even?I did.And I didn’t just survive it… I owned it.I blink, looking down at my hands, still slightly trembling, but steady enough to clench the edge of my dress. I feel raw inside, like I’ve been skinned emotionally, but on the outside,I looked untouched. That has to count for something.I glance to the other seat where the nanny holds Aurora gently. She’s fast asleep, cheeks flushed from the night, her tiny hand curled around the edge of her bunny plushie. So peaceful. So soft.I swallow the lump in my throat.The nanny offers me a small, knowing smile. “She didn’t even stir. Must’ve been a long day.”“Yeah,” I say, voice hoarse. “For both of us.”I lean forward, tapping the glass. “Let’s go. I just

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER SIXTY ONE

    Flora’s POVIt’s almost time to leave, but my heart won’t stop racing.I pace the living room twice, clutching my handbag like it might fly away if I let go. Aurora’s dressed already,hair done in a sweet puff, her tiny hands playing with the butterfly clips in her curls.I turn to Mama. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I feel like this is a mistake.”She walks over and touches my shoulder gently. “It’s not a mistake, Flora. You’re just anxious. Breathe, alright? Maybe this dinner is a good thing.”I glance toward the window. It’s already getting dark.“Be positive,” she adds. “Whatever happens tonight, just stay calm. Don’t let anyone rattle you.”I nod slowly, then my phone rings, interrupting the moment.Unknown number.I hesitate, then swipe to answer. “Hello?”“Miss Flora,” a familiar voice says, low and firm. It’s the agent. “You’ll be accompanied to your meeting tonight. My men are waiting outside your house.”“What?” I blink. “How did you even—?”But the line goes dead.I

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER SIXTY

    Flora's POVI stare at the file on my desk like it might reach out and bite me. My heart’s been beating too fast since I saw his name,Stanley Davis,boldly written under the “eliminate” column. It doesn’t make sense. Nothing makes sense anymore.I pace the floor of my office, my heels clicking too loudly against the tiles. I want to scream, throw something, demand answers,but I don’t even know who to direct my anger to. Senator Jones? Mr. Rivera? The agent who dropped this bombshell on my desk and vanished like smoke?God, I want to go to the senator’s house. I want to grab him by the collar and ask what twisted game he’s playing. But I can’t. I think of my mom. I think of Aurora—her little giggles, the way she wraps her tiny fingers around mine like I’m her entire world.If I make the wrong move, if I provoke the wrong man… they’ll pay the price.I sit down slowly, running my fingers through my braids, trying to breathe through the chaos. I keep glancing at the door, hoping the age

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER FIFTY NINE

    Jessica’s POVThe hospital smells like antiseptic and quiet desperation. I walk briskly through the corridor, not making eye contact with anyone. I’m not here for small talk or polite nods. I’m here to get things done. Ruthlessly.I reach the doctor’s office and knock once before stepping in without waiting for a response. Dr. Franklin looks up from his desk, startled.“Miss—” he starts, standing as if unsure whether to greet me or brace himself.I cut him off with a smile. “Sit down, doctor. I won’t take much of your time.”His nervous energy is almost amusing. I close the door behind me and walk to his desk slowly, deliberately, like I own this hospital. In many ways, I do,money talks, and mine never stutters.“I need a favor,” I say, placing my purse on the edge of his desk. “Stanley’s mother… I want her drug regimen changed.”His brows knit together. “Changed?”“Yes,” I reply smoothly. “Swap it with something… a little more effective at finishing the job. Something that will sl

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT

    Jessica’s POVStanley is halfway down the porch steps when I rush out, clutching the thick file against my chest.“Wait!” I call out, trying not to sound desperate. “You forgot something.”He slows but doesn’t stop until he’s by the car door. I reach him just as he swings it open, his brows pinched and expression already tense. He’s always tense lately.“What is it now?” he asks, not even bothering to look at me.I shove the file into his hands. “It’s everything I’ve put together for the wedding. A summary. Venues, press coordination, stylist options, dates. You said we should get things moving, so I did.”He stares at the file for a beat, then tosses it onto the passenger seat like it’s yesterday’s trash. “Thanks,” he mutters without enthusiasm. “I have to get to work, Jessica. I’ll stop by the hospital after.”I nod quickly, stepping back from the car, forcing a soft smile onto my face. “Of course. I’ll meet Chloe at the hospital and stay with your mom for a bit. You don’t have

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER FIFTY SEVEN

    Flora’s POVThe elevator dings softly as it stops on my floor, and the doors glide open. I step out into the office, my heels clicking sharply against the polished tiles. The morning buzz has already started,phones ringing, printers humming, employees moving about with forced smiles and quick steps. But I have no time for pleasantries or distractions today. I go straight for Mr. Rivera’s office.I don’t bother to knock. I push the door open, stepping in with a quiet resolve that masks the storm brewing inside me.Mr. Rivera looks up from behind his desk, eyes narrowing slightly as he sees me. “Flora,” he says slowly, drawing out the syllables like he’s trying to figure out which version of me walked through the door. “I’m surprised to see you here.”I don’t answer. Not immediately. I let the silence stretch just a little. I remain standing, my arms at my sides, trying to steady the pounding in my chest.He raises an eyebrow when I don’t speak, fingers tapping lightly on the edge

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER FIFTY SIX

    Stanley’s POVThe door clicks shut behind us as we step into the house. Silence stretches across the room, thick and tense. I don’t say a word. I don’t have the strength to start something I won’t be able to finish tonight.Jessica walks ahead of me, heels tapping lightly against the polished floor. When I attempt to head for the stairs, she moves fast,almost too fast,planting herself in front of me, arms folded and head tilted in that practiced way of hers.“Are you still mad at me?” she asks, voice calm but with that underlying edge I’ve come to recognize. The one she uses when she’s trying to gauge whether I’m malleable enough to manipulate.I exhale slowly. “Jessica, I’m tired. I’ve been at the hospital for hours.”“You didn’t answer my question.”I look at her. Really look at her. The woman I married for obligation, not love. Her face is painted perfectly, not a flaw out of place, but behind that pretty mask is the chaos she caused just hours ago. My mother, injured. Hit wit

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER FIFTY FIVE

    Jessica's POV I sit in the hospital hallway, crossing my legs as I scroll mindlessly through my phone. My nails tap against the screen, the only sound in the otherwise quiet corridor. Stanley has been inside his mother’s room for a while now, and I can only imagine the dramatic little scene unfolding in there.Poor Stanley.He still doesn’t understand the game we’re playing.A doctor walks past me, and I rise gracefully from my seat, flashing my most charming smile. “Doctor?”He stops, giving me a polite nod. “Yes, Miss?”I step closer, lowering my voice. “I heard that my dear mother-in-law to be might be discharged soon. Is that true?”The doctor glances at his clipboard. “Yes. She’s stable, and we’re expecting to clear her for discharge either tomorrow or by the weekend.”I hum, tilting my head. “I see.” I pretend to hesitate before leaning in slightly. “Would it be possible to delay that?”He frowns. “Delay it?”I let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh. “It’s just that she’s had

  • THE BILLIONAIRE BABY’S SECRET DADDY   CHAPTER FIFTY FOUR

    Flora’s POVI walk into the towering glass building, the sound of my heels clicking against the pristine marble floor. The receptionist greets me with a polite smile, and I nod in acknowledgment before heading toward the conference room where my meeting with Mr. Rivera is scheduled.As I push open the heavy wooden door, my eyes immediately land on Senator Boris. He’s seated at the far end of the table, deep in conversation with Mr. Rivera and two other men in dark suits. The moment he sees me, his sharp gaze flickers to my wrist.“That bracelet…” His voice is low, almost thoughtful. “It looks familiar.”I glance down at the delicate silver chain wrapped around my wrist, a tiny charm dangling from it. It’s new—I had picked it up earlier that morning while out with my mom. I raise an eyebrow at the senator.“I got it this morning,” I tell him casually. “On my way out with my mom.”Senator Boris studies it for a beat longer, his expression unreadable. “It looks oddly strange,” he mu

Jelajahi dan baca novel bagus secara gratis
Akses gratis ke berbagai novel bagus di aplikasi GoodNovel. Unduh buku yang kamu suka dan baca di mana saja & kapan saja.
Baca buku gratis di Aplikasi
Pindai kode untuk membaca di Aplikasi
DMCA.com Protection Status