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Chapter 16
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2024-05-20 23:40:51Related chapters
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 17
"This is my secretary," Jesse said, gesturing me over to his side. " She should have been here earlier but I sent her on some errands." "I can come back," I said. I didn't know what my dad had up his sleeves but I knew I wanted no parts of it. "Nonsense," my father replied, smiling. "Join us. And what's your name, young lady?" I crossed my arms over my chest. "Remi." Jesse's eyes were boring through the side of my head. I wanted him mad all along. Who knew all I had to do was be mad at my dad. "This is Mr. Renard, the founder and recently retired CEO of this company," Jesse said. I rolled my eyes at my dad who was smiling like he'd just won the lottery. "Oh, that's great." "Yes, it is," Jesse gritted through his teeth. I should have been happy I was finally getting to him, or at least occupied with thoughts of his I couldn't catch Ashley in the act. But my father being here was a whole other thing to deal with. What did he think he was doing anyway? "Young man, I m
Last Updated : 2024-05-21THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 18
"Mom, where's my red scrunchie?" I yelled from two thousand feet away, hearing my voice echo down the too-damn-long hallway.Waited and waited but no answer came. It was Saturday and I wanted to rush out of the house before dad came and started nagging me about the CEO thing again. "What was that, honey," mom's voice came echoing up to me."Did you say something, love?" Dad called to her.Christ, I needed my own place. I went back into my room but dad's voice made me stick my head back out."By the way, Remi, I have a guest that I want you to meet. He'll be here soon."Nope. I picked up my phone but couldn't find my gym bag anywhere. Hearing dad's door lock click open, I darted out of my room and down the stairs. "Sweetheart, breakfast is almost here. And come say hello to our guest." She pointed towards the living room.He'd arrived? I don't think I'd ever have a reason to run that fast ever in my life again. I covered the expanse of the long hallway, across the estate, the garage
Last Updated : 2024-06-01THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 19
"Thanks," I said as I sat down on a mall chair on the first floor."No problem. That guy was such a creep. Are you okay?" Ashley said, standing opposite me, leaning against a massive flower vase.I'd just been shoved to the ground and on top of that, I was saved by my imagined office rival. No more mall trips for me for a while."Yeah, I'm fine. What are you doing here?" I looked down and noticed her uniform. "You work here?""Yeah, on the weekends.""Why? When do you rest?" I was shocked. Being the receptionist at Renard was no easy job. She constantly had to pick up calls, interact with visitors and she still managed to remember to keep a jar of sweets stocked up on the counter."Don't really have a choice. Family has to eat."I felt like an idiot for asking. I mean no one really enjoyed working that much. But she was so young. As curious as I was, I didn't want to pry. "Sorry. What about your parents?" I mentally facepalmed. Why would I ask that?"Oh they're there. At least mine a
Last Updated : 2024-06-01THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 20
"This is my daughter, Remi Renard," dad told him "Sit," he said to me, pointing at the chair next to Tristan. "Yes, yes, we've met. I must say, I'm surprised you let you daughter work a secretary position, Don," Tristan said, twirling his moustache. Dad grunted and sat back in his chair, rotating it from side to side. "Don't get me started. I thought it was a good idea, she convinced me it was."I sat there with my arms crossed. This was a conversation about me but if they didn't feel like my input was necessary, why was I there? "She convinced you?" Tristan asked with a chuckle. "That takes skill in itself.""Tell her that," dad replied. "If I'd known she wanted only wanted to shirk her responsibilities, I'd never had allowed it."I might as well have been invisible. If he didn't care about my input, how could he want me to lead his company? I'd probably just be a figurehead anyway. I loved my father but he could be overbearing at times."So why don't you want to take over?" Tri
Last Updated : 2024-06-02THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 21
"Have fun at work, honey. Oh, and your dad told me to remind you of some event a month from now." My mom's words as I left the house was a gut punch. My dad had given me a one month ultimatum. As much as I tried, I could muster any anger at him for it. All I could think of was Jesse, and Ashely and her siblings. Jesse had finally caught a break and Ashley's family depended on him. I couldn't let anything happen to them. I'd been throwing a tantrum about becoming CEO but the contrast really put things in perspective. I arrived at work and was cheerily greeted by Ashley. "Hey Remi. How was the rest of your weekend?" I was too lost in thought. Too distracted. I managed a half smile as I tried to swipe in. "Yeah, was great." "Great. In case you are thinking about your offer. I'm not a hundred percent but I want to do it. Don't worry, my siblings won't be coming with me so you don't have to worry about kids messing with your stuff." "Yeah, yeah. That's great." I barel
Last Updated : 2024-06-02THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 22
My mind was reeling. I'd put myself out there. Would he let me down?His cologne suddenly felt suffocating. Was he closer? I wanted to slightly open one eye to peek but I knew that would ruin the magic.It was only a few seconds but I felt like a lifetime, sitting in his car with my eyes closed, waiting for our first kiss. Sparks. I felt like I'd been electrocuted when I felt his hand cup my cheek. He grazed over my lips with his thumb. I felt like I was melting. He caressed my cheek and grabbed the back of my neck. I let out an involuntary moan. Shame rose to the top of my mind but I quickly shut it down. In the moment, I didn't care. All I wanted was him.With his hand at the back of my neck, he pulled me closer to him."Remi," he whispered, short circuiting my brain with his hand at the back of my neck."Sir," I managed with my trembling voice.He came so close, I could feel his breath on my skin. "We shouldn't do this," he said as he placed his free hand on my thigh, running up
Last Updated : 2024-06-03THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 23
"You want seconds or something?" he asked, leaving the door wide open.I damn near ran up to him. "Was the food that good?" he asked.I realised I was smiling when he said that. "Yes."We got to his car and I slid into the seat as if I'd done it a thousand times before. He asked for my address but I was quick on my feet and gave him a random address. "So you were married, huh?"I froze. "Yes." I don't know how he heard me over the sound of my rapidly beating heart."Cool." He paused. "I guess not since it didn't work out."I relaxed. "Yeah. He was a self-serving asshole. His mother too."He laughed and I joined in with him. "They sound like my brother and mother. I guess you do get it," he said.We arrived at the house address I'd given him. Thankfully, it was a house because I didn't feel like explaining why I lived in a dentist's office."I'd walk you in but I'm exhausted so get out."I glanced over at him ready for a fight but he was smiling. "You're such an asshole," I said."H
Last Updated : 2024-06-03THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 24
I felt like I couldn't breathe. What was I supposed to tell him? I should have already told him everything. I should have been free.We rode up in silence with me counting the floors as they lit up above the elevator doors. I swear I usually didn't take so long.Jesse remained silent. I hated the fact that he could outlast me in the awkward silence. It was so uncomfortable. I was at my limit, ready to sing like a canary when the elevator dinged and the doors slid open."We'll talk about this after work," he said as he slipped out.I waited for the relief to flood my system but nothing came. Only a feeling of dread and a lump in my throat.My desk suddenly felt claustrophobic, like I was stuck. I needed to be anywhere but there but I had a job to do.Why was I doing this job? I'd lost track of my motivation to be here. I might as well have just been a secretary at that point.I was going to be at the helm of this company – my company – in under a month. All these people, my coworkers
Last Updated : 2024-06-04
Latest chapter
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 108
I sat in my office, staring at my CEO certificate.‘Congratulations. You’re ready to run a company!’ The golden words said.sI couldn’t believe how far I’d come since I last read those words. The last few months were loud and rough; the betrayals, the struggles, all the pain – it was all finally over.I stared at a picture on my phone – one of Jesse and I at a company event. We were mid-conversation, laughing our asses off at something. For a second, I wanted to be back then. I was care-free then, with no worries on my mind.My phone buzzed, startling me. Jesse texted that he was coming to my office.After a few minutes, the door opened and Jesse walked in carrying two cups of coffee. “Figured you’d need some fuel.”“You know me too well.” I accepted the warm cup from him.“I do.” He sat down and took his own cup. “Which is how I know there’s something on your mind.”I sighed, taking a quick sip and setting down my cup. “I can’t help it. I keep wondering ‘what next?’, you know what I
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 107
“Do you think he’s going to kill her?”My head had been on Jesse’s chest all morning. We talked and talked until I finally decided to bring up a burning question I had.“Who, Deandra?” Jesse asked.“Yeah. Those cops seemed like they would probably leak the details to Don Simeon, and apparently, he’s some big shot in the criminal underworld. So?”“I don’t know. Proba–”A loud knocking – no, banging on his front door jarred up alert. WHo the hell thought now was a good time.I reluctantly got off of him so he could go and check it out. I quickly put on some clothes just in case.“Ashley?” I heard him say.It had been ages since I saw his cousin so I went out to see her. Who I saw next stopped me in my tracks.“Mom?” Jesse said, standing stiffly at the door.Celia was standing on his doorstep looking like she’d been sentenced to death.“I’m sorry, Jesse. She wouldn’t take no for an answer,” Ashley said before turning to me. “Hey, Remi. I’m so sorry about this.” And just like that, she wa
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 106
“I knew you’d come around.” Deandra poured herself a glass of scotch.As some sort of power move, she made us wait half an hour before we met with her. Sitting in her office, for hopefully the last time, my heart was pounding a thousand beats a second. My mind was reeling. There is no way she was going to suspect us right? I mean, someone who’s had to deal with so many crooked people would be able to spot crooked behavior. Maybe this was a bad idea.Jesse squeezing my hand soothed me a little but the anxiety remained. Only this time, it was a shadow in the corner of my eye as opposed to a looming figure blacking out my vision.“And you even brought little Miss Perfect with you.” She smiled and took a sip from her cup.“I’m only here because you threatened Jesse,” I spat. “I can’t stand being near you.”I crossed my fingers, hoping she would take the bait.“Oh, so she’s the knight in shining armor and you’re the princess?” She asked, cackling. “Either way, I didn’t threaten him. I gav
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 105
I couldn't believe how much my life had changed. Things were going so much smoother without the drama from all the enemies I inadvertently made along the way.Better yet, Jesse and I had been making up for lost time. That part was amazing. Zero complaints there. I was firing on all cylinders, almost like all the stress was dulling my senses and now that they’d all been cleared up, I could finally see things. My judgment was impeccable.Which is why I noticed the uneasiness in Jesse. We were in a doughnut shop, satisfying my sugar cravings. He had been trying to hide it the whole time, checking his phone when he thought I wasn’t looking, fielding calls, until he eventually turned off his phone.“Jesse,” I placed my hand on his, “what’s going on?”He dropped his doughnut and sighed. “I thought I was hiding it well. It’s Deandra.”Hearing her name was like a shock. I knew she wasn’t done with us but why was she back so soon? “What does she want?” My voice showed more worry than I’d int
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 104
“What? You’ll try and kill me again?”“Stop saying that!” She stomped her feet and crossed her arms like a child throwing a tantrum. “I did that once! Can’t you let it go? Damn, why do you always have to bring that up and ruin the vibe?”Mission accomplished. I hoped Jesse heard everything.“I didn’t want to have to do this, Remi, but you’ve left me no choice.” She snapped her fingers, and like something out of a movie, two hefty men walked out of the shadows, flanking Debbie on both sides. “These men will teach you a lesson now,” Debbie said as casually as if she was ordering a burger. My stomach dropped when the men started to approach me. Run! The voice in my head screamed, but my feet were rooted to the spot. Everything went into slow motion. I couldn't run away from her again. But if I didn't, her men would do unspeakable things to me. Jesse would want to help but I couldn't put him in danger for my fight. Visions of Oscar from the previous day flashed in my mind. I cringed
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 103
“To-together?” I stuttered. He probably thought I looked silly with the massive grin on my face but I didn’t care. I was right where I wanted to be, staring into the eyes of the man I loved.My phone buzzed, ruining the moment we were having.It was a text from an unknown number so I didn’t bother.“You’re not going to get that?” Jesse asked.I shrugged. “I don’t know who it is.”He nodded thoughtfully and sat down. I began to feel awkward standing aimlessly in his office. I was hoping he’d say something to ease my tension but he didn’t. He didn’t even look bothered.“I’ll just… go.”The walk to his door seemed a mile long and my legs moved haphazardly like I forgot how to walk but I eventually got to the door. “Um, Remi? Do you want to get dinner la–”“Yes!” I turned around before he could even finish his sentence. I mentally smacked my forehead.“Cool.” He flashed me a smile. “I guess I’ll pick you up after work. When do you get off?”I burst into laughter – a bit exaggerated I wa
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 102
Things between Jesse and I weren’t quite back to normal but they were good. Better than I could have imagined in such a short time. We were talking and laughing together again. I was on my way to his office with coffee. I felt silly; I was his boss, why was I getting him coffee? I guess it didn’t matter because when I got outside his office, I froze. Through his slightly-open door, I could hear his voice, sharp and determined.“That was your plan all along?” He sounded shocked, like he couldn't believe his ears. “Something is very wrong with you, Deandra. You need help.”“I see that little miss perfect has gotten to you.” Deandra’s voice was smooth and deceptively soothing. “I had so much hope for you, Jesse. Oscar is a cancer that needs to be cut out, can’t you see that?”My breath caught in my throat. History had shown me Deandra wasn’t to be trusted, but to bear witness to this level of manipulation? It made my skin crawl. “So you want to frame him? What did he ever do to you th
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 101
“The day just keeps getting better and better.” Deandra chuckled and sat back down. “Come on in, Jesse. I have some news for you too.”We hadn’t talked much after he kicked me out but I was still his boss. “Did you need something, Jesse?” I asked.“No. Just wanted to say congrats. I heard about the confession,” he said.“Oh.” I puffed my chest out and sat up straight. “Thanks.”“I made it happen by the way so you should be thanking me,” Deandra said.I rolled my eyes.“By the way, Jesse, Remi wasn’t playing ball so I had to find a work around for your Oscar-sized problem.” Deandra’s smile was sinister. “Oscar will be picking up a package later today – I’ll give you the address. Let’s just say some friends will be paying him a not so friendly visit in a nearby alley. Now, you could join them or just watch; up to you.”“What did you do?” I asked, suddenly alarmed. I didn’t care for Oscar but to go to these lengths was just unnecessary. Surely even Jesse could see that.“What I had to,”
THE PRODIGAL BILLIONAIRE Chapter 100
I couldn’t shake the queasiness in my stomach. Despite the media frenzy around the bribery scandal dying down, questions still lingered, and Renard's reputation teetered on the edge. To make matters worse, the person I had to depend on for results was none other than Deandra.Just as I picked up my phone to call her, someone barged into my office.A snotty-looking man in an expensive suit, shortly followed by an angry-looking Jesse. “What’s going on?” I asked Jesse.“This person isn’t supposed to be here,” he answered, glaring at the man.“I’m here on behalf of Mr. O’Hearn,” the man said, turning his nose up at me.“In what capacity?” I asked.He rolled his eyes. “As his lawyer.”I already hated this man. He was a lawyer, an occupation that Deandra had shown me was untrustworthy. Strike two was the fact that he was Mike’s lawyer.I needed to make him feel as unwelcome as possible. “Jesse, it’s alright. He won’t be long anyway.”He looked amused. “I assure you, I’m not here to cause y
