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2023-09-01 00:47:47Related chapters
The Beautiful Billionaire 44
LINDEN Shit! Of all the places, why should I have to run in with my ex here? My brothers knew what she did to me and how it changed my view of relationships. And yet, here I was, trying to play nice to her when she didn’t deserve it. “Babe—” I turned to my right, but Estelle wasn’t beside me anymore. I was supposed to introduce her to Skyla, so my ex would know she didn’t break me, that I had moved on and had a great life. But she was gone. “I should go and find my girlfriend.” “Oh, the brunette? I think I saw her go to the powder room.” She smiled. “See you later, Gabe.” I just nodded before I left her. “Where are you going?” Beck asked me, gripping me around my arm. “I’m checking Estelle.” “In the restroom.” He looked at the sign at the corner. “Yeah. The ladies room, Beck.” I suddenly became irrationally pissed off. “Estelle isn’t there. She went to the entrance. I talked to her for a bit. And what the fuck are you doing talking to that bitch?” “It’s a common courtes
Last Updated : 2023-09-01The Beautiful Billionaire 45
ESTELLEMy heart was in my throat to find Linden outside my bedroom. Maybe this was how it felt when someone caught you lying or in an awkward compromising position. His eyes went to my hands, tying my robe.Breathless, I asked, “What are you doing here?”“You’re not answering my call. You’re not replying to my messages. What’s going on?”“Call me if you need anything,” Dr. Chesca said.“I will. I’ll walk you out.”“No need, dear. Micah will bring my things to the car.”“Thank you.” I turned to Micah, and she nodded.“Hello, ma’am.” Shit. “I’m Gabe Linden.” He offered his hand.“Hi. I’m Dr. Chesca.” My doctor delightfully shook his hand.“Is Estelle okay?” he asked quickly. His expression changed, filled with worry.“Yeah. I came to check her up. She’s complaining of lower abdominal pain. Nothing a mild analgesic can’t help.”“I’m relieved. Thank you, doctor.” Linden nodded in understanding, but I still saw mixed emotions in his eyes.There was a moment when you wished you could stop
Last Updated : 2023-09-01The Beautiful Billionaire 46
LINDEN “It is always like this every weekend?” Estelle asked, a little overwhelmed. I stopped in front of the fridge. “When the gangs are around, yeah.” She went to the window of my father’s kitchen with a smile on her face. I took her here this morning since I felt like this was the safest place for her. When I sent a group chat last night, I wasn’t expecting everyone would come. Even Moses was present. I brought another batch of beers to the backyard. Estelle had a tray of desserts. “You shouldn’t let a lady carry, asshole.” “Language.” It was my father scolding Sax. “Sorry, Pops.” He took the tray from Estelle. “I pass for the dessert. I think I had never been stuffed in my life. The brisket was so good. The best I ever had.” Moses complimenting my father made him even blush. “Thank you. It’s a technique made with a good amount of time and attention. Just like a relationship, it needs good nurturing.” I didn’t miss how my father stole a glance in my direction. “I agree. I
Last Updated : 2023-09-02The Beautiful Billionaire 47
ESTELLEThe shoot for the upcoming campaign started. We took models of different colors, sizes, races, and gender because I always believed in diversity, that women and trans were beautiful and had a place in this world.I had lunch with Willa, Micah, and my mom during the break. Willa was so friendly and got along with Mom pretty quickly.When we came back to the gallery, they already started for the last part. “Darling, can I borrow my daughter?”“Of course, Mrs. Moore.”“Just Deirdre, darling. I would look too old by Mrs. Moore.” Of course, she was joking.“Where are we going?” I asked as she dragged me out of the gallery.“Once the shoot is done, the staff will return to the office. I really love the new collections. I can already see them sold out.”“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom. I wish the launch would go smoothly. I don’t want surprises and disasters. The only surprise I want is how the customers and fans positively react to the products they love.”We entered the we
Last Updated : 2023-09-02The Beautiful Billionaire 48
LINDEN “What?” Estelle noticed the look in my eyes and the uneasiness in my action. “Will you move in with me?” Well, that was unexpected. I did not want her to stay in my house because of our security issue. My problem with Jasper wouldn’t end soon, but even so, I still wanted Estelle to be in our home, to wake up next to her, to sleep beside her, and see her smile before I closed my eyes. I wasn’t just subtle. “You want me to—” “Move in with me. You know, taking a big step.” I didn’t know why I suddenly felt nervous. What more if I asked her to marry me? I might collapse while proposing. “Oh.” There was that mix of amusement and joy dancing in her eyes that my not-so-subtle invitation had a chance. “I know we’ve been staying under the same roof, but I don’t want you to get the idea that you’re staying with me because of the security problem. No, this time is different. I’m talking about our relationship. And I know we’ve just been—” “Stop.” She pressed a finger on my lips. “St
Last Updated : 2023-09-02The Beautiful Billionaire 49
ESTELLE I hadn’t heard from Linden in hours, and he didn’t pick up my call. I started to get worried, but I would know if something had changed in his plans. I was still curious about how Hanslo could possibly help him from prison. I may know nothing about how things work in Osmium, but just the tensions and his sleepless nights, I had a feeling what was going on was bigger than Jasper’s missing. I went home to my house quickly when I felt a little more tired than before. “Do you need anything?” Qamar asked. “I’m good, thanks.” “I already booked a movers company. They can have your things in two days.” “Thank you, Micah.” I blew a huge breath as I went to my closet to change from my work clothes. “I feel like I can sleep the whole day.” “Where is she?” I quickly covered myself with my unbuttoned shirt when I heard Linden’s stern voice asking for me. I felt butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t believe I still felt when we’d been dating for almost three months now. “Why are y
Last Updated : 2023-09-03The Beautiful Billionaire 50
LINDEN “Wow. You’re gonna be a father?” Willa hugged me so tight. “I can’t wait to be an aunt. And dang, you and Estelle will have cute mini Estelle and Gabe.” “Thanks.” My word— a single lifeless word came out of my mouth since I left Estelle, and it didn’t miss from everyone’s kin ears. “Why so glum, Gabriel Rembrandt?” “What’s wrong, son?” Moses asked. I looked at Moses. “You seem not surprised?” “I’ve known it in a while now.” My eyes narrowed. “And you did not tell me? Why?” “It’s not my secret to tell. And I warned you. Haven’t I told you to stop moping and do something before you regret it? And I even told you your life would drastically change, but having a child didn’t come to your mind.” “You two had a fight,” Quinn said. I called him out from his team because I needed him when I met who had Jasper. “Yeah. I was furious. She was about to marry that piece of—” I still had that shiver every time I remembered Weston. It sickened me. “While she has my child.” The words
Last Updated : 2023-09-03The Beautiful Billionaire 51
ESTELLE “I’m not doing that. He can’t control me.” I thought my anger was permanently settling in my chest. It had been almost two days, and I was still angry at Linden. “He’s not. That’s his belief, and he’s the baby daddy, Estelle.” “Aren’t you supposed to be on my side? I’m your daughter, Mom. You’re supposed to be telling me to run when there’s a sign of a red flag. He’s bad news.” Mom cocked a brow. “Is he, though? Then why did you sleep and stay with him? Why did you let him get you pregnant if he’s bad news? I don’t see a red flag either than being a responsible baby daddy. I think that’s admirable because he didn’t even tell you to remove the baby or blame you for getting pregnant.” “He can’t blame me. He’s the one who didn’t use condoms, and I was on a pill, but I might have missed a dose. I don’t know.” I shrugged. When it was unusual for mother and daughter to talk about sex, but not with us. “TMI, Estelle.” Mom just smiled as she sipped her coffee. I went out of th
Last Updated : 2023-09-04
Latest chapter
The Beautiful Billionaire Epilogue
ESTELLE Sixteen months later “Hey, baby.” I couldn’t help but smile. Who would have thought I could be this happy and contented with life? I had a thriving company. I had friends, families, and my baby Rae. And my parents turned out to be good as best friends. And my husband, my best friend, my lover, my anchor. God, how could I be so lucky to have a man like Gabriel Linden? “I’m on my way home. Where are you?” “I’ll be home in one hour. I’m still at Osmium. Do you need anything?” Linden’s company had three times more employees and opened two HQs in Dubai and Qatar. I was so proud of him. No matter how busy he was, he made sure to have time for me and his daughter. “Nope. Just checking how long you would be home.” I took over the chairman chair from my dad, but I always got so excited to go home to him and to be with our baby. “Why?” There was an excitement in his voice. “I could wait a few minutes in the tub. I thought you might wanna join me.” He groaned out a curse. “
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ESTELLE“Gabriel Rembrandt, do you take Estelle Rae Solace to be your lawful wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony, to love her, honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”“I do.”“Estelle Rae Solace, do you take Gabriel Rembrandt to be your lawful wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?”“I do.”“I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.” He put the ring on my finger.“I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love,” I repeated as I slipped the ring into his finger.“By virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of Isola di Marettimo, Italy, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”Linden in a solid beige suit was a sight to behol
The Beautiful Billionaire 113
LINDEN It was still surreal watching my father talking with Gustav. I didn’t think it would happen sooner, but looking at them getting along was fulfilling for me and Estelle. “You okay?” Estelle placed her hand on my thigh under the table. “Yeah. You?” I didn’t have to ask because I saw it in her eyes. She looked happy. This must have been her dream for a long time, not seeing her parents at each other’s throats. Willa gave me a questioning look, sitting next to Dad. I slightly shook my head and smiled. “I’ve been to many restaurants, but your food has a distinct taste that I didn’t find anywhere. What’s the secret? Am I allowed to ask it?” Dad chuckled. “It’s all the same. The ingredients we choose but how we prepare and cook are different.” “I also try cooking at home if I have time, but not as close to good as this. Edible, though,” Gustav said. “I can’t cook anything fancy, but I know a few pasta recipes. I just don’t have time, I guess.” Deirdre also enjoyed the menu.
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ESTELLE“Just follow the design and make sure it’s childproof, but the furniture will arrive on Wednesday,” I told one of the guys from K&B Designs.“Understood, ma’am.”“I’ll leave you all to my staff. If you need anything, just let them know so they can call me. I have an errand to run.”“Got it. Thank you.”I left the house, hoping I could get to talk to Dad before he got swamped with work.I couldn’t shake the guilt off my body. And I felt ashamed of how I handled the situation earlier. Instead, I overreacted when my husband was right the whole time. I was five months pregnant and just risked my baby. I could have reacted worse if I was in Linden’s position. “Well, hello, preggy.” I was glad to see Micah. Honestly, I missed her, but I couldn’t keep her with me since Dad needed her more than I did.“How’s your new boss?”“Awfully good. He doesn’t demand and makes my job a little easier.”“Unlike me?” I arched a brow.She laughed. “Your work is the one demanding. You’re here to see
The Beautiful Billionaire 111
ESTELLE Standing stark naked before me, his big cock rested with pride. Linden joined me in the tub and made a low, masculine, sexy sound as he dipped into the water. We stared at each other— the intensity set my body on fire. I let my foot trace his thigh until I found what I was looking for. My pulse quickened as I rubbed it with my foot. He grew instantly hard. Linden moved his hand, tracing his fingers over my knee, moving circles. I was instantly wet. He flicked his gaze to my bare chest, turning me intensely on. My breasts were heavier. My nipples were hard. Heat rose in my cheeks. Arousal thickened my throat. As he leaned close, he cupped my head and took my mouth. I gasped. He started kissing me slowly but quickly turned hot and greedy, kissing me like he was starving. Not breaking the kiss, he pulled me, encasing me so I could sit astride his thighs. The water splashed. Wrapped my legs around his waist, I sat, rocking my hips against him. I could feel him so hard, pokin
The Beautiful Billionaire 110
LINDEN I knew this would happen. The fucking pillow was getting in our way. I lay on my back while Estelle curled into her pillow. She looked comfortable, though. I only wished she found that kind of comfort in me. A moment later, her body shook. She made fun of me. “I can hear your brain cursing the hell out of this pillow, Gabriel.” She turned her head, grinning. “It’s all right, baby. If only I could take all your discomfort, pain, and weight from you. I already did. What a little comfort you found in your pillow that I wouldn’t give.” “Really?” “Why do you sound so surprised?” She turned to face me. “I don’t know. Couples don’t wanna have babies immediately because they want to spend time together, cuddle, travel, do something fun before they want another responsibility.” “Do you want that?” “Before we got married, you knew what I wanted, but things changed, and I don’t have an ounce of regret for having a baby. Though I’m still scared of this huge responsibility, but I kn
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ESTELLE Dad and I flew back home as soon as he was cleared to travel. I missed my husband, too. Aside from the overdue board meeting, I had a job that could not wait. “What the— !” Linden’s eyes widened in surprise, lifting me up, but he was also careful not to put pressure on my growing belly. “Baby.” “You didn’t miss me that much, huh?” I wrapped my arms around his neck as I kissed the side of his head. “You have no idea.” He put me down and hugged me. “You smell amazing.” “I’m sorry, husband, but I have to get ready. I’ve moved the board meeting once and can’t be late.” “Wait. Is it today?” He looked at me before he kissed me on the lips. “Yeah. See you later over dinner.” “Yeah. And I have something for you. It’s in your closet.” “Oh. What is it?” I beamed at him. “My long-delayed birthday gift.” I chuckled. “You don’t have to give me a gift.” “I feel terrible already, but I will make it up to you next year.” “It’s okay, Gabriel.” I hugged him. “But I’m gonna be too l
The Beautiful Billionaire 108
LINDEN My team just landed two hours ago from London. Estelle agreed to stay with her father, which made me happy with her decision. I only took a quick shower in the hotel and changed into a white shirt and dark blue pants before meeting Ilya. As fear thickened my throat, I forced a deep breath as I walked into the local bar in Austin. I entered alone, but I trusted my men to do their job. I roamed my eyes and quickly found a white male around my age with buzz-cut dark-brown hair sitting at the corner. He was confident and wasn’t facing the door. Judging by his wide shoulders and broad back, it was indeed Ilya. The only image I had of him was from Gustav. I didn’t want to know how he got into the country undetected. “May I join you?” His gaze lifted from the half-full pint of beer on the table. He stood up and offered his hand. Ilya didn’t smile, but his eyes expressed recognition and appreciation. I shook it firmly before I joined him on the table and motioned and gestured a
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ESTELLEI blinked in disbelief. And Willa had never been tempted to check his brother online or go to Osmium to visit him. Either she trusted him so much, or she couldn’t endure the agony of knowing how dangerous her brother was facing every day.I mean, gathering intelligence was a risky business. I’d seen movies where people get killed and tortured for information.“She does, but only about the firm, and she doesn’t have to. I’m just protecting her from the risk of knowing the nature of my work.”“Now, I’m more curious.” Willa frowned further.“That’s all you have to know.”“No. I want to know everything.”“Honey, Willa.” Moses drew a deep breath. “The Hover Company has subsidiaries. Hover Defense and Hover Space and Security. They are the largest private gathering information agency. They gather intelligence and information around the globe. We detect threats, support decisions, and share with our government contract agencies. And these guys and among others who work at Osmium are
