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The Beautiful Billionaire 73
LINDEN “You can’t pay me to shut up. Look at me. I’m ugly because of that stupid lipstick and low-quality mascara.” Tatiana kept crying. Her lips were still swollen, but they healed a little, not the same as in her second video. “Even for one hundred thousand dollars?” I wanted to roll my eyes at Sax’s ridiculous offer. I knew he just wanted to get her reaction. Right now, I could feel Sax grinning deep inside as Tatiana stopped crying. Her unaffected eye widened a little. “How much do you earn in each video? Does it depend on the views?” “Ma’am, I’m sorry for what you went through. Is there anything we can do for you?” I asked politely. “Who are you again?” “I’m Gabe Linden. I’m here to find out what happened. As you know, you have everyone’s sympathy, including me.” She grabbed her phone and typed something while I waited for her reply. “You, son of a bitch. You are Estelle’s husband. Estelle’s low-quality product almost killed me.” I ignored her outburst. That was accept
The Beautiful Billionaire 74
ESTELLE “You’re gripping my hand too tight.” I chuckled. We were about to find out the gender of our baby, and here he was. The hardass I knew was nervous about his baby. “Sorry. I’d never been nervous like this, even fighting bad guys.” “I’m afraid you will pass out before hearing our baby’s first cry.” “I will try not to, and I already promised to be with you, even during your labor.” He looked at me. He may feel nervous, but those eyes never lied— he was too eager to see and hear his child again. Sometimes, all I wanted was to just stare at him and dream of our future life together. Damn, I’m so madly in love with this man. “You’ll be fine, big guy. And I already knew you’re not squeamish with blood.” I smiled. I couldn’t believe Linden could be this sweet because when I first saw him, he was like the toughest guy I’d ever met. He looked so hard and rough like he could snap my neck with his fingers. “Are you guys ready?” Dr. Chesca just came in. She had other patients be
The Beautiful Billionaire 75
LINDEN Months ago, I envied my best friends. And I was just dreaming of having a family on my own. I wasn’t religious, but I always prayed in my heart to give what was good for me and that His timing was right. He blessed me with a good family. I got the chance to serve my country. I met my best friends. He gave me the best job. I found my second family in my brothers. Then I met the woman who made my heart beat again. I was blessed with a child— my baby girl. I couldn’t ask for more than the safety of my family. I called my father. He was the first person I could think of because it was a dream come true for both of us— me building a family of my own. “Pops?” “Is everything okay?” “Yeah. Everything is perfect.” The moment Estelle and I found out our baby’s gender, I was smiling like a fool the whole time. “That’s great news.” “We just found out the sex of our baby, but Estelle wants to keep it a secret. I thought I wanna share the good news I have. For the past few days, thi
The Beautiful Billionaire 76
ESTELLE “What the hell is going on?” I barely sat my foot on the ground when I saw Linden and Lynx approaching us. “Baby. Thank God.” Linden sprinted in my direction and hugged me tight as if I just dunked a dead trap. “God, woman, you’re the death of me.” He cupped my face, kissed me on the lips and forehead, and hugged me again. “I think you’re crushing my chest, Gabriel.” I chuckled but was still in the dark about what was happening. When he tore from me, I asked him, “What do you mean by what you said earlier? And you sounded so terrified.” “Let’s talk inside.” “So you and Sax are okay? Is this his house?” “Not sure, but yes. This is his house.” He didn’t let go of my hand. “Nice. Homey. He should find a woman to live with him. And here I thought he’s more of an apartment kind of guy,” I said as I followed Linden. I instantly saw Sax. I went to him to hug him. “I missed you too, baby mommy.” He hugged me, too. “Please be okay now with Gabriel.” “He hasn’t apologized,” he
The Beautiful Billionaire 77
ESTELLE After how Skyla easily manipulated us, I didn’t know if I could trust him even if I saw the evidence. He could easily exploit these pieces of paper to get into his ex and his son— this was what a psychopath would do. Or they could be both crazy. Look at what paranoia could do and affect someone’s state of mind. My muscles tensed as I stared at Jake. “Jake makes a good living. I was in his bar. Everyone is his friends. That’s how you know he’s a good person. His house is clean. I saw pictures of Everette in his home. He doesn’t have a woman in his life. He doesn’t drink. He has a good amount in his bank account and pays his tax on time.” “How did you know that?” Jake asked Sax. “But when a woman uses two names? That’s a red flag. When she asked me for breakfast, I saw her ID. I realized she’s been lying to us. She doesn’t have furniture other than a couch and a TV. I didn’t have time to check her kitchen and the bathroom, but her ID caught me off guard.” Linden stood up
The Beautiful Billionaire 78
LINDEN I’d made a lot of mistakes in my life, but this time, I almost ruined a man’s life, a father to a little boy, because I let my emotions get the best of me. Maybe a past should be left in the past. And I should have just followed my gut. “When you’re silent like this, I know there’s a lot going on in your head.” “I know. I’m sorry.” I kissed her hand. “I almost ruined his life. Even if the court acquits him for the lack of evidence, his name has already been disgraced. I couldn’t help but look back at how my life was simple back then. Sometimes, having this kind of position always puts me in the tough spot, decision-making that involves life, and I don’t wanna make that decision again.” “Hey. you can’t blame yourself. You always have a blind spot regarding the people you care about. Everyone does.” “I hated her for years. Then, I began to care because I thought she was a victim. She used it to get my sympathy, to manipulate me. She blindsided me, Estelle. I won’t let it go
The Beautiful Billionaire 79
LINDEN The officer opened the door to the room. Skyla wasn’t there yet. “We can leave if you feel uncomfortable around her,” I told Estelle. “I’m fine. I wish I could slap her. I was really nice and genuine to her, and she exploited my kindness. If we didn’t find out, I’m afraid she would do something to tear us apart, maybe create a story and make me look like the bad guy or a jealous wife. Or maybe drug you and pretend you sleep with her.” “What the fuck? Where did that idea come from?” My eyebrows furrowed. I wanted to throw up just thinking of waking up next to Skyla. “Don’t ever think like that. Nothing can tear us apart, okay?” “Well, you don’t know that, and you once trusted her. Given that she’s a bitch who has been obsessed with you, it’s possible and could be a part of her failed plan.” “That’s not going to happen, baby. I know you won’t do anything to hurt me. And I trust you with everything. And you know that I would never do something to hurt you.” Skyla walked in
The Beautiful Billionaire 80
ESTELLE“I have the result.” Micah waved the envelope in my face.I grabbed it from her and quickly ripped the envelope open. The red liquid lipstick and the Starlash mascara Tatiana used lay upon the result. If this was contaminated or laced with any toxic substance, we had to pull out from all suppliers, retailers, and resellers, including all shops, and stop the production.My heart hammered even if I knew our products were top qualities. I unfolded the envelope. As soon as I read the report, I closed my eyes and smiled.“What does it say?”“Get this bitch!” I waved it in her face, making her laugh.“I have no doubt!” Micah yelled in my office.“Me too. Put the paper on my table. I have to picture that and post it on my Ig. I wanna show the people that we don’t play around here.”“Do it.”“Damn, I wanna shove this piece of paper into her face. She ruined my company. Now it’s payback time, bitch.”After I took the photo, I quickly uploaded it on my Instagram with a three three-word
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