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Chapter Eight
Last Updated:
2024-11-27 16:31:41
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The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Nine
Trust FallsThe silence in Lucas's penthouse was deafening. His eyes hadn't left Sophia's face since the call, as if searching for answers in her expression."Lucas," she whispered, "you can't think I had anything to do with-""What am I supposed to think?" His voice was dangerously quiet. "My brother threatens you with blackmail, and hours later he's dead.""I would never-" She reached for him, but he stepped back."Don't." The word was sharp as broken glass. Lucas ran a hand through his hair, his composure cracking. "The timing, Sophia. You show up in my life twice – first at the club, then on that bridge. Both times when my company was facing crucial decisions about those South American contracts."Sophia's blood ran cold. "You think I planned this? That I deliberately sought you out?""Did you?"The question hung between them like poison. Before she could answer, Lucas's phone buzzed again. A text from Chris:*Police are on their way to the penthouse. Building security has been or
Last Updated : 2024-11-29The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Ten
Dangerous Liaisons Steel walls and fluorescent lights couldn't dim the electricity crackling between Lucas and Sophia as they sat in adjacent interrogation rooms, separated only by a thin window. Her gaze caught his through the one-way mirror – a coincidence of angle and lighting that felt like fate."Miss Muller." Detective Chen's voice cut through her thoughts. "You claim you were manipulated by Bella Sebastian. Why should we believe you?"Sophia tore her eyes from Lucas's reflection. "Because she's played everyone. Check the security footage from the V Corp parking garage three months ago. The night before she married Mark."Through the glass, she saw Lucas stiffen. He could read her lips."What happened that night?" Chen leaned forward."She met with my father. And Emma." Sophia's hands trembled in her lap. "I followed Emma there, thinking she was meeting Ryan again. Instead, I witnessed them planning... something. Something about South American contracts and offshore accounts."
Last Updated : 2024-11-29The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eleven
Lines in the SandThe aftermath of the board meeting hung in the air as Sophia stepped out of the V Corp building with Lucas by her side. The presentation had been a success, and she’d held her ground against Emma’s petty tactics and Mark’s veiled threats. But even as she breathed in the crisp evening air, a sense of unease lingered.“Mark doesn’t play games he can’t win,” she said, slipping her arm through Lucas’s as they headed toward the car waiting for them.Lucas’s gray eyes darkened. “He’s testing the waters, seeing how far he can push. But he made a mistake today.”Sophia arched a brow. “And what mistake was that?”Lucas’s lips curved into a sharp smile. “Underestimating you. You didn’t just counter Emma’s arguments—you dismantled her in front of the entire board. Mark thrives on allies, and Emma’s loyalty just cracked under pressure.”Sophia allowed herself a small smile at his words, but the memory of Mark’s smirk as he left the boardroom still gnawed at her. “He’s not done.
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Twelve
Plea For ControlThe morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of V Corp as Sophia reviewed the latest project reports. Her marriage to Lucas had evolved far beyond their initial contract, transforming into something neither had expected – real love amidst corporate warfare.Her phone buzzed with a message from Lucas: *Mark's requesting an urgent meeting. Claims it's about the Singapore merger.*Before she could respond, Emma sauntered into her office unannounced, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor."Enjoying my old office?" Emma's smile was sharp as glass. "Though I suppose being Lucas Vanderbilt's wife has its perks.""I earned my position here," Sophia replied coolly, thinking of the countless hours she'd spent rebuilding client relationships after Mark's sabotage attempt."Did you?" Emma perched on the edge of Sophia's desk. "Or did you just marry well?""Is there a point to this visit?""Actually, yes." Emma's smile widened. "The board is reviewi
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Board meetingThe V Corp boardroom crackled with tension as Sophia and Lucas entered. Mark sat at their father's right hand, his expression smug, while Emma hovered near the presentation screen with a manila folder clutched to her chest."Ah, the happy couple," Mark's greeting dripped with sarcasm. "Just in time to discuss the Singapore merger's... irregularities."Lucas squeezed Sophia's hand before they took their seats. She'd spent the elevator ride briefing him on her counter-strategy – one born from months of learning to outmaneuver both Mark and Emma."Before we begin," Sophia addressed the board, her voice steady, "I'd like to present updated projections for the merger."Emma stepped forward, folder raised. "Actually, we should discuss-""The projections first," Lucas cut in smoothly. "Protocol, Emma. You understand."Sophia pulled up her presentation, revealing charts that made several board members lean forward with interest. The Singapore merger wasn't just profitable – it wa
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Fourteen
Family ChoiceDawn painted V Corp's executive suite in shades of gold as Sophia reviewed the merger implementation reports. Last week's boardroom victory still echoed in the corridors, but she knew better than to let her guard down. Mark's humiliation would only fuel his next move.Her office door opened, and Lucas strode in, his expression tight. "Mark's resigned."Sophia set down her tablet. "Just like that?""According to his letter, he's 'pursuing other opportunities.'" Lucas's jaw clenched. "Father's furious.""He's planning something." Sophia rose, smoothing her pencil skirt. "Mark doesn't surrender – he regroups.""Agreed." Lucas pulled out his phone, showing her a news alert. "And I think I know where he's regrouping."The headline made her breath catch: *Muller Corp Announces New Executive Director*."My father." Sophia's laugh was bitter. "Of course. He's always wanted a son who'd play by his rules."Before Lucas could respond, Chris burst in. "Sir, you need to see this. Emma
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Fifteen
Quest for LoveSophia's hands shook as she adjusted her blazer in the mirror. The press conference was in thirty minutes, and despite her confident plan last night, morning brought butterflies. She dabbed at her concealer, trying to hide the dark circles from a sleepless night."You missed a spot," Susan said softly, appearing behind her in the bathroom mirror. She'd rushed over at dawn with coffee and moral support."What if this backfires?" Sophia whispered, voicing her real fears for the first time. "What if going public makes everyone see me as just another gold-digger who trapped a Vanderbilt?""Hey." Susan grabbed her shoulders, turning her around. "Stop. Anyone who's seen you and Lucas together knows what's real."Sophia's phone buzzed – another message from her father: *Last chance to come home, daughter. Don't do this.*"Delete it," Susan advised, but Sophia's thumb hovered over the screen. Despite everything, some small part of her still ached for her father's approval.A kn
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter sixteen
The Messy TruthThe press conference room hummed with tension as Sophia gripped the podium, heart pounding against her ribs. Lucas's steady presence beside her was the only thing keeping her knees from buckling."Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice shakier than she'd like. Clearing her throat, she found Susan's encouraging face in the crowd. "There have been rumors about the nature of our marriage—""Is it true you signed a contract?" A reporter shouted, cutting her off."Let me finish," she replied firmly, drawing strength from Lucas's subtle touch at her back. "Yes, Lucas and I began with a contract. We were both broken people looking for solutions to our problems."Murmurs rippled through the room. In the back, she spotted Mark's smug smile falter slightly – this wasn't the denial he'd expected."I had just caught my fiancé with my stepsister on my wedding day," Sophia continued, her voice cracking slightly. A few sympathetic murmurs rose from the female reporters. "And
Last Updated : 2024-12-07
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The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Nine
A Life ReclaimedThe Vanderbilt estate was quiet for the first time in months. The chaos of their battles with Adrian and The Sovereign had finally subsided, leaving behind a sense of peace that felt almost surreal. The family could finally enjoy the life they had fought so fiercely to protect.---Morning in the GardenSophia sat on the garden swing, watching as the twins toddled across the lawn. At two years old, Cat and Eddie were bundles of energy, their laughter ringing through the crisp morning air.Lucas approached, two steaming cups of coffee in hand. He handed one to Sophia before taking a seat beside her.“They’re getting faster,” Lucas said, smiling as Eddie tried—and failed—to catch a butterfly.Sophia laughed. “They’ll be running circles around us soon.”Lucas wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “Let them try. We’ve survived worse.”---A New VentureLater that day, Sophia and Lucas held a meeting at the foundation’s office in the city. The V Corp Foun
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Eight
A Legacy Forged in FireThe air in the Vanderbilt estate was electric. The discovery of The Sovereign, their shadowy adversary, had unified the team in a way few battles ever could. Sophia and Lucas were no longer just fighting for survival—they were fighting to protect their family’s future, their company’s integrity, and the legacy they had worked so hard to build.---The Final PushEliza’s intel was the key to understanding The Sovereign’s intricate operations. With Chris leading the charge, they tracked down the organization’s nerve center—a covert location hidden behind the guise of an international consulting firm.“This is it,” Chris announced during a late-night strategy session. “Their central server is located in Geneva. If we can breach it, we can expose their entire network.”Ian frowned. “Geneva isn’t exactly around the corner. And it’s not like we can just walk in with a team.”Sophia leaned forward, her eyes blazing with determination. “Then we do what they least expec
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Seven
The Unseen EnemyThe aftermath of Adrian’s capture brought a fragile sense of relief to the Vanderbilt estate. News outlets buzzed with reports of the downfall of one of the most dangerous shadow networks, hailing Sophia and Lucas as the architects of justice. But beneath the surface, the cryptic text Sophia received cast a shadow over their hard-won victory.Sophia sat in her office, staring at the message. The words seemed to mock her, a subtle reminder that their fight was far from over.Lucas entered the room, his gaze immediately landing on her. “You’ve been quiet since last night.”Sophia turned the phone toward him. “I can’t shake this feeling that someone else is waiting in the wings.”Lucas read the message, his jaw tightening. “It’s probably one of Adrian’s cronies trying to stir up fear.”Sophia shook her head. “No. This feels different. It’s calculated—like someone’s watching our every move.”---Piecing the Puzzle TogetherThe team gathered in the estate’s war room, the a
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Six
Closing the TrapThe video from Adrian was the final straw for Sophia. He wasn’t just trying to destroy their empire—he was reveling in the chaos, testing their resilience. But Adrian underestimated one thing: Sophia and Lucas were at their strongest when their backs were against the wall.---A Plan for JusticeSophia, Lucas, and the team regrouped in the estate’s war room, their energy laser-focused. Chris projected the recovered data on a large screen, the fragmented files slowly revealing Adrian’s web of corruption.“Adrian’s made himself untouchable by spreading his operations across multiple fronts,” Chris explained. “But this”—he pointed to a series of transactions—“is his weak spot. A hidden account tied to offshore holdings. If we hit this, we cut off his funding entirely.”Ian leaned forward, scanning the details. “It won’t be easy. He’s got layers of protection around this account.”Sophia’s voice was steady. “We’ve taken down worse. We dismantle this, and Adrian has nothin
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Five
CorneredAdrian’s smirk grew as his guards surrounded Sophia and Lucas, their weapons drawn. The tension in the room was suffocating, but neither Sophia nor Lucas showed any sign of backing down.“You’re predictable, Adrian,” Lucas said, his voice sharp. “But you forgot one thing.”Adrian raised an eyebrow. “And what’s that?”Lucas subtly glanced at his watch. “We’re never alone.”---The Backup ArrivesAs if on cue, the sound of explosions rocked the building. Smoke poured into the room as Ian and Darren led a tactical team through the side entrances, their sudden assault catching Adrian’s guards off-guard. Chaos erupted as gunfire filled the air, and Sophia and Lucas sprang into action.Sophia ducked behind a table, firing at one of the guards while Lucas engaged another in hand-to-hand combat. Darren’s voice crackled over their earpieces.“We’ve breached the east wing. Keep moving!”Adrian, still calm despite the chaos, stepped back toward a hidden door. “You’re clever, Lucas, but
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty four
Adrian’s GambitAdrian Cross’s taunt lingered in the air, its ominous weight pressing down on the room. Sophia and Lucas exchanged a look, their shared determination cutting through the tension.“This isn’t just a vendetta,” Lucas said, pacing the security room. “Adrian wants to dismantle everything—our family, the company, everything we’ve built.”Sophia nodded, her voice steady but laced with resolve. “Then we dismantle him first.”Chris tapped a few keys on the control panel, his brow furrowed. “Adrian’s signal bounced through multiple servers, but I’m working on tracing it. He’s being careful, but he’s left a trail.”Lucas leaned over the monitors. “How long will it take?”Chris shrugged. “A day, maybe two. But there’s something else.” He pulled up another feed. “While we were handling the attack, Adrian’s people hacked into our external systems. They didn’t get far, but they were targeting sensitive data—V Corp’s financials, personal records, and the foundation’s files.”Sophia’s
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Three
The SiegeThe estate erupted into chaos as multiple black SUVs barreled through the gates, their headlights slicing through the darkness. Ian and his team scrambled to intercept the attackers, but the sheer number of vehicles made it clear—this wasn’t just a scare tactic. This was an all-out assault.Lucas stood at the center of the living room, issuing commands through his radio. “Ian, block off the eastern side and get our defenses in place. Darren, take the west wing and secure the twins. Chris, monitor their movements from the security room.”Sophia grabbed a communication device from the table, her heart pounding but her mind sharp. “What about us?”Lucas turned to her, his gray eyes filled with fire. “We hold our ground.”---A Tactical ResponseOutside, the attackers spread across the property, armed and coordinated. Ian and his team engaged them with precision, using the estate’s defenses to their advantage. Automated floodlights activated, illuminating the grounds and disorie
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty Two
A Clockwork ThreatThe estate was plunged into chaos as Ian’s security team worked to neutralize the bomb under Lucas’s car. Red and blue lights blinked in the darkness, casting ominous shadows across the property.Sophia stood frozen near the edge of the driveway, her heart racing. Lucas stayed close, his gray eyes darting between the team and her, his protective instincts overriding any fear.“Stay back,” Lucas commanded. “Let them handle this.”Sophia clutched his arm. “What if it’s a diversion? What if there’s something else we’re not seeing?”Lucas tightened his grip on her hand. “We’ll cover everything. Just trust me.”---A Narrow EscapeMinutes stretched into hours as the bomb squad worked. Finally, Ian emerged from under the car, sweat dripping down his face.“It’s diffused,” he said, holding up the disarmed device. “But whoever did this wasn’t just sending a message. This was meant to go off within the hour.”Lucas’s face darkened. “They’re escalating.”Sophia stared at the
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter One Hundred and Twenty One
The AmbushThe masked figures advanced with deliberate precision, their movements betraying a level of training that sent a chill down Sophia’s spine. Lucas shifted into a defensive stance, his sharp eyes scanning for any opening. Ian and Chris quickly moved to shield the couple, their weapons drawn.“Stay close to me,” Lucas said, his voice low but firm.Sophia nodded, clutching the folder of documents tightly. She knew they were holding something Adrian and his network would do anything to reclaim.---A Violent Stand-off“Hand over the documents,” one of the masked men barked, his voice distorted by a modulator.“Not a chance,” Lucas replied coldly.The leader signaled to his team, and two of the men lunged toward Ian and Chris. Gunfire erupted in the narrow corridor, the sound deafening.Sophia crouched behind Lucas, her heart racing as chaos unfolded around them. Ian expertly disarmed one attacker, while Chris provided cover fire, forcing the others to retreat momentarily.“We ne
