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Chapter Nine
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2024-11-29 00:04:12Related chapters
The 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Thirteeen
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 : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Seventeen
Beautiful EffectSophia stared at her phone screen, reading the flood of messages since yesterday's press conference. Susan had sent eighteen texts ranging from "OMG YOU'RE PREGNANT!" to detailed baby name suggestions. But it was the single unread message from her father that made her fingers tremble."You haven't opened it yet?" Lucas asked softly, setting a cup of decaf coffee on her desk. Morning sickness had made her usual strong brew impossible."Not ready." She pushed the phone away, focusing instead on the morning's market reports. V Corp's stock had actually risen after their announcement – apparently, the public loved a good love story more than they feared corporate scandal.A knock interrupted them. Chris stood in the doorway, looking uncomfortable. "Mr. Vanderbilt – senior – is here. With your father, Mrs. Vanderbilt."Sophia's hand instinctively went to her stomach. Six weeks along, nothing showing yet, but the protective gesture was becoming habit."Send them in," Lucas
Last Updated : 2024-12-07
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The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Ninety One
Rising TensionThe news of the financial misconduct allegations spread like wildfire. Though Sophia and Lucas had addressed the issue head-on, there were whispers within the business world questioning their leadership. Some of their most loyal investors sought reassurance, while others quietly began reevaluating their stakes.Sophia sat in her office, flipping through reports with growing frustration. The board had requested a private meeting to discuss the company’s response. It felt like yet another test of her and Lucas’s resolve.Chris entered, holding a new set of files. “We’ve started internal audits to counter the claims. So far, there’s no sign of wrongdoing, but Mark’s planted enough doubt to make this mess stick.”Sophia sighed, leaning back in her chair. “He’s not trying to win anymore, Chris. He’s just trying to drag us down with him.”Lucas walked in moments later, his presence as steadying as ever. “And he’s failing. The audits will clear us, and when they do, Mark’s cre
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Ninety
A Fragile PeaceThe morning sun filtered through the penthouse windows as Sophia sat at the kitchen island, staring at the cryptic note delivered to V Corp. The words were simple, but their implications sent a chill down her spine.Lucas entered, carrying a cup of coffee for her. His gray eyes softened as they met hers, but his expression was guarded.“They’re bluffing,” he said, setting the mug in front of her. “Mark and Emma are out of moves. This is desperation.”Sophia ran her fingers over the note, her voice quiet. “What if it’s not a bluff? What if they’re planning something we haven’t seen yet?”Lucas pulled out a chair beside her, his tone steady. “Then we’ll deal with it. We always do.”Sophia nodded, but the tension in her chest remained.---Strengthening AlliancesLater that day, Sophia and Lucas met with Evelyn and Darren in the V Corp boardroom to discuss their next steps.“We’ve handled the fallout from the press conference, but we can’t let our guard down,” Evelyn said
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty Nine
Exposing the TruthThe morning air at V Corp was charged with tension. Sophia, Lucas, and their team were gathered in the executive conference room, reviewing the final steps of their plan. The evidence Chris had uncovered was ironclad, and Rebecca’s cooperation had given them a critical edge.Sophia stood at the head of the table, her voice steady. “This isn’t just about protecting V Corp. It’s about ensuring that Mark and Emma can never pull something like this again.”Lucas nodded, his gray eyes sharp. “We release the proof of their fabrications, expose their network of allies, and take back control of the narrative. By the time we’re done, they’ll have no leverage left.”Chris grinned. “The media loves a scandal, but they love exposing liars even more. Once this goes public, Mark and Emma won’t have a leg to stand on.”Sophia glanced at the clock. “Let’s move. The press briefing starts in an hour.”---The Press ConferenceSophia and Lucas stood side by side at the podium, facing
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty Eight
The Last StrawSophia sat in the boardroom at V Corp, surrounded by her trusted team. The tension in the room was palpable as Chris displayed the contents of the USB drive on the large screen. Emails, doctored reports, and fake financial documents scrolled past, each one meticulously crafted to cast doubt on her and Lucas’s leadership.“This is their endgame,” Chris said, his voice sharp. “They’re trying to create enough smoke to convince the board there’s a fire.”Evelyn frowned. “The documents are convincing, even though they’re fabricated. If this reaches the wrong people, it could cause serious damage.”Lucas leaned forward, his gray eyes blazing. “Then we expose it before they have the chance. Mark and Emma have gone too far this time. It’s time to end this.”Sophia nodded, her resolve hardening. “We need a strategy that doesn’t just counter their lies but turns the narrative in our favor. This isn’t just about protecting V Corp—it’s about taking back control of the story.”---T
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty Seven
Cracks and ConnectionsSophia sat at her desk, staring at the glowing cityscape outside the penthouse windows. The confrontation with Rebecca Harlow had left her uneasy. Though the journalist had promised to review her findings, Sophia couldn’t ignore the sense that Emma and Mark still had something up their sleeves.Lucas entered, holding two glasses of wine. “You’ve been quiet since we got back.”Sophia took the glass, offering a small smile. “Just thinking about Rebecca. I don’t trust her, Lucas. Even if she doesn’t publish the article, she’s already seen too much.”Lucas leaned against her desk, his gray eyes steady. “Then we need to stay ahead of her. Chris is already digging into her connections. If there’s anything we can use, he’ll find it.”Sophia sighed, swirling her wine. “I don’t want to live like this forever. Always on the defensive, always waiting for the next attack.”Lucas cupped her cheek, his touch grounding. “Then let’s start thinking about how to end it. For good
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty SIX
Shifting SandsSophia stood on the balcony of the penthouse, the city sprawling before her in a web of lights and motion. The fallout from the latest attack on her family was beginning to ripple through the business world, and despite the united front she and Lucas presented, the constant battles were taking their toll.Lucas joined her, his presence grounding as he wrapped an arm around her waist.“You’re quiet tonight,” he said softly.Sophia sighed. “It feels like we’re playing a never-ending game of chess. Every time we make a move, Mark and Emma counter it with something worse.”Lucas kissed her temple, his voice steady. “We’ve faced every move they’ve made so far. This won’t be any different.”Sophia leaned into him, her eyes scanning the city. “I hope you’re right.”---The Boardroom EruptsThe next morning, Sophia and Lucas were called into an emergency board meeting. The tension in the room was palpable as the board members debated the implications of the leaked documents.“T
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty Five
The Offer RevisitedSophia sat at her desk, staring at the folder Emma had left. The damning evidence against Mark sat within her reach, but the cost of accepting Emma’s terms weighed heavily on her. She tapped her fingers against the desk, her thoughts tangled.Lucas entered the office, carrying two cups of coffee. He set one down in front of her and leaned on the desk. “You’ve been staring at that thing for hours.”Sophia sighed, rubbing her temples. “Because I know what’s inside could end this battle with Mark. But letting Emma anywhere near V Corp? That feels like inviting a snake into the garden.”Lucas’s expression softened. “You’ve always trusted your instincts. Don’t stop now.”Sophia met his gaze. “My instincts are telling me there’s more to this. Emma doesn’t do anything without an ulterior motive.”Lucas smirked faintly. “You’re not wrong. But whatever her game is, we’ll figure it out. Together.”---A Boardroom ChallengeThe following day, Sophia and Lucas attended a board
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty Four
Beneath the SurfaceThe penthouse was unusually quiet as Sophia leaned against the kitchen counter, nursing a cup of tea. The twins were napping, and Lucas was in his office finishing a call with their legal team. The calm felt foreign, almost eerie, as though it were the eye of the storm.Sophia’s thoughts drifted to the headlines from earlier that week. Despite their press conference, the lingering doubts about her connection to Sean Muller’s past were gnawing at her confidence.“Penny for your thoughts?” Lucas’s voice broke her reverie.Sophia turned to see him standing in the doorway, his tie loosened and a faint smirk on his lips.“Just... thinking,” she said softly, setting her mug down.Lucas stepped closer, his hands finding her waist. “You’ve been thinking a lot lately.”Sophia let out a small laugh. “It’s hard not to, with everything going on.”Lucas tilted her chin up, his gray eyes locking with hers. “We’ve faced worse. And every time, we’ve come out stronger. This won’t
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighty Three
The Tipping PointThe fallout from the leaked marriage contract continued to ripple through the media. Though Sophia and Lucas’s press conference had stemmed some of the tide, doubts lingered in certain circles. The couple had faced scrutiny before, but this felt different—more invasive, more personal.Sophia sat in the boardroom at V Corp, staring at a slideshow of charts detailing investor sentiment. Despite their best efforts, a small but vocal faction of shareholders was questioning the leadership’s integrity.Evelyn flipped to the next slide, her voice calm but firm. “Most of our investors remain confident, but the ones on the fence are concerned about long-term stability. Mark’s strategy is to erode trust, and it’s working in small pockets.”Lucas leaned forward, his expression resolute. “We’ve reinforced our position before. We’ll do it again. This isn’t about the marriage contract—it’s about the success of V Corp. Let’s remind them of that.”Darren nodded. “The sustainability
