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Chapter Seven
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2024-11-27 16:27:46Related chapters
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eight
BulletproofGlass exploded inward as Lucas tackled Sophia to the ground, shielding her body with his own. Screams erupted around them as more shots rang out."Security!" Lucas barked into his watch. "Code Red! Rooftop breach!"Sophia's heart hammered against his chest as they lay pressed together behind an overturned table. His breath was warm against her neck, his body solid and protective above hers."Are you hurt?" he demanded, his hands running over her shoulders, checking for injuries."No, I-" Another shot cut her off. Through the chaos, she glimpsed Emma and Sandra huddled behind the bar, while Bella had disappeared entirely.Lucas's security team burst through the door, weapons drawn. "Sir, we need to get you out. Now!""The others-" Sophia started."My team will handle them." Lucas's voice was steel as he pulled her up. "Stay close to me."They ran for the emergency exit, Lucas's arm tight around her waist. Behind them, she heard Sandra shriek something about calling Sean. Th
Last Updated : 2024-11-27The 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
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Thirteeen
Chapter 16 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 profi
Last Updated : 2024-12-07The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Fourteen
Chapter 17 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 s
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 : 2024-12-07
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The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Twenty Four
Love rather than Leverage"Well, that's certainly a headline," Darren whistled, tossing the magazine onto the penthouse coffee table. *'From Contract to Covenant: The Vanderbilt Love Story That Reshaped an Empire'* blazed across the cover, accompanied by the now-iconic photo of Lucas and Sophia with the twins in the morning light."The stock's up twelve percent," Susan reported, not looking up from her tablet. At three months old, Cat was dozing in her arms while she worked, a common sight these days. "And the wedding planning inquiries have tripled.""Wedding?" Sophia looked up from where she was burping Eddie. "Whose wedding?"Susan's cheeks flushed. Darren suddenly found the city skyline fascinating."Finally!" Sophia exclaimed, causing Eddie to startle. "Sorry, baby," she soothed, then turned back to her friends. "When were you going to tell us?""We were waiting for the right moment," Susan admitted, unconsciously twisting the elegant diamond ring on her finger. "With the articl
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Twenty Three
Perfect Chaos, Perfect peace. The penthouse's morning quiet was broken by Cat's determined cries, followed inevitably by Eddie's solidarity wails. At two weeks old, the twins had mastered the art of synchronized demands."My turn," Lucas murmured, already moving before Sophia could fully wake. She watched through heavy eyes as he scooped up both babies with practiced ease. The sight of her ruthless corporate husband cooing softly to their children still made her heart flutter."The magazine team will be here at ten," she reminded him, glancing at the clock. 7 AM. "Sure you don't want to reschedule?""And risk Susan's wrath? She's already threatened to revoke my godfather status if we postpone again." He settled into the nursing chair, a twin in each arm. "Besides, your father's right. It's time to tell our story."The 'story' had grown beyond their control in the past two weeks. Speculation about the Vanderbilt twins filled business blogs and society columns. Yesterday, someone had
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Twenty two
Grand welcomingThe first rays of dawn painted the hospital room in gentle gold, a stark contrast to the storm that had announced the twins' arrival. At four days old, Catherine and Edward were already showing distinct personalities – Cat demanding attention with imperious cries, Eddie observing the world with his father's thoughtful gray eyes."She gets that from you," Lucas murmured, watching Cat wave her tiny fists at the morning light. He sat in the hospital's most comfortable chair, holding Eddie while Sophia fed their daughter."The dramatic timing? Pretty sure that's all Vanderbilt." Sophia adjusted Cat's position, still marveling at how natural it felt. "Though the stubbornness might be genetic on both sides."A soft knock interrupted them. Susan peeked in, her expression suspiciously innocent. "Are you decent? Because there's a small army of grandparents in the waiting room, and I can only distract them with baby photos for so long.""Let them in," Sophia laughed. "Before Cla
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Twenty one
Arrival of OverachieversAt thirty-two weeks, the first real storm of the season rolled across the lake. Rain lashed against the windows as Sophia tried to focus on the quarterly reports spread across her home office desk. The twins were restless, perhaps sensing the atmospheric pressure change."That's the third time you've read that page," Chris observed from the video call screen. "Maybe we should reschedule.""I'm fine," Sophia insisted, though her back arched fiercely. "The merger transition won't wait just because your future bosses are doing somersaults."Thunder cracked overhead. The lights flickered ominously."Ma'am," Chris's voice took on that careful tone everyone seemed to use lately, "Mr. Vanderbilt specifically said—""Lucas is in Singapore dealing with Emma's mess. These reports need to be—" She stopped, a sharp pain making her gasp."I'm calling Dr. Chen," Chris said firmly. "And Mr. Vanderbilt. And probably God.""It's just Braxton Hicks," Sophia started, but another
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Twenty
Better Beginings"It's like they're having a dance party in there," Sophia groaned, shifting uncomfortably on her office couch at twenty weeks. Both twins had chosen the board meeting hour for their daily acrobatics."Or a boxing match," Lucas suggested, adjusting the laptop so the board members couldn't see her rubbing her expanding belly. Virtual meetings had become a necessity as her pregnancy progressed – twin pregnancies were notoriously demanding."Settle down, little ones," she whispered. "Mommy's trying to run an empire here."The merger was proceeding smoothly, despite the aftermath of Mark's attempted sabotage. He and Bella had disappeared to Europe, their resignation letters arriving via expensive lawyers. The press had dubbed it the "corporate cleanup of the year," though Sophia preferred Susan's term: "karma's double knockout.""Mrs. Vanderbilt," the CFO's voice crackled through the speakers, "about the Singapore restructuring—"A sharp kick interrupted her thoughts. "Sor
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Nineteen
Toast to BabiesThe ultrasound screen flickered in the dimly lit room, and Sophia held her breath. At sixteen weeks, they might finally learn if little Catherine or Edward was on the way. Lucas's hand tightened around hers as the technician moved the wand."Well," the technician smiled, "would you like to know?"Before either could answer, a commotion erupted in the hallway. Chris burst in, face pale. "Mr. Vanderbilt, I'm sorry, but—""Not now," Lucas growled, eyes fixed on the screen."Sir, it's Mark. He's calling an emergency board meeting. He's claiming... evidence of fraud in the merger documentation."The baby's heartbeat filled the sudden silence, strong and steady."Go," Sophia squeezed Lucas's hand. "I've got this.""But—""The baby will still be here in an hour." She managed a smile. "Besides, Susan's in the waiting room. Go deal with your brother."Lucas kissed her forehead, his jaw tight. "Chris, get Darren on the line. I want to know how Mark got those documents."After th
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Eighteen
New Merge"I can't button these anymore," Sophia grumbled, struggling with her favorite work pants. At twelve weeks, her barely-there bump was just enough to make her regular clothes uncomfortable."Wear the dress," Susan suggested from the video call propped on the dresser. "The navy one with the stretch.""I wore that yesterday." Sophia flopped onto the bed, still in her underwear. "Everything either screams 'trying to hide it' or 'look at my bump.'""Then let them look," Lucas called from the bathroom. "The announcement's going out today anyway."Right. The official V Corp press release about their pregnancy, followed by dinner with both sets of parents. Sophia's stomach churned, and not just from morning sickness.Her phone buzzed – a text from her father: *Your mother craved spicy food when she was pregnant with you. The restaurant tonight has excellent curry.*These little fragments of her mother had been coming more frequently since the press conference. Each one a small bridge
The 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
The 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
