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Chapter Thirty Eight
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2024-12-17 20:01:23Related chapters
The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Thirty Nine
Checkmate The courtroom victory against Mark was a decisive win, but the tension in Sophia’s chest hadn’t eased. Mark’s silence since the verdict was uncharacteristic, and it left a lingering sense of unease. Sophia sat in her home office, the twins’ soft coos drifting from the nursery down the hall. She could hear Lucas speaking on the phone in the living room, his voice calm but commanding. They had faced so much together, but her instincts told her the final blow hadn’t been dealt yet. Chris called just as she was about to join Lucas. “We’ve got a problem,” Chris said without preamble. Sophia gripped the phone tightly. “What now?” “There’s movement on Mark’s end. Darren intercepted a tip—Mark’s planning to hold a press conference tomorrow. It’s supposed to be a ‘major revelation.’” Sophia’s stomach dropped. “What kind of revelation?” “That’s the issue,” Chris admitted. “We don’t know. But if Mark’s pulling a stunt like this, it means he thinks he has something that can des
Last Updated : 2024-12-17The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty
Shadows in the Light Ryan sat in his car outside Sophia’s office, gripping the steering wheel tightly. It had been weeks since he last saw her, yet her image lingered in his mind like a ghost. He had betrayed her once, on the worst day of her life, and the weight of that betrayal had grown unbearable. At home, things with Emma had soured beyond repair. Her sharp tongue and relentless criticism grated on him, but it wasn’t her anger that unsettled him—it was his own guilt. He hadn’t been honest with himself, but now it was impossible to ignore: he had feelings for Sophia, feelings that went beyond mere regret. “I just need to talk to her,” he muttered to himself. “One conversation. I owe her that much.” ---Sophia was at the café near her office when Ryan approached her. She looked up from her tablet, startled to see him standing there, a mixture of nerves and resolve on his face. “Ryan,” she said, her tone cautious. “What are you doing here?” “I needed to see you,” he admitted,
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty One
The Depths of Betrayal Lucas’s public proposal to Sophia had temporarily shifted the narrative, silencing many critics who had seized on the marriage contract scandal. The press called it “The Redemption of the Vanderbilts,” and social media buzzed with pictures of Sophia’s tearful acceptance. But not everyone was pleased. Emma sat alone in her bedroom, the glow of her tablet illuminating her face as she scrolled through the articles. Each headline praising Sophia felt like a slap in the face. “They’re celebrating her,” Emma hissed, throwing the tablet onto the bed. “Like she’s some kind of victim.” Her phone buzzed with a message from Mark: We need to talk. Now. ---At Mark’s private office, Emma stormed in, her frustration barely contained. “What’s so urgent?” she snapped. Mark, seated behind his desk, regarded her coolly. “Your stunt with the marriage contract didn’t work as well as you’d hoped.” Emma glared at him. “It was supposed to destroy her. Instead, Lucas turned i
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty Two
Cracks in the Armor The tension between Lucas and Sophia lingered, unspoken but palpable. Though Lucas had outwardly dismissed the anonymous message from Emma, the doubt it planted refused to fade entirely. For Sophia, the intrusion of Ryan into their lives was an unwelcome distraction, and she worried about what other schemes Emma and Mark might unleash. But neither of them had time to dwell. V Corp was gearing up for its annual gala, a high-stakes event meant to showcase the company’s successes and attract new partnerships. For Sophia and Lucas, the gala was a chance to solidify their position in the wake of the contract scandal. The guest list included shareholders, international partners, and media elites—a carefully curated crowd. Sophia had been meticulous in planning every detail, from the venue to the seating arrangements. But as the event approached, her instincts warned her that the evening might not go as smoothly as planned. ---The ballroom shimmered with opulence, cry
Last Updated : 2024-12-18The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty Three
Battle Lines The morning after the gala, the fallout was impossible to ignore. While the headlines praised Sophia and Lucas for their poise under pressure, whispers about Emma’s accusations lingered. Shareholders sent guarded emails requesting reassurance, and social media buzzed with speculation about the strength of the Vanderbilt empire. Sophia paced the penthouse living room, her phone clutched in her hand. “I’ve already answered half a dozen calls from board members,” she said, her voice tight. “They want guarantees that this won’t affect the company.” Lucas sat on the couch, his laptop open as he reviewed the day’s schedule. “They don’t care about the truth,” he said, his tone cold. “They care about the optics.” Sophia stopped pacing, her frustration boiling over. “Emma knew exactly what she was doing. She doesn’t need anyone to believe her lies—she just needs to plant doubt.” Lucas stood, crossing the room to her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, his gray eyes steady.
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty Four
A Thin Line The pressure surrounding Sophia and Lucas had reached a boiling point. Ryan’s agreement to make a statement had alleviated some concerns, but the damage caused by Emma and Mark lingered like a shadow over their lives. In the penthouse, Lucas poured over documents on his laptop, his expression hard and unyielding. Sophia sat nearby, her focus divided between reviewing a press release and soothing Cat, who was fussing in her playpen. “Ryan’s statement helped,” Lucas said finally, breaking the tense silence. “But the shareholders are still watching us like hawks. Any misstep, and Mark will capitalize on it.” Sophia placed her tablet down, her lips pressing into a thin line. “It’s like he’s waiting for us to falter. He knows exactly where to apply pressure.” Lucas’s gray eyes met hers. “We need to force him out of hiding. Mark thrives on controlling the narrative. If we take that control away, he’ll make a mistake.” Sophia nodded slowly, an idea forming in her mind. “The
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty Five
Striking at the Heart Sophia leaned against the penthouse balcony railing, staring out at the city below. The investor summit had been a success, but she couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Mark’s ambush had failed, but his parting smirk lingered in her mind. He wasn’t finished—not yet. Lucas stepped out onto the balcony, joining her with two glasses of wine. He handed her one and placed a hand on her back. “We won today,” Lucas said softly. Sophia sipped her wine, her expression thoughtful. “It doesn’t feel like a victory. Mark’s not the type to back down. And Emma... she’s quieter than usual. That’s never a good sign.” Lucas nodded, his jaw tightening. “Whatever they’re planning, we’ll be ready.” Sophia turned to him, her gaze steady. “We have to be. They’re coming after more than the company now. They’re coming after us.” ---At Mark’s apartment, Emma laid out her idea in precise detail, her voice sharp with determination. “We’ve been attacking their public image, their p
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire's Bargain Chapter Forty Six
The Shadow of the PastSophia sat at the kitchen counter, her fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of tea. The twins were asleep, and Lucas was in his office, making late-night calls to strategize against whatever Mark had planned.The silence was oppressive, broken only by the soft hum of the refrigerator. Sophia’s thoughts churned with everything that had happened—the relentless attacks, the public scrutiny, and now the looming threat tied to Edward Vanderbilt’s past.Her phone buzzed, breaking her reverie. It was Chris.“We have a problem,” he said, his voice tight.Sophia’s grip on the phone tightened. “What now?”“Mark’s PR team just scheduled a press conference for tomorrow morning,” Chris said. “It’s about your father-in-law. From what I can tell, it’s explosive.”Sophia’s heart sank. “Do we know what he’s going to say?”“Not yet,” Chris admitted. “But if Mark’s pulling out something this big, he’s confident it will cause serious damage.”Sophia ended the call and immediately
Last Updated : 2024-12-20
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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
