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Chapter 125
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-11 08:30:00The flight to Paris had been long, but Serena barely noticed. She had spent most of it reviewing the details of the upcoming business deal, skimming through files and making mental notes.
When the pilot announced their descent, she finally looked up from her documents, glancing out of the window.The city stretched beneath her like a painting, glittering with lights that reflected off the Seine.Even from above, Paris was breathtaking—historic buildings with intricate architecture, grand boulevards filled with life, and the Eiffel Tower standing tall in the distance, glowing golden against the darkening sky.By the time she landed, the airport was bustling with travelers. Serena made her way through the VIP section, where a young man in a sharp suit stood holding a sign with her name on it.“Ms. Winthrop?” he asked, his French accent thick but smooth.Serena nodded, adjusting the strap of her bag. “That’s me.”He smiled politely. “I am Julien, Mr. Smith
Bab terkait
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 126
Serena took a deep breath, forcing herself to regain composure as she slid her phone back into her purse. The conversation with Emma still lingered in her mind, but she couldn’t afford to let it affect this meeting. Not now. Not when the success of this deal depended on her ability to stay composed.When she turned back, Phillippe Smith was watching her with a knowing smirk, his green eyes filled with amusement. He leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass, his posture completely at ease.“Something wrong, ma chérie?” he asked smoothly, tilting his head as he studied her.Serena exhaled, giving him a tight smile as she took her seat. “Nothing I can’t handle.”Phillippe chuckled, setting his glass down. “Of course. A woman like you is always in control, no?”She arched her brow. “Always.”He hummed, clearly entertained. “Good. Then we can continue our evening without distractions.”Serena picked up her fork, taking a small bite of
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 127
The morning sun cast a golden glow over Paris, the soft light illuminating the elegant streets as Serena stepped out of the luxurious hotel. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the faint scent of warm pastries from a nearby bakery.She had barely gotten any sleep the night before. Between the weight of the media scandal back home and her conversation with Emma, her mind had been restless. But she had forced herself to push it aside, at least for now. She was in Paris, and she had business to take care of.And part of that business, as arranged by Phillippe Smith, was experiencing the beauty of the city before she left.She spotted a sleek black car waiting just outside the entrance, and the driver quickly stepped forward, opening the door for her.“Good morning, Ms. Winthrop,” he greeted with a polite nod. “Mr. Smith has arranged for a private tour of the Louvre for you this morning.”Serena adjusted her coat, stepping inside the car with a quiet sigh
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-11The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 128
Serena sat on the plush couch in her hotel suite, a silk robe draped over her as she held her phone to her ear. The morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the elegant furnishings. The Eiffel Tower stood tall in the distance, but Serena barely glanced at it. Her mind was elsewhere.Emma’s voice came through the line, tense and laced with concern.“The board is barely holding back,” Emma said. “They haven’t made any decisions yet, but only because you’re in Paris working on this deal.”Serena pinched the bridge of her nose. “So they’re waiting to see if I actually bring something valuable to the company before they decide whether or not to throw me to the wolves.”“Basically,” Emma admitted. “Investors are still uneasy, and the media hasn’t stopped. Every time your name is mentioned, it’s tied to Ryan, Kate, or that damn picture of you and Lucas.”Serena exhaled sharply. “It’s ridiculous. None of those things have any
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 129
The soft hum of the Parisian streets filled the air as Serena stood outside the hotel, waiting for the black luxury car Phillippe had arranged to take them to the Seine. The evening had begun its slow descent, casting a golden glow over the city, making the streets look even more breathtaking.Serena adjusted the thin silk scarf around her neck, the cool evening breeze teasing the edges of her hair. She had dressed for the occasion—a flowing ivory dress that hugged her frame just enough to be elegant, yet comfortable. It wasn’t often she allowed herself to indulge in moments like this, and though she had told herself this trip was purely business, something about Paris made her want to pause, to take in the beauty of the moment.At least, all of this gets her to forget all of her scandals for a while.A sleek black car pulled up in front of her, and the driver swiftly exited, opening the door for her. Phillippe was already inside, looking effortlessly
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 130
The next morning, Serena stood by the tall French windows of her hotel suite, sipping her coffee as she took in the breathtaking view. The sky was painted with soft hues of pink and gold, the early morning light casting a warm glow over the rooftops of Paris.Her body felt well-rested, but her mind was already preparing for the day ahead. Today, she was visiting a vineyard with Phillippe, another one of his carefully curated plans to make sure she “experienced” Paris the way he intended.She still wasn’t sure whether he was doing all this just to impress her or if he truly wanted her to see Paris beyond the business meetings and high-end dinners. Either way, she would take the opportunity for what it was—a moment to breathe before she returned to the chaos waiting for her back home.Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.Emma.Serena picked it up and answered immediately. “Tell me something good.”Emma sighed on the other end. “Depends on your def
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 131
The morning air in Paris was crisp and filled with the scent of freshly baked bread from nearby patisseries. Serena stood on the hotel balcony, sipping her espresso, her eyes sweeping over the city one last time. She had only been here for a few days, but it had felt like another world—one that had momentarily freed her from the storm waiting for her back home.Tomorrow, she would be back in Los Angeles, back to boardrooms, media scandals, and decisions that could alter the fate of Rocky’s Designs. But today, for just a little while longer, she would allow herself to indulge in something simple—shopping in the fashion capital of the world.A soft knock at her door made her turn.Phillippe stood in the doorway, looking as effortlessly refined as ever in a dark cashmere coat over his tailored suit. “Are you ready for your final adventure in Paris?”Serena smirked, setting her cup down on the table. “Final adventure? You make it sound so dramatic.”Phillip
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 132
The car ride back to the hotel was quiet. The sky had darkened, the streets illuminated by the soft golden glow of Parisian street lights. Serena sat comfortably in the passenger seat, her bags from the day’s shopping neatly placed beside her, while Phillippe drove with an effortless ease. The entire day had been… surprising. She had let herself indulge in the beauty of Paris, in the luxury of shopping, in the moment.But now, reality was setting back in. Tomorrow, she would be on a plane back to Los Angeles, returning to the chaos she had momentarily escaped.“You’re awfully quiet,” Phillippe noted, his voice breaking the silence.Serena sighed, glancing at him. “Just thinking.”He smirked. “About me, I hope.”Serena rolled her eyes, shaking her head in amusement. “More like everything waiting for me back home.”Phillippe nodded, eyes still on the road. “Your scandal?”“My company,” Serena corrected. “The scandal is just a distraction. What mat
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 133
The airport was bustling with movement as Emma pulled up in Serena’s car, navigating through the parking area with ease. She glanced at the time on the dashboard, knowing that Serena’s plane had landed a few minutes ago. Amy, who was seated in the back, was practically bouncing with excitement, her little hands gripping the stuffed bunny Ryan had bought for her. “Mommy’s coming!” Amy squealed, her eyes shining as she peered through the window, searching for her mother. Emma smiled, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. “Yes, she is. And I bet she missed you just as much as you missed her.” Amy pouted slightly. “She was gone for too long.” Emma reached back, squeezing Amy’s hand reassuringly. “But she’s back now, sweetheart. And I’m sure she brought you lots of surprises.” Amy’s eyes widened. “Presents?” Emma chuckled. “Of course.” As soon as she spotted Serena stepping out of the arrival gate, Emma quickly got out of the car. Serena looked effortlessly elegant d
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12
Bab terbaru
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 174
Ryan’s heart was pounding in his chest, but he forced his feet to move. He had stood frozen for too long. Serena still hadn’t seen him. She was focused on breathing through her contractions, her hand gripping the railing as she took slow steps forward. His throat was dry. His palms were sweaty. But he couldn’t waste another second. “Serena.” The moment he spoke, she froze. Her body tensed, her grip on the railing tightening. Slowly—so slowly—she turned her head toward him. Her eyes widened, her lips parting slightly. “Ryan?” Ryan exhaled sharply. God, she was beautiful. Even in a hospital gown, with exhaustion written all over her face, she looked like the most stunning thing he had ever seen. His chest tightened. She was about to give birth to his child. And she had tried to keep it from him. “Why?” His voice was hoarse, raw with emotion. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Serena immediately turned away. “Not now, Ryan,” she muttered, trying to keep walking. But Ryan wasn’t le
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 173
The cold air of the ice rink bit at Ryan’s skin as he skated across the smooth surface, his breath coming out in white puffs. The crowd was cheering, the sound of sticks hitting the puck echoed through the large arena, and his teammates were yelling for him to pass the puck. But none of it registered. His mind was somewhere else. Or rather, with someone else. Serena. The moment Amy’s innocent little voice had blurted out the truth over the phone, Ryan had felt the world shift beneath his feet. She had been carrying his child for nine months. Nine months. And she hadn’t told him. The thought kept slamming into him like a freight train, making his grip on his hockey stick tighten, his movements stiff and uncoordinated. “Ryan, focus!” Ethan’s voice rang from behind him. Ryan barely heard him. Ethan must have noticed, because the next thing he knew, his best friend skated up beside him and knocked him hard on the shoulder. “Dude, what’s wrong with you? You look like you jus
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 172
The Christmas lights twinkled softly in Serena’s living room, casting a warm glow over the space. Snow was falling gently outside, covering the city in a soft white blanket. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filled the air, courtesy of the cookies Emma had baked earlier. It was supposed to be a peaceful evening. But Serena was anything but peaceful. She sat on the couch, one hand resting on her very pregnant belly, while the other rubbed her forehead. She was exhausted. Nine months. She had managed to keep her pregnancy a complete secret for nine whole months. It hadn’t been easy—working from home, avoiding public appearances, making sure no one suspected anything. Emma had done an amazing job shielding her from the world. Even now, as her due date crept closer, Serena still wasn’t ready for the world to know. And most importantly, she wasn’t ready for Ryan to know. She sighed, leaning back into the cushions. Amy was sitting on the floor in front of the Christmas tree, her li
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 171
Emma had just stepped out of the shower when her phone started buzzing on the nightstand. She wrapped a towel around herself, quickly reaching for the device. A small smile tugged at her lips when she saw the name flashing across the screen. Ethan. She answered immediately, pressing the phone to her ear. “Hey, babe.” Ethan’s deep, familiar voice came through the line, warm and teasing. “Hey, beautiful. Busy?” Emma chuckled, settling onto the bed. “Not really. Just got out of the shower. Why? You sound suspiciously sweet today.” Ethan laughed. “Can’t a man be sweet to his girlfriend without suspicion?” “Not when that man is you,” Emma teased, shaking her head. “So, what’s up?” “Clear your schedule tonight,” Ethan said smoothly. “I’m taking you out.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “Out? Like… dinner?” “Dinner, yes,” Ethan confirmed. “But before that, I’m taking you shopping. You need something special to wear for tonight.” Emma’s heart did a little flip. “Ethan, you know I can pick
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 170
Serena had been feeling off for weeks. It had started with the constant nausea, the exhaustion that no amount of rest could fix, and the strange sensitivity to smells that had her gagging at the most unexpected moments. At first, she dismissed it as stress. Her life has been a whirlwind of events lately—Philip being exposed, Ryan trying to win her back, the scandal that nearly destroyed her company, and the overwhelming relief of regaining her reputation. It wasn’t surprising that her body was reacting to all of it. But when she could barely keep food down for three days in a row, Emma had stepped in. “You need to go to the hospital, Serena,” Emma had said firmly, standing in her office with her hands on her hips. Serena, who was slumped over her desk, groaned. “It’s just stress.” Emma arched her brow. “Stress makes you tired, moody, and maybe gives you headaches. Stress doesn’t make you throw up every morning for two weeks straight.” Serena sighed, pinching the bridge of her n
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 169
Serena sat in her office, staring out the large window at the city skyline. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the buildings, but she hardly noticed. Her mind was elsewhere, tangled in the mess of emotions she had been avoiding for weeks. Everything had changed. The truth about Philip. The revelation that Steve—the man who had helped her rebuild her life—was actually Ryan’s father. The scandal that had almost cost her everything. But most of all, Ryan. His presence in her life had once been something she had accepted begrudgingly. Their nights together, their moments of passion—it had all been something she had allowed herself to indulge in, telling herself that it didn’t mean anything. She had convinced herself that it was just sex. That her heart wasn’t involved. But now, as she sat alone in her office, she realized that Ryan had always been a storm in her life. And she was tired of storms. She exhaled, leaning back in her chair. She had fought so hard to re
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 168
The news spread like wildfire, dominating every media outlet, news channel, and social platform. It was a scandal unlike anything the city had ever seen. The man the world had known as Thomas Winters was not Thomas at all. Every major newspaper, every television station, and every online gossip site ran with the same shocking headline: Philip Winters—Imposter Billionaire! Not the Real Thomas Winters! Billionaire Steve Jacob is Actually Thomas Winters! The revelation shook the entire business world. For years, the Winters family had been seen as one of the most powerful and influential families in the country. But now? Now, the truth had shattered their reputation in ways no one could have ever imagined. And Kate’s involvement? That only made it worse. Reports detailed her role in the conspiracy—how she had aligned herself with Philip, how she had worked against Serena Winthrop, how she had helped orchestrate attacks on Serena and her daughter. It was a complete disaster for
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 167
Kate sat on the floor of Rolly’s living room, her hair disheveled, eyes wild with frustration. The walls seemed to close in on her, suffocating her as her thoughts spiraled deeper into madness. The only sound in the dimly lit apartment was the low hum of the television, where a news report was still playing clips of the scandal that had ruined her life. The footage of her and Thomas—no, Philip—played over and over again, reminding the world of her shame. She clutched her phone tightly, her nails digging into the glass screen as she dialed Ryan’s number again. One ring. Two rings. Straight to voicemail. Kate let out a ragged breath, her pulse hammering in her ears. She had called him more than a hundred times. Had sent him texts, voice messages—begged him to at least talk to her. But there was nothing. He had cut her off. Completely. A scream of rage ripped from her throat as she threw the phone across the room. It hit the wall with a loud crack, pieces scattering onto the floo
The Billionaire’s Christmas Surprise Chapter 166
The room was filled with a suffocating silence as Margaret Winters’ sharp gaze swept over her husband. She squared her shoulders, her expression unreadable. “I don’t know what you’re trying to imply,” she said coolly, her tone sharp and unwavering. “But I’m looking at my husband, Thomas Winters, right now. There’s nothing off about him.” Ryan’s breath hitched. His gaze flickered between his mother and Steve, waiting for some kind of reaction—a hesitation, a flicker of doubt. But Margaret remained completely convinced that nothing was wrong. Steve smirked, shaking his head slightly. “Well, Philip,” he said, his voice laced with amusement as he looked at Thomas. “Are you going to start confessing? Or should I spill the truth myself?” A brief shadow crossed Thomas’s face—a flicker of confusion. “What the hell are you talking about?” he snapped, his tone edged with irritation. But Ryan caught something beneath it. Fear. Steve sighed, slipping his hands into his pockets. “You’re r
