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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
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2024-10-04 18:17:54Related chapters
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Thalia's POV "Hey Nolan" I said returning his smile with a curt nod."Didn't think I'd be seeing you again so soon" He smiled back awkwardly and glanced around the foyer "Me neither" he muttered rubbing the back of his neck ."But desperate situations call for desperate measures, I guess" Cassandra gave him a sympathetic look before Liam cleared his throat breaking the silence. "Let's go inside" Liam said his voice with a hint of humor "I'm starving" Cassandra perked up at his words her eyes twinkling "Good because I made your favorite," she teased giving Liam a playful nudge.Liam grinned pulling her closer and kissing her quickly on the lips, before dragging her by the hand toward the house. "Oh you are too good to me" he teased back "Guess I'll have to find a way to thank you properly later."We all followed closely behind, smiling as they continued their banter. I trailed beside Alexander, his hand resting on the small of my back as we moved toward the kitchen. Liam, Alexan
Last Updated : 2024-10-05The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Thalia's POV Nolan extended his hand gesturing for me to give him the phone. I obliged and he swiped on the screen for a few seconds before handing it back to me.In the image was a clear passport-like photo, and I recognized who he was."I recognize him” I said my voice a whisper "I've seen him around during my court visits a few years back” Nolan was quick to respond his brows furrowing."Did he speak to you? Do you think he has anything against you?" I shook my head trying to recall the specifics, any interaction."No, we never spoke he was mostly quiet which is why I noticed him in the first place” Cassandra's curiosity got the better of her “Who is he?" she asked, glancing between us.Nolan exchanged a look with Liam before Liam finally spoke up. “His name is Eugene Morris”"That can't be right” I said my voice shaky at the inaccuracy.“He was called Eugene Davis back then” "Yes he's supposed to be Eugene Davis” Alexander confirmed, his tone as if he were weighing his words
Last Updated : 2024-10-06The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETEEN
Thalia's POV My mind wandered to Alex, I tapped out a quick message to him; 'Cass and I are heading out for a bit, we'll be back later I typed and hit send then typed something more Just wanted to let you know.'With that done, I headed upstairs to get ready. After I was done getting ready Cassie still hadn't come to my room.I glanced at my phone. She didn’t message either. I sighed and looked at myself in the mirror, adjusting my blouse.It was a cream-colored silk top with floral patterns for sleeves and it was tucked into high-waisted slim-fit navy pants. The pants hugged my curves and dips perfectly and I slipped into a pair of nude flats that were just comfortable for this small outing. Still no sign of Cassie, I decided to check on her, but quickly realized I had no idea where her room was"Gosh Cassie has to give me a tour of this house first thing in the morning” I muttered to myself.This place was a maze and it was getting ridiculous and embarrassing. I headed toward th
Last Updated : 2024-10-07The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY
Alexander's POV After taking a much-needed break from searching through the endless piles of papers in the study, we dove right back in. I was already tired of looking, thinking of giving up when Liam shuffled through another stack of documents his brow furrowed in concentration.Then suddenly with a triumphant grin he said "I found it" Nolan and I snapped our attention to him, we moved toward the large oak desk where Liam stood flipping through a file. "What's the name on the document?" Nolan asked, leaning in closer."Eugene Davis" Liam replied I exhaled "I knew Father was involved with him" I muttered, Liam handed the file over to me and I briefly glanced over its contents before passing it to Nolan.It was like a small victory not enough for any sort of celebration though."Good work, guys I'll hand this over to the detectives and wait for their feedback" Nolan said running a hand through his hair. I nodded "Yeah the sooner we know who's responsible the stronger we get to r
Last Updated : 2024-10-08The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Alexander's POV Sierra went over to Nolan and hugged him tightly "I missed you" Zach followed suit and hugged him with Sierra "We missed you" Nolan gave them both small smiles and lightly returned the hug but it was clear he was ready to leave. My father trying hard to ease the tension said "Next vacation, I'm taking all of you" "Sure" Nolan said his voice distant "But I really have to go" Sierra and Zachary hugged him goodbye and my father offered to walk him out and I and Liam gave him a nod as they went.I left the others behind and followed my mother, knowing where she had gone. After arriving back from a vacation, she usually settled into her favorite room downstairs—a luxurious parlor adorned with fine art, crystal chandeliers, and plush furniture, where she liked to unwind after traveling.Sure enough I found her in there sitting on a velvet olive green colored chaise lounge, flipping through one of her magazines and sipping from a glass of sparkling water."Really, Ma?
Last Updated : 2024-10-09The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Thalia's POV The unexpected return of Alexander's parents from their trip made me squeamish. I knew Alexander hadn't told them about us, and I understood why. But it didn't ease the sting of hearing him refer to me as Cassie's friend, a friend, the word ate away at me, after everything was that all I was? Alexander's father left to go to his room then Cassie and Liam stayed behind in the living room. Alexander took my hand in his and we headed upstairs.Alexander guided me down a long hallway until we stopped in front of a door. He turned the knob and pushed it open.Inside the room everything was black and white, a simple king-sized bed with white linen and black throw pillows stood against one wall.On the mantle of the fireplace, there was a black ceramic sculpture of a panther crouching as if it was ready to leap.I walked closer, drawn to how it glimmered in the dark and the powerful stance. It was like a piece of Alexander; intimidating, and ready to pounce at any moment."Thi
Last Updated : 2024-10-10The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Thalia's POVLorraine's cold gaze didn't waver "Whatever names you've been called they're probably accurate" she spat I couldn't stand it I turned on my heel and bolted for the door."Thalia, wait!" Alexander called after me."Let her leave!" Lorraine shouted " I don't care how she got into this house, but I never want to see her here again, not after what her family has done to mine!" I didn't understand what her last statement meant, and I didn't care.I ran and I didn't stop, I didn't look back, my vision blurred with tears as I sprang out of the mansion and onto the freeway, my chest heaved as I collapsed onto a bench at a bus stop, tears streaming uncontrollably down my face .Alexander's POVI stormed back into the house my chest tight with anger and frustration. Mother was waiting her arms crossed as if she knew exactly what she'd done. I barely glanced at her as I brushed past heading straight for the car key bowl."Alex?" Mother's voice followed me, sharp and laced with the
Last Updated : 2024-10-10The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Thalia's POVI don't know why I asked Alex to kiss me, it wasn't the right thing to do. Not after what happened today. I was upset with him… a bit, anyway… but still I wanted him. Maybe it was the chill in the air outside or the way the quiet of the old house that made me feel needy. Whatever it was, I didn't care.I just needed to feel something… anything.His hands gripped my waist pulling me close as his lips crashed against mine. His fingers dug into my back, roaming around as his tongue searched for mine. I kissed him back trying to match his pace. Our tongues tangling as they played a game of tag. My hands found their way to his hair and tugged it lightly. We moved backward our lips still locked and suddenly my leg hit the edge of a small table. The clatter of glass shattering against the floor jolted us apart, and we both stood there our chest heaving, staring at the broken mug."Sorry” I muttered, glancing at the mess. It felt like the spell the heat of our kiss cast had bee
Last Updated : 2024-10-11
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETY-FIVE
Thalia's POV My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing I noticed was the warmth of sunlight streaming through the window .Morning. But it wasn't the sunlight that woke me. It was something else—a presence He stood there, not too far from the bed. An older man, dressed in a simple sweater and slacks, his demeanor calm, yet his gaze steady as he watched me. His hair was mostly gray, and his face carried the kind of lines that told a story of years, perhaps decades, of struggle.A soft smile curved his lips as he noticed my eyes on him “Good morning," he said, his voice low, almost soothing.For a moment, I was disoriented, then, with a deep breath, I realized something, I could move. My head shifted toward the window, following the sunlight, and then I tried flexing my fingers. They obeyed. A gasp escaped my lips, and this time it wasn't just in my head. I could speak again. Slowly, cautiously, I sat up, feeling the stiffness in my limbs but relishing the freedom of movement. My
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETY-FOUR
Thalia's POV The first thing I noticed was the sound of crickets. It felt like they'd been chirping for hours, echoing faintly through the room.Slowly, my senses sharpened, pulling me out of the darkness. My eyes opened, greeted by the dim light of night spilling in through partially open curtains. I didn't recognize the room. My head felt heavy. No, not just my head—my entire body. It was like I'd been weighed down by an invisible force Panic flared in my chest as I tried to move. Nothing. My arms wouldn't respond, my legs stayed still, and even my voice was locked away. I tried again. Harder this time. Still nothing. It was suffocating, a helplessness I hadn't felt in years. My breathing was measured, and steady, like I wasn't even in control of that either. Every ounce of strength I could muster evaporated into futility. The door creaked open, the sound snapping me to attention. Bella peeked in, a slow, satisfied smile spreading across her face as her eyes locked on mine."Wel
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETY-THREE
Alexander's POV We arrived at the safe house just as Liam pulled in, it wasn't a coincidence; Liam had left earlier, claiming he had errands to run. Yet somehow, we ended up here at the same time. I didn't bother asking him why. With Liam, surprises weren't uncommon. As we entered the building and took the elevator down to the secure floor, Svetlana was already at her desk, stacking papers into neat piles, she paused mid-movement when she saw us."Good morning, Mr. Croft” she greeted me, her tone professional, her words sharp. But her eyes? They weren't on me. They were on Nolan I turned my head slightly, catching the unmistakable smile tugging at his lips as he returned her gaze. "It's done decrypting, isn't it?" I asked, my tone cutting through their silent exchange. Svetlana winced “Yes I believe so" she admitted, her smile faltering. "Come see for yourself” She led us to the tech lab. As expected, Evan was already at his station, his fingers flying across the keyboard, immer
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETY-TWO
Alexander's POV Nolan's hands were steady on the wheel as we drove toward the safehouse. My mind, surprisingly, was calm.The task ahead was clear: get to the safe house, unravel the tangled mess Brandon and Eugene had created, and put an end to their scheming. That part I could handle. It was business, calculated,methodical. But there was another problem, one that I wasn't sure I could solve. One I couldn't even fully name without a tightening in my chest. It all began years ago, with the Asplundh family. A private plane crash. Everyone assumed the family had been wiped out except for one survivor; Thalia Asplundh, the second daughter. She was young then, just a girl, sent to a rehabilitation center after the crash. She wouldn't eat. She wouldn't speak. She was trapped in her grief, shattered and silent.Years later, she came out. Therapy had pulled her back from the brink, though the scars were still visible to anyone paying attention. She returned to claim her place as CEO of her
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETY-ONE
Thalia's POV I stood outside the penthouse, debating my next move. Should I swallow my pride and go see Bella? Or should I head to Alexander's and collect my things? I thought briefly of texting Cassandra, but Tobias had seen to it that I couldn't contact Alexander, or anyone he was associated with, for that matter. It was suffocating. With a frustrated sigh, I decided on Bella. The building loomed before me, a towering reminder of a past I couldn't quite shake, I parked outside and took a moment to steel myself before heading up to the penthouse. The house looked the same, its colors bold and cold. To anyone else, it might seem pristine, but to me, it felt monochrome and lifeless. I rang the doorbell and knocked for good measure, within seconds, the door opened, and there she was Bella. She stood there in a cozy navy-blue sweater and loose pants, her baby bump just beginning to show.Oh, right. She was pregnant, I'd almost forgotten, her face was as familiar as it was alien, sof
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER NINETY
Alexander's POV I hadn't noticed when Father entered the room. He knelt behind Mother, helping her to her feet. She was still sobbing uncontrollably, her body trembling as she clung to him. Zach stood stiffly, anger radiating off him in waves, but his girlfriend tugged at his arm, trying to pull him aside, the air in the room was thick—tension simmering and ready to boil over. Father steadied Mother as she cried into his chest, her hands gripping his suit jacket as though it were the only thing keeping her upright, he murmured something softly to her before leading her out of the room. A moment later, he returned, his expression firm, his presence commanding. "Zach" Father said, his voice low and authoritative, the kind of tone that left no room for argument "You will apologize to your mother" "What?!" Zach snapped, incredulous “Father, she interacted with the enemy!" "And she has apologized" Father replied, his tone unwavering. "You know your mother, Zachary. She acts from emot
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE
Thalia's POV "How could I let this happen?" My voice cracked, barely above a whisper, as I stared down at the table. Grace pulled up on her computer. "It wasn't your fault, Thalia." Grace replied gently, but I shook my head, unwilling to accept her reprieve."No" I said, my tone firmer now, though my voice wavered, "I remember when you came to me and showed me what Brandon was doing, I saw the proof. And I—I hid the documents. I let him do this" My voice faltered, fading into the quiet of the office. Grace stepped closer, her expression resolute."Yes" she admitted without hesitation, her words sharp and piercing "but it doesn't matter anymore. What's done is done" Her eyes locked onto mine"So you let him do it—fine. The question now is, what will you do to undo it?" I drew in a shaky breath, her words passed through me in the whirlwind of my own thoughts, he stepped aside, giving me space to approach the computer screen, where the stark proof of the company's current state stared
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT
Alexander's POV Sierra's words struck like a thunderclap, leaving the house in deafening silence as she stormed down the stairs and slammed the front door behind her. "Alex, I..." Mother began, her voice trembling with the load of an excuse she hadn't yet found. Before she could continue, Cassandra's voice rang out from the top of the stairs, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Lorraine?" Cassandra called out, her tone sharp and demanding, her figure appearing at the top landing. Behind her, Liam appeared, his brows furrowed as he placed a steadying hand on her shoulder "Alex? We heard yelling. What's going on?" he asked, his voice calm but tinged with concern. Cassandra didn't wait for an answer, she started down the stairs, her movements purposeful, her gaze locked on Mother, who visibly flinched under her niece-in-law's scrutiny. Liam followed closely behind, his posture protective, his eyes darting between all of us.Mother looked at me, her eyes pleading—begging me
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER EIGHTY-SEVEN
Thalia's POVAfter wandering around the manor for a bit, I returned to my room, feeling a bit relaxed. Once inside, I decided to change. I peeled off my skirt and replaced it with a pair of fitted denim jeans, next, I grabbed a warm brown jacket and wrapped a soft scarf around my neck, and then I pulled my hair into a quick twisted ponytail. On the dresser, my phone buzzed with a notification, picking it up, I saw a new message from Bella. I sighed heavily, my jaw tightening What now? For a second, I considered ignoring her, but curiosity won and I opened the message. "Hello there, Thalia. I know you don't want to talk to me after all that I did, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd at least try"I stared at the screen, debating whether to respond, part of me wanted to delete the message and block her number, but instead, I typed a curt reply; "Where are you?"I hit send, feeling equal parts irritated and intrigued, shoving my phone into my pocket. I glanced at the mirror one la
