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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
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The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Thalia's POV I couldn't resist so I bravely said “Or we could do it back" Alexander stiffened beside me, his grip on my waist faltering slightly. "Great idea" he said through gritted teeth clearly trying to keep his composure.Cassie burst out laughing and even Liam looked impressed but I could feel the tension building between Alexander and me again."That is indeed a great idea" Liam said grinning from ear to ear "It'll make us even" Cassie giggled playfully nudging Liam as they backed toward the door. "And we'll be looking forward to it" she added with a wink.Liam chimed in "Lunch is almost ready, get changed and come downstairs" Alexander rolled his eyes dramatically "We'll skip lunch" he said flatly.I shot him a glance leaning in closer so my voice wouldn't be loud."Unless you're going to fuck me then there's no reason to skip lunch" My voice was soft and teasing and I could tell it threw him off for just a second.From the corner of my eye, I noticed Cassie and Liam gri
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
Thalia's POV I was absorbed in 'The Secret History' when I heard footsteps approaching the garden. Cassie appeared with Liam close behind, and she said "Lunch is ready" I lowered the book, marking my place with a finger as Lorraine stopped typing on her laptop. She glanced at Cassie and then at Liam."Finally. Is Anthony done?" she asked Liam nodded "Yeah, he's already in the dining room" Lorraine wasted no time, she snapped her laptop shut and stood, leaving the garden without another word.Cassie watched her go, then turned her gaze to me, raising an eyebrow. "I didn't expect to find you here with Lorraine" she said, clearly surprised.I closed the book and set it gently on the table "What can I say? We're bonding" I replied with a smirk Cassie laughed "That's great, let's go eat lunch" She motioned toward the kitchen and I stood following her. We walked through the kitchen and entered the corridor. When I saw Alexander approaching, our eyes met, and something shifted in the
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
Thalia's POV I paused at the kitchen door, hesitating before I pushed it open. I heard the sound of Cassie's soft chuckle, she was leaning against the counter, nibbling on some nuts while Liam stood beside her eating the nuts too."There you are" Cassie said slowly her eyes scanning my face, her smirk grew as she tilted her head "I thought you said you weren't skipping lunch?" I opened my mouth to respond, but nothing came out, my thoughts were a mess, like an untidy heap of half-formed sentences, finally, I muttered "I changed my mind" Liam's eyebrows shot up and he exchanged a quick look with Cassie "Interesting" he said his voice smooth but curious "And where's Alex?"My stomach tightened at the mention of his name, my nose scrunching intuitively. "How should I know?" I snapped my tone sharper than intended.Cassie raised an eyebrow but didn't seem bothered by my tone, instead, she let out a soft chuckle "Someone's… hungry" She tapped the counter with her finger "Come and eat
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY -SIX
Alexander's POVI know walking out on Thalia like that felt like the right move in the moment, but it nagged at me immediately. Lord help me that woman would be the death of me, she was just so fucking perfect. She could unravel me in ways no one else could. I was twisted in my ways and I couldn’t do that with her. I found myself descending into the not-so-secret basement, a hidden space in the house, to do what I always did when I do something shitty…drink. Now I was halfway through a bottle of bourbon, nursing a glass while Thalia's flushed face lingered in my mind.A soft ping interrupted the silence. I glanced at my phone, it was a message from Grace, the HR manager at Asplundh & Co., the same one who'd been feeding me vital intel to thwart Brandon's greedy schemes."Mr. Dahl found out about the incident with Mrs. Thalia last night. He said he sent someone for her and had warned both of you, but you didn't listen" My brows furrowed, Brandon? He couldn't have orchestrated someth
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Alexander's POV "This is much bigger than I anticipated" I said, and he nodded. "Yes, Yes" Patrick said exhaling a cloud of smoke.I sighed, irritation building inside me, my fingers slid the documents back into the envelope before I spoke"What about the blast? Any updates?" I asked. It had been days since the explosion at HQ and the lack of progress was eating at me.Patrick shook his head, the smirk on his face replaced by a grim expression. “None at all, the suspect pool is still too large" he said exhaling another thick cloud of smoke.I leaned back against the seat, rubbing my temples "You've made too many enemies" I muttered knowing fully well he didn't like hearing that.He paused, the cigar resting on his lips "My enemies know better than to take action against me" he said coldly "The person behind the blast is your enemy" I stared at him managing a breathless chuckle "Or" I said “a common enemy of both of us" Patrick met my gaze, his eyes dark with thought then he nodded
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Alexander's POV I was halfway up the stairs when I heard Nolan's voice from above, he stood at the railing, leaning over to look at me with a frown."Alex?" I stopped and met his eyes then gave a slight nod "Let me get up there first" I climbed the last few steps, closing the distance between us, as I reached him, his eyes shifted to the envelope I held in my hand."What did Patrick say?" he asked, his tone edged with frustration. I handed him the envelope, and he opened it quickly scanning the contents, his expression darkening. "Of course, he's Russian and ex-military" He rubbed his hand over his face letting out a low irritated hiss between his teeth. I chuckled dryly more out of disbelief than amusement."Who hires guys like this just to deliver a letter?" Nolan said"Do we even want to know?" I said "Maybe not" he muttered a flicker of concern crossing his face, and then he handed the envelope back to me."What about the blast?" he asked, his voice low "Any updates?" "None
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Thalia's POV We stepped outside, the Sunset Echo Antiques shop. The sun bathing us in its last golden glow for the day. I sighed staring at the swinging sign with a pang of disappointment. "Damn, I really thought a voice of bronze' meant this store" I muttered.The antique shop had seemed like the perfect answer—a familiar place from my childhood, and there was an arcade game machine called the lake. Cassie gave a sympathetic smile, nudging me gently "I mean it made sense, especially since you've been here so much” Sierra crossed her arms glancing up at the sign "And it even fits the clue, sunset Echo...it almost sounds poetic" I shook my head, trying to push away the feeling of failure "It's a dead end" I said finally "Let's just go home" Everyone nodded, and just as I turned toward the car, my stomach let out a low grumble.Sierra laughed "I saw a hotdog stand on the way here, let's stop there first" I chuckled dryly "Yes please, I haven't eaten anything all day" Cassie gave
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FORTY
Alexander's POV The cold water had been exactly what I needed, it sobered me instantly. I put on a pair of grey sweatpants and a white tee, feeling far better than I had a moment ago. Just as I ran a towel over my damp hair, my phone buzzed on the table. I picked it up and saw a string of missed calls and messages lit up the screen, from Liam, Nolan, and several other contacts who had reached out.My stomach tightened. Something was wrong. I pocketed the phone and practically jogged downstairs, the sounds of raised voices drew my attention and I entered the main hall.I was met with Mother's tear-streaked face, Father's tense demeanour, Liam's clenched jaw as he paced the room and Zachary was back too, his expression oddly grim. Mother's eyes locked on me immediately"Oh, Alex..." she whispered, her voice quivering "What's going on?" I demanded scanning the room as confusion tightened in my chest."When did you last speak to Thalia?" Father asked his voice low and controlled."She
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The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN
Thalia's POV "But we're here now" Lilith said, her voice wrapped with warmth, like she was coaxing me into forgiveness.My gaze snapped to her, sharp and unrelenting "You can go back to whatever Tartarus-like hole you came from" I spat, my tone laced with venom. Her smile faltered, the warmth draining from her features, she looked at me with wide, disbelieving eyes, as if she couldn't believe the words I was saying. I couldn't believe them either. Lilith had been my best friend, we were opposites in many ways—her a dreamer, me a realist... but our souls had always tangled, I used to imagine what it would feel like if she ever came back, alive and whole. I would have run to her, embraced her, and never let her go. Yet now, with her standing in front of me, breathing and real, her presence felt suffocating."We're here to stay, Thalia" Tobias said gently "It was wrong of us to leave, and we know that, we're sorry. Incredibly sorry. But we're here now, and we're not going anywhere. Ev
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX
Thalia's POV The first thing I felt was the warmth of sunlight, filtering through the cream-colored curtains, brushing my face, as if to lure me back to reality. The air was heavy with the earthy scent of petrichor, tinged with cinnamon and vanilla.It was so familiar, so achingly familiar, my chest tightened, and my body felt heavy, the remnants of unconsciousness still clinging to me as I sat upright, clutching at the sheets. This place... I knew this place. The jug of water on the bedside table gleamed under the beam of sunlight, condensation trickling down its surface. My throat burned with thirst. I reached for it, my fingers trembling as I poured myself a glass. The water was cool and soothing, but the simple act of drinking it couldn't calm the typhoon brewing inside me.I staggered to the window, its glass slightly fogged, with shaky hands. I wiped at the pane to clear my view. My heart sank as I took in the sight, of the pristine lake surrounded by pines, their leaves still
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE
Alexander's POV The door to the tech lab clicked shut behind me, and the hum of machinery filled the air, my shoulders were taut as I leaned against the nearest wall, dragging a hand through my hair. Outside, Nolan and Liam were in the main space. Liam was flipping through a flyer he'd found on the desk, his lips pursed in thought.Nolan, on the other hand, paced with a phone pressed to his ear, his free hand gesturing sharply as he spoke, the sight of them was oddly grounding; their restlessness mirrored my own.I crossed to the water dispenser, grabbed a cup, and filled it, needing the coolness to steady my nerves, the water slid down my throat, but it did little to soothe the growing unease nagging at me.Liam caught the movement and looked up "So? Is it done?" he asked, setting the flyer down and crossing his arms. I crushed the empty cup in my hand, tossing it in the nearby bin with more force than necessary"Seven days" I said "Maybe nine, that's how long it'll take to decrypt
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR
Alexander's POV The car hummed steadily as it sped through the darkened streets, the glow of the city fading in the distance. It was already nightfall, and the board meeting earlier today had been postponed at my father's insistence—he'd wanted to be present when it took place.Beside me in the backseat, Liam glanced out the window "Where exactly are we headed?" "To the safe house" I replied, my hand resting firmly on the briefcase on my lap. Inside it, the hard drive felt like a ticking bomb."We can't risk decrypting this anywhere near Croft HQ. Not yet. Not until we know exactly what's on it and how dangerous it is" Nolan was driving, his sharp eyes fixed on the road ahead, Liam nodded before returning his gaze to his phone. The safe house was my property, located on the city's outskirts, it was unassuming: an old warehouse on the surface but equipped with top-tier security and everything we'd need for the task. Liam turned to face me, his dark eyes burning with concern."You do
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
Thalia's POV The car slowed to a stop. The crunch of tires against gravel, the only sound as I peered out the window, my breath caught in my lungs. This wasn't the church Four hours, I had spent nearly four hours driving into oblivion with Andrei, convinced we were headed to the church, only to end up here.I stared at the house, a chill creeping down my spine, it wasn't the eerie quiet of the place or the way the thick trees surrounding it cast gawky shadows over the house.No. It was the familiarity of it. The house sat near a lake, its surface shimmering faintly under the golden light of a lamp outside, the cobblestone path leading up to the house was bordered with moss and wildflowers, creating a somewhat scenic look."This isn't the church" I snapped at him. Andrei parked the car a few feet away from the house and turned off the engine, he didn't look at me as he replied "I know" Before I could question him further, he got out of the car. I hesitated for a moment, then I ope
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO
Thalia's POV I sat stiffly in my seat, silently fuming, my arms crossed tightly, as I glared out the window. We had been driving for over thirty minutes now, and the once-crowded streets had given way to long, deserted paths. It was just us and the seemingly never-ending road. "I can't believe you didn't let me talk to him," I snapped, finally breaking the silence. My words hung in the air, but Andrei didn't flinch. He kept his eyes on the road, one hand casually resting on the steering wheel. The first driver came down from the car a few minutes back."He knows where you're going either way" he replied dryly, his tone bored. "Whatever" I shot back, trying to sound more confident than I felt "He must be worried" Andrei blinked, then let out a sharp, humorless chuckle "Worried?" He repeated, "You're the least of his concerns right now. At best, he might send someone to follow us, but he has far bigger problems to deal with—problems I'm sure you're aware of" I narrowed my eyes at
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE
Alexander's POV We reached the elevator, and I pressed the button, the wait feeling like an eternity as my thoughts churned. Elijah's words replayed in my mind, grating on my every nerves.Thalia's trust, her vulnerability... it was a dangerous combination, but one I'd become bound to protect, I am doing what I have to, and he'll be damned if I ever let her find out.Liam crossed his arms, leaning back as we waited. "She's gonna want to resume the office soon". The elevator doors slid open, and we stepped inside."She mentioned it, I was able to convince her against it" I replied finally, eyes fixed ahead as the doors closed.Liam tilted his head thoughtfully "Hmmm" he murmured, but the elevator chimed, announcing our arrival on the ground floor, as we stepped out, he finally spoke up, his voice low and direct."Patrick told me about your conversation this morning". I shot him a look. Of course, Patrick had told him, the stupid fucker was determined to prove a point! "And?" I repli
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER SIXTY
Thalia's POV I considered her words, pieces of the riddle aligning in my mind. "Alex and I figured out that the building was a church" Sierra's eyes widened with the realization "A church! Yes! What could be more sacred than that? And a gate—it all fits!" I nodded slowly, the solution forming. "So there's a well in a church, with a bell above it and a tree nearby, maybe even above it" Sierra let out a delighted squeal "We've solved the riddle!" "But which church? There are millions of them" Arabella pointed out.I smiled faintly, picking up my phone "I know the one, St. Augustine's Church, and..." I checked the map on my phone as the location confirmed itself "It's about a two-hour drive from here" "Well, let's go" Sierra suggested eagerly “It's still early in the morning, we can make it back by evening.”"Oh, can I tag along?" Arabella asked, her eyes lighting up. I hesitated, my mind racing through recent events, the memory of the last time Sierra, Cassie, and I went out toge
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE
Thalia's POV Another moan echoed, this one followed by a few grunts "Oh...fuck" came a voice. There was a sharp intake of breath, a murmured "Yes" followed by a chorus of muffled moans.The shelves behind the makeshift door rattled, vibrating against the wall.Who on earth would have sex in a library? I thought, horrified by the sounds I was hearing.The noises quieted, replaced by a soft giggle and a man's low voice murmuring something I couldn't make out, panic flared up in me. I had intruded on something, and I needed to leave before they realized I was there. Just as I turned to leave, ready to vanish before either of them noticed, I froze at the sound of my name."Thalia?" A female voice called out, laced with surprise... I knew that voice. My heart skipped, I turned, and there stood Sierra, looking equally stunned, her lipstick smudged, her cheeks flushed, her hair was tousled and although her clothes were in place, she looked...dishevelled, standing just behind her was Patric
