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CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
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The 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
The 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
The 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
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY- FIVE
Thalia's POV Then came the day of the gala, It had been postponed for a few days, but now, it was finally upon us.I was in the middle of reading when I heard the door open and I looked up to see Cassie walking in, a wide grin on her face."Cassie!" I exclaimed excitedly as I placed the book I was reading on the small table beside me, she practically jumped on me wrapping her arms around me in a tight bear hug which I returned with equal enthusiasm."Girl, I missed you so much” she said, pulling away but still keeping her hands on my shoulders as if to make sure I was really here. "I was going to come see you earlier but Alexander thought it was best to leave you be for a little while.” She gave me a sympathetic look and I nodded in agreement. "Yeah I feel much better now" I said offering her a reassuring smile.Cassie's face shifted slightly "So... you met Lorraine huh?"I narrowed my eyes at her "Yes, I did” I responded. “But I’m not sure ‘met’ is the word to use” I said. “She
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY - SIX
Thalia's POV He raised his glass clinking it lightly drawing the crowd's attention. "Everyone if I could have your attention, please" he began, the room fell silent and all eyes were on us. "I'd like to introduce you to my wife, the love of my life, Thalia Asplundh." A wave of gasps and whispers rippled through the crowd as Alexander continued to speak."Our connection was undeniable and we didn't want to waste any time. We married privately with only our closest friends present and tonight I'm proud to share this moment with all of you" He held up my hand showing off the ring as the room erupted into applause.I glanced over at Cassie, who was grinning at me from across the room, but my gaze quickly landed on Brandon and Bella.Both of whom looked like they were about to explode with anger and my heart swelled with unimaginable happiness.As the applause died down, Winona approached us, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Congratulations Thalia" she said to me softly though
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Thalia's POV Cassie's eyes widened slightly and she glanced at me."So, they're joining forces with us?" "Yes" Liam confirmed "It's only a matter of time before they strike again and they know it, we're all taking extra precautions” I barely absorbed what he said, the weight of the night pressing down on my shoulders, the noise of the gala, the laughter and distant clinking of glasses, nettled on me. I glanced up as Nolan approached, a familiar calm in his steps. "Evening, you all” he greeted, his voice steady “How's the gala?" I offered him a faint nod, grateful for his presence. It was Nolan who had brought me to their grandma's house when I ran. He made me the best tea I ever tasted. "It's going well” Cassandra answered smoothly "Are you done with Patrick?" Nolan nodded grabbing a drink from a waiter in passing “It's all in place” he said but his voice didn't hold the usual satisfaction of a completed task.I leaned toward Cassie lowering my voice so only she could hear
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Thalia's POV The man smiled, a slow, malicious-looking grin that sent a wave of ice through my veins."Good evening, ladies" he said his voice dark and smooth"Hope you don't mind me waiting for you" My mouth went dry, this wasn't good. How had he gotten in? How long had he been here? Cassie took a step back, subtly pulling me with her as she asked her voice steady but sharp."Who are you?" He leaned back casually in the chair, his smile widening. "I'm a friend, and I come in peace" "Peace?" I repeated my voice cracking. I glanced at Cassie who shot me a quick concerned look."How did you get here so fast?"The man tilted his head furrowing his brow as if confused. "What do you mean?" he asked a mocking chuckle escaping his lips For a moment, I thought he might be the same guy from the store, the one who had been watching us earlier, but now I realized I was wrong. This man's shoulders were broader. So whoever had been following us wasn't him."Get out now," Cassie demanded,
The Billionaire's Damned Secret CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Thalia's POV Sergeant Thorsen stood before us with a clipboard in his hand. "Thank you both for your time" he said giving us a tight smile. "Thanks to the sketch provided, we've put out a BOLO search for him" Alexander stepped forward, shaking his hand."We appreciate it, we just want to make sure you find him before the situation escalates" he said. The sergeant nodded "We'll keep you posted on any developments" He gestured toward the door “You're free to go for now” It was 10:00 a.m. and we had just finished at the police station, helping them sketch a picture of the man who had broken into the house.The home security system had been disabled by him, so none of the cameras had captured his face. I felt uneasy knowing there was still no real clue as to who this man was or what he wanted. As we left the room I leaned into Alexander and whispered "What about the riddle?" He glanced down at me his expression unreadable "That's for us to handle" he murmured "The police wouldn't
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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
