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Chapter 22: Shadows Of The Past
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2024-11-11 12:47:52Related chapters
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 23: A Threat To Her Secret
Louisa's eyes open in surprise and her palm becomes sweaty as she grips the phone tightly. “Who is this?” She queries.“You know exactly who this is, Louisa.” The low deep voice on the other end responds confidently, taking her by surprise.Louisa's heart races as she recognizes Kingsley's voice.“This guy never gives up, does he?” She asks herself inwardly and takes a deep breath to calm her racing heart.“I have nothing to hide, Mr Wills. If there's something else I can help you with, please……..” Louisa starts saying, but she suddenly hears a beep, which signals that Kingsley has dropped the call, cutting her off. She breathes out loudly, ruffles her hair in frustration, and storms out of her office angrily.“When is he going to run out of ways of getting on her nerves? Really? Why bother calling if he was going to cut her off like that?” Louisa keeps muttering to herself as she walks. She glances at the phone in her left hand and angrily shuts it down in case he decides to call h
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 24: A Lesson In Manners
Louisa quickly makes her way to CEO Ashby's office, after excusing herself from Evelyn. She wonders what prompted the sudden summons.With her heels clicking on the glossy floor, Louisa rushes down the hallway. After speaking with Evelyn, she was unable to get rid of her uneasiness. What would CEO Ashby want?With a tinge of relief on his face, Ashby looks up from the papers on his desk as she walks into his office."Thanks for coming, Louisa. I've spent the last hour attempting to get in touch with you.""I'm sorry, sir," Louisa replies. I just returned from a business meeting. What is this about?”Ashby reclines in his seat. "I need an update on the project you're working on. How far along is the marketing plan?”Understanding that it is merely a standard check in, Louisa relaxes. "Sir, we're on schedule. The campaign proposals are being finalized by the team. I will forward the report to you.”Ashby nods in satisfaction. "Well.The board has been putting pressure on me to reach th
The Billionaire's Fake Romance chapter 25: Back In The Game!
Linda approaches the doctor's office, the sound of her heels echoing through the hallway. The power with which she pulls open the door surprises even her. The only sounds in the room are the steady hum of an air conditioner and the gentle shuffling of papers, which create a serene, professional environment. Standing next to a filing cabinet, Fred looks up, startled. She becomes even more enraged as he looks at her and his eyes briefly flash with surprise. She inhales deeply and walks towards him, her intense eyes burning. Unaware of the fury building inside her, Fred attempts a nice smile and says, "Linda, I was just going to—" "Save it," she interrupts in a steely voice. Her face is piercing and unflinching, she takes a step forward, bringing them closer. "Fred, are you really that blind?" His blinking is unexpected. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She chuckles, but her laughter isn't funny. "Last week. The lunchbox. Do you recall? I saw you act as though I didn'
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 26: Discovering Hidden Information (i)
Louisa drives into the parking lot of Kings County Hospital Centre after the day's work. She makes her way to Liam's hospital room looking tired and famished. She had been cooped up and occupied throughout the day, preparing for an investor conference that would happen the following week.Being the leader of R&D team 1 of Palmer Tech, she is going to lead a presentation on the prospects and limitations of their latest project, Mist.Her face looks pale, and her hand hangs limp, with her arms loosely clenched. Her footsteps drag along as she struggles to maintain momentum.She briefly deliberates whether to drop by Dr Fred's office for an update on the surgery process or just go directly to Liam's room.Considering her exhaustion, she chooses the latter, reckoning she could text him to come meet her.Letting herself into the room, she finds Liam seated on his bed, fiddling with his stuffed rabbit, Jannie More while seeing a cooking show on the television.“Welcome, Mommy.” He greets,
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 27: Discovering Hidden Information (ii)
“A strange entry is contained in Liam's medical records. At the age of two, he underwent a DNA test, but the result is confidential. However, the copy that we were able to acquire does not match any known DNA profiles." Kingsley's gaze grows wide. "What does this mean?""It means Liam's father is unknown; Mr. Wills and Miss Emerson have taken great care to keep it that way," Lyon reports.Different options runs through Kingsley's mind. Is Louisa concealing the truth to protect Liam or for her safety? He knows he would have to face her once more.“I'm grateful, Lyon. Your assistance has been really helpful.” Kingsley replies, ending the call.The investigation's conclusion only made Louisa and Liam's mystery much more complex. Kingsley becomes more and more determined to find out. ***********************************Evelyn spends the remainder of that week reliving her date with John in her head.She wonders if John is thinking of her too, and every time she think
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 28: A String of Plans
With a determined expression on her face, Rachel nods.“Indeed, we simply need to somehow catch her in the act, cause her to make a mistake, or at least, get her to own up to her genuine motivations. She won't be able to use him to disparage you if we can make her appear terrible in front of Kingsley and other board members.” Cordelia says and then pauses.“It seems you're working on something, Rachel, with that mischievous mind of yours. Let it slip, come on.” Cordelia teases Rachel, her ears itching to hear how exactly they can make Louisa slip up.She knows Rachel well enough to understand that she never makes vague plans and suggestions. She is always very detailed."It's okay if Louisa wants to play games. We'll offer her an unforgettable performance that she won't soon forget.” A smile stretched across Cordelia's face as her eyes lit up. "I'm paying attention, Rachel; go on." With a careful nibble, Rachel breaks a cookie in two and picks it up. "We'll start by gathering as muc
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 29: The Unknown Caller
The once comfortable room feels claustrophobic now, the menacing message stifling their laughs.Fear creeps in as Cordelia's gaze meets Rachel's. "Someone knows." Rachel furrowed her brow as her eyes skimmed the message again. "The question is who?" As their pleasure and laughing fades, uneasiness takes its place. Cordelia's voice becomes hardly audible. "Do you think Louisa found out?" Rachel's face grows stern. "We can't back down now.""But what if we're walking into a trap?" Cordelia's hand clenches around her cup.They exchange anxious looks, their confidence is shaken. "We need to know who's behind this." Rachel eventually states, reaching for her cell phone in her clutch purse.“Who are you gonna call?” Cordelia asks, seeing Rachel dial a number in her phone.“Whoever sent that message is someone close to you or someone who is watching you. Either way, there's a person who can find out.”However, Cordelia's cell phone buzzes again signaling an incoming call.She peers at th
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 30: Racing Against Time
The sun rises above the city as Linda stands in the rest area of the hospital building, staring out the window. She inhales deeply, allowing the warmth to fill her lungs."I can control my actions, but I can't control my heart." she soliloquizes. Even if Fred doesn’t feel the same way, Linda is determined to keep being her amazing self. In the days that followed her confrontation with Fred, she had remained cordial with him throughout. She would bring him coffee, listen intently to his worries, and give him wise counsel. But Fred's lack of interest persists. Whenever Louisa's name comes up, Linda's heart would throb but Fred's eyes would light up. As they take a break after the afternoon rounds a few days later, Fred enthusiastically gives Louisa updates on the development of her son over a call while Linda listens to his excited voice."Louisa's been amazing, helping him through this tough time," Fred says to Linda with a smile, after ending the call with Louisa. Despite her
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The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 57: Cordelia's Gambit
High above New York City's busy streets, the penthouse is a gem of contemporary luxury. A continuous view of the skyline is provided by the floor-to-ceiling windows that run the length of the walls. The city below is a hive of activity but within the suite, everything is quiet. Wearing a sharply fitted suit, Kingsley Wills sits in a sleek leather recliner by the windows. A steaming cup of coffee is in his hand, and his dark hair is neatly styled. Richness and power are evident in the atmosphere, which is heavy with the aroma of espresso and polished wood. A few steps away, Hardy stands, holding a tablet and carrying a notepad under his arm. Although he has a professional stance, his expression has a tinge of doubt. Kingsley brakes the silence by leaning back in his chair and narrowing his eyes. He says, "Hardy, I need you to arrange for a house," with a tone of determination in his voice. “Something appropriate. spacious, contemporary, and in a desirable area. My s
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 56: "I Met You"
A while later, Liam drifts to sleep and Evelyn prepares to leave. “See you tomorrow,” she says, rising to her feet and grabbing her hand bag. Louisa rises as well. She follows Evelyn out the door. As they walk silently through the hallway to the parking lot, Evelyn suddenly nudges Louisa, “are you worried about how to face Fred?” Louisa heaves a sigh, “that too, but my major worry is how to tell Liam about his father. Kingsley wants me to do it as soon possible.” “You’re supposed to do that at will Louisa. You're a strong woman but let down your guard easily around Kingsley. He can't keep bullying you with what happened five years ago. You shouldn't let him. And most importantly, he shouldn't dictate to you when or what to tell Liam. It should be your decision.” Evelyn comments slowly, as they continue walking side by side. “He settled the bills. We will be going home next week.” Louisa says, her tone neutral. “That's only natural. Just don't get intimidated, am
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 55: Forgotten Outing
“Evelyn, please rest,” Louisa replies sarcastically, swirling the pen in her hand. “No badass men are all over me.” “Then, you're probably blind. Wait, why do you think Fred has been so good to you and your son?” Evelyn asks, her eyes narrowing in genuine curiousity to her friend's view. “We're friends and also neighbours.” Louisa states, leaning towards Evelyn to emphasize her point. Evelyn let out a low sarcastic laugh, “how naive can you be girl? Even a blind person knows Fred is very much into you?” “Dream on Eve, I personally do not see him that way, besides, he has never asked me out to–” Louisa's voice trails off as a realization hits her like the butt of a gun. She was supposed to go somewhere with Fred two nights ago! Although he didn't say where, he had asked her to go somewhere with him and she agreed. How did she totally forget, only to remember after two whole days! Fuck! She blinks severally and her mouth refuses to close, which catches Evelyn's attention. Sh
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 54: Antiquated Romance Drama
John becomes more and more uneasy as he goes back and forth in his living room. His phone's call log, which shows innumerable outgoing calls and unanswered texts to Evelyn over the previous few days, reveals his growing despair. She doesn't reply to any of his messages, which is a startling concern given her custom of responding promptly. He had visited her home twice and knocked repeatedly, but each time there had been no answer. The fact that a neighbor had casually said that he had seen her leave early in the morning did little to calm him. Seeing no other recourse, he decides to go see her at her office. He needs answers, but it seemed invasive. After a few hours, John arrives at Palmer Tech building, bubbling with a hive of activity, with staff and guests mingling in its modern lobby area. John tries to hide his anxiety as he walks up to the receptionist. He declares, "I'm here to see Evelyn Mayers." The receptionist gives him a quick look. “Do you have an ap
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 53: Personal Troubles
Except for the little hum of activity coming from down the hall, Liam's waiting room is silent. With his arms crossed over his chest, he paces close to the window. Evelyn taps lightly on the armrest while sitting with her legs crossed. Fred leans against the wall, looking at the door and then at his phone. As they all wait for Louisa, tension pervades the air. A sense of relief fills the room as Louisa eventually enters, appearing worn out but neat. She brushes a hand through her hair and greets, "Morning," with a slight smile. "Mom!" Liam rushes over to her, his anxiety obvious. "What happened? Are you alright? We've been quite anxious.” "I’m fine, Liam," Louisa reassures him while putting a hand on his shoulder. She looks up at Evelyn and Fred saying, "I apologize for worrying you all. I was so worn out after leaving the hospital yesterday that I just dozed off and didn't wake up until this morning. I swear, nothing is wrong.” Evelyn looks at her for a ti
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 52: Historical Shadows
As Louisa enters her front door, the home feels colder than usual. The slight click of her heels on the wood floor is muffled by the weight of the pain in her chest. She throws her clutch on the couch and sinks down next to it, holding her face in her shaking hands. Sharp and unrelenting, Kingsley's words replays in her head. "You were nothing short of garbage!" "Queen of Deceit." Every word cut through her poise, exposing her vulnerability and rawness. Even though she had expected him to be hostile, the poison in his charges nonetheless, managed to pierce her more deeply than she had thought. She struggles to hold back her emotions, but before she could stop them, the dam bursts. She let out a sob, then another, and before she knows it, the stress of years was leaking out of her in fits of tears. Her thoughts strays to that fateful day that everything changed, the day Martha died, five years ago. She wishes Martha is here today, by her side to comfort her, tell her
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 51: "Joint Custody?"
Kingsley leans forward, his fingers drumming on the glass table before him, his eyes flickering with something incomprehensible. "Miss Emerson?” He repeats, more of a statement than a question, “send her in." He drops the call, a hint of relief evident on his face. It is true he has been feeling jittery since his visit to the hospital. He knows for a fact that she is hard hearted and stubborn. So, he wasn't sure she would be shaken by his threat and come find him, just because he said so. But the major cause of his anxiety is that he doesn't want to fight her. He had been hoping like hell that he wouldn't have to. Despite her faults, he knows she must have been through a lot, caring for a child who was born sick, alone. Hardy, still standing and awaiting his order raises his eyebrows, just enough to be noticeable but remains silent. He leaves swiftly at the gesture of Kingsley, giving him time to gather himself. Moments later, Louisa Emerson enters the office, her movemen
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 50: Dancing With The Devil
Cordelia's mouth clenches when she takes a look at the charge card Lyon slid over the table. She knows his fee is going to be high but her jaw drops at the ridiculous numbers written on it. She draws a tiny line with her lips and throws it back across the table.Her voice is low but piercing as she hisses, "This is crazy, Ryder. I refuse to pay that. And for your other request,—" she says in a tone subtly laced with contempt, "—you can forget it."Lyon laughs quietly and reclines in his chair, seemingly taking pleasure in her annoyance. "You should understand that negotiating is an art, Cordelia. Additionally, I believe we both understand that you are not here to go empty-handed.”Cordelia glares at him while folding her arms. "Avoid putting me to the test, Ryder. Over a dozen other investigators are present in this city.But none is like me,” Lyon responds with a smooth grin that never wavers. "I possess the contacts, expertise, and dirt you require.You're here because I delive
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 49: Dangerous Alliance
Cordelia types away on her office system, her mind focused on the memo she is preparing, which would be needed the following day for a presentation.Given the importance of that presentation, CEO Alan had explicitly stated that she should get it done herself, rather than passing it on to junior secretaries.Alan had effortlessly switched to professional mode the following week he insulted and humiliated her. It is very characteristic of him to switch like that, like the ashole that he is, until the next time his sexual urge beckons on him for a prey.Then, he'd remember he has a little sex toy nearby who can give him the ride of his life and massage his damned dick.Her phone chimes on the table, indicating an incoming text.Irritated with the interruption, she hisses, but her face brightens up when she glances at the screen and she sees that it is a message from Ryder Lyon.“Cafe Blaire, 3pm. Come with your charm.”She mentally rolls her eyes while putting the phone away.Thankfully
