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Chapter 32: The Puppet Master
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2024-11-14 17:06:48Related chapters
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 33: The Investors Conference (i)
On a Monday morning, Louisa stands with confidence, checking herself out in front of the half length mirror in the bathroom of Liam's private hospital room. She had practiced her presentation for the investors conference for many hours and even overnight, honing every little detail. She would have loved to spend the night on her comfy bed at home but for Liam's surgery scheduled for the following day. "Mom, you look sharp." Liam smiles adoringly at his mother as she exits the bathroom and takes a seat on a single chair, crossing her legs. Louisa grins, resolve gleaming in her eyes. "Thank you, my love. I'm sharp." Her phone beeps with a text from Dave, her research assistant and she reaches for it. "Miss Emerson, the technical staff will be ready to put up the presentation equipment at eight in the morning. I'll see you at nine.” With a mental cross off her list, Louisa nods to herself. Looking up at Liam, she says, “it's Fred's day off. He promised to stay with you til
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 34: The Investors Conference (ii)
Evelyn's eyes widens in bewilderment as she rushes into the facility. She had been called for a family emergency that morning and couldn't make it early. But a quick call to Luisa had assured her that she could take a few hours off since they have everything under control. But she arrives to meet chaos. She is especially shocked to see the presentation slides and her mouth hangs open. After all of their meticulous preparation, this was the last thing she had anticipated. Uncertain of what to do next, she freezes. But Dave eventually manages to take back control of the slides as Kingsley spoke. He gives Louisa a victorious thumbs-up, and the original Mist slides takes the place of the fabricated data. Louisa grabs the opportunity and speaks more forcefully than ever. “I'm grateful, Mr. Wills. We'll return to Mist's actual vision now, everyone, if you'll let me continue." Her enthusiasm and knowledge win back the audience as she continues to discuss the revolutionary eff
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 35: The Transplant
“Come on, Evelyn,” Cordelia says, waving dismissively while feigning innocence. “I'm only saying we should be consistent. Respect requires some of us to put in more effort and not take shortcuts.” She gave Alan a thoughtful glance, as he observes the conversation with a slight smirk of satisfaction. Silently, Ashby watches as well, his face unreadable, but his silence is almost acquiescence. Louisa takes a deep breath, lifts her chin, and looks directly into Cordelia's eyes. "I won't respond in a way that would degrade your implication, Cordelia. “If you're worried about professionalism, you might want to concentrate on your own. It is hardly the conduct of a professional who strives for honesty to ruin a presentation.” Cordelia's face briefly lit up with rage, but she quickly recovers and smiles mockingly at Louisa. “Be careful, Louisa. You're portraying me as your adversary.” Even though everyone can still hear her, she leans closer and speaks almost in a whisper. “For
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 36: A Scathing Reprimand
Hours passed. Louisa keeps checking her phone and the wall clock in the hallway. It had taken longer than they had anticipated. She feels a whirl of anxiety that almost turns into a panic. At last, the operating room doors open, and Professor Craig appears, looking tired but calm. Louisa's eyes shoot up as she leaps to her feet. "Is he...?" Professor Craig's lips stretch into a thin line. "Liam's heart is recovering nicely from the procedure. Although it took longer than anticipated, we remain hopeful.” Though it was tinged with fatigue, Louisa feels a wave of relief sweep over her, and her breath catches. "Thank you," she whispers, putting her palms together and closing her eyes. Professor Craig gives a nod, but his expression changes. “There's something we weren't prepared for.” "What do you mean?" Louisa asks, her heart in her mouth. Dr. Fred joins them, and Professor Craig pauses, looking at him. “It might be necessary for us to continue monitoring him. Al
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 37: A Secret Favour
Just like Lyon, Hardy has not been able to find out anything regarding Liam's paternity. He had used every available resource at his disposal, which is a lot, but still, he got no useful result. Louisa indeed took care of it nicely so that anyone doesn't find anything, no matter how hard they try. But he isn't about to give up. His interest in it only heightens day after day. He knows Louisa to be a cunning woman and he can feel it in his gut that she is probably up to her old tricks again. But who is she trying to deceive this time? Five years ago, it was him. Who is her prey now? Stepping into the ICU and seeing Liam lying almost lifelessly on his bed, his heart sinks as memories of his after-surgery ordeal resurface. Why is Louisa denying such a fragile kid the love of his father — whoever it is? She probably has her reasons but does she think she can care for this boy alone? Looking around, he finds that she is absent and he heaves a sigh. Although her absence i
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 38: Threads Of Truth (i)
Linda's chest constricts, but she maintains her smile. "Louisa?” She asks, in pretense of not recognizing the name. “Yeah, my friend from the other day” “Oh! The boy’s mother? What's happening?” “The boy's name is Liam.” Fred promptly corrects her. “Well?” Linda shrugs, looking expectantly at Fred. She signals him to keep talking with a wave of her hand. "You know, she's been down lately. To lift her spirits, I simply want to do something special for her. But to be honest, I have no idea." He gives a little chuckle. "You know me, after all. This kind of stuff is not exactly my forte.” Linda swallows, attempting to hide her pain. "Who would have thought you're this thoughtful?” Linda mutters under her breath while looking away from Fred. Unable to understand her words even after straining his ears, he asks, “what do you say?” Linda smiles half-heartedly and speaks up, “Louisa is the only one you think about isn't she?” She tilts her head thoughtfully, forcing herself to b
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 39: Threads Of Truth (ii)
But all is still. The weight of silence surrounds him, thick and pressing. As Kingsley fills out the required documentation, his hand quivers a little. He quietly chastises himself, realizing that he has come too far to lose his nerve now. After finishing, he returns the paperwork, and the receptionist directs him to a private waiting area. A few minutes later, a lab technician with a clipboard and a white coat shows up. "Mr. Kingsley, I understand you’re here for a paternity test?" Nodding, Kingsley replies, “that's correct." ”With caution, he produces the vial and hands it over, saying, "I have a sample here." The technician points to an adjacent chair after taking a quick look at the vial. “To conduct the test, we'll also need a sample from you. This won't take long at all.” After settling onto the chair, Kingsley rolls up his sleeve and prepares himself mentally. The technician swabs the inside of Kingsley's cheek, and although the entire process ends quickly, Kin
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 40: Date Gone Wrong
For a moment, they both stand silently, each lost in their own thoughts. Half expecting to see Kingsley reappear, Louisa finds herself looking down the hall. She can't decide whether he came simply to check on Liam, like last time or if he had other intentions.Even if it is to just check on Liam, his visit is becoming uncomfortable for her.She better start devising a plan to keep Liam away from him.Thank goodness the surgery is over. Hopefully, they'll be out of here soon.Once out, she will make sure to get Liam away from New York for a while.A holiday at her cousin's place in Baltimore, Maryland will probably be a good move.Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, for later consideration, she looks up at Fred."Do you think Liam will be okay with… all of this?" She begins, her voice hesitant.“When he wakes up, he might need us more than before.”Fred looks into her eyes, sensing the unspoken fear that lurks beneath: that Liam would be different upon awakening, that he w
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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
