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Chapter 39: Threads Of Truth (ii)
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2024-11-19 16:15:57Related chapters
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
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 41: DNA Result (i)
As the woman bursts into the room, Evelyn's body tenses and her eyes widen in shock. Pulling back instinctively, she looks from John to the intruder."What are you doing here, Sophia?" John says in a startled and irritated tone.Sophia narrows her eyes as they dart between Evelyn and John while she walks to the middle of the living room, crossing her arms over her chest. "John, I knew you would get over me quickly, but I didn't think you would do it so….. unashamedly."Evelyn gets to her feet quickly, obviously uneasy. "I should leave. It seems like this is something between you two.”John reaches out and gently grabs her hand to stop her as she takes a step back. "Hold on, Evelyn. Don't leave, please. This is not how it appears."Sophia interrupts with a sour laugh and scoffs. "Oh, do not listen to him, stranger. Fred likes to exaggerate.”“Her name is Evelyn and she is not a stranger!” John snaps at Sophia, obliviously pissed.He turns back to Evelyn as his face hardens. "Look, I'm
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 42: DNA Result (ii)
Just as Hardy turns off the car ignition and is about to alight, he suddenly remembers the cozy personal picture that Louisa accidentally displayed during her first presentation. He had dismissed the incident as unimportant since his boss never spoke about it but now that he thinks about it, it does seem like those two do have a history. Hardy tries to connect the dots but makes no headway. He comes to the conclusion that he must find the connection between his boss and Louisa, even if Kingsley doesn't want to talk about it. Although Kingsley can be intimidating and domineering sometimes, Hardy knows that he is not a bad person. Neither is he a bad boss. His thoughts strays to the fateful day in Sydney, Australia, when he first met Kingsley. It was three years ago. His family's business had failed, he was struggling to make ends meet. He had reached his lowest point but Kingsley, a prosperous businessman already, had gambled on him. He was begging for scraps outside a loca
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 43: A Deal With The Devil
Cordelia paces the length of her living room in deep thought, her eyes flashing with fury.After a while, she takes a seat in a single chair, crossing her legs and arms in a defensive posture.Her clenched jaw and narrowed eyes, an indication of the anger boiling inside her.Leaning forward with her elbows on her knees, the memory of Louisa's arrogant look flashes in her mind; it stings like salt in a fresh wound.And the humiliating reprimand from Alan afterwards?It has been lingering in her mind like a bitter taste. There is no way she’s letting them go unscathed. Both of them. Not before she's had her own pound of flesh.Picking up her cellphone, she strolls to the window, pauses for a while and then, making up her mind, she taps a contact she hadn't called in a while. A smooth baritone voice answers after it rings twice."Cordelia, you nearly cut me off the other day. To what do I owe this call?”With a steady but tense voice, she replies, "Ryder, please do me a favor."From
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 44: A Second Opinion
Kingsley heaves a heavy breath, the weight of the discovery hitting him harder than he'd thought. He grabs the back of his head, feeling drained from the reels of thoughts scattered in his brain. He had made a decision not to have biological children because of the generic disease in his lineage. He didn't want to subject an offspring of his to the kind of difficult life he had. But now, he has a son? And that son has been right in front of him but he had no idea? The image of Liam's innocent face forms in his head and he closes his eyes, feeling a surge of protectiveness he hadn't expected. The anger he feels toward Louisa begins to shift. He doesn’t know what he would say to her, how he would even begin to confront her about this. But one thing is certain: he is going to be part of his son’s life, and she would have no say in that matter. “Sir?" Hardy calls out. Kingsley turns, his eyes narrowing. “I've been thinking...about your connection to Miss Emerson and her son.
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 45: "Quit Bluffing!"
Evelyn arrives at John's place, the next evening, a bottle of champagne in hand and a hesitant smile on her face. She had arrived from work earlier than usual and was just catching up on her favorite TV shows when John texted her to come over. He wants them to spend the evening together, given her first visit was almost ruined by an unwelcomed guest. Although Evelyn is happy at the invitation, the awkward visit of Sophia is still fresh in her mind. She worries if Sophia would barge in like she did last time. However, she pushes it aside, deciding to believe in John's assurances. The door opens just as she raises her hand to knock and John flashes her with a bright smile while pulling her in for a hug. “I've been waiting all afternoon, come on.” He ushers her in, taking her hand in his. Evelyn smiles shyly, “sorry I came late, I was stuck in traffic for sometime. Here, I bought champagne.” “Don't worry, I'll be the one stuck in traffic next time. The champagne is perfect by
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 46: A Quiet Storm (i)
The germless, clean fragrance of the hospital room remains in the air as Louisa drapes a thick duvet around Liam, who sits propped up in his bed. He has just been moved from the ICU to his private room, for further monitoring before being discharged finally. His cheeky grin belays the ordeal he's been through. Louisa can't help but return his smile although her tired eyes betray the exhaustion of sleepless nights. Her son is finally awake, stable and being his usual mischievous self again. It is a relief she isn't sure she deserves but she clings to it regardless. “You're doing too much again, mommy,” Liam swoons, his eyes twinkling. “I'm not a baby doll.” Louisa gives a low chuckle, genuinely amused by her son's folly. She brushes a strand of hair off his face. “ironic, coming from a four year old,” She teases him. “Come on, I'm just trying to make sure you're comfortable. Let me mother you a bit before resuming office.” “Don't jest mom,” Liam says, reaching for his favo
The Billionaire's Fake Romance Chapter 47: A Quiet Storm (ii)
“Let's settle this now Louisa,” Kingsley starts, his voice bitter and colder than she'd ever heard it. He hesitates, just outside the threshold of the hallway, facing her squarely. His intent gaze seems to bore into her soul and Louisa wonders what the hell is going on. “I'll ask you again, who is your son's father?” Louisa's palms become clammy and her breath hitch as she realizes that Kingsley still has doubts about her son's paternity. She knew the moment he found out that Liam is her son that things would become hectic, because, for a fact, the odds are actually high. Knowing he is four years old and also has his generic disease is too big for a coincidence. But she didn't expect him to be so invested in the matter despite her refusal to open up. What exactly is it with this man? Does he want to see her shriveled up and dead from anxiety? She blinks and opens her mouth to speak but no sound comes out. Her mind races for something, anything, that would suffice as an a
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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
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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
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“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
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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
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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
