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The Billionaire's Pawn 58
STRIKER “Here it is.” I presented the final project for Premium. I hoped I made Dad proud. “A WellPro is a wellness program in one app. “What does it do? It’s everything in one app, from workout routine, diet, food benefits, supplements, and weight loss programs. It will detect your heart rate and blood sugar level through your sweat, to name a few. I know what you all gonna say.” I looked at them. They quickly lost interest. “Yeah, I’ve seen that many times. Yes, probably in most apps out there, but one thing makes this app different and impressive.” I clicked the remote. The device appeared on the screen. “It’s an app and a device. What does this device do? You can bring it anywhere. Pretty handy, by the way. Attach the straps around your legs and wrists, and turn it on your phone or smart tv. Should I go on, or I’ll wrap it up.” I already saw the excitement in their eyes. “I wanna hear it,” said the head of the research. “The workout program will play— from dance moves, HIIT,
The Billionaire's Pawn 59
LONDON The grand opening of the new LH branch was successful and crowded with shoppers. I was glad the last thing I did was something I could be proud of, even if it were my last day as the CEO of LH. “Can I get a picture with you?” A teenager asked. “Of course.” I put my arm around her as I smiled before she took the selfie. “Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” I noticed another girl browsing through dresses, one of my designs, but she hadn’t chosen anything. She checked the tag price and sighed. My guess was the dress was above her budget. I went to her. “Do you like it?” She looked at me and nodded. “What’s your size?” “Um, I can’t afford that once.” I picked one in her size. She was a little bit round. So I chose a large size for her. “Try this on.” “Um, I’ll check on other items.” “Don’t worry, this one is on me,” I whispered, winking at her. “Aren’t you the owner?” With eyes wide, she whispered back. “That gives me the right to give you a discount, but this one is fre
The Billionaire's Pawn 60
STRIKER “So you went there to see her?” “Yeah.” I dipped the fries into the ketchup. I suddenly remembered when we first met after her father fired me. I was so happy at that time to see the excitement in her eyes. Sax and Kye remained silent, listening to Linden and me. “You’re serious about this?” “Yes.” My eyes narrowed. “I’m only giving her what she wants.” “You keep saying that. What about your wants and your needs? How about your feelings? Your heart?” Kye asked. “This is crazy,” finally, Sax talked. “Our friends are madly in love with each other, but these two?” He shook his head. “I’m disappointed with you, man. I know, deep inside, you’re struggling. You’re heartbroken. Before you do something drastic like this, you need to accept it is happening. What I see right now is nothing but denial. Do you think a high tower, a nice job, and billions of money will make you happy? I’ll let you slit my throat if you ever feel the same love again in another woman.” “Don’t do that
The Billionaire's Pawn 61
STRIKER Linus Vanderford was too paranoid for his own good that he now looked like the head of the cartel instead of a successful businessman. “I wanna see Mr. Vanderford.” I met his butler at the entrance. “Of course, sir. Come in. He’s in the study.” “Thank you.” I went to study with Linden. “Is this extra security for you, or there’s a threat against him?” “I don’t know, but if he pissed off his daughter, I’m sure he pissed off a lot of people, too.” I knocked on the door. The goon who tackled London before opened the door. “I’d like to talk to Sir Linus.” “Alone,” he said in one word, eyeing Linden, but with the look on his face, he could bang his head against mine in anger. “Of course.” “I’ll be in the car.” Linden stayed back and gripped my shoulder as his sign that he got my back. I entered the office. To my surprise, he was not alone. He was with a man around his age but didn’t look familiar. “Striker, come in. Have a seat.” “Thank you.” “Let me know if you need
The Billionaire's Pawn 62
STRIKER “You’ve been sighing, and you’re here playing golf with disinterest while you’re mind is somewhere. Have you talked to your wife?” “Sorry.” My plans went well than I had planned. I could finally take London away from her self-serving father. “I have a lot in mind lately.” I hadn’t told Moses that Linus had something to do with the plane crash, not until I could convince him to help my fucking father-in-law under the threat of an Italian mafia. “You’re exhausted. If you don’t stop whatever nonsense you’re doing, you’ll end up in a mental institute.” “Jeez, thanks.” “I’m serious, son.” He struck the ball, landing close to the pin. He played golf often, and he was good at it. I preferred soccer—football in Europe, also famous in Capria. I liked to get my body worn out. It was a good workout, anyway, unlike golf. “I heard you.” “Okay, that’s enough.” He signaled Emory to bring the cart. “Just say it.” “Say what?” I followed him to the approaching Emory. “I can’t play a g
The Billionaire's Pawn 63
LONDON “What took you so long in the bathroom?” Neke waited for me at the door with her fist against her hip and studied me for a while. “You’re gonna also ask me the color of my pee or poop?” She pursed her lips to hide her smile. “I didn’t expect you to adapt to this kind of life so quickly.” “You mean my poor life?” “Jeez, London.” She rolled her life. “I’m aware I’m poor, but you don’t have to shove it in my face.” “I’m sorry. I don’t mean it like that.” I was about to come to her when she raised her hands. “Just kidding. You’re not poor. I’m sure you have savings, and I also have a few thousand dollars in my account.” “There’s a clause in the contract that I can’t have the percentage of the revenue until it meets that deadline. But we’re going to start searching for jobs today.” I joined her in the kitchen. It was nine in the morning, but we were still in her apartment. It had been a week since we were jobless. And I didn’t know why she hadn’t tried job hunting. “Wait
The Billionaire's Pawn 64
LONDON I’d been living at Striker’s house for a week now. I had no complaint. In fact, it felt like home to me, even if he was not around. This house was once my home, after all, until my life fell apart. Neke was still in shock upon finding out the new owner, Braddson-Cade LLC. She even searched for it online. Despite everything happening so fast, I still considered myself lucky. I got my work back. I was beginning to pick up pieces—that was what I should do— and damn, I owed that to myself— When you fall, learn from it, get up, and rise again. I may have a roof over my head, but I hadn’t seen Striker again. I guessed he was true to his words. I didn’t do it for you. Those were his last words. Harsh, but I probably deserved it. It was Saturday. I woke up at seven in the morning. After my workout, I went to the kitchen and wasn’t alone anymore. “Reef, you don’t have to do that anymore.” “My job, ma’am.” He was stocking some supplies into cupboards. “Really? Your job?” I chuck
The Billionaire's Pawn 65
STRIKER Jesus Christ. She could have hurt herself if I had been late just a second. As adrenaline rushed through me, I caught her before she hit the floor. Guilt, regret, and shame engulfed me. I was thankful that Linden dragged me out of my apartment to come to the house. When we saw the news on tv, I knew it was only a matter of time before London would learn about it. I grabbed the tray and put it on the counter a little stronger. I stared at it with my jaw clenched and my hands formed into fists. “Goddamn it.” When Reef told me that most of the stock was untouched, I thought she was takeouts. It never occurred to me that she looked like she was starving herself. It hurt to see her not taking care of herself. And I had the feeling that she was sick. She lost a few pounds. I knew London. I knew her body. And she just threw up. “Don’t make me say I told you so.” “Just say it.” “Just hire a cook or a helper if you still have no plan to stay with her.” Linden was done with
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The Billionaire's Pawn Epilogue
STRIKER One year later It had been a spectacular year for London and me. Two hundred fifty people who were very dear to our family attended our wedding in front of the spring, followed by the reception in the golf field of my father’s estate. That was an extraordinary day for me, London, and our family. Rome, Prince Thayer, and the princesses were even there for us. And then we spent a few days on my father’s property in Verona, then Switzerland. Our honeymoon ended in Guardion before we headed home. One thing we hadn’t accomplished yet was to have a child. We were patient, though. And we were not giving up. “Maybe we should stop trying.” I ran my finger against her arm as I peppered kisses on her shoulder. “What do you mean?” She was still giving me her back. “We’re pressuring ourselves to get pregnant. It’s stressing you.” “So, you mean to say it’s my fault—” “No, baby. That’s not what I mean. Let’s leave it be. If we can get pregnant, then that’s amazing. If not, it’s fin
The Billionaire's Pawn 82
LONDON “Congratulations.” Neke hugged me tight. After successfully launching our limited products, our expansion in Asia was already taking place. Our sales skyrocketed—our products were in demand. We expanded to other e-commerce retailers all over the globe. I finally bought a fifteen percent share of the company. And I’d been busy as hell, not that I was complaining because life was good. Striker and I were great, even if we only had a dinner date once a month. We supported each other. We were a team. That was what made our marriage work despite our busy lives, and we still ended up cuddling at night. Tonight, the fashion show was a massive success, making all my sleepless nights, shoulder aches, and missed dinner dates worthwhile. It was midnight, and we were at the party to celebrate our success at the Night Stalker Club. “Why is it everyone is congratulating me?” It wasn’t me. It’s the team.” I went to the DJ and grabbed the mic. He shut the music off. “Excuse me! Everyon
The Billionaire's Pawn 81
STRIKER “You look stunning tonight, my wife.” I strolled my gaze at her from head to toe. She picked the black glittery floor-length gown and put on a set of diamond jewelry to complete the look. Her makeup wasn’t overdone, just the way I liked it. The hairstylist just enhanced the natural wave of her hair. “You’ve said that three times already.” She smiled at me, the kind when she was amused. “You’re not bad yourself, husband. And I have something for you.” “You don’t have to give me anything.” “I want to, sweetheart.” She picked up something from the drawer and pulled out the box. “It just took me a while to find it.” “What’s this?” I knew it was a watch box. When I opened it, it looked vintage. “A vintage watch.” “Close to antique. I know you can afford to buy the most expensive watch in the world, but this one is different. Special.” I carefully picked it up. “Everything is always special if it comes from you, Vanderford.” “Check out the bottom.” I did as she told me. The
The Billionaire's Pawn 80
LONDON“Hey, guys. It’s been a while since I last posted a short clip. As the 3rd Anniversary of LH is around the corner, I want to celebrate it by sharing these achievements and successes with all of you and those less fortunate. My husband, Cade, and I had been working on these special designs that are very close to my heart. Well, actually.” I chuckled. “My husband primarily did all the hard work since he designed them. Even before we met, he’d been active in charities, helping less fortunate kids, and he never bragged about it. Before he showed me the designs, he only asked for one thing, that all his share in the sales would proceed to his chosen charities.” I picked the sample of the bag and sneakers. “These are limited items. We called Cade Sneakers and Marguerite Bag. With your purchase, you’re already supporting. Thank you, and enjoy your day.”I watched the video I posted twelve hours ago, which had already reached half a million views.For the past weeks, life had been grea
The Billionaire's Pawn 79
STRIKER “What the fuck, London?” I just cursed right into her face. Just great. How did I become this person in front of her? I didn’t know. I felt like I’d reached the point where I had lost all my patience with humanity. “We’ve talked about secrecy many times. Look what happened?” I was even more pissed when she didn’t even look at me. “Do you even hear me? Are you even listening to me?” “I did. I do. Will you stop cursing me and lower your voice?” “Not until you understand what I am saying until you learn. We just had our life back, and I thought we were already over this. When are you gonna trust me? When will you open up to me and just fucking tell me if something is bothering you or someone is stalking you? You know the difference, right?” “For the love of God. What in the hell do you not understand in the part I was going to tell you tonight?” “Yeah, when it’s too late. Did you really date that guy?” “Oh, my God!” She shook her head as she propped a hand on her hip. “Not
The Billionaire's Pawn 78
LONDON Terzo had no remorse. If I wasn’t there, he could have tortured Magnus to death. I flinched as he threw water at Magnus’ face to wake him up. Magnus jolted, and the chair he was tied to shook. “What the fuck?” He swallowed and found himself tied to a chair. His eyes widened as he looked at Terzo, and his face fell on me. “Did you actually kiss her with that mouth?” Terzo seemed breezy as if he’d interrogated people a thousand times. “Who’s this guy, London?” He became more frightened to see Terzo was calmer. “You should have left her alone, dude. I mean, who does that? Kidnapping your ex for money?” He chuckled. I couldn’t believe he found torturing someone fun. “Let me go, asshole.” He wiggled as he tried to let himself loose, his eyes pinning at the man beside me. Terzo tsked. “Wrong answer, dude.” When he pulled the gun behind him, it began to rattle me. “Don’t. I told you I’m not gonna be involved in this.” “Very well.” I let go a breath when he put the gun on his
The Billionaire's Pawn 77
STRIKER “I’m with Terzo. He wants you to come to this address.” “What? Baby, what do you mean you’re with Terzo.” My heart nearly stopped hearing she was with Terzo. Why in the fucking hell was Terzo doing with my wife? “Just come to the address. I’m sending the location to you now.” “Baby? Vanderford?” She hung up, and I stared at the phone screen, frightened. “You okay?” Linden nudged me. He was calling my name, but his voice felt like a buzz. I drew a deep breath and got up. “Let’s go.” “Where?” He followed me even if I hadn’t answered his question. “Son of a fucking bitch.” My blood boiled. My rage made me shake. “Man, what’s going on?” He held me in my arm. “You look like you are about to murder someone. If we will commit a crime at least, let’s be prepared. Breathe, man. Tell me what happened?” “Are you both leaving?” Dad came. “Yes, Dad. I’ll see you later.” I inwardly groaned. “I thought we would have dinner together.” “I’m sorry. Something came up.” I couldn’
The Billionaire's Pawn 76
LONDON I just stopped by to buy coffee for Neke and me. When I got out, someone was waiting for me in my car. My first thought was to pretend I didn’t see him or find an exit so he wouldn’t notice me. But it was too late. Damn it. “Signora London.” He looked cute. He smirked—that smirked, though. Terzo was an overconfident son of a bitch. I could have set him up with Neke if I didn’t know what he did for a living. But my question was, how did he find me? “What do you want, Terzo?” I did my best to act like I wasn’t scared of him, hoping it would last until he was gone. “Is that how you treat a friend?” He didn’t move, still leaning on my car. “A friend? Since when?” I stopped a few feet away from him. “Since days ago. Did you forget that you’re under my protection now?” “How can I? How did you find me?” “Where’s Reed?” He knew I was alone. Great. Creepy. “You’re not supposed to be going out alone, Mrs. Cade. Where’s your husband?” Reed went to see his family, but Terzo didn
The Billionaire's Pawn 75
STRIKER “Hey, Dad.” “I miss you, son.” He hugged me tight as if I hadn’t seen him in years. “I miss you, too.” I sat next to him in the backyard of Moses’ estate. “I don’t know you and Moses play golf together.” My father was with Linden, and Emory joined him since Dad came to sit with me. “I know you called him Papa. He was about to cry when he told me, hearing you call him Papa for the first time.” “You both are softies. I just don’t want to hurt your feelings.” “I pushed you to give him a chance. That would be my biggest mistake and regret if I didn’t do that. He seems to have done his best to be your good father.” “Aside from taking me to Sicily?” I chuckled and patted his knee. “I didn’t meet the bad guys, except Giosue when London insisted, but it was after the agreement.” “I hope London found the peace she’d been looking for.” “It was Papa’s plan all along.” “And I can breathe freely, but you still met Siciliano.” “Yes. His son is a dick.” I snorted. “He won’t touc
