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CHAPTER 16
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2024-12-19 16:37:55Related chapters
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 17
Camille Strikes Again Naomi's POV As I anxiously adjusted the hem of my dress, the enormous ballroom reverberated with the sound of clinking glasses. Roman was going to use this as another chance to show me off like a trophy wife at a charity event. However, something felt different tonight. Camille's smile was as keen as a blade, and her cold stare weighed heavily on me from the other side of the room. I made an effort to ignore her and concentrate on the donors interacting with one another, but the tension in the room was oppressive. "Why do you look to be on the verge of fainting?" I was surprised by Roman's tone, which seemed as uninterested as ever. “I’m fine,” I lied, avoiding his piercing eyes. “Try harder,” he muttered, taking a sip of his drink. “You’re supposed to look like you belong here.” Refusing to give him the satisfaction, I bit back a response. Instead, despite the churning dread in my stomach, I straightened my shoulders and forced a smile. Camille c
Last Updated : 2024-12-19The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 18
The Great Escape Naomi's POVThe ominous silence that pervaded the mansion only deepened my determination. As I stood in my room, holding the hurriedly packed duffle bag, my breath caught. Every heartbeat echoed like a drum as my heart hammered in my chest, urging me to move faster. All I knew was that I had to go, but I had no idea where I was heading. The message I had written, a brief but tragic farewell that would undoubtedly shatter Roman's heart, was resting on the nightstand. I made an effort to ignore the shame I felt in my chest. This was about saving myself, not about hurting him. “I can’t stay here anymore. I can’t keep fighting a battle I’ll never win.”I shook my head and wiped away the tears that threatened to make me second-guess myself. I couldn't allow myself to falter. Roman had made it clear time and time again that his walls were impenetrable, his past a fortress I was never meant to enter. I opened the door with a gentle squeak and looked into the dark
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 19
A New Start Naomi's POV The flat was simple, with peeling paint and scuffed floors that revealed tales of past occupants. Though it wasn't much, it belonged to me. The calm was a welcome relief after weeks of turmoil. Yet, the silence was also unnerving. The only chair beside the window caught my My duffel bag sat beside it, the last remnant of a life I was trying to leave behind. I inhaled deeply, ignoring the memories that were about to come flooding back. “This is home now,” I said aloud, my voice breaking the stillness. But even as I said it, doubt lingered. The following morning, the room was bathed in a warm glow as sunlight filtered through the thin curtains. I had tossed and turned on the rough mattress all night, dreaming of harsh words and piercing glances. I needed a distraction. I dug inside my purse and took out my sketchbook. Its battered cover was familiar, almost reassuring. As I turned the pages, I noticed shards of a previous existence—drawings of Roman
Last Updated : 2024-12-24The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 20
Enter Elijah Grant Naomi's POV I couldn't completely shake the specter of Roman that hovered in the back of my mind. It was frustrating because of his piercing gaze, the gravity of his words, and his oppressive hold on me. But, I dismissed it and returned to the painting before me. The woman breaking free from her chains stared back at me with fierce determination, a reflection of everything I wanted to be. I was startled and distracted by a knock at the door. I scowled. I wasn't expecting anyone. I put down the brush and carefully made my way to the door. Through the peephole, I caught a glimpse of a tall man wearing a smart navy suit, his hands tucked into his pockets. His angular features and assured demeanor shouted dominance and strength. My heart skipped a beat. Roman? No, this man was different; he had smoother features and a less oppressive, yet commanding, presence. I cracked open the door. "May I help you?" "Naomi," he said in a polished, silky voice. "Elija
Last Updated : 2024-12-26The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 21
Roman’s Fury Roman's POV I hardly noticed the coldness in the room. The note was clenched in my fist, the crumpled paper slicing into my hand. Naomi's words were a taunt, a challenge encased in well-chosen words that were more painful than a slap. “I need to find myself, Roman. Away from you. Away from this.”As I read it again, my jaw tightened. Find herself?It wasn’t just the words—it was the silence that followed them. She didn’t scream. She didn’t fight. She just... disappeared. The stifling silence was broken by the sharp crack of action as I threw the note onto the desk. "Find herself," I muttered resentfully. “Did she forget who helped her when she was lost?” I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. "Enter," I barked. My right-hand man, Daniel, entered through the creaking door. His normally composed expression faltered, his eyes darting to the note on the desk and then back to me. "She's gone," he declared bluntly. "No kidding," I yelled, su
Last Updated : 2024-12-26The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 22
A Gentle Touch Naomi's POV The soft hum of the city outside was a stark contrast to the quiet calm of the apartment. I watched the world below pass by without me as I stood by the window. Elijah had secured a quiet, anonymous place, but the silence only made the pandemonium inside of me worse. I was free, wasn’t I? Free to breathe, to paint, to rebuild. Yet freedom felt heavier than I had imagined. I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. “Come in,” I called, my voice barely above a whisper. Elijah stepped in, a folder tucked under his arm. “How are you settling in?” “It’s… nice,” I said, forcing a smile. Despite nodding, he didn't seem persuaded. “Nice doesn’t exactly scream ‘home.’” “It’s not supposed to,” I muttered, turning back to the window. “It’s just supposed to be safe.” A silence fell between us, but Elijah wasn’t the type to push. I appreciated that. “You know,” he said after a moment, “safety and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclu
Last Updated : 2024-12-26The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 23
The Mask Slips Roman's POV I leaned back in my chair and swirled my glass of The silence of my office wrapped around me, broken only by the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. I was staring at nothing specific, just my thoughts. My thoughts were active, and rushing, and unable to calm down. Naomi thought she could get away from me. Just thinking about that made me chuckle bitterly. She didn’t understand, couldn’t understand. People didn’t leave me. They didn’t run from me. Yet, there she was. Gone. With a single, forceful motion, I tossed back the whiskey, the burn hardly alleviating the roiling annoyance in my chest. The sound echoed across the room as I slapped the glass down harder than I had planned. “Dammit!” I cursed under my breath, standing abruptly and pacing the length of my office. I don't need her . Every time I found myself thinking about her, I reminded myself of that. But the truth pushed to the surface no matter how many times I said it. Yes, I need he
Last Updated : 2024-12-29The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 24
Camille’s New PlanCamille's POV The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air while I was relaxing in my leather armchair and watching the city skyline sparkle like jewels through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse. The world below me buzzed with life, but my thoughts were consumed with only two people: Naomi and Roman. My perfectly manicured nails tapped against the glass table in a beat of frustration and resolve.He's slipping, you know." Elijah's smooth voice interrupted my thoughts as he walked in. Even though his outfit was perfectly made, but his expression carried the edge of someone who knew exactly how to wield his power. I didn’t bother to glance up.“Roman always slips when it comes to Naomi. That’s his weakness.” In order to let the ruby liquid catch the dimlight, I swirled the wine in my glass. “But a weakness is only useful if we know how to exploit it.”Elijah narrowed his eyes and sat down opposite me. "I've already placed her in a secure place.She
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 37
Broken TrustNaomi's POVDawn's drab light crept through the curtains like an unwanted visitor, and morning came too soon. After a restless night full of disjointed thoughts and unresolved questions, my head ached. I forced myself to get ready even though the resolve I had felt the night before was on the verge of breaking. No matter how unpleasant it was, Roman and I had to talk. The city appeared to be more subdued than usual as I made my way to his office, the bustle of life stifled by my thoughts. My chest was tense and my palms were clammy by the time I got there. I passed the receptionist's desk and headed for the elevator, but she gave me a startled glance but didn't stop me. The stress in my features was obvious when my reflection in the mirrored walls gazed back at me. For what seemed like the hundredth time, I practiced my sentences.”You know me, Roman. You know I will never do something like this.” But even in my mind, the words sounded hollow. With my heels click
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 36
Camille’s GameNaomi's POV With my phone firmly grasped in my palm, I paced the length of my living room, the burden of the day hanging over me like a thick shroud. My screen had already displayed Roman's name twice, with his calls going unanswered. I know he won't stop. Roman wasn’t the type to let things slide, especially not when he is angry. My phone buzzed again, and this time, I couldn’t ignore it. With a shaky breath, I swiped to answer. "Roman," I murmured, maintaining a calm tone of voice despite the whirlpool of emotions roiling within me. "Naomi," he answered in a clipped, acerbic tone. "We need to talk." "What's happening?" I asked warily, fully preparing for whatever was about to happen. Tension was obvious in the pause. Then his voice came in low and relentless.. You want to explain to me why sensitive business files, files only a handful of people had access to—suddenly ended up in the hands of my competitors?” I went cold. "What are you talking about?"
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 35
Betrayed by AppearancesNaomi's POVEven though the gallery opening went well, I didn't enjoy it. The soft click of the doors locking echoed in the quiet night as I locked it serving as a reminder of how far I had come and how far I still had to go. Elijah's words echoed softly in my ears while my mind raced with uncertainty. He had advised me to fully let go of the past if I wanted to prosper, but I can't get rid of the memories of the past. I was jolted out of my reverie by the deep rumbling of a familiar voice. “Enjoying your fresh start?” I stopped in my tracks. Roman's hands were stuffed into his coat pockets as he stood beneath the dim light of a nearby streetlamp. I could tell this wasn't a casual encounter by the fire in his eyes and the set of his jaw. "Roman," I said, maintaining a steady tone. "What brings you here?" He moved in closer, his presence encroaching like a thunderstorm. "What brings me here? That’s rich, coming from you. After everything, you have the
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 34
The Silent ObserverElijah's POVEvery nook and cranny of the gallery was alive with whispered chatter and the occasional outburst of laughter. Naomi's dream had come true; her gallery is now open, a physical representation of her ingenuity and tenacity. Her journey and the layers of emotion she poured into each painting were illuminated by the gentle glow from the lights above. But, I'm not here to admire the artwork or to rejoice in her success. No, my purpose was to make sure Roman didn't share in it. The tension in the room increased as soon as I saw him. Roman, like the predator he was, stood close to the distant wall, disappearing into the darkness. His sharp eyes searched for her among the crowd. Predictable. With deliberate ease, I approached him while swirling the champagne in my glass. If Naomi saw him here, it could undo everything. I couldn’t allow that. "Roman," I said, maintaining a firm yet low voice. "I didn't expect to see you here." His face was enigmatic
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 33
A Dangerous PartElijah's POVThe atmosphere changed when Camille entered my office. Her presence was an implicit threat, as her deliberate, pointed steps echoes against the polished floors. She slipped into the chair across from my desk without bothering to be polite, her gaze going directly to mine. “We need to talk,” she said, her tone clipped. Leaning back, I studied her. “Something tells me this isn’t a casual visit.” Her lips curved into a humorless smile. “You’re right. The first plan? It’s not going to work. Roman’s too sharp, and Naomi’s too... naive.” I raised an eyebrow. “Naive? Isn’t that exactly why the plan was supposed to work?” Camille's face was stern as she shook her head. “Her naive makes her unpredictable. She could stumble onto something without even realizing it. Besides, Roman is a wild card. If we play this wrong, he’ll find out before we’ve even begun.” Fear of the fury building in her eyes, I drummed my fingers on the desk. "And what is your alter
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 32
The Art of HealingElijah's PovAs soon as I entered Naomi's studio, I knew I was entering her world. Her paintings' vivid colors revealed stories that words could not, and the aroma of linseed oil and turpentine permeated the air. She held a brush as if it were an extension of her hand as she stood by the window, a paint line streaked over her cheek. Her gaze was riveted on the scenery outside as if she were deep in thoughts. "Naomi." I called softly so as not to startle her.She turned, a tiny, sincere smile spreading across her face. "Elijah. You're early.” I took a step closer and shrugged. "I was eager to see the projects you have been working on. For days, you have been avoiding me.”She put down the brush and smiled quietly. "I'm just... focused, not avoiding." As I looked around the room, I noticed a big canvas leaning against the wall. Vibrant gold and scarlet brushstrokes blended to create an abstract yet poignant composition. "The world needs to see this," I remark
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 31
Ties That BindNaomi's POVThe studio was filled with the hypnotic rhythm of charcoal scratching against canvas, which drowned out the confusion racing through my head. As I worked, my trembling hands smudged the lines I attempted to get just right. I hurled the stick of charcoal onto the table, its clatter resonating in the quiet as frustration boiled to the surface. Leaning back, I gazed at the incomplete piece before me. The intense strokes of black and crimson seemed to taunt me, mirroring the raging storm within my emotions. I was startled out of my reverie by the piercing knock on the door. Every muscle in my body stiffened, as though it were preparing for impact. “Naomi,” came the voice I’d hoped not to hear. “Open the door.”Roman. I felt cold, and my heart was pounding. How did he find me? What brought him here? "I know you're in there," he repeated, his voice steady but tinged with desperation. The intensity of his voice made it obvious that he wouldn't leave wit
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 30
Elijah’s True Face Naomi's POV As I sat at the tiny café table and gazed into the frothy swirl of my unfinished cappuccino, the gentle hum of the espresso machine filled the room. The calm atmosphere seemed like a flimsy façade that could break at any time. With his well-tailored suit and unwavering charisma, Elijah sat opposite me. "Naomi, you have to trust me" he continued in a calm, low voice. "Trust you?" I chuckled dryly and looked up into his eyes. “You mean the way you’ve conveniently left out important details? The way you always manage to say just enough to keep me questioning everything?” Although his demeanor remained unwavering, there was a slight, barely noticeable fracture in his eyes. “I’ve done nothing but try to help you. Roman is dangerous, Naomi. You know that better than anyone.”"And you're not?" The distance between us briefly felt like a battlefield as the words escaped my lips before I could stop them. With his hands clasped on the table, Elijah leane
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 29
The Locked Room RevealedRoman's POVThe whiskey burned on its way down, but it did little to dull the storm raging in my head. I'd spent a lifetime pretending that past scars didn't exist, but Margaret's words had pierced me deeply. My father's shadow, which I had struggled so hard to avoid, loomed greater than before. But there was truly no way out. No matter how far you ran, the past had a way of getting back at you. I jerked to my feet, causing the glass in my hand to shudder. With a purposeful clink, I put it down and gazed at the big oak door outside my office at the far end of the hallway. The locked room. It had been sealed and unopened for years, a memorial to a life I would never go back to. On one occasion, Naomi had asked about it, her inquisitive eyes resting too long on the brass handle. I later regretted the coldness with which I had shut her down, but I never apologized. Now, something hazardous had been triggered by Margaret's arrival. A need to face the roo
