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CHAPTER 19
Last Updated:
2024-12-24 00:15:59
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The 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 : 2024-12-29The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 25
A Chance EncounterNaomi's POV The gala's lights were dazzing—too intense, too bright. As I moved through the crowed room, I maintained a low stare, concentrating on the smooth marble floors beneath my heels. I felt like a shadow in the midst of the clamor of conversation, laughter, and clinking drinks."Keep your head up," Elijah whispered next to me in his silky voice. "This is your night, Naomi. Let them see the artist, not the woman hiding in plain sight."He put a comforting hand on my back and I nodded, forcing a meek grin. Even though the warmth of his touch grounded me, the uneasiness that was coiling in my chest persisted.Somewhere in this crowd of admirers, whispers about Roman—or even worse, his presence—felt inevitable. But tonight was about reclaiming myself. About proving I could stand without him.Elijah leaned closer, his lips barely brushing my ear. "Breathe. They’re here for your art. Not your past."As if on cue, a woman approached, her sparkling dress rivaling the
Last Updated : 2024-12-29The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 26
Fractured TrustNaomi's POVLong after the gala was over, Roman's worrs continued to torment me, a reminder of the past I was unable to leave behind. I was shaken by the encounter, and my resolve was fracturing like spiderwebs. And I couldn't help but question whether independence was worth the cost as I lay in bed that night, gazing up at the ceiling. The deep silence was broken by the piercing vibration of my phone buzzing on the nightstand. Roman's name appeared on the screen as I tentatively reached for it. A hundred ideas rushed through my head as my chest constricted. What could he possibly want now? I answered against my better judgment. "Naomi," he said in a smooth, quiet voice that was tinged with stress. I tightened my hold on the phone. "Roman, what do you want?" He said, "You left too soon." "We weren't done yet." I gave a sour laugh. "Done? We're never done, Roman. That is the issue.” A pause fell, the sort that weighed heavily on unsaid words. “You’ve m
Last Updated : 2024-12-29The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 27
Whispers of a Conspiracy Naomi's POVI stared at the phone in my hand, the screen dark, but my mind was racing with conflicting ideas. For too long, Roman had pushed me into a corner. He thrived on power and control, but I was tired of letting him run my life. I inhaled deeply before dialing Elijah's number. The line buzzed twice before his familiar smooth voice answered. "Naomi," he said with a kind but slightly impatient greeting. "Is everything okay?" "No," I said, my voice quivering a little. It's Roman. "He's unrelenting," Elijah said. I—I can't continue to live this way. “I understand,” he replied, his tone softening. “Tell me what happened.” I paused and tightened my hold on the phone. “He called again after what happened at the gala. His words... they’re like a noose around my neck. He said we’re not done, that he’ll find me no matter what.” “Naomi, listen to me,” Elijah said firmly, the calm authority in his voice grounding me. “You’re safe where you are. Roman
Last Updated : 2024-12-29
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The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 92
Camille's Downfall (Roman's POV)My eyes met Naomi's as soon as I entered the room, everything inside me twisted. She was wrapped in a blanket and sitting on the couch, her face pallid and battered, her wrists raw from the binding. I was devastated by the sight. She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy from crying, but she tried to smile—a fragile, heartbreaking attempt to reassure me. My fists clenched at my sides, my jaw tight. Like wildfire, rage raged through my veins, yet beneath it all was something worse: Helplessness. All of this happened because I'm wasn't smart, fast and ruthless enough."Roman," she said softly, her voice tremulous but resolute. I knelt in front of her after taking three steps across the room. My thumbs brushed her cheeks as I caressed her face gently. My stomach turned over the bruises there. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “I should’ve gotten to you sooner.” Her hand was on mine as she shook her head. “You came. That's what matte
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 91
The EscapeNaomi's POVThe room was cold and wet. The rope, which was wrapped too tightly to permit even the slightest movement, dug into my skin, causing my wrists to hurt. My body hurt from where I’d been shoved into the chair hours ago. Time blurred in this hazy darkness. I forced myself to breathe. I couldn't bear to panic right now. The only thing keeping me grounded was the thought of Roman. He’d come for me—I knew it. But when? Through the walls, I could hear the faint buzz of voices. I tried to listen, paying attention to the word's cadence despite my inability to make them out. All of my instincts begged me to pay attention and to follow any lead that might get me out of here. The sound of footsteps approached, heavy and deliberate. My heart raced. I didn't recognize the man who stepped through the creaking door. I forced myself not to scowl at him as his beady eyes passed over me with apathy. The man grunted to the guard by the entrance, "Elijah said no harm for no
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 90
Chapter 90: A Dangerous RescueRoman's POVThe image pierced into my mind. Naomi—trapped, defenseless, terrified. My chest constricted as if my heart had been mercilessly squeezed by a vice. I looked at the phone screen once again, my hands shaking from rage and desperation. I feared my teeth could break from the tightness in my jaw. Elijah was showing off that he had her. The bastard believed he could manipulate and mock me. My voice was low and venomous as I muttered, "Not this time." I slammed the door behind me as I ran into my study. Long shadows were casted throughout the room by the desk lamp's feeble light, but I didn't mind the gloom. It mirrored the storm that was building inside of me. I needed a plan I kept thinking about Naomi's face, her terrified wide eyes. I would be haunted by that expression until I got her. No, not just got her back. I’d make damn sure Elijah regretted ever laying a finger on her.I took my phone out and dialed a number. Marcus, my head o
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 89
Camille’s Confession Roman’s POVThe cool air outside Camille's opulent apartment and the eerie silence of the night only made me more agitated. My mind was racing with pictures of Naomi's ambush, and my hands were clenched, my knuckles hurting from the hold. When I got to her door, I didn't bother knocking. Rather, I forced it open, my rage driving the action. With a glass of red wine in her fingers, Camille's head jerked up from where she was sitting on the couch. Her typical self-assurance concealed any shame she believed she could conceal as she grinned. She put the glass on the table and drawled, "Well, Roman, to what do I owe the pleasure of this... unexpected visit?" The sound echoed across the room as I slammed the door behind me. "Cut the crap, Camille," I yelled. "You know why I'm here." She crossed her knees and leaned back, her brow arched slightly. "Do enlighten me." I took a step forward, the rage seething beneath the surface. “Naomi was ambushed. Margaret’s in
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 88
Elijah’s Fury(Elijah's POV)The atmosphere in my office was oppressive, heavy with resentment and a better taste of treachery. Naomi had crossed a line I never thought she’d have the guts to approach, let alone crossing it. The city stretched out below me as I stood by the window, my hands holding the sill's edge so firmly that my knuckles turned white. My mind was racing, with each idea becoming more sharper than before and escalating the anger that was on the verge of erupting. I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. I turned sharply, my glare fixed on the figure standing hesitantly in the doorway. It was Greg, one of my most loyal enforcers. His usual confidence faltered under my gaze, and he shifted uneasily "What?" I yelled my voice like a whip slicing through the tension. Greg cleared his throat. “Sir, we’ve gathered the details about the exhibition. The media’s still buzzing. Attendance was high—journalists, collectors, even a few government officials.
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 87
The Public Expose(Naomi’s POV)Margaret was rushed to the hospital in Roman’s private car, her weak breaths could hardly be heard above the hum of the engine. Roman sat next to me and held my hand firmly. With his jaw clenched and his gaze fixed on the future, his silence spoke more than words. “She’ll be okay,” I murmured, more to reassure myself than him. He didn’t respond, but his grip on my hand tightened. The medical personnel was prepared when we got there; Roman had called ahead to make arrangements for a private team. We waited in a sterile room while they took Margaret away on a stretcher. My nostrils were irritated by the antiseptic odor, and the stark white walls were oppressive. Roman paced the room, shouting commands to his squad while holding his phone to his ear. You could feel his rage coming off him in waves. “I want surveillance on Camille,” he said sharply. “Find out where she is. No mistakes.” With my head whirling, I leaned back in the chair. Now it w
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 86
Margaret’s Last Act(Naomi’s POV)The sharp sound rang out, slashing through the commotion. I opened my eyes expecting to see the man's fist roaring toward me, and my heart leaped to my throat. Instead, the attacker stumbled backward, his grip faltering as he cursed under his breath. Margaret stood like a resolute shield in his place. She was the one who took the punch meant for me."Margaret!" My voice trembled as I gasped. She remained silent, staring at the assailants with a calculating and icy attitude. “Stay behind me,” she said firmly, her voice sharper than I’d ever heard it. I froze, watching in shock as Margaret, who was always so calm and distant, stood against the guys who were closing in on us. One of them swung a crowbar toward her as he pushed forward. "No, Margaret!" It was too late when I let out a scream. The metal whooshed past her head as she ducked, then pushed the man hard in the chest.He staggered back and ran into another assailant. "Naomi, run!" Sh
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 85
Daniel's Redemption (Roman’s POV)A man I hadn't anticipated seeing again, stood in my entryway: Daniel. I could not see his usual confident demeanor, rather all I see is a wary tension. He appeared to be a guy burdened with a thousand regrets. Roman,” he said again, his voice steady, though his eyes revealed the turmoil within. I didn't offer him a drink or ask him to sit down. Rather, I glared at him while crossing my arms. “You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?” Daniel lowered his voice and took a step closer after peering over his shoulder to check for prying eyes. “I don’t have much time. Elijah… he’s planning something big. And I’m done being his puppet.”Elijah's name was like gasoline when it was said. I clenched my jaw. "I know, You think I'll trust you? after all of you have done?” There was a glimmer of desperation in Daniel's eyes, but his countenance tightened. "I came here not to ask for forgiveness. This is what I came to give you.”He bought
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 84
Naomi’s Growing Strength(Roman’s POV)The morning sun spilled through the bedroom curtain, casting a warm glow on Naomi’s face as she stirred awake. She looked peaceful, her soft curls spread across the pillow, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to forget the storm outside our walls. I was snapped back to reality, as my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I cautiously reached for it so as not to wake her. Naomi's eyelids fluttered wide as she stirred next to me. “Morning,” she said softly, her voice weigh with heavy sleep. “Morning,” I replied, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “Did you sleep well?” She stretched like a happy cat and sat up after nodding. She stared at my phone for a second, but she didn’t ask. Smart woman. She knew I’d tell her when it is time."Coffee?" I swung my legs out of bed and asked. “Only if you’re making it,” she teased, pulling the sheets tighter around her. I smirked. “Your wish is my command.” As I leaned against the counter i
