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CHAPTER 35
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2025-01-05 17:06:40Related chapters
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?"
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The 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
Last Updated : 2025-01-07The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 38
The Locked Room SecretNaomi's POVThe sun was barely peeking over the horizon when I woke up, and the faint light was filtering through the blinds. The decision I had made the previous night felt even heavier in the morning, but it was unwavering. I need to know.The only sound accompanying me on the silent drive to Roman's mansion was the hum of the engine. My mind was filled with memories of the innumerable times I had lived here. But today was different. Today, I was an intruder in what used to feel like home. My heart hammered my ribs as I parked outside. An uncommon sight that made me uneasy was the tall gates standing open. Roman was very careful about security, but I'm not going to question my luck. The mansion's icy exterior was more menacing in some way than I recalled. I slipped through the front door, hastily pushing off the memories that were evoked by the smell of leather and oak. Focus, Naomi. The corridor was silent and deserted as it stretched ahead of me.
Last Updated : 2025-01-08The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 39
A Mother’s WarningNaomi's POVWith Margaret inside, the space seemed smaller, her silent presence filling every nook and cranny. She exuded a composure that hinted at a life spent amidst storms, but there was an unavoidable sadness in her eyes.I pointed to the couch, she sat elegantly with her hands folded tightly in her lap. I took a seat in one of the armchairs across from her and gripped the seat edge as if I were expecting to be hit. "You must have questions.” She said, in a calm but melancholy tone. I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. Margaret took a long breath, seemingly mustering the courage to dive into a past she would prefer to forget. “Roman is… complicated. But I suppose you’ve already figured that out.” Before I could stop myself, I let out a bitter laugh. “That’s an understatement.” Although her lips quirked, her eyes were not amused. “He wasn’t always like this. There was a time when he was just a boy—curious, kind, and full of dreams. But that was bef
Last Updated : 2025-01-08The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 1
A Contract with the Devil Naomi's POV "You are what?" The words tasted strange in my mouth, and my voice broke. I'm arranging your marriage to Roman Blackwood,” My father quietly repeated, as if he were announcing the weather or an impending business meeting. The steady murmur of the antique clock on the mantel grew louder as I stared at him, my breath catching. "Dad, you can't be serious." "I'm very serious." Unperturbed, he sipped from his whiskey glass while leaning back in his chair. The room smelled like leather and oak, a sharp contrast to the bitter, metallic taste rising in my throat. "Marry him?" I hardly raised my voice above a whisper. “You want me to marry a stranger? For what? Money?” My father put his glass down with a resounding thump, his face hardening and his jaw clenching. “Naomi, it's not just about the money. It's about survival.” "Survival?" I chuckled sourly, though it come out more like a sob. “You think it's survival to sell me to a billionair
Last Updated : 2024-12-05The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 2
The Ruthless Groom Naomi's POV "You're late." A cold clipped voice said as I stepped into the room. I froze, rooted to the spot by the nonchalant, dismissive tone. My gaze swept over the grand and imposing room before settling on the source of the voice. Roman Blackwood He sat at the far end of the dining table with a tumbler of dark liquid in his hand. At first, he seemed more interested in the amber liquid whirling in his glass than in me. Although his other hand rested comfortably on the chair's arm, his presence in the room was nothing casual. I didn’t know what I’d been expecting maybe someone polished, rehearsed, even a bit superficial. Instead, he had sharp edges and cold calculation. His posture was commanding and uncompromising, and his suit fit like armor. My breath caught when his black eyes finally came up to meet mine. As if they could see right into my soul, they were piercing. “Time, Miss Sinclair, is not a luxury you or your family can afford to waste,”
Last Updated : 2024-12-05The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 3
Contracted and Collared Naomi's POV "You're late." I was startled when Roman's voice broke the thick silence as I entered the room and said, it wasn't loud, his tone of authority demanded attention. My breath caught as I halted, gripping my handbag hard. Roman stood beside the massive floor-to-ceiling window with his big shoulders creating a black shadow against the pale light coming in. He didn’t turn to look at me right away, and for a fleeting moment, I thought of walking back out. "I... I thought I was on time." I stammered, hating how small and unsure I sounded. “Punctuality isn’t a virtue in my world, Naomi,” he said smoothly, finally turning to face me. His sharp blue eyes pinned me in place like I was prey caught in a trap. “It’s an expectation.” I found myself staring at the floor because the weight of his eyes was too much to bear. "I didn't mean to—" “I don’t care what you meant to do,” His voice was chilly as he interrupted. "Sit." I paused for just a
Last Updated : 2024-12-05The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 4
A Pawn in His Game Naomi's POV “You’re late again.” Like a whip, Roman's words pierced the empty foyer. He descended the grand staircase with deliberate, measured steps, and I froze, gasping for oxygen. Like a physical weight of intensity, his piercing, icy blue eyes stared at me. “I—I didn’t know I was supposed to…” His lips curled into a chilly smile, and I stopped talking. "Suppose to what, Naomi?" he asked, stopping a few feet away from me. His massive body appeared even more menacing in the low light. “Act like a wife? Understand the simplest rules without being told?” I gripped the strap of my bag, my knuckles whitening. “I didn’t know there was a timeline,” I managed, though my voice sounded small and weak, even to my ears. Roman took a stride toward me, his pricey cologne enticing and smothering me at the same time. "There's always a timeline," he said softly, his tone surprisedly calm. "And you are already behind." “I’m sorry,” I whispered, the words t
Last Updated : 2024-12-05
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 39
A Mother’s WarningNaomi's POVWith Margaret inside, the space seemed smaller, her silent presence filling every nook and cranny. She exuded a composure that hinted at a life spent amidst storms, but there was an unavoidable sadness in her eyes.I pointed to the couch, she sat elegantly with her hands folded tightly in her lap. I took a seat in one of the armchairs across from her and gripped the seat edge as if I were expecting to be hit. "You must have questions.” She said, in a calm but melancholy tone. I nodded, my throat too tight to speak. Margaret took a long breath, seemingly mustering the courage to dive into a past she would prefer to forget. “Roman is… complicated. But I suppose you’ve already figured that out.” Before I could stop myself, I let out a bitter laugh. “That’s an understatement.” Although her lips quirked, her eyes were not amused. “He wasn’t always like this. There was a time when he was just a boy—curious, kind, and full of dreams. But that was bef
The Billionaire's Pawn CHAPTER 38
The Locked Room SecretNaomi's POVThe sun was barely peeking over the horizon when I woke up, and the faint light was filtering through the blinds. The decision I had made the previous night felt even heavier in the morning, but it was unwavering. I need to know.The only sound accompanying me on the silent drive to Roman's mansion was the hum of the engine. My mind was filled with memories of the innumerable times I had lived here. But today was different. Today, I was an intruder in what used to feel like home. My heart hammered my ribs as I parked outside. An uncommon sight that made me uneasy was the tall gates standing open. Roman was very careful about security, but I'm not going to question my luck. The mansion's icy exterior was more menacing in some way than I recalled. I slipped through the front door, hastily pushing off the memories that were evoked by the smell of leather and oak. Focus, Naomi. The corridor was silent and deserted as it stretched ahead of me.
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
