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11: A THREE MILLION DOLLARS PROBLEM.
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2024-12-04 20:47:54
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The Billionaire’s Regret 12: ITS HIM.
ELARA'S POVI glance at his usual black suit, the kind he always wears, then back at his face. My heart skips a beat, and I quickly stand up my pulse racing.His lips curl into a smile, a slow and familiar one. that made my stomach do a weird flip, and I don’t know why.This can’t be happening.“Long time no see, darling,” he says, his voice smooth and sure. Any doubts I had vanished in an instant.It’s him. Nathaniel.he is right in front of me, in arms reach!“Elara,” another voice calls out my name, snapping me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Nico walking toward me.He’s grinning, like always, his bright smile lighting up his face. He’s just a few steps away now.“Nico,” I say, a smile breaking through my confusion. The anger bubbling up inside me fades. I grab my purse from Nathaniel’s hand without looking at him and hurry toward Nico.“I didn’t know you were back in town,” I say, stopping in front of him.Nico’s been a family friend for years. He’s Mr. DeLuca’s son, and we met
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-05The Billionaire’s Regret 13: THERE'S STILL HOPE
ELARA’S POV“Elara, my dear!” Mr. Deluca’s warm voice boomed as soon as he spotted me. His white hair seemed even more prominent than the last time I saw him. Without hesitation, he wrapped me in a firm hug, the scent of his cologne mingling with the faint aroma of Italian food wafting through the restaurant.“How have you been?” he asked, his thick Italian accent adding charm to his words.“I’ve been well,” I said with a soft smile.“You’ve grown so much, Bella!” he declared, stepping back to get a good look at me, his eyes twinkling with genuine affection.I chuckled. “The last time you saw me was only two months ago. Do you think I’ve really grown that much in such a short time?”“Oh, come now,” he replied with a wave of his hand. “Each time I see you and your brother, you both look more and more like your father”Nico pulled out a chair for me, gesturing for me to sit beside him. Across the table, Mr. Deluca and Elliot, my brother, were already seated.“But I’m the prettier versio
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-05The Billionaire’s Regret 14: DO YOU HAVE A PLAN
ELARA’S POV “Do you have a plan?” Jenna asks, sitting across from me, her eyebrows raised. I sigh, leaning back in my chair. “If I had a plan, Jenna, you wouldn’t be sitting here right now asking me this question.” She frowns but doesn’t argue. I don’t blame her for being frustrated. I’ve been staring at the same set of numbers for hours, and nothing makes sense. This morning, I got a text from Mr. Harper. He sent the contact information for the company where he bought the chandelier. Along with it came a message: You need to order it soon so it can arrive before the end of the week. It felt like a punch to the gut. The chandelier is necessary to complete the project, but I don’t have the money to pay for it. Even if I sold my car, emptied my savings, and pawned the expensive watch Elliot gave me last Christmas, I’d still fall short by thousands. Jenna watches me with a serious expression. “Maybe you could ask your brother to help? Three million dollars is nothing to him.”
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06The Billionaire’s Regret 15: THE CLOCK IS TICKING
My head is spinning. The chandelier is the last piece of the puzzle for Mr. Harper’s project. Without it, we’ll miss the deadline, and our reputation will be ruined. But I can’t take a bank loan either Elliot would find out, and I can’t let that happen. A dangerous thought creeps into my mind. What if I borrow the money from a loan shark? I shake my head quickly. No, that’s not an option. Loan sharks are nothing but trouble. Before I can spiral further, Jenna bursts back into the office, looking both excited and nervous. “What is it now, Jenna?” I ask, bracing myself for more bad news. “I have good news and bad news,” she says, her tone upbeat. “Which do you want first?” “Just tell me,” I say, already dreading what’s coming. “Fine. The bad news is that I spoke to the chandelier supplier. They said they have one left, but someone else is interested in it. Because Mr. Harper is a loyal client, they’re willing to hold it for us, but only if we pay within two days.” “Two days?” I
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-06The Billionaire’s Regret 16: EVERYTHING IS FALLING APART
NATE’S POV“Mr. Hales, the last time I passed by the branch, it was closed,” Mr. Cavil, one of our key investors, says as we walk out of the meeting room together.“I hope everything is okay.”“Yes,” I reply quickly, forcing a smile. “Everything is going smoothly. It was just a minor inconvenience, but it has been sorted out.” I hope that’s true. If Lesley hasn’t convinced another company to take over the project, we’re going to have a huge problem on our hands.“That’s good,” he says, nodding. “Because you know those dealers won’t wait longer than what you promised.”“I have everything is under control,” I reassure him, trying to sound confident. “I guarantee we’ll be ready by the time they arrive.”He gives me a curt nod before heading toward his car.As I watch him leave, my chest tightens. The truth is, everything is falling apart.Ever since I saw Elara yesterday hugging and laughing with another manI haven’t been able to think straight. She really did move on.It’s only been a y
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-07The Billionaire’s Regret 17: I HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL
NATE’S POV “I have everything under control. The Vegas branch and the New York stores will all be completed on time,” I say firmly into the phone. This is the third call I’ve received since stepping off the plane. A five hour flight that was delayed, followed by wasted hours waiting around. It’s been an exhausting day, to say the least. And all of this every single call, every bit of this chaos because Lesley decided to air my business out in the open for everyone to hear. The Vegas branch is set to be one of the largest stores and office spaces my company has ever developed. A lot of money has gone into this project money from investors who are expecting nothing short of a massive return. This project will not only boost our company’s numbers but also recover from the setbacks caused by my father’s reckless, greedy decisions. I press my fingers to my temple, trying to shake the thoughts of the man who nearly ruined everything. The damage he caused still lingers, but I can’t let
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-08The Billionaire’s Regret 18: PICTURES DON’T LIE
NATE’S POV“Mr. Bellini, what brings you to our company?” I asked, forcing a polite smile as I gestured toward my office.He rarely comes to the office; whenever we need to discuss something, it’s usually at the men’s club, his hotel, or anywhere else but here.The frown threatening to crease my face eased as he stepped inside, his confident stride unshaken by the weight of the envelope he carried.“Well, Nate,” Bellini began, settling into the chair across from my desk as I poured us each a glass of scotch. “I’m not here because of the peculiar message my secretary received something about you gambling away my investment. A rumor, I’m sure. But the notion of the Vegas branch being a fake operation? That’s a little harder to ignore.”His tone was casual, but his words cut through the air like a razor.I took a steadying breath, forcing the relief I’d felt a moment ago into a tight corner of my mind. “I’m glad you don’t believe such baseless accusations,” I said, taking my seat across
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-08The Billionaire’s Regret 19: THE INVITATION TRAP
NATE’S POV“So, what is the issue here?” I asked.“Well, Nate, the issue my dear friend and I share, as major partners in this association, boils down to one thing: family,” Mr. Bellini began, his tone calm but laced with a hint of judgment. “I still remember when the media went into a frenzy after your divorce. You were everywhere. Then, of course, there was the string of women you were spotted with every week. And now, suddenly, you’re back with your ex-wife. It’s a good thing finding your way back to the one you love.” He paused, his sharp gaze cutting into me. “But how can we trust that you’re solid, Nate? Because, let me tell you, a man who can’t hold on to a woman is rarely the kind of man who can hold on to a business. Even if things seem to be running smoothly now, there will inevitably come to a point when the stability is tested. And that’s where doubts start and getting out of It won’t be easy.”A pang shot through my chest as I took a quick sip of my scotch. “You have no
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2024-12-09
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The Billionaire’s Regret 161: CAN YOU BE A LITTE GENTLER?
ELARA’S POV “El, I know what—” “Save it. I don’t want to hear it,” I cut him off coldly, my eyes fixed on the road ahead. Even though I barely paid attention earlier when Kyle drove us to the showroom, I somehow managed to trace my way back around the area. It took longer than it should’ve, especially considering how urgent it was to find a hospital or pharmacy. His hand was wrapped in a handkerchief, but that wouldn’t hold for long. I needed to be fast. But the truth is, I don’t know my way around this damn place. I’ve been living in Vegas for a while, and somehow, I still don’t know the roads around here. “Do you even know where you’re going?” Nate asks, his voice low. “I do,” I snap, gripping the steering wheel like it’s the only thing keeping me from losing it completely. In reality, I have no idea how I’m supposed to get us back to the main side of the city. “I don’t think—” “Can you just shut up for once in your life?” I bite, my voice rising with my rising panic. “I’m
The Billionaire’s Regret 160: I AM NOT YOUR WIFE.
ELARA’S POV I wish the earth would open up and swallow me whole. “Kyle,” Mimi speaks up before I can respond to him. “I need all of you to leave right now.” The smile I thought was permanent is long gone from her face. Even though she isn’t frowning, she doesn’t look happy. “Mimi—” Kyle begins. “I know it’s not your fault, but I need you guys out while we assess the damage.” Her tone is clipped, but her anger is evident and I don’t even blame her for getting mad. Nate broke two luxurious bed lamps during the stupid tussle. Thankfully, we were the only people around. What if she had customers in here and he came in making this mess? That would’ve been even worse. Kyle turns and gestures for us to leave while trying to straighten the wrinkles on his shirt. “I’m really sorry about this, Mimi,” I whisper, slipping my business card discreetly into her hand. “Please send me the invoice. I’ll make sure the damages are covered.” “There’s no need to apologize. It’s not your fault, dear,
The Billionaire’s Regret 159: PSYCHOPATH HUSBAND.
NATE’S POV I yank my phone out of my pocket, hands trembling as I dial Dave’s number. He picks up on the first ring. “Dave.” “Yes, sir,” he responds, sharp and ready. “I just sent you a number. I want the exact location. Right now.” “Got it, boss.” I don’t know where to start looking for her since she wasn’t at home, but I hit the main road anyway. My foot is heavy on the gas pedal, heart pounding against my ribs like it’s trying to break free. The phone buzzes again a moment later. “Do you have anything?” “Yes, sir. 288 Flitwood. It’s pinging to a Boho-style interior show room, place called Mali.” What the hell? I hang up, quickly typing the address into the GPS. A shortcut lights up on the screen. I take it without a second thought. Why the fuck would she be in an interior design place with another man? I slam my hand on the steering wheel, jaw locked as I try to shake the thought. My mind is spiraling images of her laughing with some man, touching him. Whil
The Billionaire’s Regret 158: SHE COULD BE SLIPPING AWAY.
NATE’S POV “Right,” the valet mutters, fumbling with the keys in his hands as he searches for mine. It feels like it’s taking forever. My foot taps impatiently against the marble floor while my mind spins with the worst possible scenarios. Each second wasted here is another second Elara could be with him laughing, smiling, looking at him the way she used to look at me. But then, as the valet continues to sort through the keys, I spot a familiar keychain the sleek black one with the silver initials that belong to Marcus’s car. “I’ll take these,” I say sharply, snatching them before he can react. The guy blinks, mouth opening as if to protest, but he must be smart enough to read the expression on my face. He doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t try to stop me. Wise choice. I press the unlock button on the fob, and the car beeps in the distance before I even reach it. “Nate!” I hear Marcus call out behind me. I don’t turn around. I don’t have the time or the patience
The Billionaire’s Regret 157: BAD EGGS AROUND HER
NATE’S POV A few months ago, when Jenna reached out and proposed a deal to me about helping me keep an eye on Elara, I was stunned. Gobsmacked even. She wasn’t just Elara’s assistant but her friend also. So if Ask me, I thought I’d be the last person she’d want to help, especially considering how rocky things are between Elara and me. I expected her to do everything in her power to keep me away from my wife… not offer to play matchmaker for a price. She claimed she wanted to help us “fix things.” Said she could keep me in the loop, provide updates, even talk Elara into showing up when I needed her to. Even though I agreed to this arrangement, I found it a little suspicious and with time I kept seeing weird patterns and I don’t think money is all she wants I think she wants more that but then again. She didn’t do it out of loyalty. No, backstabbers like Jenna always have a price. And hers? Pathetically low, if you ask me. Once everything is back to normal bet
The Billionaire’s Regret 156: THE STAR OF THE DAY.
Nate’s POV“Congratulations, brother.”Angelo pulls me in for a quick bro hug, his signature grin stretched across his face.“Thanks, man,” I reply, patting his back before stepping away.“What is this, your millionth project now?” James jokes from the side, his tone casual but curious.I shrug with a smirk. “Could be. Who’s counting anymore?”The event kicked off earlier than planned because of the product showcase Marcus insisted on adding. He said it’d help widen our customer base and give the brand a more approachable image. He even suggested slashing some of our prices to attract more interest.Which, of course, I didn’t agree with.Our company has been doing just fine with the current pricing more than fine, actually. If it’s not an increase he’s proposing, then I’m not interested. But this entire branch is going to be his soon. A few more weeks and I hand over the reins. After that, he can do whatever he wants with it. For now I want to make this event is a success. To be hon
The Billionaire’s Regret 155: FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES
ELARA’S POV For most of the time now Kyle has been quiet while Mimi does more explaining. Kyle is still holding my iPad swiping g through the sketches. With an expression I can’t quite explain. His hand slightly brushed mine as he turns the iPad to me. “This is good,” Kyle murmurs, his voice low and thoughtful as he studies the design on my iPad. I try to swallow the sudden lump in my throat. Why the hell am I feeling nervous now? It’s just Kyle. Just a stupid couch. Just… expensive cologne and annoyingly attractive… Pull it together, Elara. “But I don’t think there’s an exact design like this here,” I say, clearing my throat and pointing toward a set of couches arranged nearby. “So, what if we swap it out for one of those? Just for the prototype, I mean. If you don’t like them, we could… maybe look somewhere else.” I lower my voice at the last part, just loud enough for him to hear. The last thing I wanted was to offend Mimi by talking about scouting o
The Billionaire’s Regret 154: THE OBSESSED PART.
ELARA’S POV The woman, who I assumed was Mrs. Jules wrapped Kyle in a quick hug the moment we walked in. “I never thought I’d see the day Kyle Sinclair showed up late,” she teased, pulling away from him with a warm laugh. Kyle frowned immediately, his eyes flicking to me with pointed accusation. I bit back the smile threatening to curl my lips, pretending to be entirely innocent. So petty, I thought, barely holding in a chuckle. “And you must be Kyle’s friend…?” she asked, turning her attention to me. “Elara,” I replied with a friendly smile. “Elara Westwood—” Before I could finish my introduction, she pulled me into a hug. “It’s so lovely to meet you, Elara. I’m Mimi Jules.” “It’s nice to meet you too, Mrs. Jules,” I said as we pulled apart. “Oh, no, darling, just call me Mimi,” she insisted with a bright smile. “We don’t have much time today,” Kyle cut in, his tone all business. “But if she likes the place, we’ll be back for a more in depth.” “Oh, of course
The Billionaire’s Regret 153: IM NEVER LATE.
ELARA’S POVThe ride to the showroom wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be.Even with Kyle awful silent, grumpy energy from the driver’s seat, I focused on my phone, trying my best to stay calm. Every now and then, I threw a glance in his direction to see if his mood had improved, but nope same stone cold scowl plastered on his annoyingly handsome face.“You can take a picture, you know,” he muttered out of nowhere.I raised a brow, keeping my expression innocent. “A picture of what?”“Stealing glances is kind of outdated,” he said smoothly, eyes still locked on the road. “Just take a picture. That way, you can stare at that instead of burning a hole in my head.”I gasped. “Excuse me? With what eyes did you even see me staring? You haven’t looked away from the road.”A smirk played on his lips. “Your stares are not exactly discreet.”I crossed my arms, refusing to let him get under my skin. “For the record, I was not staring at you. There’s nothing particularly interesting to lo
