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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 124: BUSINESS IS BUSINESS
ELARA’S POVThe moment my eyes landed on him, my breath hitched.He kept his words. We are actually meeting again. I try my best to keep my face straight, biting the little smiles that kept trying to takeover. “This is mr, Robert powers” Jenna says introducing us. Robert? His name is Robert powers? I could’ve nerve guessed that. “Its nice to meet you mr Robert” I say with a smile. “Its nice to meet you to miss Westwood” he says with a knowing smirk. But then when my eyes fall to the man sitting across the table… my smile vanished, the last person I was expecting to see here. Kyle freaking Sinclaire. He worked with my father years ago, on a project. And the last time I saw him.… No. I dont even want to relive those times.Kyles expression didn’t change when our gazes met. If anything, he looked completely unfazed like he was not the scum bag I knew, like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.I should be the last person he would want to partner up with. Judging the fact
The Billionaire’s Regret 123: I KNOW HIM
ELARA’S POV The car ride home was calmer than I imagined it to be. Elliot wasn’t as angry as he was before, but judging by the way he kept slamming the brakes and taking sharp turns, I was seconds away from asking him to let me drive. Because the hospital is the last place I want to be right now. Elliot slammed the brakes and the car jerked. “We’re home” he mutters. I put a hand to my chest. “Was that necessary?” I ask with a frown. But my brother only shrugged smugly stepping out of the car. I rolled my eyes as I follow at her into the house. I brace myself, because for the next few days that attitude is what I’m probably going to be dealing with. For the next few days. *********** The next morning I did even see Elliot when I got ready for work, and I don’t receive any texts or calls from him sef he didn’t respond when I tried calling. But Later that evening, when I got home I could tell he was in a better mood when he ordered takeout for us. Not just any t
The Billionaire’s Regret 122: ITS WAS ALL A LIE
ELARA’S POV I take a slow breath, exhaling through my mouth. “I know it’s too late to be telling you this, and it probably doesn’t even matter anymore because it’s all over now, but I just need to get it off my chest—” “Elara, just go straight to the point.” Elliot’s voice is firm, his patience already wearing thin. I swallow hard, gripping the edge of my seat. “Nate and I were never really giving each other a chance,” I confess, breaking the silence that had started to settle between us. Elliot lets out a chuckle, “why are you picking now of all times to joke around I thought we’ve already sorted this out, I know You’re just engaged. ” he says later of factly. “I’m not” I state. He narrows his eyes at me for a few seconds. Elliot doesn’t respond right away, but I feel the shift in his smile had vanished. “The whole engagement, the entire relationship… it was all fake. We didn’t do it because we were in love or because we wanted to try again.” He blinks at me, his brows d
The Billionaire’s Regret 121: DON’T GET TOO ANGRY
ELARA’S POV As much as I want to turn around and steal one last glance at him, I don’t. Because I can feel him. The burning intensity of his stare follows me as I make my way in the opposite direction, toward where Elliot is standing. For the first time tonight, he’s alone. Finally. “You having a good time?” he asks when I reach him. “Not as good as the one you’re having,” I mutter, a little smile tugging at my lips. “Is that so?” He glances at his watch, distracted. My eyes wander, searching the crowd. And then I find him. Powers. That’s what the man from earlier called him. His emerald eyes are locked on me. I don’t think Powers is his first name. But somehow, it fits him. With the way he carries himself, confident, commanding, completely at ease in a room full of people. He exudes power. And that name, Powers, wears him like a second skin. Elliot’s voice pulls me out of my trance. “Ready to go?” What? Right now? I blink, turning to Elliot. “Now?”
The Billionaire’s Regret 120: I’LL SEE YOU SOON
ELARA’S POV I should walk away. I should say thank you for the save and disappear into the crowd, back to my brother or my car or anywhere that isn’t here standing in front of a man I don’t even know, feeling like I should. But I don’t move. Because there’s something about him. Something about the way he watches me, not with expectation, not with amusement, but like he already knows I won’t leave just yet. “I take it you have a habit of stepping in where you’re not needed?” I arch a brow, tilting my head slightly. His smirk doesn’t falter. If anything, it deepens. “I don’t know… Were you going to handle it?” I narrow my eyes. He’s playing with me, testing me. And I don’t like it. “I was two seconds away from pouring my drink in his lap,” I say smoothly, waving my now empty glass. “But I suppose your approach was more… effective.” A little smile tugs at my lips. I was actually planning on doing it, but only if Mr Caldwell had followed me after I left. His ey
The Billionaire’s Regret 119: I wanted to
ELARA’S POV“You know, dear, expanding a business in early July is not something I’d recommend,” Mr. Caldwell says, his voice smooth but condescending, his hand lingering on my back a little too long for my liking.I shift slightly, forcing a polite smile, hoping he gets the hint. But instead of stepping back, he inches closer.Men like this are exactly why I avoid socializing at grand events like these. The flashing cameras, the overwhelming crowd, the endless small talk—it’s exhausting. And then there are the men—the ones who mistake common courtesy for an invitation.Elliot had insisted I come tonight as his plus one. I had wanted to stay home, lose myself in work, but I agreed to this because, for the past two days since we returned to Vegas, we hadn’t had a moment alone. And I needed to talk to him.To tell him the truth.But the moment we arrived, it seemed like everyone had someone to introduce to my brother, or Elliot himself had someone he needed to speak with. I quickly grew
The Billionaire’s Regret 118: TRUST OR TROUBLE
ELARA’S POV I made it very clear to her last time. I didn’t want her butting in with this kind of stuff. That’s what we hired the ad team for. That’s what the staff is for. I wanted her to focus on the work laid out for her, nothing more. Is that too much to ask? But then, when I look at her and see that expression. the shift in her face, the subtle guilt in her eyes it makes me rethink. Maybe she really did do this with the company’s best interest at heart. And maybe I’m the one getting sensitive? “I’m sorry, Elara,” she says, her voice a little shaken this time. That surprises me. “I feel so bad now. I shouldn’t have done that, but they seemed like such a good company to partner with. And when I saw the chance, I just thought we’d want to seize it… to take the opportunity to make more.” She exhales sharply before continuing, “But now I know it’s not my place to decide that. I should’ve been more careful.” She blurts the words out like they’ve been weighing on
The Billionaire’s Regret 117: DO THE HONORS.
ELARA’S POV Jenna ends her call with a sharp click, slamming the phone back into place. My gaze flickers to her, my mind still circling the last thing she said. “She won’t notice a thing.” Who is Brick? And who exactly is this person who won’t notice anything? Me? No, that can’t be right. I don’t have the full context of the conversation. I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But if I shouldn’t jump to conclusions, then why is she in my seat, giggling into the phone with some guy named Brick while she’s been ignoring my calls for nearly a week? A tightness spreads through my chest, but I mask it with a slight arch of my brow. I push the door shut behind me, the soft click of it sealing us inside. “What are you doing in my office?” I ask, keeping my tone as neutral as possible. Jenna gasps dramatically, her face lighting up in exaggerated excitement. “Elara!” Instead of answering my question, she jumps up from my chair and rushes toward me. Before I can react
The Billionaire’s Regret 116: A VERY SMART WOMAN
ELARA’S POV My hands feel numb as I stare out the window. White, fluffy clouds with soft, foggy outlines stretch across the sky, staring back at me. On any other day, I would have admired how bright and pure they looked, how their silver linings shined in the sunlight, or how the sky from up here seemed like an endless ocean. But today, I can’t think about any of that. Because no matter how hard I try, I can’t erase the image of what I saw last night. Nate and that woman… I don’t know what I was expecting from him, but it wasn’t that. Not after everything he told me. Not after the flowers. Not after the chocolates. Not after the note. FLASHBACK Our eyes met. For a second, I thought I imagined it, something flickered in his gaze, but it disappeared just as quickly. Then my eyes fell to the blonde woman sprawled on top of him, her hands wrapped around his neck. She let out a soft giggle. My stomach twisted. The heat in my chest was unbearable, spreading like wildfire.
