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2024-10-29 19:42:56CHAPTER 1
"Come on Amelia, ten more."The dumbbell in Amelia's outstretched hand kept increasing in weight with every squat. Her mark today was 120 squats but it was quite tougher than expected. She'd probably might have given up by now but she's got Tom. He won't let her. "Come on Amelia, five more."Her thighs and arms screamed in protest as she completed the last squat. They could protest all they wanted. She had done it."Whoo Amelia, new record.""Yeah"That was all Amelia could manage as she panted, desperately trying to catch her breaths as her skin leaked out all the moisture in her system. She could barely acknowledge Tom bending down over her chuckling reassuringly."I suppose that should be enough for today. Hold on tight, I'm gonna go get you a drink. You've earned it""I really appreciate it Tom, but I'll get it myself if you don't mind." She still remained on the floor, gasping quite a bit."Amelia, you're exhausted. Let me get it.Amelia shot Tom a fiery glance that said so many words which Tom understood perfectly. He raised his arms in surrender and offered his gym buddy a hand up.He was right about one thing though; Amelia was exhausted. Every strand of muscle fiber in her entire body felt like it was on fire. But that was just who Amelia was if anything; A fighter. If she could survive and triumph over all life had thrown at her, a troubling marriage, divorce, raising her two kids on her own for the most part and her now successful fashion home, walking her hurting ass over to the vending machine is nothing.Amelia downed the entire bottle of sparkling water right there by the vending machine before Tom could even open his bottle."That's quite the milestone Amelia, a hundred and twenty squats is a lot from the fifty you'd usually do. I can't imagine how much your muscles would be hurting.""Swears Tom, you do not know the half of it."Amelia picked her self up and made for the showers.She couldn't help but notice that all day Tom seems to have something stuck in his throat he'd be wanting to say. She could almost feel it right now. She had to subconsciously stop herself from asking him if he had something to tell her as they walked to the locker room. Maybe this wasn't the place. There were still quite a number of people in the gym."Hey Amelia, you know, to celebrate I could treat you to dinner"Amelia was quite ahead of Tom and he couldn't see the small smile that popped out of her face and vanished immediately."I know this Italian place with simple but amazing food that I think you should try."Amelia kept walking. It's been so long since anyone has asked her out to dinner and it was quite nice to feel like a young girl again, giggling over a guy fighting nerves in a bid to impress her especially since she is now a mother with three kids.Tom wasn't a bad looking guy. Plus he was pretty nice. He looked a bit Hispanic and had this carefully chiseled jaw line, a bit of baby cheeks and really nice hair. He had been her gym buddy for the past couple of months and had being invaluable with dealing with her recent divorce with Ryan. It might have been a bit too soon but she hated having to turn it down.As they got to the doors that led to the male and female locker room, she turned to face him. Her face might have been more than a little red."Oh Tom, I really appreciate the invite, and I promise I really hate that I have to decline but I've got to pick the kids from school...", She looks at her wristwatch, "...in about an hour. I'm really sorry"The dissapointed look in Tom's face wasn't very explicit but Amelia could tell and it just stung her a bit more."I see you work and bust your ass everyday for your work and kids which, don't get me wrong is a good thing. You're a great mom and an exceptional person but you need to find time for yourself and relax, you know. Couldn't you get someone to pick the kids for you?"That was a bit desperate.Amelia tenderly took Tom's right hand with both her hands."I really am sorry Tom. I'm not exactly saying no. We can always reschedule, but I have to go now"She turned around and pushed into the female locker room leaving Tom standing there. For a second she really did consider getting someone else to pick up the kids. Hayley, her P.A. is great with kids and she would be happy to. Besides Amelia did deserve some downtime.But it's Friday and it's ice cream day, she can't miss it. The twins would kill herShe smiled and shook her head at Tom's efforts as she got into the locker room shower.Related chapters
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 2
CHAPTER 2...It was already 1:45. She was going to be late to pick up the kids. She obviously spent a little too long in the shower. She turned on her phone as she picked up her bag. She usually turns it off when she goes to the gym or has a spa day. There was 7 missed calls and a text from Ryan. She almost scoffed at her phone. Why was he trying to reach her all of a sudden?Well it didn't matter now. Amelia would deal with Ryan later. Right now, ice cream day is in danger; she's running late.She rushed out of her apartment to the elevator at the end of the hall that led to the garage. Her Buick really needed a wash but it'll be after she gets her kids.She got in and sped out into the busy street...."What do you mean someone already picked them?"Amelia was filled with righteous fury. Someone else had picked her kids from school and she didn't know who."It was a man in a nice suit, really nice SUV too. He said he was their father and they confirmed it too."RYAN, Amelia though
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 3
CHAPTER 3As Ryan drove up his driveway, almost expressionless as he usually is, his mind was a kaleidoscope of thoughts. His business and name has been under threat especially in recent years. He had inherited his father's large scale, world renowned brewery since he passed away about a decade ago. With his smarts, foresight and ruthlessness, Anderson breweries have attained higher heights than ever before; they are about to conquer the Eurasian front. But now a gap in his financial records had insinuated evidence of Tax fraud and money laundering. The board and the government have been on his back for the past two years. In the middle of this ,he's had to also deal with his divorce with Amelia and the almost total loss of his kids. His kids, that got it worse. They got to be caught up in all of this. Besides what's the point of the mansion and prestige if he can't..."Hey daddy, is Ms Cynthia home?, I've missed her."Joey's comment shook him out of his thoughts."Yeah Joey ...I cal
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 4
CHAPTER 4 The sun was on business as much as everyone that Monday afternoon as Ryan drove to the office complex. He was on his usual monthly inspection of the production facility at the outskirt of the city when he had a call from his secretary of an emergency meeting of the board that was going down in about thirty minutes. He finished the inspection and everything seemed in order. Just the need for new parts and a couple arrangements he'd need to make; nothing major.But the emergency meeting shook him quite a bit. He had a couple of ideas why the meeting was being held. He knew what to say though and he had everything mostly under control but some board members seemed to be pressing on the recent developments as a means to get him out of his position as CEO. Harkland and Stone have the highest shares in the company apart from him and that could pose a problem. He really had to fix this.The office complex was in the middle of the city. A pretty impressive thirteen story sky scra
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 5
CHAPTER 5Ryan wasn't exactly sure why he was angry or who he was angry at. Was it the reporters or whoever the man is that was spotted with Amelia or at himself for being so angry.He was home and had been following stories and articles on him since the press interview. What he kept finding over the past week shook him more than a little bit. There was almost entirely nothing on the company case except for the possibility of him serving jail time. Most of the articles were on his marital status, his divorce and more importantly the man Amelia seems to have been spotted with on a date along with a couple other sightings. He sat in his room with a glass of whiskey in his hand staring out the window. He did not know exactly what was going on or what to do about it but he was certain he was angry. His mom still hadn't gotten hold of Mr Clancy. D lookespite his interview, Harkland and the rest of the board were still on his neck, and now this.They were divorced for almost half a year,
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 6
Chapter SixAmelia couldn't help but wonder why he kept gazing at her. Was it possible that he still harbored feelings for her? Her mind races with possibilities, but she quickly dismisses the thought, convincing herself that it is impossible.She drove off to her workplace, where she met Tom. He was already waiting for her, and her workers had already given him a seat and a drink.She has always told them to welcome anybody looking for her, provided that she's not around."Where did you go?" He asked her immediately as she dropped off her car."I went to take my children," she replied sharply."And where are they?" He checked around and could not see any of them.She didn't reply to him and she stepped forward...."Don't I deserve a reply?"As their eyes met, a silent message passed between them. In that moment, she could feel the depth of his emotions, she knew he loved her more than anything. But at the same time, She couldn't help but feel guilty for not reciprocating his feelings
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 7
Chapter Seven Amelia smiled to herself as she walked home, reveling in the joy of her evening out. But as the cool night air brushed against her skin, she felt a familiar pang of longing. Was it love that she felt for Tom, or something else? The thought of falling in love so soon after her marriage's end seemed impossible, yet she couldn't deny the warmth that bloomed in her chest whenever he crossed her mind.As Ryan snuggled into bed, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion, the gentle patter of tiny feet approached his door. "June, Joey, I thought you two were sleeping,' he mumbled, his voice hoarse with sleep. 'What's going on, sweeties? Are you okay?""Daddy, we are fine, but there's something we like to discuss with you."Ryan, who was curious about what they had to say, sat down comfortably to listen. Seeing the seriousness of the situation, he straightened up and gave them his full attention."Go on, my beautiful daughters.""Daddy, why are you and Mummy not living together? We mi
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter 8
As the girls walked back to their room, Ryan slumped into bed, his mind swirling with the weight of the situation. He knew he needed to be strong for them, but inside, he felt like he was falling apart.As Ryan stared at the ceiling, the quietness of the house seemed to amplify his thoughts, and the idea of his mother meddling with the children's minds added to the heaviness in his chest, making him feel like he was suffocating.As the hours ticked by, Ryan's mind wouldn't rest. He tossed and turned, the faint creaks of the house keeping rhythm with his restless mind. The words of his daughters echoed in his ears, and the pain in their voices haunting him.Ryan woke with a groggy head and a heavy heart. After a fitful night of tossing and turning, he reached for his phone as soon as his eyes opened. His mother's name appeared on the screen as he dialed, his mind still foggy with worry and exhaustion."Hello, mother," he said, and immediately she picked up the phone."My darling Ryan,
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Nine
Ryan left work early to take his daughters to school, but he met their mother talking to them and Tom's car was parked before the school gate.Ryan walked inside the school to take them."Joey, June, Danny" Ryan called.They rushed to hug him, leaving their mother alone.Ryan kneeled down to embrace his children, doing his best to keep his emotions in check.Amelia was angry. They always prefer their father more than her, regardless of anything she does.She faked a smile and moved closer to them."Why are you here?" Ryan asked Amelia, and he continued, "ooh! You came here with him just to show off, right?""Whatever, I miss my kids; that is why I am here.""The same way I miss them while they are with you, definitely.""June, Joey, Danny, mummy loves you, see you later."Amelia's anger at her children's preference for their father, Ryan's protective stance towards his kids, and the subtle digs they exchange.Faking a smile, she waved to her children and left to meet Tom.Tom noticed
Latest chapter
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Forty One
Ryan's POVThe safe house was eerily quiet, a contrast of the chaos and fear that had engulfed us just hours earlier. Amelia was resting on the couch, her exhaustion evident in the way her body sank into the couch. Her eyes were closed, but I could tell she wasn't sleeping. Her breathing was too shallow, and her body too tense. I wished I could take away her fear, but the truth was, I was just as scared. Not of what had happened, but of what was yet to come.I walked over to the small window and looked out into the dark night. The city was distant from us, it's light glowing from afar, far enough away that we were relatively safe, but close enough that we could feel it's pulse. My thoughts were racing, my mind kept replaying every detail of the last few hours, searching for any mistake, any sign we might have missed. We had to be ready for McQueen's next move. He wouldn't take Amelia's rescue lightly. If anything, it would make him more dangerous.I heard Amelia stir behind me and
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Forty
Ryan's POV I stood in the middle of Amelia's wrecked room, my heart pounding loudly in my chest. The room that was once filled with her scent now felt cold and alien. Every detail before me screamed of the violence that had taken place_ her missing presence, the overturned sofa, the shattered lamp on the floor. But it was the torn curtain, hanging limply by the window, that sent shivers down my spine.I forced myself to focus, pulling out my phone from my pocket. My hands trembled as I dialed Jeffrey's number. The phone rang twice before he picked up."Jeffrey," I said, my voice sharp. "I need every resource we have in order to find Amelia. Now."Understood”Boss. We have already pulled traffic footage. A black SUV left the area about ten minutes before you arrived. We are tracing it now."My breath hitched. "Send me the coordinates. I'm going after them.""Boss," Jeffrey's voice carried a note of caution, "you need to be careful. This could be a setup.""I don't care," I snapped. "J
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Nine
Ryan's POV Pushing back from the desk, I stood up, the chair scraping against the marble floor. My mind was already moving to the next step, trying to figure out how to salvage something from this mess.There had to be a way to regroup, to strike back before McQueen could tighten his grip. But first, I needed to know what had gone wrong. I needed to find out how he had known we were coming.My thoughts wandered to Amelia, the promise I had made to myself to protect her, to keep her safe from the dangers that surrounded my world. But how could I even do that when I couldn't even protect my team? The image of her face, the concern in her eyes as she told me to be careful, flashed through my mind. I had assured her that everything would be fine, that I had everything under control. Now that assurance felt like a cruel joke.As I paced up and down the room, the walls of the office seemed to close around me, the luxury and power that I had once comforted me now felt suffocating. My thoug
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Eight
Ryan's POV The morning light filtered through the company's windows. Everywhere was quiet and still, the air thick with tension, almost like the calm before the storm. My arrival was met with the usual greetings, but today I was in no mood to answer them. My mind was somewhere else, caught between Tom and Amelia and the battle I had to face. I shook my head a little and pushed the thought of Amelia to the back of my head. I would deal with Tom later but for now, I needed to focus on McQueen and how to end his terror.As I made my way to the elevator, the familiar ding of it, I couldn't shake the feeling that today was going to be a turning point _ a day that could either mark my control or destroy everything I had worked for. The doors slid open, and I stepped inside, the space closing around me as I ascended to my office. Each floor that I passed reminded me of what laid ahead.With the doors opened again, I was greeted by the sleek, modern interior of my office. A haven of power d
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Seven
Amelia's POV As the door slammed shut, the silence that followed was deafening. I stood frozen for a moment, my breath coming in ragged gasps as I tried to process what had just happened. The intensity of the confrontation left me shaken, my body trembling with a mix of fear, anger, and disbelief.I stumbled back to the window, my legs weak beneath mr. The room around me felt like it was closing in, the walls too close, and the air too thick. I pressed my forehead against the cool glass window, trying to calm myself, as I struggled to steady my breaths.Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them back, refusing to let them fall. I had cried too much in the past and I wouldn't let myself break down again. Not after everything I had been through.But as I stood there alone, in the dimly lit room, the reality of my situation began to sink in. I had just thrown out the man who had been my partner for the last few years, the man I had thought would be my future. But now, in the stillne
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Six
AmeliaI stood by the window in my living room. My thoughts were all over the place. The room was silent with the wall clock bearing as the only means of sound. I hadn't intended to make any promises to Ryan, especially not when I was still in a relationship with Tom. But that night, when Ryan looked at me with those intense, pleading eyes and asked if I still loved him, all the careful strings of reason and caution I had built crumbled away. In that moment, all I wanted was to be wrapped in his arms again, to feel the comfort of his familiar embrace. I tried convincing myself it was merely a moment of weakness, but deep down, I knew it was much more.The last few weeks had been an emotional whirlwind. Tom, my understanding and reliable partner, had been away on a business trip. The space between us had given me too much time to think, to question the choices I had made and the life I had built with Tom. And then, there was Ryan, my ex-husband, who had showed up at my door at the mos
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Five
Ryan's POV The moments with Amelia had given me clarity I hadn't felt in weeks, but it also added another layer of responsibility. If anything went wrong, it wasn't just my life on the line_ it was hers too. The thought gnawed at me, almost shaking my resolve.I stepped out of the car, the cool night air biting into my skin as I made my way inside. The house was quiet, except for the faint ticking of the clock in the hallway. I moved through the dimly lit hallway, each step I took echoing in the emptiness, until I found myself in the children's room. They were all sound asleep,their breathing a sweet tune to my ears. I hadn't seen them much this week and I missed them very much. After tucking them in very well, I gave them light kisses on the forehead before leaving and making my way back to my study. The documents of Alexander McQueen lay spread out on the desk, a constant reminder of the battle I was about to wage on him. I stared at them, at the damning evidence that would brin
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Four
Ryan I sat in my study, the fading light now turned into darkness. The adrenaline from earlier had slowly started to subside, leaving behind a hollow ache in my chest. As much as I was focused on bringing Alexander McQueen down, my thoughts kept drifting to Amelia. I hadn't seen her in weeks until today, and now, in this moment of calm before the storm, I missed her more than ever.Amelia had always been my source of strength, the one person who always managed to pull me from the edge. Her warmth, her laughter, the way she could make me forget the weight of the world with just a simple look_ all of it felt so distant now. I wondered what she would think is she knew the lengths I was willing to go just to protect everything I had built. Would she understand, or would she see me as just another player in a dangerous game?I reached for my phone that was on the study table, my thumb punching in the familiar digits. But I stopped myself. What would I say? That I was about to mercilessly
The Billionaire's Secret Chapter Thirty Three
Ryan Lydia's revelation left me reeling, but I knew I couldn't afford to show it. I kept my face expressionless, nodding slowly as I processed each information she revealed. "If Alexander is feeding Smith information, it means we are up against more than just a rogue detective. This is a calculated move."Lydia's expression hardened. "Exactly. McQueen has been playing the long game. I suspect he's not working alone. Someone with more resources might be backing him up."Amelia leaned in, her eyes wide with concern. "Ryan,this could mean the stakes are higher than we thought. If McQueen and Smith are working together, they could be building a case that could bring everything down."I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. "We'll need to figure out who's backing McQueen and why. Lydia, can you dig deeper into his recent activities, see if he has had any unusual contacts or transactions?"Lydia nodded, already making notes. "I'll get on it immediately. But Ryan, be careful. If
