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Chapter Thirteen— The test of a new heir
Last Updated:
2024-12-13 23:46:25
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The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Fourteen — The impatient billionaire
James Valquez stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of his penthouse office, his hands buried in the pockets of his tailored black suit. The city sprawled beneath him, shimmering with artificial light and relentless motion, a constant reminder of the power he wielded—or, tonight, the power he was being denied. The call had come hours ago, but the weight of it lingered in his chest like a stone. Archway Holdings, the crown jewel of the business world, had slipped through his fingers. Not because his offer wasn’t high enough. Not because his negotiation skills had faltered. But because the board deemed him “an unstable candidate.” No heir. No legacy. No continuity. The words echoed in his mind, each one as grating as the next. For once, James Valquez—the man who could buy nations and shatter empires with a signature—had been told no. His jaw tightened, the cold fury he felt barely contained. He hadn’t built his empire from the ground up to let something as archaic as family va
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Fifteen — Apology to the queen
The morning light filtered through the tall glass windows of the Valquez estate, throwing long shadows across the marbled floor. The penthouse was eerily quiet, save for the faint hum of the city below. Silence wasn’t unusual in James Valquez’s world—it was the absence of chaos that often gave him solace. But today, that silence held a tension so sharp it could slice through glass. James sat at the dining table, his face unreadable, his gaze fixed on the steaming cup of coffee in front of him. He was dressed impeccably, as always, in a tailored gray suit and a crisp white shirt. His appearance gave nothing away, but his clenched jaw betrayed his inner turmoil. Ava Affleck, his contract wife, stood a few feet away, leaning against the counter. She was dressed casually in loose jeans and an oversized sweater, her arms crossed over her chest. Her honey-blonde hair was unkempt, and her face carried the remnants of a sleepless night. The air between them was heavy, charged with uns
Last Updated : 2024-12-14The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Sixteen — A spark of Love
JAMES POV I sat across the big TV screen in my massive living room watching the newscaster lament in the economy of our small town. A figure walked through the kitchen as the fridge was opened. “Good morning.” The figure said. I turning back slowly to re-acknowledge her presence. “Morning Ava.” I muttered, without removing my eyes from the screen. “How was your night?” She attempted to start a conversation, regardless of yesterday’s occurrence. “Same as any other day.” I replied, quite quickly. “Sorry for asking.” Ava simply said. I paused briefly to reflect on my response. I picked up the TV remote subtly, knowing that I don’t care about Ava’s feelings. I abruptly switched the Television station to Super Sport HD TV. I abruptly picked up my phone as phone chimed to the text I just received. Flagging my messages into archived, Ava suddenly appeared beside me as if chased by a ghost from the kitchen. Her gaze remained locked into the TV screen. “I didn’t kno
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventeen — A meal of Love
AVA’S POV I stood in the center of the expansive kitchen, my arms crossed and my lips pursed in determination. The room was immaculate—almost too immaculate. The polished marble countertops gleamed under the warm glow of recessed lights, and every utensil was in its rightful place. It was the kind of kitchen that was frequently used by James maids, yet, seemed as if it had remained untouched for as long as I’ve been in this contract marriage with James Valquez. Tonight, that was about to change. James leaned against the doorway, arms folded, an amused smirk playing on his lips. His sharp features were alight with curiosity as he watched me move about the kitchen with an energy he hadn’t expected. “You know,” he began, his deep voice cutting through the soft hum of the refrigerator, “I’m pretty sure you’ve never even boiled water in your life. Are you sure you’re ready for this?” I shot him a glare over my shoulder, my eyes glittering with defiance. “I know what I’m doing
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Eighteen — Not the Same argument, Again!
James Valquez never faltered. Whether in business, negotiations, or personal matters, he was a man of decisions—final, sharp, and absolute. So, when the idea of an heir entered his calculated mind, it wasn’t a question of if but how. Marriage had never been his goal. Partnerships were for convenience, deals sealed with unshakable contracts rather than vows. Ava Valley had been no exception. She had become Mrs. Valquez not out of love but necessity. Her beauty was undeniable, her intelligence sufficient, but more importantly, she fit his criteria. Above all, she had agreed. And now, seated beside him in his sleek black Aston Martin as the city skyline blurred past, Ava remained silent, her hands folded tightly in her lap. “We’ll be there in twenty minutes,” James said, his tone clipped, his eyes fixed on the road. Ava turned her head slightly, her profile catching the faint morning light streaming through the tinted windows. “You could have at least told me in advance.” J
Last Updated : 2024-12-15The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Nineteen — The estate surveyor
AVA'S POV I sat cross-legged on the edge of the balcony, my eyes closed, my breathing steady as the pale rays of dawn kissed my skin. The delicate hum of the city’s morning buzz was a soothing backdrop to my meditation. This was my sanctuary, the one time of day I could steal for myself, a moment untouched by the constraints of my cold, calculated marriage to James Valquez. My hands rested lightly on my knees, my mind focused on the mantra she had been repeating in her head since sunrise. Inhale. Exhale. Balance. The slam of a door shattered the peace like a rock through glass. My serene expression faltered, my eyes snapping open as heavy, purposeful footsteps advanced toward my direction. I know didn’t need to look to know who it was. James always moved with an air of domination, his presence a force that demanded attention. “Ava,” his voice was deep, clipped, and cold. It was the voice of a man who didn’t ask; he commanded. I turned my head slightly, taking in the si
Last Updated : 2024-12-16The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Twenty — The Manipulative dinner
The morning sun blazed high in the sky, glaring through the tinted windows of James Valquez’s black Bentley as it slid through the streets. The city roared on around them—blaring horns, bustling markets, and the steady hum of life pulsating through every alley. But inside the car, silence reigned, thick and oppressive, except for the faint sound of Ava’s shallow breathing. She sat beside him, straight-backed and poised, her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her auburn hair was swept up into a practical bun, though strands had slipped loose during the hours they had spent at the estate property. James’s eyes flicked toward her, noting the faint crease of fatigue at the corners of her eyes. She was trying to hide her exhaustion, of course—Ava would never admit that the morning had drained her. She had worked just as hard as he had, surveying the land, asking sharp, thoughtful questions to the appraisers, and catching details even his team had overlooked. She’d impressed him. Again.
Last Updated : 2024-12-16The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Twenty One — A game of love, or a game of checkers?
AVA'S POV The air in the Valquez manor's private lounge was still, a calculated silence interrupted only by the gentle crackle of the grand fireplace. Winter raged outside, its howling wind rattling the antique window panes, but inside, the room was a cocoon of warmth and unyielding tension. James sat in his leather chair, his angular features illuminated by the golden glow of the fire. He was the picture of control: crisp shirt sleeves rolled up to his forearms, his cold brown eyes fixed on the chessboard between him and I. I sat across from him, my posture signifying a mixture of defiance and hesitation. I wasn’t dressed to impress tonight, my unusual fancy dinner dress replaced by a cozy knit sweater. My delicate fingers hovered over the wooden bishop, hesitant as I weighed my next move. “Indecision is a killer,” James said, his voice as smooth as the aged whiskey in his glass. He leaned back, studying my with an expression of detached amusement. “Not just in chess, but in
Last Updated : 2024-12-17
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The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Sixty Nine — A New Beginning
Ava stood at the door of her mother’s home, the evening sunlight casting a warm glow over the manicured lawn. Lillian Affleck stood beside her, baby Sarah nestled in her arms, her expression hopeful yet tinged with disappointment.“I understand your choice,” Lillian said, her voice soft but sincere. “But I had hoped you might consider living with us, even just for a little while. We could really use this time to build the bond we missed out on.”Ava’s heart ached at the sincerity in her mother’s voice, but her decision was firm. She smiled gently, placing a hand on her mother’s arm.“Mom,” Ava began, her tone warm yet resolute, “these past weeks have been a gift. I never thought we’d get the chance to rebuild what we lost, and I’m so grateful for that. But my place is with James and Patrick. They need me, just as much as I need them.”Lillian nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I understand,” she said, her voice wavering. “But promise me one thing—don’t let too much time p
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Eight —A Second Chance
The day James Valquez woke up from surgery was one that Ava would never forget. The sterile smell of the hospital room was a stark contrast to the overwhelming mix of emotions swirling in her heart—hope, fear, relief. She had spent hours pacing the floor while the doctors worked tirelessly to save her husband’s life.When the surgeon emerged, his expression grave but tinged with a hint of optimism, Ava’s heart raced.“The surgery was a success,” the doctor said. “We’ve managed to remove the cancerous cells. However…” He paused, his voice softening. “There’s been significant damage to his spinal cord. Mr. Valquez will likely be paralyzed from the waist down.”Ava’s hand flew to her mouth as tears streamed down her face. Relief that James had survived mixed with the devastating reality of his condition. But none of it mattered to her as much as the fact that he was alive.****************When Lillian Valquez received the call, she was in her study, staring at a framed photo of James a
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Seven — Bridges to Mend
The tension in the Valquez mansion was palpable in the days following Mrs. Valquez dramatic exit from James’ hospital room. Ava watched her husband battle his illness while grappling with his mother’s cold distance. It hurt her to see James, a man who had always seemed unbreakable, crumble under the weight of both his physical and emotional struggles.Ava had tried to bridge the gap between James and his mother, urging her to reconsider her stance, but her efforts had been met with silence. Lillian’s refusal to talk to James was wearing on him, and Ava knew something needed to change.As she sat by James’ bedside one evening, holding his hand while he rested, her mind wandered to her own fractured relationship with her mother, Lillian Affleck. Ava had spent years harboring resentment toward her mother for leaving her as a child to start a new life with Peter Max. The bitterness had grown stronger when she discovered her mother had remarried and was starting a new family.But now, seei
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Six — A Mother’s Silence
The sun streamed through the large glass windows of the hospital room, casting soft patterns on the sterile white walls. James Valquez, multi-billionaire and patriarch of his family, sat upright in his bed, his body frail but his determination unwavering. The diagnosis of acute leukemia weighed heavily on his shoulders, but an even heavier burden pressed against his chest—he had yet to tell his mother. Mrs. Valquez was a formidable woman, known for her sharp wit and unwavering composure. She had been a guiding force in James’ life, shaping him into the business magnate the world revered. But their relationship had always been fraught with an unspoken tension—a quiet battle of expectations and disappointments. For weeks, James had debated whether to tell her about his illness. Part of him feared her reaction, while another part longed for her support. But now, as he sat in his hospital room, weakened and vulnerable, he knew he couldn’t delay any longer. Ava sat beside him, gentl
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Five — Secrets Beneath the Surface
The city skyline stretched out before James as he sat at his desk in the towering headquarters of Valquez Enterprises. It had been a few months since Patrick’s birth, and his life was full of both joy and responsibility. He adored being a father, though juggling his growing business empire and newfound parenthood was taking its toll.Lately, James had felt an unfamiliar weariness settle over him. The fatigue was more than the usual demands of his relentless schedule; it clung to him like a shadow. His mind raced through meetings and numbers, but his body struggled to keep up.It was another typical day at work, filled with back-to-back meetings and calls. James sipped his coffee, trying to shake off the dull headache that had lingered all morning. As his trusted assistant, Rodri, entered the office with a file in hand, James felt a sudden wave of dizziness wash over him.“Sir? Are you alright?” Rodri asked, noticing the color drain from James’ face.“I’m fine,” James muttered, waving
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Four — A New Beginning
The door to the delivery room opened at last, and James froze mid-pace. A nurse stepped out, her expression soft and full of warmth.“Mr. Valquez,” she began, her voice gentle but firm, “you have a healthy baby boy.”James’s heart stopped, then kicked into overdrive. The words echoed in his mind: healthy baby boy. His mouth went dry, and his chest felt as though it might explode with emotion.“And Ava?” he asked, his voice trembling.“She’s tired but stable,” the nurse reassured him. “She’s asking for you.”James didn’t wait for more. He brushed past her, pushing the door open and stepping inside the room. The sight before him took his breath away.Ava lay in the hospital bed, her face pale and damp with sweat but glowing with a quiet strength. In her arms, bundled in a soft blue blanket, was their son. The baby’s tiny hand peeked out, clutching at the air, and a soft coo escaped his lips.“James,” Ava whispered, her voice weak but filled with warmth as she looked up at him.James app
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Three —The Longest Night
The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the bedroom as Ava shifted in her sleep. The city was quiet outside, and the rhythmic hum of the heater filled the room. But something wasn’t right.Ava’s eyes fluttered open, and a sharp jolt of pain shot through her abdomen. At first, she thought it was another of the false alarms she’d been experiencing over the past few weeks. She placed a hand on her swollen belly, her breathing shallow as the pain intensified.Her pulse quickened. This wasn’t a Braxton Hicks contraction—this was different.“James,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness. But he wasn’t beside her. He had been working late in his study, something about an urgent business report that couldn’t wait.A stronger contraction rippled through her body, and she gasped, clutching the sheets. Panic began to set in.“James!” she called out louder this time, her voice breaking.The sound of her cry echoed down the hallway, reaching James, who was hunc
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy Two — Breaking Down and Breaking Through
The gravel crunched under James’ polished shoes as he hurried after Ava, his heart heavy with concern. She was already halfway down the long driveway, her strides purposeful but shaky. He knew her well enough to recognize when she was barely holding herself together.“Ava!” he called, quickening his pace.She didn’t turn. Her arms were crossed tightly, her head tilted downward. He caught up to her just as she reached the edge of the estate grounds.“Ava, wait.” His hand reached for her elbow, his voice soft but firm.She stopped abruptly, yanking her arm away as she spun to face him. “James, don’t,” she said, her voice cracking. Her eyes, brimming with tears, glared at him, though the anger wasn’t meant for him.He held up his hands In a gesture of surrender. “I’m not here to argue,” he said gently. “But you’re upset, and I’m not letting you walk out of here alone. Let me take you home.”Ava hesitated, her chest heaving with unspoken emotions. Finally, she nodded, her lips pressed int
The Billionaire's Weakness Chapter Seventy One — The Unexpected Visit
James and Ava stood side by side, their polished shoes crunching against the gravel path that led to the grand countryside estate. The address Ava had received days earlier burned in her mind—a simple note signed by her estranged mother, Lillian Affleck. It was a summons Ava couldn’t ignore, despite the years of silence that stretched between them like an unbridgeable chasm. James, ever the poised billionaire, adjusted his cufflinks and glanced at Ava. “Are you sure about this?” His voice carried a mix of concern and reassurance. Ava nodded, though her heart raced. “I need answers, James. I can’t keep pretending the past doesn’t matter.” The massive oak door creaked open as they approached, revealing a man in his late fifties. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, and his tailored suit hinted at wealth, though his warm smile added a touch of humility. “Welcome,” he said, his voice deep but kind. “Mr. James Valquez? What are you doing here?” “Excuse me, where do you know
