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Swallow his pride
Huling Na-update:
2024-09-26 22:10:50
Kaugnay na kabanata
The son of a billionaire in disguise Losing her forever
As the front doors of the Rossi mansion creaked open, Rene and Maria stepped inside, their footsteps echoing through the grand foyer. The tension between them is heavy as the silence continues to drag on. Slowly, Maria walked a step behind Rene, and then she stopped, her fingers gently pinching the edge of his coat as he moved ahead of her. She tugged lightly, enough to get his attention but hesitant to speak. As his eyes shut for a moment, Rene stopped mid-step, turning around to face her, his brow furrowed as he met her fluttering lashes. Maria looked up at him, her lips parted as if she were about to say something, but no words came out. She stood there, nervous and unsure, her emotions teetering on the edge.Before either could say anything, the butler appeared at the edge of the hallway. “Kia,” he addressed Rene. “Master Carlo is awaiting you in the living room. He wants to speak to you. Alone.”Still holding her eyes with his, Rene kept his gaze on Maria, ignoring the butle
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-27The son of a billionaire in disguise survival of the fittest
Saturday night8:00 P.M.As the silence continued to drag in the room, Rene stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his cufflinks, his thoughts scattered. The weight of what the evening would bring pressed heavily on him, knowing what he had to do at the party. His jaw tightened as he glanced toward the bathroom door. Maria had been in there for a while, far longer than usual, and the silence between them was beginning to suffocate him. “She’ll understand after tonight,” he mumbled to himself. He wanted to believe that, to hold on to the hope that after this, after the apology, he could fix things between them. But the doubt lingered. Maybe it was already too late.He finished dressing, straightening his jacket, and smoothing down his tie. He looked sharp, every detail of his outfit perfect, but it all felt hollow. The room felt too quiet, too cold without Maria’s voice. He turned and stared at the bathroom door for the longest time, hating the silence more than anything. Every s
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-27The son of a billionaire in disguise A family matter
The drive to the Leland family resort felt like an eternity. Rene's grip on the steering wheel tightened with every mile, his mind racing with thoughts of what the night would bring. He glanced sideways at Maria, her face set in an unreadable expression as she stared out the window, the quiet between them thick and suffocating.They didn’t speak the entire way. The tension from earlier still lingered, heavy and unrelenting. Rene had hoped their kiss might have bridged the gap, but it hadn’t been enough. Not yet.As they pulled up to the entrance of the lavish resort, lights from the grand yard spilled out into the night, illuminating the long line of luxury cars and well-dressed guests. It was a spectacle, just as Benjamin had wanted, and the Leland family spared no expense in flaunting their wealth.After bringing the car to a spot, Rene stepped out of the car first, smoothing his suit before coming around to help Maria out. As she stepped out, her hand slipped into his, and toget
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-27The son of a billionaire in disguise Retribution
As the music died down, the tension in the air grew, and Mr. Leland’s gaze locked onto Rene, the murmurs from the crowd quieted, and all eyes were now on Rene as the ballroom seemed to hold its breath.Benjamin stood smugly beside his father, while Leonardo swirled his champagne, eyes still gleaming with amusement. Mr. Leland approached Rene, his expression darkening with every step.“I trust you’re ready to settle this... unfortunate matter,” Mr. Leland repeated smoothly, though his voice held a barely concealed edge of disdain. His sharp gaze bore into Rene, expecting submission.But Rene didn’t flinch. He glanced at Maria, who stood beside him, her face filled with worry, before turning back to Mr. Leland, his eyes cold and unwavering.“Settle?” Rene’s voice was calm, but it carried through the room. “You mean you want me to apologize for what happened at the restaurant? For what your son did?”A ripple of shock ran through the crowd. Whispers buzzed like flies, shocked gasps es
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-27The son of a billionaire in disguise The Gun
The ballroom's atmosphere had shifted into something dark and menacing, the tension thickening with each passing second. The polished elegance of the chandeliers and the soft classical music now seemed jarringly out of place as the thugs in tailored suits moved in, surrounding Rene.Maria’s desperate cries echoed in Rene's ears, her voice cracking with panic as her mother and father restrained her. “Please! Don’t do this!” She struggled against their hold, tears streaming down her face, her words lost in the suffocating air of the room.As his fingers twitched by his side, Rene stood at the center of it all, his sharp gaze taking in the approaching men. His heart pounded in his chest, but his mind remained focused. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him, but there was no fear. Only clarity.He took a deep breath, bracing himself for what was to come.Benjamin watched with a smug expression, arms crossed, clearly relishing the moment. “You think you can disres
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-27The son of a billionaire in disguise A misunderstanding
Benjamin’s face was flushed with anger, his fists clenched tightly at his sides as he glared at Rene. The room had gone deathly quiet, and the air was thick with tension. Maria, still standing beside Rene, watched the scene unfold with wide eyes, her heart pounding in her chest."You think you can just walk in here and act like you're someone?" Benjamin spat, his voice shaking with fury. "You're nothing! A nobody who got lucky! A maid's son... and you have the audacity to stand here and act like you're on our level?"Rene remained calm, his smirk never leaving his face as he studied the gun.The color drained from Benjamin’s face for a second, but his rage only deepened. “You think this is funny? Humiliating me? Humiliating my family? You think we’re going to let that slide?”Stepping closer, Benjamin pointed at Rene’s chest, jabbing his finger forward as if to provoke him. “I want you on your knees. Right now. Kiss my feet, beg for forgiveness, and maybe, just maybe, we’ll let you l
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-28The son of a billionaire in disguise F-fifty percent
Before Mr. Leland could finish, the bank president stepped forward, his expression hardened, eyes unforgiving. “Mr. Leland,” he interrupted coldly, his voice echoing through the now-silent ballroom, “this has gone far beyond a simple misunderstanding.”The room stilled as the bank president’s eyes narrowed, filled with disapproval. He glanced at the lavish decorations, the chandeliers, the expensive wine glasses glittering in the light, all symbols of the Leland family’s reckless spending.“While you’re busy throwing lavish parties,” the bank president continued, his tone sharp, “your company is drowning in debt. The bank has been more than patient, but we are no longer willing to sit idly by while you mismanage your finances.”Mr. Leland’s forced smile faltered, and he stiffened, his eyes darting toward the guests who now watched in fascinated horror.The president’s words echoed in the room. “We’re prepared to initiate legal action to recover the debt you owe. If necessary, we’ll s
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-28The son of a billionaire in disguise It's a devil’s bargain
The silence that followed Gunnar’s ultimatum dragged on with the weight of everything that had just transpired. The ballroom, once filled with the soft murmur of conversation and clinking of champagne glasses, now stood frozen in a stunned hush. Every eye in the room was locked on Mr. Leland and his son, Benjamin.A gentleman near the front of the room, a distinguished figure in a well-tailored suit, shook his head in disbelief. "He's done it," he murmured, barely loud enough for those around him to hear. "They have no choice now. Mr. Gunnar has them trapped."The whispers started, quiet at first, but spreading quickly through the crowd like wildfire."Half the company… for their survival," another guest muttered. "It's a devil’s bargain, but they’re out of options."A woman in an elegant gown leaned toward her companion. “The Lelands… they’re finished. I’ve never seen anything like this.”Mr. Leland stood at the center of it all, his face twisted in agony, his pride warring against
Huling Na-update : 2024-09-28
Pinakabagong kabanata
The son of a billionaire in disguise The end approaches
As his gaze darted across the room, Rene kept the phone pressed tightly to his ear, Gunnar's voice echoing again on the other end."Hello, boss."The words rang in Rene's ear, but he stood motionless, letting the sound linger for a moment longer than necessary. He could feel the stares digging into his skin, hot and prickling, as if the entire room was holding its breath... waiting.After another moment of silent, Jason's frustration burst first."We can’t hear a damn thing from over there!" he snapped. "Put it on speaker, Kia. Now. Let us hear it ring so we can know when he answer.""Yeah, come on," Juan added, arms crossed, leaning forward. "Let’s all hear what he has to say.""If it’s the truth," Luis said, with a crooked smile, "you shouldn’t mind sharing it.""He’s right," Bianca chimed in, her voice cool. "Let Mr. Gunnar confirm that you weren’t with Layla. Or should we be calling her instead?"Even Vittoria, usually more reserved, nodded. "If you want to proof your inocence, It
The son of a billionaire in disguise His truth?
The silence stretched, taut and expectant. The question lingered in the air like smoke... where was he this morning?Rene’s gaze swept the room, pausing momentarily on each face. They were waiting. Wanting. Ready to pounce.He could feel Maria beside him, her stillness louder than any words she could speak. And that silence... her silence, was what cut the deepest.He inhaled slowly, deliberately. “I wasn’t with Layla.”“Then who?” Madam Rossi’s voice cracked through the air like a whip.Staring at the stone-cold faces in the room, Rene hesitated, knowing full well the weight of the name he was about to speak. “Mr. Gunnar.”The room went still. Like a spell had been cast. Even the distant ticking of the grandfather clock seemed to pause.Mr. Rossi’s expression barely shifted, but Rene saw it. A flicker. Not a surprise. Not suspicion. Fear.It was enough.Rene locked eyes with the family patriarch and took a step forward, voice steady. “Yes. I was with Mr. Gunnar this morning. He reque
The son of a billionaire in disguise The question
The sun dipped low over the horizon as Rene guided the car along the winding road back to the Rossi estate. Shadows stretched long across the dashboard, golden light dancing on Maria’s face. She hadn’t said much since they left the restaurant.Instead, she kept her gaze fixed on her phone, screen dimmed but not turned off. Her thumb hovered near the edge, as if deciding whether to press the number or not.Rene glanced at her, his fingers lightly drumming on the steering wheel. "You’ve been quiet."Maria didn’t look up."Everything okay?" he asked."Mmm.""That the same 'mmm' you give when you’re lying to me or the one when you’re annoyed at me?"She finally looked at him, but her smile didn’t reach her eyes. "Neither. Just thinking."Rene tilted his head, eyebrows raised. "About?"Maria took one last look at the number glowing faintly on her screen. Then slowly, deliberately, she pressed the side button. The screen went black."Nothing," she said.Rene didn’t believe her. He didn’t pu
The son of a billionaire in disguise His side of the story
The elevator doors slid shut, sealing Jason inside with his grandmother. The silence settled thick between them, unforgiving, heavy, like a noose tightening with each breath.Madam Rossi turned slowly, her gaze fixed on him with the cold weight of generations behind it."You should be ashamed," she said, her brows snapping together. "You stand there, hands in your pockets, watching your fiancée crumble under scrutiny... and you say nothing? You let her lie to you-to us. Do you think silence makes you honorable?"Jason’s jaw clenched, but he said nothing.Madam Rossi’s lips curled into a scowl. "You are a Rossi. You were raised better than this. If Layla is slipping, you are the one who should rein her in. It is your responsibility to keep your woman in check."His nostrils flared. “And what about Maria?” he snapped.Looking away from him for a second, Madam Rossi’s eyes narrowed.“She’s married, isn’t she?” Jason pressed. “To a man who doesn't even act as a Rossi should. But do I see
The son of a billionaire in disguise Guilty
The sharp slam of Juan’s voice still echoed in Madam Rossi’s ears as she sat motionless behind her desk.Her nails tapped against the armrest... an erratic, frustrated rhythm. For a moment, she thought about pouring herself a drink, something dark and bitter to match the aftertaste of that conversation. But even that felt too indulgent.Instead, with a sharp breath, she stood.The air in her office was thick... thicker than it had any right to be. She needed out.Throwing on her tailored black overcoat, she moved to the door, pushing it open with more force than necessary. Her assistant, a young woman named Eloise, perked up from her desk outside, immediately rising.“Ma’am-”“I’m going for a walk,” Madam Rossi snapped without breaking stride.“Should I call for the car? Or-”“No.” The word came like a tense command. “Do not follow me.”Eloise froze, halfway to grabbing her clipboard. “Of course, ma’am,” she said softly, bowing her head.Madam Rossi didn’t bother to respond. She march
The son of a billionaire in disguise A child
The soft clink of silverware and the murmured conversations of other customers barely reached Maria's ears as she followed Rene through the charming little bistro he had chosen.The place was tucked away on a quiet street... one of those trendy new spots where the lighting was warm, the walls were lined with eclectic art, and the staff treated every customer like royalty. It was the kind of place Rene always gravitated toward... intimate, curated, just a little indulgent.“Here we are,” Rene said gently, pulling her chair out with a flourish. “The best seat in the house.”Meeting his gaze for a second, Maria allowed a small smile as she sat, smoothing the hem of her skirt as she settled in.She wasn’t fully relaxed, but she appreciated the gesture. He always knew how to charm. Even now, after the tension that lingered like a fog around them, he knew exactly how to make her feel special.The waitress approached with a practiced smile. “Welcome to Villa di Fiore. May I get you started w
The son of a billionaire in disguise Delusional
As the ticking sound of the clock echoed in the room, Maria sat hunched over her desk, the golden afternoon light casting long shadows across the stacks of documents she’d been ignoring for a while.Now, they were her fortress. Every page she skimmed, every note she scrawled, every report she pretended to analyze, it was all a battle tactic. A desperate attempt to quiet the gnawing ache in her chest. She wouldn’t let herself think of Rene. Not his voice, not his absence, not the way the silence of the morning had stretched like a cruel whisper through her bones. She buried herself in figures and forecasts, anything to dull the truth: she was worried. And even though she dreaded the thought of it, she was scared.As she was about to sign the document, her office phone rang.Maria flinched, her pen freezing mid-word. She swallowed hard and forced herself to answer, her voice calm. “Yes?”“Ma’am?” Cassie’s voice chirped from the other end. “Your husband just walked into the building.”M
The son of a billionaire in disguise A Raising Smoke
Maria didn’t flinch. Not even a blink. Jason’s voice and words were provoking enough, but she was far too seasoned, too calculated, to give him the performance he wanted.“Harassing?” she repeated, her tone light, almost amused. She looked up at him with a faint, pitying smile. “Jason, you really should stop mistaking concern for confrontation. It makes you look… insecure.”Clarisse’s eyes widened slightly, her lips parting in quiet surprise at Maria’s restraint, though Maria caught the small twitch at the corner of her mouth.Still trying to push his narrative, Jason scowled. “You have no business interrogating her like that.”Maria turned to Clarisse, giving her a small, respectful nod. “My apologies, Mrs. Leonti. I let worry get the better of me.”Clarisse placed a gloved hand gently over Maria’s wrist. “No harm done, dear. I understand.” Her gaze flicked briefly to Jason, a flash of something critical behind the practiced warmth.Without another glance in his direction, Maria walk
The son of a billionaire in disguise Harassment
With each passing second, Maria stood in the marble hallway of the building, her heels clicking too fast against the polished floor as she turned another corner. Her eyes scanned every face, every office, every shadow like they might conjure Rene from the ether if she just looked hard enough.Nothing.Still nothing.'Where the hell was he?' The words echoed in her head.She paused, hand on her hip, the other clutching her phone like it might suddenly buzz and fix this spinning feeling in her chest. It didn’t.He hadn’t shown up. No one had seen him. His office was untouched. And her voicemail sat unheard in the void.Her heartbeat was too loud in her ears.'This isn't like him. Not even close.'And just as she turned, eyes narrowing and steps quickening-She stopped dead in her tracks.There, in the lobby near the towering glass windows, stood a woman dressed in pristine cream and pearl. Hair swept elegantly into a twist, a delicate pair of gloves tucked into her clutch. A familiar wa
