All Chapters of Billionaire's Reluctant Girl: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

VIVIAN SCOTTThe low hum of classical music filled the dimly lit room, and a glass of whiskey rested on the table beside me. I sat on the plush leather couch, leaning back, my gaze fixed on the flames flickering in the fireplace. It was a rare evening without work calls or deadlines. Time to relax, to unwind. And yet, I couldn’t shake the restlessness coursing through me.It had been days since I last saw Alice Riley. Days since her sharp tongue and fiery defiance had sparked something in me, I hadn’t felt in a long time. She was unlike anyone I’d encountered—challenging, intriguing, maddening.I swirled the amber liquid in my glass, a soft chuckle escaping my lips. When was the last time a woman had occupied my mind like this? I couldn’t recall. Since that night, I hadn’t even sought the company of another woman, which was uncharacteristic of me. Normally, my weekends were a blur of charm and indulgence, a distraction from the pressures of business.But now, as the weekend loomed, my

ALICE RILEYThe elevator ride to Vivian Scott’s penthouse was unnervingly smooth, but my nerves weren’t. As the numbers ticked up, I glanced at my reflection in the mirrored walls, ensuring that everything was perfect—my carefully chosen dress, soft waves framing my face, and the faint sheen of gloss on my lips. Tonight wasn’t about him; it was about proving to myself that I could handle him and walk away unscathed.The elevator doors opened with a soft chime, revealing a hallway with polished floors and minimalist decor. I stepped out, my heels clicking against the tiles as I approached the door. Before I could knock, it opened, and there he was—Vivian Scott.My breath caught for the briefest moment. Gone was the impeccably suited CEO. Instead, he stood there in a casual black sweater that hugged his broad chest and dark jeans that emphasized his lean frame. His hair was slightly tousled, as though he’d run his fingers through it while working, and a relaxed smile played on his lips.

ALICE RILEYI woke up in Vivian’s arms, his warmth seeping into my skin as his hand rested lightly against my back. My cheek was pressed against his chest, and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat filled the quiet room. For a moment, I let myself sink into the comfort of it, feeling safe. A feeling I hadn’t allowed myself to indulge in for a long time.It was disarming, almost dangerous, how right it felt. Vivian Scott was dangerous, not because of what he had done, but because of what he could do. If I let myself feel anything more, he would have the power to hurt me someday. And that wasn’t a risk I was willing to take.Carefully, I lifted my head, untangling myself from him. His chest rose and fell in a slow rhythm, but I could feel his awareness in the slight tension of his body. He was awake, just letting me move at my own pace.I sat up and reached for the clothes I’d discarded the night before, slipping into them like a shield. “I should go,” I said, my voice carefully even, thou

ALICE RILEYSusan and I stepped onto the twelfth floor of the Scott Group office, where our designated cabins awaited, and I couldn’t help but pause in awe. The marble floors gleamed under soft, warm lighting, their polished surface reflecting the grandeur of the space. The high ceilings gave the floor an airy, open feel, while the sleek, contemporary design added an undeniable touch of sophistication. Workspaces were sectioned off by polished glass panels, each one striking the perfect balance between privacy and transparency. The entire setup exuded luxury—a stark contrast to the practical, no-frills environment of Lexis Consultants.Kate, ever the efficient guide, led us to our designated area. Our new workstations weren’t just desks; they were glass cabins—spacious and modern, with ergonomic chairs that felt more like they belonged in a lounge than an office. Each cabin had its own small potted plant, and the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panorama o

ALICE RILEYThe soft hum of the city enveloped me as I stepped out of the office building, my bag slung over my shoulder. The streetlights flickered to life, casting long shadows across the pavement as I made my way toward the subway. The evening air was cool, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside me.Vivian Scott. The man was an enigma wrapped in authority and arrogance, and today, he’d thrown me off completely. Detached, professional, and so utterly indifferent—it was like I didn’t exist to him. And yet, that shouldn’t have bothered me as much as it did.With a sigh, I tightened my coat around me and quickened my pace. Susan had left earlier, taking the car, which meant I’d have to navigate the subway tonight. Just as I crossed the building’s driveway, the sleek purr of an engine caught my attention. A black Audi came to a smooth stop next to me, the passenger window lowering with a quiet whirr.Vivian.His face was shadowed in the dim light, but his sharp features and