All Chapters of Surrendering to my Best Friend's Dad: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

*Lexie’s POV*"Hey," Natasha greets me hesitantly."Hey, Tasha," I reply, my voice shaking slightly. "How have you been?""Alright, I guess," she answers, her gaze flicking over my face as if searching for something. "How's your mom? Is she doing better?""Much better, thank you," I respond, relief flooding through me at the thought of my mother's improving health. "She's stable now and starting to recover.""That's great news, Lexie." Despite the tension between us, I can see the genuine happiness in Natasha's eyes – a testament to the depth of our friendship."Listen, Tasha… I know things were a bit tense when you came back, and I just want to clarify things for you," I say, hoping to bridge the gap that has formed between us.Natasha nods, seemingly lost for words, and the tension in the room is palpable. A part of me wants to retreat and avoid the confrontation, but I know that won't solve anything. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the difficult conversation ahead.

*Avery’s POV*I stand at the window of my lavish office, staring at the cityscape below me. My eyes hold a storm of frustration and desperation as I clench my fists by my side. I can't understand why Noland refuses to give in to my advancements. We are a perfect team in the world of real estate, and yet he continues to keep me at arm's length.I won’t admit defeat, I will make Noland see my worth."Think, Avery, think," I mutter to myself, pacing across the room. The sound of my heels clicking against the hardwood floor echoes through the empty space, adding to my building agitation. I know Noland is a difficult man to manipulate, but I am determined to find his weak spot.As I pace, I recall my family's fall from grace – my brother's involvement in that damned Ponzi scheme. He was weak, vulnerable. It has driven me to become ruthless in business, to never be vulnerable again. And now, I need to use that ruthlessness to manipulate Noland.‘Of course!’ I exclaim, a wicked smile c

*Lexie’s POV*The heavy scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the bustling studio as I stand back to examine my latest painting. The vivid colors swirl together on the canvas, a visual representation of the turmoil inside me. My eyes squint, trying to find the balance between chaos and harmony within my artwork. I feel a sense of pride in my work, but it's overshadowed by the knowledge of my recent setbacks.Noland insisted on me accepting to rent this place, as it is near the hotel and also near an apartment complex he is about to close a deal on. I already told him I want to pay for it, and he said he will consider it. Already one of the things he wants me to accept from him as he takes control of pieces of my life. I would have been upset, but he made it clear he only wants to take care of me, and I like it.My phone buzzes on the table next to me, jolting me from my thoughts. The name 'Natasha Reynolds' flashes on the screen, and I hesitate before reaching for it. Our fri

*Noland's POV*The flickering candles cast a warm, golden glow over the dinner table as I sit between Natasha and Lexie, both of them engaged in animated conversation about the progress made for Natasha's upcoming show. I can't help but marvel at the sense of togetherness that has blossomed between the three of us tonight – something that had been missing for quite some time."Really, dad, I couldn't have done it without your support," Natasha says, her blue eyes sparkling with gratitude as she reaches across the table to squeeze my hand. "And Lexie, your artwork is going to be the centerpiece of the entire event.""Thank you," Lexie replies, her cheeks flushing a light pink as she tucks a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. "I was worried at first, but seeing everything come together has been really exciting."As they continue to discuss the finer details of the show, I take a moment to absorb the atmosphere of the dinner. The soft clinking of silverware against fine china ac

*Lexie’s POV*The moment Noland swings open the door to his new condo, I can't help but catch my breath. The luxurious foyer greets us with gleaming marble floors and high ceilings that seem to stretch into infinity. I've never been in a place so opulent, and a mixture of awe and disbelief washes over me. I thought the hotel was a palace, but compared to the condo, it was a humble home."Welcome to your new home, Lexie," Noland says warmly, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiles. He gently takes my hand, leading me further inside."Wow, it's… amazing," I murmur, feeling both grateful and undeserving of this gesture. As we step into the spacious living room, my gaze is immediately drawn to the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the city skyline. The sight is equally mesmerizing and terrifying, as if it's telling me that life will never be the same again."Check out the view," Noland urges, excitement lacing his voice."Incredible doesn't even begin