All Chapters of The Billionaire's Bargain: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Arrival of OverachieversAt thirty-two weeks, the first real storm of the season rolled across the lake. Rain lashed against the windows as Sophia tried to focus on the quarterly reports spread across her home office desk. The twins were restless, perhaps sensing the atmospheric pressure change."That's the third time you've read that page," Chris observed from the video call screen. "Maybe we should reschedule.""I'm fine," Sophia insisted, though her back arched fiercely. "The merger transition won't wait just because your future bosses are doing somersaults."Thunder cracked overhead. The lights flickered ominously."Ma'am," Chris's voice took on that careful tone everyone seemed to use lately, "Mr. Vanderbilt specifically said—""Lucas is in Singapore dealing with Emma's mess. These reports need to be—" She stopped, a sharp pain making her gasp."I'm calling Dr. Chen," Chris said firmly. "And Mr. Vanderbilt. And probably God.""It's just Braxton Hicks," Sophia started, but another

Perfect Chaos, Perfect peace. The penthouse's morning quiet was broken by Cat's determined cries, followed inevitably by Eddie's solidarity wails. At two weeks old, the twins had mastered the art of synchronized demands."My turn," Lucas murmured, already moving before Sophia could fully wake. She watched through heavy eyes as he scooped up both babies with practiced ease. The sight of her ruthless corporate husband cooing softly to their children still made her heart flutter."The magazine team will be here at ten," she reminded him, glancing at the clock. 7 AM. "Sure you don't want to reschedule?""And risk Susan's wrath? She's already threatened to revoke my godfather status if we postpone again." He settled into the nursing chair, a twin in each arm. "Besides, your father's right. It's time to tell our story."The 'story' had grown beyond their control in the past two weeks. Speculation about the Vanderbilt twins filled business blogs and society columns. Yesterday, someone had

"No," Susan said firmly, brandishing a seating chart like a weapon. "Absolutely not. The Singapore investors cannot sit with the venture capital team. Last time they argued about cryptocurrency for two hours.""But the London office—" Darren began."Will be fine at table seven." She softened, touching his cheek. "Trust me. I've planned enough corporate events to know how to prevent international incidents at our wedding."From her perch on the penthouse sofa, Sophia hid a smile. At six months old, the twins were fascinated by their honorary aunt's wedding preparations, especially Cat, who kept trying to eat the sample ribbons."Speaking of international incidents," Lucas entered, Eddie propped expertly on his hip, "the foundation's first board meeting is scheduled for next week. Father wants both sets of grandparents there.""Bold move," Sophia raised an eyebrow. "Though Sandra and Claudia have been getting along better since they joined forces on the nursery renovation."The merger ha

Unveiling the ShadowsThe penthouse office was silent except for the faint hum of the city outside. Sophia paced the room, her arms crossed, while Lucas leaned against his desk, scrolling through his phone. Darren’s cryptic message had set their minds spinning, and the unease in the air was palpable.“Mark’s not working alone,” Sophia murmured. “What does that even mean? Who else would want to help him after everything he’s done?”Lucas placed his phone down, his gray eyes meeting hers. “It could be anyone with something to gain. Old shareholders, disgruntled executives, even someone with a grudge against me or the family.”“Grudge?” Sophia stopped pacing, turning to him. “That list might be longer than we’d like to admit.”“Exactly,” Lucas said, his jaw tightening. “Which is why we need to approach this carefully. If we react too soon without knowing the full scope, we might walk straight into their trap.”Sophia sighed, her frustration simmering. “We don’t have time to play defense.

A Game of ShadowsSophia sat in her office at V Corp, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood of her desk. Darren’s revelations the night before had left her both furious and determined. Mark’s coalition was growing, and with Bella funding his schemes, the stakes had never been higher. The headlines questioning her credibility were a distraction, but the real threat lay in the shifting loyalties of the shareholders.Across from her, Lucas leaned back in his chair, reviewing the latest board reports. His usual calm was tinged with tension, the faint crease between his brows betraying his thoughts.“They’re not playing fair,” Sophia said, breaking the silence.“They never have,” Lucas replied, setting the report aside. “But we have something they don’t—results. And if we focus on that, we can pull this back in our favor.”Sophia nodded, but a part of her couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being outmaneuvered. “The coalition Mark’s building—it’s not just about th