All Chapters of HIDDEN FLAMES: A Billionaire's Secret Love Game : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

I ran my thumb over the edge of the bag, pretending to admire it while the price tag practically screamed at me. Nine thousand dollars. That was more than my car’s down payment.Victoria didn’t look away, her smile lingering like she already knew the outcome. She leaned against the glass display case with effortless grace, her manicured nails tapping softly against the counter.I wasn’t sure what irritated me more—the bag, the price, or the smug satisfaction radiating off her."You know," I started, weighing the bag in my hands, "I was just thinking."Victoria’s brows lifted slightly. "Hmm?"I looked up at her, plastering on the sweetest smile I could muster. "This is nice and all, but I feel like... it’s a bit underwhelming."Her smile flickered. "Underwhelming?"I placed the bag carefully back on the glass shelf, adjusting it just so. "Yeah. Don’t get me wrong. It’s cute." I waved a hand dismissively. "But if I’m going to drop serious cash, it should be on something with more... pre

"I'm coming with you.”I froze, my hand still resting on the doorknob. I turned slightly, catching Adrian’s gaze from across the room. His posture was relaxed, one hand casually tucked into his pocket, but there was something in his tone that felt… firm. Like there wasn’t room for argument.I arched a brow. “Why?”Adrian shrugged, crossing the room toward me. “You said you were going to my mother’s house. Thought I’d tag along.”I narrowed my eyes. “You never voluntarily visit your mom. What’s the real reason?”“I just got back from Germany. I should at least check in.”I gave him a look. “Uh-huh. And that suddenly couldn’t wait until tomorrow?”He smirked. “Are you always this suspicious, or do I just bring it out in you?”“You definitely bring it out,” I muttered, stepping aside as he grabbed his coat from the rack by the door.I wasn’t in the mood to argue, not over something so small. If he wanted to follow me around like a shadow, fine. It wasn’t like I was planning anything more

“You’re late.”Adrian’s voice cut through the darkened hallway as I shut the front door behind me. His back was to me, one hand braced against the wall, his head slightly lowered.I frowned, glancing at the time on my phone. 11:32 PM.“I didn’t realize I had a curfew,” I replied, setting my keys down on the entry table.“You don’t.” His fingers tapped lightly against the wall, the steady rhythm echoing faintly. “But she’s been here for two hours.”My stomach twisted. “Who?”Adrian finally turned, his eyes locking on mine. The sharp lines of his face were shadowed in the dim lighting, but the tension in his jaw was unmistakable.“My mother.”I froze.“She’s waiting in the dining room,” he added, his gaze narrowing slightly. “Said she had something important to discuss with both of us.”A pit formed in my stomach. I took a step forward, lowering my voice. “Does she know?”“I don’t know.” Adrian’s eyes flickered with something I couldn’t quite place—concern, maybe even frustration. “But

Elizabeth’s heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she stepped inside, her gaze sweeping over the entryway like she was already taking mental notes.I stood stiffly by Adrian’s side, feeling painfully aware of the fact that I wasn’t dressed to impress. My simple black dress felt too casual next to her perfectly tailored ensemble.“Elizabeth,” Adrian greeted, his voice polite but distant. “You’re early.”She smiled, the kind of smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I thought I’d get a head start. You know how much your mother loves punctuality.”Adrian’s hand brushed against the small of my back. Whether it was intentional or not, I couldn’t tell, but the brief contact steadied me.“Mia,” Elizabeth said, turning her attention to me. “I’ve heard so much about you.”I forced a polite smile. “Wish I could say the same.”Adrian cleared his throat, shooting me a look.Elizabeth chuckled softly, like I was a child saying something amusing. “I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to

I spent the rest of the morning pacing the living room, occasionally glaring at the invitation like it might disappear if I stared long enough. It didn’t. By noon, I’d given up pretending I wasn’t bothered. Adrian’s mom wasn’t just testing him—she was testing me, too. And I hated the fact that part of me wanted to pass. The sound of the front door unlocking snapped me out of my thoughts. Adrian stepped inside, shrugging off his coat. His tie was loose, and his hair was a little messier than usual, but he looked just as put together as ever. He paused when he saw me standing in the middle of the room. “Didn’t move all morning, huh?” I crossed my arms. “Why do I feel like this dinner is a setup?” His lips twitched, but he didn’t quite smile. “Because it probably is.” I raised a brow. “That’s comforting.”