All Chapters of The Billionaire's Pawn : Chapter 31 - Chapter 37

Ties That BindNaomi's POVThe studio was filled with the hypnotic rhythm of charcoal scratching against canvas, which drowned out the confusion racing through my head. As I worked, my trembling hands smudged the lines I attempted to get just right. I hurled the stick of charcoal onto the table, its clatter resonating in the quiet as frustration boiled to the surface. Leaning back, I gazed at the incomplete piece before me. The intense strokes of black and crimson seemed to taunt me, mirroring the raging storm within my emotions. I was startled out of my reverie by the piercing knock on the door. Every muscle in my body stiffened, as though it were preparing for impact. “Naomi,” came the voice I’d hoped not to hear. “Open the door.”Roman. I felt cold, and my heart was pounding. How did he find me? What brought him here? "I know you're in there," he repeated, his voice steady but tinged with desperation. The intensity of his voice made it obvious that he wouldn't leave wit

A Dangerous PartElijah's POVThe atmosphere changed when Camille entered my office. Her presence was an implicit threat, as her deliberate, pointed steps echoes against the polished floors. She slipped into the chair across from my desk without bothering to be polite, her gaze going directly to mine. “We need to talk,” she said, her tone clipped. Leaning back, I studied her. “Something tells me this isn’t a casual visit.” Her lips curved into a humorless smile. “You’re right. The first plan? It’s not going to work. Roman’s too sharp, and Naomi’s too... naive.” I raised an eyebrow. “Naive? Isn’t that exactly why the plan was supposed to work?” Camille's face was stern as she shook her head. “Her naive makes her unpredictable. She could stumble onto something without even realizing it. Besides, Roman is a wild card. If we play this wrong, he’ll find out before we’ve even begun.” Fear of the fury building in her eyes, I drummed my fingers on the desk. "And what is your alter

Betrayed by AppearancesNaomi's POVEven though the gallery opening went well, I didn't enjoy it. The soft click of the doors locking echoed in the quiet night as I locked it serving as a reminder of how far I had come and how far I still had to go. Elijah's words echoed softly in my ears while my mind raced with uncertainty. He had advised me to fully let go of the past if I wanted to prosper, but I can't get rid of the memories of the past. I was jolted out of my reverie by the deep rumbling of a familiar voice. “Enjoying your fresh start?” I stopped in my tracks. Roman's hands were stuffed into his coat pockets as he stood beneath the dim light of a nearby streetlamp. I could tell this wasn't a casual encounter by the fire in his eyes and the set of his jaw. "Roman," I said, maintaining a steady tone. "What brings you here?" He moved in closer, his presence encroaching like a thunderstorm. "What brings me here? That’s rich, coming from you. After everything, you have the

Broken TrustNaomi's POVDawn's drab light crept through the curtains like an unwanted visitor, and morning came too soon. After a restless night full of disjointed thoughts and unresolved questions, my head ached. I forced myself to get ready even though the resolve I had felt the night before was on the verge of breaking. No matter how unpleasant it was, Roman and I had to talk. The city appeared to be more subdued than usual as I made my way to his office, the bustle of life stifled by my thoughts. My chest was tense and my palms were clammy by the time I got there. I passed the receptionist's desk and headed for the elevator, but she gave me a startled glance but didn't stop me. The stress in my features was obvious when my reflection in the mirrored walls gazed back at me. For what seemed like the hundredth time, I practiced my sentences.”You know me, Roman. You know I will never do something like this.” But even in my mind, the words sounded hollow. With my heels click