All Chapters of PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

I swallowed hard, hyper-aware of the silky fabric clinging to my body, accentuating every curve, every exposed inch prickling beneath the weight of a hundred unspoken thoughts. The plunging neckline dipped scandalously low, and the open back left me vulnerable to the cool night air. What the hell was I thinking? Layden was going to kill me. Sandra’s grip tightened around my arm, her nails pressing into my skin like an anchor. “Relax,” she whispered, her voice laced with amusement. “They’re staring because you look like a goddamn goddess.” I wasn’t convinced. I could feel their eyes—lingering, assessing. Some admiring. Others leering. But my mind had already splintered elsewhere, scanning the room for Layden. Or Cassidy. I found them near one of the garden doors, heads bent close, conversation intimate. My stomach twisted, but I forced myself to look away. It didn’t matter. Not tonight. I stepped into the sea of bodies, but something shifted. That slow, invisible pull. It coiled ar

Sandra shoved open the grand doors, and the night air hit my skin like a slap. The distant hum of the city stood in stark contrast to the muffled music still seeping from the hall."Where the hell do you think he went?" Sandra asked as we reached her car.I shook my head, arms wrapping around myself. I don't know.Sandra unlocked the car, and I slid into the passenger seat, the silence between us thick. She didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, she turned to me, her dark eyes searching mine."Are you okay?"A bitter laugh slipped from my lips, weightless and hollow. "Do I look okay?"This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go.I was supposed to be with Layden. We were supposed to leave together, hands intertwined, our lives seamlessly stitched together like they had always been but he wasn’t here.And I had no idea where he was.The valet handed Sandra her keys, and we climbed into her car, the silence between us thick.She didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, she turne

"How about we go to my place first?"I blinked at Andra, still feeling the ghostly weight of the ring I had just discarded. She leaned forward, her gaze softer than usual."You can relax, maybe take a long shower, and we’ll get ready there. No pressure."For a moment, I considered saying no. Going to her place felt like another step away from everything I had known. But wasn’t that the point?I exhaled. "Okay."Andra smiled as she stood, stretching her arms dramatically. "I’ll give you a minute—go get changed."With that, she exited the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.I turned toward the mirror, rummaging through my wardrobe until I found a random pair of old baggy pants and a loose shirt. As I lifted the shirt, my gaze landed on my right side. Most of my bruises had faded, almost as if they had never been there. But the deepest one—the one on my ribs—had left an ugly scar.A permanent mark. A reminder of what I had been to Layden.A piece on his chessboard.Resentment curled

I hadn't even realized when the evening bled into night. One minute, we were unpacking, talking about Icarus; the next, we were laughing about that time we tried baking in college and nearly set my apartment on fire.Outside, the sky had darkened, swallowing the city whole"I think it's time we call it a day," Andra said, stretching at the doorway. "You'll probably feel better in the morning."I nodded, offering a small smile before pulling her into a life-threatening hug. "Good night."She snorted but squeezed me back before disappearing down the hall.Once she was gone, I turned to the mirror, catching sight of my reflection.I was still in the #breakuppackage pajamas from last night, looking an absolute mess. I can't believe I let Cassidy see me like this. My hair was still in a lopsided bun, stray curls escaping in every direction. I groan, running a hand down my face. A shower. I need a shower.I took my time under the warm water, letting it wash away the exhaustion clinging to m

After the call with Icarus, I sat there for a moment, staring at my phone like it had personally offended me. Andra, still buzzing from whatever that conversation was, flopped onto the couch with an exaggerated sigh."Alright, Miss Special-Assistant, what are we eating?"I rolled my eyes, setting my phone down. "I don't know, you pick.""Say less." She grabbed her phone, scrolling through the takeout options. "Burgers or Chinese?""Chinese," I said absentmindedly, my thoughts still spinning."Good choice," she nodded, placing the order before tossing her phone onto the couch. "So, you gonna tell your parents about your new fancy job?"I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I guess I should."I dialed my mom’s number. She answered on the second ring, her voice warm and familiar. "Janice, baby! How are you?"I smiled, leaning back against the headboard. "I'm good, Mom."There was a pause, then her tone softened with concern. "Are you still having those dreams?"I hesitated, my