CHAPTER 43: Gown of Gold, Heart of Steel

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• THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 153: Manipulated, Again

  The cinema hall was chilled, dense with the scent of popcorn, melted butter, and a faint floral fragrance from Mia’s perfume.The laughter of the movie crowd echoed down the hallway as the final credits rolled.While others stretched, chatted, and picked up their belongings, Mia leaned back in her seat, her fingers still wrapped around her soda cup.She’d barely caught half the movie. Her mind kept drifting—to the shop, pending orders, to Zac.It had been a long week. Between managing the shop and prepping for a possible menu update, her life was a carousel of caffeine, spreadsheets, and late nights.But tonight, Angelo had shown up again, suggesting they take a breather. “Something light,” he’d said. “Popcorn, cheesy movies, and zero talk of invoices.”And somehow, Samantha had tagged along.So far, there was nothing to be worried about. Angelo had been respectful, kind—even helpful. But Samantha wasn’t letting her guard down. She never did.“You good?” Angelo asked beside her.Mia n

• THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 152: The Glass Half Full

  It had been three days since Zac left New York for Milan, and the trip had been nothing short of intense. Every hour had been accounted for—meetings, boardrooms, late-night calls, and endless negotiations. But in the end, they had accomplished their purpose: expanding the company’s network.Zac exhaled deeply for the first time in what felt like hours as he stepped out of the branch office in Milan.“You handled that beautifully,” Seth said, placing a firm hand on Zac’s shoulder as they walked toward the waiting car. “I must say, I’m proud of the way you managed everything. This trip was worth every second.”“Thank you, Uncle,” Zac replied, grateful for the praise. He’d pushed hard for the meetings to wrap ahead of schedule. His mind had been on one thing—and one person—the whole time.Seth gave him a playful nudge. “So… how about we stay the night? Celebrate a little more? We’ve worked so hard. We can tell the pilot to relax.”Zac chuckled lightly. “That’s very tempting. But I’d rath

• THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 151: Two Can Play This Game

  She hit the redial button immediately.“Finally!” Samantha’s voice crackled through the speaker. “Mia, where the hell have you been?!”“Samantha—I’m so sorry,” Mia said in one breath. “There was traffic, and I—”“They’re here,” Samantha cut in. “The delivery guys. They’ve offloaded half, but they’re refusing to bring the rest inside.”“What? Why?”“They need a specific invoice—the original hard copy from the vendor. I think it’s in the drawer in your office. And… well… I think you took the keys with you this morning.”Mia slapped her forehead. “The drawer—crap.You know what? Tell them I’ll be there soon. Just—try to convince them to start with the smaller boxes.”“I’ve tried. They didn’t even let me touch the espresso machine or arrange the cooler shelves. They’re saying it’s protocol. Owner must be present. Even if I’m the manager.”She glanced at Zac, who walked over, wiping his hands with sanitary paper. “What’s going on?”“I need to go,” she mouthed, then spoke into the phone. “S

• THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 150: Just Before the Flight

  The bell above the flower shop door jingled softly as Mia stepped out from the back room, hands full of ribbon and fresh wrapping paper. Business had been booming since she opened. Orders had tripled. She had to restock in less than a week. Everyone wanted to patronize the new luxury flower shop owned by the kind-hearted wife of Zac Cornell.She glanced at the clock again—eleven-forty.“You keep looking at the time like you’re Cinderella.” Samantha said from behind the counter, sipping on an iced drink and tapping something into the register. ““I swear, if they don’t come in the next ten minutes, I’m gonna scream,” Mia muttered, setting the wrapping down. “This restock was supposed to arrive an hour ago. We’re almost out of white peonies and bridal eucalyptus.”“Well,” Samantha said, setting down her drink, “that’s what happens when the whole city’s obsessed with the Cornell girl who owns the cutest flower shop.”Mia shot her a look, but her lips twitched. “Oh, shut up.”“So what’s

• THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 149: Dinner at the Penthouse

  The following evening, the penthouse was warm with the scent of rosemary and onions. Mia stood at the kitchen island, pulling out plates and garnishes while the last pot simmered gently on the stove. She had sent the kitchen staff home early, leaving behind just enough prepped ingredients for her.This dinner felt personal, and she wanted to finish it herself.Samantha strolled in, barefoot, holding a glass of wine. She leaned against the counter with a grin.“Sam, you could’ve just relaxed. You really didn’t have to come here to help me,” Mia said, arranging plates on the marble surface.Samantha scoffed. “You think I’m here to help? Oh please. I came to get the full gist.”Mia smirked. “About what?”“You know what I’m talking about,” Samantha said, circling the kitchen like a cat. “You, Zac, Angelo. The whole situation. I still can’t believe you all made up.”Mia laughed under her breath. “I just think it’s what’s best for everyone. Things have settled. We’re friends again.”“Oh wo

• THE BILLIONAIRE’S MYSTIQUE BRIDE   CHAPTER 148: I Could Never Hate You

  Angelo padded down the stairs, dressed in a loose T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly mussed from bedroom activities.Mia stood outside, still calling his phone until the door opened in her face. Angelo stood before her, arms crossed.“Hi, Angelo,” Mia said quickly, nerves prickling under her skin.He didn’t answer at first.“What are you doing here?” he asked flatly, voice cold—but there was a hint of reluctant warmth beneath it.“Can I come in?” She offered a small smile, one that hoped more than it expected.He sighed, glancing away, then stepped aside. “Yeah.”She entered. Moved like a guest in a home she once knew. She turned to sit, but he remained standing, arms still folded.“Aren’t you going to sit?” she asked.He shook his head. “Don’t worry about me. Just say whatever you came to say.”Mia took a deep breath, then stood straighter, choosing her words carefully. “Angelo… I’m really sorry. I know I’ve said it a thousand times, and I know it still won’t be enough.”“I’m