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The Beautiful Billionaire 11
LINDEN I went back to the hotel, distraught over something I’d done right. I should have told her I was there to bring her home, but what was the point when she already blew my cover? She knew who I was, but my assignment. And she was going home anyway. Somehow, I still accomplished my mission. But I lost something in the end— the chance and her trust. After I called Hope to confirm my itinerary the following day, I went down to Terzo waiting for me. He gave me an odd look the moment he saw my duffel. “I’m going home.” “Already?” “Yeah.” I got in the passenger’s seat of his Maserati Ghibli. “I left tons of work.” “You should chill out sometime. You will never run out of work, but our time is not a guarantee.” “Look at you.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. “How’s your father, by the way?” “He’s doing great. That’s why I’m trying to enjoy before I take over the family business because once I’m in that position, I have a lot of changes to do and might as well disappoint my father
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ESTELLE “Oh, God! I’m so relieved you’re finally back.” Mom had been hugging me for about a minute, and she hadn’t let me go just yet. “Mom, you have to let me catch a breath.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. Finally, she pulled away and inspected me from head to toe, then to Quinn behind me. “She’s not going anywhere. Leave us, Quinn.” When Quinn shut the door behind him, Mom said, “You look beautiful. Not too tan. And you look happy.” “Because I am.” I couldn’t let go of her hand. I really missed my mother. Mom always looked beautiful and sophisticated at fifty-five. I hoped I would look just like her when I turned her age, and I was her carbon copy anyway. “Are you ready to come back to work?” “This is your office, Mom. The job suits you well. You’re meant to be the CEO of Star LLC.” “What about you?” “I will still be the chairman, contribute to the design, be the consultant, attend meetings, continue with the campaign and donate to charities. Are you okay with that?” “Yes,
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LINDEN “Oh. I see,” my sister hinted. “Now I know why.” “Can you give me a minute?” I didn’t even bother looking at Willa as I was already marching toward Estelle in an intense fevered stare throwing at me. The people I called my family, brothers, and best friends seemed to understand the awkward situation I was in. They left as I had just walked in carrying a deadly weapon, except Quinn. “Can we talk?” My voice came out a whisper, but she heard me though. “About?” She arched a brow. If I saw in her eyes was right, she was pissed off. “I’ll be in the backyard,” Quinn mentioned before he left us. Yeah, about what exactly? About how I lied to accomplish my mission? “Us.” Way to go, Gabriel Rembrandt. “Wait. There’s an us?” Her sarcasm almost made me cringe and spared me a sharp glance. “I thought you were pretty much clear that there was no us. Excuse me.” “And I thought you didn’t want a relationship.” “Yes. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” When she began to walk back, I quickly
The Beautiful Billionaire 14
ESTELLE “What the hell?” I yelped in surprise to find Linden already sitting next to me in the backseat of my car. “What are you doing here?” “I told you I need to talk to you.” I shot him a sharp glance. “Then a normal person does by calling my office to arrange an appointment.” “I think we both know that we pass beyond that.” “Mr. Linden, would you mind stepping out of the car, please? You’re making my client uncomfortable,” Quinn interrupted. Linden was unbothered and hadn’t moved a muscle. His gaze was still pinning it on. “Just give me two minutes, Hunter. And I wouldn’t do anything to harm Estelle.” “You’re doing a great job showing it, Mr. Linden,” Quinn said. When Quinn got out of the driver’s seat, opening the door for Linden, I butt in, “It’s okay, Quinn. He said two minutes. Just please wait outside.” “Are you sure?” He looked straight at me. “Yeah. I can handle this type of man,” I said in contempt. “What type of man exactly do you think I am?” I faced him, mee
The Beautiful Billionaire 15
LINDEN “Do you think it’s a smart idea?” My mood went gloomy as I settled down to my chair, contemplating whether I should be offended or ignore the fact that Sax doubted my plan. “Don’t you have work to do?” “Just answer me why?” “Are you threatened or something?” He scoffed, and an arrogant smirk appeared on his lips. “Me? A loser like Quinn Hunter threatens Sax Ryder.” When I smiled and grabbed the resume on my table, he just cursed. He knew Quinn was just standing behind him. “He’s standing behind me, isn’t he?” When I ignored to answer his question, he turned to Quinn. “Hunter, welcome to Osmium.” He offered his hand. That was what I loved about Sax and Kye. They just talk, but nothing personal or serious competition around here. The job was a job. “Thank you, Ryder.” Quinn shook Sax’s hand. “Sorry that you have to hear that.” “It’s all right. I’m a loser anyway.” “No, you’re not. You’re about to work at Osmium. Your agency—” “I think that’s enough, Sax. I have work
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ESTELLE “Agh. I’m gonna regret this.” “Don’t chicken out now. Linden is a good guy.” “Really?” I asked exaggeratedly. Sarcasm dripped in my voice. “Since when? Because he’s your boss now?” “Then get to know him. He’s actually a—” “A good guy? You said it already.” “I was about to say a trustworthy person. You have to give it a chance.” His reply was conciliatory. “I hope you’re right.” I looked outside the car window. “This is a business dinner. I know what you’re thinking, so don’t get any idea.” He chuckled. “The only idea I get is he’s a good cook. His father is a chef. When Linden saved money, he bought a restaurant for him. The older Linden doesn’t work in the kitchen anymore but is always in his restaurant. I found that admirable. His father is his hero, Estelle.” “Whatever. I hope I won’t regret this,” I said dismissively. I didn’t want more convincing because I knew I had misjudged Linden. “Just chill out. You can always walk out and call me if he makes you uncomfort
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LINDEN “This is a terrible idea, Gabriel.” Her voice was low and shook a bit. I kept my arms around her petite waist and began kissing the part of her neck where she was most sensitive. “Why? Because we’re too good to be true to one another?” She should not be second-guessing herself. She knew my intention that this was not just a one-time thing. What we felt was real, more than just itch or lust, or sex. It was undeniably real. Sometimes it frightened me. “I don’t know why I feel like this. Why am I still trusting you after what happened in Italy? I should be running away from you, Gabriel.” “You shouldn’t be running away from me. You should be running into my arms, Estelle. You know that’s the right thing to do. So why fight now when we both know how good we are together?” “You know why.” “I don’t give a fuck. You know what. I will do everything in my power to have you in my arms every day and night.” When she held my hands, I thought my world faded around me, but instead, s
The Beautiful Billionaire 18
ESTELLE I had never wanted a man in my life more than I wanted Gabriel Linden. It was loud and clear how I was so drawn to him like I was a moth, and he was a flame. No matter how I told myself this, whatever we had would only put me in so much trouble, but I only listened to his voice and sensed him close to me. I lost all my willpower. This man lying next to me completely consumed me, but I couldn’t also ignore that he sacrificed something to take me to his bed. We were still naked. Linden was tracing the back of his finger on my collarbone. His simple touch already hardened my nipple, and the ache between my legs began to spike again. “What’s in your head right now?” “You,” I admitted. “It’s ridiculous. I don’t even know you, yet here I am, lying next to you naked, letting you break all rules.” “There are no rules to break, and you know you can trust me deep in your heart. Your mind, your body, and your heart know you can trust me with them.” “You’re my undoing, Gabriel.”
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