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หน้าหลัก / Romance / The Billionaire’s Affair / Chapter 74: Getting Nearer

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Chapter 74: Getting Nearer

ผู้เขียน: Armisteads
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2025-04-04 01:00:00

I adjusted the hem of my dress, exhaling as I glanced at myself in the mirror. Tonight was going to be a long night. The city’s governor was hosting a grand event, and almost every major family in the city had been invited. It wasn’t the type of gathering I looked forward to, but it was necessary. Networking, keeping up appearances, and maintaining the family’s influence were all part of this charade.

Blake suddenly ran into the room, his tiny footsteps echoing against the marble floor. "Mama, I want to go with you!"

I sighed, turning to face him. He was already dressed in a small tuxedo, his hair neatly combed. "Blake, there will be a lot of adults. It’s not really a place for kids.”

"But I want to go!" he pouted, his big eyes pleading. "Please, Mama?"

"Blake—"

“Uncle Hayden!" Blake called out suddenly, running towards the hallway.

I groaned. He knew exactly how to get what he wanted. A few seconds later, Hayden entered the room with an amused smirk, arms cr
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  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 75: Looks of Indifference

    Hayden subtly moved closer to me as Blake nearly tugged his hand free from mine.Dominic’s lips twitched into a smirk as he kneeled to Blake’s level. "Blake. Looking sharp tonight.""You too!" Blake beamed. "I like your suit!"Dominic chuckled. "Good taste."The interaction sent a jolt of unease through me. Blake was comfortable around Dominic—too comfortable. And Dominic? His expression was unreadable, but I could tell he has a hidden agenda.Fiona, who had been quiet, suddenly spoke. "He’s an adorable child, Isabella."“Uh—Thank you," I said smoothly, keeping my emotions in check.I studied her face to see if she was pissed or anything from Blake calling Dominic “Papa” but I did not see anything trace of hate. If anything, she had a gentle smile plastered on her face. I shifted my eyes to Dominic and saw that his gaze lingered on me for a second too long before he stood back up. "Shall we all enjoy the evening?"Hayden placed his hand on my bac

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-05

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 76: Secret’s We Don’t Need

    My heart pounded as I stared at the sight before me.Fiona was in another man’s arms.They weren’t just standing close or talking intimately—they were embracing. His arms were wrapped securely around her, and her head rested against his chest. From the slight shake of her shoulders, I could tell she had been crying.I should have turned away immediately. Should have backed off before they noticed me. But I was frozen, caught between shock and disbelief.Then the man whispered something to her, his voice too low for me to make out. Fiona sniffled, nodding against him before finally pulling away. She wiped her face quickly, composing herself as if nothing had happened.I took that as my cue to leave.I didn’t saw the man’s face because his back was facing me, but the voice…it was familiar, I just can’t point who it was.Turning on my heel, I quietly stepped away, my mind spinning. So, this was what was really going on. Whatever was happening between Fiona a

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-05

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 77: Annoying Visitor

    I sighed heavily as I stared at the never-ending pile of paperwork in front of me. My vision blurred slightly from the sheer amount of numbers, reports, and documents I’d been staring at for hours. It felt like my eyeballs were about to melt from the screen’s glare.I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my temples, trying to fight off the headache that had been forming since morning.I missed my son.And I missed Hayden.I hadn’t been home properly for days now. Not because I wanted to stay late at work, but because every time I so much as blinked, another emergency report would land on my desk, practically chaining me to this godforsaken office. I’ve barely seen Blake except for the rushed mornings before he goes to school, and I know for a fact that Hayden has been handling everything at home while I drowned in work.I let out another sigh, glaring at the evil stack of paperwork as if I could set it on fire with sheer willpower alone.How does Hayden handle

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-06

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 78: Time and Change

    The cafeteria was buzzing with employees when we walked in, their murmurs barely audible over the clinking of utensils and the occasional bursts of laughter from different tables. But as soon as Dominic and I stepped inside, the atmosphere noticeably shifted. The room got quiet and everyone glanced in our direction, and a few people even outright gawked.Great. Just great.Because having lunch with one of the city’s most talked-about man wasn’t going to be a headline waiting to happen.I sighed internally, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of my nose. I should’ve just locked my office door.Dominic, on the other hand, seemed completely unfazed, his usual smirk plastered on his face as he leisurely strolled beside me, hands shoved casually in his pockets.I purposely chose the cafeteria because I don’t want to be seen outside with him."People are staring," I muttered under my breath, shooting him a pointed look.He hummed in amusement. "Let them. May

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-06

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 79: Taken

    I was standing at the construction site, observing the ongoing progress, when my phone rang. I pulled it out of my pocket, frowning when I saw the caller ID. Blake’s school.A sudden wave of unease washed over me as I answered.“Hello,”“Good afternoon, Ma’am,” the voice on the other end said politely. “We’re calling to inform you that your son, Blake, has been picked up early today.”I stiffened. “Picked up? By who?”“By his father, Ma’am. He mentioned it was for a night out.”My stomach dropped. “His father?” I repeated, my voice a pitch higher.“Yes, Ma’am. Mr. Dominic Russo.”My grip on the phone tightened.Dominic.Of course, it had to be him.I ended the call immediately and dialed Dominic’s number, my heart pounding in my chest. The phone rang. And rang. And rang but there was still no answer.I called again. Still no answer.By the fourth call, I was pacing, my nails digging into my palm. When he finally picked up, I d

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-07

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 80: Claiming Rights

    I sat in the living room, fingers lightly tapping my knee as I waited. Dominic had taken Blake upstairs for a shower, leaving me alone in this unfamiliar house. It felt strange being here—like I was intruding on a life I had no place in. The silence continued, broken only by the faint sound of the water running upstairs. I released a heavy breathe, leaning back into the couch. My eyes drifted toward the glass doors leading to the pool, where Blake had been laughing and playing just minutes ago. He had so much fun that he pouted and tried to argue when I told him it was time to go home. I was happy that he enjoyed himself, but at the same time, I couldn’t ignore the uneasiness gnawing at me. He shouldn’t be here…but…why do I feel like I’m restricting him of something that he should be actually experiencing. I was deep in thought when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned and saw Fiona walking toward me, carrying a tray. She placed i

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-07

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 81: Rift

    The flashing red and blue lights were the first things I saw as we pulled up to the entrance of our home.My heart dropped.Police cars were everywhere. Officers stood around, their radios crackling as they spoke to each other. The entire scene looked like a crime scene, and I had no idea what was happening.What was exactly going on here? Where is Hayden?I then heard Blake gasp beside me.“Whoa! Mommy, look! It’s like a scene from a villain movie!” His eyes practically sparkled with excitement. “Do you think they’re chasing bad guys? Maybe ninjas? Or—oh! Maybe it’s a secret spy mission?!”I stared at him, my anxiety skyrocketing. How could he be excited right now? What movies does Hayden let him watch when I’m not around?!“Blake, this isn’t a game,” I said, forcing myself to stay calm. “Stay close to me, okay?”He nodded, still grinning like this was the best thing ever.The second I stepped out of the car, I spotted Hayden moving through the c

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-08

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 82: A Different Kind of Family

    It had been nearly a week since that night—and Hayden has been giving me cold shoulder all week since he thought I was keeping something from him. Because, well… I was.And things hadn’t been the same since.He still spoke to me. Still kissed me goodbye before leaving for work. Still acted like everything was normal in front of Blake. But I felt the difference. The distance.And I hated it.He was being civil, but he wasn’t being himself. No teasing remarks. No playful back-and-forth. Just quiet smiles that didn’t quite reach his eyes. And worst of all? He didn’t hug me in his sleep anymore.So tonight, I decided to bring up something that might help lighten things between us.“Blake’s school is hosting Family Day tomorrow,” I said while setting the plates for dinner. “There’ll be games and activities, and all the kids are supposed to have both their parents or guardians with them.”Hayden, who was scrolling through his phone and barely reacted. “Hmm.”

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-04-08

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  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 118: Reopened Case

    Breakfast was quiet. Hayden and I sat across from each other, sharing a normal meal like we always did. He had cooked bacon and eggs, and I made toast. The smell of coffee lingered in the air, wrapping the kitchen in its warm aroma. It felt normal, but even if you’re an outsider you could easily tell with one glance that something was wrong. I couldn’t shake the tension tightening around my chest. We didn’t talk about the news.We didn’t talk about Cedric. We just…stopped talking. I’ve always known that growth with your partner is tough, but I didn’t thought it would be to this extent. Probably because I’ve been too accustomed to Hayden being the one who did all the protecting, and now…I have to step up, to support him in all the turmoils he’s facing.I kept looking up from my plate, watching Hayden’s face carefully. He looked calm as he ate his breakfast. Should I ask him?My fingers trembled slightly as I buttered my toast. Then—out of nowhere. The front door slammed open.I jump

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 117: Shadows Don’t Fade

    The drive back from Cedric’s place felt like walking through fog. I declined his offer when he said he’d drive me back and called myself a cab. My body was in the car, but my mind was somewhere else entirely. Every word he said played on loop in my head—about Cassie, about Hayden, about what supposedly happened. About how Cedric claimed Hayden was the reason she was gone.And worst of all, he sounded like he believed it with every inch of his being. I leaned against the window, staring blankly at the passing streetlights. Should I ask Hayden? Should I tell him what Cedric told me? What if it wasn’t true? What if it was?By the time we reached my place, I hadn’t made a decision. I thanked the cab driver before getting out. The moment I stepped inside the house, I felt something strange. The lights were dim, the television was left on in the living room, and toys were everywhere. A little red truck sat sideways on the armrest of the couch. A stuffed bunny lay on the floor as if Blake

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 116: Do You Really Know The Person ?

    “I tried to keep the family together, but it wasn’t enough. Our parents blamed each other. Eventually, they separated. Fiona... she drifted too. I could never get her back. Not until recently.""You talked to her?" I asked quietly.He nodded. "Yes. She seems happy now. Genuinely happy."There was a small, sad smile on his face before he looked back toward the hallway. "You probably have a lot of questions, don’t you?"I hesitated, but the moment had come. "I do," I admitted. "Why do you dislike Dominic and Hayden so much?"For a moment, his eyes dimmed. He didn’t speak. Instead, he turned and started walking up the stairs. I followed. Not because I trusted him fully, but because I could tell he wasn’t trying to hurt me. I was starting to understand his pain.He opened a room at the end of the hallway, and as soon as I stepped in, I felt it. The scent was faint, but it was there—a mix of lavender and old books. Cedric walked to a tall cabinet and opened it, pulling out an old photo al

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 115: To Look At Yourself

    I stepped out of the restaurant, feeling drained. The meeting had gone well, but my energy was completely spent. All I wanted was to go home, take off these heels, and maybe sleep for a week. I pulled out my phone and started tapping on the cab app, already thinking of what presents I should take home with me for Blake. But my actions halted when I saw him.I wore a confused look as I approached him, as he leaned against the door of his car. His black car gleamed under the afternoon sun, parked just a few meters away from the restaurant's exit. The moment he saw me looking, his face lit up. He pushed off the car and made his way toward me."Perfect timing," he said with a smile. “I was getting bored. Hop in, I’ll drive you back."I opened my mouth, ready to decline, but before I could say a word, he raised a hand and said, "I know you have questions. A lot of them. And I’m willing to answer all of them."That made me pause. I studied him carefully, unsure of what game he was playing

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 114: This Calls Trouble

    I was already running a bit behind schedule when I rushed out of the house, tossing my bag into the passenger seat and starting the car. Today’s meeting wasn’t in the city, but somewhere a little more private. Aleo Country Club, a good thirty-minute drive from here.The roads were quiet the deeper I drove. Fewer cars, fewer houses, just long stretches of trees and grasslands. It wasn’t creepy, not really. Just… serene. I even opened my windows to catch the fresh breeze of the morning air.I was halfway there when the car gave a weird jolt. I frowned and tapped the gas, but nothing. “Uhh…what now?” Another jolt. Then the engine sputtered like it was choking. And then — silence.“Seriously?” I muttered, hitting the steering wheel lightly. I tried the ignition again. It coughed, clicked, then died.“Great, just another one of my bad days.” I pulled over to the side, looking around trying to find someone that could help me. However, there was nothing but empty fields and trees. Not even

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 113: A Slip

    Later that evening, I parked in front of the house and immediately heard chaos bursting from the living room.I opened the door, and a squeal echoed through the space.Hayden was running after Blake, who was waving a sock triumphantly above his head, giggling like a madman. “Give it back, you little thief!” Hayden laughed, nearly tripping over the coffee table.Blake was fast for someone his size, ducking under furniture, tossing pillows to block Hayden’s path. I had to cover my mouth to stifle a laugh.When I travelled my gaze around the room, in the cone row my eyes, I saw two people standing across the room, standing near the doorway were Uncle Nathaniel and Auntie Elena. Elena spotted me instantly, her face lighting up.“Oh, sweetie, there you are!” she chirped, bustling over to me in her high heels as if they were sneakers. “Are you okay? You look rather tired. Is Hayden treating you right? If he’s not, just say the word, and I’ll set him straight!”I laughed as she cupped my fac

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 112: Strange

    The early morning light slipped through the cracks of the curtains, painting faint gold lines across the bed. I stirred awake, groggily opening my eyes, my body still heavy with sleep. Slowly, I turned to my side and found Hayden beside me, sleeping peacefully, a soft snore escaping his lips.A small, sad smile tugged at my mouth. I brushed a few strands of hair from his forehead and leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss against his temple. He didn’t move, he just let out a deeper sigh before settling again.I slipped out of bed quietly, grabbing my purse and phone before heading out.One of the things Kara had found, one of the things that really got me worried, was that Hayden had regularly visited a mental health clinic years ago. Right after Cassie’s death. The timing wasn’t a coincidence. It couldn’t be. Whether it was guilt, grief, or something worse, I needed to know what demons he was fighting. That’s why I’m going to that clinic to find the details I need. My car rumbled softly

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 111: Opposite Ends

    Hayden and I walked in silence toward the parking lot. My hand was still in his, but it felt like there was a glass wall between us.Just as we reached the car, I stopped abruptly, pulling my hand away from his. Hayden immediately turned to me, confusion flashing across his face."Bella? What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low and careful.I didn’t answer right away. I kept my eyes on him, gathering every stray thought running wild in my head. Finally, I found my voice."I’ve been trying to understand everything," I muttered. "You said before that you couldn’t tell me what was bothering you, and I respected that. I really did." I took a step closer to him, needing him to see how much I meant it. "But now... maybe you can at least give me assurance. That what happened inside there—with that Cedric—isn’t something I should be worried about."Hayden’s eyes dropped to the ground. He sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking every bit as tired as I felt."Nothing will happen," he sa

  • The Billionaire’s Affair   Chapter 110: Discord

    My body tensed slightly, the air growing a little too heavy, and I didn’t know why. Something just didn’t feel right.Cedric turned to me with a glint in his eyes that I couldn’t quite read. I thought this guy was simple, but I guess in this room full of people, the word “simple” wouldn’t sound right after all. “So, Isabella,” he began, his tone light but I could sense he was just pretending. “Are you Hayden’s girlfriend?”The question caught me off guard. My lips parted, but the words didn’t immediately come out.Cedric continued before I could even respond, “You know, my sister and Hayden have a long history.”I blinked at him. “Fiona and Hayden are close?” I asked, trying to steady my voice, even though my chest felt like it was tightening.Cedric chuckled softly, tilted his head, then glanced at Dominic. “Not Dominic, Cassie,” he clarified, enunciating the name clearly. My heart stopped.He turned back to me, still smiling. “I mean, the three of you did have a long history toget

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