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The Billionaire's Pawn 81
STRIKER “You look stunning tonight, my wife.” I strolled my gaze at her from head to toe. She picked the black glittery floor-length gown and put on a set of diamond jewelry to complete the look. Her makeup wasn’t overdone, just the way I liked it. The hairstylist just enhanced the natural wave of her hair. “You’ve said that three times already.” She smiled at me, the kind when she was amused. “You’re not bad yourself, husband. And I have something for you.” “You don’t have to give me anything.” “I want to, sweetheart.” She picked up something from the drawer and pulled out the box. “It just took me a while to find it.” “What’s this?” I knew it was a watch box. When I opened it, it looked vintage. “A vintage watch.” “Close to antique. I know you can afford to buy the most expensive watch in the world, but this one is different. Special.” I carefully picked it up. “Everything is always special if it comes from you, Vanderford.” “Check out the bottom.” I did as she told me. The
The Billionaire's Pawn 82
LONDON “Congratulations.” Neke hugged me tight. After successfully launching our limited products, our expansion in Asia was already taking place. Our sales skyrocketed—our products were in demand. We expanded to other e-commerce retailers all over the globe. I finally bought a fifteen percent share of the company. And I’d been busy as hell, not that I was complaining because life was good. Striker and I were great, even if we only had a dinner date once a month. We supported each other. We were a team. That was what made our marriage work despite our busy lives, and we still ended up cuddling at night. Tonight, the fashion show was a massive success, making all my sleepless nights, shoulder aches, and missed dinner dates worthwhile. It was midnight, and we were at the party to celebrate our success at the Night Stalker Club. “Why is it everyone is congratulating me?” It wasn’t me. It’s the team.” I went to the DJ and grabbed the mic. He shut the music off. “Excuse me! Everyon
The Billionaire's Pawn Epilogue
STRIKER One year later It had been a spectacular year for London and me. Two hundred fifty people who were very dear to our family attended our wedding in front of the spring, followed by the reception in the golf field of my father’s estate. That was an extraordinary day for me, London, and our family. Rome, Prince Thayer, and the princesses were even there for us. And then we spent a few days on my father’s property in Verona, then Switzerland. Our honeymoon ended in Guardion before we headed home. One thing we hadn’t accomplished yet was to have a child. We were patient, though. And we were not giving up. “Maybe we should stop trying.” I ran my finger against her arm as I peppered kisses on her shoulder. “What do you mean?” She was still giving me her back. “We’re pressuring ourselves to get pregnant. It’s stressing you.” “So, you mean to say it’s my fault—” “No, baby. That’s not what I mean. Let’s leave it be. If we can get pregnant, then that’s amazing. If not, it’s fin
The Billionaire's Pawn 1
STRIKERI landed this morning from Winterbourn after two years working for a good friend, Rome Langston. Then I woke up from a nap to the black sedan waiting for me. I wasn’t expecting anything when I arrived at the Vanderford estate, but what shocked me was how someone welcomed me with that stone stare of hatred that had me wondering for a second. You could have begun with, are you here for my father? That sort of thing. Sometimes, life was really shit. When you expect too much, you get less. When you were not Messi, who took home the FIFA World Cup Champion, or Ronaldo, who just became the world’s most expensive athlete, nobody gave a shit about you. For instance, London Vanderford— the heiress to the Vanderford Group. I mean, who am I? That was the first thing that came to my mind. She probably didn’t remember me. The last time we met was two years ago. Things have changed a lot since then.My smile instantly faded as I met the coldest hazel eyes I’d ever seen. I knew there were
The Billionaire's Pawn 2
LONDON“Why am I here, Dad?” I stomped my heels into the study and followed him to his desk. “A call would do.”He ignored my little outburst as he sat calmly at his desk. “You did not miss your father, London?”“We had dinner last week.” I rolled my eyes. I was supposed to have a sit-down meeting with my designers, but here I was in the middle of the day.“And we were supposed to have lunch last Wednesday.”“Dad, I told you I made a promise with Magnus.” Dad didn’t like Magnus. He said he wasn’t good enough for me. Every father probably had the same thought as him. He might as well ask his friend Linden to do a full background check on my boyfriend. I couldn’t blame him, though—all he wanted was the best for me. But it was not that I was asking for his approval for any men I wanted to go out with.His face soured instantly. “Don’t say what you’re about to say. You don’t like him, and I got it the first time. Why am I here? And I miss you. Happy?”“Are you?” His question almost caug
The Billionaire's Pawn 3
STRIKERI woke up earlier as I tossed and turned in bed, probably the first night effect of being in a new place. Although this had been Dad’s home for decades, and I was here on his birthday and Christmas Eve.I’d been staring in the mirror. My hands were still in my tie. “Hey. You’re safe now.” The asset, London, was still hiccuping. Her fingers were digging into my gear, gripping me tightly, and I had no choice but to carry her. Despite my exhaustion, somehow, she eased it away.Linden gave me a nod as he tried to contact someone on the phone, probably our client. While Kye was in the driver’s seat, Sax checked their ammo, and the others watched our six.“Thank fuck,” Sax muttered as the hele came to view.We reached the extraction point with a hammer.“It’s gonna be okay. You’re gonna be okay,” I whispered to London. “You will be with your father in no time.”“D-don’t leave me. I don’t wanna be alone.” That was the first time I heard her talk. Her voice was shaky and laced with f
The Billionaire's Pawn 4
LONDON I knew the moment I saw Striker Cade he would replace Reed. I was torn between talking to my father to hire another bodyguard, but at the same time, I wanted to see him. He didn’t even change for the last two years. He looked the same, so handsome, or even looked more striking in a suit. It worked for him perfectly. My stupidity got the best of me—my infatuation with him. Who could I fool with? It was more than just a crush. It was foolish to feel something for someone who didn’t look at me the way I looked at him in the first place—who wasn’t around and had no idea about my feelings. I guessed I was emotionally disturbed and mentally deranged. I’m damaged goods. Last night, I chose to stay at home rather than have dinner with Magnus because I couldn’t get the thought out of my head that Striker could be the replacement. I knew Dad was right about Magnus was not the right one and not good enough for me, but he was there, and that was what I wanted at that moment. For t
The Billionaire's Pawn 5
STRIKER London ignored me the entire ride. I couldn’t blame her. I mean, that asshole was disrespecting her and minding the food she wanted to eat. But I let my emotion get the best of me. And this was what scared me. On the first day, I was already screwing my job. London was perfect. She was hot. He could be supportive of his girlfriend’s goal, but instead, he wanted to control her. I was not against size 0 if that was the body size they wanted. But women, men, and other gender had the right to choose the body they like to look beautiful and confident in any size. What was wrong with people these days setting beauty standards according to what satisfied their ego by letting those women starve just to fit into society? I was not against anything. I myself maintained a healthy lifestyle. I ate healthily. I maintained fit. I jogged, ran, and went to the gym regularly, but not to gain likes or impress everyone. I did it for myself. Since their lunch was disrupted, Neke ordered t
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