Semua Bab BILLIONAIRE'S LIES: Bab 471 - Bab 480

The vehicle moved forward, the gentle purr of the engine harmonizing with the quiet sound of jazz music coming from the speakers. The city lights flashed by, a blur of colors against the rich blue of the night sky. Within the vehicle, the atmosphere was different still electric, yet curiously soothing. Saben had been quiet for a moment, his eyes on the road ahead, his hand firm on the wheel. But Jenny felt the strength of his presence behind her, like a gentle force alongside her, even as there still lingered an unmistakable tension between them.Jenny cast a sidelong glance at him. He was intense, his jaw clenched in that manner she had seen before, but his expression had moved from the professional seriousness to something less severe, something more. genuine. She could sense the concern in the manner in which he was standing, the manner in which his stance subtly altered as she readjusted in her chair, as if he were doing so unconsciously to create space for her, as if he knew prec

Her voice was softer this time, but also stronger, as though she were attempting to hold herself back. To push forward. Not to let her vulnerability seep through the gaps. She wasn't going to allow the world to witness her breaking here, now. Not when there was so much riding on it.Saben appeared to get it, or perhaps it was only the distance that she had created with her words and postures. His hand rested upon her back for an instant, but then he stepped back from her slightly, allowing her a moment to breathe."You're stronger than you know you are, Jenny," he whispered to her, his voice firm yet soft.Jenny smiled, unsure if she was pleased with the commendation or if it was exposing her more. She did not want his sympathy and did not want to be anybody's cause. But then, that instant, in the big hall, with the music and laughter and continuous chatter surrounding her, she had a silent understanding with him, something that was horrifying and putting her feet on ground at the sam

Eva swiveled to face him, her own eyes frantic with pain and shock. "You call that love? You call killing her, killing yourself, and bringing me into this kind of hell love?" Her laughter was cut-throat, on the verge of hysteria. "You didn't pick me, JM. You came running to me. There's a difference."His jaw grunted, his teeth ground together, but he remained silent. The silence was more painful than anything he could have said.Eva pressed on, her voice trembling, desperate. “If you truly loved me, you wouldn’t still look at her like that. I wouldn’t still feel like I’m living in her shadow every damn day.” She clutched at her chest as though the ache there might rip her apart. “You broke her heart for me, but somehow she still owns yours.”JM's eyes flashed, something vulnerable crossing for an instant before he hid it again. He pushed harder on the gas, the car roaring more fiercely as if it might drown her words out.Eva's hands clenched into the seat padding. "Stop running, JM! Y

Jenny adjusted the strap of her bag as she stepped into the sleek glass doors of Zina Bank’s corporate office the next morning. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and the faint sound of keyboards clicking filled the air. Despite her carefully pressed blazer and the calm expression she forced on her face, inside she was anything but steady. Last night's business congress replayed in her mind.JM with Eva, the pain of seeing him, the shock of what he'd said, and the way she'd almost fallen if not for the firm hand of Saben.She took a deep breath and pushed her shoulders back, going into Zina Hale's office. Zina, her best friend and co-worker, was already sitting at her desk, her red lipstick glaring against the pale light streaming in from the blinds. She raised an eyebrow knowingly, looking up."Jenny White," Zina replied, reclining in her chair. "You look like you didn't sleep last night at all. Don't tell me the wine last night struck you so hard."Jenny let out a tired little laugh

Jenny sat poised at her tiny kitchen table, the sound of the wall clock ticking out the quiet of her apartment. She had finished just ending her phone call with Zina, shaken by the enormity of having to recount everything that had gone down at the party. She had thought the night's mayhem was done with—until the phone vibrated in her hand once more.Her breath caught when she read the name.Saben Thompson.Her boss.She paused, gazing at the screen as though it were some kind of bizarre dream. Why would he be phoning her so late? With shaking fingers, she eventually answered."Hello, sir?" she whispered, being careful with her tone."Jenny," Saben's voice was deep and calm, nearly impassive. "I'd like you to join me for dinner tomorrow evening. At the Thompson estate. Seven o'clock sharp. I'll send a car around for you."Jenny blinked in shock, holding on to the table edge. "D-Dinner? Your estate?" she echoed, nearly stuttering."Yes." No hesitation, no explanation—only dictate. "I'll