All Chapters of The Billionaire's Bargain: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Lines in the SandThe aftermath of the board meeting hung in the air as Sophia stepped out of the V Corp building with Lucas by her side. The presentation had been a success, and she’d held her ground against Emma’s petty tactics and Mark’s veiled threats. But even as she breathed in the crisp evening air, a sense of unease lingered.“Mark doesn’t play games he can’t win,” she said, slipping her arm through Lucas’s as they headed toward the car waiting for them.Lucas’s gray eyes darkened. “He’s testing the waters, seeing how far he can push. But he made a mistake today.”Sophia arched a brow. “And what mistake was that?”Lucas’s lips curved into a sharp smile. “Underestimating you. You didn’t just counter Emma’s arguments—you dismantled her in front of the entire board. Mark thrives on allies, and Emma’s loyalty just cracked under pressure.”Sophia allowed herself a small smile at his words, but the memory of Mark’s smirk as he left the boardroom still gnawed at her. “He’s not done.

Board meetingThe V Corp boardroom crackled with tension as Sophia and Lucas entered. Mark sat at their father's right hand, his expression smug, while Emma hovered near the presentation screen with a manila folder clutched to her chest."Ah, the happy couple," Mark's greeting dripped with sarcasm. "Just in time to discuss the Singapore merger's... irregularities."Lucas squeezed Sophia's hand before they took their seats. She'd spent the elevator ride briefing him on her counter-strategy – one born from months of learning to outmaneuver both Mark and Emma."Before we begin," Sophia addressed the board, her voice steady, "I'd like to present updated projections for the merger."Emma stepped forward, folder raised. "Actually, we should discuss-""The projections first," Lucas cut in smoothly. "Protocol, Emma. You understand."Sophia pulled up her presentation, revealing charts that made several board members lean forward with interest. The Singapore merger wasn't just profitable – it wa

Quest for LoveSophia's hands shook as she adjusted her blazer in the mirror. The press conference was in thirty minutes, and despite her confident plan last night, morning brought butterflies. She dabbed at her concealer, trying to hide the dark circles from a sleepless night."You missed a spot," Susan said softly, appearing behind her in the bathroom mirror. She'd rushed over at dawn with coffee and moral support."What if this backfires?" Sophia whispered, voicing her real fears for the first time. "What if going public makes everyone see me as just another gold-digger who trapped a Vanderbilt?""Hey." Susan grabbed her shoulders, turning her around. "Stop. Anyone who's seen you and Lucas together knows what's real."Sophia's phone buzzed – another message from her father: *Last chance to come home, daughter. Don't do this.*"Delete it," Susan advised, but Sophia's thumb hovered over the screen. Despite everything, some small part of her still ached for her father's approval.A kn

Beautiful EffectSophia stared at her phone screen, reading the flood of messages since yesterday's press conference. Susan had sent eighteen texts ranging from "OMG YOU'RE PREGNANT!" to detailed baby name suggestions. But it was the single unread message from her father that made her fingers tremble."You haven't opened it yet?" Lucas asked softly, setting a cup of decaf coffee on her desk. Morning sickness had made her usual strong brew impossible."Not ready." She pushed the phone away, focusing instead on the morning's market reports. V Corp's stock had actually risen after their announcement – apparently, the public loved a good love story more than they feared corporate scandal.A knock interrupted them. Chris stood in the doorway, looking uncomfortable. "Mr. Vanderbilt – senior – is here. With your father, Mrs. Vanderbilt."Sophia's hand instinctively went to her stomach. Six weeks along, nothing showing yet, but the protective gesture was becoming habit."Send them in," Lucas

Toast to BabiesThe ultrasound screen flickered in the dimly lit room, and Sophia held her breath. At sixteen weeks, they might finally learn if little Catherine or Edward was on the way. Lucas's hand tightened around hers as the technician moved the wand."Well," the technician smiled, "would you like to know?"Before either could answer, a commotion erupted in the hallway. Chris burst in, face pale. "Mr. Vanderbilt, I'm sorry, but—""Not now," Lucas growled, eyes fixed on the screen."Sir, it's Mark. He's calling an emergency board meeting. He's claiming... evidence of fraud in the merger documentation."The baby's heartbeat filled the sudden silence, strong and steady."Go," Sophia squeezed Lucas's hand. "I've got this.""But—""The baby will still be here in an hour." She managed a smile. "Besides, Susan's in the waiting room. Go deal with your brother."Lucas kissed her forehead, his jaw tight. "Chris, get Darren on the line. I want to know how Mark got those documents."After th