บททั้งหมดของ The Billionaires Pawn : บทที่ 121 - บทที่ 130

Lexi’s POV When Julian made the turn toward the diner, my heart leapt in my chest. This was it. The lead we needed. I couldn’t let myself get ahead of things. I couldn’t let myself hope—not yet. I focused on breathing, trying to steady my nerves, trying to stay strong. We weren’t there yet. But my mind kept racing. What if we get there and it’s already too late? The car screeched to a stop in front of the diner. I was out of the car before Julian could even park properly, my heart pounding with every step I took toward the entrance. Julian was right behind me, his presence strong, steady, and protective. But the fear that gripped me was stronger. “Stay here,” Julian commanded, pulling me back. “I’ll handle this. Just stay out of sight for a moment.” Julian’s POV I could feel the urgency in Lexi’s movements as we approached the diner, but I had to keep it together. This wasn’t just about rushing in—it was about getting answers. The diner was small, quiet for the time o

Lexi’s POV I stared at the clock on the wall, watching the minutes crawl by. Kayla was gone. Not in the way I had once feared, but in a way that finally gave me hope. She had agreed to get help. The night had been long, filled with difficult conversations, broken sobs, and painful acceptance. But in the end, she had listened. She had looked me in the eyes, truly looked at me, and nodded. Julian wasted no time making the necessary arrangements. By dawn, she was in the hands of professionals, taken to a place where she could finally get the help she needed. I exhaled slowly, pressing my fingers against my temple. My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to rest. Julian entered the room, his presence grounding. “She’s settled,” he said. “The doctor says she’s in good hands.” I nodded. “That’s good. That’s… really good.” Alexander stirred in his crib, his small hand curling into a fist. I reached out, brushing my fingers over his soft skin. “She loved him, in her own way,” I murm

**Julian’s Pov**The morning of the burial felt cold. Gray clouds filled the sky, creating a sad atmosphere that felt appropriate.People came in and out of the house, speaking softly and wearing black. Some faces were familiar—relatives I saw at family gatherings, ones who sent Holiday cards or called once a year out of duty. Others, I barely recognized.Then, there were those I didn’t want here at all.I stood by the window, watching more cars pull up outside. The air inside the house felt heavy with grief and quiet whispers, but underneath it all, tension lingered.Lexi stood by my side, quiet but supportive. Her fingers lightly touched mine, providing comfort.Henry entered, looking tired. “They’re all here,” he said softly.I nodded. “Let’s get this over with.”Lexi squeezed my hand.We stepped outside together. The backyard was set up for a small ceremony before the burial. Rows of chairs faced a plain wooden casket decorated with white lilies—my mother’s favorite.As I looked a

Lexi’s POVThe drive back felt longer than it actually was. Maybe because I spent most of it staring out the window, watching the scenery change, feeling the weight of the past few days settle in my bones.Julian sat beside me, one hand on the wheel, the other resting on my thigh—a silent reassurance that he was there. That we were leaving all the whispers, the judgment, the tension behind.Still, it clung to me.I had spent the past few days feeling like an outsider, an intruder in a world that would never truly accept me. The looks, the hushed conversations that stopped the moment I walked in—it was exhausting.I needed to be home.When the city skyline finally came into view, a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding slipped from my lips.Julian noticed.“We’re almost there,” he said, his voice low, comforting.I nodded, leaning my head against the cool glass.His grip on my thigh tightened slightly. “I know you didn’t feel comfortable there. I felt it, Lex. But you don’t have to an

Julian’s POVI sat in my office, fingers tapping against the mahogany desk as I listened to Henry deliver the news.I barely blinked. Barely reacted.But inside, rage simmered.Betrayal.One of my most trusted men had been stealing from me. Not money—money could be replaced. Gold bars. He thought he was smart, skimming small amounts over time, thinking I wouldn’t notice.I always notice.Henry finished speaking, his expression tense. He knew what was coming next.“Where is he now?” I asked, my voice dangerously calm.“In the basement,” Henry replied. “Tied up. Waiting.”I stood, adjusting the cuffs of my shirt.Lexi chose that moment to walk in, Alexander asleep in her arms. She took one look at my face and frowned.“What’s wrong?”I turned to Henry. “Bring him up.”Henry nodded and left the room.Lexi stepped closer. “Julian?”I exhaled slowly, rolling my shoulders back as I met her gaze. “One of my men stole from me.”Her brows furrowed. “Stole what?”“Gold.”Her lips parted slightl