บททั้งหมดของ The Billionaires Pawn : บทที่ 11 - บทที่ 20

Julian’s POV As I watched the black female stripper, wearing just a silver string pants with no bras on and the way her black nipples jiggled as her breast bounced back and forth, while doing her pole dance. The memory of her body burned in my mind, every gasp, every moan, the way she gave herself completely to me. Lexi. She was perfect. Yet, I couldn’t shake the thought that maybe I shouldn’t have left without a word. But no, it was better this way. She needed to know her place, always available, always mine, but nothing more. No attachments. No expectations. “Julian,” Étienne’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. He leaned against the doorframe, looking entirely too smug. “What?” I barked, irritated by the interruption. “I met someone.” “Congratulations. Why do I care?” “She works with one of our allies. Her name’s Catherine,” he said, stepping closer. “And she looks like an older version of Lexi.” I frowned, his words catching me off guard. “What are you saying?”

I was lounging on the couch, scrolling through my phone aimlessly. I stared at a picture Liam had just posted. It was from a night at the bar, his crooked smile and carefree charm staring back at me. I hated to admit it, but I kind of missed him. Missed the way he could make any conversation feel normal, easy, even when my world was spinning out of control. A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I jumped slightly as Martha, the housekeeper, stepped in. She folded her hands neatly in front of her and said, in her usual formal tone, “Mr. Blackwood has requested your presence in his office.” The mention of Julian’s name jolted me back to my current reality. “Do you know why?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer. Martha simply shook her head and waited for me to follow. I glanced around the room. My dad, sitting in his usual spot with the newspaper, looked at me with concern. It was the “I hope everything is okay” look. But I couldn’t give him any answers. Wi

Julian’s POV The second boutique was quiet, its refined atmosphere broken only by Kayla’s squeals of delight as she spun in front of the mirrors. I had other plans brewing, though, and Lexi was about to find out. When Kayla darted back into the fitting room for the umpteenth time, I turned to Lexi. Her arms were crossed, and she was watching me with a mix of suspicion and intrigue. Perfect. “I want you to try something,” I said, nodding toward one of the store attendants, who approached with an armful of exquisite dresses. Silks, satins, and perfectly tailored corporate pieces hung from the hangers, each one more stunning than the last. Her brow furrowed. “What’s this for?” I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “For the next few months, it’s going to be business trips back to back. I’ll be attending every major meeting, and you won’t miss a single one as long as I’m present.” Her eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly before she quickly snapped it shut. “You’re serious,” she s

The next morning, I was ready. Or at least, I told myself I was. I slipped into the outfit I’d picked the night before, an emerald-green wrap dress that hugged my curves and ended just above my knees. The neckline was modest, but the slit on one side revealed a hint of thigh when I moved. I paired it with nude stiletto heels, My hair was styled in loose waves, and a light touch of makeup completed the look. Sexy yet elegant, exactly the way I wanted to present myself. Standing by the window in my room, I stared at the city skyline, trying to calm my nerves. I had no idea what to expect from this six-month trip, but something about it felt monumental. A knock on my door startled me out of my thoughts. Before I could respond, Martha walked in. “Miss Lexi,” she said, “Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you downstairs.” I turned away from the window, grabbing my purse. “Of course,” I replied. Martha left, and I followed shortly after. As I stepped outside, the morning sunlight greeted m

Julian’s POV The master bedroom door clicked shut behind me, the faint sounds of Étienne and Lexi talking in the kitchen fading into the background. The evening had been a rollercoaster, and now we were here, this luxurious apartment with two rooms, one shared between Lexi and me. It was a setup I hadn’t anticipated, and I doubted she had either. The apartment had Étienne written all over it: sleek design, spotless surfaces, and just enough decadence to make anyone feel out of place. I set my briefcase down and loosened my tie. The large window offered a panoramic view of the city, but my thoughts were elsewhere. The muffled sound of Lexi’s laughter drifted through the door, cutting into my moment of solitude. Étienne was making her laugh. Again. I stepped out into the hallway, walking toward the kitchen. “What’s so funny?” I asked, my voice sharper than intended. Lexi turned, a faint smile lingering on her lips. “Étienne was just telling me about his… unique choice in furni