All Chapters of PROPERTY OF THE BILLIONAIRE: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

I left work early—per Icarus’ instructions, of course. A few minutes after I walked out of his office, he sent Layla to deliver the message.And I quote: "Tell Ms. Janice she’s excused for the rest of the day so she can get her things in order."The audacity.It was just a move-in, not a life-altering event. It wasn’t like we’d be sharing the same bed.Still, the whole situation felt entirely too personal for my liking. I wasn’t thrilled about it, but there was no point in dragging my feet. I’d pack my things, get this over with, and remind myself—this was strictly professional. Nothing more.It couldn't be that bad, I tried to convince myself—but I knew better. My mind drifted back—to the time we were assigned as project partners in college. We spent almost every moment together, and somehow, those moments always ended in stolen kisses and tangled limbs. I jammed the key into the door, twisting it in frustration before pushing it open. Icarus had said the driver would arrive by 5pm

The hum of the engine filled the silence between us. City lights flickered through the tinted windows, casting brief flashes across Alessio's face, but he remained unreadable. He drove with one hand on the wheel, the other resting casually on the gear shift, as if he hadn't just dropped a man to the pavement without so much as a second thought. My hands curled into fists in my lap. I was still breathing too fast, still feeling the phantom weight of Layden's grip on my wrist. Still hearing his voice, sharp and venomous, curling around my mind like smoke. Alessio didn't look at me, but I knew he was aware. He had been watching me all night. Hell, he was probably watching me now, even without turning his head. I forced my voice to steady. "You didn't have to do that." His fingers flexed against the wheel, but he didn't respond right away. Then, with quiet finality, he said, "Yes, I did." I let out a breath, leaning back against the seat. The scent of leather and something subtly spic

I pushed into one of the stalls, closing the door behind me as I heard the soft shuffle of footsteps in the restroom. My breath hitched, my body stiffening instinctively.I couldn't let anyone see me like this.Not Layla. Not some stranger.Not even Icarus.Especially not Icarus.I pressed a hand over my mouth, swallowing down the emotions threatening to spill over. The tightness in my chest was unbearable, but I forced myself to stay silent, to breathe through it.Just a few minutes.Just long enough to pull myself together. Then I'd walk out of here like nothing had happened.The restroom door banged open, laughter spilling in like a cruel, creeping poison. I barely had time to stifle my breath before the voices followed."God, I still can't believe it," one of them sneered, her voice sharp, slicing through the quiet like a blade. "I mean, we knew she was shameless, but this? She's an actual slut."“Not even a high-class one,” another voice chimed in, dripping with mockery. “I mean,

The ladies' room door slammed open before I could catch my breath.There you are!" Andra's voice cracked through the room like a champagne cork. She prowled toward me, her white dress liquid fire under the chandeliers. "I've been hunting you all night, and what do I find?" She braced one manicured hand against the marble counter beside me. "My best friend doing the devil's tango with Icarus Adonis Sebastian." Her smirk could have powered the city grid. "Do you need me to call a priest, or an exorcist?"I grabbed the chilled flute of champagne she was holding and pressed it hard against my burning cheeks. "I will murder you.""Oh no, darling." She plucked the glass from my grip and drained it in one swallow. "Let's review your crimes." She ticked them off on fingers adorned with razor-sharp gold nails. "One: You ghosted me the moment you arrived. Two: You're wearing that dress—which violates at least three international treaties. Three:" Her voice dropped to a purr as she leaned in, "Y

Andra slipped back into the room so silently I didn't hear her until she spoke."What are you doing?" she asked, her voice low, almost curious.I yelped, startled, slamming my laptop shut as if I'd been caught doing something far worse than research. My pulse thudded in my ears. "Nothing," I said quickly, too quickly. "You scared me.""Hmmm," she hummed, nonchalant, as she peeled off her dress in one effortless motion. The silk pooled around her ankles like liquid shadow. She reached for a robe, tying it loosely around her waist.I tried to sound casual, playful even, grinning like a child caught snooping through Christmas presents. "So... what have you and Alessio been up to? You've been gone for hours, and"—I tilted my head, teasing—"I heard you laugh."She chuckled, but the sound was thin, a little too nervous. "Oh, please," she waved her hand dismissively, though her cheeks were tinged pink. "Nothing scandalous. We just... had more wine. Talked. About family, mostly."Her eyes sof