THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 71 - チャプター 80

Carmilla took a soft breath, her voice barely above a whisper. “Valdez… I’m so sorry about your mom. I didn't know”. Her words were sincere, a gentle tremor lacing her tone. “But why didn’t you reach out? Why didn’t you ask me for help?”Valdez who was sitting across from her, her shoulders hunched as if she were trying to make herself smaller. Her head remained lowered, her dark lashes hiding the pain brimming in her eyes. Her fingers clenched tightly around the hem of her coat. She opened her mouth to speak, but the words got stuck in her throat.Carmilla’s voice was quiet, patient. “Valdez?”With a shaky breath, Valdez finally found her voice. “I… I was reached out to by the Harringtons,” she stammered. “I mean—the wife. Margaret.”Just by mentioning the familiar name, Carmilla’s face changed in surprise. Sandra’s eyes narrowed, her expression instantly sharpening with suspicion.“I don’t know how,” Valdez continued, barely able to look either of them in the eye, “but she knew. She

The next day fast approached, the morning light made it way through the small windows in her room. Carmilla blinked awake on the hardwood floor, where she and Sandra had slept, wrapped in throw blankets. Her neck ached slightly, but her heart was at peace, at least for the moment.Valdez lay curled up on the bed, her breathing steady, her expression calm. She hadn't stirred once throughout the night. Carmilla stood slowly, careful not to make a sound, and stretched.Sandra, who woke up due to carmilla's movement from the floor, quietly sat up on the floor gently slipping her coat on. She glanced at Carmilla who is stretching herself “ Do you think we should wake her up, she seems so into her sleep?”, Sandra said staring at Valdez who is deep in her sleep, it was like she never at all had any sleep in the past days.“ She sleeps like a baby. I think we should go before she wakes. She looks like she needs the rest more than anything right now.”Carmilla nodded, then walked gently to th

The kitchen at Harrison’s villa was just as impressive as the entire house combined. It was spacious, modern, and bathed in natural sunlight streaming through the glass panels.With sleek white lines and minimalist cabinets running around the walls, the kitchen was a masterpiece of contemporary design. It was fully equipped with high-end appliances—an oversized refrigerator, a built-in wine cooler, and every culinary tool imaginable. At the center stood the island, featuring a waterfall edge and built-in seating that offered both comfort and function. Everything was neatly arranged.Harrison stood at the island, scanning the stocked kitchen for ingredients. Spotting meat, cheese, eggs, and salsa, he decided on burritos for breakfast. He grabbed a bowl, cracked a few eggs, and began whisking them. Setting the bowl aside, he shredded some cheese and added it to the eggs, then folded in diced ham and chopped cilantro with a fork. He warmed large flour tortillas in the microwave, spooned

Still smiling to himself, he quickly tidied up the kitchen and washed the used mug and plate. Once everything was set neatly on the island counter, he reached for the phone he had earlier put in his pocket. Unlocking the screen, he quickly typed out a message to his assistant, Rachel:“I want to meet with Valdez today. I'll like you to pick me up from the where carmilla and I will be going this evening. I'll text you the address later. Try dressing casual, you don't have to appear with your working attire. I don't want to scare her off. Keep it low profile. I’ll tell you when.”He tapped on send, then set the phone into his pocket and headed towards the bedroom. “Carmilla!” He called out, opening the room door. Her voice answered from inside of the room soft and quick, “I’m here!”He saw her lying upright on the bed, her legs crossed with each other , her hands busy with her phone. He approaches towards the bed and sat at the edge, this made her set her phone aside seeing the seri

Valdez opened the door without hesitation, she had since been expecting Carmilla. This made her not to even check for a second who might be knocking. She already concluded in her that it was carmilla. She opens the door, just to find Harrison standing in front of her with another figure she doesn't recognize. This made her voice caught in her throat,“I thought you weren’t—” she said, then froze suddenly, her words trailing off as the recognition of the figure hit her like a jolt of electricity.Her eyes were full of surprise and her body stiffened with alarm. “What the hell are you doing here?” she snapped, her tone sharp and defensive. Instinctively, she pushed against the door, trying to shut it.But Harrison was faster. He slid his foot into the gap, stopping the door just in time.“Valdez, right?” he said quickly, his voice firm but not aggressive. “Please, can I have a moment with you. I really need someone to clear something out for me right now. And I think you might be the o