Semua Bab The Boss I Shouldn't Want, Now My Stepbrother : Bab 91 - Bab 100

RHYSAND "Are you ready?" I asked, walking toward the ladies. Tessa gave a short nod, her eyes flashing with determination. Bridgette held onto her hands, giving them a small squeeze before giving the go-ahead.I signaled the cameras to start rolling, then headed toward the end of the room to watch them work.Two cameras started rolling—one for legal backup and the other for press. Tessa's voice trembled as she recounted her time with Alia. Her eyes welled with unshed tears, remembering the abuse and bullying Alia had meted out to her for standing up to her."Let it be known I've never given sexual favors to anyone for any position I've acquired throughout my life. The woman I am now, the position I have now, has and always will be achieved through my hard work and talents," she stated, her gaze firm."It is an insult not just to myself but to the organization I work with that such a scandal came into view, let alone was believed. I've done nothing to earn the public's ire and will do

Bridgette's POVThe heat of their eyes crawled all over my skin like ants. It took all the restraint I had not to tuck my head into my shell like a tortoise in danger.Everyone was staring at me, waiting for something I had no idea about. As I glanced at the expectant gazes before me, I caught a few pitying looks before settling on the man of the hour.Rhysand's gaze darkened, his lips thinned, and the rhythm of his fingers tapping on the table didn't help.My lips parted as my brain scrambled to catch up, but it was too late—there was nothing in it. I hadn't heard his question, and with a deep sigh, I bit the bullet."I'm sorry... I don't... can you please repeat the question?"Silence reigned at my words. The pitying gazes intensified, and the tension grew thick. It was at this moment many would assume Rhysand would snap.I did too. I saw the familiar flicker in Rhysand's eyes, that barely contained frustration, and I winced in preparation for his tongue-lashing, my hands clenched i

Rhysand's POVThe time had barely passed nine when I strode into the living room, feeling better than I had for the past few days. The silence of the house welcomed me, the scent of freshly brewed tea floating faintly from the kitchen.The lights in the living room were switched off, and Aaron was nowhere in sight. I assumed the elderly couple had just headed up for the night—although it was early, it wasn't uncommon. I turned on my heels, heading towards the stairs, when a tiny movement caught my attention, stopping me in my tracks.I turned to find Margaret sitting in the dark, alone in the dining room. At first, I thought nothing of it until I noticed her worried expression and her glassy-eyed stare. It didn't take a genius to know she hadn't noticed my entrance, and I hesitated, wondering if I should interrupt her thoughts.I lingered for a moment near the staircase, weighing the idea of snapping her out of it or giving her space. But before I could decide, her phone buzzed loudly

BRIDGETTE'S POVI drew in a deep breath. The air in the lavish boutique, normally heavy with the aroma of expensive leather and polished wood, felt suddenly thin, almost nonexistent. Rhysand had just removed a glistening jeweled bracelet from a velvet-cushioned display box in his pocket with that frustratingly easy grace of his.Just moments before, I had dared to give it a quick lustful glance, but now my eyes were fixed on his hands. His fingers were warm against my skin as he took my left wrist, and they moved with practiced ease.My mind, which is usually a tornado of clever retorts and well-planned defenses, was completely blank.Never in my wildest dreams had I thought Rhysand would go so far, despite a plethora of women—all much more obviously glamorous than I—competing for Rhysand's attention: socialites, heiresses, and models.The images of the women who had captured his attention a few minutes ago flashed through my mind. I couldn't hide the annoyance I felt as they gathered

BRIDGETTEThe office buzzed with a new kind of energy this morning. Like a cloud lifting after an unpleasant storm, the recent tension had been replaced by a lighter, almost buoyant atmosphere. Tessa's return was the cause.To be honest, it was a relief."Welcome back, Tessa!" I chirped, pulling her in for a hug. "I speak for everyone when I say your wild style and jokes are what had been missing. I hope you had a good mini-vacation?"She rolled her eyes at my joke. "Yeah right, vacation my ass. But I am glad to be back." Although she smiled in gratitude, I could see the exhaustion heavy in her face.I couldn't imagine the amount of stress she'd been through these past few days with the public and Alia's bullshit.Without thinking, I pulled her in for another hug. "God, I missed you. I hope we never have to go through that again."She chuckled, pulling away. "I hope so too. I'm also very grateful to you for all your help. I didn't know what I would have done if you weren't so level-he