Semua Bab The Billionaire’s Convenient Ex-Wife : Bab 51 - Bab 60

I woke to the scent of coffee and the feeling of warm lips pressing against my temple."Time to become a billionaire," Dominic murmured against my skin, his voice rough with sleep and something darker.My eyes fluttered open to find him already dressed in a charcoal suit that fit him like armor, his hair still slightly mussed from sleep. The sight of him sent heat pooling low in my belly despite the exhaustion still weighing down my bones."What time is it?" I asked, my voice hoarse."Seven. Meeting's at ten. That gives us three hours to turn you into the kind of woman who eats corporate boards for breakfast."The predatory smile that curved his lips made my pulse quicken. This was the Dominic who'd built an empire through sheer force of will—dangerous, calculating, absolutely ruthless."I don't know if I can do this," I admitted, sitting up in bed. The silk pajamas he'd dressed me in the night before clung to my skin, and I caught the way his eyes tracked the movement."You can." He

The boardroom looked like a temple built for money worship.A massive marble table dominated the center, so polished I could see my reflection staring back up at me. Twelve leather chairs surrounded it, each one occupied by someone who probably owned more than small countries. The walls were lined with portraits of dead Van Alstons, all looking down with the kind of disapproval that came from having their bloodline questioned.Floor-to-ceiling windows showed Manhattan spread out sixty floors below, making everyone else in the city look like ants. The message was clear—from up here, normal people didn't matter."Gentlemen. Ladies." The lady who introduced herself as Margaret Williams cleared her throat. "May I present Scarlett Blackwood, who claims to be the Van Alston heir."Claims. Like I was some kind of con artist.Twelve pairs of eyes turned to study me like I was a bug under a microscope. Most of them looked bored, like this was just another Tuesday morning inconvenience. A few s

Victoria's penthouse occupied the entire top floor of a building that probably cost more than some countries' yearly budgets.I stared up at the gleaming windows fifty stories above street level, my stomach churning with nerves. "I can't believe we're doing this.""I can't believe I'm doing this," Dominic muttered, checking his watch for the third time in five minutes. "Do you know how long it's been since I've had to actually sneak around?""Since never?" "Since never." He almost looked excited about it, which was both reassuring and slightly terrifying. "My lawyers usually handle the illegal stuff."Jules appeared beside us, having finished her perimeter check. "Building security is standard. Two guards in the lobby, cameras on every floor, but nothing we can't handle." She handed Dominic a small device. "This will loop the hallway footage for twenty minutes. After that, you're on your own.""Twenty minutes should be plenty," I said, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt."Sh

The boardroom felt like a tomb this morning. I sat in the same chair I'd occupied yesterday, but everything was different now. The marble table seemed colder, the portraits on the walls more disapproving, and the twelve board members looked like they'd already made up their minds about my fate. Beside me, Dominic's jaw was tight with barely controlled tension. His hands rested on the table, fingers drumming a silent rhythm that spoke of nerves he was trying hard to hide. Jules stood by the window, her usual confidence replaced by something that looked suspiciously like worry. She'd barely spoken during the car ride here, just kept checking her phone and muttering under her breath. We all looked like people who'd lost everything and were just going through the motions. Which, if I was being honest, was exactly how I felt. "Well," Maeve said, settling into her chair at the head of the table with the satisfaction of a cat who'd caught a particularly fat mouse. "I trust everyon

The documents spread across the marble table like evidence at a trial.DNA results showing 99.7% genetic match to Victoria Van Alston. Birth certificates with dates and signatures that couldn't be faked. Hospital records from the day I was born, complete with tiny footprints and a photo that showed the same eyes I saw in the mirror every morning.Richard picked up the DNA analysis with hands that shook slightly. "This is... comprehensive.""Very thorough," agreed another board member, a woman with silver hair who'd introduced herself as Catherine Mills. "The chain of custody is impeccable."Around the table, eleven other faces showed varying degrees of acceptance and resignation. The evidence was undeniable. The proof was overwhelming. I was Victoria Van Alston's granddaughter, and there wasn't a damn thing any of them could do about it.Except Maeve."Fine," she said, her voice sharp enough to cut diamond. "The documents are legitimate. You're Victoria's granddaughter. Congratulation