All Chapters of The Billionaire's Distraction : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

The scent of aged whiskey and burning citrus filled the air as Lucia Gregory wiped down the polished oak counter. The Friday night crowd at Ember Lounge was in full swing—businessmen in tailored suits clinking glasses, socialites flashing diamond-studded wrists, and trust-fund kids wasting obscene amounts of money on overpriced cocktails. Lucia had learned to tune it all out. To her, this was just another shift. Another night of making drinks, dodging unwanted advances, and watching the privileged parade around like the world owed them something.The dim lighting of the bar cast soft shadows across her face as she moved with practiced ease, her hands deftly mixing a Manhattan for a regular who barely acknowledged her. It didn’t matter. Tips spoke louder than pleasantries.“Busy tonight?” asked Mia, her best friend and fellow bartender, balancing a tray of martinis.Lucia smirked, grabbing a fresh glass. “Same as always. People throwing money around like it grows on trees.”Mia scoffed

Lucia had to admit—Adrian Sinclair was persistent. For over a week, he continued showing up at Ember Lounge, each visit accompanied by the same knowing smirk, the same irritating confidence, and the same frustratingly charming banter. Lucia, for her part, remained unimpressed. “You know,” Adrian said one evening, resting his elbows on the bar, “most people in my position don’t have to work this hard for attention.” Lucia smirked as she wiped down the counter. “That must be exhausting for you.” He chuckled. “Not really. I like a challenge.” She shook her head. “See, that’s where you’re wrong. I’m not a challenge. I’m just not interested.” Adrian leaned forward slightly, his blue eyes filled with intrigue. “Is that so?” Lucia met his gaze, unflinching. “Yes.” A slow smile spread across his lips, like a man who had just been presented with an impossible puzzle—and was determined to solve it. “All right,” he said, setting his drink down. “Let’s make a bet.” Lucia raised an eye

Campus Grounds – MorningLucia was running late. Again.Balancing a coffee cup in one hand and her overstuffed notebook in the other, she weaved through the crowd of students on the university’s main walkway. Her brain was already fried from a sleepless night, and the last thing she needed was another disaster.But, of course, life had other plans.Out of nowhere, a tall figure deliberately stepped into her path.“Hey, careful—”Too late.Lucia collided headfirst into a firm chest, her coffee tilting dangerously—until a hand shot out and caught it just before it could spill.She scowled as she looked up, only for her irritation to skyrocket.Adrian Sinclair.“Good reflexes,” he remarked, examining the cup before handing it back. “You’re welcome.”Lucia snatched it from his hand. “Are you seriously blocking my way right now?”He grinned. “Would you believe me if I said it was fate?”“No, I’d believe you’re an annoyance,” she muttered, stepping to the side.But Adrian matched her step.

The campus courtyard was bustling with students heading to their next classes, chatting in small groups, or lounging under the afternoon sun. Lucia, Adrian, and Ethan walked leisurely down the paved path, the tension from their previous discussion fading into the background. Just as Lucia was about to part ways with them, Ethan stretched lazily, his signature smirk in place. “So, Miss College Girl, what’s next on the agenda? Another thrilling lecture on how to be an ethical billionaire?” Lucia rolled her eyes. “Some of us actually have a class to get to.” Ethan grinned. “Tragic. Meanwhile, I’m here for entertainment purposes only.” Lucia raised an eyebrow. “Wait. You don’t even go here. Why are you here?” Ethan placed a hand on his chest in mock offense. “Can’t a guy visit his best friend? Keep an eye on him? Make sure he’s not planning to renounce his fortune and become a humble college boy?” Lucia turned to Adrian. “Is that the plan? Renouncing your fortune?” Adrian let out

Lucia and Mia’s playful banter was cut short when the dorm room door swung open, revealing a disheveled and red-eyed Sarah. She stood frozen for a second before letting out a shaky breath and stepping inside. Lucia’s eyes widened as she quickly sat up. “Sarah?” Mia, who had been reclining on her bed, immediately straightened. “Whoa. What happened to you?” Sarah shut the door behind her and leaned against it, her arms wrapped around herself. Her lip trembled, and despite the obvious effort to hold it in, tears began to spill down her cheeks. Lucia was on her feet in an instant, crossing the room. “Hey, hey, talk to us. What’s wrong?” Sarah let out a choked laugh, wiping at her face. “Tonight was supposed to be perfect. I was supposed to have a romantic date with Jake.” Her voice cracked on his name, and fresh tears fell. Mia frowned. “Let me guess. Jake turned out to be a jackass?” Sarah let out a bitter chuckle as she sniffled. “Understatement of the year.” She swallow