All Chapters of BOUND TO THE CRIPPLED CEO : Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

DANICAThe sun hung high, glinting off the polished marble floors of the mansion as I made my way down the grand staircase, my heels clicking lightly against the surface. A faint breeze stirred from the open window down the hall, carrying the scent of freshly clipped grass. For once, I wasn’t drowning idly in the large space of my bedroom, big enough to support three people. The house was quiet as usual. Just the way it had always been. Except for the soft whir coming from the distant mowing machine.I had asked John to get the car ready as he arrived from Ivan's office to help me out with school runs. Valerie would be out of school in an hour, and I didn’t want her waiting longer than she should. My daughter was a lot of things, but patient wasn’t on that list.The door creaked open as I stepped outside, the afternoon sun kissing my skin with a warmth that was almost stifling. John already had the sleek black Sedan parked out front, the engine humming low like a cat purring.“Ma’am,

IVANAfter the visit to my parents', the days passed in a blur of meetings and paperwork. This morning was no different. The sun beat down as John parked outside Café Brisk.“I'll call you when I'm done.” I straightened my spine and stepped onto the sidewalk.The hostess practically gawked at me, leading me to Pete’s table. He sat in the corner booth, already nursing what looked like his second espresso.“You're late,” Peter didn't look up from his phone.“Traffic.” I slid into the leather booth across from him. “Or maybe I just enjoy making you wait.”A waitress materialized at our table, pen poised. “Your usual, Mr. Clarkson?” she asked, placing a bottle of water in front of me.“Black Coffee.”Once she left, I pulled out my tablet and pulled up the courthouse shot he'd taken, plastered across one of the city's gossip blogs. “Take a look at this.”I swiped at the pictures zooming in on the one where I appeared to look stiff. “See this particular one here, it has over a million views

IVANRight now, I needed to focus on the Nolan contract. The partnership documents weren't going to review themselves, and after Amy's little interruption, I was already behind schedule.I loosened my tie and started reading through the first page. The legal jargon blurred together after the first few lines, but years of practice had taught me to spot the important details— hidden clauses and potential loopholes— that most people missed.I rubbed my temples, squinting at the dense paragraph. My eye caught a questionable clause about asset distribution. Typical Nolan- always trying to sneak something past.A soft knock interrupted my concentration. Mia peeked in, clutching her tablet. “Mr. Clarkson, your twelve o’clock is waiting in the conference room.”I checked my watch. Damn! Amy and the partnership documents review had eaten more time than I'd planned.“Give me three more minutes.” I highlighted another suspicious paragraph.“They're getting impatient.” She shifted her gaze to the

DANICAStepping out of the sleek black car, I smoothed my purple silk dress—one of the outfits Ivan had sent earlier, which clung to my body. Turning my head to the side, I took in the looming building structure—an architectural masterpiece that seemed to cut across the evening sky. The building's illuminated facade, sent a soft glow to the marble- floored steps leading to its entrance.Ivan emerged from the other side, adjusting his custom made suit with practiced ease. His presence was strong, commanding the attention of everyone around without effort, heads quickly turned to look at us as we neared the entrance.“Remember,” he murmured, as his hand flew to the small of my back, while maintaining the right closeness between us. “Appearances matter alot. Do well to play your part.”“Is there anything new you'd like to inform me about, besides playing ‘my part’.” I kept my voice low, matching his discretion and at the same time trying not to get annoyed by his constant reminders of pl

IVANI turned to see Amy gliding through the room in her form- fitting fuchsia pink dress, that left little to the imagination. She held a champagne flute in one manicured hand, her face drawn in a seductive smile as she swayed her hips with each step, earning appreciative glances from nearby guests.“Ivan, we meet again.” Amy practically purred my name. “You’re looking absolutely delicious tonight. Your suit…” Her eyes moved over my figure, drinking me in. “Tom Ford?”“Armani.”“Perfect! It looks like it was made for you.” She twirled her drink, fixing her gaze on me. “I was just telling some old acquaintance over there, how you always look like you stepped off a cover of Vogue. And guess what?”“What?” I asked dryly, not curious enough to know what angle she was aiming at.“They all agreed with me.”“Good thing for you I suppose.”She rolled her eyes at me before stepping closer. Too close. “Good? It isn't just good. It's great.”Nolan cleared his throat, poorly hiding his amusement