Semua Bab I Slapped My Fiancé—Then Married His Billionaire Nemesis: Bab 261 - Bab 270

‘Bet you were gutted when you didn’t catch me shagging Fabrizio in a hotel room.’ The sarcasm slipped out. ‘Is that what you thought? What you’ve always thought, ever since you met him? That he’s fancied me, and the second you left Paris, the two of us jumped into bed? Is that what this is?’Then it hit me. ‘Is that why you left Paris so suddenly? You didn’t actually leave, did you? You just pretended to, hoping I’d fall into his arms so you could catch me red-handed.’Ashton tried more than once to cut in, but I steamrolled right over him.He’d always had stalker tendencies. I saw that the day he bought the flat across from mine. Then he showed up at a bar I’d picked at random. When I moved into Oakwood Apartments, he bought the entire building.It had unsettled me, yes, but back then, we were two people tangled in a lie, each trying to solve our own mess. I didn’t feel it was my place to call him out.But I couldn’t keep ignoring it.I shot out of the chair and started pacing. Blood

‘I called the lawyer. He’s on his way.’Lea came into the interview room after the police officer left.She looked guilty. ‘I’m sorry.’‘Not your fault.’ That was only partly true. My face still ached from the punch thrown by one of the bouncers, and I was still furious at Lea for agreeing to leave with her abusive, waste of oxygen husband.‘You okay?’ She winced at the bruises on my face. ‘Once we get bail, you should get checked out at a hospital.’‘I’m fine. You’re the one who needs her head examined. What were you thinking?’She sank into the chair the officer had just vacated. ‘I wasn’t.’‘No shit. You turn into a completely different person around Pierre. No brains, no self-preservation. Just blind loyalty.’ I was starting to doubt whether she’d actually go through with the divorce.Mira woul

‘If the company’s liquidated, we lose everything. The CAD models, portfolios, inventory. I can find a job elsewhere easily with my CV, but I like the company, I like the work, and I want to stay.’Peter Carl’s voice had lost its usual breeziness.‘But what can I do?’ I still didn’t see why he thought I could save the company. I was in hot water myself. With Fabrizio gone, my joint venture with him was finished, and the product launch I’d poured the last two months into would die with it.I’d already given up hope of getting my money back. The only thing left seemed to be leaving.‘You have a studio, don’t you? So you’ve got management experience,’ Peter Carl said.I gave a wry smile. ‘As Fabrizio has so clearly demonstrated, running a small independent studio and running a big company aren’t the same thing.’‘I know, but I have faith in you.’‘I don’t have faith in myself.’‘Come on. Just think about it. If you buy Valmont & Cie now, you’ll get it cheap. The investors will be glad to

‘Where’s your boyfriend?’ I asked.‘Out shopping. He’s heard of the famous Passage du Désir and is dying to check out their merchandise.’ Yvaine slid into her seat and took in the restaurant with a slow glance. ‘Nice place you’ve picked. Must be a huge favour you’re about to ask, if it’s got you splurging on a three-star joint.’‘Only the best for my bestie.’ I didn’t tell her how much of a relief it was to see her. She didn’t have to say a word; just having her here anchored me in this foreign city. It wasn’t advice I needed so much as her company.She seemed in good spirits, cheeks glowing from all that skiing. Still, I waited until after dessert, when she was pleasantly full and riding a sugar high, to bring it up.‘You bloody idiot,’ she said. Her tone was soft and contented, like a cat with a belly full of cream. It was nothing like the screeching judgment she’d hurled at me over the phone a few days ago.I spread my hands. ‘I’m sure you’ve got a reason for saying that.’‘Have yo

‘Bullshit.’ Ashton’s fingers dug into my shoulders. ‘That’s a bullshit excuse.’‘I’m signing the papers tomorrow,’ I said.I didn’t know what hurt more—his grip, sharp enough to bruise, or the look on his face.I’d never been a big fan of alcohol, but tonight, drinking had been the smart choice. At least it dulled the pain.‘No.’ He refused to let go when I tried to shake him off. ‘You don’t get to end this unilaterally. I get a say. You can’t just toss the ring at me and walk away.’I gave up struggling and sank into the sofa, suddenly exhausted. ‘Working in Paris is my dream. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I can’t—’‘Bullshit!’ The word tore out of him, raw and jagged. His usual coolness was gone. He loomed over me, hands pinning me in place, breath hot against my cheeks. ‘You could’ve told me. I’d never have stopped you buying the company. So what if it’s in Paris? That doesn’t mean we’re over. It’s not like you’re moving to fucking Mars. Tell me the real reason.’‘That