Lahat ng Kabanata ng The CEO Billionaire Collection: Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

In the spacious home gym of my secluded estate, I was in the midst of a grueling workout, each movement a calculated effort to drive the chaos from my mind. The room was state-of-the-art, a testament to my need for control and precision, both in business and personal endeavors. I was pushing myself harder than usual today, the weights in my hands a welcome distraction from the turmoil of thoughts swirling in my head.Every time I thought I had put the conversation with my parents to rest, it clawed its way back, mingling frustratingly with thoughts of Emma Reynolds and that unexpectedly intimate voicemail. I increased the weight on the dumbbells, the strain a physical manifestation of my internal struggle. My muscles tensed and released with each bicep curl, the burn a satisfying ache that grounded me in the present.Moving to the bench press, I loaded the bar with a challenging weight. Lying back, I gripped the cold metal firmly, exhaling as I lifted it off the rack. The steady rhythm

As I watched the shock register on Emma's face, I couldn't help but find her even more captivating. Her cheeks flushed red with surprise, adding a certain charm to her already striking features. Damn it, Liam, this isn't the time to be thinking about her like that, I chided myself internally. But who was I kidding? It was hard not to, especially with her looking like that."Okay, let me explain," I began, trying to regain a sense of professionalism. "It might seem out of the blue, but there's a reason behind my proposition."I walked back from the window and sat down again, facing her. "It's about my parents," I said, pausing for a moment to gauge her reaction. "They've recently put me in a bit of a bind regarding my inheritance. They expect me to get serious with someone – to settle down, start a family – if I want to be part of their will."I watched as Emma's expression shifted from shock to a mix of curiosity and disbelief. "They've made it clear that if I'm still single by the tim

Yesterday’s meeting with Emma lingered in my mind as I sat in my home office the next morning, a space as meticulously organized as my thoughts usually were. The large map of Maple Falls spread across one wall held colored pins, each representing a business venture I had a stake in. I sifted through business reports and strategic plans, each document a piece of the intricate puzzle that was Maple Falls’ future. My investments were varied – from local eateries to tech startups – a diverse portfolio that was reshaping the town’s identity.The morning sun cast a warm glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows as I prepared to make my rounds. These visits were a regular part of my routine, a way to maintain a direct connection with the businesses and people that formed the backbone of Maple Falls.My first stop was Maple Delights, the local bakery that had become a town favorite under my guidance. The aroma of fresh bread and pastries filled the air as I stepped inside. Tom, the owner, gre

Two days later…Standing in front of the mirror, I adjusted my blazer, a dark, tailored piece that struck the right note between casual and formal. Tonight's art exhibition at Holloway Gallery in downtown Maple Falls demanded sophistication, and I intended to match the occasion. I opted for a crisp white shirt and dark slacks, a combination that was understated yet elegant.As I finished checking my appearance in the mirror, I ran through the evening's strategy in my mind. Ensuring the authenticity of my relationship with Emma was key. I mentally prepared topics on art and local culture, planning to weave them into our conversations throughout the night.Stepping out of my house, I got into my car and drove towards Emma's place. The drive gave me time to settle my thoughts and focus on the role I needed to play.Pulling up to her apartment, I texted her that I had arrived. Moments later, she emerged from the building, and the sight took my breath away.Emma was stunning – her dress, a

As I pushed open the door to The Maple Nook the morning after the art exhibition, the bell above the door chimed a greeting. It felt like a spotlight was on me, accentuating the new, somewhat infamous status Liam and I had inadvertently cultivated. I had already confided in Katie about the fake relationship with Liam, so she was privy to the behind-the-scenes of this whole charade. When I first told her, her eyes had widened in shock, almost comically so, before morphing into an expression of sheer thrill. 'You and Liam Harrington, in a fake romance? This is straight out of a movie!' she had exclaimed, her voice a mix of disbelief and excitement. Her enthusiasm was infectious, even if I was still wrapping my head around the whole situation.I knew I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone, but there was no way I’d be getting through this if I didn’t have one person I could confide in. Katie had always been my partner in crime back in high school, so she was a natural fit for the role. “Emma R