Semua Bab The Billionaire's Forgotten Night: Bab 41 - Bab 50

The color bled back into Annabelle’s cheeks as she steadied herself, the shock in her eyes hardening into something colder. She let out a sharp breath, tilting her head at Abigail with a mocking little smile.“You’re real bold waving Brian’s name around,” she drawled, her voice carrying enough bite to sting. “But tell me, sweetheart—do you even have the guts to make that call?”Abigail stiffened.Annabelle leaned forward, her voice dropping low, each word sliding like silk over steel. “What do you think would happen if Brian and Richard ended up face-to-face? Hmm? I’d simply say he was my ex. But you—” her eyes glittered with wicked amusement “—what story would you spin?”The smug curve of her lips widened as she closed the space between them, whispering just loud enough for Abigail to hear. “And tell me honestly… do you really believe I’d run away after one night out of shame? That doesn’t sound like me, does it?”Abigail’s throat bobbed. Her mask cracked. For once, doubt flickered i

The Barton ballroom buzzed with quiet luxury. Golden light from crystal chandeliers spilled across polished marble, illuminating the swirl of designer gowns and bespoke tuxedos. Waiters weaved through the crowd with practiced ease, trays of champagne glinting beneath the lights.For most, it was a night to celebrate.For Annabelle, it was survival.The uniform clung uncomfortably—a corseted top that restricted every breath, a skirt shorter than dignity allowed, heels that turned every step into a calculated risk. But she walked with her spine straight, her tray steady, her expression unreadable.Annabelle forced her shoulders back, reminding herself she had to endure. Quitting wasn’t an option.She moved between the glittering guests, tray steady, when a sharp, mocking voice cut through the chatter, freezing her mid-step.“Well, well… look what the wind dragged in.”Annabelle turned slowly, her eyes locking on Julia, draped in emerald satin that caught the light like a blade. Britney

“Annabelle.”Samuel’s voice was deep, steady — deceptively calm, but laced with authority. He stepped forward, shrugging off his coat and draping it over her trembling shoulders. The warmth of the fabric contrasted cruelly with the icy chaos around them.“You’re hurt,” he muttered, fingers brushing lightly against her scraped knuckles. His jaw tightened as his cold gaze sliced toward Abigail. “What the hell is this?!”Abigail froze for a second, then quickly recovered, flipping her curls back with a dramatic sigh. “Dad, seriously? You’re believing her?” Her voice pitched higher, sugar laced with venom. “She was asking for it. Throwing herself around like she owns the place, trying to steal Richard right under my nose. I was just—”“Enough.” Samuel’s voice cracked like a whip. His eyes burned into Abigail’s, full of restrained fury. “She’s your sister. You don’t lay hands on family.”Annabelle’s lips twitched into a bitter, humorless smile as she clutched the coat tighter around hersel

A shadow peeled away from the far corner.“You’re late,” Abigail hissed, grabbing the man’s collar and yanking him close before he could even greet her.Brian Miller’s lips curved into a slow, wicked grin. “Easy, sweetheart,” he drawled, his voice low and teasing. “You drag me out of a poker game, then you try to strangle me the second I show up? You sure know how to make a guy feel wanted.”Abigail shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge — if anything, he stepped closer, invading her space until her back brushed the cold wall. “Spare me the crap, Brian,” she snapped, her tone sharp despite the heat rising in her cheeks. “He’s taken her upstairs.”Brian arched a brow, his hand bracing against the wall beside her head. “Upstairs?” he murmured, leaning so close that his breath ghosted across her skin. “Fifty-fifth floor, huh?” His grin turned shameless. “Guess someone’s having fun without us.”“Focus,” she bit out, twisting slightly to move away, but his other hand slid along her waist

A sharp throb pulsed at her temples as Abigail stirred, blinking against the harsh morning light filtering through the curtains. Her head felt heavy, her thoughts tangled in a sluggish haze. The silk sheets clung to her bare skin, and it was only when she shifted that the chill of the air brushed against her shoulder - that she realized.She wasn't wearing anything.A slow, satisfied smile curled at her lips as fragments of last night began piecing themselves together. Finally, she thought smugly, Richard had given in. Everything she'd planned - the candles, the aphrodisiac, the carefully staged drama - had worked like a charm.But then she turned her head.And froze.Her breath caught in her throat as her gaze landed on the man sprawled beside her, his dark hair messy, lips parted in a careless sleep. Not Richard.Brian.For a second, her mind went blank, disbelief clawing at her chest. And then the truth slammed into her like a freight train, knocking the breath right out of her."W