All Chapters of A private deal with the billionaire ceo: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

The woman appeared to be in her late thirties, with smooth, dark skin that hinted at her graceful aging. Her jet-black hair was cut short, stopping neatly at the nape of her neck. She had deep brown eyes and a soft, round face that suited her tall, slender frame.The dress she wore looked old and worn, the fabric faded and threadbare in places, with an apron tied loosely over it—stained slightly, likely from tending the farm. Her appearance made me wonder if she lived deep in the forest, tucked away from the world. There was a peaceful, grounded energy about her. When she noticed me standing nearby, a gentle, welcoming smile spread across her face.“Emma, you’re awake,” Damon said, drawing my attention back to him. “This is Ruby, an old acquaintance of mine. Ruby, this is Emma. She is—”“You don’t need to say anything. I’m not blind,” Ruby cut in playfully, waving a hand in the air. “She’s your girlfriend, isn’t she?”The way both Damon and I immediately started rambling over each ot

The hot water had worked wonders. I felt new—cleaner, lighter, and just a little less like a stray blown in by the storm. I wrapped myself in the oversized flannel shirt Ruby had left on the bathroom counter and ran my fingers through my damp hair. The mirror reflected someone tired, yes, but also someone beginning to feel safe again.The moment I stepped outside, I saw them. Damon was crouched in the backyard, surrounded by giggles and chaos. Two children—one tugging at his sleeve, the other holding up what looked like a mangled daisy crown—were completely enraptured by him.I paused on the porch. Something in my chest softened at the sight. Damon wasn’t barking orders, wasn’t looking over his shoulder or calculating danger like he usually did. Here he was relaxed, smiling. Patient. One child climbed onto his back while the other declared him “Sir Knight of the backyard.” He laughed. A real, unguarded laugh that I hadn’t heard before.I couldn't help but stare. I hadn’t expected it t

Two days passed in a haze of warmth and quiet recovery. Damon kept his distance, not in the way he used to. He was guarded, aloof but in a softer way, like he didn’t trust himself to get too close to me.Ruby made sure I ate. The kids brought me flowers they’d yanked out of the backyard and drawings that looked vaguely like people holding swords. And Silvio only gave me a knowing look now and then, as if he knew everything that had passed without hearing a word of it.I felt safer than I had in weeks.“How are you feeling now, Emma?” Ruby questioned as she set the table.“I'm feeling so much better. Refreshed even. The fever went down easily thanks to your home remedies.” I beamed.“That's a relief. I was worried we might have to take you to town.” Silvio commented as he opened a jar of cookies for the kids.“Honey, don't give them that. The food is almost ready.” Ruby scolded.But Silvio shrugged and gave the kids one cookie each. “Don't worry, babe. They have my appetite. They still

The sun had barely begun to rise when the doorbell sound echoed through the walls of Ruby’s home. It rang repetitively, like the person on the other side was in a hurry and was growing impatient.I blinked groggily from my place on the couch, still tangled up in the blanket I took from the guest room where Damon still slept peacefully. Ruby stood in the kitchen, a coffee mug halfway to her lips. She glanced at the door and sighed."That’ll be her," she muttered before walking over to answer it. She paused when her hand reached the door handle. I watched as her droopy expression transformed into a practiced smile before turning the handle.The door creaked open, letting in a breeze of early morning chill—and then, a woman in big dark glasses walked in.She stepped in like she owned the place, dressed in all black with combat boots, a cropped jacket, and an air of casual authority that made me sit up straighter without meaning to. Her hair was tied in a sleek braid, and her eyes—sharp a

The call came in just after noon. I was sitting on the back steps of the training cabin, peeling an orange I didn’t really want to eat, when my old phone buzzed to life in my pocket.I hadn’t used it in weeks. Damon insisted on me carrying one of the camp-issued comms but I’d kept my old one just in case.When I saw Gracie’s name flash across the cracked screen, my heart did a little stutter.I hesitated, staring at it like it might bite. Then I answered.“Gracie?”“Emma?” Her voice was exactly as I remembered—light, fast, with a unique sweetness that felt more like a habit.“Oh my God, it’s really you. I wasn’t sure this number still worked.”I leaned my elbows on my knees, glancing toward the trees like I expected someone to eavesdrop. “I could say the same. What’s going on?”A pause, just long enough to make me uneasy. Then, “I got a call for you at the bar. From the hospital.”I sat up straighter. “What? Which hospital?”“City General,” she said quickly.I had completely forgotten