All Chapters of A private deal with the billionaire ceo: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

I had learned quickly that Alice didn’t squirm often. She had always looked calm. Even when others would squirm and cower, she would come forward and do what needed to be done with precision and ease. But this morning, there was a flicker. I caught it the moment I pressed her.“Alice,” I said, stepping closer in the narrow hallway, “I know you’re avoiding the question. Why?”Her gaze flicked past me like the far wall had suddenly become fascinating. “I’m not avoiding anything.”“Yes, you are,” I countered. My heart was thudding a little faster now, irritation feeding my courage. “You know something about Damon, don’t you?”That earned me a sharp glance. “Emma—”“Does this have anything to do with his brother, Ethan?”I didn’t expect her to react, not really. But she turned, sharply this time, the look in her eyes more annoyance than surprise.I held my ground, refusing to shrink back. “Alice, you have to understand. I feel like I’m just… opening a page I can’t understand. I need to kn

The paper was still warm in my palm, its edges soft from the number of times I’d folded and unfolded it. My grip tightened on it as Abel leaned on the broom handle, his expression unreadable.“Did you write it?” I asked again, forcing each word through my teeth.He didn’t answer right away. He just tilted his head, studying me like I was a puzzle missing too many pieces. “Does it matter?”That was it. The spark that lit the fuse. “Yes, it matters!” My voice cracked the air between us, sharp enough to make the chickens scatter. “Why is everyone keeping secrets from me?”The only change in his face was the softening in his eyes. He gave me a look that wasn’t irritation or confusion, but pity. That made me angrier.He exhaled, slow and heavy. “I think I know what you’re really looking for, Emma,” he said at last. “An escape.”The words landed like cold water. I looked at him with a bewildered expression. “What are you talking about?”Abel stepped away from the fence and planted the broom

I could never forget the man who left a strong impression on me in the hotel. Even the scent of his expensive cologne was vivid in my brain. His crooked smile made me know he hadn't forgotten me either. He gave a slight bow as a form of greeting since we weren't close enough for me to hear him. Before I could return the gesture, I felt a tap on my shoulder.“What are you staring at?” Alice chimed in.“I was just—” I turned back to the man in white but he was gone. I looked around, hoping for another glimpse of him to prove I wasn't crazy. But he was nowhere to be seen. It was like he had vanished into thin air.While I stared into space, Alice just grabbed my arm and went to the exit of the shop we were in.When we reached the parking area, I thought we were finally heading back to headquarters. My mind had already begun drifting back to Damon and to the man in white I had seen just moments ago. But Alice, with her mischievous grin, had other plans.“Not so fast,” she said, pulling on

Morning came sharp and merciless, tugging me out of sleep before I was ready. Still, I dragged myself to the training grounds. The rhythm of sparring, the clang of weapons, even the sound of fists hitting practice pads kept me sane. It was the only thing I could control, the only thing that steadied the storm of waiting for Damon.The air that morning felt different, though. Not just the usual fatigue of soldiers but something heavier, taut like a rope pulled too tight. Whispers carried across the grounds, words I couldn’t catch, cut short whenever I came near. I shoved the unease aside, sparring until sweat ran down my back. When I finally stepped away for water, I spotted Abel.He was leaning against the low wooden fence as though he had been waiting for me. I smiled faintly. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were recruiting chickens for backup.”He didn’t return the smile. His expression was unreadable, calm as always, but there was something behind his eyes, something heavie

The heavy doors to the briefing room creaked open, releasing us into the cool, stone-lined hallway. My head was still buzzing from everything we’d discussed; Abel’s quiet warnings, the mission details, the weight of secrets pressed against my chest like invisible hands.But the moment we stepped out, my feet froze.Standing just outside, as though waiting for us, was Halstrom. His posture was immaculate as always. His back straight, shoulders steady, hands folded loosely behind him. But what made my stomach tighten were the men and women beside him.I had never seen them before.They were dressed sharply, wearing tailored suits, polished shoes that clicked softly against the marble floors. They weren’t like the soldiers or the field agents I trained with daily. No, these people carried themselves with the detached assurance of those who lived above the dust and dirt of missions. They looked like powerful, decision-making executives.And Halstrom, who was usually stoic, severe, and end