Lahat ng Kabanata ng Daddy’s Sinful Pleasure: Kabanata 11 - Kabanata 20

ZOELLA The restaurant that Lani and I had decided to meet at was a few blocks from my office building. So I walked, it was easier than fighting midtown traffic. Also, I figured I’d drive home later. She spotted me before I even cleared the door, waving like we’d known each other for years. She had on a beautiful sundress and a grin that said “spill-everything” “Finally,” she said as I slid into the chair. “Girl, I was two minutes from filing a missing persons report.” “Aww, you’re sweet.” I tugged off my sunglasses, pushing hair from my face. “No need for an Amber Alert. I just… started my new job today.” “Oh right, lil miss Career Woman.” She grinned as the waiter approached. “But first, food. I’m starving.” We quickly ordered pasta for both of us, sparkling water for me, something pink and lethal for her and a bottle of wine then she leaned in, elbows on the table. “Okay. Catch me up. Last time I saw you, you were tipsy and vanishing into your rideshar

JULIAN’S POV Nathan didn’t waste time with small talk. He never did when he thought he’d found “the next big thing.” “Julian, this is Liam Forrester,” he said, sounding very enthusiastic. “Sharp guy with a Big vision. I thought you two should meet.” I glanced at Liam, he wore a navy suit, it was a decent cut, but the fabric caught too much light. It was mid-range, clearly not bespoke. He was someone who obviously tried a little too hard to look expensive. I’d bet good money he rehearsed that smile in the mirror this morning. His grip on the presentation folder was just a fraction too tight.His eyes moved briefly to my watch, to the skyline behind me, like he was already calculating the numbers he hoped to get out of me.Ah. A climber. This might actually be fun. “Mr. Hart,” he started, extending a hand. I took it, his grip was too eager. “It’s an honor. I’ve been looking forward to this.” “I’ll bet you have,” I murmured, leaning back. “You’re looking for investors I was told

ZOELLA The sound of computers and the occasional echo of fingers typing at keyboards should have been comforting background noise, but today it added to my already tensed state. The almost dinner with Liam played in my head too, making me more agitated. It's my second day and I was learning the ropes in my new role, but office pressure didn't wait for anyone—especially not the new employee. Today we were working on Senator Damien Wolfe’s re-election campaign. I was told it’s the biggest account the firm had handled all year. That means high stakes and pressure.I had been put in a mixed group with both members of marketing and design. The guy I had seen seated with Mason yesterday introduced himself first. He was easily over 6 foot 2 but not as tall as Julian. He had on a crisp suit, his hair was blonde and he had this facial expression that made him come off as mean at first glance. “Hi, I’m Parker Lenz,” he said, extending his hand. “Head of UI/UX dep

Zoella’s POV Mason had just popped my hood open when the low growl of an engine caught my attention. I turned towards the garage exit and caught sight of Julian’s black Maserati driving by. His windows were rolled down a bit, just enough that I glimpsed his side profile at the exact moment his eyes found mine. It was just a second of eye contact, but it felt like he saw straight through me. His expression was closed off — no, not closed off, stormy — and for one stupid, traitorous moment, my stomach did that ridiculous swoop thing it always does when we see him. Then he was gone, swallowed by the ramp’s curve. I was left standing there, my breath stuck somewhere in my throat, trying to replay that look. Was he still angry? Why was he even angry earlier in his office? God, he’d been so cold. I still felt the heat of the tense moment, the way he’d said ‘assumption’ like it was an insult, and the way he’d dismissed me like I was a mistake to be corrected. And for what? Be

ZOE’S POV “Shhh Ella. Keep your voice down.” I whispered as I glanced around, smiling at the couple who were staring at us. “I’m going to kill that bitch!.” She hissed.  “You can kill her later. Do you know the craziest part?” I continued.  Ella reached for my hand, squeezing it like she could physically hold me together. “Tell me.” “He was fucking her without a condom,” I said, the words ripping out of me, “and telling her she takes him better than I do.”God, why was I telling her this? Because it wouldn’t stop replaying in my head, because every time I closed my eyes, I saw them together and it gutted me all over again. Her jaw actually dropped. “He did what?” I nodded, the knot in my chest loosening now that the words were finally out. “That bastard,” she hissed, slamming