Semua Bab Come Back To Me: Billionaire’s Regret: Bab 31 - Bab 39

Shirley POV:Back at Kolvo, I slumped into my seat, utterly drained.Josh pushed the door open, his eyes widening in surprise."I thought you weren't feeling well? Didn't you say you were going home to rest?"I snapped out of my daze."I... I drove for a bit and felt better. I picked up some meds..."Throughout the rest of the afternoon, I could feel Josh's gaze drifting over to me.He looked like he had something to say, but he remained silent, the tension between us thickening.Finally, just before the end of the day, he stopped me."Shirley, this contract... I know it wasn't easy. I know how much you've put into this, and I'm proud of you, I really am."His eyes were dark, devoid of even a flicker of joy."But if this was earned through... unconventional means, I won't be happy about it. Shirley, you don't have to sacrifice anything for me. You don't have to endure anything. If that's the price, I'd rather rip up this contract right now!"He was spiraling.Behind his glasses, I saw

Shirley POV:I woke up with a head-splitting hangover.I tried to piece together the fragmented memories of the night before.My memory of the strained conversation with Josh and that terrifying encounter at the small apartment remained sharp.But everything after the alcohol took hold was a blur.I had a hazy recollection of Connor snatching the bottle from my hand and shoving me into the car.Beyond that... nothing.I clutched my throbbing temples, overcome with regret.How could I have let myself get that wasted?If he hadn't shown up, I would have been in serious danger.Wait.Did he... hold me? Did he kiss me?In a panic, I checked myself under the covers.Thank God. We hadn't slept together.Relieved, I pulled myself together and headed down to the dining room.Connor was already there."Good morning..." I murmured, sliding into the chair next to him.He offered a brief acknowledgment but remained silent.Terrified he would bring up my drunken antics, I kept my head down, nearly

Shirley POV:The blue velvet box hit the desk with a sharp crack.I winced, my eyes stinging as if scorched by fire. My first instinct was to look away.I fought for control, forcing a strained smile onto my face."It's just... not my style."Connor rose from the sofa, closing the distance between us step by deliberate step.His grayish-blue eyes were calm but piercingly cold; a chill began to wrap around my entire body.He looked like a predator who finally cornered his prey."Fair enough. If it doesn't suit you, you liquidate it."His voice dripped with sarcasm.The sheer weight of his presence was suffocating, making my knees go weak.I dug my nails into my palms, using the sharp pain to keep myself grounded."You know," I managed, my voice trembling. "I... I prefer cash. Money makes me feel safe."I lowered my head, unable to meet his gaze.His eyes have never looked this commanding—or this dangerous.Suddenly, his arm hooked around my waist, yanking me flush against him.He leaned

Shirley POV:"The Marketing Director for Virex wants to see me tonight."I clicked my phone screen off."Oh? Why didn't he reach out to me?"Josh's voice didn't sound particularly pleased.I shrugged."Who knows? Maybe it slipped his mind."Josh's gaze darkened, his expression turning increasingly somber."Shirley, that Hunter guy... he's a piece of work. I need you to hold the line. Don't compromise your integrity for the sake of this contract."My heart rate spiked."What are you trying to say?"Had he connected the dots?"I'll say it one more time," Josh said, his voice earnest."If this contract requires you to trade your body for it, I’m walking away from the deal."I knew this was Josh's unwavering principle.He never played the game of sycophancy with clients.But this contract... that is exactly how it was won.I forced a grin, patting his arm as if it were no big deal."I won't. If you're that worried, why don't you come with me tonight?"I was just tossing the idea out there,