All Chapters of The Billionaire's Blueprint : Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

~001Velvet Nights~BELLAI stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the bodice of my strapless gown. The dark crimson satin clung to my body like a second skin, smooth and sensual beneath my fingertips. The neckline dipped just low enough to hint at danger, and the slit in the dress promised it. I applied a final coat of lip gloss and tossed my hair over one shoulder as my best friend Zara burst into the room.“Bella, are you not done yet? We’re late already, and you know what that means!”Her voice was sharp with urgency, but her eyes sparkled. She was used to me taking my time.I chuckled softly. “Almost, babe. I’ll be ready in a sec.” I slipped on my silver stilettos, grabbed my clutch, and gave myself one last glance. Fierce. Flawless. Untouchable.As we rushed down the hallway and into the waiting car, a familiar pang tugged at my chest. No matter how perfect I looked on the outside, I could never outrun the past. Twelve years ago, my father had kicked me out of our mansion wit

~003The Interview---Bella stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of the only white blouse she owned that didn’t have a coffee stain on it. Her hands were trembling slightly, though she tried not to let it show in her reflection. Her heart had been pounding from the moment she woke up and reread the email from LV Groups.Even now, it didn’t feel real.She had applied to the company months ago—on a whim, really. The competition was insane, and she knew her portfolio was good but not industry-shattering. When she didn’t hear back, she’d assumed it was just another silent rejection.Now, out of nowhere, an interview.And not just any interview. LV Groups was one of the most prestigious fashion and design conglomerates in Europe. Getting a foot in the door wasn’t just career-changing—it was life-changing.Bella ran her fingers over her natural curls, letting them fall into place the way they always did when she was nervous: tucked just behind one ear. She took one last lo

~005Lines We Shouldn’t Cross---Bella’s breath hitched as Xavier closed the distance between them. The cool air in his office suddenly felt thick, too tight, like the walls themselves were holding their breath.“I never wanted it to stay in the past,” he repeated, his voice low—measured, but with an edge that sounded far too close to confession.Bella looked up at him, keeping her chin high even though every nerve in her body told her to run. Her fingers clenched the sample folder she still held in her hands, anchoring her to the moment.“This isn’t why I came here,” she said quietly. “I want this job. I earned it. But if you brought me here because you thought this was going to be some kind of… continuation of that night, then I need to make it clear—we are not picking up where we left off.”Xavier’s expression didn’t change, but something in his eyes softened. He stepped back, just slightly, giving her space again.“I didn’t bring you here for that,” he said.She didn’t believe hi

~007The Whisper of Jealousy---By Wednesday, Bella Bluefield was doing everything in her power to pretend that nothing had changed.She came into work early. She left late. She buried herself in sketches and fabric research. She smiled politely at coworkers and kept her head down during meetings. She didn't visit the 20th floor again—not unless summoned. And Xavier, to his credit, hadn’t summoned her.But that didn’t mean he wasn’t watching.Bella could feel it. In the way her name showed up more frequently in task assignments. In how she suddenly got access to confidential campaign previews. In the subtle shift of tone when managers referred to her—like they had been told to treat her like someone who mattered.The rest of the office noticed it, too.And not everyone was subtle about it.“So, who’d you have to flirt with to get put on the Valentino brief?” came a voice behind her as she exited the shared design lab.Bella turned, eyebrows raised.It was Camille—senior designer, mod