Semua Bab Claimed By The Billionaire Ex: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Chapter 21: The Man at the GateAurora’s POVThe room was still dim when the sound of my phone began to vibrate against the nightstand, soft at first, then insistent. I groaned, rolling over and tugging the blanket higher over my head. It had been well past midnight when I got home from the hospital, and for the first time in days, I’d allowed myself to collapse into bed without thinking of anything—no test results, no calls, no strategies. Just exhaustion.But the ringing didn’t stop.With a half-sigh, half-growl, I reached out and grabbed the phone, squinting at the screen. The name flashing there was faintly blurred by sleep.René; Security.Why on earth was René calling at...I glanced at the clock...eight-thirty?I cleared my throat before answering, my voice still heavy with sleep. “René, unless the house is on fire, I’ll need five more hours before I pretend to be functional.”There was a pause on the other end, followed by the low, respectful rumble of his accented voice. “Pard

Chapter 23: TrustAurora’s POVFor a moment, neither of us spoke. The air between us was too still, heavy enough to make the gravel at my feet feel like glass shards pressing against my heels. I could feel René’s quiet gaze from the side, alert and ready, but even his presence did nothing to break the tension coiling tight in my chest.Jace stood there like he owned the world—or maybe just this patch of it. His hands were still in his pockets, his expression carved out of something infuriatingly calm, as though he hadn’t just threatened to withhold his help for Alex like it was some kind of bargaining chip.I wanted to throw something at him—words, the truth, my rage—but instead, I smiled.A small, precise smile. The kind that had once made him pause mid-sentence years ago.“Hold on a minute,” I said softly.Jace’s brows lifted slightly. Just slightly. His eyes—sharp, storm-dark—followed every move I made like he didn’t trust me to breathe without an ulterior motive.“I’m not going an

CHAPTER 25: The SuiteJace’s POVThe door clicked open, and the crisp air of the French countryside hit me before the scent of polished wood and lavender drifted out from the small hotel before us.Aurora didn’t wait for me; she stepped out first, her posture straight, movements deliberate — like someone determined not to give too much away. I followed a few seconds later, still reeling from the car ride that had turned my composure into a mess of conflicting emotions.I wasn’t sure what I had expected when I got here but I can say with a finality that it isn't what I got.The Fleur-de-Lis Inn stood on a hill framed by tall cypress trees and crawling vines. The building itself wasn’t large; two stories, cream walls kissed by sunlight, and wrought-iron balconies that curved like delicate lace. The windows glowed faintly with golden light, and from somewhere inside came the soft notes of piano music, faint but clear enough to wrap around the silence that had grown between us.It was bea

CHAPTER 27: The Uninvited Guest(Aurora’s POV)Kelsey had just downed the rest of her drink when her stomach let out another dramatic growl."Alright," she said, clutching her midsection like a starved survivor, "we need to eat before I pass out and you have to explain to the paramedics that your best friend died of hunger because you wouldn’t pick a restaurant."I laughed softly, shaking my head. “I didn’t realize it was that serious.”“It’s a matter of national emergency,” she replied with a grin. “Now, pick a place, woman.”I stood and stretched, leaning against the counter. “We could go to Café Montrose,” I suggested. “Their pasta isn’t bad.”Kelsey made a face like I’d just suggested chewing cardboard. “Pasta? Really? I didn’t drive all the way here to eat something I can make in three minutes at home. Pick again.”I rolled my eyes. “Then you pick.”“Fine.” She grabbed her phone and began scrolling dramatically through a food app, muttering to herself as though consulting ancient

Chapter 29: The Table for ThreeJace’s POVThe bell above the bistro door gave a soft chime as I stepped inside, letting the warm scent of butter, garlic, and simmering herbs wash over me.Brume Bistro was small but beautiful — a warm amber glow spilling from glass sconces, the quiet hum of French jazz drifting through hidden speakers. Tiny vases of lavender sat on every table, their scent mingling with the aroma of freshly baked bread. It was the kind of place meant for quiet lunches and long conversations, not the silent warfare about to unfold at table seven.Aurora sat near the window, her back perfectly straight, her posture regal even in silence. Sunlight slid across her hair, catching on the soft brown strands and turning them gold at the edges. Across from her, Kelsey was talking, her hands moving animatedly. I wasn't even aware of when she passed me, seems I was caught up in my thoughts after all.Kelsey's expression froze when she saw me approaching them. Then she muttered