Semua Bab Too Late, Mr. Billionaire : Bab 81 - Bab 90

EVERETT’S POV“Sir, there's a lady here to see you?”“What's her name?”“Lia,” my secretary replied.“Ah, perfect timing! Send her in, thank you.”When Lia walked into my office, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor, I was instantly struck by an unexpected and irritating clarity.She didn’t look like Anyta.Not really.I didn’t know when that illusion had cracked, but standing there, framed by my office windows and the city skyline behind her, it was obvious.Lia’s chest was smaller, her accentuated waist smaller in a way that looked fake and honestly, uncanny.Anyta was… softer. Real in places Lia wasn’t. Even her posture was different. Lia seemed to lean forward, eagerly. Why did I ever think she looked exactly like Anyta?Don't get me wrong, there were definitely similarities that could pass them off as relations but, she was no Anyta. And that pissed me off more than anything else.My gaze followed Lia as she sat down without being asked and pinned me with what sh

CLAY'S POVAt least she'd put his trashy gifts where they belonged. In the trash.Anyta sat on the stool behind the kitchen island, her bare feet hooked around the legs like she was anchoring herself there.I stood on the other side after I forced myself to keep my back turned to her, as I slowly prepared dinner for her. She'd told me not to, but I badly needed something to do in order to clear my head.The sizzle of the pan was loud in the quiet kitchen. I'd already chopped the garlic, onions, and greens. Anything that required my hands to stay busy.Well not quite.I swallowed as I reached for one of the red bell peppers and began cutting.Anyta cleared her throat softly. “You’re very… aggressive with that knife.”“I’m cooking,” I answered flatly.“Mmhmm. You’ve also been ignoring me for minutes now.”I didn’t respond. I reached for another pepper and started slicing it into thin strips, keeping my fingers steady, and my shoulders stiff.She leaned forward, resting her chin on her h

ANYTA'S POVI didn’t cryI didn’t feel like I deserved to. I was the one who ruined this anyways.Instead of facing the truth, I'd chickened out like a coward and lashed out because it was easier to deny everything than face the undeniable weight of attraction I felt towards my best friend.That kiss had meant something to me.And that terrified me. Because I knew it meant nothing to him.I raised my phone, my fingers hovering for a moment before I tapped Laura’s name.She picked up on the second ring. “Hey, you. What’s wrong?”“Why would you assume something's wrong?” I asked quietly.“Well you're calling me at almost 11PM,” she replied. “You good?”Her voice undid me just a little.“I just…need to talk to someone,” I replied, staring at the blank TV screen.“Say less. Talk to me about everything, sweetie.”I told her everything except the one thing I couldn’t bring myself to say out loud. I talked about Everett showing up, about Jamie, about the dates that felt… fine. Pleasant, but

EVERETT'S POV"And Sienna and I have been trying very hard for one lately.” Leo continued, his eyes gleaming. “Morning and night, Everett. We’re quite committed to ensuring the next generation of Ashbournes come soon."Sienna’s face went pale as blood drained from her face. But just as quickly, it flooded back, making her face red as she glanced between her husband and I.Like she didn't understand why she was being mentioned.She cleared her throat, shifting in her chair and suddenly looking very pissed.Leo watched me like a hawk, waiting for the explosion. He thought he was twisting the knife. He thought the idea of him with Sienna would send me over the edge.I stared at him for a beat, then I let out a low, genuine laugh. "Was that supposed to make me some type of way, Leo? Truly?"His smile wavered. "You’ve always been obsessed with what’s mine, Rett. So much that you couldn't even fuck the little whore grandma handed to you without sneaking a glance at what's mine.""Keep Anyta

CLAY'S POV"Who's Teddy?" Everett’s voice boomed from behind Anyta, with calm possessiveness.I felt the muscles in my face tauten in a split second.But I recovered quickly, seeing how dumbfounded Anyta looked.I pushed past her and stepped into the foyer."You’ve got to be kidding me,” I turned to face her. “What is he doing here?”Anyta licked her bottom lip nervously. “I told you…”"I could ask you the same thing, Banner,” Everett snarled, cutting her off.My hands curled into fists at my sides. "Actually, I don't think I have to ask.” I sneered, enjoying the way Everett's eyes narrowed in suspicion. “You can't just accept that she doesn't want you anymore, can you?”I scoffed. “That's why you put those wounds on yourself so she can feel sorry for you instead.”“Clay his wounds are real,” Anyta muttered. For some reason, that statement hurt more than seeing her abusive, emotionally draining ex-husband in her home. An ex-husband she claimed to hate deeply.I bobbed my head slowly,