All Chapters of Billion Dollar Illusion: Chapter 1 - Chapter 5

Skylar's POV The argument with my mother is still ringing in my ears as I storm down the hallway. I’m pissed. Dinner is unbearable. It’s always like this with her, every time we end up in the same room together. I would blame Greg, my fiancé, but he’s only just trying to settle the dispute between his fiancée and mother-in-law, which at this point feels impossible. I only agree to these dinners because of my stepdad, who’s much more reasonable and loving. My mother’s constant criticisms, her disapproving glances, they’ve become her language of control. “I told you, you wouldn’t be able to earn a proper living if you keep staying with that best friend of yours that would suck you dry.” Her words echo in my head like a curse. She hates Carrie, my best friend. Carrie hates her, too. I hate her. All because Carrie agreed to let me stay with her when my mother blocked my credit card. She wants me under her thumb so badly. I knew from the very start that dinner wasn’t going to en

Skylar's POVI’m in a Manhattan hotel room, staring at my reflection like it’s a pop quiz I didn't study for.New York.A fresh start.Or maybe a temporary escape from my own stupidity.It’s been a month since the elevator incident.Thirty long, humiliating days since I kissed a stranger so hard I nearly forgot my name, only for him to check his phone mid-makeout and tell me his wife was on her way.Since then, I've avoided men like a plague.Carrie says I’m overreacting. I say I’m healing."You were hurt and emotionally unstable. So you're allowed to make mistakes." Those were her comforting words.Right. I still hold on to the words.I swipe on lipstick, smooth my hair, and whisper to my reflection, "Don't mess this up."This is my first hire job since I quit working for my mother, all thanks to my favourite professor, Mrs. Loretta, who recommended me when Mrs. Lawrence needed a lawyer on short notice. Apparently, all her usual lawyers are booked, and she has to close a deal with a

Skylar’s POV I stare at my reflection for the hundredth time, adjusting my blouse like it’s going to fix the chaos in my head. Second day in New York. Last day. My flight’s at four. And yet, a certain billionaire has other plans, texting me. "Let’s talk over breakfast. – C.J. FORD" The message still glows on my phone screen, sitting right above Carrie’s FaceTime window. Her curls bounce as she chews cereal, eyes half-amused, half-concerned. “You’re seriously not going?” she asks, spoon waving in the air. “I don’t know,” I mutter, tightening the strap of my heel. I am getting ready, but denial is easier. “He’s a married man, Carrie. Married. And not just to anyone, to Amy freaking Stone. The Oscar-winning actress. If someone takes a picture…” Carrie snorts. “He’s Carter Ford. Nobody’s taking a picture. Trust me, men like that live above the rules.” “Exactly my point.” “Skylar, it’s breakfast, not a proposal. You could use a free meal before your flight anyway.” I roll my ey