Semua Bab One Night with My Ex's Billionaire Best Friend: Bab 21 - Bab 30

“We met at work,” I say. Steady. Calm. “When I started at Blackwood Technologies.”Evelyn’s eyes don’t leave mine. “Three weeks ago.”“Yes.”“And yet you were invited to the gala. An event typically reserved for senior executives and long-standing employees.” She accepts a coffee cup from Julian. “How fortunate.”“I was told it was for key personnel on the AI campaign.”“How convenient.” She takes a sip. “And this campaign, you’re leading it?”“Co-leading. With Marcus Hale.”“Marcus. Yes. He’s always had a soft spot for ambitious young women.” The pause before ‘ambitious’ is deliberate. Cutting.Lucian’s jaw tightens. “Mom—”“I’m simply getting to know our guest, darling.” Evelyn sets down her cup. “Ms. Vale, before Blackwood Technologies, you worked where?”“Vertex Media. Marketing analyst.”“Vertex.” She says it like it’s beneath her. “And what prompted the change?”Because I caught my boyfriend cheating and needed to escape. Because Lucian offered me a lifeline I couldn’t refuse. B

Marcus Hale appears in Lucian’s office doorway at six PM Tuesday.No knock. Just walks in like he owns the place.Which, technically, he partially does.“We need to talk,” Marcus says. Closes the door. Locks it.Lucian looks up from his laptop. “About?”“Don’t play stupid. It doesn’t suit you.” Marcus sits. “Ariana Vale. The gala photos. The fact that you assigned yourself to work directly with her for the next eight weeks.”“The Meridian deal needs both of us.”“The Meridian deal needs a competent team. Could’ve been anyone. You chose her.” Marcus leans forward. “Why?”“She’s the best person for the job.”“She’s also the woman you danced with at the gala. The woman you can’t stop looking at in meetings. The woman who’s Ethan Cole’s ex-girlfriend.” He ticks off each point. “This is a disaster, Lucian.”“It’s under control.”“Is it? Because I’ve seen the comments. The speculation. The board’s already asking questions.” Marcus pulls out his phone. Shows Lucian an email chain. “Richard V

“What do you know, Ethan?” I’m standing in the parking garage. Phone pressed to my ear. Heart in my throat.“Don’t play dumb. I’ve been watching. The gala. The photos. The way he looks at you.” His voice is tight. Controlled anger. “Something’s going on between you and Lucian.”“We work together. That’s all.”“Liar.” The word is sharp. “I know you, Ariana. I know when you’re hiding something. And I know my best friend. He’s different. Distracted. Lying to me.”“Maybe he’s just busy.”“Maybe he’s fucking my ex-girlfriend.” Silence. Heavy. Loaded. “Is he?”“No.”“Then why did he assign you to work directly with him? Why did you get invited to the gala after three weeks? Why do you look at him like—” He stops. Breathing hard. “Just tell me the truth.”“There’s nothing to tell.”“I don’t believe you.” A pause. “I’m coming to New York. Tomorrow. We’re having this conversation in person.”“Don’t. Ethan, please. There’s nothing—”“If there’s nothing, then you have nothing to hide. See you to

I make it to the bathroom before the tears come.Lock myself in a stall. Press my palm against my mouth to muffle the sound.Ethan knows. Not everything, but enough.And the look on his face when he realized, when the pieces clicked together, that look will haunt me.My phone buzzes.**Sophia: Where are you? I’m outside your building.****Me: How did you know to come?****Sophia: Instinct. Plus Ethan called me this morning. Said he was going to confront you. Are you okay?****Me: Bathroom. Second floor. Near marketing.**Three minutes later, she’s there.“Ariana?” Her voice echoes. “Which stall?”“Third one.”The door rattles. “Open up.”I unlock it. She takes one look at my face and pulls me into a hug.“He knows,” I whisper against her shoulder. “Ethan knows. Or suspects. And he’s up there with Lucian right now and everything’s falling apart.”“Come on. We’re getting you out of here.” She grabs my hand. Leads me out of the bathroom. Down the service stairs. Out a side exit.Her car’

I wake up to sunlight and the smell of coffee.For a moment, I forget where I am. Then I feel the silk sheets. The warm weight of Lucian’s arm across my waist.His penthouse. His bed. Morning after our first real date.We’re still fully clothed. Just like we fell asleep.“You’re awake,” he murmurs against my neck.“Barely.” I turn to face him. His hair is messed from sleep. Eyes still soft. “What time is it?”“Seven. Mrs. Caldwell will be here soon.”“Your housekeeper.”“Who definitely knows you stayed over.” He kisses my shoulder. “She’s going to have opinions.”“Should I sneak out the back?”“No sneaking. No hiding. Remember?” He sits up. “Besides, she already likes you. I told her about the board meeting. She said, and I quote, ‘about time you found someone worth the trouble.’”“She said that?”“She’s been with my family since I was twelve. Watched me build this company. Watched me be lonely.” He touches my face. “She’ll be happy. Trust me.”Twenty minutes later, I’m in the kitchen