The Billionaire's Marriage Investement 의 모든 챕터: 챕터 71 - 챕터 80

Julius threw a glance at Ryder as if to ask, Should I press on?Because thirty-five million dollars for the painting was extreme. Even for the rich.But in the heat of the moment, with Ryder seeing the grin on Mr. Bannerman’s face and Serena giving them a cocky smirk, he was about to give Julius the go-ahead to even bid a billion if he had to.That was when he felt a light touch on his arm.“Ryder. Leave it.” Victoria said, levelling Ryder with a serious look.He frowned. “But Julius can win this.”“I know he can. That’s exactly why I’m telling you to stop.”Ryder glanced toward Julius, who was still holding the paddle. The auctioneer was waiting for the next bid, while several guests whispered among themselves after Bannerman’s outrageous offer.“Thirty-five million is ridiculous,” Victoria continued. “I know you have the money, Ryder. You don’t have to remind me. I know you could spend that amount and not notice it missing from your account.”Ryder opened his mouth but she

Ryder returned to Victoria’s side without saying much.She didn’t ask what Serena had wanted.Perhaps it was because she had already seen enough of Serena’s face to know whatever conversation had taken place hadn’t been pleasant. Or perhaps she simply trusted Ryder to tell her if it mattered.Either way, she didn’t press.Julius and Julie had already left by the time Ryder reached them.Julie had offered Victoria a quick hug before leaving, while Julius had spent an unnecessary amount of time reminding Ryder that he was now officially responsible for getting the expensive painting back from him.Ryder had ignored him.The drive home was quiet.Not uncomfortable.Just quiet.Victoria sat beside Ryder, resting her head against the window while the lights of the city passed by. Ryder kept both hands on the steering wheel, his attention fixed on the road.For once, neither of them had anything they needed to say.When they reached the penthouse, Victoria removed her heels by t

Victoria was surprised by the look on Ryder’s face.“Julius was my business crush,” she explained.Julius, to his credit, looked moderately flattered.“She had good taste.”Ryder said nothing.He walked into the room, sat down in the armchair across from the sofa, and picked up his phone from the table.Julie and Julius exchanged a quick glance over Victoria’s head.Julie raised her brows.Julius fought a smile.Victoria, still focused on Ryder, missed it entirely.“Anyways, the point is, it was professional admiration, not a personal one. Julie just decided to weaponize it against me because she has no boundaries and no sense of appropriate timing.”“I’ve been doing that for eight years and counting,” Julie said cheerfully.“See.” Victoria pointed at her. “She’s evil.”Julius turned toward Julie, a smile spreading across his face.“I hope, for everyone’s sake, that the crush has transferred. Victoria is married, which leaves room for it to find a new home.”He gestured

The moment Victoria got into her room, she flung the door shut like it was on fire. “Ugh, I can’t believe I said that!” She groaned in absolute mortification. Now how was she ever going to face Ryder ever again? She had literally begged him to kiss her like a puppy in heat! Victoria pressed both hands against her cheeks as she paced around the room. Why had she said it? Actually, she knew exactly why. Because Ryder had been standing there looking unfairly attractive, and she had been enjoying the fact that she could make him lose his composure. She had only wanted to tease him. At least, that was what she had been telling herself. But somewhere between calling him cute and watching him pin her against the wall, the teasing had stopped feeling like a joke. And she had made it worse. “I dare you to kiss me.” She covered her face again. “Why would I say that?” She could still remember how close he had been. His face had been inches from hers, his body pressed aga

After Victoria stood her ground before Rocco, she confidently strutted out of the place.But the moment she was out of his line of sight, her knees wobbled and she practically collapses unto the wall. “I really just did that. I really did just threaten a powerful billionaire.” She muttered, slowly rubbing a palm over her chest in hopes that it would calm her heart's erratic beating. She stayed there for a few seconds, staring at the floor as the reality of what she had done finally caught up with her.Rocco Lake was not some angry businessman she could ignore after a disagreement. He was the head of the Lake family, one of the most powerful men in the country, and a man who had spent decades getting people to do what he wanted. Victoria had just trampled on his pride, rejected his money, insulted his way of thinking, and told him to do his worst.“Okay.” She whispered to herself. “That might have been a little dramatic.”She pushed herself away from the wall and continued to