Billionaire’s

Chapter 3

“Are you serious?” Steven’s disbelief was evident as I explained to him what I had agreed upon with my father.

We were on the balcony of my office, overlooking the city. I held a glass of rum, while Steven sipped on his tea, looking calm and composed.

“Yes, my father insisted, and in the end, I agreed. Abigail’s friend also agreed. She texted me three days ago.” I said, my brows furrowed in thought.

I really had no intention of giving g in to my father’s wishes, but he pushed and didn’t stop until I gave in.

Steven took another sip of his tea and smirked. “Something must have changed your mind, Vinny. I wonder what it was. You never give in to your father’s persistence.”

“It’s the truth, How could I not give in when he was threatening to take away my position in his former company! I initially thought he was joking. but he was dead serious. I had no choice but to agree”

As the only son with two nagging sisters, I was certain they had convinced my father that marriage was the solution this time around or me providing an heir.

“See, that’s the reason. What about this friend of Abigail’s? Have you seen her?” Steven glanced at me, his curiosity evident.

She had been quite rude to me at the club. It wasn’t a blow to my ego, but Abigail had begged me, and I couldn’t say no to her. We weren’t particularly close, but she was my dearest cousin. Whenever I needed help, she was always there for me.

I owed her many times over

“Yes, she’s pretty,” I commented, despite her choice of attire and the fake eyeglasses. I understood her rudeness that night; she clearly didn’t want to be bothered.

“Pretty, huh? And what’s her name!” Steven’s interest was piqued.

“What are you up to? Trying to gather information about her?” I took a sip from my glass.

“You know, she could be a gold digger. We need to be sure, Steven grinned. He was always cautious when it came to anyone entering our family. His sister, Cassandra, had been furious with him when he uncovered the truth about her fiancé.

But in the end, she was grateful for what he had done.

“Her father is in jail, and I will provide you with the details of the case. You’re the lawyer I trust to set him free. The man has been falsely accused, and that company needs to be brought down,” I said, gripping the glass tightly.

It wasn’t that I felt sympathy for her father. I despised those who accused innocent people and caused damage to their families and reputations.

I couldn’t help but recall my mother’s actions, the ones I had resented her for all this time. She not only left my father but shattered our family like a broken glass.

“Oh, so this is why you called me urgently while I’m on vacation in the Maldives. You have my full attention, Steven smiled, admiring the view.

“Her name is Lilian Damet”

I caught a glimpse of him choking on his tea, coughing uncontrollably.

“Are you alright?” I asked, genuinely concerned.

He cleared his throat. “Did I hear that correctly? Lilian Domet?”

Told you,

dvoll weren’t

you listening?” I replied.

“Wow, he muttered, his tone filled with disbelief “Out of all the people, it had to be Lilian.

My brow furrowed. “Do you know her?”

Steven lonked away t

y from me, glowning the entire contents of his tea. He knew the woman

“Why are you bring silent?” I pressed.

He sighed. Do you remember the woman I told you I had deep feelings for No, I was actually in love with her.”

I furrowed my brows, trying to recall which woutin was referring to among the many he had dated. “You’ve had

are you talking about”

He chuckled. “I never told you I was in love with any of them, except for one during college”

“In college! That reminds me of the time you were sulking, heartbroken,” I smirked. “That was the first time I ever saw you cry. You pursued her for a whole year, convinced that she liked you. But just before your graduation, she told you she wasn’t ready for a commitment and suggested you remain friends“:

“And what about it?” I asked, studying his gaze fixated on his cup

“Well, it’s unbelievable that out of all the women, it had to be Lilian. The one who broke my heart. I used to call her Lili, remember?” Steven replied.

My eyebrows flicked up in surprise as I scoffed. “Are you serious!”

“Tm dead serious” He took out his phone and searched for something before showing me a profile picture of a woman with an anxious smile.

It was Abigail’s friend.

“We’re connected on social media, although I was considering messaging her at one point. But, well, I didn’t want to fall for her kindness and understanding all over again and start believing in something. Steven remarked, sliding his phone back into his pocket.

He ran his fingers through his salt–and–pepper hair and let out a wry smile. “Out of all the people..”

I glanced at one of the buildings, swirling the contents of my glass absentmindedly. This was unexpected. Lilian, of all women, happened to be Steven’s first love. It was surprising, considering how he had never shown much interest in serious commitments before.

The way he still expressed his feelings for her, even now.

“Anyway, Vinny, did you receive the contract agreement I sent you? It makes me feel terrible to think that Lili will be handling your agreement Why can’t you let her see her child afterwards” Steven questioned, his tone filled with concern.

Lili. The way Steven said her name, as if she still held power over him. I couldn’t help but grin. He should have moved on after seven years.

I don’t trust anyone. What if she takes the child away and demands money from me as ransom?” I explained, even though the thought worried me.

His expression hardened. “Come on. She’s not like your mother. I know her well enough to say that I’ll modify the agreement. She deserves to see her child”

“You won’t do that.” I warned him.

He sighed. “Abigail won’t be happy about it, and neither will Lili. It’s better if you don’t come across as the villain here. Trust me.” Sadness flickered in his eyes. “You have no idea what kind of life she’s had. She worked while studying, never once complaining about how difficult it was. She never asks for help, yet she helps anyone she can. Give her something, and she’ll hate you for it. She prefers giving rather than receiving. Remember, all the gifts I wanted to give her ended up being returned to me. She’s nothing like your mother.”

I scratched my cheek and turned my head to face him. “Can you stop mentioning my mother? I never saw her that way,” I said, annoyance creeping into my voice. “You know I don’t want to be reminded of that woman

“You’re doing this because you’re afraid she might be like your mother. That’s why you’re against marriage. But think about women outside your family, Vinny, not just your mother, Steven insisted.

My grip on the glass tightened, and I stepped away from the balcony.

“I see where you’re coming from, Vinny. But I will change the agreement. You can trust Lili, as you agreed

I interrupted, glaring at Steven. “I never agreed to choose her. This is all because of father’s demands. We may be cousins and best friends, but

know your limis.”

“Then don’t choose her. I don’t want her to get hurt. Vinny, Steven reasoned, his gaze challenging mine.

“She agreed, what can you do about it?” I sneered, feeling the anger towards my mother welling up inside me, making me wi something

want to punch

“But there’s something I can do if

can do if change one part of the agreement. It won’t hurt you, and it won’t hurt anyone, Steven stated.

myself.

“Why do you still care about someone who broke your heart! I asked, trying to calm my

He looked down at his cup again. “She was never bad to me. It’s just that she stayed true to herself, and 1 couldn’t accept it at the time. Despite everything, I still care for her and her goodness. She wanted us to be friends, but I wanted more than that, and that’s why it hurt

Chapter 3

“The last thing I want is for her to get hurt,” he added.

Without saying another word, I walked away from him. Despite my disagreement with his choice, I knew him well enough to know that he would suill go ahead with it.

I glanced at my phone and texted my secretary, instructing them to cancel all my meetings. Right now, I needed a release, something to punch.