Fool By My Ruthless Billionaire

s. But all I see is that old mask of apathy, as if nothing's wrong. How could he pull this off? How can he keep behaving as though everything is normal? "You're late," he replies, h

g of doubt. I thought I knew him. I thought I understood his objectives, his wants. But today, every conversation, every look feels like a warning sign. Mason's words resound in my mind: "You think you're in control? Don't deceive yourself." I'm starting to believe him. I'm not in charge anymore. I never was. Kendrick turns suddenly, and his gaze rests on mine. His voice quiet, he enquires, "What's wrong?" I gulp. Kendrick, what do you want from me? Really. Really, what is all of this about? Though his jaw tightens, he remains silent for a long time. When he does, it is not what I anticipate. Sofia, I need you to believe me. Sofia, I need you to believe me. This entire affair... it's more than us. "I don't trust you," I say, my voice quaking under the burden of the last several days. "I no longer trust you." He moves closer, his breath caught in his throat. Sofia, you have to choose now. You can leave, but remember: there's no turning back. My heart is racing. What do you mean? He steps in front of me, his hand softly caressing my cheek. Though the contact is soft, I can sense the chill in his gaze. Trust me once more, please. Only this once. That's all I'm asking for. Though I can feel my will breaking, I cannot let myself fall for this once more. I want the truth. But I also have to know whether I am strong enough to confront it. Heart racing, I straighten up straight and meet Kendrick's gaze. "I can't," I respond softly. "Not if you keep concealing information from me." The figures flashing back in mockery on the screen before me hold my gaze. Gone goes the contract we toiled so hard to close that would have rescued Blackwell Enterprises. Just like that. All because Kendrick believed he could bet with our future. Tell me this is not real, I say, my voice hoarse. Though the quiet on the other end only increases my scepticism, I push the phone to my ear harder. A door opening pulls me out of my reverie. I turn, and there Kendrick stands. He seems as frigid and distant as always, but I can detect the glimmer of remorse in his gaze. What transpired? I say, pushing the words out. This came about how? His eyes avoid mine, and I get a chilly shiver down my back. "I did what needed to be done," he adds frankly, almost as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "This business required a wake-up call." A wake-up call? I bitterly laugh. You have only lost us all. Are you aware of that? His jaw tightens, his eyes narrowing, but he doesn't say anything. The silence between us is thick, and the tension in the air presses down on my chest. "I gave you a chance to fix this, Kendrick," I snap, my voice rising. "And now you've ruined it." He steps forward, his hands