Love Game With The Rebel Billionaire

"My hunch was right," Finnick smirked. "The moment I saw how he saved you during our first mission, I knew something was up."

He casually drummed his fingers on the wheel, amused as he tried to get under my skin.

"I know you've got a dark history with him. The chemistry between you two is undeniable, even now. He'd have already punched me out of jealousy-"

I leaned over and pinned Finnick against the car window. In doing so, I accidentally hit the tint button again, making the windows clear, but I didn't care.

"Let me make one thing clear, Finnick," I said, leaning closer to his ear. "As long as you all cooperate with me, I'll give you generous salaries and benefits. So stop meddling in my business and just drive." Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Ash glaring at me with a dark expression. I ignored him and leaned back in my seat.

"I surrender, ma'am," Finnick jokes, raising his hands in mock defeat. "Let's go so you can get some rest." He started the car.

As he drove, I sighed and leaned back against the headrest, closing my eyes. But even with my eyes shut, I couldn't relax. My head throbbed, and thinking about Ash only made it worse.

What's wrong with him?

More importantly, what's wrong with me?

"Your building looks nice," Finnick remarked as we arrived at my condo.

"You've said that too many times already," I replied as I unbuckled my seatbelt. "No matter how many hints you drop, I'm not letting you get a unit here. As long as you work for me, you'll stay in the hideout."NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

I was the sole owner of this building, which provided me with passive income. But it wasn't my only source of earnings. I had investments in several companies and received dividends. Simon also funded me through his control of the mafia. Lastly, I was a Certified Public Accountant. I work as a consultant, but only when I feel like it. The mafia's missions were my main priority.

"Got it," he said with a grin.

I grinned back before stepping out of the car. "Drive safely."

"Yeah." Finnick nodded and drove afterward.

I went inside my condo building, taking in the familiar atmosphere. Here, I felt like I didn't need to be strong or brave. I could let my guard down because I knew I was safe.

"Good evening, Ma'am Sapphire," the staff greeted me with a bow. I nodded back at them.

I admired the building's gold and black theme, every detail meticulously chosen-from the golden tiles to the chandeliers. Back when I was constructing this building, no one wanted to invest in me.

Simon had tried to stop me at every turn, but he failed. We had an agreement: if I could build my own company, he would let me do as I pleased.

My friends couldn't help me financially because my father would easily detect it, but they used their skills to make this building profitable. Evangeline helped me with the designs, Haze handled promotions and business matters, while Tyler used his connections to bring in investors.

Aside from earning money, I personally managed the financial aspects. I only hired a financial team after my business went sustainable.

I can't believe that at my age, I've already built and refined this building. I poured all my effort into aligning the design with my preferences.

If my mom were still here, I know she'd be happy. This was one of her dreams, after all.

"Anything unusual?" I asked Rita, my secretary, as she followed me toward the elevator. "You have a board meeting tomorrow, ma'am." She showed me my schedule.

"I see," I replied, yawning. I was finally feeling the fatigue as I've been awake for more than 24 hours. "I'll call you tomorrow."

"Yes, ma'am," she affirmed..

Rita exited on the 30th floor. That's where I had her stay so she'd be readily available whenever I needed her. It also helps her manage the business more effectively.

Well, Rita isn't just my secretary. She's also a board director. On paper, she looks like a dummy director, but in reality, I've given her more authority than the others. She knows this, which is why no one dares to cross her in my absence. They can hate her all they want, but as long as she's under my authority, she's untouchable.

When the elevator stopped on the top floor, the penthouse, I stepped out. I didn't plan to stay here today, but since Finnick dropped me off, I figured I could nap for a while.

This might also be the effect of the poison I ingested earlier.

I collapsed onto the bed without even changing clothes. I was too tired to move... but, as always, my rest was interrupted. My phone was ringing. "Yes, Dad?" I answered lazily.

I couldn't be bothered. Why is this old man calling now?

"Meet me at the hideout today," he ordered.

"No, I don't want to," I replied bluntly, sighing as I propped my feet up on the sofa. "Is this about another mission? I'm exhausted. Give me a break."

Our agreement didn't include me complaining about his orders, but neither did it state that he could pile task after task on me. I haven't had proper rest in years.

At this rate, I might die of exhaustion before I even get Mom back from him.

"I wanted to ask you something." He cleared his throat. "Did anything unusual happen on the mission?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Why are you curious?"

I tried to gauge his tone, but I couldn't figure out what he was thinking. Was he testing me because he knew something? Or was he genuinely asking? After a few seconds of silence, he finally answered.

"Nothing," he said at last. "Fine, I'll see you tomorrow. I'm letting this slide because you handled the mission well. Are you visiting your mom today?"

"No, I'll see her tomorrow," I answered coldly. "I want to sleep. Bye." I didn't wait for him to respond before hanging up.

I napped for an hour and, once I woke up, went straight to my routine.

"Finally," I muttered as I got into my car and started driving toward my destination.

When I arrived, I parked in the empty space and hurried out of the car.

The other mansion I secretly bought is in a rural area. It took me three hours to get here, but it's the safest place I know for hiding the people I want to protect. "Mommy!"

"Hi, Mom."

It was my children.

My twins.