The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

"Kari-"

Ronald looked puzzled.

"Bro, something just came up, I gotta jet."

As Ronald watched her retreating figure, his lips pressed into a thin line.

Did she really dislike spending time with him that much?

"Mr. Malone."

Lilith's voice broke the silence. "Seems like the lady isn't quite taken with you yet."

Ronald shot her a cold glance: "Lilith."

"Just curious," Lilith noticed his irritation but tried to brush it off. "So, I'm guessing she's the one you're into... She seemed pretty spooked, though." Ronald hadn't expected Lilith to mess things up, his eyes filled with a dark glimmer: "Lilith, this is the first time."

"If there's a next time, I won't let it slide."

Lilith's face stiffened: "Ronald, I can help you win her over, why burn bridges with me?"

She hadn't done anything wrong; she was just trying to latch onto Ronald. Even if a union wasn't possible, being business partners wasn't off the table. "Do I look like I need your help to be with her?"

Ronald scoffed, knowing Kari better than anyone. Realizing his feelings were out in the open, he knew Kari would withdraw.

Lilith's face grew even more sullen.

Ronald strode off.

He didn't chase after Kari but instead returned to his apartment.

After a shower and some time to cool off, he finally called Kari.

Uncharacteristically, she refused to answer.

Ronald, feeling helpless, massaged his temples. He had wanted to slowly integrate into Kari's life, but Lilith had thrown a wrench into his plans. After much thought, he sent a WhatsApp message.

Without waiting for a reply, he tossed his phone aside and walked into his study.

...

Kari arrived home still somewhat frantic.

She tried to calm down, but Ronald's gaze and Lilith's words kept haunting her, making her heart tremble.

Finally managing to compose herself, Kari heard her phone ring.

Without guessing, she knew it was Ronald.

She tossed her phone aside, unwilling to answer.

Ronald, showing restraint, called twice and then stopped, leaving only a message.

After hesitating for a moment, Kari checked the message.

It was brief.

Lilith was right, I do like you.

I know you've just gone through

де

wanted to make t

didn't want to pet

r for you.

breakup, didn't wanteText property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

The rest of the message blurred in Kari's

send fixated on that one liked her! tel

line do like you... Ronald a

Clutching her phone, Kari was in disbelief.

After mulling it over, she called Brittany: "Brittany, I need to talk."

Brittany raised an eyebrow: "What's up?"

"My brother, he said he likes me."

Silence fell on Brittany's end for a long time, before she finally spoke in a cool tone: "He confessed to you?"

Kari was taken aback: "Brittany?"

Could Brittany have known about this?

Brittany clicked her tongue: "I thought you knew..."

Ronald had made it quite obvious,, but Kari, engulfed in the pain of her breakup and having grown up with Ronald, mistook it for siblingo affection.

But to outsiders, it was clear Ronald had special feelings for her.

Kari, feeling a headache coming on, said, "Brittany, what do I do now? How do I even act around him?"

"He spilled the beans?"

Kari recounted the evening's events.

Brittany helped her analyze: "How do you feel about him liking you?"

It was important to know whether Kari was repulsed or not.

"Incredulous."

Kari felt like the sky was falling.

It seemed there was still hope.