The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

When Kari's assistant noticed her boss's unusually bright red lips, she couldn't help but lean in closer and ask, "Kari, your lips are so red. You sure you're okay?"

A fleeting blush crossed Kari's face as she brushed off the concern. "I-It's nothing-"ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

It was all Ronald's fault for causing such a fuss!

Grabbing some paperwork, Kari tried to focus on getting Bri-jeweled Studio into gear, but her mind kept drifting back to the incident in the parking lot, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. After the assistant left the office, she remained puzzled.

Ms. Patel's antics had inadvertently broadcasted to the entire studio that Ronald and Kari were quite the item, with Ronald even bringing lunch for Kari every day!

Brittany, having heard about Ms. Patel's outburst, wasn't too pleased with the Patel family.

Ms. Patel's contract breach resulted in paying triple the penalty, which left the studio's coffers overflowing, much to Kari's delight.

Ronald took nearly half a month off before accepting an offer from a listed conglomerate, stepping into a high executive role.

Kari couldn't believe how quickly he'd landed the job. "You're really going?"

Now that Ronald had some downtime, why not take this opportunity to rest a bit?

Ronald was in the middle of preparing dinner, his slender fingers expertly peeling shrimp. "The offer was too good to pass up, complete with a generous salary and stock options. It's a great job."

The Malone family had always had a strong grip on Imperial City, and the Fortune Group had been eager to poach him for a while. With his ties to the Malone family cut, the olive branch they extended was too tempting to refuse. After all, he couldn't exactly live off Kari forever.

Kari pouted. "So, you won't be able to bring me lunch anymore."

She had a craving for Ronald's cooking.

Ronald gently pinched her cheek. "I don't start until next week. I'll still be your lunch delivery guy until then."

Kari felt a twinge of regret. She'd entertained the idea of spoiling Ronald a little longer!

Who wouldn't want to pamper a handsome guy who treated her so well?

"Alright."

The Fortune Group, primarily focused on real estate before expanding into finance and other sectors, stood just behind Grandeur Capitalin Imperial City's pecking order, offering Ronald an

exceptionally lucrative package.

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On his first day, Ronald quickly dispelled any dissatisfaction among the Grandeur Capital staff with his competence and unique charm. Despite his formidable skills and sometimes difficult personality, few dared to challenge him directly.

In just six months, he led his department to double their net

profits and even secured a long-term contract with Grandeur Capital. Those who had doubted him had choice but to admit his prowess, though Ronald was never one for flattery.

As spring arrived the following year, Brittany, six months pregnant, decided to stop working.

Isaac cleared his schedule to be by her side, and they moved back to Salter Manor.

The old estate needed a touch-up, so Isaac had it renovated and even started a fruit orchard in the backyard with cherries and strawberries. Daniel, intrigued by gardening, took it upon himself to water the plants daily, only to find the strawberries withering a week later. "Mom, what happened?"

He looked at the droopy strawberries, feeling defeated.

"The book said they need to be watered every day."

Brittany, her belly prominently showing, lounged on a rocking chair, munching on a sour grape. "You're watering them at noon. It's too hot!"

And watering three times a day? That was overkill.

Sniffling, Daniel mumbled, "But I promised Abby the first strawberry we grew."

Crunching on another grape, Brittany suggested, "Maybe we can buy new plants?"

She had developed a craving for sour foods lately, and these grapes, specially sourced by Isaac for their tartness, were exactly what she wanted. Daniel, disheartened, walked over and took a grape, popping it into his mouth.