The Billionaire's Bet

Chapter 5 : A new "friendship"

The start of a strange friendship.

Devon

The meeting had just ended, and the office emptied with the usual Friday buzz—eager feet, rushed goodbyes, the subtle undertone of relief. Fridays always brought this atmosphere, the illusion of freedom. I, too, was seconds away from disappearing out of this hellhole when Danzel showed up like a ghost from the past.

Los Angeles was supposed to be holding him hostage. That was where he was handling business—or so I thought. But clearly, he couldn't stand being away from his baby brother for too long. How charming. Or maybe pathetic. Probably both.

He stood casually by the elevator, a cigar held loosely between his fingers. His face wore that calm older-brother expression he always faked so damn well. I didn't hide my glare as I walked up to him.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" My voice was cold, cut sharp with suspicion.

"Meeting with Mr. Tharantho just ended," he replied nonchalantly. "We agreed to share the profit for now, until Dad makes up his mind about selling the project."

I stared at him. No reaction. Just heat building inside me like lava under my skin. My jaw clenched. My father's legacy wasn't something to be tossed around in a boardroom like a poker chip.

The elevator arrived. We stepped in. Silence hung heavy between us.

"That's your brilliant plan?" I scoffed. "Sell out to them for a quick cashout and a pathetic prototype? We'll get over nine hundred grand, sure, but we lose ninety percent of our soul. The real 'Wonder Mind'—the original vision—is gone."

"Julian sold the ninety percent without even blinking. I'm here to clean up the mess, not you. That's what big brothers do." Danzel tapped his watch, as if time gave a shit about brotherly loyalty.

"I'm not a kid, Danzel."

"You are when it comes to handling betrayal. You get emotional—dangerous. That's why I'm here."

The elevator dinged at the parking lot. The doors slid open.

"I made a promise to Dad," he said, stepping out. "To protect you—even when you don't want it."

The cigar in his hand had long gone cold.

I watched him leave through the front exit, probably to his car. I didn't follow. I had other plans—more important ones.

Evanly.

My obsession. My secret. My beloved fucking prize.

The city was littered with CCTV cameras, and I had access to all of them. All it took was a few clicks, a few coordinates, and there she was—heading to the park. Alone.

I rushed to my car, heart pounding, mouth dry. I don't know what the fuck I was thinking. Or maybe I did.

I parked and walked to a bench, phone in hand, pretending to scroll. My eyes scanned the park. A few men chatted loudly near the entrance, but other than that, the place was quiet. Peaceful. Almost too perfect.

Then I saw her.

Walking like she didn't know the world was watching her. That I was watching her.

She wore a short white dress and matching sandals. An anklet glinted in the sun. Her skin—rich brown, kissed with vanilla tones—radiated under the fading light. Her short curls bounced as she walked. Her eyes scanned the area like she was looking for something... or someone.

She sat next to me. So close I could smell her. Lavender. Fucking lavender. She smelled like peace. Like poison. Like everything I wasn't supposed to want but craved anyway.