The Billionaire’s Substitute Bride

Chapter Eleven: A Door Opens

The following morning, Yvonne woke with a strange sense of happiness.

She couldn't remember the last time she had smiled so much.

It was embarrassing, really.

She had only known Adrian for a short time, yet somehow, talking to him felt easy.

She dressed and went downstairs.

Charlotte was already there.

"Good morning," Charlotte said sweetly.

"Good morning."

"You seem happy."

Yvonne smiled.

"I am."

Charlotte watched her carefully.

"Adrian?"

Yvonne hesitated before nodding.

"We spoke last night."

Charlotte smiled.

"I'm glad."

Yvonne didn't notice the brief tension in Charlotte's jaw.

Richard entered the room carrying a folder.

"Yvonne."

She turned.

"Yes?"

"I've been thinking about something."

He placed the folder on the table.

"You told me once that you wanted to start a business."

Yvonne stared at him.

"You remember?"

"Of course."

She opened the folder.

Inside were documents concerning a small commercial property.

Richard continued.

"I can give you the opportunity to start."

Yvonne looked up.

"What do you mean?"

"I'll provide the initial capital."

Her eyes widened.

"You're serious?"

"Yes."

For once, Richard looked genuinely proud.

"You studied Business Administration. You have the knowledge. Maybe it's time you used it."

Yvonne couldn't believe what she was hearing.

For years, she'd dreamed about building something of her own.

And now, suddenly, the door was opening.

"Thank you."

Richard nodded.

"Don't thank me yet. You'll have to prove you can handle it."

"I will."

Charlotte watched silently.

She had never seen Yvonne this excited.

Later that afternoon, Yvonne met Adrian for lunch and told him the news.

His face immediately lit up.

"You're starting your company?"

"Yes."

"I knew you could do it."

She smiled.

"You really believe in me."

"I do."

Yvonne looked down.

"That's new for me."

Adrian reached across the table and gently took her hand.

"Then get used to it."

She looked at him.

"I'll try."

He smiled.

"And when your company becomes successful, don't forget who believed in you first."

Yvonne laughed.

"I won't."

Across town, Charlotte sat with her mother.

"She has everything now," Charlotte said bitterly.

Her mother sighed.

"She has a business opportunity. That's all."

"And Adrian."

Charlotte's expression hardened.

"She has him too."

Her mother looked at her carefully.

"Let it go."

Charlotte shook her head.

"I can't."

"Why?"

"Because he was supposed to be mine."

Her mother sighed.

"Charlotte, you made your choice."

Charlotte looked away.

"I made the wrong choice."

Her mother stood.

"Don't destroy your sister because of it."

Charlotte remained silent.

The moment her mother left, Charlotte picked up her phone.

She stared at Adrian's name.

Then she smiled.

If she couldn't make him choose her willingly, she'd have to find another way into his life.

And she already knew exactly where to begin.