Unveiling The Billionaire's Heart

CHAPTER 4

Xander's footsteps echoed through the marble corridors as he made his way to his office, his stern expression unyielding.

His employees scurried to their tasks, making sure to avoid attracting his attention. He had a reputation as an unforgiving and intimidating figure, and the entire office seemed to tremble in his presence.

Beside him, Miles juggled calls and paperwork, the role of a personal assistant was no joke. One would have to work his ass out.

As they approached Xander's office, Miles opened the door to the reception area, and that's when he saw her – Nora, Xander's ex, the woman he had vowed never to face again.

Xander's heart pounded with a mix of anger and pain. Ever since Nora had abandoned him during his time of grief and loss, he had shut himself off from love, erecting walls to protect himself from any future hurt.

The sight of her brought back memories he wished to forget.

Their gaze interlocked for a moment. All Nora could see in Xander's eyes was the guy she once loved, the guy she once had a good relationship with Alexander Reynolds.

But all Xander could see was pain, anger, frustration. He himself was moved at how cold his heart had become. Like he literally placed his heart in a fridge to block permanently.

Alexander began to walk very fast. His pace quickened, his face flushing red with frustration.

He had no intention of engaging with Nora today or ever, no desire to listen to her explanations. He wanted her gone, erased from his life like a painful memory.

But Nora, desperate to seek forgiveness, couldn't bear to watch him walk away. She ran towards him, her voice trembling as she called out his name. "Xander, please, just hear me out," she pleaded.

His jaw clenched, Xander halted abruptly as Nora's hand touched his shoulder. His eyes bore into hers, his anger simmering beneath the surface. He had no patience for her presence, no compassion left to spare.

In a voice laced with fury, he told her, "If you have any sense left, Nora, leave now. I do not want guards to chase you out. Just go! I know my father made you come here. But whatever it is between us had died a long time ago! So leave in peace Miss. Nora"

Tears welled in Nora's eyes as she tried to explain herself, but Miles, fiercely protective of his boss, stepped between them. "Enough! You heard him, leave or face the consequences," he warned, his tone firm.

Nora trembled, torn between the desire to explain and the fear of losing Xander forever. She'd never give up. Mr. Reynolds had passed the message to her family. Xander was looking for a wife.

It must either be her, or no one else.

As Xander entered his office, a wave of emotions washed over him – anger, sorrow, and a lingering sense of betrayal. He sank into his chair, his mind grappling with the ghosts of the past.

This encounter had stirred something within him, a reminder of the pain he had locked away. It was a harsh reminder of the walls he had built to protect himself from heartbreak.

But as he sat there, he couldn't help but wonder if shutting himself off from love was truly the answer.

"Yes! It's the answer. And the only answer. Love is a fuckin illusion!" He shouted and pucnhed his hand into his fist. His veins were popping.

He had warned his dad not to interfere with his matters.

"Have all the ladies submit their letters?" Xander coldly asked Miles.

"Yes boss. The HR department has gone through all these letter and they have sieved all the 'ugly, fat and short' ones as you requested! I guess there are alot of them in this town boss!" Miles chuckled.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, boss, after considering your order and carefully examining all these ladies, from their heads to their toes, we have just 10 cooks left." Miles said, biting the bottom of his lips.

"Aha! Now that's what I'm talking about! My chances of getting a contract wife for the business trip is slim. Inform the HR department to do more screening. Remember, we're not after a cook, Miles. We're after a contract wife." Xander said, his eyes still squinted dark.

"Sure man. But Xander. What happens to Nora? She..!"

"Leave Nora out of this!!! She should never come close to my office. I don't fuckin need her anymore. Can't you see Miles?" Xander sparked.

"I know Xander, but come to think of it. Your dad is gonna put pressure under your ass. Nora's family is one wealthy family and they will represent you well as a wealthy family. Your dad will not stop!" Miles said, looking into Xander's cold, sad eyes.

Xander let out a heavy sigh and bumped into his comfy chair. His head was spinning so fast that he just wanted to scream so loud.

To find some comfort, he grabbed a photo of his grandmother and placed it close to his chest.

"I need your help, granny. I wish you were here!" Xander said, hanging his head low.

"Well, boss, you know, there's an AI software that allows you to talk to your dead loved ones like they are actually here. It's a cool…"

"Get outta here freak. I don't need no AI. I need my grandma." Xander yawned, slouching harder into his chair.

"Alrighty. Whenever you need it, you can always ask me. By the way, let me go get your contract wife ready. You've got less than a month to train her!" Miles said and walked towards the door.

"Hey Miles" Xander called out before he got to the door.

"Please, whatever happens, find me someone. Anyone. I can't afford to lose this company in the hands of someone else. I've worked hard for it."

"Sure man. You know you can always count on me." Miles said and left the office, shutting the door behind him.

°°°°°°°°°°°°°°°

Miles walked gracefully towards the HR department where he would take up the list of ladies who were qualified.

He sometimes giggled when he imagined how they'd feel when they hear that this has nothing to do with being a cook at all.

He finally got to the reception area leading to the HR department. Inside that department were about 6 offices with different staff performing different duties.

As Miles got close to the door, it automatically opened, and as soon as he got it, his folders dropped. He quickly bent over to pick it when suddenly, someone hit him from behind and he stumbled over and fell fully to the ground.

Miles fumed with smoke. He was embarrassed falling in front of 10 ladies. As he got up to see the person who hit him, he paused.

"I'm so sorry sir. I didn't mean for that to happen I just needed to.."

"Aren't you Isabella we met at the gate? The late comer?" He asked curiously, his eyes popping open.

Isabella folded her arms shyly. There were butterflies in her stomach. Why didn't she always get things right? She just fell the P.A of Mr. Alexander. "f**k!!" She mumbled under her breath.

"Yes sir. I'm so sorry. I just. I didn't see you coming sir." She begged. Everyone in the reception area was already staring at the scene, making her more embarrassed. She always messed things up.

"Make sure to be careful next time and watch your steps. And by the way, has your application been examined?"

"Yes sir. We're all awaiting approval."

"Very well then," Miles said and began to leave when Isabella held his hand gently.

"Sir, this has been my dream. Please. Help me. I need this job. I just got fired. I really need this job sir." She begged like she was some good girl.

Miles nodded and left. And finally, she breathed well. She felt so unnatural acting like a good girl. It sucked. Like, why should someone be this holy? Kinda boring. She thought.

Isabella went to sit with the other ladies awaiting approval.

Suddenly, the door to the reception area opened, but with full force.

There were 5 security guards walking in boldly. All the ladies were startled. Was this a game?

Suddenly, while they kept watching, the air in the reception area seemed to crackle with tension as a young woman burst into the room, her presence commanding attention.

She exuded an aura of power and authority, amplified by the personal security guards flanking her on either side.

Dressed in a stunning red dress that hugged her every curve, she looked like a fiery goddess with an air of wealth and opulence.

Her red dress cascaded elegantly down her figure, accentuating her hips and curves with every step she took.

It seemed as though the fabric itself clung to her body, as if reluctant to let go of such beauty and grace. Her every movement was a mesmerizing dance of confidence and allure.

Her angry face bore a fierce expression, her brows furrowed with determination and a hint of disdain.

It was clear that she was not one to be messed with, and her presence alone sent shivers down the spines of those in her vicinity. The fire in her eyes mirrored her fiery personality, daring anyone to stand in her way.

Her body structures exuded a sense of privilege and luxury. Her poise was that of someone who had been born into wealth and had lived a life of privilege and extravagance.

The way she carried herself spoke volumes about her social status, and it was evident that she was accustomed to being treated with the utmost respect.

As she swept into the room, all eyes were drawn to her, and the ladies waiting for their applications to be considered couldn't help but feel a mixture of fascination and intimidation. It was clear that this was no ordinary woman, and she held the power to shape destinies with a mere nod of her head.

But beneath the alluring exterior and wealth, there was an air of danger about her.

It was evident that she was no good woman, and there was a hint of mystery surrounding her intentions. The personal security guards by her side only served to emphasize the enigmatic nature of this captivating figure.

"Hello bitches. I'm Nora!"