Page 116 of Playboy Billionaire's Fake Marriage

My heart skips. “Oh my God, are the rumors true? He stepped down for Don?”

Xavier confirms with a solemn nod, “I’m afraid they’re true. He’s back in New York as of yesterday as COO.”

I retreat to the bed, hugging my knees. New York suddenly feels so small now that Ryan’s in it. “But—he can’t just hand over his position. It’s been the Richard legacy for over forty years!”

Xavier explains. “Ryan still holds the controlling shares. Technically, half of the controlling shares. The other belongs to you. Unless you guys split for real, Don is CEO in name only.”

I can’t grasp what he’s trying to say about the shares. I still can’t believe Ryan would give up his seat. “But with Don’s newfound power, it won’t be long before he gets enough leverage to target Ryan.”

Xavier’s shrug offers little comfort. “Ryan’s smart enough to secure his defenses before stepping down. Hopefully.”

I shake my head in frustration. “You don’t get it, Xavier. Don hates him. I’ve felt the venom just by being close to Ryan. He won’t stop until he’s destroyed him.”

“I agree. Which is why I’m here. Don used you to get to Ryan.”

I frown in confusion. “What are you suggesting?”

“Did Don not threaten you? Made you pack up and leave Seattle?”

My mind races, “No. Did Ryan think I was being blackmailed? I left him a note.”

Xavier confirms with a nod. “A vague note, raising that suspicion. Ryan has been doing everything to keep you safe. Stepping down, keeping his distance, while waiting for you to contact Alex.

“Why would I call...?” I trail off, suddenly making sense of his cryptic text.

“He even went as far as inserting plain clothes among my staff.

Of course. This is Xavier’s hotel. Is there any getting away from these billionaires?

“But we’ve been just sitting on our hands here because nothing has actually happened from your side, Stella. You’re not attempting to contact anyone. Why?”

Dropping my head into my hands, I feel the weight of Xavier’s words. “He thought I was in trouble and stepped down to protect me.”

“Stella, you’re the one asset Ryan can’t afford to lose. But he can’t wait anymore. He barged into my house this morning and literally hurled me in this direction to come and get you because he doesn’t think Brooke would be able to attempt a fireman’s carry on you if you refused to budge.”

I stand and pace to the window, unable to take Xavier’s light humor.

Ethan and Bonnie didn’t say anything. Ryan doesn’t know the real reason I left. He’s had to guess and speculate. I’ve cost him his inheritance.

“I wasn’t blackmailed,” I begin, my voice barely above a whisper. “That’s not why I left.”

“Was it the London scandal then?” Xavier probes. Several photos of Ryan with a half-naked woman in an elevator had surfaced online.

“Nothing happened in London, Xavier, I know Ryan wouldn’t cheat...”

Xavier looks genuinely puzzled, his confusion rapidly giving way to irritation. “You weren’t blackmailed by Don. You’re telling me Ryan gave up his seat for nothing?”

“I didn’t think he’d ever do that.”

“Well, he did because all he cares about is you, Stella. And I know you love him too. So why would you walk out on your marriage like that?”

I struggle for words, “Because I couldn’t face him.”

“Why? What did you do?” When I hesitate, he warns, “I’m two seconds away from calling Ryan.”

“Did Brooke tell you about my sister?”

“Vivian? Yes. What about her?”

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