Page 26 of The Innovator

Maybe Natalie liked keeping to herself or thought social media took up too much energy and time. Still, something nudged at me.

I followed her, becoming her first follower.

Then I accessed DarcNett, a website that I’d frequented after my uncle betrayed my family. Access to the website cost a lot of money, but it was worth it. Most people wouldn’t get access to it, but being a successful billionaire with connections to people in the gaming business, I’d acquainted myself with hackers who had various websites for all manners of services.

I typed in her name and came up with some interesting information. Natalie Chapelle was born in Paris, worked at a bakery for three years, an administrative assistant for two years, and that was it. No other history showed up for her, and that was a red flag to me. This website collected data from everywhere. A few other names showed residences in Canada and California.

Their pictures revealed they weren’t my Natalie.

Since when did she become mine?

She had me on an invisible leash.

Since that unforgettable dream.

There was no history of her education or birth certificate either. There were just receipts of credit cards and a bank card.

I glanced at a copy of her lease.No fucking way.She lived inmyluxury high-rise and drove a Mercedes. How could she afford the lease and the car with her salary? Maybe I should show up at her place unexpectedly and demand to know how she could pay rent.

The mystery around her just got more interesting.

My phone rang, and Audri’s name flashed on my screen.

“What’s up? Isn’t it a bit late for you to call me?”

“It’s nine-thirty.” I could imagine my sister rolling her eyes.

“What do you need?”

“Are you busy two weeks from now? I want to add an addition to the library, but I need your expertise to ensure it’ll work.”

“Another addition?” I leaned back in my chair, trying to envision what my sister wanted to do this time.

Remi truly loved her, letting her change up his entire home. I wasn’t sure if I’d let any woman alter my home like that. My space was sacred. There hadn’t been a woman who could make me change anything, never mind giving her free rein. Even my mom didn’t have that power.

“You just added a spacious room to your already massive jewelry studio,Moy Moy.”

That was how I addressed her as my “little sister” in Chinese, a language I didn’t speak as well as I should. I knew enough to converse with my mom, but I wished I’d spent more time learning how to write and read it. My grandparents and my dad would’ve been disappointed in me. They were stricter in carrying out traditions. Academia and honoring the family name were important to them. And since I was the male, that responsibility fell heavily on me.

You’re not worthy of the family name.

“That was different,Gor Gor.”The way she emphasized “big brother” in Chinese told me she wanted something. “My business is growing, so I needed the extra room. Speaking of which, I need to find a nice office space. Remi wants to buy a building for me, but I told him no.”

Man, my best friend would do anything for her. At first, I was hesitant about them dating because I knew him. He wasn’t the type to date, never mind settling down with one girl, but Audri changed him. I supposed love had the power to heal a man who had been deeply wounded. I couldn’t be happier that my best friend loved my sister.

I’d never known what love was. Had never experienced it and never would. I didn’t have it in me to want it. With my shattered soul, how could I even feel love? Would I even know what that felt like?

My trust radar was too unstable these days. I didn’t trust people. And wasn’t trust a major requirement?

“Good call,” I said. “Normally, Remi is a savvy entrepreneur, but for you, he might purchase something that doesn’t turn a profit.”

“Are you saying I’m not profitable?”

Women and their ways of twisting things drove me crazy.

“I didn’t say that. If you’re looking for an office space to work, I suggest you seek a location you want and lease it for a while. And if you like the space and location, you can purchase a property close to it. As far as the home expansion goes, I need to look before I can give you some ideas.”

“Great! Show me two Saturdays from now.”

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