Page 43 of His Cruel Billionaire Scorecard

Olivia’s mortification lingered as Roman’s curiosity seemed insatiable, his hands lingering on each trophy and photograph. She let out an exasperated sigh, unable to contain her annoyance any longer, “please stop touching my things.”

“Now, is that any way to speak to your boss?”

“You’re not my boss on Saturday and in my house.”

He set down the picture of an adorable 5-year-old Olivia, missing a front tooth, baseball in hand. This was going to be more awkward than he realized.

Chapter 16

Roman,seriously,canyouplease keep your hands off my things?“ Olivia pleaded, crossing her arms defensively.

Roman looked up from a particularly old photograph, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “But these are fascinating! Each one tells a story. I’m genuinely impressed, Olivia, I am, I knew you loved sports, I just didn’t know it was this much.”

She softened slightly at his words, realizing that his intent wasn’t to demean her but to understand her better. Reluctantly, Olivia gave in.

“Fine, but don’t break anything,” she warned, stepping closer to Roman as he continued to examine her trophies.

He grinned; his eyes fixed on a particularly large trophy. “So, tell me about this one. What did it take to win it?”

As she discussed her achievements, the initial tension between them began to dissipate.

Roman’s genuine interest and enthusiasm melted her reservation.

At first, she couldn’t hide being flustered at the thought of him in her house, so virile, so male.

Thank goodness she thought to clean.

“And this photograph... It seems like a significant moment in high school,” Roman remarked, his finger gently tracing the image of a young Olivia holding a basketball trophy.

Olivia’s smile softened, a touch of vulnerability creeping into her eyes. “That was my first big win. It was a turning point for me, a realization that I could achieve something great if I put my mind to it, and also when my dad died. I dedicate this trophy to him. I have three younger sisters, you know? Of course, my sisters never loved sports and Bella was barely a toddler when my dad passed away. But I shared as many stories of him as I could remember. He was an awesome man. My mum’s health took a turn for the worse when he passed away.”

Roman nodded, his expression contemplative. “I’m sorry about your dad, you’ve accomplished a lot, Olivia. It’s admirable.”

Her cheeks flushed with a mix of pride and self-consciousness. “Thanks, Roman. I guess my trophies and photographs aren’t as impressive as your world, but they mean a lot to me.”

He reached out and gently squeezed her hand, his touch unexpected but comforting. “They may not be as extravagant, but they represent your passion and determination. That’s something I truly admire in people.”

“You’re trying to manipulate me, aren’t you?

“Of course, I am, and I can see it working,” he said, flashing a wicked gleam, brushing her hair gently from her face and running his hands down her long, soft curls.

Electrified by his touch, Olivia took a little step back, knocking over her bookshelf.

She groaned, picking them up.

“Don’t think because you’re somewhat hot, every woman is going to fall on their knees and do whatever you ask of them. I mean, that’s a big and equally ridiculous thing you’re asking.”

“You think I’m hot?” He asked, taking another step closer.

Olivia ignored the heat in her cheeks from her outburst and his cocky smile.

“Whatever.”

“Your cat seems to like me,” he said, bending down to scoop up Sandy.

“Traitor,” Olivia said to her cat, curling up and purring in the arms of her boss. Sandy hissed at her, and Roman laughed.

“She seems to like you more than she likes me. Okay , you can take my stupid cat with you.”

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