The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King novel Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

As Ben drove toward BaiShui Group’s headquarters, his satisfied smile grew wider. Inside, he was laughing at how easily Lisa had fallen for his manipulation. Every word he’d spoken had been carefully chosen to drive a deeper wedge between her and Alex.

God, she’s such a fool, Ben thought gleefully, keeping his expression neutral. A few well- placed comments about Alex’s jealousy, a little sympathy, and she’s completely convinced that she’s the victim here. She can’t even see that she’s being played.

It had been almost too easy. From the moment he’d met Lisa at that business conference six months ago, Ben had recognized her for what she was-ambitious, prideful, and utterly blind to genuine emotion. She was so focused on status and success that she couldn’t see the difference between professional admiration and real love.

Alex had been the perfect husband-loyal, supportive, never complained about Lisa’s long hours or demanding career. But that had made him boring in Lisa’s eyes. Easy to take for granted.

Ben, on the other hand, had positioned himself as the exciting alternative. The ambitious business partner who understood Lisa’s drive. The man who made her feel powerful and important rather than domestic and ordinary.

And now, with just a few carefully chosen words, he’d convinced her that Alex’s pain and anger were nothing more than petty jealousy. That standing her ground and refusing to compromise made her strong rather than cruel.

Perfect, Ben thought, glancing at Lisa as she typed furiously on her phone, already back in CEO mode. By the time she realizes what’s actually happening, it’ll be too late. The divorce will be final, Baishui Group will be mine, and she’ll have no one to blame but herself.

“Ben?” Lisa’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For understanding. For being there for me.” Her voice was softer now, almost vulnerable. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“You’ll never have to find out,” Ben said smoothly, reaching over to squeeze her hand again. I’ll always be here for you, Lisa. Always.”

She smiled at him-a genuine smile that made her look almost beautiful despite the lingering anger in her eyes.

Ben smiled back, his mind already calculating his next move.

Back at the restaurant, the tension had finally dissipated. Alex and Mia had ordered their meals, and the conversation had shifted to lighter topics-though the elephant in the room remained impossible to ignore completely.

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CHAPTER 16

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“So,” Mia said, taking a sip of her wine, “tell me about yourself, Alex. And I don’t mean the firefighter hero stuff. I mean the real you. What’s your life like?”

Alex let out a long breath. “Honestly? Right now, it’s a mess. My marriage is over. I signed divorce papers this morning and left them on the kitchen counter for Lisa to find.”

“Good,” Mia said firmly. “She doesn’t deserve you.”

“I have nowhere to live,” Alex continued. “I stayed at a motel last night, but I can’t do that forever. I need to find an apartment, figure out how to rebuild my life from scratch at thirty- two years old.”

Mia set down her wine glass, her expression thoughtful. “What if I told you I could help with at least one of those problems?”

“What do you mean?”

“I own an apartment in the city center,” Mia said. “It’s been vacant for about six months now. My late husband bought it as an investment property, but I’ve never gotten around to renting it out.” She leaned forward, her eyes sincere.

D

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