Married To the Billionaire CEO

Lilian narrowed her gaze before breaking into a smile and asked about what Ryan wanted to say.

"Have you found someone you're interested in?" she asked with curiosity. "You should tell me so we can celebrate together."

Ryan grinned.

"I've been spending time with someone, and you know her. But before I share more, I have a few questions for you. What do you think about our relationship? Just between you and me."

"We're just friends, nothing more." Amused, Lilian replied.

"Alright, that's what I needed to clarify before sharing my news," Ryan said. "I've been involved with someone recently. She has concerns and isn't ready to fully commit to our relationship despite our mutual affection."

This revelation prompted a puzzled expression from Lilian.

"Does this person know me?" she asked incredulously. "It seems unreasonable for any woman not to love you because of me. Is she avoiding you because of our friendship?"

"Yes, she's your friend," Ryan confirmed.

"Is it Maureen?" Lilian asked next, and Ryan nodded.

Lilian was greatly annoyed.

"How could you and Maureen think so poorly of me?" she began, her voice trembling with emotion. "Do you believe that I love you and want to start a relationship with you, or that I'm waiting for you to confess your feelings for me? Do I appear to be a selfish, despicable woman to you, Ryan? Is it wrong that I value and appreciate your kindness towards me and my children? Does that give you the mistaken impression that I desire you?"

There was a brief moment of silence.

"I've already informed Maureen that I don't want a man in my life anymore. What could a man offer me that's better than having my daughter?" Lilian continued, her tone laced with hurt and frustration. "Is it about money and fame? Can't I stand on my own and attain those things without relying on a man? You have deeply hurt me, Ryan, but Maureen has wounded my pride. She has disregarded our friendship, and I cannot forgive her without some form of reparation."

Ryan patiently waited for Lilian to finish speaking so the recordings could capture every detail.

"You're taking this too hard, Lilian." He shook his head with a smile.

"Maureen was unsure about her feelings, which made her hesitant about our relationship," Ryan explained. "I'm just trying to clarify things for you. Since you mentioned compensation, how much are you expecting to be given? Maybe that could help calm your despaired mood."

Lilian couldn't help but burst into laughter, and soon Ryan joined in. Chuckling, Ryan paused the recordings at that moment.

"Don't mind me, Ryan, I'm happy that the person you bonded with is my friend," Lilian said warmly. "I'm sure you two would make a great couple."

The following day, as Maureen listened to the recordings that Ryan had shared with her, a sense of relief washed over her. Her doubts had been cleared, and she no longer felt the burden of guilt.

Two weeks into her new role at the office, Lilian received an invitation from MetroXcel Company to attend a jewelry auction as the senior designer.

Contemplating how she would pick up her daughter from school, Lilian reached out to Maureen for assistance.

"Hey Maureen, could you pick up Aurora from school today? I'll swing by your place later to get her," Lilian asked over the phone.

"Of course, Lilian. I'll take care of it," Maureen replied promptly.

Maureen quickly went to pick up Aurora from school but decided to make a quick detour to grab some groceries and treat Aurora to some ice cream.

"Come on, Aurora, let's get some treats before we head home," Maureen said cheerfully as they entered the store.

After getting her ice cream, Maureen instructed Aurora to wait in the car, before dashing into the store to grab the remaining items. As soon as Maureen stepped away, Aurora, excited to be out of the car, hopped out and started exploring the area.

Aurora's adorable demeanor caught the attention of passersby, who waved and greeted her. A friendly couple passing by stopped to admire the little girl.

"Well, hello there! Such an adorable, chubby princess you are!" The old woman beamed excitedly. "How are you, little one? Where are your parents?" the couple asked with warm smiles.

Aurora, feeling a bit shy but delighted by the attention, blushed timidly.

"My aunt is coming soon. She's just inside the store." She murmured adorably.

Just as they were leaving, Maureen returned, and they all headed home together while Aurora happily savored her ice cream.

***

At the auction, Lilian was accompanied by Aiden when she noticed the arrival of Alex and his wife, Isabel. The couple entered hand in hand, exuding an image of perfection that garnered applause from everyone present. Intrigued, Lilian approached the displayed archives to closely examine each design, eager to gain new insights.

Isabel, who had barely settled in, noticed Lilian across the room. Dressed in a chic white blouse, a straight blue skirt, and high-heeled open-toed shoes, her well-proportioned figure exuded a corporate and professional air, and Lilian appeared focused on her surroundings, interested solely in expanding her knowledge and skills.

Max Hardin spotted Lilian and approached her, calling out her name as he moved to stand by her side.

"Lilian," he called, walking up to stand beside her.

Lilian looked up, surprised.

"Oh, Max! It's great to see you here."

Max smiled warmly.

"Likewise. Are you enjoying the auction?"

Lilian nodded, gesturing towards the displays.

"Yes, I'm fascinated by the designs. There's so much to learn from them."

Max glanced at the pieces on display.

"Indeed, there are some remarkable works here. Have you seen the latest collection?"

Lilian shook her head.

"Not yet. Would you care to show me?"

Max grinned.

"I'd be delighted to. Let's explore together. Lilian, I truly believe you have what it takes to become one of the best designers in the country in no time. I'd like to introduce you to some of my friends and members of the aristocratic families."

"Thank you so much, Mr. Max. I would be incredibly grateful for such a rare privilege." Lilian uttered excitedly.

As the chief designer of MetroXcel Company, Lilian had already demonstrated her competence. Aiden observed Lilian in the company of Mr. Max and recognized the potential for MetroXcel Company to gain exposure.

Taking the microphone, Mr. Max requested a moment to introduce her.

"This is Lilian, the chief designer of the MetroXcel Company…," he announced.

By the time Mr. Max concluded his introduction, numerous people had already taken a liking to her. Lilian received a lot of admiring glances and applause from the audience, and she couldn't help but feel more proud of herself.

Given a VIP position, she was seated right beside Aiden, who leaned in and whispered, "My brother will return tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll be eager to meet you."

Lilian smiled and expressed her anticipation of his safe return. She eagerly awaited the CEO's homecoming. Also, she hoped to see the face of the man she had bumped into on the first day at her new job.

Alex, upon spotting Lilian among the elite and sophisticated crowd, lost his composure. Unaware that she worked for MetroXcel Company, his gaze remained fixed on her, much to her notice. She caught him staring at her peripherally and pondered why he seemed oblivious to his wife seated next to her.

Isabel felt a surge of anger and unhappiness at Alex's behavior. How could he focus on Lilian and overlook the fact that he was at the auction with his wife?

"Darling, could you please consider buying me that exquisite diamond necklace over there? It's quite pricey, but it's stunning." She tried to get his attention.

"Oh, um, yes, of course..." Alex stammered, causing onlookers to glance in his direction.

He appeared lost in thought and unprepared for the question his wife was about to ask him. Isabel felt embarrassed, wondering if Lilian's sudden reappearance had brought a curse upon her marriage.

She knew she would need to involve her mother to handle Lilian if she wanted to protect her marriage. When the auction began, Lilian positioned herself at the front and observed all the displayed items. The bidding continued until it reached the diamond jewelry.

Isabel nudged her husband, and Alex became the first bidder, offering twenty thousand dollars for the jewelry. As expected, they allowed other bidders a chance, and the young master of the Pearson family bid fifty thousand for the same jewelry piece.

'One hundred thousand.' Alex declared proudly.

'Two hundred and fifty thousand,' the young master from the Pearson family countered, much to his shock. Applause erupted for the leading bidder, but Alex refused to be overshadowed.

'Three hundred thousand,' Alex raised the bid, filling the hall with applause. Isabel smiled, knowing her husband was determined to purchase such expensive jewelry for her.

'Five hundred thousand,' the young master of the Pearson family shouted. Alex began to feel the pressure. How could he retreat now? He didn't have the same wealth as the Pearson family. Simmons' business had been struggling recently, and he couldn't afford to squander millions on jewelry that was worth only a fraction of the price.

"Any higher bids?" the voice from the microphone asked, and tears welled up in Isabel's eyes. She tugged at Alex, urging him on.

She intended to put on a spectacle in front of Lilian. If Alex withdrew, she would lose all dignity in front of her stepsister.

Lilian couldn't help but notice her lips forming a slight mocking smile. Silly couples attempting to vie with those wealthier than them.

Suddenly, Alex felt like he was losing badly and exclaimed, "One million dollars!" Applause filled the room. He grinned, feeling like he was on cloud nine.

"Is that guy crazy?" Aiden couldn't help but whisper to Lilian. How could someone bid such a high amount against a wealthy young master when he knew he didn't have the same status?

"He has always been a fool, Aiden," Lilian affirmed. She was closer to the jewelry and could already see that it wasn't made of pure diamonds at all. Its designs were elegant, crafted by the top jewelry designer in France. However, in terms of quality, it was quite subpar.

"Five million dollars!" Young master Neil Pearson suddenly announced, and applause filled the room.