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Chapter 21
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Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 22
ELOISE We landed in Edinburgh in the morning, and then Mr. Ross drove off to my father’s mansion. I’d been to his home a few times before, but never for an extended stay. I wasn’t welcomed into his house, and I’d never really dreamt of being around Davina. I couldn’t blame my dad’s wife if she didn’t like me—sure, but I also couldn’t force myself to like her. When I was still attending Heriot-Watt University, I would only go there if my father called for me. My father’s neoclassical mansion had been passed down through generations of viscounts. As a viscount himself, he was the current lord of the estate. Despite the weight of the situation, I couldn’t help but notice that the mansion's grandeur was breathtaking. It stood proudly as if untouched by years, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the people who had preserved this place. The elaborate windows were framed with ornate moldings, catching the sunlight and glinting like jewels. The gardens surrounding the estate wer
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 23
ELOISE Nina led me to the right wing into a ridiculously spacious bedroom decorated with peonies. Sunlight streamed through two tall windows with swaying white curtains. Two baby pink sofas and a center table were placed nearby with sweet snacks on top. I could easily imagine waking up here with coffee or a book. In the center of the room stood a four-poster queen-sized bed with intricately carved wooden posts that stretched up to the ceiling. The mattress was covered with fresh white sheets that looked so comfy, almost making me forget how unwelcome I felt in this house. Across from the bed, a vanity furnished with delicate feminine decorations matched the room’s aesthetic. A private bathroom was conveniently located nearby, giving off the same cozy vibe as the bedroom. As I took in the room’s details, Nina spoke with warmth. She stood beside me. “I hope you like it. I asked the maids to make it comfortable and minimalist. I was thinking you might feel overwhelmed.” “That’s very
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 24
ELOISE I walked around the main gardens, and just like Nina said, this place was huge, way bigger than my eyes could see. Tall trees clustered together, and grassy lawns seemed to stretch forever, like a massive green carpet. The cool air smelled like a farm and sweet nectar. This could be a good place to relax, especially since dealing with my dad and his wife would be stressful. I didn’t sleep much on the flight, but exploring rather than staying in my room was better. I stopped at the gardens of peonies and roses and took some selfies. I made sure the background didn’t give away that I was at my dad’s place, and then I uploaded a picture on my social media before I kept walking. I saw houses far away. I took more pictures but immediately decided to keep them on my phone. I didn’t want my followers to know where I was, also guessing those houses might be where the workers in the mansion lived. From a distance, I heard horses neighing and saw people riding them, which was new an
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 25
ELOISE My meals were delivered to my bedroom for the rest of the day. Honestly, this way was much better because I had no interest in dining with my father or Davina. It felt kind of lonely whenever I contemplated if this was their everyday life in the mansion. Probably because Malcolm had just passed away, the silence was painfully pronounced. I suppose my actual hellish day starts tomorrow. I checked my phone again before bed. I had messages from my work emails that needed responses, but I figured I could ask Trina to handle those. Fortunately, she was there as my counterpart. Jenna had messaged me this morning to ask how it was going, and there was also an unanswered message from Adam. He hadn’t messaged since. Rolling onto my side in bed, I wondered what I could reply to him, constantly composing and deleting messages. “I’m busy…” I deleted the text. “Just say it here.” I deleted the text again. “You can just call me…” Damn it. I deleted my message again but accidentall
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 26
ELOISE The mansion’s veranda appeared somber, especially under the shade of gray clouds that hung to the sky like a heavy shroud. The early morning air was moist with the scent of rain-soaked soil, and steady showers played a gentle rhythm on the grounds. I was dressed in a casual coral sundress that Nina chose for me. She said it was fitting for the morning meal, but I felt the color didn’t match my mood and the dull ambiance of the place. Nina then ushered me to the table where a traditional Scottish breakfast was served. I hesitated, but my father’s stern gaze urged me to sit. I settled across from him. The atmosphere was tense, as if sitting together was an unfamiliar ritual. Which, of course, it was. I grew up outside his care, with him only fulfilling the responsibilities of a parent from afar. On the table, breakfast consisted of haggis, black pudding, fried eggs, sausages, and baked beans. It was generous, but the weight of my father’s presence made it difficult for me to
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 27
ELOISE When we returned to the mansion, Nina read my schedule in her notes as we selected my evening dress. It felt incredibly tiring to change repeatedly on various occasions in a day. “You’ve got a dress rehearsal with the personal tailor tonight, Mrs. Laurent. Lord Cunningham’s birthday dinner is already on Friday, so we’re tight on time for a custom dress. Instead, you’ll try out her new designs, which she’ll adjust to your size. She’s waiting for you in the drawing room. I’ll give you some basic table manners lessons tomorrow morning during breakfast. “After that, I’ll take you to the hairdresser, shopping, and the spa. You’ll have some free time in the evening, but since Lord Cunningham wants you to meet the baron, I’ll keep you engaged to avoid him. That might also help us postpone meeting him until we’re more prepared. Your father still expects you to attend at least one dinner with him.” I clenched my teeth. “Fine. What else?” “Around afternoon tomorrow, you’ll officiall
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 28
ELOISE “Hello, Eloise,” Adam greeted. God, his voice. It resonated deep within my bones. “Hey, um, are you busy?” “A little. I still have some matters to look into,” he whispered. “Work stuff?” “Yes, I’m reviewing the proposals sent to me by my producers.” “Oh.” I bit my bottom lip. “We can just talk later, then.” “No, it’s alright. This can wait. How are you?” “Mm. Tired?” He chuckled softly. “So you think calling me might make you feel untired?” I laughed. God, he did make me feel good. “That’s not even a word.” “Of course it is. I was waiting for your call.” I lay on the bed with my eyes on the ceiling. “I’ve had a long day.” “Want to tell me about it?” he asked. “Uh, I’d rather not. I would rather escape from all this.” “Try me.” “I’d rather go back to New York.” To see you... “So you’ve admitted you’re somewhere out of the States.” It wasn’t a question but more of a probing statement. “Edinburgh,” I admitted. “I’m here for unavoidable family matters. They’re my
Playing With The Billionaire Chapter 29
ELOISE The next morning, we started our activity following our schedule. Nina and I were sitting close to a long, extravagant dining table, surrounded by the family’s shiny and overwhelming wealth. Right in front of us was a neat arrangement of plates, bowls in different shapes, and silverware, all decked out with elegant table mats, candlelight, and floral centerpieces. Our goal for today was to navigate the traditional Scottish dining etiquette, where each utensil had a purpose. “Let’s get into it step by step,” Nina said confidently, squaring her shoulders. “The utensils here have their own roles.” Her movements directed my attention to the organized utensils. “This,” she pointed at the spoon with a deep, round head, “is a soup spoon. Obviously, it is used for consuming soups and broths. Next up, the salad fork,” she explained, focusing on the fork with slightly shorter tines. They also used this for appetizers.” “So fussy,” I murmured. “And then?” She moved to a knife wit
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