The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

The bottle of vintage wine was bought by Caleb Malone the year Kari was born, a token of love and hope for the future. Sadly, Caleb passed away years ago.

Now, as Kari was getting married, Willa, her mother, couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart thinking about her late husband: "Kari, all these years, I know it's been tough on you. Now that you're starting a new life with Ronald, just be happy and don't worry me." Tears welled up in Kari's eyes as she hugged Willa, "Mom."

Ronald watched the mother and daughter, his silence speaking volumes.

Willa, not one to hold her liquor well, got tipsy after a couple of glasses. Kari helped her back to her room, her eyes red when she returned.

"Is Mom okay?" Ronald asked, concerned.

"She's just had a bit too much to drink, she's asleep now."

Kari was worried, "Do you need me to come with you back to the Malone estate tonight?"Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

"No, it's fine."

Ronald served her a bowl of chicken soup, "Mom made it, it's been simmering for hours. Try to have some."

Kari struggled to eat under Ronald's gaze, but managed to finish a bowl. Ronald wanted her to eat more.

"I can't, really."

Reluctantly, Ronald let it go, "You've had some wine tonight, don't worry about cleaning up. I'll take care of it when I get back."

As Kari watched Ronald leave, she felt uneasy. She wanted to follow him, but the alcohol made her dizzy, forcing her to give up the idea.

Upon returning to the Malone estate, Ronald was greeted not by a welcoming door but by the sounds of uproar.

The family was in an uproar about his marriage.

Caleb, full of righteous anger, was the loudest, "Dad, I told you, Ronald's just a stray who can't be tamed. No matter how good you are to him, it doesn't change anything!" "Yeah, he's not really one of us!"

"And that Kari, what does she do besides seduce men?"

"Thinks she's hit the jackpot with this marriage!"

As Ronald opened the door, the shouting stopped abruptly.

Caleb turned, his face a mix of embarrassment and anger, unable to find the words.

Old Mr. Malone huffed, "You finally remember your way home?"

"Grandpa," Ronald greeted him.

"Don't you grandpa' me!" the old

man was still fuming. "Your

impulsiveness has ruined everything I've planned. Was it that girl Kari who pushed you into this?"

It had to be her.

Ronald shook his head, "No, it was all my decision. I proposed. I suggested we elope."

Caleb exploded, "Dad, see? He's doing this on purpose!"

Old Mr. Malone frowned deeply, "Ronald, you're putting me in a difficult position."

"Grandpa, I'm sorry."

Though Ronald apologized, he didn't feel he was in the wrong, his aloof demeanor only fueling Caleb's anger.

"Ronald, you're part of this family.

You can't just marry on a whim. How can I trust you with the Malone

legacy if you act so rashly? Marrying Kari what were you thinking?"

Caleb

QUMS

after aer really accepted Ronald;

was a result of one of

Caleb's youthful indiscretions, not

his

only secret child.

He couldn't control him, his mind a jumble of thoughts.

Ronald wasn't someone he could easily influence, yet the old man favored him, even considering him as his successor. Caleb had long wanted to push Ronald out, leaving the path clear for his favored son to take over the Malone legacy. Now, an opportunity had presented itself. How could he let it slip by?

"If you're so worried, Dad, then maybe it's best if I leave the Malone estate."