Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Asher’s POV

I sat absentmindedly at the table, the faint sounds of silverware clicking and the low hum of conversation filling the grand dining room. I forced a polite smile, nodding at something one of the guests said, though I wasn’t paying attention.

I wasn’t even sure if I was expected to respond. Thankfully, the man who had spoken to me turned back to his plate.

Across the table, Taylor was smiling, her expression tinged with amusement. She was clearly enjoying this – watching me struggle to focus on anything

Then I felt it- a nudge against my foot. Subtle at first, then firmer.

I stiffened, glancing up. Taylor was looking directly at me, her expression as innocent as ever. When no one else was watching, she winked, her lips curling into a smug grin.

I pulled my foot back, forcing myself to focus as Marcus, seated next to me,

leaned in.

“Asher,” Marcus said, his tone light but probing, “what’s the progress on Sterling Winery? Any new wines in the works?”

I blinked, realizing I hadn’t caught the start of his question. “Uh, sorry, what?”

“The winery,” Marcus repeated, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Any new projects? New blends? Surely you have something interesting? Remember, everyone is going to be waiting to see what you make out of Sterling Winery–everyone,” he emphasized pointedly.

Taylor’s foot brushed mine again, more deliberately this time, and my jaw clenched.

“We’re finalizing a new vintage,” I replied, clearing my throat. “Should be ready by the end of the year. Something unique.”

“Unique,” Marcus echoed, his tone dripping with skepticism. “That’s vague. Are you sure it’ll live up to the Sterling name?”

Taylor stifled a laugh, and I shot her a glare. Her smirk widened as she mouthed, Pay attention.

“It’ll meet the standard,” I snapped, turning back to Marcus. “You’ll see.”

Marcus held my gaze for a moment, then shrugged. “I’ll have to wait,and see, then.”

The rest of dinner passed in a blur of conversations I barely registered. Taylor’s antics didn’t stop; her foot found mine every so often, her expression a picture of innocent amusement every time I looked her way. By dessert, I was practically counting the seconds until I could leave.

I found her later in a quiet corner of the ballroom, holding a glass of champagne. Her posture was relaxed, but her eyes lit up when she saw me approach. Glancing around to ensure my brother, and worse, the nosy media, weren’t nearby, I walked up to her.

“What do you want?” I demanded, keeping my voice low. “First Luca, and now you show up here at a family event with my brother. I get it, you can reach anyone you want. So, tell me clearly. What do you want?”

She tilted her head, as though considering her answer. Then, with a completely straight face, she said, “I want you

to marry

me.”

My laugh was sharp and humorless. “You can’t be serious.”

Taylor smiled. “Maybe I need a glass of wine. That might help.”

My head was spinning, but I refused to let her see me falter. “What the hell are you talking about?”

She swirled her champagne, her tone light but laced with malice. “Maybe I want to tell Ivy what happened between us. Show her the pictures, the videos; they’re so hot. I touch myself to them every day,” she giggled, “watching as her perfect world crumbles.”

Panic gripped me. My heart pounded. “Don’t tell her,” I blurted out.

12

Chapter 78

Her jaw dropped in mock surprise. “You haven’t told her yet? Wow, Asher. So much for being a loyal husband, I mean, I’ve alreatly brogue? Lancia a your brother. And you kept her in the dark about all the naughty things you’ve been doing?”

1 glared at her, the walls closing in. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

She grinned unapologetically. “Immensely.”

“This is torture,” I muttered, raking a hand through my hair. “You want something, Taylor. Everyone wants something. If you tell me what it is, I’ll give it to you. Delete those pictures, and we’ll never have to speak again.”

Taylor leaned in slightly, her voice a low purr. “Tell Ivy, don’t tell Ivy–it doesn’t matter to me. I’m flexible.”

“Then just tell her,” I snapped, frustration boiling over. “Go on, tell her! If you won’t be reasonable and tell me what you want, then do it!”

Her expression turned mock–hurt. “Is that what you want, Asher? For me to ruin your marriage?”

When she turned to leave, panic hit me again. “Taylor, wait.”

She stopped but didn’t turn around.

I exhaled sharply, slamming a hand against my forehead. “What do you want? Really. Please,” I begged.

She faced me again, a slow smile spreading across her face as she pulled out her phone. A few taps later, she held it up for me to see.

Her wishlist.

The items were absurd – luxury handbags, jewelry, designer clothes, even a private spa retreat.

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