active

fbweb.moboreader.net

Learn more

IMAGE

Ruthless Desire: Chased By My Ex's Billionaire Best Friend

https://fbweb.moboreader.net/63668322-fb_contact-enp82_2-c1-1113-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=060236&accid=1664678401027221&rawadid=120213175613390109

Her Time Tales

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/467348122_3825751241087174_2845380188266487580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rGzbUr0aklkQ7kNvgF3uA3b&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A_zOCg64dUeDavW1R8_vAQ4&oh=00_AYCvuqz3O_tU6phCYs8LxDqlCeXxYyWPkVHg87Edgjbt3A&oe=674829E5

PERSON_PROFILE

Dedicated to her boyfriend, she faced danger when she ended the relationship as he attempted to harm her. Seeking safety, she sought shelter with his unscrupulous best friend, unaware that this aloof individual had long plotted to win her affection and shower her with care.
=====
"Don't be such a drama queen. Get back here."
"F**k off!" Bethany Harper's face remained impassive, as she quickly typed her response to her ex-boyfriend Julian Wells's message.
She had just hit send when she heard the bathroom door swing open.
Turning around, she saw a man emerge.

He was tall and clad only in a towel slung low around his hips.

With a smirk and a quick glance her way, he remarked, "I don't mess with my friends' women."

Bethany stepped closer, a daring smile on her lips. "And yet, you still let me in," she countered.

Leland Swanson's gaze, calm and intense, remaining silent.

Yet Bethany was convinced that at their core, men were fundamentally alike--few could resist the allure of a beautiful woman approaching them of her own volition.

Furthermore, Leland's reputation as a playboy was practically legendary.

With a bold move, Bethany pulled him close, laying her cards on the table. "You can't possibly tell me you were unaware Julian has been engaged for years while I played the fool to him all this while?"

Leland merely laughed softly, his silence an unspoken admission.

Bethany had devoted five years to Julian, only to be blindsided by the revelation that he had been engaged the whole time, thrusting her unexpectedly into the role of the other woman.

Though not Julian's closest confidant, Leland was privy to the inner workings and secrets of their group, and it was probable the others were too.

Yet there she was, Julian's girlfriend, the last to know her partner for who he truly was!

Driven by a surge of resolve, Bethany rose on her tiptoes and pressed her l*ps to his...

The effect took hold right away...

When morning's light crept in, Leland slipped away to the shower, showing no signs of wanting to linger.

For Bethany, he was nothing more than a momentary diversion. She knew well that such fleeting connections were typical among adults.

She quickly got dressed and slipped out of the room without a sound.

Just as she was about to step into the elevator, her phone buzzed with a video call.

It was her younger brother, Shawn Harper. She immediately fixed her hair to appear presentable and answered the call cheerfully. "Hey, Shawn!"

The scene on her screen was alarming. Shawn was pinned down by several burly men, a man with ta**oos barking, "Time's up, Bethany. Settle your debt, or the kid loses his arm."

Bethany's voice shattered with fear. "No, please! I'll get you the money--just don't hurt him!"

"Alright, you've got thirty minutes to deliver," the man countered, unyielding. "Don't play any games."

The line went dead.

Bethany's complexion drained of color as dread overwhelmed her. A plan sparked in her mind. She dashed back towards the room, calling out, "Leland!"

Just as she reached the doorway, Leland emerged.

His eyes, sharp and frosty, slid over to her, concealing any trace of his thoughts.

Bethany found herself thinking back to the whispers she'd heard about him. He was the lone heir to the vast Swanson empire, notorious for his rebellious streak and egocentric ways.

A man like that could afford to keep the rest of the world out of reach.

She drew a breath and ventured, "Could you possibly spare me some cash?"

"I hardly think we're close enough for such requests, unless you intend to..."

Leland's words were cut off by Bethany's urgent interruption. "Two hundred thousand, and we forget last night ever occurred," she declared, her voice tinged with desperation.

To Bethany, in the shadow of Shawn's ordeal, pride and dignity held no weight.

Leland remained silent, watching as the color drained from her face.

She wanted to laugh it off as a joke, but her tongue was frozen, words failing her.

Then, breaking the silence, Leland's chuckle was low and disbelieving.

His laughter steeped her in a depth of humiliation she had never known.

In that instant, her pride and dignity crumbled to pieces.

Yet, the need for money was dire, and the man before her had deep pockets.

Chapter 2 Shouldering Everything
Half an hour later, Bethany staggered back home, clutching the two hundred thousand dollars like it was a lifeline.

Inside, Shawn was tied to a chair, his face twisted with rage as he glared at the men surrounding him. He spat out curses, struggling against the ropes holding him down.

The moment he saw her, his expression changed. "Beth! What the hell are you doing here? You should've run!"

Breathless from sprinting up seven flights of stairs, Bethany leaned against the doorway, sweat mingling with her fear.

"I'm here, aren't I?" she shot back, glaring coldly at the men. "Here's the money. Now let my brother go."

The man with tatt**s's eyes narrowing in surprise. "You really brought it? Where's the cash?"

Without a word, Bethany pulled out her phone and transferred the money to his account. "Check it. Now get out," she ordered.

Bethany dropped to her knees beside Shawn, hands trembling as she fumbled with the knots.

Even after the transaction went through, the man didn't move. He chuckled, shaking his head. "Why do you keep fighting, huh? A girl like you... Mr. Wells could take good care of you. He's got money and power. You could--"

Before he could finish, Shawn, freed from the ropes, rushed straight over. "Sh*t your d*mned mouth! Get out! Now!"

"What the--? Are you crazy?!" The men scrambled back and out of the door, cursing.

Shawn slammed the door behind them, his breathing heavy with anger. His eyes, now red with frustration, bore into Bethany. "Tell me you didn't go to that b**tard Julian."

Bethany collapsed into a chair, fighting to keep her composure. "I didn't."

Shawn wasn't convinced. "Then where the hell did you get that kind of money?"

Bethany hesitated, but she forced herself to remain calm. "A friend lent it to me."

It had only been a week since she'd discovered the truth about Julian and ended things with him, but the creditors had been relentless.

The debt collectors, once patient, became aggressive, demanding more and more. All while her grandma's medical bills piled up in the hospital, getting higher month after month.

Everyone said the same thing: crawl back to Julian, beg for his help. But Bethany's pride wouldn't allow it.

If she caved now, she would never stand tall again.

Shawn wasn't letting it go. "Which friend? What's their name?"

They had already asked everyone they could for help. The most anyone had given was a few thousand here and there, often without expecting repayment, but no one could lend her two hundred thousand in one go.

Bethany rose and headed into the kitchen. "It's someone from work. I'll handle it. Stop worrying."

But she didn't notice Shawn's eyes fixed on the faint marks on her neck, his expression twisting with anger.

Bethany opened the fridge, trying to distract herself with the task of cooking. "You'll have to take dinner to Grandma later. I'm not feeling well and need some rest."

When she didn't hear a reply, she glanced back into the living room. Shawn stood still, staring at the floor, his face darkened by frustration.

His fury simmering beneath the surface--not just at Julian, but at his own helplessness. His sister was shouldering everything, and now... for his sake...

His voice broke as he wiped at his eyes, trying to keep his emotions in check. "I get it."

"Shawn..." Bethany's heart ached, but before she could say anything more, he turned and disappeared into his room.

She sighed, staring at the closed door.

Soon, dinner was ready.

She knocked softly on Shawn's door. "Dinner's done. Come eat something."

Silence greeted her.

"Shawn?" she called again.

The door creaked open, and Shawn emerged, his face set in a hard expression, a backpack slung lazily over his shoulder.

He avoided her eyes as he picked up the packed food. "I'll take this to Grandma... You rest up. Don't wait up; I'll go straight to school after the hospital."

His words were rushed, almost mechanical, and before Bethany could respond, he was already out the door.

Chapter 3 Julian's Princess
Bethany closed her eyes, taking a few deep breaths. Exhaustion seeped into every muscle, both mentally and physically drained.

She pushed the fatigue to the back of her mind, hurried through a shower, and, without bothering to dry her hair, collapsed onto the bed. Sleep took hold almost instantly.

But her rest was far from peaceful. Nightmares hounded her sleep, leaving her tossing and turning.

When the phone rang, she jolted awake, disoriented.

It was already evening, and the room was shrouded in a dim, fading light. A cold breeze crept in through the slightly open window, rustling the curtains.

Her head throbbed painfully. She touched her forehead, feeling the alarming heat radiating from her skin.

"Just my luck," she thought bitterly, sighing as she tried to shake off the grogginess.

The phone kept ringing, insistent and shrill. She fumbled for it, her voice scratchy and hoarse. "Hello..."

"Bethany! Do you even want this job or not?" The irate voice of the convenience store owner rang in her ear. "If you don't, just quit already!"

Bethany's eyes flew to the clock on the wall. It was past six. Her heart sank. She'd only landed this part-time job a couple of days ago, working the night shift at a small convenience store.

"I'm on my way!"

She couldn't afford to lose this job--not with Julian's constant meddling and threats. Without it, she'd have no income at all.

She rummaged through a drawer, popped two anti-cold pills, and hastily got herself ready. Her body protested every move, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through.

No matter how chaotic her life was, she had to keep going.

She still had her brother and grandma to think about. She'd be damned if she let Julian crush her spirit.

By the time she arrived at the store, the street was bustling with people. It was late, and the convenience store, located opposite the popular bar Whales, was busier than usual.

After serving a rush of patrons, Bethany leaned against the counter, eyelids heavy.

She took out her phone and sent a quick message to Shawn. "Don't worry about the money. I'll handle it. Just focus on your studies."

The message went unanswered. She guessed he was probably still upset.

Bethany sighed, resting her head on her folded arms, intending to close her eyes for just a minute. But fatigue pulled her into a deeper slumber.

The shrill entry chime jerked her awake.

Without even opening her eyes fully, she straightened up out of reflex. "Welcome--"

"Hey there, gorgeous. Gimme a pack of ci**rettes." A young man's voice rang out, flippant and overly familiar.

Bethany blinked and looked up. The guy with bleached blue hair lifted his head from his phone, and his eyes widened. "Whoa! Bethany?"

Bethany stiffened. Alec Simpson. Leland's shadow, his loyal little sidekick. Wherever Leland went, Alec followed, no questions asked.

Bethany instinctively glanced out the store's window. And there he was.

Leland stood on the side of the street, surrounded by his usual crowd.

But even with all the attention on him, his expression remained indifferent. His hands were buried deep in his pockets, his gaze aloof, detached.

Alec never got along with Julian, and as a result, he also looked down on Bethany. Alec's mouth twisted into a smirk as he glanced back at Bethany.

"Well, well... Leland! You won't believe who I just ran into!" he called out to the group outside, his voice carrying a mocking edge. "It's Julian's princess!"

The term wasn't a compliment. It was a sneer, a jab at how out of place she'd always seemed among Julian's circle, who'd mocked her for being too "proper" for them.

Leland's eyes, shadowed beneath dark lashes, shifted lazily towards Bethany. The moment their gazes met, a chill ran down her spine.

His expression didn't change. He just stared, emotionless, as if she were a complete stranger.

Then, with a slight lift of his brow, he turned away and looked at Alec. "Get the ci**rettes."

Alec's smirk disappeared as he quickly grabbed a pack and paid.

Like the loyal lapdog he was, he jogged back to the side of the street, offering the pack to Leland. He even went as far as to light one for him.

Leland didn't move to take it, his hands still firmly in his pockets.

He then moved. A small entourage followed in his wake as he crossed the street.

Chapter 4 Julian Was Attacked
Bethany withdrew her gaze, sinking back into the chair, her thoughts drifting aimlessly.

Long before she got involved with Julian, she had already known about Leland.

In fact, she had known him, even if he never knew her.

They went to the same high school. Once, after classes, she was cornered in an alley by a bully from another school who tried to force her into being his girlfriend. Out of nowhere, Leland had appeared and intervened.

Suddenly, Bethany's phone rang, interrupting the memories.

Julian's name flashed across the screen.

She stared at it blankly until the ringing stopped.

Bethany sneered in the heart coldly. She immediately blocked his number and deleted his contact information. Yet, a heavy weight settled on her chest, suffocating her.

Julian had toyed with her feelings, and now that his lies were exposed, all those sweet promises turned into jagged shards, cutting deep into her heart.

Across the street, the bar Whales continued to buzz with activity. It was only late into the night when something broke out inside, causing screams and a frenzy among the patrons.

Chaos ensued.

Bethany barely spared it a second glance.

She'd only been working here for less than a week, but brawls were a regular occurrence at Whales--drunk patrons, petty squabbles. They'd settle down soon enough.

But tonight felt different. Soon, an ambulance arrived, its sirens blaring through the night air.

The street outside swarmed with people, all crowding and pushing to get a better view.

Bethany leaned over the counter and caught a glimpse of someone being carried into the ambulance. And then police cars appeared, lights flashing ominously.

The owner of the neighboring shop stepped out, craning his neck to see. He grabbed a man's shoulder and asked, "Hey buddy, what's going on?"

"You know Julian Wells, right? That wealthy heir? He got attacked!"

Hearing Julian's name made Bethany's heart skip a beat. The owner of the neighboring shop looked taken aback. "Julian Wells? Who the hell would dare to attack him? He and his family practically own this city!"

"Crazy, isn't it? From what I heard, it was some boy--barely in high school--who rushed in with a kn*fe and nearly took Julian's h**d off."

A raspy voice came from the two men. "Who did you say attacked Julian?"

Bethany recalled Shawn's sulky expression when he left yesterday, and a strong sense of foreboding surged in her heart.

Alec stumbled out of the crowd, he glared at the man before whipping his head towards Bethany, a twisted grin spreading across his face. "Bethany! Your brother's a real daredevil, huh?"

Bethany's vision swam. In an instant, it felt as if every last bit of strength drained from her body.

Chapter 5 Soften Him Up
The sky was still cloaked in darkness when Bethany stumbled out of the car at 5 a.m., her breath fogging in the crisp morning air. She rushed inside the police station, heart pounding.

"Are you Bethany Harper?" A middle-aged officer looked her up and down, voice gruff.

"Y-yes, that's me."

He gave a curt nod and led her through the narrow hallway toward the interrogation room.

"Your younger brother attacked someone with a kn*fe. There are witnesses and solid evidence. No one was seriously hurt, but his actions are inexcusable. Even if he's underage, there's no escaping criminal responsibility."

The officer's irritation was palpable as he continued, "Parents today just don't discipline their kids properly. But when those kids cross a line like this, suddenly everyone's anxious."

Bethany felt a tremor run through her entire body. The officer's harsh words made her pulse quicken. "Officer, there must be some mistake. My brother has always been so obedient--he's never even been in a fight before. How could he--"

Her voice faltered. Shawn was a boy with a quiet demeanor and gentle eyes. She knew he'd done this for her.

"You can ask him yourself. The cameras caught everything. And there were plenty of witnesses."

With a push, the officer opened the door to the interrogation room, gesturing toward the young man sitting inside. "He won't tell us why he did it. Maybe you can talk some sense into him. If he cooperates and the victim decides not to press charges, he might still have a chance."

Bethany's gaze was drawn to the figure seated inside, but before she could step in, the clattering sound of footsteps echoed down the corridor.

A group of officers appeared, there was also a young man.

Bethany didn't expect to meet Leland here.

Her mind went blank, and a ringing sound filled her ears.

Leland, dressed in all black, watched on indifferently, hands casually tucked in his pockets.

The officer sighed, speaking softly to Bethany. "Your brother's still young. You'd better find a way to settle things out of court. Otherwise, his whole life could be ruined. "

The frustration and helplessness she'd held back surged forward in a wave.

She buried her face in her arms, tears silently soaking her sleeves.

Just for a moment. She'd allow herself to feel weak for just a little while.

After a few minutes, she lifted her head, wiping away the last traces of vulnerability and stood up.

But her body betrayed her. Just a few steps in, her vision darkened, and she felt herself falling forward.

The pain she braced for never came.

Instead, she collapsed into a strong, steady embrace, enveloped by the faint scent of to**cco.

Richard Graham just arrived at the police station, catching a glimpse of his boss Leland holding an woman in his arms.

Suppressing his surprise, he hurried over and greeted Leland respectfully.

"Boss..."

His eyes drifted to the woman Leland was cradling. Loose strands of her hair fell away, revealing her face.

Bethany quickly pushed away, her eyes fixed on the man's face.

Leland's handsome face cool and detached, tinged with what looked like pity.

Pity?

No. That couldn't be. Leland wasn't capable of that emotion.

Bethany squinted, but all she saw was the same indifferent coldness. He looked at her as if she were a stray dog--something to be discarded and forgotten.

Must've been her imagination. She instinctively brushed her fingers against the corner of her eyes, confirming there were no lingering tears.

She was already a mess--crying would only make her more pathetic.

From Leland's angle, her face was pale as death, but her eyes and lips stood out, provocatively red.

It reminded him of that night...

"Julian listens to reason, not force. If you're smart, you'll soften him up."

He paused, like a detached observer enjoying the drama. "He still has a soft spot for you. Who knows, maybe he'll take you back."

Bethany's lips curled into a bitter smile. "The only reason I'd go back to him is to tell him I don't give a damn about him--and that I've already slept with his best friend."

......

What happens next?

Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters
(Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app)

&5&

Her Time Tales

https://www.facebook.com/61565195476127/

LEARN_MORE