Chapter 3 Troubled Minds

(Tony's POV)

As I went through the files on my table, I couldn't shake off the feeling that she was different from the usual women I had encountered. Her vulnerability and tears had struck a chord within me, and I found myself wondering what had driven her to my bed.

I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on my business dealings. But throughout the day, my mind kept wandering back to her, her delicate features, and her soft curves.

When I finally returned to the suite, She was gone, but a note on the bedside table caught my eye.

"Thank you for taking care of me. I'll never forget your kindness."

My expression softened, ever so slightly. Kindness? Is that what she thought it was? He had only done what was necessary to keep her occupied, to keep her from prying into his business.

But as I gazed at the note, I realized that maybe, just maybe, I had been wrong about her. Maybe she was more than just a vulnerable woman in need of rescue.

And with that thought, Tony Martin, the cold and arrogant billionaire, felt a crack in his armor, a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could be more than just a heartless tycoon.

I shook my head and erased the thought from my mind. " it was just a one night stand," I assured myself.

I dropped the note and headed to the bathroom.

I freshened up in the bathroom, the cool water splashing on my face a welcome relief from the day's stress. I towel-dried my face and headed back to the living room, my mind already shifting to my business calls.

I spent the next hour on the phone, discussing everything from mergers to marketing strategies. My team was efficient, and I was pleased with the progress they were making.

As the calls wrapped up, I glanced at my watch. It was getting late, and I was ready to call it a day. "Richard, I'm heading home," I said, my voice firm.

Richard nodded, already waiting by the door. "Very well, sir. The car is ready."

I followed Richard out of the suite and into the waiting car. The drive to my mansion was smooth, the city lights blurring together as they navigated the roads.

As the car pulled up to the mansion, I could see the warm glow of lights spilling out from the windows. My staff was waiting, their faces friendly and welcoming.

"Good evening, sir," my butler, Jenkins, said, opening the door. "Welcome home."

Jenkins has been my butler for many years. I can't remember, he's friendly and welcoming even though I'm always cold towards him and the other staffs.

I nodded, my face stern.

"Mrs. White has prepared your favorite dinner, and your schedule for tomorrow is already laid out in your study."

My eyes narrowed slightly, my mind already shifting to the next day's tasks. But as I entered the mansion, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was different. A small spark of hope had ignited within me, and I couldn't help but wonder if that girl had something to do with it.

I strode into the living room, my presence commanding attention from my staff. My sharp eyes scanned the room, my expression unreadable.

"Jenkins, I want my dinner served in my study," I barked, my voice firm. "And make sure it's prepared exactly to my liking."

Jenkins nodded, his eyes cast down. "Yes, sir. Right away, sir."

My gaze swept the room, my eyes lingering on the staff who were busily scurrying about. I am a man used to getting what I wanted, when I wanted it. And I didn't tolerate disobedience or incompetence.

As I entered my study, I was greeted by the sight of my dinner, perfectly prepared and presented. I sat down, my eyes scanning the documents on my desk.

But despite my focus on work, my mind kept wandering back to the event that happened the previous night.

But I pushed the thought aside, my arrogance and cold demeanor firmly back in place. He was Tony Martin, after all. He didn't have time for weakness or sentiment.

As the night wore on, my thoughts grew more turbulent. I couldn't understand why I was thinking about her so much. I had never been one to dwell on a woman after a one-night stand. But there was something about her that had gotten under my skin.

Just as I was starting to feel like I was losing my grip on my emotions, my phone rang. It was my business partner, Lucas.

"Tony, we need to talk," Lucas said, his voice serious. "There's a potential investor interested in our company, but they're wanting to meet with you personally."

My mind snapped back into focus. This was what I needed - a distraction from my thoughts of her.

"Set up the meeting," I growled. "I'll make sure to impress them."

As I hung up the phone, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I was back in control, and that lady was just a distant memory. I heaved a sigh of relief and called my driver.

(Author's POV)

As he waited for Richard, his mind wandered back to his humble beginnings, growing up in a poor neighborhood with a single mother working multiple jobs to make ends meet. He had always been driven to succeed, to provide a better life for himself and his mother.

He remembered the long hours he spent studying, the sacrifices he made to pursue his dreams. And finally, the hard work paid off - he landed a scholarship to a prestigious university, and his life changed forever.

Tony's rise to success was meteoric. He graduated top of his class, landed a high-paying job at a top investment firm, and eventually started his own company. He was ruthless in his pursuit of wealth and power, crushing anyone who stood in his way.

But as he looked back on his journey, Tony realized that his success had come at a cost. He had lost touch with his roots, with the people and places that had shaped him into the person he was today. And he had lost sight of what truly mattered in life.

As he sat in his study, surrounded by the trappings of his success, Tony felt a sense of emptiness. He had everything he had ever wanted, but it wasn't enough. He needed something more, something that would bring him true fulfillment.

"Boss, I'm here," Richard said interrupting his thoughts. He stood up and headed downstairs to the so called meeting.

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(Andi's POV)

I sat on my couch, staring blankly at the TV as Tina chattered on about her latest boyfriend. I nodded and smiled at the right moments, but my mind was elsewhere.

It had been weeks since the one night stand with the mysterious billionaire , and I couldn't shake off the feeling of emptiness inside me. I had thought that sleeping with someone would help me move on from my ex, but it had only made me feel worse.

Tina,sensing my distraction, turned to me with a concerned expression. "Hey, girl, what's wrong? You've been distant lately."

I forced a smile. "I'm fine,Tina. Just stressed with work and stuff."

She nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, I know how that is. But you know I'm here for you, right? We can talk about anything."

I appreciated her support, but I couldn't bring myself to open up about my encounter with the stranger. I felt ashamed and vulnerable, and I didn't want to burden her with my problems.

As the night wore on,I pretended to listen to Tina's stories, all the while thinking about the mysterious billionaire and the way he had made me feel. I couldn't believe I had let myself get so caught up in the moment, and now I was paying the price.

I took a deep breath and confided in Tina about my encounter with the billionaire. I told her everything, from the way I got drunk and ended up in the hotel in his room.

(Author's POV)

She listened attentively, her expression sympathetic. But beneath her concerned exterior, she was green with envy. She had always been jealous of Andi's beauty and her ability to attract wealthy men.

"I'm so sorry, Andi," she said, her voice laced with fake empathy. "That must have been really tough for you."

Andi nodded, feeling a sense of relief at finally sharing her secret. "Yeah, it was. But I'm glad I can talk to you about it."

Tina smiled, her eyes gleaming with envy. "Of course, girl. I'm always here for you."

But as they continued to talk, She couldn't help but feel resentful. Why did Andi get to experience the attention of a billionaire, while she was stuck in a string of failed relationships?

"Oh well.... I'd show her,"she said inwardly and smirked.