Conor arrived at the Spice Emporium to find the shop bustling with customers, the air thick with the rich aromas of exotic spices. He barely had time to take in the familiar surroundings before spotting Cara and Peter approaching, their faces alight with excitement.“Well, you two look pleased with yourselves. What’s going on?” Conor asked, raising an eyebrow at their enthusiastic expressions.Cara's face practically glowed as she glanced up at Peter, who smiled down at her. “Peter has asked me to go with him on a trip to Targu Province.”“Targu? What’s taking you there?” Conor asked, genuinely curious. The province was known for its historical sites, but it wasn’t the typical destination for a romantic getaway.Peter stepped in to explain, “I’ve got an opportunity to visit the Temple of Abrasax. There are some incredible spots for photography out there, and it’s a great chance to expand AperturePhoto. Plus, we might find some new angles for the brand.”Conor nodded thoughtfully but co

62: Deinmaar Kendov

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

When the evening wrapped up, Conor headed for his SUV parked around back. As he reached to open the door, a shadow loomed over him. “Hand over the pendant, Roviin Felkir,” a gruff hand tightened on his shoulder. Conor panicked, but images of his short training with Celia flooded his mind. He ducked and spun, trying to process the odd words the man had spoken. “What do you want? And what did you call me?” Conor backed toward the Spice Emporium hoping to draw attention. Four more figures appeared, one was

63: Community Center Misses Cara

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

The next morning, Parker drove Conor and Anna to the community center. When they arrived, Johnathan come out to greet them. “Ah, Conor! You did come back. Good to see you again. You haven’t happened to have seen our wayward Cara recently, have you? The kids miss her terribly.” “Did she not tell you? Her new boyfriend Peter has swept her off her feet and taken her off to Targu Province for a sightseeing trip. I believe they are not due back for about two weeks.” “I see. Well, good for her… Tell me, is he

64: Bayan Rail

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

The next week, Mr. Nuri called for a meeting with Conor. The team assembled in the large boardroom of Vokrizin. It was the first time this large room had been used. When Conor arrived, he saw Mr. Hartland there, who had negotiated his original contract with NewAge Gaming. “Mr. Hartland, how goes business these days?” “Very well Mr. Brantley. “I like the new office space, but I noticed on the way in this is Vokrizin. I am not sure I am familiar with the company. Will they be partnering with us?”Read more

65: Anna's suggestion

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

As the team departed, Anna hung back to speak with Conor. “Conor?” “What is it, Anna?” “I have been thinking. While it is… convenient to already be at the office in the morning… I think it may be time for us to find you a proper apartment. The room was never really designed for you to live in full time. It was only me

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

Tuesday morning, Conor was working his shift at Jackson's furniture, helping his teammate Ryan move a large sofa from the floor to the loading bay for a client when a familiar voice made him nearly drop the sofa. “Hey, pay attention!” called Ryan, struggling to keep his end up. Conor quickly lifted his end back up and maneuvered the corner into the back warehouse. Once the sofa was placed, Ryan demanded, “What gives? Have you gone spacey on me?” Read more

67: Apartment shoping

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

Conor worked his normal shift the following day, walking out to find Anna sitting in her car waiting for him. She rolled down the window. “Ready to go look at some apartments?” “Sure, do you have some picked out?” he asked, sliding into the passenger seat. “I found a few just around the corner from here, and one over by the spice shop. But, I do have some bad news.”

68: Team recap

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

The next day, Conor left his office apartment and went to the conference room. He peered around the corner and saw Kayle sitting at the secretary desk. “Kayle, would you please call the team for a meeting?” “Sure thing Mr. Brantley,” she replied with a smile. A few minutes later, Mr. Nuri, Jarad, Anna, and Abby piled into the conference room and took their seats around Conor.

69: Dream Training

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

‘You are doing well, young Kendov. However, your training is lax.’ Conor mentally pressed back, ‘I have been a bit busy’ Celia’s mental prod followed him as he entered his secret room, ‘Your bedroom escapades with miss Anna were permissible for a time. I was not about to deny you such comforts. However, I believe even she senses that time is coming to an end. She is not your mat

70: Community life

Rejected Billionaire/Drew Archeron

as the weeks went on, Conor found himself drawn once more to the community center. Since Cara had left on her trip, he felt the urge to visit more often. When he arrived, several of the kids rushed out to greet him. Little Hannah piped up, “Did you bring us anything, Mr. Conor?” Conor couldn’t help but chuckle, “Not this time, but perhaps you will let me play with you some. How does that sound?” Read more

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