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Rejected Billionaire Chapter 13丨New Suit, New Style
Conor had the driver drop him off at the Cochan Mall on the southeast end of the city’s central square. Mr. Miros was waiting for him near the stone lions at the mall entrance. “These will make amazing stock photos! Many ads can be made with something like this!” exclaimed Miros. “That is excellent Mr. Miros!” “Just call me Peter, after all, we are about the same age. It just feels weird to be called Mr. Miros all the time,” he chuckled. “Fair enough. In that case, call me Conor.” Conor shook hands with Peter and then pointed down a side alley. “If you come over this way, I think you will be impressed.” Down the side of the mall, a huge mural had been graffitied onto the wall, depicting massive dragon wings. If one stood before them, you could almost feel as if the wings sprouted from your shoulders and prepared to sweep you into the sky. “This… This right here will sell the world over,” Peter exclaimed, already snapping photos. Conor walked up to the wings, placing his hand i
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 14丨A Cut Above the Rest
As they turned to leave, a shrill voice pierced the air, “That wouldn’t be the infamous Conor Brantley, would it? Does that bastard think he can show his face here after failing so publicly with Celia’s Herbals? And what is he doing in a suit like that! After his losses, he’s likely stealing it!”Conor sighed inwardly and turned to face the source of the voice. A girl, overly made-up and dressed head to toe in garish pink, stood clinging to the arm of none other than Nyman Banks.“Hello, Nyman. I see you have a new girlfriend,” Conor said coolly, his tone indicating he was ready to leave.Nyman smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice. “Conor, I hope you’re treating Jessica well. And yes, this is Natalia Silverton. So, tell us, Conor, are you stealing that suit, or have your prospects finally turned?”Before Conor could respond, Peter attempted to diffuse the tension by interjecting, “Well, Conor is working with me on a photo shoot.”Nyman laughed derisively. “HA! Okay, Conor. So, you’re
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 15丨New Beginnings
An hour later, Peter walked in to find the chair empty and Anthony grinning from ear to ear. “You brought me a challenge, my boy, and I do love a good challenge.” “Where is Conor?” he asked quizzically. “O Conor, Dear, come show us that devilishly handsome self of yours.” Conor stepped out from behind a screen near the rear of the shop and Peter was taken aback. Conor was thrilled as he watched a riot of emotion play over Peter’s face. “So, what do you think?” Conor asked, giving a bit of a spin. His shaggy hair had been neatly trimmed with a waved part to the right. His dark hair glistened as a light breeze from a nearby fan teased it. His beard had also gone from a scraggly unkempt thing to a sharp-looking close cut. “If your wife wasn’t pleased with you before, she might have to pause any arguments just to take it all in! Or at least be willing to give you a shot, just on looks alone!” Peter chuckled. Conor was pleased. The idea of improving himself and making Jessica happy w
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 16丨Escaping the Monsters
“Conor?” The door cracked open, revealing a blurry-eyed teen in a rumpled tee-shirt.“Hey, Yuri. Can I hang out here for a bit? Things are a little… crowded next door.”“Yeah, sure. Crowded?” Yuri held open the door, his curiosity piqued.“Monster-in-law,” Conor muttered, stepping inside and giving Yuri a half-hearted smile.“Ah, I get it. Well, I can show you the new release images on the game! Mr. Nuri has been amazing to work with. Oh, I forgot to mention—Mom got a new job thanks to him! She’ll be working as an assistant for some photo company that needs a secretary. We’re probably going to move in a few weeks!”“Really! That’s great news! Where do you think you’ll move to?”“Well, Mr. Nuri told her about this new part of town. It’s a bit farther away from most things, but the rent is better, and there’s a lot more space. He said they’re putting in super high-end utility lines, so I should be able to run all my systems at full speed! Mom’s thrilled too—she hates the traffic in town,
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 17丨Monster-in-law (Jessica's POV)
The apartment “I am telling you, Jessica, he has already proven himself a failure. It's time to move on.” “Mom, I think he is really trying. You saw how he cleaned up and made dinner. He is working hard” “Jessica, it's been, like, two days of this new Conor. Are you really going to forget over three years of failures because he trimmed his hair? He just wants time in bed with you and you know it.” “It’s not like he has gotten any in a few years…” Jessica muttered humorlessly. “But he is trying to improve. I don’t see any reason to discourage his new attitudes. He has been working at the GrizlHut now for over two months. He seems to really be working hard.” “Just… don’t open yourself to just be hurt again. I don’t see him being able to be worthy of you, no matter how much effort he puts in.” “I know mom, but… I want to give him the chance.” “Nyman is not going to wait for you forever, dear. If you really want him, you need to be prepared to make the separation sooner than later.
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 18丨Rent is DUE!
A quick glance into the apartment convinced Conor to stay away that night. His room had apparently been volunteered to his mother-in-law. Thankfully, Yuri’s mother never seemed to mind when he was over, and she was still working all night shifts until her new position started. The next morning, when he woke up, it took Conor a minute to remember where he was. He rolled off the thin pallet Yuri had helped him make on the floor and stretched. He glanced at the clock and swore. He was going to be late for the Grizlhut shift again. Rushing out the door, he passed Yuri’s mom, just getting back from her shift. “Conor? Were you playing games all night? Yuri really needs sleep. I had hoped you would be a better influence on him!” “Sorry, Miss. Lochman. I really have to go, or I will be late.” Conor sprinted through the door, Miss. Lochman frowned in disapproval as he left. When he arrived at the GrizlHut, Cara was already prepping ingredients. “Pops wants your new dough today, so you be
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 19丨Pizza Delivery = Special delivery!
The next day was more drudgery at the GrizlHut. Working with Cara was a boon, but overall, the work was boring, hot, and very greasy. Conor wished he could shower three times a day or more. But he stuck to his promise to Jessica and even volunteered to make deliveries that evening for the extra tip money. “In what car, Conor?” Pops asked. “You have been walking to work for weeks!” Conor stared at the ground realizing how stupid the idea had been. Cara poked her head in. “Conor… you can drive right?” Conor looked at her and nodded. “Are you sure? You are not without a car because of accidents?” “No accidents.” Cara stared hard at him as she considered. “Don’t make me regret this.” She fished her keys out of her pocket and held them out to Conor. Just as he was reaching for them, she pulled them back and gave him a hard stare, “You bring my car back in one piece tonight, and with a full tank of gas, you hear?” Conor nodded and she slowly handed him the keys. “If you damage my ca
Rejected Billionaire Chapter 20丨My Lawyer - Mr. Nuri
Conor was relieved when Mr. Nuri walked into the interrogation room a few minutes later. He tried to stand but the cuffs held him down to the table. “Mr. Nuri! Thank Celia! I have no idea what is going on! I came back from…” Mr. Nuri cut him off with a gesture. “Not here, Conor.” Then to the detective who was lurking outside, “Uncuff my client.” “Sir, he is charged with serious drug trafficking crimes!” “WHAT?” cried Conor, horrified that he was even associated with such activity. “CONOR, not here,” Admonished Mr. Nuri. “Detective, I advise you to get your evidence in order. We will deal with you in the morning.” “I have video,” The detective said sheepishly. Conor looked puzzled. Mr. Nuri was furious, “Thank you for finally sharing that. Show us. AFTER you uncuff my client!” Reluctantly the detected did uncuff Conor before setting a computer before them. The video was dark and hard to make out. Conor was surprised that there was even a camera at this location. It was the first
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- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 22: Train rides
Monday morning broke with a cool spring breeze showing the last vestiges of winter before summer’s heat. Conor tossed his suitcase into the back of the SUV and hopped into the passenger seat.Parker drove them to Kerrigan’s house, pausing briefly to acknowledge the gate guard. Conor recognized him as one of Colonel Eli’s men he had seen around Vokrizin.“Jamison is a good man. He will make sure nothing happens to Miss Lokir’s house while you all are away,” Parker said.Conor just nodded.They pulled up to Kerrigan’s house and Parker honked twice.Conor jumped out when he saw the four ladies exit with several bags each. He and Parker quickly moved to help and filled the back of the SUV with bags, nearly completely blocking any hope of looking out the back window.“Guess you are moving out. No plans to return?” Conor asked.Kerrigan replied smoothly, “I am sure I will be back. This isn’t a fraction of what is in that house.”Parker closed the trunk and addressed everyone, “The Colonel do
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 21: Kelan
Targu Province. Saturday night “A toast! To our good brother Kelan, for without him, many of us would still be scrapping the bottom of the barrel here in Velyki!” declared Darren Krellis. “Here, here!” chorused the room. "My family thanks you for letting us take over this place and turn it into the exclusive club Velykie can be proud of!" Darren declared. Kelan Benedict stood and saluted the room with his wine glass and took a swig. “Brothers and lovely guests,” he began, eyeing the ladies around the room dressed in tight-fitting evening gowns. “Tonight, I thank you for this gracious meal. Hopefully, the future will bring mutual benefit as the Benedict family begins its absorption of Velyki and then Targu!” There was a round of cheers and Kelan slumped back into his seat, wrapping his arm around Clarise, a tall attractive blonde dressed in a red dress that did wonders for her figure. “Brother Kelan,” came a grading voice beside him as someone sat down on the couch. Kelan took h
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Chapter 20 : Visiting the Spice Emporium
“That was crazy,” Conor said as they headed across the street. Kerrigan slipped up beside him, slipping her hand into his, “I get the feeling that our lives will always attract crazy.” Conor sighed, “It does seem that way. Let’s see how Mr. Arroz is doing.” Conor gave Kerrigan’s hand a gentle squeeze as they crossed the street and stepped into the spice shop. A small bell sounded as they walked in. “Be right up!” came the bellow from the back room. Conor pointed to the glass case that protected the world from the hottest spice known, Abrasax’s wrath. “Now, any idea how we can get Kelan and perhaps Nyman to swallow that whole jar?” Kerrigan giggled, “I have a few I would like to feed it to. Think Mr. Arroz will part with the whole jar?” “Depends if he thinks he can replace it,” Conor said as Faolon brushed past him. “Hey, Faolan! Sit! PRALL!” Faolan came back and sat at his feet. Kerrigan looked up at him, “She just wants to sniff. This whole place is full of new smells.” “I k
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch19: Entitlement
Conor and Kerrigan rode in companionable silence for most of the trip back to town, content to rest from the day’s climbing. They sat, each leaning against opposing car windows, but their legs met, touching from knee to heel. Conor felt their fingers brush and gently laced his with hers, enjoying how her hand fit so perfectly with his.It was near dinner time when they finally turned onto the street near the Spice Emporium. As Parker pulled into a parking space at the far end of the street, Conor noticed the Grizlehut. It had been a long time since he had thought about his old job. While his condominium home was at the far end of the street, he never come down this way anymore. Too often, Parker would be waiting for him, and they would simply drive the other direction to get to Vokrizin.Conor reached for the door and realized Kerrigan was completely passed out against her window. He leaned over and gently shook her shoulder. As she came awake, Conor saw a flash of panic cross her face
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 18: Trust building
He changed his hand position and reached, finding the quickdraw dangling from its anchor. He clipped the rope in and began his attempt to crest the bulge in the rock. As he pivoted, he realized the angle he was moving to would erase any grip he had on that hold. As he thought this, he felt a weightless sensation as he began to fall away from the rock. The rope went taught and jerked him mid-air as Kerrigan was pulled off her feet, flying fifteen feet in the air. She managed to hold the rope in its breaking position but her head was dangerously close to his feet. When he had caught his breath, Conor looked down into Kerrigan’s terrified green eyes. “Fancy meeting you up here. Think we could meet up again, once we are safely on the ground?” Kerrigan gawked at him for a second before smiling, “I suppose I could let you down, but You are at my mercy. I might just have to leave you up here like a pinata.” Conor chuckled as he watched her slowly release tension, lowering herself back dow
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 17: Rock climbing
“OK, now it's time for you to try. Who is up first?” Conor volunteered. “Fine, Kerrigan, you are on belay. I will back you up and walk you through each step. I want you both to understand, Lead climbing like this places your life in the hands of your partner. If you don’t trust each other and learn not only to communicate but to anticipate each other’s needs, you will fail and likely hurt each other.” Kerrigan looked dubiously at Parker. “Conor is easily 50 pounds heavier than me!” Parker eyed Conor’s muscular but toned form, “You are what? 200 or 210 pounds these days?” “Last I checked, yea, right at 205.” “Should be fine. Kerrigan, you just have to learn to brace yourself correctly. You could go for a ride but if you use the skills I taught you earlier you could even belay me, and I am 230 pounds these days. Climbing is about technique as much as it is about skill. Now, let's get Conor tied in.” Parker tied the end of the climbing rope to Conor’s harness and showed Kerrigan.
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch16:
Conor leaned against the SUV with Parker standing across from him checking through a few bags of gear. “We have three ropes, harnesses for everyone, belay devices, and four full sets of quickdraws. I am also bringing a few crash pads. I don’t plan on you needing to use them but we will put them along the base just in case. Here, try these on.” Parker tossed a pair of strange shoes to him. Conor looked at the shoes that had a sharp curve to the toe and the sole was a flat rubber that followed the arch curve. The tan material seemed to be some sort of soft doeskin or very supple leather. Conor tried to pull the shoe on but his toes cramped and they were shoved into the tight shoes. “Umm, I think these are too small.” Parker walked over and check them. “your heal fits right?” “Yea, but my toes are all curled” “Painfully curled or just uncomfortably curled?” Conor considered before finally replying, “just uncomfortable. My shoes are normally a bit loose.” “Then they fit perfectly.
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 15: Issues at home
Kerrigan spent the next day walking around the property at her house with Faolan. It had been a while since they had been able to just play, and she took this opportunity to play fetch. Thankfully her right arm still functioned, though being it was her off-hand, it was a bit awkward to throw. She figured this was good training for anything that might injure her dominant arm. Mercifully she had awoken almost entirely pain-free. The pills the Colonel had given her had truly worked wonders overnight and she had to admit, she was looking forward to being able to learn to climb the sheer rock faces near the waterfall tomorrow. The day passed rather uneventfully, and as the sun set Kerrigan found herself curled up on the back porch on one of their outdoor couches, with Faolan warming her feet with her furry mass. Reilynn stepped out a few minutes later with two glasses of wine and handed one to Kerrigan as Gabriella come out behind her. the girls each sank into chairs and leaned back, look
- Rejected Billionaire
S3 Ch 14: Kerrigan's Family revelations
The next morning Kerrigan arrived on the roof of Vokrizin for their daily training session. Colonel Eli strode over to her but before he could start setting her to drills she decided to interject, “I actually wanted to talk to you.” “Oh?” “two things really. First, do you think tomorrow I could take the girls climbing? Perhaps Conor will join us?” The Colonel glanced to where Parker was sparing with Conor, “I don’t see why that should be a problem.” He looked to Reilynn, “You feel confident in training them?” “Yes, sis.” “Fine, I will requisition the gear. What size shoe do you were, Miss Lokir?” “Umm about 23.5 cm.” “Hmm ok. I will make sure to get you and Conor some. Be warned, they will be tight. These are not meant for walking, they are designed for grip. Don’t be surprised if they feel a size or two smaller than is comfortable. What was the other thing?” “I am returning to Dragon Corporation at the end of the week.” “Ah, I see. I will begin redeploying a detail. We still
