The Billionaire Who Stole My Heart

Throughout the journey, Kari's mind was swamped with concerns about Brittany. With limited information, her worries only intensified, fearing the worst might have happened. Ronald had been asleep for over an hour before he finally stirred to wakefulness.

Seeing the anxious look on her face, he asked a flight attendant for a cup of warm water. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "Ms. Lynette isn't someone who gets easily taken advantage of."

Upon her arrival in Craneville, Brittany had stayed for nearly half a year. Not only did she find her biological father, but she also changed her surname, becoming an heir to the prestigious Lynette family of Craneville. Kari tried to calm herself down.

"Hungry?"

Indeed, Kari hadn't eaten all day and felt quite hungry.

Ronald requested two meals and a cup of coffee from the flight attendant.

"Try to cut down on the coffee," he suggested.

Kari rarely touched coffee unless she was working overtime.

"Just a little, won't hurt," she replied.

Ronald generously shared his portion of meat with Kari, while taking her unwanted greens onto his plate, a gesture he performed naturally as if it had been their routine for years, despite the decade that had passed since. Kari pursed her lips, focusing on her meal.

The in-flight meal was surprisingly good, and Kari managed to eat most of it before she felt too full to continue.

Noticing her wiping her mouth, Ronald tidied up the trays and requested a cup of warm milk for her.

The flight attendant, blushing when she caught Ronald's glance, provided excellent service.

Kari noticed this small detail and felt a bit uneasy, though Ronald seemed oblivious, fetching a blanket and pillow for her. "Try to get some rest," he said. "We still have seven to eight hours before we reach Craneville." Covered with the blanket, Kari closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Arriving in Craneville in the dead of night, Ronald led Kari out of the airport, heading straight for the hotel they had booked.

Outside the airport, a driver was waiting.

"Mr. Malone."

The driver greeted Ronald and opened the car door for them. "I've been waiting for a while. Please, get in."

After loading the luggage, Ronald motioned for Kari to enter the car.

The driver, starting the car, noticed Kari. "And who might this be?"

"Kari," Ronald introduced.

"Nice to meet you, Ms. Malone," the driver nodded.

Kari, preoccupied with thoughts of Brittany Lynette, acknowledged him with a nod and began texting Brittany. Brittany, I've arrived in Craneville.

Where are you? Are you okay? I want to see you.

There was no reply, and Kari grew increasingly anxious.

"Don't worry," Ronald comforted her, holding her hand. "She's Ms. Lynette. No one can harm her."

Kari understood, but the fear remained.

Brittany had been the kindest to her, and she feared for Brittany's safety, recalling how, five years ago, she had disappeared after a river incident. Feeling Kari's hand not pulling away, Ronald breathed a sigh of relief.

With her mind in turmoil, Kari followed Ronald to the hotel to check in.

Originally, Ronald had booked two suites, but due to a full occupancy, they were left with only one available suite.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

"Kari, you'll have to stay with me," Ronald said, slightly surprised by the turn of events but not displeased.

The presidential suite was spacious, boasting three bedrooms, more than enough for the two of them. Kari, concerned about the cost, reluctantly agreed.

After checking in and having their luggage taken care of by the driver, they made their way to their room. Ronald urged Kari to take a shower.

After her shower, Kari went straight to bed and fell asleep.

Having slept for several hours on the plane, Ronald used the time to catch up on work.

When Old Mr. Malone learned of his arrival in Craneville, he called. "Why on earth did you go to Craneville?"

"Just needed a change of scenery," Ronald replied, not mentioning it was for Kari.