Trapped With the billionaire

to partner with her advertising agency? Their presentation had been impressive, but I'd rejected it, citing reasons that weren't entirely genuine. My mind lingered on Emily's involvement. Her actio

ready reaching for the phone. "Hello, Mom," I answered, dismissing Emily's presence momentarily. As I focused on the call, Emily's gaze never wavered. Her expression remained steadfast, a silent reminder that our conversation was far from over. My mom's voice commanded my attention, but my mind lingered on Emily's bold rejection. "Finally, you picked up, after your secretary told you of my threats, right?" My mom's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Mom, I'm in a crucial meeting. Can I-" "Hold on, young man," she interrupted, her tone firm. "What I have to say is equally important, and I won't be left hanging." I sighed, resigned. "What is it, Mom?" "Come home. Your bride can't tolerate the waiting anymore." My instincts flared. "I'm not ready for that yet." "Why not?" Mom's voice rose. "It's been three years since you put a ring on her finger. You rarely visit, and when you do, you treat her like a stranger, not your fiancée." "I don't want her, Mom! You've known that all along!" I bellowed into the phone, my anger boiling over. Emily's eyes widened, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat, a silent reminder that I had forgotten she was still in the office. "But she's your fiancée!" Mom countered, her voice rising. "You owe her father everything! He gave you a second chance at life with his kidney, enrolled you in the best schools, and made you the success you are today. And this one small request, you refuse?" "Don't use him as a reason!" I pleaded, my guilt simmering. "I'll use him!" Mom shot back. "That man, whose daughter you're rejecting, saved your life! And after everything he's done for you, you can't even honor this one commitment?" Her words cut deep. "I love and respect him like a father, and I'll always be grateful," I said, searching for the right words. "But what's stopping you from marrying his daughter?" Mom pressed. I hesitated, unsure how to reveal the truth. "If you don't have a reason, then get to the island and fulfill your duty," she urged. I took a deep breath. "I do have a reason, Mom. I love someone else." The line went silent. "You what?" Mom's voice was incredulous. "That's a lie! You've always said you'd never love anyone." "I found her," I blurted, the words tumbling out. "She melted my heart, changed me, and turned me into someone new. I love her, Mom, and I'm going to marry her." Mom's gasp echoed through the phone. "Who is she?" "And when do I meet this... someone?" Mom's tone was laced with skepticism. "Soon," I promised. "I'll bring her to the island with me, and we'll face everything together." Mom's sigh carried a mix of concern and resignation. "Cade, you're risking everything. Your engagement, your business, your relationship with your mentor... Are you prepared for the consequences?" "You've gone insane, Cade!" Mom's voice was shrill. "I won't let this happen! You can't marry someone unfit to be a Callaghan!" I'd had enough. "Do whatever you want, Mom. I don't care," I snapped, ending the call. As I turned, I noticed Emily standing by the door, her expression a mix of concern and embarrassment. "Are you okay?" she asked softly. I felt a surge of irritation, realizing she'd overheard the explosive conversation. "Were you listening to my conversation?" I demanded, still seething. Emily's eyes darted downward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. You didn't ask me to leave, so I stayed. And.