All Chapters of The Firefighter Returns as a Quintillionaire King: Chapter 41
- Chapter 44
44 chapters
Chapter 39 PART 1
"No."The single word hung in the air between them, final and immovable. Mia blinked, her coffee cup pausing halfway to her lips. For a moment, she seemed genuinely stunned, as if she'd never heard the word before—or at least, had never heard it directed at her."I'm sorry, what?" she asked, setting the cup down carefully."I can't accept your offer," Alex said firmly, meeting her eyes. "Thank you for thinking of me, but the answer is no."Mia's eyebrows rose in disbelief. "Alex, did you hear what I said? Sixty thousand a year, benefits, a real career opportunity—""I heard you," Alex interrupted gently. "And I appreciate it, I really do. But it's not right for me.""Why not?" Mia's voice carried a note of genuine confusion. "Is it the salary? We can negotiate if—""It's not about the money," Alex said, shaking his head. "It's about... perception. About what it would look like.""What it would look like?" Mia repeated slowly.Alex moved to the living room, putting some physical distan
CHAPTER 39 PART 2
Alex stood in the living room, shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and amusement. Mia Vinda Richardson was nothing if not determined. When she wanted something, she found a way to get it—even if it meant completely changing her approach.At least she's not pushing the job thing anymore, Alex thought. That's something.True to her word, Mia emerged from her bedroom exactly twenty minutes later, transformed from the casual woman in a bathrobe to the polished CEO. She wore a tailored navy blue dress that was both professional and elegant, her hair pulled back in a sleek bun, her makeup subtle but perfect. Diamond studs glinted in her ears, and she carried a leather briefcase that probably cost more than Alex's entire wardrobe."Ready?" she asked with a bright smile."You look..." Alex searched for the right word. "Very professional."Mia's smile widened. "That's the idea. Come on, we don't want to be late."They took the elevator down to the building's underground parking gar
Chapter 40 PART 1
Alex stood frozen just inside the café entrance, his eyes locked on the scene before him. Lisa and Ben, sitting at a intimate corner table, Ben's hand covering Lisa's on the tabletop, both of them leaning close together like lovers sharing secrets.For a brief moment—maybe two seconds, maybe three—Alex felt his chest constrict. The old pain, the old anger, the old sense of betrayal all came rushing back. But then, like a switch being flipped, his expression went blank. Neutral. Stoic.He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing him hurt. Not anymore.Alex turned on his heel, preparing to leave quietly and wait for Mia outside. But before he could take two steps, Ben's voice rang out across the café."Alex? Alex Carter, is that you?"Damn it.Alex stopped, his jaw clenching. He could have kept walking, could have pretended not to hear. But that would look like running away, and he refused to run from these two ever again.He turned slowly, his face carefully composed into an expre
CHAPTER 40 PART 2
Ben's eyes caught something then—the glint of metal in Alex's hand. He squinted, focusing on the car key Alex was holding, and his expression transformed into one of malicious glee."Oh my God," Ben laughed, pointing at the key. "You're a driver now? Is that it? You're driving someone around like a chauffeur?" He turned to Lisa, still laughing. "Did you see this? Your ex-husband has been reduced to driving people around. That's rich!"Lisa looked at the key, and despite herself, something flickered in her eyes—concern? Pity? But it was gone in an instant, replaced by her trademark cold disdain."A driver," she repeated, shaking her head. "I suppose it makes sense. It's probably the best job you can get with your limited skills. At least you're employed, I guess. That's something."Ben moved closer to Alex, his eyes fixed on the luxury car key with its distinctive logo. "You know what's really pathetic? You're probably driving around in some rich person's car, pretending it's yours. Pl