[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-bl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my":3,"chapter-bl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my-bl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my-chapter-44":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","[BL] Bound to My Enemy: The Billionaire Who Took My Girl",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1735678,2219,"Chapter 44: Alexander","bl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my-chapter-44",44,"\u003Cp>He was even more handsome in person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in the sharp, dangerous way Cassian was handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a softer way. Approachable. The kind of face that made you think he’d help you change a tire or carry your groceries without being asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Warm brown eyes. Perfect smile. The kind of tan that came from actually spending time outdoors, not a tanning bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And right now, those warm brown eyes were looking down at me with genuine concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you alright?\" His voice was smooth, kind. \"That was close.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I opened my mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing came out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My brain had completely short-circuited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh god, I almost died.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait, I’m being held by a billionaire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smells really good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is he so WARM?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh god, Cassian’s going to murder me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I... I’m... \" I finally managed to choke out. \"I’m so sorry... I didn’t... \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s okay.\" Alexander’s grip on my waist loosened slightly but didn’t let go. \"You’re okay. Just relax.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Failed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tried again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Managed a shaky inhale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m sorry,\" I said again, because apparently that was the only thing my brain could produce. \"I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to... \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It was an accident.\" His smile was warm, reassuring. \"No one got hurt. That’s what matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was still holding me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I became acutely aware of that fact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of his hands on my waist. Of how close we were standing. Of how his chest was solid against my back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My face burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should... um... \"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Noah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian’s voice cut through the air like a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I jerked away from Alexander instinctively... or tried to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s hands fell away immediately, stepping back to give me space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian was already there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand wrapped around my upper arm, grip firm enough to hurt, and pulled me away from Alexander entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Careful, Bennett.\" His voice was calm. Too calm. \"This site isn’t a playground.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not visibly... I’d learned not to... but internally, something twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian turned his attention to Alexander, and I felt the temperature drop another ten degrees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hendrix.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wolfe.\" Alexander’s smile didn’t falter, but something shifted in his eyes. Watchful. Assessing. \"Good to finally meet in person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander extended his hand. \"I apologize for missing yesterday’s meeting. Unavoidable circumstances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian stared at the offered hand for a beat too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then shook it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Brief. Perfunctory. Like touching something unpleasant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course,\" Cassian said flatly. \"I’m sure they were very important.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were polite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tone was not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood there, Cassian’s hand still gripping my arm, feeling like I was watching two apex predators size each other up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s smile stayed warm, but his eyes sharpened. \"I hope my team has been helpful in my absence.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’ve been adequate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ouch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s gaze flicked to me briefly... just a second... before returning to Cassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And this is your assistant?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Executive assistant,\" Cassian corrected, voice clipped. \"Noah Bennett.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander turned to me fully now, and his expression softened immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Noah.\" He extended his hand again. \"Though I wish it were under less dramatic circumstances.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced at Cassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His jaw was clenched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took Alexander’s hand quickly. \"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Hendrix.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His handshake was warm. Firm but not crushing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please, call me Alexander.\" He held my hand a moment longer than necessary. \"Are you sure you’re alright? That was quite a scare.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m fine,\" I said quickly. \"Really. Just clumsy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Clumsy,\" Cassian echoed, voice flat. He finally released my arm. \"Yes. That’s one word for it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to sink into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s gaze moved between us... lingering on where Cassian’s hand had been gripping my arm, then back to my face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something flickered in his expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concern?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curiosity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t tell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well,\" Alexander said lightly, \"I’m glad I was nearby. Wouldn’t want anyone getting hurt under our watch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How fortunate,\" Cassian said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were pleasant. The delivery was ice. An awkward silence settled over the three of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Workers were still buzzing around, stabilizing the scaffolding, pretending not to watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I could feel their eyes. Everyone was watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is going to be all over the site in ten minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander broke the silence first, turning to Cassian with that same warm smile that somehow didn’t reach his eyes anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Shall we continue the inspection? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the foundation work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course.\" Cassian’s tone was perfectly professional. Perfectly cold. \"Bennett, pick up the tablet. And try not to destroy anything else.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My face burned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I bent down quickly, grabbing the tablet from where it had fallen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thankfully, it wasn’t broken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Small mercies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I straightened, I caught Alexander watching me again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His expression was... soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sympathetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like he felt bad for me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And somehow, that made it worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest of the inspection was torture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian and Alexander walked side by side, discussing structural details, investment projections, timelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the surface, everything was professional.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Polite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But underneath, I could feel it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick enough to choke on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every word Cassian spoke was clipped. Dismissive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every suggestion Alexander made was met with skepticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We could incorporate more sustainable materials,\" Alexander said at one point, gesturing to the plans. \"Solar integration, water recycling systems. Consumers care about environmental impact now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Consumers care about luxury,\" Cassian replied without looking up from the blueprints. \"Don’t confuse marketing with substance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s smile didn’t waver. \"I’d argue they’re not mutually exclusive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’d be wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stood off to the side, taking notes, trying to be invisible. But every so often, Alexander would glance over at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not obviously. Just quick looks. Checking if I was okay. Making sure I was keeping up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was... nice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Weirdly nice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian never did that. Instead he expected me to keep up or get left behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the time we finished the inspection, my feet hurt, my head was pounding, and I wanted nothing more than to collapse in a dark room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But of course, there was more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was always more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We should discuss the investor meeting tomorrow,\" Alexander said as we walked back toward the cars. \"I have some ideas about the presentation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m sure you do,\" Cassian said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s smile finally cracked. Just slightly. \"I’m trying to collaborate here, Wolfe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again, not a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander stopped walking. Turned to face Cassian fully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" he said, voice still warm but with an edge now. \"I am. This project benefits both our companies. I’d appreciate it if you’d meet me halfway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cassian met his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Held it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a long, uncomfortable moment, neither of them spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finally, Cassian said, \"We’ll discuss it later.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Translation: Not now. Not in front of people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Alexander’s smile returned. \"Of course.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to me. \"Noah, it was lovely meeting you. Despite the chaos.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You too,\" I said quickly. \"And thank you. For, you know. Catching me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Anytime.\" His smile was genuine now. Warm. \"Take care of yourself.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he walked away, toward his own car, leaving me standing there with Cassian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was radiating silent fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get in the car,\" he said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t argue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just climbed into the backseat of the SUV and tried very hard not to exist too loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the driver pulled away, I caught one last glimpse of Alexander through the tinted window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was watching us leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expression thoughtful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interesting, I imagined him thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And somehow, that scared me more than Cassian’s anger.\u003C\u002Fp>",1255,"2026-06-06T16:23:43.175Z",1,"novelbin.me","0bf54a229fe921d95054891a5b940dfc29ff30f05336596305e04bf775bd628d","bl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my-chapter-45","bl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my-chapter-43",307,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fbl-bound-to-my-enemy-the-billionaire-who-took-my-cover.jpg"]