50.00 % Chapter 6 What James never expected was that my parents had already laid out a path to the bright future for me long ago . Now , watching him grip a man's gun , barking , " Do you know who I am ? I'm your fucking boss's husband ! One word from me and you're done ! Get the fuck out of my way , you piece of shit ! " I stepped up onto the stage , ignoring his madness . I placed my hand on the man's wrist , nudging the barrel just a few inches off James's forehead . James thought I was about to wrestle the gun from him . Relief flashed across his face- Bang ! The bullet whistled past his ear , slicing his skin , leaving a bead of blood rolling down . I looked at his stunned expression and smiled . " James , don't you really think I'd want something tainted ? " I plucked the gun from the man's hand , twirling it idly . " Debts must be paid . " I tossed the ledger onto the floor at James's feet . " Pay up , or gamble with me . You only choose one . " I was never one for mercy . Growing up in blood and fire under my parents ' watch , I had learned the first rule : protect yourself first , or you won't live long enough to love anyone else . No worth ? No waiting . If it wasn't worth it , I'd cut my losses right away . I raised the barrel and pointed it at Freya . " If you refuse to play , then her life is your cost . " Bang ! The shot cracked through the hall . Freya shrieked , voice breaking . " James ! I'm scared ! " She sobbed until she was choking , clinging to him desperately . " James , get me out of this place ! It's so terrible ! " Weak , trembling, always the fragile one who demanded to be protected . And , of course, James's heart softened , just as usual . " Lola Thomas , " he growled , calling me by name . " If you've got a problem , take it out on me . Chapter 6 60.00 % Leave the innocent out of this . " He glared at me . " You want a bet ? Fine . What are the terms? " " Death darts , " I replied flatly . The name alone made him flinch . I remembered the first year I met him , all those years ago . My father had been teaching me to throw darts , guiding my hand to the target . James had suddenly appeared , holding a candy floss , the snack I loved most . " Miss Thomas ! " he had called . Distracted , my dart missed the board and shattered the fish tank instead . My father had punished me by making me kneel on a bed of nails all night . James had knelt there beside me , eyes red , whispering , " It's my fault . I'm sorry . " But that was then . Now , I had a new target prepared . " If you lose , " I told him , " you'll tell everyone the truth about what happened back then . " His eyes flickered , dark and uncertain . " Otherwise ... " I tilted my head , smiling with razor - sharp cruelty . " Don't forget who handed you everything you have now . My patience isn't weakness . If I truly retaliate , James , you'll find my madness dwarfs your own . " I lifted the darts , signaling my men to blindfold me . Stripped of all support , I found my only real crutch had always been myself . James stood a few paces away , still reeling . " Lola , this isn't you , " he muttered as the blindfold slipped over his eyes . " You're not the type to be so vindictive . I don't understand what you're trying to prove . " But the target was no longer a board . It was two persons - Bradley , my loyal butler , and Freya , trembling beside him . " Miss Thomas , " Bradley said firmly . " I trust you . " Freya broke down , choking on her sobs . " James , please don't do this ! Don't gamble ! I'm begging you ! I'm so afraid ! " Chapter 6 60.00 % The crowd below had turned from stunned onlookers into unwilling witnesses of this high - stakes spectacle . Even James's allies began to sense something was wrong , whispering nervously among themselves . Chapter 6 In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. 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