Fake dating my enemy, The playboy billionaire

JUN’S, POV

"Do you have any evidence?" she asks, crossing her arms.

I glance at my phone. Sure enough, Xion’s message is waiting, with an attached file. I barely glance at it before handing her my phone, letting her read. If she’s smart, she’ll notice who’s behind the message. Anything coming from the king of the underworld is unquestionable—it’s a stamp in itself. And she knows damn well my connection to him.

I haven’t read the evidence fully, but a quick glance confirms what I needed to see. Countless messages, emails, and calls exchanged between them. Jason’s financial statements show he’s drowning in a billion-dollar debt, loan sharks after his neck. Desperation makes for strange bedfellows. That’s why he’s partnering with Yifan.

"But that doesn’t mean my son would go as far as killing his father for money. Jason won’t stoop that low, right?"

I smirk, eyes narrowing. "Is that a question for me, or are you asking yourself?"

Her calm poise cracks, just slightly. She hands me the phone with an edge in her eyes. "I won’t sell the company to you."

I raise my hand, cutting her off. "Save it, Mrs. Hawthorn. Your husband will come begging me to buy his company. I’m here to make sure Yifan and your son don’t spoil that moment for him."

She scoffs, a bitter laugh escaping her. "Overconfidence is the art of being completely wrong with absolute certainty."

"You call it overconfidence; I call it undeniable facts with style."

Her eyes narrow, and she gives me a pointed look. "I see why my husband never liked you."

I can’t help the grin that forms on my lips. "Because he hated what he saw when he compared me to his son. We both grew up in privilege—what was that Daryl used to call us? Oh yes, born with a silver spoon! But we’re miles apart, aren’t we?"

Her jaw tightens. I know I’ve hit a nerve. Daryl selling his company instead of passing it to his son speaks volumes. And then, he had the audacity to give me grief. Everyone knows my father retired early, and it was Jianyu who raised the company—then, me.

Is this smart? Absolutely not. But it feels damn good to finally let it out.

I glance down at the globe on her desk. Pins are marked where Hawthorn’s engines have spread their operations. She watches me, then slowly spins it, as though showing me her achievements.

"My husband started it from his father’s garage. It’s our first baby," she says, a touch of pride in her voice. "We’ve watched it grow from a seed into a towering tree. Our dream was to pass it to our son, but we realized Jason was never cut out for it. He lacks the qualities to lead this company. But I blame us—we were so wrapped up in growing the business that we neglected him. You’re lucky your parents—"

"Brothers," I interrupt, my tone sharp. I catch the flicker of confusion in her eyes, but I don’t owe her an explanation. I love my parents and understand the choices they made. My mother wasn’t well, and my father gave everything to take care of her.

The grandfather clock in the room chimes, its sound echoing through the space. She turns toward the door, her back stiff. "I’ll make sure Yifan doesn’t get the company. But that doesn’t mean you will get it either. I’ll make sure of that," she says, pausing and looking back at me over her shoulder. "And Mr. Feng, you might be a good businessman, but you still lack one thing that’s crucial to survive. I’m sure that’s why my husband hasn’t handed you the company, despite everything you’ve done."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued.

"It’s about playing the long game," she continues, her voice almost too calm. "Waiting for the right moment. And understanding that not everything can be won immediately."

She leaves.

Her words hang in the air, a puzzle I’m struggling to piece together. What does she mean by the long game? What is she planning?

****

I check into a hotel, leaving everything to Liliana Hawthorn. Of course, I only do so after leaving my chief of security, Chen, with Colton. Good luck to Chen—he has no idea what he’s in for. Colton’s a handful, always grumpy, always difficult. It’s like managing a stubborn old lion.

I glance at my phone, but there’s no message from Yiren. That’s odd. Her favorite coffee was delivered earlier this morning, yet she hasn’t responded. I tap my fingers on the phone, feeling that familiar tug of impatience.

I order dinner and snap a picture of the meal. It looks decent, but not nearly as satisfying as having her here with me. I send it to her, adding a sad emoji for effect: "Missing Bear and his momma to make it better."

Eesh, that’s cheesy. What am I doing? But the thought of her makes my heart skip a beat, and maybe she’ll find it endearing. I send the message and wait.

Yiren: You’re sending me pictures of food now? Getting desperate, huh?

Me: It’s not about the food, it’s about the company. It’s dull without you here. Even the food can tell.

Yiren: So you miss me, huh?

Me: What gave it away? The sad emoji?

Yiren: Well, when you put it like that...

Me: Yeah, I do. Miss you and Bear. But mostly you.

Yiren: Flattery will get you everywhere.

Me: I know exactly what gets me a smile from you. Plus, I’ve got the perfect excuse: I’m starving without my favorite banter partner.

Yiren: Oh so that’s what I am.

Me: Yep. Bantering with you charges my battery. How’s everything there?

Yiren: Fine.

That’s not a typical Yiren answer. Where’s the endless commentary and the whole day’s story?

Me: Is everything okay?

Yiren: Yep. Just tired. Took a break from work today and am reading.

Me: Break? But it’s only 11 AM in Imperial City. You have a meeting with the landscapers today? Cancelled or delayed?

I wait for her reply, finishing my dinner. But her reply doesn’t come.

Me: Yiren?

Yiren: Cancelled. How are things at your end? Is Daryl okay?

Hmm, she’s changing the subject to avoid answering me directly.

Me: Alive. Stable. Liliana is handling things now. She knows everything about Jason and won’t sign the deal with Yifan. Thanks for the help.

Yiren: Anything for you.

My heart skips a beat.

Message deleted

Me: I saw that. Evil emoji

Yiren: Typing mistake.

Me: My ass.

Me: Did you like the coffee? It’s closest to what you make.

Yiren: ?

Me: The coffee ordered from Kai’s restaurant for you. It was delivered to you at 7 in the morning.

Yiren: Ah yes! I remember. Thank you so much.

...

She’s lying.

I quickly message Rui, and the reply comes instant: "Miss Yiren and Bear are at Mountain Villa, sir. They will be staying there for a few days."

Ah, that makes sense.

Me: Did you see the library? It’s phenomenal! Can you do one for our place too?

Yiren:

Library? What?

Hmm... something’s off. Meimei’s library is to die for, straight from a Beauty and the Beast story. An architect enthusiast like Yiren should’ve been glued to it for a detailed study.

Me: The library at Meimei’s house. Rui told me you’re staying there.

Yiren: Ah yes. It’s beautiful! Jun, I gotta go. Bear is calling me. Talk to you later.

...

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