The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 255

Chapter 255 A New Home

At last they approached the end of the paved drive, and a truly breathtaking residence sprawled ahead. An immense, rambling estate in classic Georgian architecture rose before them in warm, red brick and hunter green trimming. A grand portico flanked by stunning colonnades and gardens framed the entrance.

But it was the verdant acreage beyond the home that truly captivated Vivian's gaze. Thick copses of ancient oaks and maples, winding creeks and walking trails - a veritable forest encapsulating the entire estate. She had always dreamed of a home surrounded by nature, an oasis from the city's brutal busyness and noise.

Surely that was mere coincidence, and yet Vivian couldn't shake the nagging feeling that nothing here was accidental.

As if confirming her suspicions, when they pulled around to the main circular drive, the double front doors swung open to reveal a small receiving party awaiting them. Moving crew members pushing trolleys of boxes and furniture, overseers calling out directions crisply. Joe appeared at the rear door, his hand extended to usher her out in that deferential yet gruff manner of his.

"Your new home, Mrs. Shaw. Mr. Shaw arranged for your belongings to be moved and set up in advance for your convenience."

With a flutter of trepidation, Vivian stepped across the curved drive's cobblestones and ascended the front steps, trailing her fingertips along the ornate wrought iron railings. She paused at the entrance, regarding the flurry of staff conveying every possession she owned her life's humble belongings dwarfed by the sheer scale and grandeur around them.

Clearly, Mathew had sought to recreate her domestic circumstances faithfully, yet elevate them to an entirely new stratosphere of luxury. But just how closely had he studied her, assessed her preferences and habits?

The double doors yawned open invitingly, and Vivian found herself subconsciously holding her breath as she crossed the threshold into

the estate's interior. What she found within stole what little remained of her composure.

Sweeping archways framed an expansive, lavishly appointed great room done in earthy botanical tones of Hazel and ochre. Every detail and accent had been meticulously considered, from the raw oak millwork to the overstuffed furnishings and statement lighting fixtures with driftwood -inspired finishes. It was as though her deepest subconscious desires for a dream home had been extracted and brought to manifestation before her widening eyes.

The hushed murmur slipped unbidden past her lips as she turned in a slow circle, gaping at the pristine renovation surrounding her. How

deep into her history and psyche to craft this

man's plans extended

well past 11pm. He strode through the grand foyer, loosening his tie with one hand

room up ahead. Faint bluish light flikered over the ornate millwork and mahogany bookshelves lining the walls. As Mathew neared the entrance, he could just make out a solitary figure curled up on one of the overstuffed sofas. Vivian sat with her legs tucked beneath her, the glow of

Sure enough, her thumb was scrolling rapidly through what seemed to be a group text conversation. A small furrow

rumble of a voice cut through the silence, making

For a fraction of a second, he saw naked fear flicker across her expression before recognition set in

bait as he circled around to the front of the sofa. Settling into one of the facing armchairs, he fixed her with an

She tossed her loose chestnut

matter anymore. I don't owe them anything, let alone an

clenched defiantly as she glared back at him. "Does that answer your

frost to her tone

unflappable public presence that would befit the wife h intended to project her as. Before he could respond, however, her

she asked uncertainly, the icy veneer slipping for just a moment. It wa his turn to simply arch an

his index finger, he triggered the latch, allowing the bevel-cut lid to fall open Nestled within on abed of crushed navy velvet was a magnificent diamond riviére necklace each colossally-sized gemstone cut to perfection and expertly graded. The sort of priceless heirloom bauble meant to make even aristocrats gasp with stunned

a fraction, equal parts enthralled and unsure

the box out mutely, watching with masked amusement as she tentatively reached out

is...it's breathtaking..." she whispered, the words tumbling

Mathew rose fluidly and crossed the space between them in three long strides. Vivian froze, instinctively shrinking in on herself an inch or two as his imposing form towered

clasp, draping the necklace around the slender column of her throat. Vivian seemed to stop breathing entirely