Chapter 130

Prologue

A hot billionaire with secrets and the sexy reporter hell bent on unravelling them. when the chemistry ignites, all is at risk of burning down.

Mia was one step away from unraveling the mysterious secrets about the hot Billionaire banker Oliver who has insulted her on live TV and Mia was about to get her revenge fair and square but before she could dig up his dirty secrets and broad cast it to the whole world, the handsome Billionaire knocks at her door with an ultimatum worse than death.

His deal was simple - either Mia agrees to be his wife or he tells the whole world what kind of cheat she is!

149

Chapter 1

AND SO IT BEGINS

_Picture quotes

“Hurry up, please!” Isla Thompson, the news director of News Lift Channel, screeched from behind the green room screen. Her outburst startled the makeup artist working on Mia's hair, causing her to jump in fright.

“It’s only fifteen minutes until we go live. Come on!”

“We do this every single morning, yet Isla still manages to freak out and make everyone panic at the last minute,” Nicole muttered, glancing over the long list of questions for the interview they were conducting today.

Mia smiled ruefully at her partner. “I think that’s just how she operates. The pressure and a bit of panic get her going.” The two women laughed together, sharing a moment of camaraderie amidst the chaos.

Nicole glanced in the mirror as her makeup artist applied the finishing touches. "So, this banker, Oliver Ryan, we’re interviewing today. I’ve heard quite a bit about him."

"Me too!" Mia replied enthusiastically. "There’s been a lot of buzz. People say he’s too young to be a bank president. The board wanted someone with more experience, but Oliver apparently bulldozed his way to the top, practically crowning himself king."

"Ugh, how dull!" Nicole sighed. "I wish we were hosting an evening talk show, interviewing high-profile politicians and Isla stars instead of this dull morning show. It's always the same old businessmen and their boring financial forecasts."

"We’ll get there, Oli," Mia said, winking at her friend and co-host to lift her spirits. "This is just the beginning! Come on, it’s almost showtime."

As Nicole and Mia made their way from the green room to the main studio hall, they saw that the cameras and lights were already set up, focused on the central stage. Two cozy armchairs awaited the hosts, while a white leather sofa was ready for their guest.

Camera operators and broadcast technicians were performing final checks to ensure everything was ready for the live broadcast. On the other side of the hall, assistant producer Riaan and chief editor Dany Robertson were deep in conversation. When they noticed Mia and Nicole approaching, Dany abruptly ended the discussion and walked over to them.

"Mia, we made some last-minute changes to your questionnaire. Please review them," Dany said, handing Mia a stack of papers. Mia took the papers and began to look through them just as Isla, their news director, returned with someone else.

"Girls, I would like you to meet our guest for this interview - Mr. Oliver Ryan, the president of Assure Bank," Isla announced with a welcoming smile.

Mia glanced up from her papers to behold a striking figure. Mr. Ryan possessed an undeniable magnetism, his deep, dark eyes holding an enigmatic allure. Tall, lean, with chiseled cheekbones and long lashes, he exuded an air of mystery that seemed to captivate everyone in the room. The studio fell into a hushed stillness, all eyes drawn to him as if under some magnetic spell.

Even Nicole, who had dismissed him as a "boring banker" moments ago, couldn't help but be charmed by his presence, her smile now genuine as she greeted him.

"Hello, Mr. Ryan. I am Nicole Anderson, and this is my friend Mia White. We are delighted to have you here for our interview today," Nicole said, offering a warm welcome.

Mr. Ryan's response was a brief nod before his intense gaze settled on Mia. She felt a shiver run down her spine as his eyes swept over her with a penetrating intensity, sending a tingling sensation through her body. When he extended his hand, Mia took it for a formal handshake, only to be jolted by a surge of awareness when his warm palm enclosed hers. Quickly withdrawing her hand, she discreetly rubbed it against her trousers, trying to regain her composure.

As they made their way to the dais and took their seats in front of the cameras, Nicole resumed her cheerful chatter, seemingly unaffected by the palpable tension in the air. In the background, the crew made final adjustments, arranging flowers as the countdown to the live broadcast began.

"3... 2... 1... Go!"

The blinding white light illuminated the studio as the cameras began to roll.

"Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Morning Coffee Show on News Lift. I'm Mia White."

"And I'm Nicole Anderson."

"We're here this morning with the illustrious young president of Assure Bank, Mr. Oliver Ryan."

The camera smoothly shifted from Mia's confident smile to Oliver's brooding presence, his relaxed demeanor suggesting an effortless command of the situation.

"So, Mr. Ryan, you've assumed the position of president of one of Australia's largest commercial banks just a year ago. How has the experience been?" Mia eased into the interview with a casual question.

"Wonderful! Our staff and members have been incredibly supportive, and we're working diligently to elevate our bank to new heights," Oliver replied, his dazzling smile contrasting with Mia's growing unease.

"Mr. Ryan, are there any new projects or special schemes that your bank will be offering under your leadership?" Nicole's voice was sweet and charming, but Mia couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort in Oliver's presence.

"Yes, we're currently developing a pension scheme for elderly citizens, aimed at benefiting investors aged 60 and above. While the scheme is still under review, we plan to launch it by Christmas this year," Oliver responded smoothly.

"Amazing!" Nicole exclaimed before turning the conversation back to Mia. "So, Mr. Ryan, as one of the youngest bank presidents globally, could you share your secret to success with our viewers?"

Once again, Oliver's penetrating gaze fixed on Mia, leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. "It's no secret, really. Hard work is the key to success, regardless of your profession," he replied, his tone confident.

Mia seized the opportunity to challenge him. "Not everyone agrees with your perspective on success. There were reports that the board of directors initially objected to your appointment, preferring a more experienced candidate. How do you respond to that?"

Oliver's demeanor remained unruffled. "That's old news, Miss Mia. While some members expressed concerns initially, they recognized my capabilities and accepted my leadership."

Mia's frustration boiled over as she launched into a more aggressive line of questioning. "But what about the concerns of the bank's customers? Many are apprehensive about entrusting their life savings to a young and relatively inexperienced president, especially given the recent 2.3% decline in the bank's shares. Can you address those concerns?"

Oliver's controlled facade cracked, revealing a flash of suppressed anger. "Yes, our shares have experienced a slight decline, but it's minimal compared to market fluctuations. And as for your standards of questioning, they seem to have fallen quite dramatically, Miss Mia."

Mia was taken aback by his sharp retort, but she pressed on, ignoring the gasps from the studio audience. "But what about your own family's reservations? Your mother and younger brother, both major shareholders, reportedly opposed your presidency. Doesn't that raise doubts about your suitability for the role?"

"Enough!" Oliver's voice reverberated through the studio, his anger palpable. "Stop this nonsense immediately, or I will sue you!."