Accidentally Slept With The Ruthless Billionaire

Chapter 558: How Can You Be So Shameless?

“I’m swamped right now. You can tell him yourself.” Madison chuckled. “And don’t forget to send me your account number!”

Just as Bianca finished speaking, she heard another voice in the background. “Mrs. Lopez, the president would like to invite you on stage to share your thoughts.”

Madison sighed. “I’m really busy, so I’ve got to go.”

The call ended, and the background noise faded. Bianca stood there, feeling warmer than she had in a long time. Smiling, she took a deep breath and moved forward with a lighter heart.

Meanwhile, at Emerald Artists Agency, Diana stared at the latest update. She had hoped Phoenix Alliance Group’s stock would finally rise, but it was still stuck in the same disappointing place.

“Bianca must be scrambling to find money right now. I can’t just sit here doing nothing!” She stomped her foot and grabbed her bag, her eyes filled with determination as she rushed out the door.

She wasn’t sure if it was too late to head to the bank and ask about the loan. It was already past three, but she had to try.

As she stepped out, moving a little too fast, she ran straight into someone turning the corner.

“Watch where you’re going!” Diana snapped to scold the person. But then she saw who it was—Brandon.

He caught her with both hands before she could fall. “It’s me,” he said.

Startled, Diana quickly stepped back, her cheeks burning. “What are you doing here?” She tried to act cool, but being that close to Brandon made her heart pound.

Brandon shrugged. “I came to see you, of course. Oh, and Phoenix Alliance Group’s stock dropped again.”

“Well… you bought it on your own. If you’re losing money, that’s not my problem,” Diana replied, trying to stay firm. Still, she felt a little guilty and quickly tried to walk away.

But Brandon moved in front of her, blocking her path with his arm. He pushed his hair back and leaned in slightly. “I never said it was your fault. Why are you so flustered?”

People passing by didn’t recognize who he was, but seeing a handsome man standing so close to a pretty woman made them stop and whisper. Some giggled. Others started to gossip, adding to the noise around them.

Diana heard the murmurs and felt her cheeks burn. “You… what are you even doing? I need to get to the bank. If I’m late, they’ll close.”

Brandon couldn’t help but smile at how cute she looked when she was upset. “The bank’s closing soon, I know. But lucky for you, I need to go there too. I already made an appointment, so I’m good even if we arrive late. Why don’t we go together?” he said with a playful grin.

Brandon kept his distance from Diana, though he didn’t want to. He liked being close to her, but there were too many people around. If someone recognized him, it could easily become gossip and end up in the news.

Diana looked at him with wide eyes. She wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth, but she didn’t feel like arguing. “Then hurry up. We’re running out of time.”

Brandon grinned, grabbed her hand, and took off running.

“Hey…” Diana tried to speak, but Brandon held her hand tightly and didn’t slow down. They ran side by side, and her heart started to beat faster.

When they reached the car, Brandon told the driver to go to the bank. Then he looked at Diana and asked why she was in such a rush.

“I’m going to use my villa as collateral to get a loan,” Diana said, biting her lip. “I’ll use it to buy shares of Phoenix Alliance Group.”

“Are you out of your mind?” Brandon stared at her. “Can’t you see how much their stock has dropped? Aren’t you afraid you’ll lose everything?”

Diana didn’t answer right away. She knew what she was doing was risky, but she trusted Bianca. That trust had kept their friendship strong all this time. Money could be earned again. But true friendship was worth more.

“I’m not afraid,” she finally said. “I’ll stand by my friend through the good and the bad.”

Brandon was silent for a second. Then he let out a soft laugh and shook his head.

Years had passed, and Diana was no longer the timid girl who used to be bullied in the alley. She had grown into a brave and loyal woman. Brandon finally realized he had underestimated her.

He turned to his driver and said, “Call Patton.”

About twenty minutes later, they met with Patton face-to-face.

Diana had planned to use only her villa as collateral, but Brandon had decided to mortgage his property too so he could get a loan.

Patton looked at both of them and asked, “What’s the purpose of the loan? It’s just a formality. You don’t need to go into full detail, but I need a general idea. The amount involved is quite large.”

Diana was about to say she needed the loan to buy an office building, but Brandon spoke first. “What do you think we need the money for?” he said with a grin.

Patton scratched his head and shrugged. “Are you two planning to get married and move abroad to buy property?”

Diana almost choked on the water she was drinking. Her face turned bright red. “No, that’s not it,” she said quickly.

“Don’t mind her,” Brandon laughed and gave Patton a playful wink. “She’s just shy. I mean, I am a public figure. And you’re my cousin, so help me keep this as a secret.”

“Cousin?” Diana stared at him, stunned.

Patton was indeed Brandon’s older cousin.

Diana shot a glare at Brandon, who was looking all too pleased with himself. She stomped on his foot and said to Patton, “Please don’t listen to anything he says. He’s just talking nonsense.”

But to Patton, they really did look like a couple. Still, he nodded politely and said, “Got it. I’ll wish you both happiness in advance.”

“Make sure you come to our wedding,” Brandon added with a laugh. “Also, I’m buying shares in Phoenix Alliance Group. Take that as a little tip. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.”

Once they were out of the bank, Diana turned to him, fuming. “Brandon! Can you stop saying things like that? I haven’t even agreed to anything! How can you be so shameless?”

“Well,” Brandon said with a shrug, “it’s only a matter of time before you say yes. What’s the harm in saying it early?”

“Who told you I’d say yes?” Diana snapped, her cheeks already turning red. She wasn’t sure if she was mad or just embarrassed.

“Normally, the loan would take seven days,” Brandon said. “But we need the money by tomorrow. That’s why I said what I said. My cousin would help me right away, no questions asked. But for you, it’s different. You need a certain identity to speed things up.”