2024-02-18 01:15:34
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 72
Eric Wood, James, Lana and Ellen were meeting for dinner in the restaurant James and Ellen frequented.“You wouldn’t believe what happened today.” Eric started while everyone was seated.“Oh what was it?” Lana spoke first.“Well somehow, we had discovered a virus in one of the systems and no one in the IT department seemed to be able to get rid of it until the new guy came along and in just a matter of minutes, it was all back to normal and it was as like nothing had even happened in the first place. I was honestly impressed.“Williams?” Lana asked, trying to hide a smile but she couldn’t get past Ellen’s keen eyes.“You know him?” James asked with mild surprise.“Oh yes we have met at Emerald Multisource Corporation.” she answered and drank from her glass of wine and caught Ellen’s eyes on her, she set the glass down and brought her index finger to her lip and asked Ellen to be quiet. She put down her finger and her lips were intact. She wore lip gloss that never went tacky, ever. E
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 73
Three hours later James was still worried his mind was completely occupied with the thought of Claire. What if something bad happened to her? Eric would be doomed but he wouldn't let that happen.They tried contacting the school but Claire's school said that someone had come to pick her up with Eric's stamp.“What could possibly be their ransom?” Lana voiced out.” After the silence on the table grew unbearable.“I know what they want. It's my identity.” James said, and was tapping his foot uncontrollably.“How are you sure about that?”“They did the same to Mr. Price’s assistant. Whoever this kidnapper is, is not after our money. Let's turn me in. I believe that's the only option we have got now.” James said, believing that is the best option to save the girl whom he had already saved before.“Yes! I think it's worth more than keeping your identity hidden. Rescuing the child is far more important.” Ellen said.“I know but what if we do and they end up not releasing Claire? We have to
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 74
It was Mary, calling him. He answered the phone. "Honey! Where are you? I've been trying to call you for hours."Eric's heart sank. He knew he hadn't been answering her calls, but he hadn't realized just how many she'd been making. "I've been busy," he said, his voice was cracking."What do you mean busy?"“Office work…”“You've not gone to pick Claire up? It's late, Eric.” Eric paused, his mind racing. He couldn't tell her the truth. He didn't want to put her in any worry. “Well, she's here with me.” Eric lied.“Oh my dear Claire. I hope you got her something to eat. Can I speak with her?”“She… She is not… right here with me.”“What do you mean not right here with you?” Mary's voice was now full of fear. "What's happening?”“I mean she is out with James and Gregor. They went to get her something to eat.”“Okay, then. That's fine.” Mary said, and then asked, “Are you alright? Your voice sounds tense.”"I'm fine," he said, trying to sound brave. "Just a little stressed out, that's al
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 75
Mary on the other hand received a message from an unknown number telling her that he found her daughter in the middle of nowhere around the outskirts of the city, and is bringing her home.She was confused because Eric told her that Claire was with James and Gregor, and the way he had said it she didn't believe him now.Mary picked up her phone and called Eric immediately.“Where exactly is Claire, Eric? Tell me what's going on?”Eric didn’t know how he was going to answer Mary, his wife and so he just rubbed his face and fought back tears for a while.“Are you there?” Mary’s voice pulled him out of his reverie.“Yes, yes I am. I’m thinking about what could have happened, who could possibly have come to pick her. Hold on a while, I’ll call James and ask if he had gone to see Claire at school.” He lied. James was standing next to him and with everything he had he wished it had actually been James who went to pick her.“Wait there is someone at the door, I think she is back.” Mary said
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 76
“Yes indeed I have good news. The real heir to the Wane family had been taken care of by me and I’d deliver him to you myself, bound.” Eric said, his heart pounding wildly in his chest while the others tracked the location.“I was right when I picked you, you are trustworthy and smart. But I’d ask you one question first of all.” the voice said.“Okay, go ahead.” Eric said.“If you are really close to the actual heir, how come you are betraying him so easily?” He asked.“Well I wouldn’t put it that way, I am not betraying him, I am just a desperate husband and father and husband that would stop at nothing whatsoever to bring his family back home, safe and sound and besides these young arrogant rich kids, have to be taught a lesson sometimes.” Eric said and looked around.Some of the ESU agents were not present anymore. The location of the kidnappers had been obtained and they had left to form a circle of barrier several kilometers away from the actual location.This was part of the pla
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 77
Gregor finally met with James where he had told him to meet him and he greeted him respectfully."Young master,” he genuflects, “It's good to see you," Gregor said with a nod of his head.James returned the greeting with a polite smile. "Likewise, Gregor. I'm glad you could make it. I hope you brought every piece of equipment we would be needing?" he asked."Yes, I've made sure to bring everything necessary," Gregor replied confidently. He then turned to James with a hint of concern in his voice. "I hope you haven't forgotten everything I taught you, young master," he said, respectfully and it appeared more like a question."Why would I?" James replied to him."Good," Gregor nodded in approval. "I thought this past three years would have made you soft."Unknown to everyone, and only know to few, Gregor was a formidable martial artist who had trained with the best. As the former personal bodyguard to James' father, he possessed strength and skill beyond compare.And will one day become
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 78
Eric returned to where the rest of the team was waiting. His mind was still reeling from the recent turn of events and he could see the worried expressions on the faces of everyone, mostly Lana and Ellen Immediately they saw him, Lana and Ellen approached him and asked. "Eric, what happened?"Eric took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves. "It's not good," he began, his voice trembling slightly. "The kidnappers are onto us. They know about our plans and they have someone on the inside feeding them information."“OMG it can't be!” “That's the situation currently.” Eric said, and began to walk towards the ESU agents while the girls followed behind her.“Where's James?” Ellen asked. She looked at the car and saw no trace of him.“He went to find the kidnappers.”Lana and Ellen exchanged worried glances when he said that. “How? What's he thinking?” Ellen asked.“Alone?” Lana asked.“No, with Gregor. I tried to talk him out of it but he wouldn't listen. Seeing that the plan was a
JAMES WANE THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE 79
Eric's heart raced with panic when Agent Tom suggested that James should be present, considering his previous involvement in the rescue plan. Before Eric could come up with a plausible excuse, Lana stepped forward from behind. She has been watching the whole drama unfold, "Wait, hold on a moment," she said. "Are you talking about the chauffeur? Obviously, he was actually sent by me to retrieve some of my belongings from my place because I will be going to the office from here." The other agents turned to Lana and regarded her with respect. "And besides," Lana continued, "James is a member of my personal security detail. He can't be wrongly accused without proper justification." Agent Tom nodded in understanding, "Alright, if that's the case, then we'll trust your judgment, Miss." he said and held his peace. “Good.” Lana turned to Eric with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Eric. Everything will be fine. Let's focus on getting through this together," she said and offered him a supp
Latest Chapter
Chapter 474: Finding the Hidden Hand
Chapter 474: Finding the Hidden HandThe EMC headquarters stood like a glass monolith against the Emerald Falls skyline, its mirrored surface catching the late afternoon sun in a blaze of gold.Inside his office, James sat behind a polished mahogany desk, his broad shoulders hunched over a stack of financial reports, their edges curling under the weight of his scrutiny.The room was a fortress of modern luxury—sleek black furniture, a panoramic window framing the city, and a faint hum from the servers tucked in a corner. James’ eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned the pages, his brow furrowed as he pieced together the puzzle that threatened his reclaimed empire.His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead, a stray lock he brushed back with a quick, impatient flick of his hand. The man who once scrubbed floors at a grocery store was gone; in his place sat the Wane heir, his jaw tight with resolve.The weight of Gregor’s words from his meeting with Kai at the Starlight Diner clung to J
Chapter 473: Secrets in the Sun
Chapter 473: Secrets in the SunThe Wane family estate in Emerald Falls sprawled across manicured lawns, its white marble facade gleaming under the late morning sun. The air hummed with the scent of blooming jasmine and the distant buzz of a lawnmower, a serene backdrop to the opulent mansion that whispered wealth and power. Inside, the grand foyer echoed with the soft clink of crystal chandeliers and the faint murmur of staff moving discreetly through the halls.Ellen Princeton stood at the threshold, her designer suitcase resting by her polished heels, her auburn hair catching the light as she adjusted her sunglasses atop her head. Her tailored cream blazer and matching skirt spoke of elegance, but her hazel eyes betrayed a flicker of weariness—her father Jonathan Princeton’s presidential campaign, now on hold, had left her navigating a storm of public scrutiny and private doubts.The heavy oak doors swung open, and Lana Wane swept into the foyer, her long, curly hair bouncing with
Chapter 472: Whispers of Betrayal
Chapter 472: Whispers of BetrayalThe grand hall of Liam Carter’s mansion gleamed under the soft glow of a crystal chandelier, its light bouncing off polished marble floors and dark oak paneling. The air carried the faint scent of leather, a testament to the wealth and power that defined the sprawling estate in the heart of Emerald Falls.Kai Nakamura stood near a towering window, the night sky beyond framing his lean silhouette. His gray suit was slightly rumpled from the day, but his sharp features remained composed, his dark eyes glinting with calculation. In his hand, he clutched the folded paper Gregor had given him at the Starlight Diner hours earlier—Lana Wane’s Greece itinerary, a key to unlocking the Wane family’s secrets. Kai’s mind churned, replaying Gregor’s words about Williams Jesse and Mr. Sterling’s virus scheme. Someone else knew, and that was a problem.The heavy oak door creaked open, and Liam Carter strode in, his tailored navy suit pristine despite the late hour.
Chapter 470: Shadows of Deception
Chapter 470: Shadows of DeceptionThe fluorescent lights of the Starlight Diner buzzed faintly, casting a harsh glow over the checkered linoleum floor and worn red booths. The air smelled of greasy burgers, stale coffee, and a hint of cigarette smoke that clung to the walls despite the no-smoking sign.Gregor sat in a corner booth, his broad shoulders hunched over a chipped mug of black coffee, the steam curling upward like a ghost. His hair, neatly combed, glinted under the lights, and his weathered face was set in a mask of calm, though his sharp gray eyes flicked to the diner’s entrance every few seconds. As James Wane’s loyal butler and covert operative, Gregor was no stranger to clandestine meetings, but tonight’s rendezvous with Kai Nakamura felt like walking a tightrope over a pit of vipers.His phone sat on the table, the screen dark but heavy with James’s last text: Give him the itinerary. Push the Sterling-Williams angle. Say you’ve got dirt on their virus scheme. Let’s see
Chapter 470 A Game of Trust (Continued)
Chapter 470 A Game of Trust (Continued)James glanced at the reports again, his fingers flipping through pages, searching for a clue he might’ve missed. The absence of Kai’s report gnawed at him. “What are you hiding, Nathaniel?” he murmured, his voice barely audible.The door creaked open, and Ana Davies, his secretary, stepped inside, her dark hair pulled into a neat bun, her glasses catching the light. She clutched a tablet, her posture professional but her eyes curious. “Mr. Clarkson, the meeting’s in an hour. Need anything prepped?” Her voice was crisp, but a slight tilt of her head betrayed her interest in his mood.James flashed a disarming smile, masking the storm in his mind. He leaned back, tossing the pen onto the desk with a casual flick. “Just the financials, Ana. And… any word from Patel’s team on the virus cleanup?”Ana crossed the room, her heels clicking softly on the hardwood floor. She stopped at the desk, tapping her tablet to pull up a file. “Nothing official. Mr.
Chapter 469: A Game of Trust
Chapter 469: A Game of TrustThe late afternoon sun filtered through the tinted windows of James’ office, casting long shadows across his polished mahogany desk.The room was a blend of modern elegance and understated power—sleek monitors, neatly stacked files, and a single framed photo of his parents, a reminder of the legacy he was fighting for.James leaned back in his leather chair, his fingers steepled under his chin. His sharp blue eyes, usually calm, flickered with unease as he stared at the muted TV screen mounted on the wall. The news ticker blazed: “EMC VIRUS NEUTRALIZED: COMPANY RESTORED TO FULL OPERATIONS.”James’s jaw tightened. Yesterday’s headlines had been a whirlwind of relief for EMC—customers flooding back, stock prices climbing, and employees celebrating. But to James, it felt too neat, too sudden. He’d long suspected Williams Jesse, the cunning tech manager, and Mr. Sterling, the manipulative head of the board, was behind the virus that had crippled EMC’s systems
Chapter 468: The Hidden Hand
Chapter 468: The Hidden HandThe dawn light crept beneath the heavy drapes of Williams Jesse’s bedroom, painting thin stripes of gold across his neatly made bed. He lay still for a moment, listening to the low hum of traffic outside. On the bedside table, the news channel played on mute, flashing headlines across the screen: “EMC VIRUS NEUTRALIZED,” “CUSTOMERS POUR BACK IN,” and “COMPANY STABILITY RESTORED.”Williams propped himself up on one elbow and reached for the remote, clicking off the TV. He studied the blank screen for a heartbeat, then swung his legs over the edge of the bed and stood. The past few days had been a masterclass in deception, and now the world believed the danger was gone. But in truth, the real virus—silent, undetectable, and far more dangerous—lay hidden in the deepest layers of EMC’s network.He dressed quickly in a crisp white shirt and charcoal slacks, buttoning cuffs with precise motions. His reflection in the mirror showed a calm, confident man. No one w
Chapter 467: The Applause
Chapter 467: The ApplauseThe afternoon sun cast a golden hue over the EMC skyscraper, its reflective glass exterior shimmering like a beacon of triumph. Inside, the atmosphere was electric. An impromptu all-staff meeting had been called by CEO Eric Wood, a rare occurrence that sent ripples of curiosity and anticipation through every department.Employees from all levels gathered in the grand auditorium, a state-of-the-art facility designed for such significant announcements. The room buzzed with chatter, the air thick with excitement and speculation. Whispers of the recent virus removal and the mysterious figure behind it dominated conversations.The middle rows were filled with dozens of staff from departments like finance, IT, customer care, logistics, and development. They whispered, leaned sideways, and shared raised brows as they clapped.“That’s the guy, right?” one whispered to her colleague.“Nathaniel Grey. They say he barely even comes to EMC.”“Well, he shows up and boom—t
Chapter 466: The Ghost in the Code
Chapter 466: The Ghost in the CodeThe sun rose lazily over Emerald Falls, its golden rays piercing through the sleek glass exterior of the EMC skyscraper. Inside, however, the day had started long before dawn. The Control Center’s success had set off a chain reaction that echoed through every floor, every department, and every hallway of the company.By 9 a.m., EMC was alive with celebration. In the reception area of the main lobby, clusters of employees stood huddled around digital screens and glowing tables, their voices buzzing like a swarm of bees. The virus was gone. Just like that. No system crashes, no missing files, and no corrupted data logs. Overnight, the ghost that had haunted their finance sector for months had vanished.Cheers broke out when the first internal memo was released.INTERNAL MEMO – SYSTEM STABILITY REPORT“All affected sectors have been restored. The virus has been neutralized. Full operations have resumed.”The message bore the signature of Liam Carter, no
