Chapter One Hundred And SixHenry’s phone buzzed, displaying an address to a hotel in the upscale district of the capital. The message was short, simply, “Meet here at 8 PM.” Henry sighed, glancing around at the last patch of grass he had yet to cut. Work had kept him grounded, his mind clear, and now this request from Lea felt intrusive, like a whisper from a past he’d tried to leave behind.He shook off the thought and returned to work, feeling the burn in his arms as he swung the scythe with rhythmic precision. As the evening shadows began to stretch across the mansion grounds, he heard his phone ring again. Wiping the sweat from his forehead, he picked it up.“Hello?”“Mr. Henry?” came a formal voice. “I am your driver. I’m here to take you to meet Miss Léa.”Henry sighed. Jasmine was still at work, and he doubted she’d be back anytime soon. He showered, letting the hot water soothe his muscles, and then changed into a crisp shirt and dark pants, something that looked respectabl
Chapter One Hundred And Seven Henry shook his head firmly, his voice low but resolute. “Léa, I can’t do this. I’m married, and I respect my wife too much to betray her.”Léa’s smile only widened, a glint of amusement in her eyes as she leaned in closer. “Oh, Henry, it doesn’t have to matter. Your wife doesn’t have to know, does she? I mean, it looks like you haven’t had… a little excitement in a while, handsome.”He flinched at her words, a pang hitting him because she was partially right. But his resolve was unshakable. “It’s not about that. I’m against cheating, Léa. Infidelity goes against everything I believe in. If this is why you called me here, then I’ll be taking my leave.”Léa’s face faltered, just for a split second, as his words struck a nerve. Her lips tightened, and for a brief moment, a flash of disbelief crossed her face. Never before had a man refused her. She cleared her throat, her tone suddenly sharper, masking her embarrassment with a cold, detached edge.“Well
Chapter One Hundred And Eught Henry shifted uneasily, his mind racing with doubts as he eyed the towering structure in front of them. Just as he was about to voice his concerns, Léa glanced over her shoulder, rolling her eyes in exasperation.“Relax, Henry,” she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “I’m not going to kidnap you. Frankly, you’re too useless for that. Do you even have anyone who’d bother to bail you out? With the way your father-in-law treats you like garbage?”Henry flinched, her words hitting harder than he cared to admit. Before he could respond, Léa placed her palm on a seemingly empty section of the wall, and with a low mechanical hum, a hidden door slid open. A blast of cool air hit them, carrying the scent of polished metal and money.They stepped into a high-ceilinged chamber, and Henry’s eyes widened. Everywhere he looked, rows upon rows of neatly stacked money filled metal racks, each bundle pristine and secured. The sheer scale of wealth was overwhelm
Chapter One Hundred And Nine “Father," Léa insisted, her voice sharp but laced with reassurance. "Everything will be fine. I trust Henry."The older man’s gaze hardened, his lips curling slightly. "And if I don’t get a good feeling about him, or if anything goes wrong?"Léa shrugged casually. "Then you can just kill him off. No big deal. He’s trash. I doubt anyone will give a damn about his whereabouts, especially since we’re in a foreign country."Henry stiffened, the cold indifference in her tone slicing through him. The father turned, fixing Henry with a chilling, scrutinizing look."And don’t think we’re in France just because we speak French," he sneered, taking a step closer, his expression full of disdain. Henry held his breath, his mind racing.With a dismissive wave, the older man gestured for him to approach. "Come here."Henry hesitated, his legs stiff but obedient as he stepped forward. The man handed him a pair of black, delicate gloves."Put these on," he commanded. "Ex
Chapter One Hundred And TenThe father’s face twisted with fury. “What nonsense!” he roared, his voice booming across the marble room, filling it with venom. Before Henry could react, a sharp slap landed on his cheek, the force of it sending him reeling back a step. Pain shot through his face, radiating from the stinging mark. He tasted blood on his lip but forced himself to stay steady, unwilling to let his fear show.“My best art collector assured me this was the original!” the father spat, his eyes blazing with anger. He turned to Léa, disgust plain on his face. “Where did you find this dumb beggar?” His voice was laced with contempt, his gaze bearing down on her.Léa flinched, a flicker of fear crossing her face. She opened her mouth, but no words came. Instead, she lowered her head, her confidence stripped away under her father’s harsh gaze. He sneered, watching her silence with satisfaction.“Kill him for wasting my time,” he ordered with cold finality, his hand dismissing Hen
Chapter One Hundred And Eleven Lea’s dangerous and bossy father’s eyes blazed with a fury that could have scorched the room itself. Without a second thought, he raised his walking stick high and brought it down on the art collector’s shoulder with a sickening thud.“You know what you’ve nearly cost me today?” he roared, striking the man again, this time across the back. The collector stumbled, crashing onto the polished marble floor.“What will the Hexagon Consortium boss think if he realizes I gave him a fake collection?” he demanded, his voice dripping with venom. “Are you trying to ruin me? Are you… a fraud?”The art collector, now crumpled and broken on the floor, clutched at the edge of his coat, shaking his head frantically, tears streaming down his face. “Please… please, sir, I didn’t know. I swear… I thought it was real…”But Léa’s father sneered, towering over him like a merciless god. “Save your pathetic excuses. I don’t want to hear them.”He glanced at his men, his voice
Henry’s gaze flickered between Léa and the glinting gold bar on the table, his expression unreadable. She leaned closer, the playful smirk on her face twisting into something more calculating, more dangerous. It was a look he recognized well—a look that said she was holding all the cards and daring him to play. “Henry, don’t tell me you’re backing down,” she whispered, her voice dripping with mock disappointment. Her fingers toyed with the gold bar, tapping it rhythmically as if each tap was meant to break down his restraint, test his limits. “I thought you were different from the others. I thought you could handle a little… challenge.”He chuckled softly, not breaking eye contact. “Challenge? Or manipulation?”“Oh, I don’t manipulate,” she replied, her voice smooth as silk. “I simply… present opportunities.”“Opportunities?” He let the word hang in the air, his tone laced with skepticism. “Is that what this is to you?”Léa’s gaze was steady, unwavering. “Call it what you want, but y
Henry’s fingers lingered on the gold bar, the cold metal sending a shiver up his arm. He wasn’t sure if it was the chill of the gold or the heat of Léa’s gaze that had his pulse racing. His jaw tightened, his breathing steadying as he leaned back into the plush seat. The hum of the jet’s engines reverberated beneath him, a steady reminder of how high the stakes had suddenly risen.“So, Henry,” Léa began, her voice smooth and teasing. She placed the gold bar down, letting it hit the table with a muted thud. “Tell me, what exactly are you afraid of?”“I’m not afraid,” he said firmly, his tone sharper than he intended.Her lips curled into a dangerous smile. “Then why the hesitation? A man like you should know when to act. Or are you second-guessing yourself?”His fists clenched at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. She was baiting him, digging into his pride, and it was working. “Léa, don’t confuse caution with weakness,” he replied, his voice low, almost a growl.“Oh, please,”
The new headquarters of **Caine Global Industries** stood as a towering monument to Henry’s rise from chaos to triumph. Its glass exterior gleamed under the sun, reflecting the bustling city below—a city that had once belonged to Marcus's empire. Now, it was Henry’s world. His name was etched in bold letters at the top of the skyscraper, a permanent reminder to everyone who had ever doubted him.Inside, the grand hall buzzed with activity. Journalists, investors, and power brokers from around the world had gathered for the unveiling of Henry’s latest project—a groundbreaking initiative that would revolutionize renewable energy and cement his place not just as a powerful billionaire, but as a visionary.Jasmine, radiant and poised, stood beside him, their baby boy cradled in her arms. She was his rock, the anchor that had kept him grounded through every battle. Her eyes sparkled with pride as she watched Henry address the crowd.“Today marks the beginning of a new era,” Henry announced
The forest clearing seemed to crackle with tension as Henry faced Marcus and his armed entourage. The ring on his finger pulsed with a fierce light, casting eerie shadows that danced over the trees. Every nerve in Henry’s body was electrified, his newfound power swirling within him like a storm waiting to be unleashed. This wasn’t just about survival anymore—this was about vengeance, reclaiming control, and making Marcus pay for everything he’d done.“Stand down, Marcus,” Henry growled, his voice resonating with a depth that wasn’t entirely human. The light from the ring spread faintly up his arm, sending tendrils of energy into the air.Marcus, flanked by his soldiers, seemed unfazed. If anything, his smirk deepened, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “You think that little trinket makes you untouchable?” he mocked, gesturing to the glowing ring. “Power like that comes with strings, Henry. And you’re not the one holding them.”Henry took a step forward, his jaw clenched. “You made a m
The rumble of approaching helicopters shook the air, their lights cutting through the smoke-filled chaos of the battlefield. But Henry's mind was somewhere else, focused on the mysterious words Marcus had left behind and the burning heat radiating from the silver ring on his finger.**It had always been there—a family heirloom passed down through generations of the Caine line. Henry had worn it without thought, but now it felt alive, pulsing with an unnatural warmth. His grip tightened around Jasmine, who clung to him as they crouched behind the wreckage, Eva scanning the surroundings with her rifle."Henry," Jasmine whispered, her voice trembling. "Your hand... it's glowing."He looked down and saw it: faint, silvery-blue lines snaking from the ring, curling up his hand like living veins of light. The heat intensified, but it didn’t burn. Instead, it filled him with a sense of power, a kind of clarity that cut through the chaos around him."What the hell is this?" he muttered under h
**The air roared with the sound of the helicopter blades, bullets tearing through the wreckage as Henry crouched behind a twisted piece of metal, shielding Jasmine with his body.** Smoke filled the sky, and the acrid scent of burning fuel stung their nostrils. The ground around them erupted with explosions, dirt and debris raining down in a chaotic storm. Every second was a test of survival.Henry’s jaw was clenched tight, his eyes razor-sharp as he assessed their impossible situation. The enemy helicopter circled overhead like a predator, its spotlight searching the wreckage for signs of movement.“We can’t stay pinned down here,” Eva shouted over the deafening chaos, her voice steady but urgent. She reloaded her rifle with practiced efficiency, her fingers moving quickly despite the blood dripping from her temple.“Agreed,” Henry said, his voice low but full of command. “Jasmine, stay down and don’t move until I tell you.”Jasmine’s heart pounded as she nodded, her hand resting prot
The compound's alarm blared through the night, a piercing sound that shattered the fragile silence. Jasmine bolted upright in bed, her heart hammering against her ribs. Across the room, Henry was already on his feet, his instincts sharp and honed.“What’s happening?” Jasmine whispered, her voice trembling as she clutched the blanket.Henry grabbed his gun from the nightstand, his expression grim. “We’re under attack.”Before Jasmine could respond, the door burst open, and Eva stormed in, her rifle slung over her shoulder. Her face was hard, her eyes scanning the room like a predator assessing its surroundings.“They’re coming in hot,” Eva said, her voice cutting through the blaring alarm. “East wall’s been breached. Armed convoy—military grade.”Jasmine’s stomach twisted in fear. “Who is it? How did they find us?”Henry exchanged a dark look with Eva. “There’s a mole,” he muttered. “And they’ve brought an army.”Eva nodded curtly. “We have minutes, maybe seconds. We need to move.”---
The cabin’s serene isolation was shattered by a thunderous explosion that rocked the very foundation. The force threw Jasmine from the bed, her body colliding with the hard floor as shards of glass from the window rained down around her. The sound of splintering wood and a searing heat filled the room. For a moment, her ears rang, and everything was chaos.“Jasmine!” Henry’s voice roared over the din, pulling her out of her stunned state. His strong arms wrapped around her, shielding her as another explosion rattled the cabin.The air was thick with smoke and dust, making it hard to breathe. Henry hauled Jasmine to her feet, his eyes scanning the ruined room. His protective instincts kicked in, his hands moving to her shoulders as he searched her face.“Are you hurt?” he demanded, his voice sharp with urgency.Jasmine shook her head, though her body trembled from the shock. “I’m okay,” she croaked. “The baby’s okay.”Relief flashed in Henry’s eyes, but it was short-lived. A sudden bur
Jasmine lay in Henry's arms, her skin still tingling from the intensity of their connection. The fire crackled softly in the background, casting warm shadows that danced across the walls. Henry’s hand rested on her hip, his thumb brushing lazy circles against her skin, sending small shivers coursing through her body.She shifted slightly, turning to face him. His dark eyes met hers, filled with a blend of tenderness and desire that made her heart skip a beat. She reached up, tracing her fingers along his jawline, marveling at how someone so strong, so protective, could also make her feel so cherished.“You’re quiet,” she whispered, her voice soft but teasing. “What are you thinking about?”Henry’s lips curved into a small smile as his hand slid up to rest on her waist. “You,” he replied simply. “And how impossible it feels to stop touching you.”Her cheeks flushed, and she let out a soft laugh, her fingers trailing down to his chest. “Good,” she murmured, leaning closer until their fa
Jasmine lay tangled in the sheets, her skin still warm from the firelight and Henry’s touch. The world outside felt far away, as if they were cocooned in their own bubble of safety and intimacy. She turned her head, her eyes tracing the strong lines of Henry’s face as he lay beside her, propped up on one elbow. His gaze was fixed on her, dark and intent, yet filled with a softness that melted her heart.“You’re staring,” she teased, her voice light but trembling with lingering emotion.“Can you blame me?” Henry murmured, his hand trailing lazily over her arm. “You’re mesmerizing.”Her cheeks flushed, and she let out a small laugh, her hand coming up to rest against his chest. “You always know exactly what to say.”“That’s because I mean every word,” he replied, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead. His lips lingered there, warm and tender, before moving to her cheek and finally brushing against her lips.The kiss was slow at first, their breaths mingling as their lips mov
Jasmine sat on the edge of the bed, her mind still spinning from the events of the day. The room was quiet, save for the crackling of the fireplace casting warm shadows across the walls. The soft glow bathed her skin, highlighting the curve of her shoulders as she slipped out of her sweater, her movements slow and deliberate. She needed a moment to breathe, to feel something other than fear.The door creaked open, and she looked up to see Henry stepping inside, his shirt untucked, the bandage on his side peeking through. His dark eyes softened when they met hers, and for the first time in hours, she saw a flicker of calm in his expression.“You should be resting,” Jasmine said, her voice soft but teasing.Henry’s lips curved into a faint smile as he closed the door behind him. “So should you,” he replied, walking toward her.She stood, the weight of the day heavy on her shoulders as he closed the distance between them. His hand reached out, his fingers brushing against her cheek, and