Chapter Fifty-SevenThe CEO led the group through the grand lobby of The Penthouse to an exclusive, private elevator that opened directly into the most luxurious restaurant in the building. The restaurant itself was a masterpiece, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city’s glittering skyline. Soft, ambient lighting gave the room a golden glow, and in the corner, the world’s finest opera singer performed alongside a renowned violinist, their music weaving an atmosphere of elegance and serenity.Henry and Jasmine admired the ambiance, feeling like they had stepped into a scene from a dream. Anastasia, accustomed to the luxury, still found herself impressed by the level of attention and care the restaurant offered. It was clear that this place catered only to the world’s elite.As they settled in, the CEO’s phone buzzed, and after glancing at the screen, he gave them an apologetic smile. “Please excuse me for a moment. I have a matter to attend to,” he said,
Chapter Fifty-EightThe air in the restaurant grew tense as the two soldiers took a step forward, their presence looming over the table like a dark cloud.The once elegant and serene atmosphere was now filled with an unsettling silence, and all eyes turned toward Jasper, who was still sitting smugly in his seat.One of the soldiers, tall and stoic, spoke first.“Who are you?” His voice was deep, commanding, and left no room for negotiation. “And why did you forge a signature on the reservation? This table is not for you.”Jasper blinked, the smug grin falling from his face as confusion set in.“What? What are you talking about?” he stammered, his voice faltering.Henry, who had just returned from his phone call, paused, looking between Jasper and the soldiers. He furrowed his brow, clearly confused by the sudden confrontation.“I’m sorry, what’s going on here?” Henry asked, trying to get a grasp of the situation.The second soldier, more rigid in his demeanor, turned to Henry and poin
Chapter Fifty-NineHenry stood poised, his gaze steady as one of the soldiers moved toward him, trying to grab his arm. Each time the soldier reached out, Henry simply sidestepped, not even breaking a sweat. The crowd watched, captivated, as he avoided every move with ease and grace, not even lifting a finger to fight back.“Stand still!” the soldier barked, frustration brewing. His face turned red, and the veins on his neck began to pulse. But Henry remained calm, his expression unreadable.“I wouldn’t do this if I were you,” Henry replied coolly, keeping his hands relaxed by his sides. “I’m here to enjoy a meal, not cause a scene.”The soldier’s frustration only grew. Unable to handle being outsmarted, he reached for his electric taser, his fingers trembling. He was about to press the trigger when a loud, authoritative voice echoed across the room.“Stop!” The CEO’s voice sliced through the tension like a blade.The soldiers froze, their heads turning in surprise as the CEO himsel
Chapter SixtyHenry cut into his steak, savoring each bite, the rich flavors settling pleasantly on his tongue. He was hardly paying attention to the murmur of voices around him until he overheard Anastasia’s excited voice just across the table.“HEXAGON Consortium? That’s impressive,” Jasmine said, her voice soft yet intrigued as she leaned closer. “But why leave Switzerland? You must have options there, surely?”Anastasia’s eyes lit up with determination. “Because Hexagon Consortium is the best. They’re the leaders in AI engineering—no other company can compete, not even back home.” She glanced around, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. “They’re strict, Jas. No bribes, no favoritism. They don’t care who your family is or how much money you have. It’s all about talent, raw and refined.”Jasmine’s eyebrows rose, impressed. “I wish we had that in the Woods Empire,” she admitted with a sigh, the weight of her own responsibilities momentarily clouding her gaze. “It’s a long ro
Chapter Sixty-OneJasmine’s mother, Mrs. Whitmore, paced the hallway, her expensive heels clicking against the marble floor. Her face showed a mix of eagerness and impatience as she waited for Jasper to arrive. She had given him a simple task, or so she thought—an opportunity to win over Anastasia and bring their family closer to the kind of influence she craved. But Jasper was nowhere in sight.As she spotted Henry and Jasmine approaching, she stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she scanned for her son.“Where’s Jasper?” she demanded, her voice sharp with irritation.Henry raised a brow, keeping his calm. “I don’t know, Mrs. Whitmore,” he replied evenly. He could feel her anger rising but held his ground.Mrs. Whitmore’s face twisted in frustration. She clenched her jaw, clearly holding back, but her sharp tongue wouldn’t stay quiet.“Useless,” she muttered, loud enough for Henry to hear. Her eyes blazed as she continued, her tone laced with disdain. “You’re nothing but a bastar
Chapter Sixty TwoJasper woke up the next day, his head pounding, his body aching, and his mind buzzing with the sting of humiliation. His jaw clenched as flashes of the previous night surfaced—his drunken, disheveled self, sprawled outside the penthouse, Anastasia’s cold slap, and Henry’s smug, silent judgment. He squeezed his eyes shut, his fists balling under the covers as anger rose inside him.“Mocking me… that bastard’s probably laughing at me right now,” he muttered, his voice low, bitter. His mother’s disappointment was inevitable; he knew she would be waiting, ready to unleash her sharp words and disappointed looks, rubbing salt into his wounds.Unable to face her, he decided to slip out quietly. He tossed on some clothes, threw on a cap to shield his face, and left the house through a side entrance. It was early, the morning chill biting at him as he hurried down the street, but he didn’t care. All he wanted was to escape—to find a place where he didn’t have to face anyone’
Chapter Sixty-ThreeAnastasia’s voice came through with a rush of excitement as Jasmine answered her call.“Guess what? I got the job!” Anastasia’s voice practically sparkled over the phone, her excitement filling every word.Jasmine let out a loud, happy squeal. “You did?! Anna, that’s amazing! I knew you’d crush it!”Anastasia chuckled, clearly thrilled. “Thank you, Jas. I was so nervous, but I pulled through! I’m thinking… we have to celebrate. Just us. I found this gorgeous place online called the Garden of Eden—supposed to be breathtaking. What do you think?”Jasmine practically bounced on her feet. “I love that place! It’s perfect. Yes, yes, let’s do it! I’ll be there.”Later, Jasmine could hardly contain her excitement as she rushed over to Henry, who was deep in work mode. His brow furrowed as he considered his upcoming meeting, a high-stakes international deal he’d been preparing for. But then Jasmine appeared, her smile lighting up the room.“Henry!” she said, almost dancing
Chapter Sixty FourThe crowd outside the Garden of Eden buzzed with restless energy. Anastasia turned, her eyes narrowed with curiosity and a touch of frustration. She glanced back at Henry and Jasmine.“What’s going on here?” she asked, crossing her arms. “Why are we being blocked?”One of the guards, stone-faced, stepped forward. “The entire place is reserved,” he stated, his voice curt, yet strangely respectful.“Reserved?” Anastasia repeated, raising an eyebrow. “For who?”The guard maintained his impassive expression. “A high-priority guest. Supreme importance. The entire venue will be closed down for the week.”A ripple of discontent spread through the crowd, with some well-dressed patrons murmuring in disbelief. A tall, sharply dressed man scoffed nearby, his eyes flashing with indignation.“This is ridiculous,” he growled, adjusting his gold cufflinks with an air of entitlement. “I’ll throw any amount of money to get in. Name your price.”Others in the crowd nodded, a wave of
The penthouse was dimly lit, the warm glow of candles casting flickering shadows across the room. Jasmine walked in cautiously, her breath catching at the sight before her. The space had been completely transformed. A trail of red rose petals led from the entrance, winding through the living room and up the stairs, each step illuminated by soft tea lights. The faint scent of jasmine and vanilla filled the air, mingling with the sound of a slow, sultry jazz melody playing in the background.Her heart raced as she followed the trail, her bare feet brushing against the soft petals. At the top of the stairs, the double doors to their bedroom were ajar, and golden light spilled through the crack. She pushed them open slowly, her eyes widening as she stepped inside.The room was bathed in a soft, golden glow. More candles lined every surface, their light dancing against the silk-draped canopy of the bed. A bottle of champagne sat chilling on a nearby table, two crystal flutes waiting beside
Jasmine stood in front of the large window of their penthouse, gazing out at the glittering city lights. The night was quiet, but her heart wasn’t. It raced with an unexplainable tension that had built over the evening. Her fingers traced the edge of the silk robe she wore, the fabric light against her skin, yet somehow carrying the weight of her anticipation.Behind her, she felt the faintest shift in the air—a presence. She didn’t need to turn to know it was Henry. She could feel him, his energy wrapping around her like an invisible tether. “I couldn’t find you in bed,” he said, his voice low and husky, sending a ripple down her spine. “Were you thinking about me?”Jasmine smiled, her reflection meeting his in the glass. “Always.”The sound of his bare feet on the hardwood floors was soft, yet every step he took made her pulse quicken. In moments, his arms wrapped around her waist, his chest pressing against her back. She let out a small gasp as his lips brushed against her shoulde
Jasmine sat by the window, her legs curled beneath her as the late afternoon sun bathed her in its golden light. She gazed out at the city below, her heart still racing from the memories of the morning. Her fingers absently traced the edge of the glass, the coolness grounding her as her mind swirled with thoughts of Henry.She hadn’t known it could feel like this—so overwhelming, so consuming. Every touch, every kiss, had unraveled her, leaving her bare and vulnerable, but never more alive. Her chest rose and fell with a deep, steadying breath, but the longing that lingered in her heart was undeniable.The soft creak of the bedroom door pulled her from her thoughts. She turned, her eyes meeting Henry’s as he leaned against the frame, his shirt unbuttoned and hanging loosely, revealing the taut muscles of his chest. His dark eyes held a familiar intensity, one that sent a shiver racing through her body.“Penny for your thoughts?” he asked, his voice low and smooth, the kind of voice th
Henry leaned against the kitchen counter, a glass of water in his hand as the cool liquid soothed his parched throat. The morning sunlight streamed through the windows, casting golden rays across the marble surfaces. The house was silent, save for the faint hum of the city below, but his mind was far from calm. Thoughts of Jasmine—her soft laughter, the way her skin had glowed in the morning light—lingered like a heady fog.Jasmine appeared in the doorway, her silhouette framed by the soft light. She wore nothing but one of his oversized shirts, the fabric brushing just above her knees. Her hair was tousled, her cheeks still flushed from their earlier intimacy. The sight of her sent a wave of desire rushing through Henry’s veins, his breath catching as their eyes met.“You left me alone,” she said softly, her voice teasing but with an edge of vulnerability.Henry set the glass down, his gaze darkening as he took a step toward her. “I thought you were resting.”Her lips curved into a s
Henry stirred awake as the faint golden light of dawn streamed through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. The air was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the city waking below. His body was warm, wrapped in the comfort of the plush sheets and the softness of Jasmine nestled beside him.He turned his head slightly, his eyes landing on her serene face. Her dark lashes rested against her cheeks, her lips slightly parted as she slept peacefully. Her hair cascaded over the pillow like silk, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest made his heart clench with a warmth he hadn’t felt in years.Henry couldn’t resist reaching out. His fingers brushed against her cheek, featherlight, and she stirred at the touch, her eyelids fluttering open. Her sleepy gaze met his, and a soft smile spread across her lips.“Good morning,” she murmured, her voice husky from sleep.“Good morning,” Henry replied, his voice low, filled with affection. His hand moved to tuck a stray strand of hair
The soft glow of the candles followed them as Henry scooped Jasmine into his arms. Her skin was still damp from the bath, warm and soft against his chest. She let out a quiet gasp, wrapping her arms around his neck, her lips brushing lightly against his jaw."Henry," she whispered, her voice a mix of nervousness and anticipation.He paused, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Are you sure, Jasmine?" His voice was low, filled with both tenderness and restraint. "I don’t want to rush this if you’re not ready."Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a small, reassuring smile. "I’ve never been more ready for anything."The sincerity in her eyes made his chest tighten. With a soft nod, he carried her into the bedroom, the faint scent of lavender still lingering in the air. The golden light from the bedside lamp cast a warm glow over the room, the shadows of the night dancing along the walls.Henry set her down gently on the edge of the bed, his movements careful, reverent. He knelt before her, his
Henry staggered through the door of his penthouse, his body weighed down by exhaustion. The soft glow of the evening lights spilled through the windows, casting long shadows across the polished floors. He loosened his tie, his every muscle aching from the relentless grind of the last few weeks. His mind was fogged with exhaustion, but he couldn’t help the flicker of pride at what he’d accomplished.“Henry?” Jasmine’s soft voice floated from the bedroom. The sound was like a balm to his frayed nerves.“I’m here,” he called back, his voice rough. He dropped his briefcase by the door and ran a hand through his disheveled hair.Jasmine appeared in the doorway, her figure bathed in the warm light of the room. She wore a silk robe that clung to her curves, her eyes filled with concern as she crossed the room toward him.“You look like you’ve been through a war,” she said, brushing her fingers over his jaw. Her touch was featherlight, but it sent a spark of warmth through him.“It feels like
Henry stormed out of the estate, his steps heavy and purposeful as the night air hit him like a slap to the face. The faint hum of the helicopters above was drowned out by the pounding of his heart. He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His grandfather’s words echoed in his head, their sharp edges cutting deep.“You’re not family,” Henry muttered to himself, his voice trembling with barely contained rage. “I’m just another asset to him. Another chess piece.”The guards standing outside the gates straightened as Henry approached, their gazes wary. He shot them a glare so fierce that one of them visibly flinched.“Open the damn gate,” Henry snapped, his tone sharp enough to cut glass.The guard hesitated for a fraction of a second before obeying. The gates creaked open, and Henry strode out without sparing them another glance. The crunch of gravel beneath his feet was a harsh reminder of the cold reality he was leaving behind.Anderson caught up to him, his pa
The room seemed to shrink as Henry’s grandfather stood. His every movement was deliberate, exuding a power so commanding it felt like the very air was holding its breath. The sharp lines of his tailored black suit amplified his imposing frame, and the insignia of the Grand Commander gleamed on his chest like a badge of omnipotence. His presence filled the room, an aura so intense it was almost tangible, crackling like an electrical storm.The two guards by the door immediately bowed, their heads lowered so deeply that they nearly touched the floor. Outside the study, Henry could hear the shuffle of footsteps and murmurs as more people fell to their knees, as if in reverence to a god descending from the heavens.Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched, refusing to bow. His fists tightened at his sides as he watched the scene unfold. The man before him wasn’t just his grandfather—he was a living legend, a shadow that loomed over every story whispered in corridors of power.“Grand Commander