Chapter Ninety Seven Henry’s phone buzzed sharply on his desk, piercing through the silence of his office. Glancing down, he saw Damon’s name flash across the screen, but when he answered, he was met with only ragged breaths and desperate gasps. “Damon?” Henry’s voice rose, laced with urgency. “Are you… are you okay?” Through the phone, he heard Damon’s strained voice, barely a whisper, as though each word took all the strength he had. “Henry… please… I—” The words faltered, then the line went silent except for Damon’s harsh, shallow breaths. Henry’s heart pounded, a knot of worry tightening in his chest. Without a second thought, he abandoned the stacks of paperwork before him, his hands moving on instinct as he activated the hidden switch for the private elevator in his office. The elevator descended silently, cutting through floors to the underground exit reserved for the inner circle of the HEXAGON CONSORTIUM. Emerging into the dim light, he dialed an Uber and waited, every s
Chapter Ninety Eight Damon took a deep, shaky breath, his voice raw and trembling as he looked at Henry. “She… she demanded the raw gold jar you gifted me, Henry,” Damon began, his hands trembling. “The one you gave me when I opened this pharmacy.” Henry’s eyes narrowed, his mouth pressing into a thin line as he listened. “When I told her I was going to divorce her… she didn’t even care. She just laughed, told me I was a ‘poor fool,’ and then… then, she had her new man—the senator—send his boys to beat the life out of me. My own wife just stood there, laughing as they kicked me, mocking me, calling me a ‘worthless man.’” Damon’s voice broke, and he clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. “She… she actually looked at me, laughing, like I was nothing. She insulted me, said I was lucky she even bothered to look in my direction. And while I was on the ground, Henry, beaten half to death… she let that senator put his hands all over her. He… he kissed her, grabbed her li
Chapter Ninety Nine The senator staggered back, gasping for breath, his eyes darting around the wrecked pharmacy. His men were groaning on the floor, beaten and bruised, and Damon’s pharmacy looked like a battleground. His eyes flickered to his phone. “I’ll call the police,” he muttered, half to himself, reaching into his pocket. But then, a thought struck him cold. The police? With his wife and four children overseas? If this turned into a public mess, he’d lose everything he’d carefully built. The scandal could destroy his career . All it would take was one headline, and he’d be finished—disgraced as the senator who couldn’t control his wife or his own thugs. He clenched his jaw, his hand frozen over his phone. “No,” he murmured, drawing himself up and straightening his tie, his mind already racing for a different solution. “I need someone better than police. I need… an expert.” The senator’s face twisted into a sneer as he thought of Henry standing there, smug and self-assu
Chapter Hundred The fighters moved in unison, circling Henry, their eyes cold, calculating. Their movements were precise, deadly, and one of them shifted his stance, his hand poised to strike a lethal blow. Henry braced himself, every muscle tensed, knowing this could be the end. But just as the fighter was about to make his move, the leader’s gaze caught on something that stopped him cold. “Wait!” the leader barked, his voice sharp, halting his men in mid-motion. His eyes were fixed on Henry’s hand, a look of shock overtaking his face. Henry followed the man’s gaze, confused, and noticed that he was staring at the ancient, weathered ring he wore—a ring he’d never thought much of until now. The leader’s face drained of color as he moved closer, his eyes wide with disbelief. Slowly, reverently, he reached out and touched the ring, his fingers trembling as if he were touching something sacred. Henry stared back, bewildered, his pulse racing. He felt the leader’s hand graze his,
Chapter One Hundred And One Before the senator could squeeze the trigger, the warriors moved like shadows—so fast and silent that the senator barely had time to blink before the gun was wrenched from his grip. The cold muzzle of his own weapon was now pressed against his temple. The lead warrior held the gun, his expression unreadable as he turned to Henry, bowing his head slightly. “Lord Commander,” he said respectfully, “what would you have us do with this man?” Henry’s mind reeled. “Lord Commander”? He didn’t know what was happening, but the weight of the title and the reverence in their voices left him feeling a strange mixture of power and bewilderment. The ancient ring on his finger felt heavy, almost as if it pulsed with some unknown energy. He stared down at it, realizing it was no ordinary ring. But if these men saw him as a leader, maybe he could use this to his advantage. Clearing his throat, he straightened, pacing slowly, letting the silence linger as he thought. He
Chapter One Hundred And Two Henry’s lips curled into a soft, almost amused smile as he heard the senator’s muffled shouts of insult, even as he was being dragged toward a sleek car, Damon’s wife still by his side. The man was relentless, stubborn, completely unable to see past his pride. Henry’s gaze turned to Damon, who looked at him with quiet disbelief. “He hasn’t learned a thing,” Henry murmured, shaking his head. “Damon, I want this recorded live. I want the world to see who this man really is.” He gave the warriors a nod. “Make sure he never forgets this lesson. Ever.” Damon fumbled for his phone, his hands shaking slightly, but the look in his eyes was resolute. He hit the record button, live-streaming as the warriors pulled the senator back, his protests rising in frantic yells. But before the senator could fight back, one of the warriors produced a pair of pliers, gripping his hand with iron force. The senator’s eyes widened, a scream of terror escaping his lips as the
Chapter One Hundred And Three Damon’s wife’s face twisted, her hands shaking. She looked helpless, her own shame mingling with fear as she faced Henry. “Please… Henry, I… I never wanted this. I’ll do anything to make it right. Just don’t let them hurt me!” Henry tilted his head, studying her for a long moment, his gaze icy. “Anything?” he repeated, his voice low. “Then you’ll never betray another man’s trust. Ever.” He turned to the warriors, giving them a silent signal. The men stepped forward, their eyes cold and unfeeling as they surrounded Damon’s wife. She trembled, her breath coming in quick gasps, fear turning her face as pale as death. One of the warriors drew his sword, the blade gleaming under the dim lights of the room. With a swift, practiced motion, he swung it through the air, striking her hair with precise force. Long strands fell to the ground, leaving her hair uneven, butchered. She screamed, clutching at her scalp, her voice raw with terror. But the warr
Chapter One Hundred And Four Henry looked at the senator, lying on the ground, broken and humiliated, and spoke to the warriors with calm authority. “If you ever catch him cheating on his wife again,” Henry said, his voice low, filled with quiet menace, “cut off his manhood.” The senator’s eyes widened with horror, but he was too weak to protest. The warriors bowed, a silent acknowledgment of the command. “Thank you for everything,” Henry continued, a note of gratitude in his voice. “And… please keep this whole incident a secret.” The lead warrior stepped forward, his expression one of deep respect as he bent down, pressing his lips to the ring on Henry’s finger. “We would never dare to reveal anything, Lord Commander. If ever you need us, simply call, and we shall be there within seven minutes, no matter where you are.” Henry nodded, humbled by their reverence, and watched as they faded into the shadows, leaving the senator and his wife to their shame. The day's weight press
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
Jasmine sat on the edge of the cabin bed, her hands resting gently on her swollen belly. The soft flicker of the fire illuminated the room, casting dancing shadows across the walls. The forest was quiet, save for the distant hum of insects and the occasional rustle of leaves outside. For the first time in days, she felt a sense of calm, albeit fragile. Henry was crouched by the window, his sharp eyes scanning the perimeter.“Henry,” she called softly, her voice breaking the stillness. “Do you think… do you think we’ll ever have a normal life? For the baby?”He turned to her, his expression softening as he walked over and knelt in front of her. His hands rested on her knees, his thumb brushing her skin reassuringly. “We will,” he said, his voice steady. “I promise, Jasmine. I’ll do whatever it takes to give you both the life you deserve.”Her heart ached at the conviction in his voice. She reached out, cupping his face with her hands. “I just want us to be safe, Henry. That’s all I wan
I The villa’s tranquil silence was shattered by the unmistakable hum of a drone overhead. Jasmine froze mid-step, her pulse quickening as she exchanged a panicked look with Henry. He straightened, his expression sharpening instantly. Eva, stationed by the window, grabbed her tablet and tapped furiously, her eyes scanning the feed from the villa’s security cameras.“We’ve got movement,” Eva announced, her tone clipped. “Three vehicles approaching from the east, no visible insignias. They’re not here for a friendly visit.”Henry’s jaw tightened, his protective instincts kicking in. He reached for the small handgun tucked into his waistband, checking the clip with practiced precision. Jasmine’s hand instinctively moved to her belly, her fear mounting as she looked between the two of them.“Henry, what’s going on?” she whispered, her voice trembling.“They’ve found us,” he said grimly, his eyes never leaving Eva. “How long do we have?”“Ten minutes, maybe less,” Eva replied, her fingers f
Jasmine’s heart pounded as she ran up the dimly lit staircase, her hand instinctively clutching her growing belly. Tears blurred her vision, but her focus remained sharp: she had to get away. Henry’s voice echoed in her mind, his plea to protect their baby driving her forward.The air in the stairwell was cold and metallic, the faint scent of oil and concrete lingering as her footsteps echoed against the walls. She reached the rooftop, her chest heaving as she pushed open the heavy metal door. The cool night air hit her like a slap, and for a moment, she stood still, catching her breath and trying to clear her mind.Below, the city stretched out in a sea of glittering lights. It was surreal—beautiful yet indifferent to her panic, her fear. Jasmine wrapped her arms around herself, her breath visible in the cold air as she looked around for an escape. She spotted a maintenance shed in the corner and moved toward it cautiously, her legs trembling.Her phone buzzed in her pocket, startlin
The days turned into weeks, and Jasmine’s pregnancy began to show. She often caught herself standing in front of the mirror, her hands cradling the small but growing bump. It was surreal, knowing that a tiny life was forming inside her, half of her and half of Henry. The emotions were overwhelming at times—joy, fear, hope, and doubt—all swirling together.Henry, on the other hand, seemed to have taken the news in stride. He was attentive, always ready with her favorite snacks when cravings struck or a pillow for her aching back. But beneath his calm exterior, Jasmine could sense his tension. There were moments when she’d catch him staring out the window, his jaw tight, his thoughts clearly elsewhere.“Henry,” she asked one evening, as they sat together in the living room. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed… distant.”He turned to her, his face softening. “I’m fine, Jasmine. Just thinking about everything. About the future.”Her fingers tightened around his. “You’re not having second thought
Jasmine sat at the edge of the bathtub, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at the small white stick in her trembling hands. The seconds stretched into what felt like hours, the room spinning around her as she tried to make sense of the emotions coursing through her.The two faint pink lines stared back at her, undeniable and impossible to ignore.“Oh my God,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.She set the test down carefully on the counter and pressed her hands to her face, her breathing shallow. The rush of emotions was overwhelming—fear, excitement, disbelief, and, above all, a deep uncertainty. This was not how she had imagined finding out. This was not how she had planned it.The sound of the front door opening and closing pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. Henry was home.“Jasmine?” his deep, familiar voice called out from the hallway. “Are you upstairs?”She quickly grabbed the test and shoved it into the drawer beneath the si
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