Chapter 490“I want what everyone wants,” he said quietly. “Power. Security. Control over my own destiny. But I also want you, Alisha. Not just as a secret we hide from EMC gossip, but as a genuine partner. Someone I can trust when things get complicated.”“Things are already complicated,” Alisha pointed out.“They’re about to get more complicated,” Liam said. He released her hand and stood, moving to the window where he pulled the curtains back slightly to reveal the river below, its surface reflecting the city lights in broken patterns. “I need to tell you something, and I need you to understand why I’m telling you.”Alisha sat forward, her attention completely focused on him now. “What is it?”Liam turned to face her, his expression serious. “I’m making a move against the Wane family. Not publicly, not violently, but strategically. I’m using my position at EMC as leverage to undermine their broader business interests.”Alisha’s eyes widened. “The Wane family? Liam, they’re the rich

Chapter 492: The Platinum ClubEric Wood stood outside the Platinum Club for a full minute before walking through the entrance, his hand unconsciously moving to his chest where the small listening device sat hidden beneath his shirt and tie. The device was no bigger than a button and James had assured him it would work perfectly as long as Cara stayed within range, but Eric still felt exposed, like he was walking into a trap with nothing but good intentions and a wire to protect him.He took a breath and pushed through the heavy oak doors into the club’s interior. The smell hit him immediately, leather and aged wood and expensive cigars, the scent of money and power concentrated in one building. Conversations hummed around him in low tones as men in tailored suits leaned close to one another across polished tables, making deals and breaking competitors with nothing but words and handshakes.A hostess appeared at his elbow almost instantly, her smile profes

Chapter 494: Family FuryThe Carl family home sat in a modest neighborhood on the western edge of Emerald Falls, a two-story house with peeling paint on the shutters and a front lawn that had seen better days. Inside, the living room was crowded with furniture that had been moved around too many times to fit properly, creating a cramped space that felt even smaller when multiple family members gathered there at once.Kate Carl paced back and forth in front of the television, her face flushed with anger and humiliation as she recounted the events from HR earlier that day. Her husband Richard sat in his usual armchair, his expression weary as he watched his wife work herself into a state. Pa Aaron and Ma Pat occupied the sofa, their faces set in matching expressions of disapproval, though whether that disapproval was directed at Kate or at Ana Davies remained unclear.“That little witch,” Kate spat, her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “Standing there like she’s better than every

Chapter 496: Morning MovesJames arrived at EMC before sunrise, the building’s lobby still dim and nearly empty except for night security finishing their shift. He rode the elevator to the executive floor alone, his mind already sorting through the variables from last night’s meeting between Eric and Liam. The recording Cara had delivered was damning, and now Liam had given them a seventy-two-hour countdown.He unlocked his office and set his briefcase down, pulling out his laptop and the encrypted phone Gregor had given him months ago. Two missed calls from his uncle Ryan and a text from Ellen sent at three in the morning Santorini time.*Can’t sleep. Someone tried to get into our villa tonight. Theo chased them off but we’re leaving tomorrow. Coming home.*James’ jaw clenched as he typed back.*Good. I’ll have security meet you at the airport. Don’t tell anyone your flight details.*He pocketed the phone and moved to the window, watching the city wake up below him. A knock at his d

Chapter 498 The room tilted sideways for a moment and Jaxon gripped the arms of his chair to steady himself. Williams Jesse had been his rescuer? The same Williams Jesse who worked in the technical department and was dating Lana Wane? The same Williams Jesse who Jaxon had always dismissed as just another corporate drone? “Why?” Jaxon managed to ask. “Because you’re useful,” Williams said simply. “And because I wanted you to owe me. Which you do now, Jaxon. You owe me your life and I’m here to collect on that debt.” Jaxon shook his head, trying to clear the fog of panic that was settling over his thoughts. “What do you want?” “Information,” Williams said. He pulled a small notepad from his pocket and flipped it open. “Your father and I have an ongoing business but I need to use you to keep tabs on him.” “How would I do that?” Jaxon asked. “My father doesn’t tell me anything.” “But you have access to his room,” Williams countered. “And you know his habits well enough to fi