Chapter One Hundred and Forty-NineThe underground compound buzzed with tension as the words “The real betrayal lies within” echoed through the darkened room. Henry’s eyes locked onto the blank screen, his jaw clenched tightly. Jasmine, frozen in place, stared at him with growing fear and confusion.“What does that mean?” she whispered, her voice cracking. “What betrayal?”Henry didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned to the lead operative at the console, his voice cold and controlled. “Trace the signal. I want to know exactly where that feed came from.”“Already working on it, sir,” the operative replied, his fingers flying over the keyboard.Henry exhaled sharply, his mind racing. He knew the message wasn’t just a taunt. It was deliberate, calculated—a move designed to pull at his weakest point. Jasmine.“Henry,” Jasmine pressed, stepping closer to him. “Tell me what’s going on. Why would they say my family… Stella… betrayed us?”Henry turned to face her, his expression unrea

The convoy of sleek black vehicles sped toward the Caine estate, cutting through the night like shadows on the move. Jasmine sat silently beside Henry, her hands clenched in her lap. The earlier revelations about her mother funding the De Luca family played over and over in her mind, each detail gnawing at her resolve. She stole a glance at Henry, his face a mask of cold determination, his mind undoubtedly calculating the next move.The tension in the car was palpable. Finally, she broke the silence. “Henry… what if she denies it? What if she had no idea what was happening?”Henry didn’t turn to her, his eyes locked on the road ahead. “If she’s innocent, the evidence will prove it. But if she’s guilty…” He paused, his voice hardening. “She’ll face the consequences.”Jasmine’s breath hitched. “You’d go that far? Even if she’s my mother?”Henry finally turned to her, his gaze softer but firm. “Jasmine, this isn’t just about us anymore. If your mother is involved, she’s not just a threat

The sun was just beginning to set when Henry stood outside the estate, leaning against the sleek black car. The orange glow of twilight brushed his sharp features as he thought about Evelyn’s words, the lies she had spun, and the deeper trap he might have walked into. The air was heavy, filled with the faint scent of jasmine from the estate’s sprawling gardens, but Henry wasn’t in the mood to appreciate the beauty. His mind was a storm. Suddenly, a rickety old cart clattered down the gravel driveway. A man, hunched over with a woven hat shadowing his face, pushed the cart. It was piled high with potatoes, their earthy smell wafting in the air as the wheels squeaked with every turn. Henry frowned. “Who let him in here?” he muttered to himself. The man approached, his movements deliberate but unassuming. As he neared, Henry noticed his ragged clothes and dirt-stained hands. But there was something oddly off. His stride, though hidden under a limping shuffle, was too calculated. T

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 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