2025-08-15 10:48:02“Lukas, I need you as my personal escort at the Laurent Group’s tech summit in Amsterdam tonight,” Sofia said, her voice low and her dark eyes locking onto his. “After that ambush, I’m not taking chances. You keep me safe, and those medicinal roots you want? They’re yours, delivered tomorrow.”
Lukas leaned against the boat’s railing, his broad shoulders tense, his eyes scanning the dark waters for any sign of another threat. Sofia’s offer was a lifeline: rare roots that could rebuild his work but playing bodyguard in a den of tech moguls felt like stepping into a trap. “You’re sure about this?” he asked, his voice steady but wary. “Kroon’s men could try again.”
Sofia’s lips curved into a determined smile. “Exactly why I need you. You handled those thugs like they were nothing. I trust you, Lukas.” She leaned closer, her tone softening. “The roots are just the start. The Laurents reward those who stand with us.”
Lukas clenched his jaw, he needed those roots, not just for Pieter but for himself, to reclaim what he’d lost. “Alright,” he said, his voice firm. “I’ll escort you. But if trouble comes, we do this my way.”
“Deal,” Sofia replied, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Let’s get to Amsterdam, the summit awaits.”
The boat pulled up gently to the dock, and they stepped onto the edge of the canal.
The Laurent Group’s tech summit took place in a fancy glass building by the water, shining with wealth and power. Lukas straightened his dark jacket. The green pin Sofia gave him was now on his lapel, showing he was part of their team.
Meanwhile, Elise Van der Meer stepped out of a sleek black car, her emerald dress clinging to her tall frame, her reddish-brown hair, neatly styled up without a single strand out of place, she was the face of Van der Meer Enterprises, her tech empire a force in its own right. The summit was a chance to refocus, to secure a partnership that could elevate her company to new heights.
Margot, her sharp-tongued assistant, followed close behind, her blonde bob immaculate, her tablet glowing with notes. “The Laurent Group’s merger could redefine us,” Margot said, her voice clipped as they entered the venue. “Erik de Vries is already inside. He’s eager to pitch you as their top partner.”
Elise nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd. “Good. Set it up.” Her tone was calm, but her mind swirled with thoughts of Lukas.
Erik de Vries approached, his tailored suit as polished as his smile. The tech investor, a rival to Pieter Dubois. “Elise,” he said, his voice smooth, “the Laurents are open to alliances. I can position Van der Meer Enterprises as their best option. This deal could make you untouchable.”
Elise’s lips curved into a practiced smile. “I’m interested, Erik. Make it happen.” Her words were steady, but her gaze wandered, searching the crowd for allies, for threats. Then she saw him—Lukas, standing near a marble pillar, his arm linked with a striking woman in a navy gown. Elise’s heart skipped a beat, feeling a sudden sharp pain—was it regret or jealousy?—that broke her calm.
She walked across the room, her heels making a clicking sound on the shiny floor, with Margot following behind. The crowd parted, their quiet whispers mixing with the music at the summit. Elise stopped in front of Lukas, feeling her breath catch when their eyes met. “Lukas,” she said, her voice calm but a little awkward, remembering their last call, her warning and his refusal.
Lukas’s expression was cold,“Elise,” he said, his tone flat, offering nothing. He gestured to the woman beside him. “This is Sofia Laurent, my client.”
Sofia extended a hand, her smile gracious, her dark eyes assessing Elise with a predator’s precision. “Ms. Van der Meer,” she said. “A pleasure to meet the woman behind Van der Meer Enterprises.” Her handshake was firm, her eyes lingering, as if sizing up a rival.
Elise returned the handshake, her eyes flickering to Lukas. “Ms. Laurent,” she said, her voice cool. “I didn’t expect to see Lukas here.” Seeing him with Sofia, her arm around his and how comfortable she looked with him, made Elise feel a mix of confusing emotions. Was it the summit stakes, or because the man she once loved was now with someone else?
Previous Chapter
Latest Chapter
Chapter Ninety Five
The grand hall of the Rotterdam Knowledge Gala shimmered with golden chandeliers and a soft hum of anticipation. Scholars, entrepreneurs, and dignitaries mingled beneath banners celebrating innovation, cultural heritage, and collaborative ventures. Elise adjusted her silk scarf nervously, her fingers brushing against the folder of speeches she’d carried across Europe. Tonight was the culmination of years of work—proof that her and Lukas’s vision had survived skepticism, bureaucratic hurdles, and outright sabotage.“Deep breaths,” Lukas said beside her, his hand brushing hers lightly. “It’s not just a gala—it’s the start of something lasting.”She nodded, letting herself savor the moment. The fund, born from late nights of research and countless debates over peer-review methods, was finally ready to step into the public eye. The knowledge hubs they had built, connecting herbalists, researchers, and indigenous communities globally, were set to transform how centuries-old wisdom could in
Chapter Ninety Four
The canals of Amsterdam reflected the soft golden hue of a late afternoon sun, the city’s historic brick facades mirrored perfectly in the water. Elise and Lukas navigated the winding streets toward the UNESCO regional office, the hum of bicycles and distant chatter blending with the quiet intensity that always accompanied high-stakes meetings. Today was pivotal: the collaborative fund, their crowning achievement from The Hague summit, needed formal endorsement to solidify its legitimacy on the global stage.Elise adjusted her coat as she approached the office entrance. “UNESCO will want more than just our word,” she said. “They’ll scrutinize every process, every safeguard.”Lukas’s hand brushed against hers briefly. “Good. Let them. We’ve prepared everything.” His calm demeanor was contagious, but Elise could feel the weight of the stakes pressing on them both.Inside, the office buzzed with the quiet energy of administrative precision. Officials, advisers, and evaluators were gather
Chapter Ninety Three
The Hague’s skyline glimmered under an autumn sun as delegates from across the globe trickled into the towering glass halls of the knowledge summit. The air buzzed with anticipation, every conversation a thread of curiosity and quiet calculation. Elise adjusted the lapel of her blazer as she moved through the crowd, Lukas at her side. Their pace was measured, deliberate, each step reinforcing the quiet authority they had been cultivating over months of carefully orchestrated alliances.“This is it,” Lukas murmured, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. He carried the rare herbal archive with a reverence that made it seem more precious than any jewel. Bound in faded leather and gold embossing, the archive contained centuries of botanical knowledge—manuals, field notes, and illustrations painstakingly compiled over generations. Institutes had whispered about it for years; Elise had known that controlling its dissemination could shift influence in the global network of resear
Chapter Ninety Two
Elise adjusted her scarf, feeling the familiar mix of excitement and tension. Lukas, seated at the table with a laptop and neatly organized notes, gave her a reassuring nod. They had rehearsed their presentation extensively, but the stakes were higher. Pacific health authorities were discerning; their decisions could open the network to multiple nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and several Pacific Island states.“Let’s begin,” Elise said, stepping to the podium with practiced ease. “Our network is designed to share verified herbal knowledge globally, ensuring safety, accessibility, and collaboration across communities. Today, we’ll demonstrate its robustness and reliability.”The audience responded with polite applause, attentive but cautious. Elise had noticed the subtle glances between delegates, a silent conversation about the credibility of grassroots platforms. She knew skepticism was not only expected—it was a test they had to pass.Before she could continue, a sharp v
Chapter Ninety One
Elise adjusted her blazer, the fabric crisp and professional, but her eyes carried the spark of excitement that had become her signature. Lukas, standing beside her with his trademark calm and thoughtful demeanor, fiddled briefly with his tablet, ensuring the demonstration would run seamlessly. They had rehearsed countless times, yet the tension of a live international audience was always different—electric, unpredictable.“Elise, are you ready?” Lukas asked quietly, his voice a gentle anchor amidst the bustle.“Always,” she replied with a confident smile. She turned toward the audience, allowing her presence to draw attention naturally, before taking a deep breath and speaking.“Good morning, everyone. Today, we are proud to introduce a platform designed to unite herbal knowledge from every corner of the globe—a network where both experts and enthusiasts can share, learn, and innovate together. A community not limited by geography, language, or expertise.”Applause rippled through th
Chapter Ninety
The Rotterdam skyline shimmered as the city prepared to host the annual Health Innovation Gala. Its glass towers reflected the fading sunlight, casting warm golden streaks across the canals. Inside the grand hall, delegates from international health organizations, philanthropic foundations, and cutting-edge biotech firms gathered, buzzing with anticipation.Tonight was more than a gala—it was the official launch of the mentorship fund, a culmination of years of vision, dedication, and collaboration for Elise and Lukas.Elise adjusted her gown, the soft fabric rustling as she moved toward the stage. Lukas stood beside her, calm and composed, a tablet in hand displaying the global rollout plan for the mentorship fund. The program was ambitious: hundreds of local healers across multiple continents would be trained, each session powered by Lukas’s carefully verified herbal remedies, integrated with their AI-supported curriculum.“This is it,” Elise whispered, turning to Lukas. “Everything
You may also like
Ethan Nightangle Rises To Power
Dragon Sly97.1K viewsSon-in-law: The Billionaire's Reign
Deliaha Shine107.2K viewsThe Unexpected Heir
Estherace85.2K viewsThe Hidden Successor In Disguise
SHIROE76.2K viewsThe Almighty Dominance
Sunshine1.1M viewsThe reaper
skylar_evans231147 viewsThe Bogeyman; the tale of a man and his death list
GOD'SWILL CARSON 525 viewsThe In-laws Regret
Armstrong Mbah453 views