The Billionaire's Vail
Dante Moretti, the ruthless Billionaire CEO, hungers for power and control. Cold, calculated, he sends shivers down his rivals' spines with his cold, calculated way into any business deal that might pop up in his way. But inside the steely exterior of this man, a traumatic past torments him to have left him detached and numb as regards love. His goal is simple: solidify his control and paramountcy and build on an empire. Lyra Caine grew up privileged in a family that had disintegrated; the fortune of her father, Richard Caine, once a strong king of finance, had shrunk due to a number of bad investments. She needed to be married off to Dante Moretti, a man rumored never to have shied away from getting ruthless in whatever business dealings he had, so that their name would not be utterly ruined.
Lyra had lived her whole life by what this great shadow of a father expected from her: fragile, with this inner fire barely apparent in herself.
But here is the kicker that makes it even more twisted: Dante isn't marrying Lyra out of love or even because of business needs. He has an ulterior motive linked to her father's long-buried secrets, one that could totally unravel her family should it come to light.
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Chapter: CHAPTER 26 "I have to get going," Mr. Jude said, glancing at his watch. "This has been quite the long day."The others all nodded in a yes manner as they all hailed their goodbyes to Lyra , who had just been dismissed that day.Williams and Sharon gave Lyra a smiling encounter and left for their destination.Lyra walked with Danteto his car, and the air was just thick with tension between them.He drove home and remained silent, looking at the road.Lyra tried to break the silence. "Dante , thanks for."But the grimace on Dante 's face silenced her.They reached home, and Dantestepped out of the car, still not saying a word.Lyra followed behind him, feeling uneasy.The steps up to the living room were sounded out in the stark silence.Lyra hovered around, not knowing what to do.Dantesank into the couch, his gaze set blankly ahead.The silence between them just grew, and grew heavier.She moved closer, setting herself down beside him."Dante , what's wrong?" she asked softly.Dantedid not
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: CHAPTER 25"and Mr. Stanley was so palpable it seemed to shrink the hospital corridor.Lyra didn't blink once from Mr. Stanley's face as her eyes clouded with gratitude and determination.Behind, Williams couldn't hold from twisting a smile. "Serves you right," he muttered to himself, wagging his head.Mr. Jude now turned to Lyra with a reassuring and soft look."Lyra , my dear, I am not judging you," he said, "since everybody has somewhat of an ugly past. Never feel low about that.”Mr. Jude's voice sent tears welling up in Lyra 's eyes as he continued."Your presentation was good, and I want you to keep it up, okay?"Teary-eyed, Lyra nodded. "Okay, sir," she whispered.Lyra became overcome with emotion and latched onto Mr. Jude, hugging him tightly.Dante 's face turned dark as his plans unraveled before his eyes."Can I offer you employment in my company?" Mr. Jude asked with the most genuine of tones.What he meant was, "You can be my personal assistant."Lyra 's eyes widened in surprise
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: CHAPTER 24 The message was from Mr. Jude, and Dante 's hearts jumped with joy. He sprang into immediate action to ensure everything was set for the meeting."Mr. Jude immediately went inside, instructing his workers to ensure that the conference room was spotless," Dante thought as he dialed his cleaner's number."Theophilus, the conference room must be clean. Today, Mr. Jude is coming to sign the contract."Theophilus nodded and immediately got down to work.Dante retired to his office, where he drafted the documents he needed for signing. He collected the papers and went to the printer to photocopy each document.While the printer did its work, his mind drifted away, getting the contract to what it would entail: his business scaling to greater heights.After collecting all the documents, he was told that Mr. Jude had arrived and was in the conference room.He took a deep breath and composed himself before walking into the conference room with confidence."Afternoon, investors," Dante to the p
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: CHAPTER 23 After a few hours, Dr. Fredrick came out of the operating theater, a warm smile on his face."What is it, doctor?" Williams uttered in anticipation as he jostled his way to the doctor's side."She made it," Dr. Fredrick said, triumphing in his eyes.Williams' face brightened up with his joy: "Thank God!" he exclaimed, trembling his voice."You can now go and see her," Dr. Fredrick told him, nodding.Williams didn't waste a second. He burst into the recovery room, his heart racing at a very high speed.As he went in, he found Lyra lying on the bed, her eyes open, with a trace of a smile on her lips.Williams couldn't control his emotions. He hugged Lyra tightly, with tears running down his face."I'm so glad you're okay," he said, almost inaudibly, in a choked voice.At this moment, Sharon also burst into the room, wet with Joy. "Lyra !" she exclaimed.She then ran to the bed, hugging Lyra and Williams at once.The three friends held one another, basking in the warmth of Lyra 's rec
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: CHAPTER 22"What do you mean by that, doctor?" Dantepressed, urgent in his tone. He couldn't afford to lose the contract, not now."Calm down, Mr. Dante ," insisted the doctor. "I'm afraid she isn't responding.""What do you mean, doctor?" Dante asked, his voice escalating."It means she's dead," Doctor Frederick said bluntly."Dead.?" Dante repeated, in a heap of shock. "Did you say Lyra is dead?"It was as if a ton of bricks fell on him as the impact of the news really hit Dante . His business, his contract-all depended on Lyra 's recovery.It was as if a tornado had swept through Dante 's mind; he mechanically reached for his phone. "I have to call her friend Sharon," he muttered.He dialed Sharon's number, his hands shaking slightly. After a couple of tries, Sharon finally picked up."Hello, Sharon," Dante with a tone of solemnity."Hey, Dante ! What's up?" Sharon responded, fully unaware of the disastrous news."I'm so sorry, Sharon, but your friend Lyra just. kicked the bucket," he said
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: CHAPTER 21"Take me to the doctor's office," Dantesaid to Williams, his voice firm and resolved. Williams nodded and led Danteto the doctor's office-the tension between them was great. They knocked on the door, and a soft voice invited them in. "Good morning," Dantegreeted Mr. Fredrick, the doctor."Good morning, Mr. Dante ," the doctor replied, getting up to shake Dante 's hand. His smile was professional and affable."You can have a seat," said the doctor and pointed to the comfy chairs facing his desk. Danteand Williams sat down."I'm here to pay Lyra 's bills," Danteannounced with no trace of emotion in his voice. "She can undergo the surgery."Dr. Fredrick's eyes slightly went wide, showing surprise on his face. "That's wonderful news, Mr. Dante . Lyra 's condition is critical, and timely surgery is her best chance.""Given the circumstances, getting her bills paid is the way to go," added Williams, his steely eyes fixed on Dante .Dantenodded, unreadable from his expression. "Yes, that's
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: Chapter 68: Healing StepsLuna blinked at him, struggling to gather strength. “I heard… Mali… terrorists…” Her voice was hoarse, her breathing shallow. “You could’ve died, Jasper.”Jasper squeezed her hand gently. “But I didn’t. I’m right here.”Tears welled in her eyes. “What if you don’t come back next time?”He brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. “Luna, listen to me. I’m not going anywhere. Mali was an impulsive decision which left a sour taste in my mouth. But moving forward, I promise to be more open with you” His voice softened. “I won’t let anything take me away from you.”Luna swallowed hard, her grip tightening around his fingers. “Promise me, Jasper.”“I promise.” His voice was firm, unwavering. “Always.”A soft sigh escaped her lips as exhaustion pulled her back into sleep. Jasper watched her for a long moment before looking up at Luke.Luke exhaled. “You really scared her, man.”Jasper nodded, his expression solemn. “I know.”And as the beeping of the heart monitor filled the silence once m
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: Chapter 67: Opening WoundsIn an instant, Jasper was at her side, falling to his knees. He grabbed her hand, cradling it like it was the most precious thing in the world. “I’m here,” he choked out, pressing her fingers to his lips.Tears welled in her eyes as she gazed at him. “I thought I lost you. You left out of the blue…. I … I was only left with a letter Jasper. I don't know why…But I thought I was never going to see you again.” she whispered, her voice faint but filled with raw emotion.“You almost did,” he admitted, his voice cracking under the weight of his guilt. “I was trapped… in Mali. I barely made it out alive. They—” He stopped, swallowing hard. “They nearly had me, Luna. I thought I’d never see you again.”Lunas gasped. Her lips trembled. “What happened”?” She asked. Jasper shook his head. He didn't want to talk about it. It would be too troubling and he didn't want to worsen Luna's condition.Luna understood his hesitation. Her hand tightened weakly in his. “When did you return?” She asked weak
Last Updated: 2025-02-01
Chapter: Chapter 66: ReunionThe ride to the station was quiet. Chatters from the cruiser's radio were the only occasional silence breaker. Officer Sutton navigated through the busy traffic. At long last, the county station building loomed in front of them. Officer Sutton parked his cruiser and helped Jasper out. He guided him towards the station's door. As they stepped into the station, Jasper was hit by a wave of cold air. The station was busy– officers escorted arrested people to and from the holding cells. Officer Sutton directed Jasper to a particular table where another plain-clothed officer sat. “Good day Detective Jones.” Sutton greeted.Detective Jones, a burly man with a shaved head, raised his head up– a look of disinterest in his eyes. “Who do you have there Sutton?” He asked wearily.“Just a civilian without a means of identification. Struck me as weird. My sixth sense was blowing off the roof. So I decided to bring him in. At least we can dot the Is and cross the Ts.” Sutton summarized. Detective
Last Updated: 2025-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 65: A Fly In The Ointment The world blurred as Luke tore down the streets at the behest of Jasper. Jasper's hands gripped his knees, guilt cutting through him like a blade. His chest felt hollow as Ariel's words rang in his ears.She collapsed“Luna,” he whispered under his breath, his voice cracking. “Please hold on.”The sirens from a police cruiser jerked him out of his reverie. Jasper glanced at the rearview mirror above the car's central console. He could see a patrol car, its lights blinking and its sirens ringing. A signal for them to pull over the car. Without warning, Luke pulled the car off the road, towards the curb and parked, with the engine idling. The patrol car parked behind them and a bulky police officer got down from the car. The officer fiddled with his utility belt for a few seconds before approaching the vehicle. As he approached, Jasper realized that the man's face looked familiar. Unfortunately, he couldn't place the face; at least not yet. The officer walked up to the driver's door w
Last Updated: 2025-01-30
Chapter: Chapter 64: Home At LastJasper slipped in and out of consciousness as the taxi sped towards his house. His body was finally feeling the exertion caused on it. The adrenaline had worn off and he felt like an empty shell. The car came to a stop. “ I am sorry sir. There's a hold up. I think there was an accident at the intersection ahead. I'd take a detour.” The driver explained as he turned the car around.Jasper just hummed in reply. He just wanted to get home. About forty five minutes later, the car came to a stop again. Jasper was roused out of his light sleep. He stared out of the window and tried to recognize where he was. He couldn't acquaint himself with his surroundings. The sounds of a police siren slowly filtered into his ears. “Don't be alarmed sir. It's just a regular routine check because of the accident that happened at that intersection.” The driver explained to Jasper. Jasper nodded his head and watched as a police officer walked towards their taxi with a walkie talkie in his hand as he com
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
Chapter: Chapter 63: The Way Forward“Do you think they’ll let us board?” Victoria asked, her voice low as her eyes scanned the endless stream of travelers moving like ants around them. Victoria exhaled sharply, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “Not without documents.” They walked towards a bench and sat on it. Jasper was out of options. He looked beat. In that moment of calm, the weight of the gruesome escapade that they survived hit him. The forest was still fresh in his mind– the narrow escape, the shots that rang too close and the good Samaritan who emerged like a miracle to save them from what would have been a horrific fate.“I have an idea!” Victoria suddenly announced. Jasper jerked from his reverie. He turned to look at Victoria and gestured to her to continue.Victoria closed her eyes as she tried to calm her breath. “ I know someone. A friend … of a friend. He might help us.” Victoria said, uncertainty clogging her voice. Jasper stared at her for a moment. “ Who's this person? And how do you i
Last Updated: 2025-01-28
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