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 32: What Are You Doing To Me?Back at the mansion, Luna was seated in the sunroom with a book in her hand. Aareil entered with a tray of tea; she had a warm smile on her face. “Hello ma’am, you’ve been quiet today. Mind to share what you’ve been thinking about?” Ariel asked as she gently placed the tray on the stool beside Luna.“Well, I’m just reflecting, I guess,” Luna replied with a faint smile as she closed the book and set it aside.“Reflecting? Hmm.. On what exactly?”“On how strange life can be. I never imagined myself here, in this house, with... him.”“I admit that Mr. Jasper is difficult, yes, but I think you’ve broken a bit of the code. You’ve managed to get through to him in ways no one else has.”“I have?” Luna asked, chuckling softly.“Of course you have. Haven’t you noticed the way he looks at you recently? Well, if you haven’t, I have noticed his unusual movements. He even listens to you in ways he doesn't listen to anyone.” Ariel replied as she poured the tea into the teacup and handed it over to
Last Updated: 2024-12-14
Chapter: Chapter 31: This isn’t Supposed To Happen.The Maksoft Technology conference room had activities going on. Evans and Harriet prepared for their presentation session with Jasper. The room had a slight scent of freshly brewed coffee; the humming sound from the projector filled the room as Harriet and Evans tested the presentation slides. A few minutes later, Jasper walked into the room, his black suit hung perfectly on his body as he walked to the head of the conference room table, pulled out a seat, and sat down.“Right on time, boss.” Evans hailed as he adjusted his suit and straightened himself.“Good. Spare me the formalities—I want updates and results. Let's get to it. What do you have for me?” Jasper said as he opened the documents that were laid on the table before him.“Oh, you’re going to love this, boss,” Evans replied as he leaned back in his chair.“We’ve been working hard on rolling out the loyalty program to the top ten suppliers. Here’s where we stand as of today.” Harriet smoothed her blazer as she stood up to pr
Last Updated: 2024-12-14
Chapter: Chapter 30: Don’t Meddle in My Affairs.Jasper ignored their reactions. “We need to lock in our key suppliers and clients with multi-year agreements before Gregor gets to them. Contracts that offer performance-based bonuses, fast delivery guarantees, early payment discounts, and possibly special benefits for our top-tier partners.“Hmm.. it’s not a bad strategy at all. This suggestion shifts the conversation from price wars to value-added benefits.” Harriet said thoughtfully.“And it puts the pressure back on Gregor. I don’t think he can compete on speed or reliability without cutting his margins.” Evans chipped in as he scribbled something in his notebook.“Plus, it plays to the tone of Maksoft Technology's strengths. We might not be the top tech company, but we’ve been known for our efficiency.”“And our charm, of course.” Evans grinned at his joke.“Try to contain your charm, Evans,” Jasper replied, dressing forward on his seat.Harriet laughed slightly, while Evans pretended to be angry as both of them stared at each ot
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: Chapter 29: Why Do You Hate Me So Much? After finishing breakfast, Luna decided to walk around in the garden. Since she was grounded, the garden has been one of the few places in the mansion where she found solace. She usually went there to calm her nerves, but today she went there to let in the peace she had always longed for. The neatly trimmed flowers and the calm sound of water falling from the central fountain made the environment serene with suited her mode. She strolled along the stone path as her thoughts replayed her encounter with Jasper at breakfast. “Was that all a show or has there sincerely been a shift?” she mumbled beneath her breath.Just then, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of heels clicking against the stones on the path. Luna’s heart sank as she turned and stood face-to-face with Sophia. She might have dealt with Jasper’s cold nature a bit, but Sophia’s torment was not what she needed at the moment. Sophia wore a spotless ivory suit, and her face carried an unreadable look, although there was
Last Updated: 2024-12-11
Chapter: Chapter 28: We Should CelebrateThe next morning, the sunlight shone through the tall windows, casting a warm glow into the dining room. Ariel moved briskly between the dining room and the kitchen, arranging breakfast. She had woken late that day, and it was quite unusual. Luna entered quietly; she wore a lavender dress that flowed behind her as she moved.“Good morning, ma'am.” Ariel greeted Luna with a warm smile.“Good morning, Ariel. Has Jasper gone to work?” “No, ma’am, he hasn’t come down for breakfast yet,” Ariel replied as she wiped her hands on her apron, her face holding her usual cheerful expression.“Jasper? He’s usually gone to work by now.” Luna replied, looking a bit surprised. “That’s… unusual.” Luna tilted her head.Ariel shrugged slightly, then continued setting the table. The last thing she wanted to experience was Sophia's early morning wrath. Luna took her seat and reached for the jug of orange juice when the sound of approaching footsteps made her pause. Her heart skipped, then raced afterward
Last Updated: 2024-12-08
Chapter: Chapter 27: I Need AnswersLuna was shocked to hear Jasper's voice; she never expected he'd come to his study that night. She quickly closed the journal, clutched it to her chest, then turned to face him.“Are you dumb or what? I just asked you a question.” Jasper asked with a wild look; his veins visibly bulged out as he boiled in anger.“I-I I'm sorry, Jasper; I didn't mean to intrude but—” Luna paused, her hands trembling; she didn't know what to say so as not to piss him off."But what, Luna? What exactly are you doing here?“I… I needed to understand, Jasper. I was confused; so many thoughts came to my head; I felt lost at some point, and I needed answers. I didn't know what came over me, but I felt I could get answers here.” Luna let it all out; the words poured from her heart.“You needed answers? Answers to what exactly? Jasper asked coldly.“I'm sorry, Jasper, but I found this in your drawer." Luna moved sideways and dropped the journal on the desk. The expression on Jasper's face darkened, he clenched
Last Updated: 2024-12-08
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