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CHAPTER 13
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2025-03-20 21:58:01
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BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 14
Chapter 14:Caroline POVThe next day, I resumed my work at the art gallery even though Kane had sent me a notice to take another day off. Mr Brown seemed to be testing my patience. How could he expect me to take a break on the day of the art exhibition? Especially when he knew my works were going to be displayed The art exhibition was exactly how I imagined it would be. Elegant, lively and most importantly, people who appreciated my work. For the first time in a long while, I felt like I was standing on solid ground.I adjusted one of my paintings, making sure the lighting hit just right. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Kane watching me. Again.“You’re staring,” I muttered, without looking at him.“Just making sure you don't pass out,” he said, voice laced with amusement. “You've been up and down, going through each of the paintings ever since you got here.” “Well, unlike some people,” I replied, giving him a short glance. “I'm actually here for the art.” “Hey, I'm also h
Last Updated : 2025-03-21BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 15
Chapter 15:Caroline POV I needed air.The moment Diane walked away, I released a breath I didn't even realize I was holding.Just when I thought my life couldn't get any worse. I turned on my heel and headed for the nearest hallway, away from the crowded gallery. My chest felt tight, my fingers trembled as I pressed a hand against the cold wall, steadying myself.Why was she here?Why now? I had worked so hard to move past what happened back at Muse Art College. The scandal, the shame and disgrace. And now just when my art career was finally gaining momentum, just when I was beginning to feel like I had a future. Diane Ross just decided to walk back into my life. And the worst part?She knew Kane.The fact disturbed me, more than I cared to admit. What was she to him? A business associate? A friend?Or….I pushed the thought away, there was no way that witch dated Kane. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to drown out the whirlwind of emotions.The last thing I needed was for Kan
Last Updated : 2025-03-21BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 16
Chapter 16:Kane's POVDiane's words had never left my mind since she walked away. Ask her about Muse Art CollegeDiane wouldn't know but Caroline had told me about the scandal. But who knew the culprit would be my ex-girl friend.No Kane, don't make assumptions. It could be a whole different story.I sat at my desk, focusing on the city-skyline through the glass. I swirled the glass of whiskey in my hand. The pieces weren't adding up. Caroline had been framed at Muse. I knew that much. But Diane's presence here just when Caroline was about to reach her peak in the art world. It didn't sit right with me. I had known Diane long enough, to recognize her games. She never did anything without reason or a plan. And from what I've observed, she wants me to question Caroline and probably sow a seed of doubt in me.No, that wasn't it. That motive was too dumb for Diane, there is definitely something more to it than simply breaking my trust for Caroline. Was she hoping to destroy Caro
Last Updated : 2025-03-22BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 17
Chapter 17Caroline's POVHaving dinner with Kane is like having a sit-in with the devil. I know firsthand what it can be like—especially considering how frustrating and overbearing he can be, always asking questions I don’t want to answer. Gina had tried to doll me up, and I can’t say she didn’t succeed. She really did, because now I look like a frigging ballerina—except with an above-the-knee-length gown and flowing hair. Even though I had opted for ponytails.Now, sitting on our parlor sofa, I’m beginning to rethink my decision. Maybe I really am ready to lose my job rather than have an actual sit-down with the overbearing bastard. Or maybe I’m just being too hard on him because I don’t want to fall for him. The problem? That battle is already proving to be a losing one. Things are happening too fast. I don’t know how much longer I can keep denying that there’s something between us—and that irritates me even more.I’m deep in thought when Gina walks in. With zero warning, she jumps
Last Updated : 2025-03-23BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 18
Caroline’s POVStepping into Kane's house, I feel like I'm walking into a fortress—an expensive one. The luxury chandeliers, high-end sofas, and polished fireplace exude wealth. It’s comfortable. Too comfortable. It almost feels like home.I shake my head at the thought. On the way here, I had battled with myself over how to face him, how to avoid questions he hadn’t even asked yet. I had a whole speech prepared. But now, standing in front of him, staring into those beautiful eyes that could make a girl’s heart melt, I fall completely silent. And then he looks at me in that way—like I’m the most beautiful thing he has ever seen—and I feel my knees go weak.Maybe I’m overthinking this. Reading too much into his actions.Or maybe… I’m not.Either way, I’m here now, and we need to talk.Kane gestures for me to sit, waiting until I’ve had my fill of admiring his home before he moves. The dining table is already set, a variety of dishes laid out before me. As I take my seat, he reaches for
Last Updated : 2025-03-23BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 19
Chapter 19:Caroline's POVI could barely sleep that night.Everytime I close my eyes, I relive the kiss. The way his lips moved against mine, the way his warm hands. The way I didn't want him to stop…. Until he did.Then he had the audacity to apologize like it was a mistake.Like I was a mistake. I groaned, burying my face in the pillow.This is why I shouldn't have gone to that dinner. At least he didn't find out about the pregnancy.But everything feels different.And I didn't know if I liked it.I arrived at the gallery early, hoping to distract myself with work. I needed to avoid Kane and let things cool down. Maybe if I acted like nothing happened, we can go back to our usual banter… before things get too real. But Gina had other plans.She took one look at me, sips of her coffee and smirked. “Didn’t sleep, did you?” I glared at her. “Shut up,” Kane had hired her to work with me and now she'd disturb any moment she had.Her smirk widened. “I didn't expect this Caro. First
Last Updated : 2025-03-24BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 20
Chapter 20:Kane's POVDestroying Diane would have been easy.Too easy.A single call, and she’d be exiled from every elite social circle she had clawed her way into.But that wasn’t enough.Diane thrived on control and in being the one who pulled the strings. If I took that from her all at once, she’d simply rebuild it elsewhere.No.I wanted her to unravel.To feel the loss before she even realized it was happening.I leaned back in my office chair, phone pressed to my ear.“Release a statement,” I told my PR manager.She hesitated. “What should it say?”I smirked. “That the article is baseless. That Caroline Parker is an artist I personally support because of her talent and hard work.”“But sir? That would …”“That would what, Miss Harper?”There was a pause. Then, “Understood, Mr. Brown.”I hung up.Diane had expected me to distance myself from Caroline, to protect my reputation.Well, she was going to see how wrong she was.The media would eat it up—why was Kane Brown defending t
Last Updated : 2025-03-24BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 21
Chapter 21:Caroline POV The next morning, I walked into the gallery trying to hold myself together.I was surprised to find Larkin, our gallery director, waiting for me.He urged me to follow him to his office.I hesitated at first, but something felt off. So I followed.The moment we stepped into his office, he looked around as if to check for anyone who'd be spying on us then closed the door.“Caroline, I need you to be honest with me.” he started, rubbing his temple. “Did you plagiarize anyone's work?”I stiffened. “I told you, I didn't plagiarize anyone's work.”“I believe you,” he said, his tone firm but his expression was tight. Like he wasn't sure whether he actually believed me. “What's the problem sir?” I asked, nervously. He looked up at me and let out a breath. “We just got another complaint,” he replied. “This time, from a collector. Someone who claims you stole a concept from a private portfolio.” My chest tightened. “But that's impossible.”Larkin gave me a look.
Last Updated : 2025-03-25
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BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 49
Chapter 49:Kane's POV“What do you mean Mr. Reynolds has escaped?” I growled, my voice slicing through the room like a blade.The air went still.Micah hesitated, then straightened. “We received intel from Russia ten minutes ago. Facility 09 was compromised.”I leaned forward slowly. “Compromised how?”“There was an assault. Clean. Fast. No security feeds survived, and over forty guards are confirmed dead. Reynolds is no longer in custody.”A sharp pain pulsed behind my eyes.“That prison was underground,” I muttered. “Built to contain the worst of the worst. There were only two ways in or out—and both were death traps.”Micah nodded grimly. “Whoever orchestrated this knew that. It was inside help. The escape was executed using one of the facility’s backup helicopters.”Of course it was.I turned my back to them, staring out the window, jaw clenched hard enough to ache.Reynolds was out.That meant the nightmare wasn’t over. That meant the ghosts from our past weren’t done with us ye
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 48
Chapter 48:Jayson's POVThe wind howled like a beast as the helicopter blades cut through the frozen Russian air. I looked down at the blanket of white below, vast, endless, and suffocating. Somewhere beneath that snow-covered wilderness was the place I swore I’d never return to.The prison.It was buried so deep underground that even the devil would think twice before stepping in.“We’re here,” the pilot said, his thick accent slicing through my thoughts. “Five minutes.”I nodded and adjusted the black gloves on my hands, tightening them as the metal bird began to descend onto a narrow helipad surrounded by nothing but ice, barbed fences, and cold steel watchtowers. The sight alone pulled old memories I’d buried so deep.As soon as the chopper touched down, I stepped out, boots crunching against the snow. The wind slapped me in the face, biting through my coat like needles, but it didn’t matter.I was here for a reason.Two guards in heavy winter uniforms approached, rifles strapped
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 47
Chapter 47Kelly POV“What do you mean they failed?” Robertson snarled, banging on my table.“We don't know what happened,” the messenger stuttered, stepping back. “Everything was going as planned then suddenly Kane showed up with his men.”“Kane?” Robertson paused. The messenger lightened up. “Yes, Kane, it was Kane's fault.” “And how did he know?” Robertson asked calmly, brandishing his pistol. “Well… I.. I…” BANG!!!The messengers face gave a neutral expression as he clutched his bloody chest, he gave me one look then landed on the floor with a hard thud. I walked over the lifeless body and stood across Robertson who was pouring himself a drink. “You didn't have to kill him,” I sighed. Robertson’s eyes flickered to me. “Well, he failed to kidnap the bitch.” “He was still one of your best hitman,” I reminded him, taking the seat in front of me. “Besides you're up against Kane, you shouldn't expect it to be that simple.” Robertson took a sip from the glass, poured more on a
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 46
Chapter 46:Caroline’s POVI felt a chill run down my spine. The man's words echoed in my head. If necessary…So they would kill us if we didn't comply. There was no way Kane sent these men. He might be controlling and ruthless, but he would never endanger me. Not like this. Not when I was carrying his children.Before I could process another thought, one of them grabbed me, his grip tightened around my arm. I cried out, struggling, but it only made him hold me tighter.Across the room, Gina was putting up a fight of her own. She wasn’t going down quietly, she kicked, clawed, and cursed like a soldier in battle. But it wasn’t enough. One of the men slammed her against the wall, pinning her arms behind her.“No…. stop! Let her go!” I screamed, panic choking my voice.“Quiet,” the man growled.I thrashed, but their grip never loosened. They were strong. Trained. This wasn’t a random break-in.They were here on a mission.Just as the man holding me turned toward the door, dragging me a
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 45
Chapter 45:Kane's POV “Very well, then.” I stood slowly, keeping my jaw tight. I took my bath and dressed up in one of my tailored suits. My eyes landed on the ear pods on my desk. It had been a while since I listened to any music, I had avoided it for years.Anytime I listened to music, it only meant I was about to do something serious. Apparently whenever I listened to music, I usually had the best performances and I never really needed to use my full abilities to get what I want.But now…. I was dealing with Kelly. I picked up the earpod case, popped one into my ear, opened my playlist then pressed ‘In the Heights the musical.’I opened the door and met my assistant waiting beside my car. It's time I took this game seriously. I told myself before walking into the car. It's high time I showed them who the king was.When I stepped into the car, I almost frowned but then I smiled. The scent of Caroline's perfume from the previous day still lingered in the car. Caroline….. she h
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 44
Chapter 44:Kane's POV~10 Years Ago~“Remember this facility is to make sure that even the inferior DNA’s have the highest IQ and probability.” Mr Reynolds said calmly, though his voice lacked signs of warmth. The examiner observed me as I played chess with another examiner, smiled and looked up at him. “This kid is brilliant, better than most of the children we've gathered, so sir I suggest we….”A gunshot into the air interrupting the examiner, the bullet narrowly missing him by the neck. Mr. Reynolds holstered his gun. “Don't you dare show bias to anyone, not even my own offspring.” “Uhh, yes sir.” The examiner replied, nervously. Mr. Reynolds glanced at me then started walking away. “Train him. Even if it means breaking him.”They thought I couldn't hear them. Not only did he kill my parents… now he wanted to train me to become his top dog.I had lost my parents and my sister. Meanwhile my brother, the only survivor alongside me, now hated me with passion. I placed the quee
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 43
Chapter 43:Gina POV“You’re Diane,” I breathed, my composure slipping for half a second.She smiled, just barely. “So the rumors were true. You’ve been busy.”I forced a polite, almost mocking chuckle. “I’ve heard about you. But I didn’t realize you were still around.”“Oh, I never left,” she replied smoothly. “I just stopped being visible. Makes it easier to watch people like you work.”I straightened. “Well, unless you’ve bumped into me to offer skincare tips or borrow a lighter, I’m not sure what this is about.”Diane stepped closer, eyes narrowed. “Don’t play coy, Gina. You’ve been pulling strings like a shadow puppeteer. But puppets tend to tangle… and when they do, they break.”There was a silence between us so thick you could cut it with a diamond.I recovered with a slow, cold smile. “If you’ve got something to say, say it. I don’t play well with cryptic threats.”“Oh, it’s not a threat,” she said, her tone almost amused. “It’s a promise.”And just like that, she turned on he
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 42
Chapter 42:Kane's POVI watch the cab trail off, leaving me standing there like a fool.And as if to mock me, rain started dropping slowly then it increased to a full out downpour.I rushed to my car to escape the rain but then I realized I left my keys in the hospital.I turned on my heels and quickly rushed back. When I got in, I went to the receptionist desk. “Excuse me, I think I left my car key here.” I asked, politely.“Do you mean this?” A familiar voice came from behind me, followed by the sound of jingling keys. I turned around to see Gina standing behind me, holding out the SUV keys like they belonged to her.I smiled and reached out for it but Gina pulled away.“What are you thinking?” she said, giving me a stern look. I sighed, placing a hand over my forehead. “I want to go after her.”“And do what?”The question stung more than I expected it to. What exactly was I going to do? I didn't have a plan, I was just rushing in thinking she would accept me like she used to.
BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT CHAPTER 41
Chapter 41:Kane's POV“Alright. Hit me.” I gave a stiff nod. The doctor cleared his throat and opened the envelope. He stared at the paper so intensely. What did it say? I couldn't believe that I was the one worried about some result. Then he looked up and smiled. “Mr Kane Brown, the results show that your DNA matches the paternity test 99.9%, you're definitely the real father.”Caroline heaved a huge sigh. I turned to her expecting her to say something. But she didn't even look in my direction. I was the father of unborn triplets and I had broken their mother with my own words.I felt the whole world collapse around me. I didn't know whether I should be excited or worried.I felt like a sailor lost in the sea of decisions.Excited about the fact I was becoming a father or worried about the fact that Caroline might never want my children to have anything to do with me. I reached for her hand instinctively, but she pulled away before I could even graze her fingers."Caroline, p
