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CHAPTER 52

Penulis: Becca jiri
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-04-21 21:48:58

Chapter 52

Kane's POV

Immediately, my hand reached to the back of my pocket for my gun.

Kelly raised both hands in mock surrender, that smug, infuriating smirk still on his face. “Easy, Kane. I’m not here to crash your little contract celebration. Just stopping by to say hello.”

“You picked the worst possible moment,” I said coldly.

He glanced toward Caroline, then back at me with a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “Yeah, I noticed. Poolside proposals. So unlike you.”

“Get to the point.”

His smirk slipped, just a little. “Alright. I came to deliver some news. Something you should hear from me before it spreads.”

I folded my arms, tension pulsing behind my eyes. “Then talk.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Jayson’s back.”

The world tilted. For a second, I wasn’t sure I heard right.

“What?”

“He’s alive,” Kelly confirmed, his tone now laced with gravity. “Walked into Robertson’s penthouse like a ghost rising from the grave.”

My mind stuttered. “That’s impossible. He w
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  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 53

    Chapter 53Kane's POV“Jayson?” she whispered.He smiled faintly. “I guess no one told you I was back from the dead.”Gina stepped protectively closer to Caroline. “What the hell is he doing here?” Caroline snapped at me.“I was just about to ask the same thing,” I said, my voice low.Jayson raised both hands in mock surrender. “I didn’t come to start a fight.”Caroline's expression hardened. “You were missing. Everyone thought you were….”“Dead,” he finished for her. “Yeah. I figured as much.”“And now you just show up here?” she demanded, her voice shaking. “After everything you did? After leaving without a word?”“It wasn’t by choice,” he said quietly. “But I get it. You don’t trust me. None of you should.”Kelly appeared from around the corner, leaning casually against the wall like he’d been watching the whole time. “That might be the smartest thing you’ve said all night.”I was shocked at his appearance, I thought he had left. But I didn't have the time to attend to him.Jayson

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-22
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 54

    Chapter 54: Caroline's POV I moaned as his tongue brushed against mine.It had been too long, too many sleepless nights tangled in fear, betrayal, and the weight of what-ifs. But now, with his hands on my waist and his mouth moving against mine, something inside me broke loose.Something raw. Something hungry.I needed this. Needed him.His lips were warm and firm. He kissed me like he’d been holding back for far too long. Like I was something he’d kept behind glass, and tonight, he’d finally shattered it.My hands found his shirt, clutching the fabric, pulling him closer until our bodies touched fully, chest to chest. The heat of him soaked through my skin, making me more aware of his presence.I could feel my pulse everywhere, in my neck, my fingertips, the swell of my stomach.The babies shifted lightly, a gentle flutter like a reminder… but my body didn’t shy away. If anything, the hormones intensified everything. I was burning from the inside out.Kane’s hand slid up my spine,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-24
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 55

    Chapter 55:Caroline's POVI lay there in Kane’s arms, his breath still warm against my skin, his heartbeat steady beneath my palm. But my mind was far from calm.I wanted to freeze this moment, to trap it between my fingers like glass and never let it shatter. But that was the thing about peace in this world… it never lasted. At least not for me.I tilted my head slightly, watching him sleep, his jaw finally unclenched, brows relaxed, the weight he always carried no longer etched into his face.He looked human like this. Vulnerable. But that didn’t make the storm behind his eyes any less real.And still… I loved him. Damn me for it, but I did.I curled my fingers into the sheet and let out a slow breath, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. The babies had kicked earlier, right before everything melted into heat. A reminder that everything had changed.I was no longer just Caroline Parker.I was a woman caught between the past and the future. Between heartbreak and healing. Bet

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-24
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 1

    One Night StandCaroline’s POV“No… no, no, no.”I bolted upright, my head was spinning as I clutched the silky white sheets around me. My body ached, and the air smelled of expensive cologne and… sex.What the hell happened? My eyes widened. My heart began to beat as I looked around the strange room…no, penthouse. From Floor-to-ceiling to windows. A skyline view. The black and gold furniture. This was not my apartment.I swallowed hard. Think, Caro. Think.Last night was supposed to be fun. Gina had convinced me to go out and sell my art, at the art gallery event.And then… him.Tall. Breathtaking. Eyes that saw right through me. Kane.Oh God.I squeezed my eyes shut. Tell me I didn’t.I shifted under the covers and felt nothing but bare skin. My stomach dropped. I slowly peeked down…Naked. I was completely and utterly naked.A sharp breath escaped me.What did I do?My hands trembled as I yanked the sheet tighter around me. My clothes were everywhere, my heels were near the door,

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 2

    My breath hitched. “But that’s not all,” she added.I frowned. “What do you mean?”She turned the monitor towards me and pointed.“There are three heartbeats. You’re having triplets.”My whole world shattered.How do I explain this to the world? I went to an art gallery event after years of struggling to sell one piece without success, met a stranger, followed him back home, and had unprotected sex with him and now I'm pregnant with him. What would people say? What would I tell Gina? For real she would be disappointed. How could I be this careless? *****************I stumbled into the apartment in a daze.Gina looked up from her phone. “Hey, you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”I dropped onto the couch, my whole body was literally shaking. “Gina… I’m pregnant.”She blinked. “What….What?”I swallowed. “And… it’s triplets.”Gina’s mouth fell open. She stared at me for a full five seconds before speaking. “Triplets?”I nodded weakly.She sat back, exhaling sharply. “Damn.”S

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 3

    The ContractCaroline’s POV“You’re turning it down? Are you crazy?” Gina’s voice shot through the phone so loud I had to pull it away from my ear. I didn't know that she was even listening to my call. I sighed, rubbing my forehead. Gina can actually make me go crazy one day. “I didn’t say that.”“You didn’t have to,” she snapped. “Your tone says it all.”I rolled my eyes at her and flopped onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. “It’s complicated, Gina.”“What’s so complicated? He’s offering you a contract to showcase your paintings at one of the biggest art exhibitions in the city! Do you know how many people would kill for that opportunity? And you are throwing it away for what reason?”I groaned. “I know. But…”“But what?”“He doesn’t know.And I don't want him to know. Working with him would definitely expose my babies to him. I don't want him thinking that I am one of these street girls.”Gina took a long and deep breath. Then, “Doesn’t know what?” she asked, pretending not to know

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 4

    Caroline’s POV“You’re glowing.”I rolled my eyes as I dropped my bag onto the couch. “Shut up, Gina.”She smirked, popping a grape into her mouth. “I’m just saying. You’ve been spending all this time with Mr. Billionaire lately. Are you sure this is just about the art?”I sighed, kicking off my shoes. “Yes, Gina. It’s about the art exhibition.”She hummed, clearly unconvinced. “So, you’re telling me there are no side glances? No accidental touches? No tension strong enough to cut with a knife?”I hesitated for half a second too long but not without smiling. Gina is such a crazy girl. She would want to bring out things from nowhere. Her eyes widened. “OH MY GOD!”I groaned. “Gina, please.”“Don’t ‘Gina, please’ me!” She pointed at me dramatically. “You hesitated! That means something is happening!”I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her. “Nothing is happening!”She caught it with ease. “Yet.”I ignored her, heading to the kitchen. “I’m starving. Did you eat all the leftover pasta?”“

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20
  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 5

    The Big Question Caroline’s POVThe apartment was quiet when I walked inside. Too quiet. Gina was supposed to be back from work already. Where could she be? I hope she's okay. “Gina! Gina!! There was no answer. I pulled my phone out and called Gina’s number but there was no answer. I frowned, I tossed my bag onto the couch. “Gina?”Yet there was nothing. She's not in the house and she's not answering her calls. That was weird. Gina wasn’t the type to leave the door unlocked unless she was inside. And she definitely wasn’t the type to ignore me when I got home.A small knot of worry formed in my stomach. I walked around every room, checking the kitchen first. But she wasn't there.“Gina?” I called again, peeking into the guest bathroom. There was no sign of her.I checked the living room. The small dining area. Even the balcony.Hmmm…My heartbeat picked up. Where was she?Feeling uneasy, I walked toward her bedroom door. It was slightly open. If she wasn't there then I would defi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-20

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  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 55

    Chapter 55:Caroline's POVI lay there in Kane’s arms, his breath still warm against my skin, his heartbeat steady beneath my palm. But my mind was far from calm.I wanted to freeze this moment, to trap it between my fingers like glass and never let it shatter. But that was the thing about peace in this world… it never lasted. At least not for me.I tilted my head slightly, watching him sleep, his jaw finally unclenched, brows relaxed, the weight he always carried no longer etched into his face.He looked human like this. Vulnerable. But that didn’t make the storm behind his eyes any less real.And still… I loved him. Damn me for it, but I did.I curled my fingers into the sheet and let out a slow breath, trying to ignore the tightness in my chest. The babies had kicked earlier, right before everything melted into heat. A reminder that everything had changed.I was no longer just Caroline Parker.I was a woman caught between the past and the future. Between heartbreak and healing. Bet

  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 54

    Chapter 54: Caroline's POV I moaned as his tongue brushed against mine.It had been too long, too many sleepless nights tangled in fear, betrayal, and the weight of what-ifs. But now, with his hands on my waist and his mouth moving against mine, something inside me broke loose.Something raw. Something hungry.I needed this. Needed him.His lips were warm and firm. He kissed me like he’d been holding back for far too long. Like I was something he’d kept behind glass, and tonight, he’d finally shattered it.My hands found his shirt, clutching the fabric, pulling him closer until our bodies touched fully, chest to chest. The heat of him soaked through my skin, making me more aware of his presence.I could feel my pulse everywhere, in my neck, my fingertips, the swell of my stomach.The babies shifted lightly, a gentle flutter like a reminder… but my body didn’t shy away. If anything, the hormones intensified everything. I was burning from the inside out.Kane’s hand slid up my spine,

  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 53

    Chapter 53Kane's POV“Jayson?” she whispered.He smiled faintly. “I guess no one told you I was back from the dead.”Gina stepped protectively closer to Caroline. “What the hell is he doing here?” Caroline snapped at me.“I was just about to ask the same thing,” I said, my voice low.Jayson raised both hands in mock surrender. “I didn’t come to start a fight.”Caroline's expression hardened. “You were missing. Everyone thought you were….”“Dead,” he finished for her. “Yeah. I figured as much.”“And now you just show up here?” she demanded, her voice shaking. “After everything you did? After leaving without a word?”“It wasn’t by choice,” he said quietly. “But I get it. You don’t trust me. None of you should.”Kelly appeared from around the corner, leaning casually against the wall like he’d been watching the whole time. “That might be the smartest thing you’ve said all night.”I was shocked at his appearance, I thought he had left. But I didn't have the time to attend to him.Jayson

  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 52

    Chapter 52Kane's POVImmediately, my hand reached to the back of my pocket for my gun.Kelly raised both hands in mock surrender, that smug, infuriating smirk still on his face. “Easy, Kane. I’m not here to crash your little contract celebration. Just stopping by to say hello.”“You picked the worst possible moment,” I said coldly.He glanced toward Caroline, then back at me with a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. “Yeah, I noticed. Poolside proposals. So unlike you.”“Get to the point.”His smirk slipped, just a little. “Alright. I came to deliver some news. Something you should hear from me before it spreads.”I folded my arms, tension pulsing behind my eyes. “Then talk.”He stepped closer, lowering his voice. “Jayson’s back.”The world tilted. For a second, I wasn’t sure I heard right.“What?”“He’s alive,” Kelly confirmed, his tone now laced with gravity. “Walked into Robertson’s penthouse like a ghost rising from the grave.”My mind stuttered. “That’s impossible. He w

  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 51

    Chapter 51Kane's POV The silence that followed was deafening.Caroline blinked, caught between confusion and disbelief. "Excuse me?""A contract marriage," I clarified, voice even. "No pressure, no wedding gowns, no roses. Just a paper. A binding legal agreement.""For… what exactly?" Caroline asked, her voice tight now, more cautious."Protection," I said. "Legal rights over you means I can move you, protect you, act instantly if anything happens again. It gives me leverage in a way bodyguards can’t."Caroline’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Gina, on the other hand, looked like I’d sucker-punched her in the gut."That’s a bit extreme, don’t you think?" Gina said, trying and failing to sound light about it."It’s the safest option." I looked back at Caroline. "You don’t have to give me an answer now. But the longer you think about it, the more danger you stay in. So it should be just a contract for now and if you think I'm worthy then we can do a proper marriage.”Gina’s eyes

  • BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT    CHAPTER 50

    Chapter 50Kelly’s POVBefore I could respond, Diane ran and threw her arms around him.“Jayson…” she squealed. “I thought you were dead.”“Dead?” Jayson raised a brow, his usual calm smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “That’s dramatic, even for you.”Robertson stepped forward, the sound of his boots heavy against the marble floor. He stopped just inches from Jayson, staring hard.“You were rumored shot and dead,” he said, rubbing his temple as if the whole situation was giving him a migraine. “Though we told the public you were missing.”“Good,” Jayson replied smoothly, brushing Diane off gently. “Let them believe it. It gives us leverage.”Robertson’s brows knitted together. “What do you mean?”“Kane thinks I’m gone. And so does Mr. Reynolds, for now. That puts us in a position of control. If I’m presumed dead, no one’s watching my movements. I can go where others can’t. Dig where others won’t.”Clever bastard.Robertson narrowed his eyes. “You saw him, didn’t you? Reynolds.”

  • 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

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