*****************CHAPTER 98~Blaze’s POV~The moment I saw the picture, my blood boiled. Kaia was with Shawn. And not just anywhere—at a fucking restaurant.The image was clear. Shawn was kneeling, his expression desperate, while Kaia stood in front of him, looking down with an unreadable expression.Crystal’s message followed right after.Crystal: Looks like wifey’s been busy. I thought you should see this, cousin.I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening around the phone as irritation curled in my chest.What the hell was she doing meeting with him?After everything, after all the shit we had been through—why the fuck was she entertaining that bastard?The worst part? I shouldn’t have cared. I shouldn’t have felt this tight pressure in my chest, this irrational need to grab my keys, track her down, and drag her back where she belonged.But I did. And I hated it. I tossed my phone onto the table, pacing the living room.Kaia would have to explain herself. And God help her if she lied to
*****************CHAPTER 99~Shyne’s POV~A slow, satisfied smile spread across my lips as I swirled the wine in my glass. Sherry sat across from me, her manicured fingers drumming against the table impatiently."Do you see now?" I mused, taking a sip of my drink. "Blaze is playing right into our hands."Sherry smirked. "It was obvious he’d react this way. Men like him are possessive, and territorial—they can’t stand the idea of another man even looking at what they think belongs to them."I sighed dramatically. "It’s almost too easy."Sherry leaned forward, her expression gleeful. "So? What’s the next move?"I smirked, tilting my head. "We don’t need to do much. The cracks are already forming. Kaia won’t tolerate Blaze’s jealousy, and Blaze won’t tolerate Kaia entertaining Shawn. It’s only a matter of time before he snaps and files for a divorce."Sherry let out a short laugh. "And then what? You think Blaze will come running back to you?"I narrowed my eyes. "He will. He has no choi
*****************CHAPTER 100~Blaze’s POV~I knew this breakfast was a setup the moment Grandma called for us to eat together.She had that look—that knowing, mischievous sparkle in her eyes, the one she got when she thought she was pulling some strings from the shadows.Kaia sat across from me, her posture stiff, her focus entirely on her plate as she cut through her toast with unnecessary precision. She had barely looked at me since she sat down.Not that I blamed her.Last night—after the argument and the kiss—we were both trying to figure out what the hell was happening between us.But Grandma? She had other plans.“So,” she said, delicately sipping her tea before setting it down with an elegant clink. “I assume, by now, Kaia’s cycle has ended?”Kaia choked on her food. I coughed into my fist, fighting back a groan. “Grandma.”Kaia reached for her water, her face turning a light shade of pink as she swallowed hard. “Excuse me?” she sputtered.Grandma smiled, completely unfazed. “W
*****************CHAPTER 101~Kaia’s POV~Blaze’s grip on my waist was firm—possessive. His body radiated heat, but more than that, it radiated danger.David stood in front of us, hands in his pockets, looking entirely too amused. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he enjoyed watching Blaze’s reaction.I needed to defuse this situation—fast.I forced my sweetest smile and leaned into Blaze’s side like a loving wife would. "Oh, darling, I didn’t want to bother you at work," I said, my voice dripping with affection. "But I’m so glad you’re here now."Blaze’s jaw ticked, but his lips curved into a slow, dark smirk. "Hmm. You should’ve known better than to leave without me, wifey. I take care of you, don’t I?"Oh, he was playing along."Of course you do, sweetheart," I purred, deliberately placing my hand on his chest. "Now, shall we go? I still have a few things I want to try on, and I’d love your… input."Blaze’s smirk widened, but his grip on my waist tightened. He didn’t even spar
*****************CHAPTER 102~Shyne’s POV ~I tapped my nails against the wine glass, watching as Crystal leaned in with a wicked glint in her eyes. After our last intervention, I expected to have heard the news from Blaze’s parents concerning my marriage to him and his divorce from Zara but no, they did not say anything which could only mean, Sherry’s plan and mine failed.“What if,” she whispered, “we make Blaze think Kaia is actually cheating?”I smirked, swirling my drink. “Go on.” I was always a sucker for good plans, especially one that put my enemies beneath me.Crystal’s lips curled in amusement. “Blaze is already jealous. He’s already questioning everything. All we need to do is push him over the edge.”I tilted my head, intrigued. “And how do you suggest we do that?”Crystal leaned closer. “We stage it. A moment—one he can’t ignore. One that makes him doubt everything.”I exhaled, considering. “And who’s the lucky guy?”She grinned. “David Mercer.”I let out a small laugh.
*****************CHAPTER 103~David’s POV~“So tempting,” I muttered, glancing at the window where morning sunlight streamed through the glass, casting golden streaks across the marble floor. The breathtaking city I had conquered lay before me, yet today, it brought me no satisfaction.I leaned back in my leather chair, legs propped up on my desk, my fingers absentmindedly tapping against my stomach as my mind drifted far away.Kaia Gold.I sighed, shutting my eyes for a moment. I should have stopped thinking about her. But after yesterday—after the way she had looked at me, wary yet intrigued, after the way Blaze had claimed her so damn possessively—I couldn’t get her out of my head.And yet when Crystal proposed me a deal… I had not jumped at the offer.I had never been the type to chase a woman who belonged to someone else. But the opportunity presented to me was tempting.A way to break them apart and still get what I wanted. Just a little scandal nd nothing more but I knew Kaia.
*****************CHAPTER 104~David’s POV~The clock ticked closer to 3 PM, and I leaned back in my office chair, rolling my shoulders to loosen the tension that had been building all damn day. My mind was still partially stuck on the mess from yesterday—Kaia, Blaze Black, my own goddamn jealousy—but I pushed those thoughts aside as I pulled up my laptop for the video meeting.A sharp chime signaled the incoming call. I clicked to accept, and within seconds, Kelvin’s face appeared on the screen, followed by Acer’s.Acer grinned. "Look at these two bastards. Still ugly as ever."Kelvin scoffed, adjusting his glasses. "Speak for yourself. The last time we saw you, you were practically balding from stress."Acer chuckled, running a hand through his dark, slightly disheveled hair. "Yeah, well, I’m back now. And this time, I’m staying for a while."I frowned. "Wait, what?"Kelvin’s brows lifted in surprise. "You’re coming back to the city?"Acer leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Damn
*****************CHAPTER 105~David’s POV~The dim lighting of the VIP lounge cast long shadows across the polished bar, and the low hum of music vibrated through the walls. I leaned back against the plush leather booth, absently swirling the whiskey in my glass. The ice clinked softly as I exhaled, and my mind ran over the conversation I’d just had with Crystal.She had no idea I’d recorded the whole damn thing, which was good. If I were to play the good cop, I needed to be a secret agent.Pulling out my phone, I tapped the screen. The recording was still running. I smirked. With one swipe, I stopped it, saved the file, and immediately forwarded it to Kaia.David: We need to meet, Kaia. Because we need a plan, and we must go through with their plan.As soon as the message was sent, a slow satisfaction settled in my chest.I wasn’t a hero—never claimed to be. But if I wanted a real shot with Kaia, I had to prove I was more than just another guy orbiting her life. I needed to show her
*****************CHAPTER 127~Author’s POV~The rooftop lounge of Seraphine, one of the city’s most exclusive members-only clubs, buzzed with low conversation and jazz humming through golden speakers. The skyline burned orange with the last of the sunset, and the air was thick with cigar smoke and quiet power.Kayne arrived just as David Mercer waved him over from a private corner booth.“Good timing,” David said smoothly, raising his glass as Kayne took the seat across from him.“I figured you'd pick somewhere dramatic,” Kayne replied with a chuckle, resting his blazer on the arm of the chair. “What are we drinking to?”“Progress.” David leaned forward, his tone was much cooler now. “And control.”Kayne raised a brow. “Sounds vague.”“Blaze is unravelling. Slowly. I’ve seen it. Ever since Kaia, he’s more emotional, more unpredictable. You showing up—getting close to her—it’s exactly what we need to keep him off balance.”Kayne smiled lazily, but his eyes sharpened. “You sound like
*****************CHAPTER 126~Author’s POV~The evening sun shone through the tall windows of Kayne Kyle’s penthouse suite, filling the space with warm light. From the top floor, the sprawling city unfolded—buildings like steel giants against a cotton-candy sky. But Kayne’s gaze was inward, fixed on the amber liquid swirling in his glass as his feet rested on the cool surface of the glass coffee table.The intercom’s soft buzz broke the silence. “Sir, Mr. Draven is here.”A smile touched Kayne’s lips. He stood and straightened the cuffs of his shirt. “Send him up.”Two minutes later, the door yielded, and Draven Davion entered. Dressed in a black shirt and dark jeans, his attire suggested ease, yet his presence never did. He moved with confidence into his cousin’s house while his eyes raked the surroundings. “Nice place,” Draven commented, his gaze sweeping over the penthouse a second time as though taking in anything he missed on first glance. “As expected.”Kayne chuckled, extend
*****************CHAPTER 125~Kaia’s POV~I was still sitting in the living room of my parents’ house when my phone buzzed beside me.Blaze.For a second, I considered ignoring it. My mind was still wrapped around the truth I had just uncovered. The weight of that document hadn’t left my chest since I found it.But I answered.“Kaia,” Blaze’s voice came through, warm and deep. “I was thinking… dinner tonight? Just the two of us.”I hesitated, shifting on the couch. “I don’t think—”“It doesn’t have to be anything serious,” he cut in, gently. “Just you and me. Good food. Maybe some dessert we don’t finish because I can’t keep my hands off you.”I should’ve laughed. I almost did.But something in me wasn’t ready. Not tonight. Not after everything.Still, I couldn’t bring myself to say no to him. Not when he sounded so hopeful.“I’ll meet you there,” I said quietly.Later that evening, I arrived at the restaurant he had chosen—Maison Lune, a softly lit, elegant space tucked into a quiet
*****************CHAPTER 124~Author’s POV~Eriel Black was sitting in his cozy study, gently swirling the last bit of his aged whiskey in a crystal glass. The late morning sun poured in through the tall windows, filling the room with a warm golden light, but his mind was anything but calm.Not today.He had barely finished reading through his messages when one of the housekeepers knocked softly and entered with a bow.“Sir… Miss Crystal is here. She’s waiting for you in the living room.”Eriel’s brows lifted slightly. That was fast.He stood up without a word, set his glass down on the desk, and walked down the long hallway. The housekeeper disappeared behind him as he stepped into the big living room.And there she was.Crystal sat elegantly on one of the couches like she had all the time in the world, her legs crossed, one hand casually resting on the armrest as though she hadn’t been at the centre of a brewing storm. Her smile was faint, polite… and empty.“Uncle,” she greeted s
*****************CHAPTER 123~Kaia’s POV~The soft rays of sunlight filtered into the room through the sheer curtains, casting faint golden stripes across the bed. I stirred slowly, my limbs sore and heavy, my skin still tingling from the night before.The space beside me was empty.Blaze was gone.I blinked slowly, adjusting to the light. The room still smelled like him—warm skin, spice, and something undeniably masculine. I shifted slightly, my body humming in the places he had touched, kissed, and worshipped.As the memories returned, my face heated.I remembered how his mouth felt between my legs, how he growled my name like he needed it to breathe. And when we’d both passed out, exhausted and bare, I remembered waking up sometime in the middle of the night with his face nuzzled between my breasts, his soft breath warming my skin, his lips pressing lazy kisses there as if he never wanted to leave.I smiled to myself, biting my bottom lip.But just as I reached for the covers to r
*****************CHAPTER 122~Kaia’s POV~"I... I—""Cum," Blaze ordered.His teeth sank into my clit, and his fingers curled, and that was it.The dam burst, and my entire body convulsed.My voice cracked, and my limbs went numb."Fuck!"My body convulsed, and I was shaking, twitching, and shuddering.It was never-ending, and I couldn't breathe.His mouth stayed locked, sucking, and his fingers didn't stop moving.It was too much."BLAZE!!"But, Blaze kept his mouth where it was, and his fingers were relentless, and all I could do was cry his name, over and over, until I thought I might pass out.Finally, just when I was about to lose consciousness, Blaze's mouth slowed. He kissed and sucked lightly, his fingers drawing circles on the outside of my core."Are you okay?" he whispered, his mouth leaving my clit and returning to mine.I couldn't answer. It took about two minutes for me to fully recover all the while I smiled at him."Yes. Yes, I am," I replied."Good. Now, can I have y
*****************CHAPTER 121~Kaia’s POV~Blaze's tongue pushed deeper into my mouth, and I moaned. His steps faltered, and his grip around me, tightened.My mind was racing, trying to keep up with what was happening around me. But I knew where this was going, and I didn't want to stop it.We got to my room, and he kicked the door shut, and the next second, he was on me. His lips trailed down my neck, and his hands found the front of my robe.I gasped, but Blaze just continued his trail of kisses down my chest, tugging the thin fabric open as his lips explored the curve of my breasts."Fuck," I gasped.Blaze kissed lower, down my stomach and his hands slid beneath me, squeezing my ass, kneading, pulling me up, and then he dropped me gently on the bed.I landed on the sheets and sat up, but Blaze was already kneeling in front of me, his mouth inches from mine, his eyes wild."Kaia," he whispered. "Last chance. Tell me to stop."I shook my head. "No. I don't want you to stop. Ever."He
*****************CHAPTER 120~Kaia’s POV~Dinner ended with the same polished charm it started with. I tried not to stay too late. Once we were done discussing business, I finished my meal before announcing that I wanted to take my leave. Thankfully, he wasn’t much trouble and allowed me to leave. Kayne accompanied me out of the restaurant like he had all the time in the world. The valet handed over my keys, and I walked ahead, mentally reviewing everything we had discussed. Every word. Every pause. Every calculated compliment.I stopped beside my car, turning to say a brief goodbye.“Thank you for dinner,” I said politely but guardedly.Kayne didn’t move right away. He simply stepped closer, not into my space, just near enough that I noticed. Then, with the same smooth confidence he wore like a second skin, he leaned in and kissed my cheek once, then the other.It was light, professional or formal and nothing out of control but I was still tense.He straightened and extended his h
*****************CHAPTER 119~Kaia’s POV~Walking into Apex Global that morning felt like slipping into a familiar suit of armour.The moment I stepped through the revolving doors, the crisp chill of the air conditioning clung to me hard. I had barely slept, but I dressed sharply—black fitted trousers, a white blouse, a blazer, and heels that clicked purposefully against the marble floors.No more hesitation. No more distractions.I was here to work.As I approached the executive wing, Blaze’s secretary stood up from her desk, her hands folded in a professional manner.“Good morning, Mrs. Black,” she greeted with a small nod. “Mr. Black is in his office… but there’s someone inside waiting for you.”I arched a brow. “Waiting for me?”She nodded. “Yes. He said it’s important.”“Right.” I adjusted my blazer and walked up to the double doors.I knocked once before pushing them open.Blaze stood near the windows, hands in his pockets, staring out like he was too focused on anything but th