LOGINShare
Chapter 124
Last Updated:
2025-03-04 05:31:02
Related chapters
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 1
**The Proposal**The grand chandeliers of the Cresswell Estate ballroom reflected a kaleidoscope of golden light, casting a warm glow on the polished marble floors. The music of a soft string quartet floated through the air, blending with the murmurs of elegantly dressed guests. Alexander Cain stood by the arched windows, his tall frame commanding attention despite his attempt to stay inconspicuous. With his sharp tailored suit and piercing gray eyes, he exuded power and control—traits that defined his rise to one of the wealthiest men in the country.Tonight was supposed to be just another networking event, an opportunity to reaffirm alliances in his business empire. But the older man approaching him, Richard Hart, brought with him a proposition that would shift Alexander’s world in ways he couldn’t yet imagine.“Alexander,” Richard began, his voice low and serious. “I believe we have an arrangement to discuss.”Alexander turned, fixing the older man with his steely gaze. “I’m listen
Last Updated : 2024-12-07THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 2
**The Marriage Contract**The morning sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Cain family’s private office, a luxurious space lined with mahogany bookshelves and an imposing desk at its center. Emilia sat stiffly in one of the leather chairs, her hands folded tightly in her lap. The air smelled faintly of polished wood and freshly brewed coffee, but it did little to calm her nerves.Across the desk sat Alexander Cain, as unreadable as ever. Dressed in a sharp gray suit that accentuated his commanding presence, he flipped through the pages of a document with the precision of a man accustomed to handling multi-million-dollar contracts. The marriage contract.Emilia’s heart thudded in her chest as she watched him. The reality of her situation was beginning to sink in. This wasn’t just a casual agreement or a symbolic gesture—it was a legally binding arrangement that would tie her to Alexander for life.“Everything is outlined here,” Alexander said, his voice steady as
Last Updated : 2024-12-08THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 3
**A Fragile Dance**The Cain estate felt unusually quiet in the days following the signing ceremony. Emilia had expected a whirlwind of preparations leading up to the wedding, but instead, she found herself with more time to reflect than she’d anticipated. Alexander had become even more elusive, often disappearing into his office or taking calls that lasted hours.She spent her mornings sketching in the garden, her afternoons reading in the expansive library, and her evenings dining alone more often than not. She should have been relieved by the distance—it gave her a chance to breathe, to process the immense changes in her life. Yet, it gnawed at her that Alexander seemed content to keep her at arm’s length.One evening, as she wandered through the halls of the estate, she found herself outside Alexander’s office. Light spilled from under the door, and she could hear his voice, low and firm, punctuated by moments of silence. A part of her wanted to knock, to demand why he was so inte
Last Updated : 2024-12-08THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 4
** Cracks in the Armor**The days that followed were unusually quiet. Emilia threw herself into her art, often spending hours in the garden or her studio room, her hands busy but her mind restless. Alexander, meanwhile, had retreated into his work, disappearing for long hours into his office or heading out for meetings that stretched late into the night.It wasn’t tension that lingered between them now, but something undefined—an awareness, perhaps, of the moments they had shared recently. For Emilia, it felt like standing at the edge of a cliff, unsure whether to leap or to retreat.One morning, as Emilia sketched a cluster of roses in the garden, she was startled by the sound of Alexander’s voice behind her.“They’re beautiful.”She turned to find him standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets. He was dressed casually for once, in a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and there was a softness in his expression that caught her off guard.“Thank you,” she said, setti
Last Updated : 2024-12-08THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 5
** Shadows of the Past**The Cain estate stood silent under a canopy of stars, its vast hallways bathed in moonlight. Emilia lay awake in her suite, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. The events of the evening—the tension between Alexander and Richardson, the weight of Alexander’s unspoken words—clung to her like a second skin.Alexander was a mystery she was only beginning to unravel, and the closer she got, the more questions seemed to arise. What secrets did he carry, and how much of them were tied to the man who had so boldly interrupted their moment on the terrace?Unable to sleep, Emilia pushed the covers back and slipped out of bed. The mansion was quiet, save for the soft ticking of a nearby grandfather clock. She wandered through the halls, her thoughts heavy, until she found herself outside Alexander’s office once more.Light spilled from beneath the door. Hesitating only briefly, she knocked softly.“Come in,” Alexander’s voice called, low and slightly weary.She open
Last Updated : 2024-12-26THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 6
**The Price of Trust**The days following the meeting with Margaret Hawthorne were a strange blend of progress and tension. Emilia noticed how Alexander’s demeanor toward her had changed. He was no longer guarded in her presence, no longer keeping her at the edges of his world. Instead, he brought her closer, inviting her to his meetings, asking for her perspective, and including her in decisions that would have been unthinkable weeks ago.And yet, the vulnerability he had shown in the library—the admission that he didn’t know how to stop running—lingered in her mind. Trust was growing between them, but trust, Emilia knew, was fragile.It was during one of their now-regular morning breakfasts in the sunroom that the next challenge to their precarious bond arrived.“Elliot Richardson has made a move,” Alexander said, setting down the tablet he’d been scrolling through. His voice was calm, but Emilia could see the tightness in his jaw.“What kind of move?” she asked.“He’s leaked a stor
Last Updated : 2024-12-26THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 7
**The Storm Returns**The days following their quiet victory over Richardson brought a calm Emilia hadn’t experienced since the engagement began. She and Alexander found themselves working together more often, slipping into a rhythm that felt surprisingly natural. Meetings, strategy sessions, and even simple dinners now carried an undercurrent of partnership, a mutual respect that had once felt impossible.But calm is fleeting in a world as ruthless as Alexander’s, and the storm that followed was one neither of them could have anticipated.It was a crisp morning when Emilia received the letter. She had been sketching in the garden, enjoying the rare moment of solitude, when Charles, the butler, appeared with an envelope.“This arrived for you, Miss Hart,” he said, his tone neutral but his expression cautious.Emilia took the envelope, frowning as she examined it. The handwriting was unfamiliar, but the weight of it felt ominous.“Thank you, Charles,” she said, waiting until he had lef
Last Updated : 2024-12-27THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 8
**The Awakening**The progress Emilia and Alexander had made over the past few weeks felt like a steady light breaking through a long, stormy night. Their partnership had grown stronger, their counselor sessions illuminating corners of their relationship neither had dared to explore before. And yet, as the saying goes, the calm often precedes the storm.It began on a Friday afternoon when Alexander received a call that changed everything.Alexander was in his office, reviewing contracts, when his phone buzzed. He answered without looking at the screen.“This is Cain.”“Alexander, it’s Margaret,” came the voice on the other end. Her usually steady tone carried an edge of urgency.“Margaret,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “What can I do for you?”“There’s something you need to see,” she replied. “I’ve just received documents indicating Richardson has filed a formal complaint against your company with the business ethics board.”Alexander’s grip on the phone tightened. “On what gro
Last Updated : 2024-12-27
Latest chapter
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 124
** The Ghost in the Shadows**Milan, Italy – Isabella’s Instincts Take OverIsabella’s fingers tightened around her phone as she reread the message."He’s not dead. But you will be."Her breath was steady, but her pulse was anything but.Ethan noticed the shift in her expression immediately. “What’s wrong?”She handed him the phone, watching as his jaw clenched.“This is a threat,” he said.“No,” Isabella murmured, eyes narrowing. “This is a warning.”Ethan exhaled sharply. “You think he’s really alive?”Isabella wasn’t sure.Leo had always been three steps ahead. If anyone could fake their death, it was him.And if he was alive…It meant the war wasn’t over.It was just beginning.Paris, France – The Investigation DeepensMarcella leaned back in her chair, fingers tapping against her desk.The official report claimed Leo had died from an overdose.But Marcella didn’t believe in coincidences.Her sources had seen Nikolai leaving the hotel minutes before Leo’s body was found.And now?
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 123
**The War Begins** Milan, Italy – Isabella’s Next Move Isabella’s fingers trembled as she set down the glass of whiskey she hadn’t even tasted. The TV screen flickered, Leo’s smug expression still frozen in the background. He had done it. He had gone public. And now? The world was coming for her. Her office door burst open, and Ethan stormed inside, his face dark with barely controlled fury. “You need to fix this. Now.” His voice was sharp, edged with urgency. Isabella forced herself to remain calm, though every muscle in her body begged her to lash out. “I already have Marcella working on damage control,” she said smoothly, pouring another drink. “Leo wants a war. Let’s give him one.” Ethan ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “This isn’t just business, Isabella. He’s gone after your entire legacy. If the board believes him—” “They won’t,” she interrupted. “Because by morning, Leo won’t be credible enough for anyone to listen.” Ethan narrowed his eyes. “What are you
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 122
** The First Strike**Milan, Italy – Cain-Devereaux HeadquartersIsabella stood at the top floor of her empire, looking down at the city she had fought to control.It should have felt like victory.But instead, it felt like a battlefield.She had made a deal with Marcella—something she never thought she’d do.And now, it was time to deliver.Leo had to fall.Completely.Irreversibly.Because if he didn’t?If she left even a crack for him to slip through…He would come back.And next time?He wouldn’t just want his place in the company.He’d want revenge.Her phone buzzed.She picked it up, exhaling sharply.Marcella."The pieces are in motion. We strike at midnight."Isabella smirked.Let the games begin.Paris, France – Leo’s Last MoveLeo Cain stood in a darkened hotel suite, hands resting on the desk as he scanned the reports in front of him.The walls were closing in.Isabella had already started freezing his accounts.Her allies in the financial sector were pulling back investmen
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 121
** An Unholy Alliance**Milan, Italy – Isabella’s OfficeThe city skyline stretched behind her, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. But Isabella wasn’t admiring the view.She stood at her desk, fingers tapping lightly against the polished wood, as the weight of her decision settled over her.Across from her, Marcella Devereaux sat with a glass of red wine in hand, looking far too pleased with herself.“I have to admit, darling,” Marcella mused, crossing one leg over the other, “I didn’t think you’d actually call me.”Isabella studied her carefully.“I don’t make decisions lightly.”Marcella smirked. “Neither do I.”They had spent years locked in a battle for dominance—each one trying to stay a step ahead of the other.But now?Now, Isabella was about to break her own rules.Because Marcella was right about one thing.She needed her.And she hated it.The city skyline stretched behind her, bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. But Isabella wasn’t admiring the view.Sh
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 120
** Broken Loyalties**Milan, Italy – Isabella’s PenthouseThe broken shards of glass glittered on the marble floor, a perfect reflection of what had just shattered between them.Isabella stood motionless, her chest rising and falling with each slow, controlled breath.Across from her, Leo Cain didn’t move.He was calculating, just like he always was.But this wasn’t business.This was them.And Isabella wasn’t sure if they still existed.She lifted her chin, her voice calm but sharp as steel.“You worked with Moreau.”Leo exhaled, raking a hand through his hair. “I told you—it wasn’t like that.”Isabella’s laugh was cold, hollow. “You don’t get to decide what it was.”She stepped forward, closing the space between them. “Did you tell me the truth at any point, Leo? Or was this all just part of your game?”His jaw tightened. “I never lied about what mattered.”“Then tell me this—” she whispered, voice dangerously soft. “Was I a part of your plan? Or was I just a pawn?”Leo’s green eyes
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 119
** The Empire Strikes Back**Milan, Italy – Cain-Devereaux HeadquartersIt was a perfect morning in Milan—if Isabella Devereaux believed in such things.The sun bathed the city in gold, casting long shadows across the boardroom where she stood, arms crossed, eyes locked on the newest report in front of her.Leo sat beside her, his expression unreadable as he scanned the file.Ethan paced, running a hand through his hair.“This isn’t just a business move,” Ethan muttered, placing his tablet down. “It’s a warning.”Isabella smirked, flipping the page.Marcella had made her move.An anonymous leak had surfaced overnight, tying Cain-Devereaux Holdings to illicit offshore accounts. Fabricated, of course—but deadly enough to raise eyebrows in the financial world.The news cycle was eating it up.Headlines flashed across the screen:“Shadow Deals? Cain-Devereaux Faces Scrutiny Over Global Expansion”“Devereaux Legacy Stained – Isabella Under Investigation (Again)”Leo’s jaw clenched. “She di
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 118
** A Throne of Her Own**London, England – Cain-Devereaux Private JetThe hum of the private jet was steady, a low vibration beneath Isabella Devereaux’s fingertips as she traced the edge of her champagne glass. The golden liquid inside barely moved, mirroring the control she maintained over herself despite the storm brewing inside.She was leaving London, leaving Marcella behind.But not for good.No, this wasn’t over.Marcella had tried to lure her in—offering her a seat at the table, a place in a new empire.But Isabella had no interest in joining someone else’s kingdom.She was going to build her own.She glanced across the cabin at Leo, who was watching her carefully from his seat, his own drink in hand.“You didn’t kill her deal,” he murmured, swirling the whiskey in his glass.Isabella smirked, meeting his gaze. “No.”Leo raised a brow. “You could have.”She leaned back in her chair, eyes gleaming. “Why kill something when you can take it for yourself?”Leo chuckled, shaking hi
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 117
** A Throne of Her Own**London, England – Cain-Devereaux Private JetThe hum of the private jet was steady, a low vibration beneath Isabella Devereaux’s fingertips as she traced the edge of her champagne glass.She was leaving London, leaving Marcella behind.But not for good.No, this wasn’t over.Marcella had tried to lure her in—offering her a seat at the table, a place in a new empire.But Isabella had no interest in joining someone else’s kingdom.She was going to build her own.She glanced across the cabin at Leo, who was watching her carefully from his seat.“You didn’t kill her deal,” he murmured, swirling the whiskey in his glass.Isabella smirked. “No.”Leo raised a brow. “You could have.”She leaned back in her chair, eyes gleaming. “Why kill something when you can take it for yourself?”Leo chuckled, shaking his head. “You really are ruthless, aren’t you?”Isabella tilted her head. “Would you like me any other way?”He smirked. “No. But you already knew that.”Their gazes
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 116
** The Last Queen Standing**Milan, Italy – Cain Enterprises PenthouseThe city glittered below, a sea of golden lights stretching toward the horizon.But Isabella Devereaux wasn’t watching the view.She stood near the floor-to-ceiling windows, her phone in her hand, her finger hovering over Marcella’s message.“There’s more than one way to rule the world, darling. Call me when you’re ready.”A challenge. A test. A trap.She knew exactly what Marcella wanted—to make her question everything.And damn it, it was working.Leo’s voice cut through the silence.“You’re still thinking about it.”Isabella turned to see him leaning against the bar, his green eyes watching her too closely.She smirked. “What gave it away?”Leo crossed the room in a few steps, stopping just inches from her. “You only get that look when you’re debating whether to burn the world down or walk away.”Isabella chuckled. “And which one do you think I’ll choose?”Leo smirked. “Burn it down. Every time.”She exhaled, lo
