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Chapter 62
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2025-01-28 00:02:52
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THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 63
**The Battle for Napa**The Cain Vineyard’s expansion into Napa Valley had officially begun, but Daniel Cain knew that planting the first vine was only the start of the real challenge.Vincent Moreau had already attempted to sabotage them by interfering with their supply chain, but Daniel had outmaneuvered him with the help of Joseph Alvarez, an unexpected ally from the Napa winemaking community.Now, as the first vines took root in the California soil, Daniel could feel the weight of the battle ahead.Moreau wasn’t finished.And neither was he.Strength in NumbersIn the weeks following Moreau’s veiled threat, Daniel focused on strengthening his position in Napa.The Cain name carried prestige, but in an industry as competitive as winemaking, reputation wasn’t enough. He needed allies—people who believed in what Cain Vineyards stood for.One afternoon, he and Isabella met with a group of independent winemakers at a local vineyard. Some were hesitant to align themselves with a newcome
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-28THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 64
**Breaking the Chains**The Cain Vineyard’s expansion into Napa Valley had sparked more than just excitement—it had ignited a war.Daniel Cain had anticipated resistance, but Vincent Moreau had taken it to another level. From blocking supplies to using Napa’s regulatory board against him, Moreau was playing dirty.But Daniel wasn’t backing down.Cain Vineyards had survived storms, betrayals, and curses.And no matter how much Moreau tried to control Napa, he was about to learn one thing—the Cain family never bowed to pressure.The Legal CounterattackDaniel sat in the Cain Vineyards Napa office, surrounded by legal documents and sustainability reports. His attorney, Lisa Bennett, flipped through a stack of papers with a frown.“This complaint against you? It’s completely fabricated,” she said. “But that’s not the problem.”Daniel exhaled. “Let me guess—stalling tactics.”Lisa nodded. “Moreau’s goal isn’t to win. It’s to drag this out long enough to delay your production. The longer th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-29THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 65
**The War for Napa**The Cain Vineyard’s expansion into Napa had started as a vision of growth, of legacy. But now, it had become a battlefield.Vincent Moreau had tried everything—blocking their suppliers, manipulating the regulatory board, and even sabotaging their irrigation system. But when Daniel Cain refused to sell his land, the war escalated.This was no longer just a business rivalry.This was about power.And Daniel wasn’t about to lose.A Vineyard on EdgeThe damage to the irrigation system had been extensive, but Daniel and his team worked day and night to repair it.Mark Holloway, their lead viticulturist, wiped sweat from his brow. “We’ve stabilized most of the water flow, but we lost nearly ten percent of our crop.”Daniel’s jaw tightened. “We can recover.”Isabella, standing beside him, shook her head. “We shouldn’t have to. Moreau’s crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed.”Joseph Alvarez, their ally in Napa, stepped forward. “Then it’s time we fight back.”Daniel gl
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-30THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 66
**The War for Napa**The Cain Vineyard’s expansion into Napa had started as a vision—one of growth, innovation, and a lasting legacy. But the moment Daniel Cain stepped foot into Napa, it had become a battlefield.Vincent Moreau had tried everything to force Daniel out—blocking suppliers, manipulating the regulatory board, and even sabotaging their irrigation system. But when Daniel refused to sell his land, Moreau escalated the war.Now, there was no turning back.This was about power, legacy, and control.And Daniel was done playing defense.A Vineyard on EdgeThe damage to the irrigation system had been extensive. Workers spent days trying to salvage what they could, but there was no denying the losses.Mark Holloway, their lead viticulturist, shook his head. “We’ve stabilized most of the water flow, but we lost nearly ten percent of our crop.”Daniel’s jaw tightened. He looked over the rows of vines, some still struggling from the overwatering caused by the sabotage.Isabella, sta
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-30THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 66
** The Reckoning**The war for Napa wasn’t over.Vincent Moreau had played every card in his deck—sabotage, legal battles, supply chain interference—but Daniel Cain had countered each move, forcing Moreau into a public sustainability partnership that stripped him of his power plays.The Napa Valley press had framed it as a win-win, but behind the headlines, both men knew the truth—Moreau had been outmaneuvered.And he hated losing.The Calm Before the StormDaniel stood on the balcony of the Cain Vineyards estate, overlooking the vineyard as the sun set. The land stretched endlessly before him, his land, where the first Napa-grown Cain grapes were flourishing.Isabella joined him, holding two glasses of wine. “You should be celebrating,” she said, handing him a glass. “You won.”Daniel swirled the deep red liquid, watching the way it clung to the glass. “It doesn’t feel like a win yet.”She sighed. “Because you know Moreau isn’t done.”He nodded. “He’s too proud. Too powerful. And too
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-30THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 68
**The Final Strike** Daniel Cain had fought battles before, but this was the first time he bled for one. Moreau had crossed a new line. The attack outside the Belmont Club had been a message—leave Napa, or suffer the consequences. But Daniel wasn’t leaving. And now, Moreau was about to learn what happened when you tried to break a Cain. A Family’s Rage Back at the Cain estate, Isabella’s eyes burned with fury as she looked at the bloodstain on Daniel’s ripped shirt. “This isn’t just business anymore,” she snapped. “He sent people to hurt you.” Daniel winced as Lisa Bennett cleaned the wound on his ribs. “I noticed.” Joseph Alvarez paced the room. “We should report this. Press charges.” Daniel shook his head. “We don’t have proof. And Moreau won’t get his hands dirty—whoever did this won’t lead back to him.” Isabella clenched her fists. “Then we hit him where it hurts.” Daniel met her gaze. “That’s exactly what we’re going to do.” The Plan Moreau had always played his car
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-31THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 69
Between Love and Legacy The war for Napa was over. Cain Vineyards had not only survived but emerged stronger than ever, its name now synonymous with innovation and resilience. The scandal that had toppled Vincent Moreau had sent ripples through the industry, leaving Daniel Cain standing as one of the most influential winemakers in Napa. But victory came at a cost. As Daniel walked through the vineyard under the soft glow of lanterns from the harvest celebration, his mind wasn’t on business. It was on her. Eleanor Moreau. The woman he should have never trusted. The woman he should have never wanted. But as she stood beneath the ancient oak tree, looking at him with uncertainty and something deeper, Daniel knew he was in danger of losing himself completely. A Tension That Wouldn’t Break “You should be at the celebration,” Daniel said, watching as Eleanor traced a hand along the rough bark of the oak tree. She turned slightly, her blue eyes unreadable. “And you should probab
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-01-31THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 70
**The Gravity of Desire**Eleanor Moreau wasn’t supposed to be in his life.Not like this.Not in a way that kept him awake at night, thinking about the taste of her lips and the way she had looked at him beneath the vineyard lights.Not in a way that made him wonder if, for the first time in his life, winning wasn’t enough.Daniel Cain had built his legacy on control.But Eleanor? She was the one thing he couldn’t control.And it was driving him insane.A Dangerous GameTwo weeks had passed since that night beneath the oak tree.Two weeks since she had kissed him—since she had let herself want him, just for a moment—and then walked away like it had meant nothing.Daniel had told himself he’d let her go.But that was a lie.Because the moment he saw Eleanor again, standing in the lobby of a Napa Valley investor gala, wearing a sleek black dress that hugged her body in ways that should have been illegal, Daniel knew two things.He was not over her.He was done pretending.Their eyes me
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-02-01
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THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 126
**The Final Gambit**The night air in Paris was thick with tension as Isabella stood on the balcony of the safe house, gazing at the shimmering Seine below. The city was alive, but her mind was elsewhere—on Marcella, on the battle she was about to wage, and on the stakes that had never been higher.Behind her, Ethan was pacing, his expression tight. Leo leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching them both with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes.“This is insane,” Ethan muttered, rubbing his temples. “Breaking into Marcella’s private vault? We don’t even know what’s waiting for us inside.”Leo scoffed. “Oh, we know. A whole mess of trouble. But trouble’s fun, isn’t it?”Isabella turned, her eyes sharp. “This isn’t a game, Leo.”His smirk widened. “It is to Marcella.”And that was the problem. Marcella played to win. And if they weren’t careful, she’d take everything from them.Isabella’s fingers curled into fists. She couldn’t let that happen. Not after everything she’d f
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 125
**The Final Gambit**Milan, Italy – The Morning After the StormThe sun barely touched the city skyline when Isabella’s phone buzzed relentlessly on her nightstand.She opened her eyes to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the curtains, her body still tense from last night’s confrontation with Leo.Ethan was already awake, sitting on the edge of the bed, scrolling through his phone with a grim expression.“What is it?” she asked, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.He turned the screen toward her.BREAKING NEWS: DECEPTION AT DE VEREAUX INDUSTRIES – UNVEILING A LEGACY OF LIES.The headline alone sent a shiver down Isabella’s spine. She snatched her phone and skimmed the article.“Anonymous sources have leaked confidential files revealing fraudulent business dealings within De Vereaux Industries, implicating its CEO, Isabella Romano, in financial misconduct and illegal transactions dating back years.”Her heart pounded.This was Marcella.“Tell me there’s a way to shut this down,” sh
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
