Share

Chapter 80

Author: ONYINYE
last update Last Updated: 2025-02-08 04:25:27

** The Ashes of War**

The explosion’s echo still vibrated in Eleanor’s chest as she and Daniel stood frozen, staring at the rising smoke in the distance.

Their vineyard. Their legacy. Under attack.

Daniel’s grip tightened around his phone. His jaw clenched so hard Eleanor thought it might shatter.

“They didn’t waste time,” he murmured, voice razor-sharp.

Eleanor’s pulse thundered. Whoever had sent that message hadn’t been bluffing.

Without another word, Daniel stormed toward the car. Eleanor followed, slipping into the passenger seat just as he floored the gas pedal.

The road blurred past them, but neither spoke. They both knew what this meant.

This wasn’t just an attack. It was a declaration of war.

The Vineyard in Flames

By the time they arrived, the once-pristine fields of Cain Vineyards were drenched in smoke. Firefighters battled the blaze, their shouts echoing in the night air.

Eleanor’s stomach twisted. Rows of vines—years of work, of dedication—were reduced to burning embers.

Locked Chapter
Continue Reading on GoodNovel
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 81

    **The Trap Is Set**Eleanor Moreau Cain had spent most of her life being controlled by men who underestimated her.Her father.Charles Whitmore.And now, Victor Romano.But this time?She was going to be the one pulling the strings.Romano thought he could scare her into submission. He thought a fire and a few threats would be enough to send her running.He was wrong.Because Eleanor wasn’t running.She was setting the trap.And Romano was about to walk straight into it.The PlanDaniel sat across from Eleanor in the study, his sharp gaze scanning the blueprints and financial reports spread across the table.“You’re sure about this?” he asked.Eleanor nodded. “Romano operates through fear, manipulation, and backdoor deals. If we want to bring him down, we need to use his own weapons against him.”Luca, their head of security, leaned against the wall, arms crossed. “So we dangle the bait—a deal too good for him to resist.”Daniel smirked. “And when he bites, we have the leverage to des

    Last Updated : 2025-02-08
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 82

    The Power of Strategy**Victor Romano had made a mistake.Not by underestimating Daniel Cain.But by underestimating Eleanor Moreau Cain.For years, she had played by the rules. She had obeyed, she had endured, she had watched from the sidelines.Not anymore.If Romano thought he could threaten her into submission, he was about to learn the hard way—she never lost.Because Eleanor didn’t believe in violence.She believed in power.And she was about to strip him of every ounce of it.The Aftermath of the ThreatCain Vineyards was on high alert.Security was doubled. The estate was on lockdown. Every staff member was screened.Daniel was furious, but Eleanor?She was focused.They didn’t need bullets to win this war.They needed leverage.And Eleanor was about to find Romano’s biggest weakness.The Investigation BeginsLuca, their head of security, sat across from Eleanor and Daniel in the study, flipping through a thick confidential file.“This is everything we could find on Romano,” h

    Last Updated : 2025-02-10
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 83

    – The Fall of Victor Romano**Eleanor Moreau Cain had always believed that power was about control.Not brute force.Not reckless violence.But strategy.And tonight, Victor Romano was about to learn what it felt like to have everything ripped away from him—the same way he had tried to take everything from her.Because Eleanor had spent weeks watching, waiting, planning.And now?It was time to strike.The Beginning of the EndThe first blow landed before sunrise.News broke across every financial network:“Victor Romano’s Business Empire Under Investigation for Fraud and Money Laundering.”Articles flooded in, outlining millions of dollars in suspicious transactions, companies tied to fraudulent deals, and accounts registered in Olivia Romano’s name.Romano’s name was everywhere, but not in the way he was used to.He was no longer a kingmaker.He was a criminal.And the moment his investors pulled their funds, his empire began to collapse.The Betrayal That Broke HimEleanor and Dani

    Last Updated : 2025-02-10
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 84

    ** Future Worth Fighting For**Eleanor Moreau Cain had spent her life in a world of power struggles, deception, and high-stakes battles.But for the first time, there was no enemy left to fight.No threats.No wars.Only peace.And she didn’t know what to do with it.Six Months Later – A New BeginningThe sun hung low over Cain Vineyards, casting a golden glow over the endless rows of vines.The estate was thriving—stronger than ever before.Investors had returned with renewed confidence. Their brand had expanded internationally.And Eleanor?She had finally stepped into her own power—not as a Moreau, not as someone’s wife, but as herself.For years, she had been controlled by others' expectations.Now?She was the one making the rules.A Surprising RevelationDaniel found her standing on the balcony that evening, watching the vineyard sway gently in the breeze.He came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.“You’re quiet tonight,” he murmured against her ear.She smiled,

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 85

    ** Legacy Begins** Five Years Later The golden glow of sunset stretched across Cain Vineyards, casting long shadows over the rolling hills. The estate was thriving, stronger than ever before, its influence reaching beyond Napa and into international markets. Eleanor Cain stood at the top of the hill, watching as workers finished their last rounds for the day. She had built this. She had fought for this. And now, she was watching it flourish. A soft laugh echoed behind her, and she turned to see her five-year-old son, Alexander, running toward her. Daniel followed closely behind, a smile on his face as their son giggled with pure delight, his little hands outstretched as he raced to his mother. Eleanor crouched down, scooping Alexander into her arms. “You’re getting too fast,” she teased, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He beamed at her. “Daddy says I have to practice if I want to be strong like him.” Daniel chuckled. “I said smart and strong.” He glanced at Eleanor, eyes ful

    Last Updated : 2025-02-11
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 86

    ** The Next Generation** Twenty Years Later The sun dipped behind the rolling hills of Cain Vineyards, painting the sky in streaks of gold and crimson. The estate had grown even stronger over the years, expanding into international markets, becoming a global powerhouse in the wine industry. But tonight? Tonight was about legacy. Eleanor Cain stood at the top of the hill, watching the workers finish their last rounds for the evening. She took a slow breath, letting the cool air fill her lungs. A deep voice spoke behind her. “You still watch over it like it’s your child.” She smiled as Daniel Cain stepped beside her, slipping an arm around her waist. “It is my child,” she murmured. “Our first one, at least.” Daniel chuckled. “Speaking of our children…” They both turned as the main house doors swung open—and a young man stepped outside, his movementsk He stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding. “As you all know, Cain Vineyards has expanded beyond Napa,” he b

    Last Updated : 2025-02-12
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 87

    **Legacy Secured**One Year LaterThe Cain name had always been synonymous with power, legacy, and resilience.For decades, Eleanor and Daniel Cain had built their empire, brick by brick, battle by battle.Now, as Eleanor stood in the grand Cain Estate boardroom, she watched her son, Alexander, lead his first official shareholders’ meeting.He was no longer the young man stepping into his parents’ shadows.He was a leader in his own right.And today, he was about to prove it to the world.The Final BattleThe lawsuit that had threatened Cain Vineyards a year ago had dragged on, turning into a high-stakes power play between Alexander and their European competitors.But Alexander had played the game brilliantly.And now?He was about to win.Seated across from him was Pierre Lavigne, the CEO of their largest rival, Lavigne Estates.Lavigne had expected Daniel or Eleanor to lead this meeting.Instead, he was facing Alexander Cain.And he wasn’t prepared.Alexander leaned forward, steepli

    Last Updated : 2025-02-12
  • THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE.   Chapter 88

    **The Unfinished Story** Thirty Years Later The sun had barely risen, casting a golden glow over Cain Vineyards, where the vines stretched endlessly across the rolling hills. At the center of it all stood a man in his early thirties, his sharp blue eyes taking in the land before him. Leo Cain. He wasn’t just the heir to the Cain empire. He was its future. And today? He was about to face his first real test. A Legacy at Risk Inside the grand Cain Estate, a boardroom full of executives sat around a long mahogany table. Leo leaned back in his chair, one hand resting on the polished wood, the other flipping through the confidential reports in front of him. Cain Vineyards was under threat. A hostile takeover attempt had surfaced from an international competitor, backed by old enemies who had waited decades for the right moment to strike. Chapter 88 – The Legacy Continues The golden light of dusk stretched across the vast vineyards of Cain Estate, illuminating the rolling hil

    Last Updated : 2025-02-13

Latest chapter

  • 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

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status