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Chapter 9
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2024-12-28 13:17:55
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THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 10
**A New Legacy**The days after Alexander’s heartfelt proposal were filled with quiet joy and a newfound sense of purpose. For the first time since their arrangement began, Emilia and Alexander allowed themselves to dream about the future—not as strangers bound by obligation, but as partners in every sense of the word.As the vineyard’s peaceful interlude came to an end, they returned to the Cain estate with a shared determination to solidify the foundation they had built. However, life in Alexander’s world was rarely simple, and both knew that their journey was far from over.Back at the estate, Emilia was surprised by how different it felt. The house that once seemed cold and intimidating now held a warmth she hadn’t noticed before. Whether it was because of Alexander’s growing openness or her own comfort within its walls, she couldn’t say, but the change was undeniable.One morning, as they shared breakfast in the sunroom, Alexander set down his coffee and looked at Emilia with a s
Last Updated : 2024-12-28THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 11
**A Love Worth Fighting For**The weeks after the launch of the Cain Corporation’s initiative marked a turning point in Alexander and Emilia’s journey. The philanthropic endeavor quickly gained traction, drawing praise from media outlets and inspiring other corporations to follow suit. But with newfound recognition came fresh challenges, and both Alexander and Emilia realized that the road ahead would test not only their vision but their relationship as well.It was a quiet morning when Alexander received the email that would change everything. He was seated at his desk, sipping coffee and reviewing the week’s reports, when a message from his legal team caught his attention.As he read, his expression darkened.“What is it?” Emilia asked, entering the room with a warm smile that quickly faded when she saw his face.“Another lawsuit,” Alexander said, his voice clipped. “Richardson isn’t finished with us.”Emilia frowned, sitting beside him. “What’s he accusing you of now?”“Impropriety
Last Updated : 2024-12-29THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 12
** A Fragile Truth**The days following the garden celebration brought a newfound rhythm to Alexander and Emilia’s life. The Cain Corporation’s philanthropic initiative had become the talk of the industry, earning praise and admiration from allies and skeptics alike. Emilia’s new role on the board gave her a platform to shape the company’s vision, and Alexander found himself inspired by her boldness and determination.But as life began to settle into a sense of calm, a storm was brewing—one that neither of them could have anticipated.It was a late afternoon when the first crack in their peace appeared. Emilia was in the library, reviewing proposals for the next phase of the initiative, when she heard raised voices coming from the foyer. Curious, she set down her papers and headed toward the commotion.As she approached, she heard Alexander’s sharp tone. “You shouldn’t be here.”“I think you’ll want to hear what I have to say,” came a cool, feminine voice.Emilia turned the corner to
Last Updated : 2024-12-30THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 13
**A New Dawn**The path to healing wasn’t linear, but Alexander and Emilia were determined to walk it together. Days turned into weeks, and the tension that had once lingered between them began to ease. Through candid conversations, shared laughter, and an unwavering commitment to honesty, they found a way to rebuild what had been broken.However, their story was far from over. Just as they began to envision a life free from the shadows of the past, the world they had worked so hard to stabilize threw them an unexpected challenge.It began one morning over breakfast when Alexander received a call that turned his expression to stone. Emilia, seated across from him, noticed immediately.“What is it?” she asked, setting down her coffee.Alexander ended the call, his hand tightening around his phone. “It’s about Richardson,” he said, his voice low.Emilia’s stomach twisted at the name. “What’s he done now?”“He’s disappeared,” Alexander replied. “His company filed for bankruptcy this morn
Last Updated : 2024-12-30THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 14
**Shadows Resurfaced**The Cain estate had settled into a rare tranquility. The chaos of the Consortium’s takedown was behind them, and Alexander and Emilia were finally embracing the life they had fought so hard to protect. Days were filled with meetings about their philanthropic endeavors, quiet dinners, and moments of shared laughter.But beneath the calm, a shadow lingered—a thread from the past that had yet to fully unravel. And when it surfaced, it would change everything they thought they knew.One evening, Emilia was sorting through correspondence in the library when she came across an unmarked envelope. It bore no return address, just her name written in elegant script. Curious, she opened it and unfolded the letter inside.The words hit her like a lightning bolt.Emilia,There’s more to Alexander Cain’s story than you’ve been told. Meet me tomorrow at the address below, and I’ll show you the truth.– A FriendHer heart raced as she reread the note. Who could have sent it? An
Last Updated : 2024-12-31THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 15
**The Reckoning**The air at the Cain estate was charged with a tension that hadn’t been there since the days of the Consortium takedown. Alexander and Emilia had spent the last several days poring over the information Marcus had delivered, piecing together a picture of the dangerous network that still loomed over them.This wasn’t just about Alexander’s past mistakes anymore—it was about their future and their survival.Late one evening, Alexander and Emilia sat in the study, the flash drive plugged into his laptop. The data Victor had collected revealed a tangled web of criminal activities—fraud, extortion, and blackmail—all tied to a group of powerful individuals who had once partnered with Alexander.“They call themselves the Syndicate,” Alexander explained, his tone grim. “Back when I worked with them, they were just opportunists. But now... it’s clear they’ve grown into something far more dangerous.”Emilia leaned closer, her brow furrowed. “They’ve already taken Victor. Do you
Last Updated : 2025-01-01THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 16
** The Future Beckons**With the Syndicate dismantled and their lives slowly returning to a semblance of normalcy, Alexander and Emilia began to focus on what came next. The battles they had fought had left scars, but they had also revealed their strength, both individually and as a couple. Now, it was time to channel that strength into building the future they had dreamed of.One morning, as they enjoyed breakfast in the sunroom, Emilia’s phone buzzed with an email notification. She glanced at the screen and froze, her fork hovering in midair.“What is it?” Alexander asked, noticing her expression.“It’s from the Global Business Leaders Forum,” Emilia said, her voice tinged with disbelief. “They’re inviting me to speak at their annual summit.”Alexander smiled, pride evident in his eyes. “That’s incredible, Emilia. You’ve earned this.”Emilia set her phone down, her brow furrowed. “But why me? I’m not the CEO—you are.”“You’ve been the face of change at Cain Corporation,” Alexander s
Last Updated : 2025-01-01THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 17
**A Past That Won’t Let Go**The Cain Foundation was thriving, its impact spreading far and wide. Emilia and Alexander had poured their hearts into building something meaningful, and the rewards were evident. But just as life seemed to settle into a peaceful rhythm, an unexpected twist threatened to upend everything they had worked for—and their love.It began on a crisp autumn morning when Emilia arrived at the foundation’s headquarters for a scheduled meeting with a potential partner. She walked into the conference room, her mind focused on the day’s agenda, only to stop in her tracks.Sitting at the head of the table was a man she hadn’t seen in years—someone she never thought she’d see again.“Emilia,” he said, standing to greet her. “It’s been a long time.”Her breath hitched. “Liam?”Liam Hart—her first love, the man who had walked away from her life without explanation years ago—stood before her, as confident and composed as ever.“I didn’t expect to see you here,” Emilia said,
Last Updated : 2025-01-02
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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
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 115
** A New Empire**Milan, Italy – Cain Enterprises HeadquartersFor the first time in months, there was no war to fight.No boardrooms filled with enemies.No silent battles being waged in the shadows.And yet—Isabella Devereaux still woke up with the same sharp edge of anticipation in her chest.Victory had always been her fuel, and now that she had won?She wasn’t sure what to do with herself.Standing in Leo Cain’s penthouse office, she watched as the city of Milan stretched out before her.A city she now controlled.A world that had finally bent to her will.But something about it felt… unfinished.Like this wasn’t the end.Like this was just the beginning.The Question of PowerLeo entered the office without knocking, his presence as effortless as always.“You’re thinking too much again,” he said, setting two espressos down on the table.Isabella smirked, turning to face him. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m thinking just enough.”Leo took a sip of his coffee, studying her. “You dismantled y
THE LAST STRAW OF LOVE. Chapter 114
** The Final Betrayal**Milan, Italy – Cain Enterprises HeadquartersThe war wasn’t over.Not yet.Leo sat across from Isabella in the dimly lit penthouse, his green eyes sharp as he studied her expression. She was too calm, too still—like a predator waiting for the perfect moment to strike.“You’re planning something,” he murmured, setting his glass of whiskey on the table.Isabella smirked, swirling her own drink. “Of course I am.”Leo exhaled. “And I assume it’s something dangerous.”Her emerald gaze gleamed with something darker. “Would you expect anything less?”Ethan, who had just stepped into the room, groaned. “Tell me we’re not escalating this.”Isabella tilted her head. “Escalating?” she repeated. “No, Ethan. We’re ending it.”Leo leaned forward, intrigued. “Go on.”Isabella placed a black folder on the table, sliding it toward them.Leo opened it, scanning the contents.His brows lifted. “Bank records. Offshore accounts. Illegal stock transfers…” He whistled. “You really ha
