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Chapter 9
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The Comeback Code Chapter 10
Edward ignored Fred and turned to Zayn."Zayn, I brought you back into this family, not to stir up chaos. If you don't have a good explanation, you'll be taking the punishment Nathan just saved you from."Zayn met Edward's gaze, a smirk forming. "Twenty years later, and you're still the same. For you, it's always been about the Quandt family."For a moment, guilt flickered in Edward's eyes. "I'll admit I hold some blame for what happened today. But you crossed the line."Zayn said flatly, "If I told you Cole hired four hitmen to stage a car accident and nearly got me killed, would you still say I went too far?"The room froze.Cole's face twisted with rage. "You lying piece of crap! Framing me to dodge punishment? That's low, even for you!"Zayn locked eyes with him, his own gaze ice-cold. "I'm telling the truth.""Oh yeah? Then show us some proof. Words don't cut it!" Cole shot back. "And why would I want you dead, anyway? I don't like you, but that doesn't mean I'd go that fa
The Comeback Code Chapter 11
"Speak.""I had you investigated. After you graduated, you disappeared for five years. There's no trace of you during that time—not a single piece of information. What were you doing all those years?" Edward turned, his gaze sharp and unflinching.Zayn kept to his standard line, replying calmly, "I was on a small, remote island. Communications were unreliable, so I lost touch with everyone back home.""That's all?" Edward's eyes bored into him."What else do you think I'd be doing?" Zayn shot back.Edward gave a faint smile. "I doubt it's that simple. Based on what you showed today, it's clear you've got some serious connections. No ordinary person could dig up that kind of evidence so easily."Zayn didn't bother humoring him. "This has nothing to do with you handing over the clues. Quit stalling and give me what you promised."Edward shook his head. "No, it is relevant. I need to know you're capable of following this trail."Then he handed Zayn two photos.Zayn took them inst
The Comeback Code Chapter 12
"What is it?""So, there's someone I like," Amelia said."Who?" Zayn asked. "That film director, Lowell Keating?"Amelia shook her head. "No, definitely not. Those rumors about Mr. Keating were just dumb gossip. It's... someone else."The truth was, there was someone. He'd saved her life once, a total mystery guy. She couldn't remember his face or his name—just the code names they used.Zayn didn't even flinch. "Oh.""That's it? Just 'oh'?" Amelia glared at him, frustrated."Oh, got it." Zayn added three more words this time.Now it was Amelia's turn to be speechless."Spending time with a guy like you is so boring."Zayn's smirked. "Alright, so if it's between me and Cole, who do you pick?"Amelia rolled her eyes. "Neither. Can I get one decent option?"Zayn chuckled.Amelia paused, a thought crossing her mind. "Wait... those four guys who came after you—did Cole really send them? I don't know, something feels off about the whole thing."Zayn just gave her that infuriati
The Comeback Code Chapter 13
Zayn stared at her, speechless. "Aren't you wearing pajamas? Just go."Amelia's face went even redder. "I... I don't like wearing clothes when I sleep! There, happy now?""Well, that's... a unique preference."Without another word, Zayn turned and walked out of the room.The second he closed the door behind him, he heard her practically sprint across the room, followed by the bathroom door slamming shut, like she'd barely made it.***8:30 a.m., council room.When Zayn and Amelia arrived, the other members of the Quandt family were already seated."Zayn, rough night?" Donald smirked. "Your grandpa's here, your dad's here—whole family's been waiting on you two."Issac snorted, full of contempt. "You two really need a lesson in respecting Quandt family rules."Zayn ignored both of them, as well as Hector and the others. Instead, he looked directly at Edward. "You dragged me here first thing—let's get to the point. I haven't even had breakfast."Edward's gaze swept over everyon
The Comeback Code Chapter 14
"Who wants to see us?" Zayn asked, looking puzzled.Amelia frowned. "How would I know?"Meanwhile, in the reception hall...A woman in a dress sat gracefully on the couch, sipping tea with an elegant calm. Her hair was styled in a high bun, every bit regal. Beside her was a young man with a chiseled face and tanned skin, radiating a strong military vibe. He looked tense, clearly irritated."Jace, what's with the attitude?" the woman said, eyeing him with concern. "When you meet your brother-in-law, don't lose your temper, alright?""Mom, you and Grandpa found Amelia a husband without even consulting me?" Jace Arden replied sharply. "I'm her brother. I deserved to know."The woman, Deborah Lautner, sighed. "It was your grandpa's call. He's wanted an alliance with the Quandt family for ages, and this was the perfect chance. So, Amelia married Zayn."Jace scoffed, his tone icy. "I refuse to acknowledge that loser as my brother-in-law. A washed-up Quandt reject? He has no right to b
The Comeback Code Chapter 15
Deborah looked at Zayn with a gentle smile. "Zayn, don't mind Jace. He's been in the military a long time; he's bound to have a bit of a temper. Just don't take it personally.""It's fine, Mrs. Arden," Zayn replied.Deborah raised an eyebrow. "Mrs. Arden? You and Amelia are married now, remember."Zayn just kept quiet."This time, I'll let it slide. I suppose you're still adjusting," Deborah said with a soft laugh. Then she took Amelia's hand and Zayn's and placed them together.Both of them instantly pulled back, like they'd touched something hot.Blushing, Amelia frowned. "Mom, what are you doing?"Deborah gave Amelia a firm look. "Amelia, I know what's in your heart, but honestly, I don't think that person is right for you. I actually think Zayn's a good match. Why not try to settle down with him?"She continued, "Besides, your grandpa was very clear—he expects to see a great-grandchild within two years."Amelia's face fell. "Mom, you might as well tell Grandpa to just have
The Comeback Code Chapter 16
After Jace left, Amelia looked at Zayn and sighed. "Sorry. My brother can be a bit... intense, but he's just trying to look out for me. Don't take it personally."Zayn shrugged. "I'm not mad. If I were, he wouldn't have made it out in one piece."Amelia shot him a look. "Give you an inch, and you take a mile, huh?"Zayn just said, "I'm starving. Grabbing breakfast," and walked off without another word.As Amelia was about to leave the lounge, her phone rang. She paused, surprised at the caller ID, then answered, her face lighting up. "Alice! You found time to call? Aren't you, like, buried in work?"Alice Stewart, her best friend, had been swamped on Wall Street ever since she'd started. Over the last few years, Alice had barely managed to check in, but somehow they'd stayed close.Alice's voice came through, half-teasing. "Amelia, you got married without telling me? Do I still count as your best friend?"Then she added, "Guess what? I'm flying into Khelmoria tonight. I want to
The Comeback Code Chapter 17
"I used to worry that after all these years away, Dad would doubt your abilities," Max said with a warm, almost too-friendly smile. "Looks like I was overthinking it."Zayn fixed him with a steady gaze. "If you've got something to say, just spit it out. No need to dance around it."Max blinked, then let out a low chuckle. "Zayn, chill. No hidden agenda here. Just a heads-up: Longoria is... complicated. And the Quandt family? Even more so—way more than you might think."He leaned in, lowering his voice. "Sometimes, having too much favor in this family isn't a good thing. Catch my drift?"Zayn stayed silent."Oh, and one more thing—Cole wanted me to pass along a message." Max's eyes sparkled with a sly grin. "He wishes you and Amelia a long, happy marriage. You know, 'till death do you part' and all that."As Max turned to leave, Zayn's voice cut through. "Tell Diddy to keep hiding. He better pray I don't find him."Max's shoulders stiffened, but he didn't look back, slipping away
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The Comeback Code Chapter 30
Alice looked at Amelia, momentarily speechless, then let out a long sigh. "Amelia, do you have any idea who the chairman of my new company is?"Amelia blinked, then her eyes widened as she slapped a hand over her mouth. "Wait—no way. You joined BlueWave Capital?"Of course, Amelia already knew. She'd been there when Zayn was appointed chairman by Edward.Alice's face fell. "Hold up. You knew Zayn was running BlueWave Capital, and you didn't think to warn me?!" Her voice cracked. "Do you even realize how bad I embarrassed myself? Amelia, I can't believe you let me walk in there clueless!"Meanwhile, just outside the suite, Yvonne was anxiously watching Eric's phone like it held her future."Eric, I'm so nervous," she said, taking a deep breath and pressing her hands together. "Do you think the BlueWave Capital chairman will even meet with us? I swear, my heart feels like it's about to explode."Eric kept a cool exterior, but even he felt a bit of tension creeping in. Sure, he'd de
The Comeback Code Chapter 29
"Yeah... but how did you know?" Alice asked, surprised."Meeting up to talk about a project?" Zayn pressed.Alice's eyes flickered as she took in his tone. "Yeah, actually. Eric used to be a junior associate when I worked on Wall Street. When he heard I joined BlueWave Capital, he reached out, saying his girlfriend had some project she wanted to pitch. All I agreed to was a meeting—nothing else."Alice, sharp as ever, picked up on a little tension in Zayn's voice.Zayn went quiet, his face hardening. Eric's girlfriend... that'd be Yvonne. With BeechCorp scrambling after losing a hundred-million-dollar deal with Goldmark, it made sense they'd be hunting for new investors—especially from BlueWave Capital.If he and Yvonne were still together, Zayn thought, he'd probably give her whatever support she wanted. A hundred-million-dollar investment? All she'd need to do was ask. But that ship had definitely sailed.He snapped out of it and turned back to Alice. "So, what's on the schedul
The Comeback Code Chapter 28
"Huh?"Alice glanced at the caller ID, and her smug look faltered into surprise. "It's... my boss calling. I, uh, need to step out for a moment."Without waiting for anyone to respond, she ducked out of the suite.Zayn didn't think much of it and waited till the one on the other end picked up the call. A gentle, professional voice came through the receiver. "Boss, how can I assist you?"Wait... something about that voice sounded oddly familiar. And it was coming from just outside the door.Momo, Xander, and Sage exchanged looks as the realization hit, then burst into laughter."Zayn, no way—is that her?""This is like something straight out of a sitcom!""Oh, this is too good! I can't believe we're about to watch her slap herself three times. Kinda feel bad for her... but not really!"Outside, Alice stood at attention, confused by the sudden laughter coming through the phone."Boss, where are you? It sounds... noisy over there."Zayn chuckled. "Alice, where are you right now
The Comeback Code Chapter 27
Inside Suite 6, Alice hit her limit. "That's it! I'm done. If that useless excuse for a man won't show up, I'll drag him here myself. You invited him to dinner, and what does he do? Runs off to party! Seriously, how can anyone be this irresponsible and still breathe?"Before Amelia could get a word in, Alice stormed out, seething.Meanwhile, in the Royal Suite, Zayn and his crew were wrapping up their second bottle when Alice barged in like a hurricane. Everyone froze mid-laugh."Uh, can we help you?" Momo asked.Alice didn't even glance her way. She stomped right up to Zayn, eyes blazing, grabbed an empty bottle, and smashed it on the floor.Zayn blinked at her, looking confused. "Yeah, I think you've got the wrong guy."Across the table, Xander leaned back, smirking. "Zayn, what's the story here? Old flame? Secret lover? Spill."Alice turned her death stare on him. "Say one more word, and I'll staple your lips shut.""Ooh, fiery!" Xander's grin stretched wider. "Lucky for you
The Comeback Code Chapter 26
As Zayn stepped into the Royal Suite, the swankiest room at Empire Dine, Xander, Sage, and Momo shot to their feet."Zayn!"Sage's eyes glistened, and he closed the gap in seconds, pulling Zayn into a fierce hug.Zayn gave a small, almost shy smile, his hand landing firmly on Sage's shoulder. "Glad to see you again."Xander smirked from his spot. "Seriously, you two? This is getting a little sappy."Momo shot him a glare. "Oh, please. Like you weren't just hugging Sage outside the restaurant like your life depended on it."Xander rubbed the back of his neck, laughing. "Alright, alright. Don't blow up my spot, Momo. Let's sit down already, huh?"They dropped into their seats, a pair of premium Blue Ridge Reserve bottles in front of each of them. Behind them, the cabinet gleamed, stocked with over twenty bottles of the same rare fifty-year vintage—each one worth a cool $3,000, and nearly impossible to find.Xander raised his glass with a grin. "Alright, tonight it's three bottles
The Comeback Code Chapter 25
"I can get you a green card if you want," Eric offered.Yvonne shook her head. "No, Eric. I'd rather stay here and build my career in Khelmoria."Eric shrugged. "Fine, if that's what you want. I'll stick around too. But when you're done with this place, the States will be waiting.""Mmm." Yvonne murmured, her attention suddenly shifting toward the entrance. Her expression tightened."What's up?" Eric asked, following her gaze. He spotted Zayn walking in. "What's he doing here?"Yvonne's eyes narrowed. "Probably followed us."She got up and confronted him. "Zayn, are you tailing me?"Zayn blinked, surprised. "Tailing you? No. I'm just here for dinner—trust me, I've got better things to do than follow you."Unfazed by his denial, Yvonne smirked. "Sure. You're nothing if not stubborn."Before Zayn could even get a word in, Yvonne went on, "Let me guess: things aren't going so hot with that actress wife of yours, so now you're here to beg me to take you back? Regretting everything
The Comeback Code Chapter 24
Johnny's jaw dropped. "...Wait, what?"Xander cracked up. "Momo, I gotta say, you really know how to make a statement! So, Johnny—smash it, then torch it. Make sure there's nothing left but ashes."Johnny forced a weak grin. "Uh... on it." As he walked away, he couldn't help but think, 'These two are completely nuts...'Meanwhile, Momo and Xander headed inside. She nudged him. "By the way, when's Sage supposed to get here? Please tell me he's not bailing on us again."Xander snorted. "He better show, or he's out of the buddy circle. Dude's been off the grid for two years—no texts, nothing. I was about to check obituaries, thinking he'd finally bit the dust."Despite his words, there was a hint of warmth in Xander's voice. But before he could say more, something cold pressed into his side. He glanced down to find a scalpel poking into his waist.A voice behind him drawled, "Talking trash about me already, huh? Real classy, Xander."Xander turned and his face lit up when he saw hi
The Comeback Code Chapter 23
Johnny's face tightened in frustration. He'd dealt with plenty of entitled customers before, but Eric was on a whole new level of obnoxious. Trying not to grit his teeth, he instructed the staff to run the Porsche's license plate."No wonder he's so full of himself—He's a Baston."Of course. The Bastons were one of Cloudport's Big Four—big money, big egos, big headaches. Johnny wasn't scared of them exactly, but the restaurant didn't need bad press because some rich kid decided to park like an idiot."Mr. Webb, we gotta do something," one of the security guards said, looking stressed. "We've got, like, five complaints already. People are threatening to leave. If we can't handle a parking spot, why would they trust us with their dinner?"Johnny was about to answer when two figures strolled up behind him."Yo, Johnny, whose car's playing roadblock out front?"Johnny turned and instantly felt a wave of relief. It was him.Standing there was a guy built like a linebacker who somehow
The Comeback Code Chapter 22
A flicker of sadness crossed Amelia's face. "No... I don't even know his name.""What?" Alice's jaw dropped. She knew Amelia was hung up on this mystery guy, but not that she didn't even know his name.Amelia let out a soft, bitter laugh. "Forget it. Let's talk about something else.""So, did you decide on a job yet?" Amelia asked, shifting the subject.Alice nodded. "Yep. I just took a position as the executive assistant to the chairman of a brand-new investment firm in Cloudport. Annual salary? $120,000.""Whoa, that's amazing!" Amelia said, genuinely impressed. "Not many people score a job like that right after coming back to Khelmoria."Alice's eyes sparkled with excitement. "The company's new, but it's got solid backing and huge potential. I'm all in—going to give it everything and really make a name for myself. You know me; being an assistant isn't the endgame."Amelia nodded with a smile. "Of course. With your talent, you'll climb the ladder in no time.""Enough about wo
