Page 110 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

The determination in his voice pulls me out of my swirling thoughts. For the first time in what feels like days, I sense the pieces shifting in our favor. But that fleeting glimmer of hope is tempered by the weight of everything we’ve lost—and everything still at stake.

Dominic moves to the window, his silhouette cutting a sharp line against the city lights. The man standing there isn’t just the powerful CEO I first chased down for a story. He’s someone unraveling at the edges yet fighting to hold it all together.

I step toward him, drawn to the tension radiating from his rigid frame. “You said we follow the money,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “But what happens when we find it? Reyes and Conrad aren’t just going to hand over the keys to their empire.”

“They won’t get the chance,” he replies without turning.

The sharpness in his tone sends a shiver down my spine. Dominic isn’t just focused—he’s dangerous. And for a fleeting moment, I wonder if that danger extends to himself.

“I need you to trust me,” he says, finally looking over his shoulder. His blue eyes pierce through the space between us, blazing with conviction.

“I do,” I whisper, the words spilling out before I can stop them. And the truth is, I do trust him—more than I should. But that doesn’t stop the gnawing doubt coiled in my chest.

He steps closer, his voice softening. “You’re the one thing in this mess that’s real, Eva. I can’t let anything happen to you.”

The vulnerability in his words tugs at something deep inside me, but I refuse to let it cloud my resolve. “Then don’t shut me out,” I say, my voice firm. “You keep trying to protect me by keeping me in the dark, but that’s not how this works. Not anymore.”

Dominic hesitates, and I see the conflict flicker across his face. Finally, he nods. “No more secrets,” he says, his voice low but steady.

Before either of us can say more, Adrian bursts through the door, his phone in hand. “We’ve got movement,” he announces, his tone clipped.

Dominic’s posture shifts instantly, his focus narrowing like a predator zeroing in on its prey. “What kind of movement?”

Adrian holds up his phone, a map displayed on the screen. “Our team flagged a large transfer out of the Cayman Islands account. It’s moving through a series of shell companies, but we managed to trace it back to a secure holding in Dubai.”

My stomach twists at the mention of Dubai. “That’s halfway across the world,” I say, the words heavy with frustration. “If they’re moving the money there, they’re planning to disappear.”

“Exactly,” Adrian says. “But here’s the catch—they’re not as invisible as they think. One of the shell companies managing thetransfer has a known associate of Reyes listed as its director. We’ve got a name, a location, and—if we move quickly—a chance to intercept.”

Dominic’s eyes narrow. “Who’s the associate?”

Adrian’s expression hardens. “Dario Vega. A mid-level operative in Reyes’s network. He’s been flagged in multiple financial crimes but always manages to slip through the cracks. If we take him down, he could lead us straight to Reyes.”

Dominic doesn’t hesitate. “We go after him.”

“Wait,” I cut in, my voice sharp. “If Vega is involved, you know Reyes is watching him. This could be a trap.”

“Maybe,” Dominic says, his tone icy. “But it’s the best lead we’ve had since this started. I’m not wasting it.”

I step closer, my heart pounding. “Then we do this smart. No charging in blind, no unnecessary risks. You said no more secrets—so let me help.”

Dominic studies me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I think he’s going to argue, but then he nods. “You’re right. We plan this together.”

The next hour is a blur of strategy, maps, and data. Adrian’s team works efficiently, outlining every detail of the operation. Vega is set to meet with an unidentified party at a private villa on the outskirts of Dubai. The location is heavily secured, but there’s a narrow window to intercept him before the meeting begins.

Adrian taps the screen of his tablet, bringing up a satellite image of the villa. “There’s a single access road leading to the property,” he says. “We’ll need to split into two teams. One will handle surveillance and perimeter control while the other moves in on Vega.”

“I’ll lead the extraction,” Dominic says, his tone leaving no room for debate.

I bristle at his words. “And I’m coming with you.”

“No,” he says immediately, his gaze snapping to mine.

“Dominic—”

“You’re staying with Adrian’s team,” he interrupts, his voice sharp. “This isn’t negotiable, Eva. Vega is dangerous, and if Reyes is backing him, it’s only going to get worse.”

Anger flares in my chest. “You can’t keep sidelining me every time things get dangerous. I’m not some liability you need to lock away.”

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