Page 146 of Falling for the Grump Billionaire

He hesitates, his jaw tightening. “It has to be. And that’s what makes this harder.”

Reaching for his hand, I squeeze it gently. “We’ll figure this out. And when we do, we’ll make sure they can’t hurt you—or Kane Enterprises—again.”

His blue eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the tension in his features softens. “I don’t deserve you, Eva.”

I smile faintly, shaking my head. “You don’t get to decide that.”

Piecing Together the Sabotage

The hours stretch into the early evening as we comb through Lena’s files. My mind grows heavy with the implications of every page I turn. Then, a specific document catches my eye—a series of emails between a cleanup contractor and an unnamed investor.

The language is vague, but the intent is clear: the oil spill cleanup wasn’t just mishandled—it was sabotaged deliberately to prolong the damage and amplify its impact.

“Dominic,” I call, sharper than I intend.

He looks up from his laptop, his blue eyes narrowing at the urgency in my tone.

I hold up the printout. “The spill wasn’t an accident, and the cleanup wasn’t botched—it was sabotaged on purpose. Reyes and his network are weaponizing environmental disasters to destabilize industries and manipulate markets. This goes way beyond Lena’s clinic.”

Dominic strides over, leaning in to read over my shoulder. His jaw tightens, fury simmering just below the surface. “He’s not just targeting me or Kane Enterprises. He’s building a global stranglehold on industries he can profit from.”

I nod, my pulse racing as the enormity of the scheme unfolds before us. “And Lena’s clinic? Her work with natural remedies? It’s a direct threat to whatever operation he’s running in her town. He’s trying to shut her down, just like he’s trying to shut you down.”

Dominic straightens, his voice low but resolute. “We’re running out of time. If Reyes is this entrenched, exposing him will take more than evidence. We’ll need leverage. Something undeniable.”

I meet his gaze, the fire sparking in my chest matching his. “Then let’s find it.”

The Gala: An Uneasy Stage

The gala’s opulence is a stark contrast to the storm brewing beneath the surface. Glittering chandeliers illuminate the room, casting light on perfectly tailored suits and gowns. Yet, behindthe smiles and sparkling champagne glasses, an undercurrent of tension thrums. These gatherings have always felt suffocating to me—an arena where every word is a calculated move.

Dominic’s hand rests lightly on my lower back as we step into the grand ballroom. His eyes scan the crowd with the precision of a predator, his calm demeanor masking the storm within.

“Adrian’s here,” he murmurs in my ear. “He’s keeping an eye on the suspect.”

I nod, my pulse quickening. Adrian’s narrowed the sleeper agent down to three executives, all present tonight. One of them has been feeding Reyes information, and we can’t afford to let them slip away.

Dominic leans closer, his voice a low rumble. “Stay close.”

I glance up, meeting his intense gaze. “I’m not going anywhere.”

We move through the crowd, mingling with attendees while keeping our true purpose hidden. The tension between us is electric, a silent understanding passing with every glance.

Near the bar, Adrian approaches, his expression grim. “It’s him,” he says quietly, nodding toward a man in his late fifties.

Dominic’s eyes darken. “Robert Marks,” he mutters.

The name is unfamiliar, and I frown. “Who is he?”

“One of my longest-standing board members,” Dominic replies, his voice tight. “I trusted him.”

Adrian glances around, his tone urgent. “We have to move fast. If Marks realizes we’re onto him, he’ll bolt.”

A Dangerous Confrontation

The private lounge is dimly lit, the air thick with tension. Dominic, Adrian, and I corner Marks, his polished facade cracking under Dominic’s piercing gaze. Beads of sweat glisten on his forehead as he shifts uncomfortably.

“You’ve been working with Reyes,” Dominic says, his voice like ice.

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