Chapter 5
Kurts words knocked the breath out of Im for a moment.
He felt light–headed but managed in snap hæck endidly i
into the phone. “Calm down, Kurt. Tell me
I me exactly what happened“||
But Kurt was in full panic mode now, barely coherent.||
“No time for details. Ian! Two major problems: First, your wife is goose we’ve searched the entire city and there’s no trace of hert Second, all the liquid assets in the company accounts have vanished]
1-1
“I’m freaking out, Tant You need to get back ASAM The shareholders somehow got wind of this and theyre all camped outside the building demanding answers!
“And the press, fan–the press is here too-“]
tan hung up before Kurt could finish. Kurt had been by his side for over a decade and had never panicked like this. Even his pregnant wife, Kurt had followed orders with nothing more than a bitter smile
n when lan had ordered him to kidnap
This was
was serious. Ballons in missing funds–Tan could stake his life on flaxing that
But with the press involved, damage control would be nearly impossible. The Cohen Group had built its reputation on trustworthiness during fifteen years in New York.
Money vanishing from their accounts wouldn’t just fall–blown PR disaster–it would signal severe internal control problems.
A trust crisis like this could destroy even century–old corporations, let alone the still stablishing Cohen Group.
And how could Aurora just disappear? Kurt had connections on both sides of the law. There wasn’t a person he couldn’t find. But now he had nothing
Tan’s mind flashed to the men who’d kidnapped Aurora days earlier. Their leering faces Erded in his thoughts. What if Kurt hadn’t cleaned up properly and they’d come back for her?]
Aurora.
I couldn’t bear to follow that train of thought. He needed to handle the company crisis first, then he’d tear the city apart to find Aurora if necessary.
lan slammed on the gas and sped toward the office.
Veronick, sull in the passenger seat, had no idea what was happening, Business matters were beyond her understanding. She’d only caught fragments Aurora being missing
the thought about their conversation earlier in Aurora’s bedroom. And seeing Aurora’s broken state–Veronica felt a thrill of excitement. Her words had worked! If Aurora had left for good, this man beside her would be entirely hers
Two of the most powerful men in New York–Simon and Tat–completely obsessed with her.
Veronica could barely comain the glee ring in her chest.||
lan sensed Veronica smaling beside him. Before he could ask why, she all her hand onto his thigh ||
Jan, babe, you’re this worked up just because Aurora ran away? It’s a classic glat move. A Little Lantman, that’s all. You gesting all stressed is making me jealous.“[]
This scene had played out between them countless times before. Whenever a shoved even surface–level concern for Aurora, Veronica would put on this jealous art |||
– Ingthe past, lau had secretly loved it. He couldn’t publicly claim Veronica as his wife, but he could enjoy her possessiveness as if the were:||
that this time, Tan Tamind it irritating. The shifted his leg away from her touch ||
The toy movement didn’t escape Vrstica’s notice. She quickly withdrew her hand, her expression turning cold ||
Stop the car. In
Classic Veronica–drama queen when si
she didn’t REL way.
new the routine. Typically, a few sweet words or a quick bank transfer smoothed everything over.
mut now tan had no patience left. He pulled over and hit the brakes, not bothering to look at her]
Looking at Veronica’s shocked face, he said coldly. “Get out. Tve got emergency to deal with. Leant waste time.“||
Veronica had never seen lan this frigid before. She froze momentarily, but seeing the indifference in his eyes, she realized he was serious.
Having always been worshipped by men, she couldn’t tolerate this kind of treatment. She turned to grab her handbag from the back seat, opened the door and
As the door slammed shut, she hoped lan would offer some explanation or apology ||
Instead, he floored the accelerator, leaving her with nothing bout his taillights disappearing into the distance.]
