His Destructive, Toxic Love

His kiss hit her like a whirlwind, catching her completely off guard. Their tongues danced together, enveloped in a heady, intoxicating swirl. Her small hand pressed against his chest, eyes closed, tilting her face up to drink in his unique scent. His large hand gripped her waist, and the kiss grew hotter and more intense... Somehow, she found herself beneath him. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she melted into his embrace. Maybe both of them wanted to hold onto this rare harmony, indulging again and again before finally stopping. Eliza drifted into a deep sleep. Casper kissed her forehead, then slipped out of the bedroom with his phone. "Hey?"

"Mr. Casper, we've got some findings," Dillon's voice came through, steady but with a hint of urgency. Casper flicked open his sleek gold lighter, a flame dancing to life. He brought a cigarette to his lips, took a slow drag, and let the smoke curl around him. "Alright, what's the scoop?"

"Do you remember that sudden attack in Oak Falls? The one that left you seriously injured?"

That incident still gave Casper chills. The attackers were allegedly sent by Tristan, or so it was believed.

"Mr. Casper, after digging deep, it turns out those men were hired guns from a shadowy organization. They're mercenaries. Tristan, or even Zach, weren't the masterminds. They were just fall guys to throw us off the scent."

Casper's brow furrowed slightly as he blew out a cloud of smoke. "Are you saying that incident and this recent scandal are linked?"

The first was a direct hit on Casper's life. The second was just a blip for Welton International. At first glance, they seemed miles apart.

"Yes, Mr. Casper, my research shows both plots were hatched by the same person... Ronan."

Casper was taken aback. Ronan? What was he playing at? Considering he hadn't left Falconridge, did he plan to burn his bridges? "Is this about Susan?"

"Not quite. Ronan knew from the start that you and Susan were never going to work out. So, during your

engagement, he used your nameret

grease palms at Welton

International, skimming funds and poaching projects. The scale of it is jaw-dropping."

Dillon had more to reveal. "The hit on you, framing others, was just a diversion. By then, he was knee-deep in shady deals. Today's scandal was supposed to hurt Welton

vel.

International before he bailed on Fatconridge, but it didn't cause much

ofa stir."

Casper stayed silent. If Ronan was doing this for his daughter, Casper might have understood. But all this, just to fill his pockets and run, was a slap in the face. "Dillon, spread the word: Welton International won't deal with any of Ronan's associates. I want news of the Torres family's downfall ASAP."

"Got it."

Did Ronan really think he could

outsmart Casper? Treat him like a pushover? Casper had let him off the hook once, offering him a way out. But Ronan chose to dig his own grave, clearly biting off more than he could chew.