The Snared Billionaire (...The Money, Love & Crime)

back at her in the mirror. Her fingers swirled, brushing blush across her cheeks, adding the final touches to her makeup. He

t filled with celebration, with memories rekindled and promises renewed. The anniversary celebration had stretched into the early hours, with laughter, wine

usly; appearances were everything in her world. The twilight streamed through the window, casting a soft golden glow over

u could rest more," he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. "But the meeting... i

down by the dizziness. She knew he meant what he was saying as he drifted back into sleep in mome

are that this simple kiss, this fleeting moment, could be their last. She hesitated for just a second longer as she pulled away,

ke, and people depending on her. She had built a reputable status as an influential figure in her right, proficient, the other half of

f Drake's phone ringing. His hand fumbled for the device, groggily answerin

come to the hospital.

ammer. He bolted upright, his mind scrambling to process what the

he other end interrupted urgency threading ev

nds trembled as he dialed the hospital number again, demanding answers, but none were given. The m

ound him, and doctors spoke in hushed tones. "Where is she? What happened?" His voice

chines beeped beside her, but she remained still. The vibrancy that had always

ened to her?" Mr. Drake asked, incoherently, his voi

eaning to him in the face of this overwhelming fear. He clutched her hand, cold and l

ion only worsened. Drake watched helplessly as she slipped further into oblivion. Her heart stopped o

ut unanswered questions. The official report summed up her death as a tragic accident, but Drake'

f drowning himself in work, the pain didn't fade away. The world moved on, but Mr. Drake did not. He be

sparkled like stars, but they weren't appealing to his eyes. The world outside was

g businesses, and making deals that brought him even more success. But none of it matt

stine was etched into his soul. Her memory kept resurfacing no matter how hard he tried to brush her off; she

t almost deafening. He paused, running a hand over his hair. Drake was overwhelmed by

nity; he felt an unusual shift within him. It was faint, barely perceptible,

through the thick wall of grief

ht, his phone buzzed on the table. He gl

mind whispered that this ca