The Billionaire's forgotten Bride

ell

ars, didn't shrink away from my anger. Instead, she faced me with a quiet resilience that both intrigued and irritated me. Why wasn't she scared of me? I had built my reputation as a ruthless businessman and a man no one dared to cross. They called me the Beast of Cole Industries for a reason. In the boardroom, I was relentless, intimidating, and cold. I had shattered competitors with a single move and dismantled empires with a signature on a dotted line. And yet, my wife wasn't intimidated. I pushed the thought aside as my phone buzzed. It was my secretary, Claire. "Mr. Cole, I have an urgent matter to discuss," she said, her tone clipped. "Come in," I replied, sitting up straighter. Claire entered a stack of documents in her hands. She placed them on my desk and began to explain. "A new report has surfaced. It's another attack on your integrity, but this time, it's targeting your international holdings." I skimmed the documents, my jaw tightening. This was Ethan's handiwork again-his fingerprints were all over it. He was poking the beast, daring me to retaliate. As Claire continued briefing me, my mind raced. Ethan wasn't just after my company-he was after my legacy, my empire. And now, he was dragging Amelia into it, using her as leverage. I couldn't allow that. "Send a team to secure the mansion," I ordered. "Double the security detail. I want eyes on Amelia at all times." Claire nodded, but she hesitated before leaving. "Sir, if I may... do you think Ethan is capable of going further? Beyond business?" I met her gaze, my expression hard. "Ethan Liam is capable of anything. That's why I intend to crush him before he gets the chance." Once she was gone, I leaned back in my chair, my thoughts returning to Amelia. She was naïve, yes, but there was a strength in her I hadn't expected. She had stood up to Lisa last night, and though I had stepped in to shut Lisa down, Amelia had held her ground. It was foolish. She didn't belong in this world of power plays and ruthless ambition. But now that she was in it, I had to protect her-even if it meant keeping her at arm's length. As the hours passed, I immersed myself in strategy, planning my next move against Ethan. But the video and its chilling message lingered in the back of my mind, a constant reminder of the threat looming over us. By the time night fell, I was exhausted, but sleep was the furthest thing from my mind. I stood by the window, staring out at the city lights, my reflection faintly visible in the glass. The scar on my cheek seemed darker in the dim light, a constant reminder of the battles I'd fought and the enemies I'd made. But this ba