Hearts And Heirs(A Billionaire Romance Novel)

PART 32

Adrain's pov:-

Our trip to Greece ended abruptly, yet it remains unforgettable solely because of Iris. Her presence made the experience truly memorable.

We just touched down in New York, barely an hour ago. Iris was whisked away to her father's office the moment we landed. It feels like he treats her more like a cog in his machine than his own daughter.

Me, on the other hand, I'm heading straight to the office. I've got some important things on my plate.

The second I walked into the office. I made a beeline for the secret basement where we handle all our sensitive matters. Bennett and cage, already waiting there, acknowledged me with a quick nod. Without wasting my time, I headed straight in.

Stepping into the room, I found Mark tied to a chair, his face was bruised and battered.

Needing a quick response, I grabbed a glass of water and threw it on Mark's face. He jolted awake, like a startled animal.

The air hung heavy with unspoken threats as I pressed the icy muzzle of my gun against Mark's forehead.

"Time is a luxury we don't have", I gasped, my voice barely a whisper above a growl "This is your one and only chance. Who was it, Mark? Who hired you to steal my file? Don't make me ask again".

The file. It all started with a file. As the richest person in the country, I crave power. Real power. The kind that comes from controlling the people who matters. And for that, I have a secret weapon: a secret file named Shadow; filled with dirt on other billionaires, businessmens, and politicians.

This secret file of mine is locked away right,  a hidden weapon no one suspects exists. A few unlucky souls stumbled upon it, but they learned fast that messing with me and what I know isn't worth the trouble. Now, they keep their mouths shut, pretending they never saw a thing.

But someone made a big mistake by crossing me. They'll soon discover what a hornet's nest they've kicked over. This file holds enough power to make them wish they'd never even thought about crossing me.

"I-I don't know Adrain, please", Mark sobbed like a fucking child.

"You know, Mark, you better hurry up because I'm running out of time", I warned, pressing the gun firmly against his forehead.

"Henry Astor, He hired me to steal your Shadow file, Adrian. Please I only know this", Mark replied.

My brain screeched to a halt. Hold on did I just catch that right? Henry Astor? The same Henry Astor who's been locked in a ruthless business battle with my father for years? And to make things even more bizarre, a horrible realisation dawned on me- Henry, the father of my girlfriend? My blood ran cold.

No,No, This can't be happening.

This whole situation was a tangled web of mess, and I was stuck right in the center of it.

"You mean Henry Astor. The ex-chairman of Astor group", I asked.

"Yes. He offered me a ton of money to take your Shadow file", Mark responded.

What the actual Fuck!
How the hell does he even know about this? And to think he tried to steal it, for fuck's sake. Looks like I'll have to have a lovely chat with my dear future father-in-law.

I hurriedly leave the basement and instruct Bennett and cage to handle Mark. And by 'handle', I mean ensure he rests in peace.

I drove towards Astor's office like a man possessed. I need answers immediately.

I stormed towards Henry's office like a force of nature. The receptionist and a few employees tried to halt me, but I brushed past them and entered the elevator. He won't get away that easily.

I reached for the door handle, ready to push it open, but froze when I heard Iris's voice from inside.

"What do you mean Dad", Iris spoke softly, her voice reaching my ears.

"You know what I mean, Iris. You tried to help me, princess, and I'm grateful for that", Henry said in a amused tone.

"Helped you in doing what, Dad?" Iris asked Henry.

"In getting me the Shadow file. You know, when I found out you were dating that fucker Adrian, I was so pissed. But then I realised you were doing it for a reason, weren't you? To help your father and secure power for me. You're the best daughter in the world, princess".

Henry's words hit me like a blow. My mind went numb, and a wave of ice washed over me. This couldn't be true. Iris wouldn't do it. I know her. There had to be some mistake.

My feet dragged against the floor as I shuffled towards the exit. Each step felt like a shard of glass grinding against my raw heart.

She betrayed me. She fucking betrayed me.

A searing pain ripped through my chest,ike a knife twisting in my heart.

Never thought I could feel this much pain.

Hell, I thought I was a monster with no heart, but I was wrong. I had it locked away, and Iris had the key. She opened it, but instead of keeping it secure, she shattered it into a million pieces.

One moment can change your life forever. And this moment has completely shattered my world.

                 ******************

Please Follow, vote and Comment!