WEDDED TO A BILLIONAIRE: Love Behind Closed Door

Chapter 7: Henry's Arrival

"Every empire has its enemies, but some are closer than you think."

I had barely managed to compose myself after the discovery of Alexander's shady dealings when the knock on the front door echoed through the mansion. It startled me, pulling me from the whirlwind of thoughts that had been consuming my mind since last night. My fingers were still trembling from the weight of what I'd uncovered—emails, contracts, and offshore accounts that suggested my husband's business was built on something far darker than I had ever imagined.

I rose to my feet, brushing down my dress as I made my way to the grand foyer. Alexander was in his study, as usual, shut off from the world and, increasingly, from me. There was a coldness between us now, a distance that seemed to grow with each passing day, but I had learned not to question it. Instead, I had been consumed by my own questions—the ones swirling around his secret dealings and what they meant for our marriage.

I opened the door, expecting another delivery or perhaps one of the household staff. Instead, I found myself staring at a man I'd only seen once before—Henry Marshall. He stood there with a charming yet cold smile, his sharp blue eyes gleaming with something more than just a casual visit. His tailored suit hugged his tall, lean frame perfectly, and his presence immediately set me on edge.

"Mrs. Knight," he greeted smoothly, his voice laced with an undercurrent of something I couldn't quite place. "I hope I'm not intruding."

"Mr. Marshall," I replied, keeping my tone steady, even though my pulse quickened. "This is... unexpected."

"I'm sure it is," he said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. The audacity of it was almost shocking, but it was clear he was a man used to getting what he wanted. "But given recent developments, I thought it prudent to stop by."

"Recent developments?" I echoed, closing the door behind him as I followed him into the living room.

He turned to face me, his expression one of mild amusement. "Let's just say, Knight Enterprises has attracted my interest once again. It's been some time since I've had the pleasure of engaging with your husband's... business ventures."

The way he said it, as if it were all a game, made my skin crawl. I had heard of Henry Marshall in passing—he was a name that often came up in business circles, particularly as a rival to Alexander. But beyond the surface-level competition, I hadn't thought much of him. Now, though, standing in my home, his words carried a weight that made me feel like I was standing on the edge of something dangerous.

"I'm not sure what you're referring to, Mr. Marshall," I said, crossing my arms over my chest. "Alexander hasn't mentioned anything about you."

He chuckled, a low, condescending sound. "Of course, he hasn't. Alexander and I go way back, but our relationship has always been... complicated."

There it was again—that undercurrent of something darker. I could feel the tension in the room building, and I had the distinct impression that this visit wasn't just about business.

Before I could ask him to elaborate, the door to Alexander's study opened, and he appeared at the threshold. His eyes narrowed the moment he saw Henry standing in the living room, and I could see the flash of anger behind his calm exterior.

"Henry," Alexander said coldly, his voice dripping with disdain. "What are you doing here?"

Henry smiled, the kind of smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Just stopping by to say hello. I was in the neighborhood."

"Cut the bullshit," Alexander snapped, stepping forward. His posture was rigid, every muscle tense, like a predator sizing up its prey. "What do you want?"

Henry's smile widened, as if he were enjoying the show. "You always were so direct, Alexander. It's what I've always admired about you. But fine, I'll get to the point."

He turned his gaze back to me, and I felt a chill run down my spine. "I'm sure your lovely wife here isn't aware of the full extent of our... history."

Alexander moved between us, his jaw clenched tight. "Leave Sophia out of this."

"Oh, but she's already in it," Henry said, his tone light but his words heavy with meaning. "After all, she's married to you, isn't she? That makes her part of everything—whether she knows it or not."

The tension in the room was suffocating, and I could feel my heart racing as I looked between the two men. There was something deeper here, something I wasn't privy to, and it was clear that whatever it was, it went beyond business.

"I've come to make you an offer, Alexander," Henry continued, his eyes never leaving my husband's face. "One that could save you a lot of trouble. But I'm sure you'll refuse, just like you always do."

"I'm not interested in anything you have to offer," Alexander growled, his voice dangerously low.

"Pity," Henry replied with a shrug, his gaze flicking to me for a brief moment. "Because this time, it's personal."

The words hung in the air like a threat, and I could feel the weight of them pressing down on me. Personal. What did he mean by that? Was this about something more than just business rivalry? And why did I have the sinking feeling that whatever this was, it was only just beginning?

Henry turned to leave, but before he reached the door, he paused, glancing over his shoulder with that same unsettling smile. "You know, Alexander, some things have a way of catching up with us—no matter how hard we try to bury them."