Chapter 139

Richard's POV

Divorce. The word landed like ice in my veins. I'd given her space, time to process her anger. I never imagined she'd choose complete separation.

"I gave you time to cool down," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "I didn't expect you to choose complete separation."

I needed her to understand the truth. "The investigation about Mandy? It was never my father. It was—"

"It doesn't matter anymore," she cut me off. "All I want now is to rebuild the Winter family."

Her dismissal sparked a dangerous anger in me. If she wanted to sever all ties, I needed to know how far she was willing to go.

"And our children?" I asked, my voice dangerously low. "You're abandoning them too?"

I watched the color drain from her face. Pain flashed across her features, raw and visceral.

"Take them," she whispered, closing her eyes. "They're yours."

The words hung in the air between us. My hands began to tremble as rage and disbelief battled within me. No mother would willingly surrender her children. The fact that she would say such a thing—even as a bluff—revealed how desperate she was to be free of me.

She turned to leave, interpreting my silence as acceptance. Something snapped inside me. I reached out, gripping her arm before she could escape.

"Let go!" She struggled against my hold. "You have no right to control my life anymore!"

My self-control shattered. The wolf took over, claiming what was his. "Without my permission," I growled, "you will never be free of me."

I pulled her against me, crushing my mouth to hers. She pushed against my chest, her panic only fueling my determination. The taste of her—familiar yet somehow different—set fire to my veins.

"Richard, stop!" she gasped. "Let me go!"

Her struggles only made my wolf more agitated. I felt my control slipping away entirely. With a growl, I lifted her into my arms and carried her directly to the bedroom.

William's POV

I swirled the amber whiskey in my glass, watching how it caught the dim light of the private lounge. My assistant was watching me with barely concealed curiosity. I could practically see the questions forming behind his eyes.

"So," I said, feeling the pleasant burn of alcohol roughening my voice, "what did you find?"

"Ms. Winter definitely wants to enter the financial world," he reported efficiently. "But most of her family's former business partners have lost influence. Without connections, she's at a significant disadvantage."

He hesitated before adding, "She needs someone with stronger credentials and connections backing her."

I couldn't help the genuine smile that spread across my face. "That's why I'm drinking so much whiskey tonight."

My assistant's surprised expression was almost comical.

"Mr. Carson, with all due respect. Your previous actions, if Ms. Winter were to find out..."

"Just handle what I've assigned you to do, and don't worry about anything else," I interrupted.

"Set up a meeting for tomorrow," I instructed. "I'll take her to meet some clients at our private venue."

He nodded and turned to leave. I looked at the drink in my glass, considering my plan.

---

The next morning, I stood on the perfectly manicured private golf course, phone pressed to my ear. Elena answered after three rings.

"Elena? It's William." I kept my voice warm but professional. "I have some friends I'd like to introduce you to."

There was a pause before she responded, her voice strangely strained. "I'm sorry, William. I... have something come up. I can't make it today."

I frowned, hearing what sounded like rustling bedsheets in the background. "These people don't make themselves available often. Is there any way you could reschedule whatever it is?"

"I wish I could, but—" Her voice hitched. I heard a muffled thump through the line.

Then a deep male voice cut through that I instantly recognized. "Who are you calling this early? Another lover? Wasn't last night enough for you?"

Richard fucking Blackwood.

"I have to go," Elena whispered hurriedly before hanging up.

I stared at my phone for exactly three seconds before hurling it against the nearest golf cart with enough force to split it in two. Pure rage coursed through my veins.

My assistant approached cautiously. "Mr. Carson? What happened?"

My jaw clenched so tight I could barely speak. "That goddamn bastard."

Elena's POV

I kicked Richard off the bed with all my strength. "Get out!"

He landed with that infuriating grace of his, completely unfazed by my attack. If anything, he looked thoroughly pleased with himself as he stood naked in the morning light. His powerful muscles rippled beneath his tan skin.

"You destroyed my clothes last night," he reminded me with a smirk. "Would you prefer I walk out like this and let everyone see your handiwork?"

I clutched the sheet tighter around myself, mortified by the reminder of how I'd lost control. My body ached in ways that betrayed my mind's fury. I hated how my traitorous body still responded to him.

"Richard, you goddamn bastard," I hissed through clenched teeth. "You'll pay for this."

I grabbed the sheet and fled into the bathroom, slamming the door behind me as his satisfied chuckle followed me like a ghost.

After cleaning up, I escaped and headed straight to Morgan's house. I burst through her front door feeling utterly disheveled and furious.

Morgan was flipping pancakes. Seeing my disheveled appearance, she asked, "Elena! What happened to you?"

I limped slightly as I made my way to the kitchen counter, trying to ignore the soreness between my legs. "It's nothing. Is Jason up? He needs to pick up Dennis today."

Morgan raised an eyebrow. "He came back last night and locked himself in his room playing video games. God knows when he finally went to sleep."

I lowered my voice, as if sharing a secret. "He's been spoiled by his mother."

She smiled knowingly.

I headed upstairs and knocked on Jason's bedroom door. "Jason? Are you up? You need to pick up Dennis."

A muffled, gravelly voice responded from within. "I know."

I leaned against the doorframe, mentally reviewing my plans. Dennis was a finance major, which made him the perfect person to help me. While I worked on securing investors and partnerships, he could handle the financial details.

Ten minutes later, Jason finally emerged, still looking exhausted. I pretended not to notice the dark circles under his eyes as he headed out. I just hoped he could bring Dennis back safely.