hapter 5
Chapter 5
Kurt’s words knocked the breath out of lan for a moment.
He felt light–headed but managed to snap back coldly into the phone, “Calm down, Kurt. Tell me exactly what happened.”
But Kurt was in full panic mode now, barely coherent.
“No time for details, Ian! Two major problems: First, your wife is gone–we’ve searched the entire city and there’s no trace of her! Second, all the liquid assets in the company accounts have vanished!”
“I’m freaking out, Ian! You need to get back ASAP! The shareholders somehow got wind of this and they’re all camped outside the building demanding answers!”
“And the press, Ian–the press is here too—”
Ian hung up before Kurt could finish. Kurt had been by his side for over a decade and had never panicked like this. Even when Ian had ordered him to kidnap his pregnant wife, Kurt had followed orders with nothing more than a bitter smile.
This was serious. Billions in missing funds–Ian could stake his life on fixing that.
But with the press involved, damage control would be nearly impossible. The Cohen Group had built its reputation on trustworthiness during fifteen years in New York.
Money vanishing from their accounts wouldn’t just mean a full–blown PR disaster–it would signal severe internal control problems.
A trust crisis like this could destroy even century–old corporations, let alone the still–establishing Cohen Group.
And how could Aurora just disappear? Kurt had connections on both sides of the law. There wasn’t a person he couldn’t find. But now he had nothing.
Ian’s mind flashed to the men who’d kidnapped Aurora days earlier. Their leering faces circled in his thoughts. What if Kurt hadn’t cleaned up properly and they’d come back for her?
Aurora…
Uo needed to handle the company crisis first, then
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he’d tear the city apart to find Aurora if necessary.
Ian slammed on the gas and sped toward the office.
Veronica, still in the passenger seat, had no idea what was happening. Business matters were beyond her understanding. She’d only caught fragments about Aurora being missing.
She thought about their conversation earlier in Aurora’s bedroom. And seeing Aurora’s broken state–Veronica felt a thrill of excitement. Her words had worked! If Aurora had left for good, this man beside her would be entirely hers.
Two of the most powerful men in New York–Simon and Ian–completely obsessed with her.
Veronica could barely contain the glee rising in her chest.
Ian sensed Veronica smiling beside him. Before he could ask why, she slid her hand onto his thigh.
“Ian, babe, you’re this worked up just because Aurora ran away? It’s a classic girl move. A little tantrum, that’s all. You getting all stressed is making me jealous.”
This scene had played out between them countless times before. Whenever Ian showed even surface–level concern for Aurora, Veronica would put on this jealous act.
In the past, Ian had secretly loved it. He couldn’t publicly claim Veronica as his wife, but he could enjoy her possessiveness as if she were.
But this time, Ian found it irritating. He shifted his leg away from her touch.
The tiny movement didn’t escape Veronica’s notice. She quickly withdrew her hand, her expression turning cold.
“Stop the car. I want out.”
Classic Veronica–drama queen when she didn’t get her way.
Ian knew the routine. Typically, a few sweet words or a quick bank transfer smoothed everything
over.
But now Ian had no patience left. He pulled over and hit the brakes, not bothering to look at her.
Looking at Veronica’s shocked face, he said coldly, “Get out. I’ve got emergency to deal with. I can’t
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To Protect His Halo, My Billionaire Husband Branded Me with Shame
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Chapter 5
waste time.”
Veronica had never seen lan this frigid before. She froze momentarily, but seeing the indifference in his eyes, she realized he was serious.
Having always been worshipped by men, she couldn’t tolerate this kind of treatment. She turned to grab her handbag from the back seat, opened the door and stepped out.
As the door slammed shut, she hoped Ian would offer some explanation or apology.
Instead, he floored the accelerator, leaving her with nothing but his taillights disappearing into the
distance.
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