“No surprise she took the lead from Sloane; she’s got serious connections.”
“How has someone this influential stayed under the radar?”
Hearing that number, Eric was hit by a storm of conflicting emotions. His expression darkened instantly, a turbulent blend of shock and anger taking hold.
He locked eyes with Khloe, searching for even the slightest trace of humor, but she stayed poised and unshaken. His hand tightened into a fist without him realizing. He had never expected Khloe to wield such powerful resources.
Fuck!
Did she sell herself to that old man, Karl? Why else would he hand her so much cash?
The idea of Khloe being tied to another man was maddening. Eric’s chest burned with a mix of anger and jealousy he refused to acknowledge.
Sloane stood off to the side, her complexion as pale as a blank sheet. Her lips quivered, and her eyes brimmed with a mix of despair and resistance.
She had never imagined that Khloe, someone she had always dismissed, could pull off something like this.
A hundred million dollars!
No matter how hard she tried, Sloane knew she could never gather a sum like that. How could someone fresh out of prison have access to that kind of money?
And why would someone as powerful as Snowpear back her?
Sloane suddenly felt like a fool; her past behavior now appeared laughable.
Overwhelmed by the shock, she let out an uncontrollable scream. “Impossible! I refuse to believe it! Khloe, you’re lying!”
Khloe cast a frosty glance her way, a faint, mocking smile playing on her lips. “Lying? To you? What for? You can check the contract yourself.”
Sloane opened her mouth to protest, but Eric quickly intervened and pulled her away. He realized that continuing the argument was futile.
“We’re done here. No point in dragging this out.”
With a scathing glare at Khloe, he led Sloane off the set. There was no mistaking the air of defeat that hung over them as they walked away.
The crew silently observed them leaving, their heads shaking in quiet disapproval.
“Sloane’s been riding on her fame for too long,” someone murmured. “Looks like she finally ran into someone who won’t back down.”
“No kidding. Khloe isn’t messing around; she put Sloane in her place fast.”
Snapping out of her stupor, the director cleared her throat and called for attention. “Alright, settle down. Khloe’s investment is official, and she’s our lead from here on out. We’re shooting the promo photos today.”
Khloe made her way to the makeup room, Tess trailing close behind. Even the makeup team had been upgraded, with Tess bringing in her personal crew for the occasion.
Once Khloe settled into the chair, Tess leaned in. “Khloe, did those two idiots’ comments bother you at all?”
Khloe glanced up, catching the mix of concern and subtle curiosity in Tess’s expression. Eric’s peculiar focus on her earlier clearly hadn’t escaped Tess’ notice.
“Why would I care? That’s ancient history, not worth any of my tears. Everything I’m doing to Sloane now? It’s just payback.” Khloe chuckled lightly.
Tess’ eyes narrowed for a moment. Khloe was sharp, quick to pick up on her unease. Still, despite the risk of irritating Khloe, she had to press on.
Henrik had always been staunchly single. Despite his cold demeanor and ruthlessness, he had a strong sense of loyalty in his relationships. Tess couldn’t stand the idea of anyone taking advantage of Henrik’s trust.
If Khloe was using Henrik to get back with Eric, Tess wouldn’t tolerate it. Someone like Henrik wasn’t meant to be anyone’s backup plan.
Once the photo shoot was over, Tess drove Khloe back. The moment Khloe entered the house, Fiona approached, signaling a servant to fetch some clothes for her.
“Miss Evans, please change into this outfit. Mr. Watson is waiting for you at the shooting range.”
Khloe glanced at the clothes, a spark of curiosity flickering within her. Still, she took them and headed off to change. When she reached the shooting range, Henrik was already waiting.
Sunlight bathed his profile, accentuating his sharp features. His serious expression and intense eyes drew her in. Khloe’s heart fluttered, and she bit her lip, attempting to steady the strange feeling stirring inside her.
She walked towards him, finding Henrik in the midst of target practice.
Positioned at the center of the range, Henrik stared at the targets ahead of him. The staff triggered the mechanism, causing the targets to spring to life, zipping across the range with impressive speed.
Without a second thought, Henrik raised his pistol, his gaze steely and precise. His arm held steady, moving in sync with the shifting targets. The rapid gunfire echoed sharply, each shot striking its mark on the moving targets with flawless accuracy.
His speed was extraordinary, the shots almost continuous, as though the moving targets were standing still before him. Shell casings spun through the air, catching the sunlight, but his stance stayed steady and composed, unfazed by the relentless gunfire.
Khloe stood in awe as she watched the spectacle, her gaze locked on Henrik, admiration swelling in her chest. When all one hundred targets had been struck without fail, Henrik lowered his pistol and turned towards her, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You’re here.”
Khloe snapped back to reality and nodded before stepping closer.
Henrik’s gaze swept over her, taking in her form. She wore a fitted shooting outfit that highlighted her long legs, thin waist, and a vibrant energy that softened her typically cool demeanor.
A flicker of appreciation crossed his eyes. “That outfit looks good on you.”
Khloe offered a small, grateful smile. “Thanks.”
Henrik grabbed the pistol once more and extended it towards her. “Here, give it a shot.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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