Henrik cast her a sidelong glance, a faint trace of amusement lighting up his expression. “She might be the future Mrs. Watson.”
Henrik’s words sparked a flicker of joy in Fiona’s heart.
She’d watched him grow from a boy into the man he was now, and no woman had so much as touched his heart, at least not since a decade ago.
She’d almost resigned herself to the idea that he might live out his days alone.
But now, there was a glimmer of hope for something more-Henrik might’ve finally found someone to share his life with.
However, her happiness was quickly clouded by worry.
“But if Miss Dayton finds out about this, she surely won’t be pleased. After all, your mother-“
“Don’t concern yourself with her. If it weren’t for my mother’s final request, I would’ve dealt with the Dayton family a long time ago.” Henrik cut her off coldly. “Transfer my company in Zhecrora to Khloe. Prepare the document for her to sign.”
Fiona’s eyes widened in disbelief.
The company in question controlled his underworld business in Zhecrora, giving its holder almost complete control over the city’s underworld.
And yet, Henrik was willing to hand it over to Khloe, just like that.
This girl clearly held a far greater place in his heart than Fiona had ever imagined.
With a respectful bow, Fiona set out to do as she was told. Meanwhile, Khloe lay curled up in sleep, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.
She looked like a wounded animal, her sleeping position embodying a deep-rooted vulnerability.
Her long hair spilled across the pillow like a dark waterfall; she seemed like an angel in the room’s dim light. But the angel was marred by the scars on her face and hands.
Henrik stood up and retrieved a first-aid kit.
Having spent years in the shadows of the underworld, he knew exactly what he was doing and carefully took out the disinfectant and bandages.
As his fingertips gently grazed the bruises and cuts on Khloe’s hands with surprising tenderness, she stirred in her sleep, frowning slightly. It seemed she was about to wake up.
Henrik leaned close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered in a low, soothing voice, “It’s okay. Go back to sleep.”
With that, he planted a soft kiss on her forehead.
The faint, cool scent of mint lingered in the air, wrapping around her like a comforting blanket.
Even in her dreams, Khloe relaxed, drifting deeper into sleep.
With quiet precision, Henrik finished bandaging her wounds, taking care not to disturb her again.
When she finally opened her eyes, it was already the afternoon of the following day.
As Khloe blinked the sleep away, Fiona entered with perfect timing.
She introduced herself, placed a document in Khloe’s hands without a word, then slipped out as quickly as she had come.
Still drowsy, Khloe glanced down and froze. In her hands was a stock transfer agreement, a sum so generous it was almost overwhelming.
She knew Henrik wasn’t one to hold back, but this went beyond anything she’d expected.
Sure, she was being compensated for pretending to be his fiancee, but his offer was so generous that she felt a little unsettled.
Too shaken to sign it right away, she freshened up first and then set out to find him.
After inquiring about his whereabouts, Khloe headed over, only to stop in her tracks at the sight before her.
Henrik stood amid a circle of saltwater crocodiles, tossing them bloody chunks of raw meat.
The massive creatures snapped and tore at the flesh, splattering blood in every direction.
When he saw her approach, he paused, handed the feeding tongs to a nearby worker, and beckoned her over. “Come here.”
Khloe stepped closer, unable to keep her curiosity at bay. “Saltwater crocodiles are the deadliest species of crocodile, you know.”
Henrik’s mouth curled into a smirk. “I know.” He pointed to the fiercest croc in the enclosure. “But even the wildest beast can be tamed-with enough discipline. Do you see that wound?
Khloe followed his gaze to the largest crocodile, seemingly the leader, which had a long scar on its head.
Was he the one responsible for this?
Henrik chuckled knowingly. “Yes, I gave it that scar.”
Khloe clicked her tongue.
Beating a crocodile-was this man even human?
She shook off the thought, holding up the document instead. “I can’t accept this. So, I’m just going to leave this document here.”
As she turned to go, Henrik’s hand closed around her wrist, pulling her against him. “Leaving without the gift? Are you planning to break off the engagement?”
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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