Billionaire's Bounty Cost Of Love And Revenge novel Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Asher’s POV

I sat behind my desk, my fingers tapping restlessly against the polished wood surface. The board members had just left, their concerned voices still ringing in my ears.

I had assured them I would find a solution, but the truth was, I didn’t have the slightest idea where to begin.

How did I end up in this fucking mess? I thought bitterly.

I leaned back in my chair, rubbing a hand down my face. There were too many moving pieces, too many variables beyond my control. Should I respond with actual proof of their shady dealings?

That could backfire. Exposing them might bring the whole house of cards down on me too. Maybe I should talk to the Don, but would that really solve anything? If anything, it might make things worse.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I exhaled sharply and straightened. “Come in.”

Evelyn stepped inside, her expression unreadable. “Asher, the FBI is here to see you.”

My body tensed. Federal authorities had a way of making people say things they didn’t intend to. One wrong word, one slip–up, and they’d twist it into something incriminating. I hesitated for a brief moment before nodding. “Send them in.”

A moment later, two agents walked in, an older man with graying hair and sharp eyes, and a younger woman who looked like she had something to

prove.

I gestured toward the chairs opposite my desk. “Have a seat.”

The older agent didn’t bother with pleasantries. “You’re the CEO of Sterling Industries, yeah?”

I folded my hands together. “Not really. I’m the acting CEO.”

The agent ignored the distinction. “Mr. Sterling, we have reason to believe you’re affiliated with the mafia and now human trafficking.”

I stilled. I kept my face unreadable, but inside, my pulse pounded. “Excuse me?”

The agent pulled out a folder and slid it across the desk. “Aside from that picture in the news, we were anonymously tipped with paperwork connecting you to a fugitive.” He let the words sink in before adding, “You’ve been accused of a heinous crime, Mr. Sterling. The only reason we haven’t taken you in is because the evidence is circumstantial. For now.”

I didn’t touch the folder. “I have nothing to do with any of this.”

The agent leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing. “I know your type. You think because you were born into a wealthy and influential family, you can do as you please and get away with it. But I promise you, I will get to the bottom of this. And when I do, there’s only one way this ends, with you behind

bars.”

Before I could say another word, the agents stood and walked out, leaving me staring after them.

I sat motionless for a long time. As if I didn’t already have enough to deal with. I had nothing to hide, but the mafia was capable of anything. If they could fabricate evidence, they could do worse.

And for some reason, that agent was determined to put me away. Maybe he wasn’t in the mafia’s pocket, maybe he had a personal vendetta.

Either way, I was their target.

Later that evening, I found myself walking through the hospital corridor. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled my nose, but I barely noticed it. I made my way to Marcus’s room, my steps heavy.

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Chapter 133

When I pushed open the door, I saw Janine sitting beside Marcus’s bed, her hands folded in her lap.

She looked up immediately, her sharp eyes catching the tension in my shoulders. “What happened this time?”

I let out a hollow chuckle, stepping further inside. “The FBI came to my office today.”

Janine’s brows furrowed. “What?”

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Tran a hand through my hair, then exhaled. “They accused me of being tied to the mafia and human trafficking. Said they have paperwork linking me to a fugitive. The only reason they haven’t arrested me is because they don’t have solid proof, yet.”

Her face darkened. “That’s insane.”

I gave a short nod. “Tell that to the agent who’s practically salivating at the thought of locking me up.” I rubbed my temples. “This is all happening because Marcus isn’t here. If he was, he’d know what to do. He’d have a plan, a strategy, something. But he’s not here.”

My voice cracked at the last part. Before I knew it, the weight of everything crashed down on me. My breath hitched, and to my horror, I felt my eyes burn.

Janine was by my side in an instant. “Hey,” she said softly. “It’s going to be okay.”

“No, it’s not,” I shot back, my voice thick with frustration. “Marcus isn’t here. And for the first time in my life, I don’t know what the hell I’m supposed to

do.”

She grabbed my hand, squeezing it firmly. “Marcus is going to recover. But until then, you’re not alone, Asher. You’ve got me.”

I let out a shaky breath, looking down. “I don’t know if I can do this, Janine.“”

She held my gaze, unwavering. “Yes, you can.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “How are you so sure?”

“Because you’re Marcus’s brother.” She tilted her head slightly. “Whenever I’m overwhelmed, I ask myself, what would Marcus do? And you know what? That’s exactly what you should do, too.”

I swallowed. “What would Marcus do?”

She nodded. “Yeah. If he were in your shoes, what would he do? How would he handle this?”

I was quiet for a long moment, thinking. Then, finally, I nodded. “He’d keep a clear head. He’d look at the facts, not the fear. And he sure as hell wouldn’t let anyone back him into a corner.”

Janine smiled. “Exactly.”

For the first time all day, the tight knot in my chest loosened–just a little. I wasn’t out of the woods, not even close. But at least now, I had something to

-hold onto.

Janine squeezed my shoulder. “You don’t have to do this alone, Asher.”

I nodded again, more firmly this time. “I know.”

Even after talking to Janine, the weight on my shoulders hadn’t fully lifted. The brief moment of reassurance was like a breath of fresh air, but the reality of my situation settled back in the second I stepped out of Marcus’s hospital room.

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