Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Charles was buried in paperwork when his phone buzzed. He hit answer, sounding irritated. "Yeah? Who's this?"

Whatever the caller said made him freeze. "Richard wants to work with us now? Wasn't he acting all high and mighty before? And now he wants to borrow my Number One and Number Two? Dream on. My dogs aren't for loan. Do you have any idea what they mean to me? I've turned down offers in the billions. Those two

He stopped mid-sentence, listening as the person continued. Charles frowned. "Hold up, what's the name again? Clara? A woman? Clara?"

He couldn't help but laugh. What a twist-family not recognizing their own.

"Have Richard call me directly. I don't just want a short-term deal for this sea route. I want long-term cooperation. And from now on, any Chester family projects in Country Z―he needs to clear the way for us."

Honestly, just locking in the shipping deal would've been enough. The green light for future projects? That was a last-minute demand-if Richard agreed, all the better. If not, handing over Clara would at least get the sea route open.

Since Richard took charge of the maritime shipping lines in Country Z, he'd swept through the industry like a storm, clearing out anyone in his way. The Chester family wanted into the Country Z market, and the only way was through Richard. Charles's big brother Mitch had sent him for exactly this reason.

He'd barely set foot in Country Z, and by pure luck-saving some woman-he was suddenly this close to sealing the deal.

Funny how you can search everywhere, and the answer just lands in your lap.

was overseas, he'd already heard all about Charles. Negotiations for the shipping lines had stalled, so the Chester family sent Charles

a foreign prince was kidnapped, it was Charles's two dogs who tracked him down and brought him back. Rumor had it those

in Country Z, looking for Clara-of course he'd want his dogs

didn't expect was how tough Charles would

but that made them

into Country Znobody knew what industry they'd disrupt. Giving them a green light could shake up entire markets, and if things got

called Charles and got straight to

alive, they'll find her. Hell, even if she's not-if she's dead

flexing, his phone rang again. This time it was

Call Charles Day or

his contacts-he almost

you all coordinate

was still on with Richard, so he got to the point. "Are we on

rubbed his temples. "Halfway.