Henleys exit from the center that day was a silent admission of defeat. He was always one to measure the pros and cons. Clearly, he felt Raegan wasnt worth the risk to his life.
At her words, Henley momentarily lost his composure before regaining it. Raegan, is risking ones life the only way to prove love?
Looking directly at her, he questioned, If I hadnt left that night, if Id been ready to face life and death alongside you, would you have fallen for me?
I wouldnt, Raegan stated firmly.
Henley scoffed. See, thats why I hesitated then.
And thats why I could never love you, Raegan retorted. Everything you do is calculated. Family, friendships, and love You use them all as pawns. Thats why you end up alone.
As she spoke, Henleys face grew darker. Raegans words were spot-on.
Those who had once supported him abandoned him upon seeing his true self. Alexis was behind bars, and his ex-fiance had lost her mind upon learning shed been manipulated.
Henley gave Raegan a mocking laugh. It seems youre quite concerned about me.
Raegan shook her head dismissively. I dont need to keep tabs. Everything about you is splashed across the legal news.
Indeed, it was a foregone conclusion that those who followed Henley would eventually depart. Their connections were mere conveniences, fragile and easily broken. The only person who might have truly cared for Henley, Alexis, found himself back behind bars.
It was uncertain if Alexis had acted out of a sense of duty as a father, or simply chose not to betray Henley for other reasons.
Certainly, Alexis actions were hardly driven by love. They seemed more like a last resort.
Knowing that both he and Henley facing prison would be disastrous, Alexis took the entire blame upon himself, allowing Henley to remain free with the chance to salvage his own situation.
BearNovels
Like Henley, Alexis had weighed the benefits and consequences before deciding to shoulder the burden alone. But to say he didnt love Henley at all would be incorrect. His love, however, was conditional, laden with terms and calculated moves.
Raegans deepest regret concerned Henleys former fiance, Matilda.
She was a 20-year-old heiress, manipulated by Henley with a doctored drink, and left vulnerable to a man over fifty who exploited her without restraint.
When Matilda awoke, Henley had crafted an alibi that not only cleared himself but also framed the older man, allowing him to seize the projects he had set eyes on.
Henley coldly informed Matilda that to be with him, she had to accept such accidents as part
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of their relationship. This violation wasnt a one-time event but the start of many.
Despite everything, Matildas love for Henley led her to tolerate this ordeal, choosing not to pursue the matter. Yet, hearing the man she loved speak so callously pushed her to the brink of madness. Her treasured first experience was tarnished, and her fianc brazenly told her to expect more such brutal encounters.
Matilda descended into complete insanity, her speech fragmented and nonsensical. Her parents, though they despised Henley deeply, couldnt bring themselves to harm him. Left with no other options, they admitted their daughter to a sanatorium for treatment.
Henley scoffed with disdain. Do you think those secret service guys can actually take me down? Raegan, even if they lock me up now, Ill be out in twenty-four hours.
Raegan had no reason to doubt Henleys confidence. She and Mitchel had scrutinized the situation. The financial crimes Henley was implicated in were riddled with legal loopholes.
With a top-tier lawyer, escaping charges would be a piece of cake, and the hefty legal fees were trivial for Henley at this point.