Fire&,Lie

Chapter 15: The Counterattack

The next morning, Villarreal Tower buzzed like a hive. Phones rang endlessly, secretaries rushed from one office to another, and the usually calm trading floor was in chaos.

Gwen stood near the glass window of JV’s office, watching the city below, her heart pounding with unease. She knew it was starting.

“Sir,” his chief of staff entered quickly, dropping a folder on the desk. “Ramirez Holdings just pulled their partners from three of your biggest international deals. They’re accusing Villarreal of hostile business practices.”

JV smirked coldly, leaning back in his chair. “So, Don Emilio wants war on paper? Let him try. We’ll bleed him dry before he makes a dent.”

But Gwen’s hands trembled. “JV, Papa won’t stop. He’s ruthless. You don’t know the lengths he’ll go to—”

JV stood, crossing to her, his gaze fierce. “I don’t care if he burns the earth beneath my feet. I won’t let him touch you.”

Don Emilio’s Move

That afternoon, news broke across every channel:

“Ramirez Holdings accuses Villarreal Group of corruption and embezzlement.”

Photographs of JV flashed on the screen — headlines painted him as a villain. Stock prices started dipping. Protestors even gathered outside the tower.

Gwen clutched her chest. “Oh my God… they’re destroying you.”

JV only clenched his jaw, his fists on the desk. “No, Gwen. They’re trying to destroy me. But they forgot — Villarreal doesn’t break.”

The Father’s Threat

That evening, a black car arrived outside Villarreal Mansion. JV’s guards were on alert, but it was only a messenger.

A sealed envelope was delivered — addressed not to JV, but to Gwen.

Her hands shook as she opened it. Inside was a single handwritten letter from Don Emilio:

“Come home now, and I will forgive your sins. Stay with Villarreal, and you will watch him lose everything — his company, his freedom, his life. Choose wisely, hija.”

Her tears blurred the words. “Papa… how could you?”

JV took the letter from her trembling hands, scanning it. His face darkened with rage. “He thinks he can use you against me. He’s wrong.”

He tore the letter to pieces and pulled Gwen into his arms.

“Listen to me, Gwen. You are mine. No one — not even your father — decides your future. If he wants war, then I’ll give him war.”

Possessive Passion

That night, JV was a storm.

He didn’t make love gently. He took her fiercely, desperately — his kisses hot and punishing, his hands gripping her as though she might slip away.

Every movement screamed possession, his voice rough against her ear. “Do you see, Gwen? Even if the world falls apart, I’ll still have you. You’ll still be mine.”

Tears spilled from her eyes as she clung to him. “JV… I don’t want to be the reason you lose everything.”

He stopped only to cup her face, his forehead pressed to hers, his voice trembling with emotion.

“Listen to me, Gwen. You’re not the reason I’m fighting. You’re the reason I’ll win.”

And then he kissed her again, deeper, fiercer, until her doubts dissolved into fire.

The Cliffhanger

But as dawn broke, one of JV’s men rushed into the room, panic in his voice.

“Sir — it’s Don Emilio. He’s not just after the company anymore. He’s filed criminal charges against you. If this sticks… you could be arrested.”

Gwen gasped, her blood turning cold.

JV’s eyes narrowed, his arm tightening protectively around her. “Then let him come. He can take everything else… but he’ll never take her from me.”

And in that moment, Gwen knew — the war between her father and her lover was only just beginning.