LOVE! WHY NOW!

Blood Ties

The morning after the intense night with Damien felt heavy in the Tribeca penthouse. Soft sunlight filtered through the huge windows, casting warm patterns on the modern furniture. The Hudson River sparkled below, with boats moving slowly across the water like they had all the time in the world. Bethany Buch lay in her large bed, the sheets tangled around her na**d body. Her skin still tingled from Damien’s touch, the way his hands had gripped her hips, the deep thrusts that made her moan his name, the tender kisses on her neck after they both came. She could still feel the warmth between her thighs, the pleasant ache that reminded her how alive she had felt for those hours.

She sat up slowly, her full br**sts moving with the motion. Her chestnut hair was messy. Guilt washed over her like a cold wave. Her father had just died. The company was in crisis. And here she was, finding escape in the arms of a shareholder. But it wasn’t just physical. There was something in Damien’s eyes, a mix of protection and hunger, that made her feel seen in the middle of all the chaos.

Bethany took a long shower. Hot water ran over her body, soothing her sensitive skin. She dressed in a simple black blouse and pants, trying to look professional. When she walked into the living room, Theo was already there, laptop open, coffee in hand. The rich smell of fresh coffee filled the air.

“You were up late,” Theo said, looking at her carefully. “Everything okay?”

Bethany poured herself a cup. The hot liquid helped ground her. “Just thinking about Dad. The company. Everything feels so heavy.”

Theo nodded. “I stayed up digging through more emails. There are connections between some shareholders and hidden accounts. Uncle Victor is already pushing from London. We need to be careful.”

Before Bethany could reply, her phone rang. It was Sofia Morales. Her personal assistant’s voice was quick and supportive. “Boss, good morning. Mr. Graves is ready for the meeting at 10. Jake increased security after last night’s break-in attempt. The man they caught is still not talking much, but he mentioned Damien’s name again.”

Bethany’s stomach tightened. “Set up the meeting. I’ll be there soon.”

She finished breakfast with Theo. They talked about their mother Elena’s distance and how Cassandra was thinking about coming back. The conversation felt warm, like a small anchor in the storm. Theo hugged her before she left. “We’re in this together, sis. Don’t forget that.”

The BuchForge Tower felt different that morning. Sunlight poured through the giant windows of the small conference room. The long table had fresh coffee and notebooks ready. Mr. Harlan Graves sat waiting, looking nervous with his gray hair and shuffling papers. Sofia was there with her tablet. Jake Thompson stood by the door, tall and watchful.

Bethany sat at the head. “Good morning, Mr. Graves. Tell me everything about the hidden ledger and the IllusionForge sessions.”

Mr. Graves cleared his throat. His voice was shaky at first. “Your father was brilliant, Miss Buch. But he took big risks. He used IllusionForge for private meetings with shareholders. Some loans were not clean. I have copies of records, but many files are locked. Damien Voss was involved in several sessions. So was Victor in London.”

Bethany listened carefully. She asked sharp questions. Sofia organized the papers. Jake added security details, cameras showed suspicious activity. The meeting lasted almost two hours. By the end, Bethany felt the danger more clearly. Someone inside the company wanted to destroy them or take control.

After Mr. Graves left, Damien sent her a message. “Last night was unforgettable. We need to talk about the break-in. Meet me later?”

Bethany stared at the phone. Her body remembered every touch, every thrust. But her mind knew she had to be careful.

That afternoon, Bethany returned to the penthouse. The sun was high, making the Hudson River shine bright blue. She changed into comfortable clothes and sat on the terrace with Theo. The infinity pool water moved gently. The city noise felt far away.

Theo showed her more emails. “Look at this. Dad had arguments with Uncle Victor. There are also connections to Kai Nakamura in Singapore. Things are connected internationally.”

Bethany’s phone rang. It was Cassandra from Paris. The video showed her sister in her sunny art studio. Paint covered her hands. “Beth, I’ve been thinking. I’m booking a flight. You sound overwhelmed. The family needs to stick together.”

Tears came to Bethany’s eyes. “I would love that, Cass. Even for a short time. Everything is falling apart here.”

They talked for a long time. Cassandra promised to arrive soon. The call gave Bethany some hope. Family ties were important, even with the feuds.

Later in the evening, Damien came to the penthouse. The sun was setting, painting the sky in beautiful oranges and pinks. The city lights started to come on. They sat on the terrace with glasses of wine. The cool evening wind felt nice.

“We need to be careful,” Damien said, his blue eyes serious. “The break-in might be connected to other shareholders who want control. I can help protect you, but you have to trust me.”

Bethany looked at him. The attraction was still strong. She remembered his mouth on her breasts, his hands on her hips, the way he made her feel safe and desired at the same time. But she also remembered her father’s warning. “I want to trust you, Damien. But I need proof that you are on my side.”

They talked for hours about the company, the debts, and possible solutions. Damien shared more information. Slowly, the conversation became more personal. He touched her hand. The spark returned. They kissed softly at first, then deeper. But Bethany pulled back. “Not tonight. I need time to think.”

Damien respected her decision and left. Bethany stood alone on the terrace for a long time. The night air was cool. City lights twinkled below. Boats moved on the dark river. She felt the weight of everything, grief, responsibility, desire, and danger.

Theo joined her later. “We will get through this, sis. Together.”

Bethany nodded. But inside, she wondered how long she could balance everything. The family feuds were waking up. The company secrets were coming out. And her heart, and body, were being pulled in dangerous directions.

That night, as she lay in bed, Bethany thought about the IllusionForge. Maybe one short session would help her see things clearly. She started a simple memory simulation. Her father appeared, alive and smiling. But dark shadows followed again. Whispers warned her about trust and company forces.

She pulled out quickly with a staggering breath as she was too deep in it. Sleep came slowly.