<h4>Chapter 49: Missing Zara?</h4>


    <strong>**************</strong>


    <strong>Chapter 49</strong>


    <strong>~Snow’s POV~</strong>


    <strong>*Earlier in the Morning*</strong>


    Till now, I haven’t spoken to Zara about Storm’s mother, Aira and although I want to most times, I loved seeing her reaction.


    It made me realise she was jealous, but then before I could exin, she did things that pushed my buttons.


    I hate to admit it, but I’ve gotten jealous because of Zara.


    I wanted to hold her still when Scott called me, however, her instant coldness made me halt. I wasn’t the man who chased, women flunked themselves at me for my power, prestige and status but not Zara.


    And the way cier readily epted her was a thrill I was d to have found.


    We weren’t mates. I never had a mate but with Zara, it was the next close thing. Still, none of us gave in due to our stubbornness.


    A smile spread across my lips, recalling how she moaned when I trailed kisses on her neck. What had started as a tease ended up turning me on. Thankfully she hadn’t noticed and I had enough time to force my hard-on down when she pushed me away.


    As soon as I left Zara’s room, I went to my study, where I was told Aria was. Although I stayed in bedte, I wasn’t expecting to see Aria dressed up like she was heading somewhere that early.


    I walked in and greeted her as I came to stand before her, my chest shielded from her eyes. "Hello, Ari. Feeling better?"


    She nodded. "Better, but I think I’ll feel better when I step out."


    My eyes widened briefly when she said that. She had barely been discharged a day ago and now she wanted to go out?


    Her blue eyes shone as she smiled. "I know what you think, but I want to feel alive again, Snow."


    "Your health..." Aira lifted her palm to stop me.


    "I’m sorry I ran away. I just had to try, you know. And I am not too fragile to go out."


    I did not argue with her. "As you wish. Any suggestions?"


    Her eyes glinted, giving a nod. "I think it is time to pay them a visit with Storm, and I want you toe with us, Snow."


    Before I had a chance to refute and remind her of my busy schedule, the door pushed open with Storm running in and straight into her arms. "Mum!"


    He greeted her and moved in close to kiss her on the cheek.


    Ever since her return, he’s been bobblier than I anticipated. Her leaving had been hard for him to cope with, but now, his joy felt like she never left.


    "Mummy, daddy, where are you going? Can Ie?"


    "Sure, love but it depends on your daddy." As if on cue, both of them turned in my direction, staring at me with those innocent blue eyes.


    Fuck, I’d been set up.


    "Fine. I’ll go."


    ***************


    By noon, I returned to thepany and immediately went for a meeting. It wasn’t until 4 p.m., that I finished all my tasks and still I did not see Zara.


    I was restless. No matter how much I buried myself in work, my thoughts kept wandering back to Zara and our night. To make matters worse, she’d been upying far more of my mind than I cared to admit.


    She challenged me in ways no one else had, and damn if it didn’t make me want her more.


    Now, she disobeyed mymand, flunking her punishment. Should I meet her? No. I should let her be, right? I’ll see her at home tonight.


    With that, I settled in my office and went back to work, reviewing the new business with Marcus when something crossed my mind.


    <i>"Figured it out now?" </i>ciermented since he could hear my thoughts.


    <i>"Yeah. Silly me</i>. <i>I should have done this sooner."</i>


    I needed a break from the office, from the papers and the endless discussions. And more than that, I needed answers.


    I picked up my phone, scrolling through my contacts until I found the number I needed. Jupiter.


    Jupiter was a long-time friend and an invaluable ally—he ran an underground intelligencework that was second to none.


    If anyone could dig up dirt on Ivan and Marcus, it was him. He also happened to have a cruel streak that earned him the nickname "Red Devil" in certain circles. He didn’t y games when it came to handling enemies.


    I hit dial, listening to the ringing as I waited for him to pick up.


    "Well, well, look who it is," Jupiter’s smooth voice came through the phone. "Snow Zephyr, what brings you to the dark side today?"


    "Meet me at Raze Bar. I need you to dig into something for me," I said, cutting straight to the point. I didn’t have time for pleasantries.


    A low chuckle came from the other end. "Must be serious if you’re calling in a favour. Alright. I’ll be there in an hour."


    An hourter, I arrived at Raze, one of the most exclusive bars in the city. Furnished with dark, sleek interiors, and a clientele that preferred privacy—it was perfect for the kind of conversation I needed to have.


    Jupiter was already there, sitting at one of the private booths, his signature red hair standing out against the dim lighting. He was sipping a ss of whiskey, his green eyes sharp and knowing, like an owl stalking its next prey.


    "Snow," he greeted me with a sly grin as I slid into the seat across from him. "You look... tense."


    "Work," was all I mouthed. He nodded, knowing how serious I could get with that word. It was how I ruled and got Aurora to where she is right now in the global market.


    "So," he sighed after taking a sip of his whiskey before cing the ss down on the ss table, his focus fully on me. "How may my services be of help?"


    "I need information on my nephew and someone else, Marcus," I said bluntly. "Something’s going on between them, and I need to know what."


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