In Chapter 22 of **When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**, Scott experiences a profound sense of relief and elation after visiting Bella. His Lycan, a part of him that craves her presence, finally settles when he knows she is safe nearby. The chapter begins with Scott reflecting on his unexpected late-night visit to Bella, driven by an overwhelming urge to see her, especially after a tense meeting with Tasha. However, he is thrown into a panic upon learning that Bella has moved from her hotel, prompting him to take swift action to ensure her safety and proximity.<\/p>\n
Determined to keep Bella close, Scott makes a bold move by purchasing her new house, much to the delight of the landlord. This impulsive decision brings him a sense of calm, knowing that he can now protect her more effectively. Driving back, he reminisces about their playful banter, feeling confident that Bella\u2019s defenses will eventually crumble. As he prepares for the next day, he vows to share a home with her, easing the tension that has been building inside him.<\/p>\n
The chapter takes a turn when Scott arrives at his office the next day, only to be confronted by his assistant, Troy, about the Elders wanting Tasha moved into his penthouse. Scott\u2019s irritation flares up at the thought, but Troy proposes an alternative solution that would keep Tasha occupied while allowing Scott to focus on Bella. After some resistance, Scott reluctantly agrees to the plan, emphasizing his desire to keep Tasha away from him.<\/p>\n
The tension escalates further when Craig Jones, a candidate for a project, arrives with alarming news about Bella\u2019s past. He claims that Bella is a fraud and warns Scott against investing in her, instead suggesting her sister, Maya, as a more deserving candidate. Scott, however, sees through Craig\u2019s ulterior motives and defends Bella, asserting his confidence in her. The confrontation showcases Scott\u2019s protective instincts and determination to support Bella, culminating in a satisfying moment of payback against Craig, who leaves humiliated.<\/p>\n
Overall, this chapter highlights Scott\u2019s emotional journey as he navigates his feelings for Bella, the challenges posed by external pressures, and his unwavering commitment to her despite the obstacles they face. The interplay of emotions\u2014relief, irritation, protectiveness, and satisfaction\u2014drives the narrative forward, setting the stage for the unfolding complexities of their relationship.<\/p>\n
**When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown**
\n**Chapter 22**<\/p>\n
Scott<\/p>\n
As I stepped out of Bella\u2019s house, a sense of elation washed over me. No, it was more than mere happiness; it was a profound relief that coursed through my veins. My Lycan had finally quieted, content with the knowledge that she was nearby, safe and sound. I had seen her, felt her warmth, tasted the sweet corner of her mouth, and now I was enveloped in her intoxicating scent.<\/p>\n
I hadn\u2019t intended to stay so late, but after my meeting with Tasha, the overwhelming need to see Bella became impossible to resist. Just as I was about to leave, my men informed me that she had moved from the hotel. The news struck me like a thunderbolt\u2014surprise quickly morphed into a surge of anger and panic. She was outside my protective grasp, and my Lycan despised that feeling of vulnerability. I knew I had to act quickly to rectify the situation.<\/p>\n
Before heading to her new place, I made a quick detour to the landlord\u2019s office. I laid down three times the asking price on the table, effectively purchasing the house. The landlord\u2019s eyes lit up with joy; he declared it the best deal of his life.<\/p>\n
The paperwork flew through the process once the money was on the table. The deed was prepared, and he promised to have the papers signed first thing tomorrow at the registry office. Only then did my Lycan finally settle down, pacing less frantically in my mind. After that, I made my way to her house, savoring every moment of what followed.<\/p>\n
On the drive back, I couldn\u2019t help but replay our conversation in my mind, chuckling softly to myself. I had challenged her, teasing her about not falling for me. She had insisted she wouldn\u2019t, which I found utterly charming. But as I recalled the way her cheeks flushed and the hitch in her breath when my lips brushed against hers, I was certain she wouldn\u2019t be able to resist for long. She could draw all the lines she wanted, but I would lead her right to the edge and wait patiently.<\/p>\n
Finally, as I stretched out in bed, I made a simple yet profound promise to myself: I would soon sleep under the same roof as Bella, whether in my place or hers. The thought eased a tight knot that had been coiling inside me.<\/p>\n
I had instructed my secretary to clear my morning schedule because I needed to see Bella. When I walked into my office, feeling relaxed with a steaming cup of coffee in hand, Troy followed closely behind me.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want, Troy?\u201d I asked, my tone tinged with irritation as I settled into my chair.<\/p>\n
He got straight to the point, an air of urgency in his voice. \u201cThe Elders want Tasha moved into your penthouse.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo,\u201d I growled, the very idea sending a wave of frustration through me.<\/p>\n
\u201cI anticipated your reaction, but they are insistent, especially Elder Cass,\u201d he replied, his tone serious. \u201cSo here\u2019s plan B: let her move into your Manhattan villa. It\u2019s far from your downtown penthouse, and it has plenty of rooms and doors to keep her occupied. We\u2019ll have her stay there with the old pack aunties. They\u2019ll fuss over her, feed her, keep her busy. When you don\u2019t show up, she\u2019ll understand you\u2019re not interested and leave of her own accord.\u201d<\/p>\n
I clenched my jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. \u201cI doubt it. She\u2019s like a piece of gum someone spat on the sidewalk\u2014ready to stick to your shoe the moment you get too close.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt keeps the Elders quiet,\u201d he reasoned, his expression earnest. \u201cAnd more importantly, it buys us time.\u201d<\/p>\n
I knew Troy was also trying to find a way to deal with Tasha and the Elders. I took a deep breath, finally relenting. \u201cFine. The villa,\u201d I agreed. \u201cBut I want her away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Troy saluted with a smirk. \u201cConsider her lost in a very polite maze. I\u2019ll be back in a minute,\u201d he said, rising from his seat.<\/p>\n
As soon as he left, my secretary called out, \u201cMr. Moore, one of the shortlisted candidates, Craig Jones, is here.\u201d<\/p>\n
I paused, surprised by the unexpected news.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want me to send him away?\u201d my secretary asked when I didn\u2019t respond immediately.<\/p>\n
For a moment, I almost said yes. Then I pictured Craig beside Maya at the party, the wine they had splashed on Bella, the way they had talked about her. \u201cSend him in,\u201d I instructed, my curiosity piqued.<\/p>\n
Craig entered with an air of confidence, but his heartbeat betrayed him, revealing a mix of gratitude and anxiety beneath his facade. I couldn\u2019t help but scoff at his pretense.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for seeing me so quickly,\u201d he said, forcing a smile that didn\u2019t quite reach his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have exactly fifteen minutes,\u201d I replied flatly, taking a sip of my coffee. \u201cMake them count.\u201d<\/p>\n
He nodded and took a seat across from me, straightening his tie nervously. \u201cI\u2019ve come to discuss Bella Williams.\u201d<\/p>\n
I already anticipated where this was heading. \u201cWhat about her?\u201d<\/p>\n
He cleared his throat, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. \u201cMr. Moore, before you proceed with her business, you should be aware of her past. She\u2019s a fraud. I\u2019ve come here to protect you from her manipulations,\u201d he said, lowering his voice as if sharing a dark secret. \u201cBella is Jared Williams\u2019 daughter, the owner of Jade Fashion House. She ran away five years ago, leaving him devastated. All he wanted was for her to take over his business due to his illness. But like an entitled brat, she abandoned him after a massive fight. Jared couldn\u2019t handle the betrayal and suffered a heart attack. The family hasn\u2019t recovered since. Her sister Maya has been holding the business together ever since.\u201d He shook his head, a frown etched on his face. \u201cI\u2019m here to warn you. You\u2019ll invest in Bella, and then she\u2019ll disappear, dragging your name through the mud. Your project is too prestigious to waste on someone like her.\u201d<\/p>\n
I narrowed my gaze, weighing his words carefully. \u201cAnything else?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes,\u201d he replied quickly. \u201cYou should disqualify Bella from the program. Invest in Maya instead. She\u2019s the one who deserves it. She\u2019s running Jade Fashion House and has the experience to back it up. Helping her would be a significant boost for her business. In comparison, Bella is nothing but trouble. Maya is the real star.\u201d<\/p>\n
I studied him for a long moment, connecting the dots. Five years ago, Bella had confided in me about her fianc\u00e9 cheating with her stepsister. I already knew Craig\u2019s true nature; he just didn\u2019t realize I was aware.<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Jones,\u201d I said, my voice sharp, \u201cI suggest you mind your own affairs. Stop acting like a bitter ex who missed his last chance to matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Color flushed beneath his sickly pale complexion. \u201cI\u2019m not her ex!\u201d he protested, his voice rising defensively.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for clarifying. I meant ex-fianc\u00e9.\u201d His mouth dropped open in shock, and I stood up, retrieving my wine-soiled coat from the side drawer and handing it to him. \u201cThis is the coat your fianc\u00e9e ruined. Make sure you pay me thirty-five grand. I don\u2019t have the patience to wait when it comes to money.\u201d<\/p>\n
He opened his mouth as if to protest but fell silent.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can leave now,\u201d I commanded, stepping back to create distance.<\/p>\n
Shocked, he licked his lips, seemingly contemplating a comeback.<\/p>\n
I hardened my gaze, my patience wearing thin. \u201cIf you don\u2019t exit my office immediately,\u201d I warned, \u201cI\u2019ll disqualify you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The humiliation hit him like a slap, and he swallowed hard, nodding quickly before making his retreat. Payback tasted sweet, and I relished the moment.<\/p>\n
Before he closed the door, I called after him, \u201cI never doubted my confidence and decision regarding Bella.\u201d<\/p>\n
Troy, who had been leaning against the wall outside like a silent shadow, let out a low whistle as soon as Craig stormed out. \u201cShort visit,\u201d he quipped, a smirk playing on his lips.<\/p>\n
I chuckled, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. \u201cWalk with me to the site. Bella is coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the wake of the tumultuous events that unfolded, Scott emerged from the chaos with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity. The confrontation with Craig served as a pivotal moment, solidifying his resolve to stand by Bella against the shadows of her past. The weight of uncertainty that had once tethered him began to lift, replaced by an unwavering commitment to protect her. As he envisioned their future together, the promise of shared nights and whispered secrets under the same roof ignited a fire within him. Scott had not only defended Bella\u2019s honor but had also reclaimed his own sense of agency, embracing the power of love and loyalty that would guide him through the challenges ahead.<\/p>\n
With each step toward the construction site, Scott felt the thrill of anticipation coursing through him. The day was no longer just about business; it was a testament to his belief in Bella and her potential. He had fought against the tide of doubt and emerged victorious, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead. The world around him felt charged with possibility, and as he walked alongside Troy, he couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that this was merely the beginning of a new chapter. One filled with hope, resilience, and the undeniable bond that had formed between him and Bella. The midnight winds had carried their secrets, but now, as the dawn broke, it was time to forge a path toward a future that was theirs to create.<\/p>\n
**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**<\/p>\n
As the sun rises on a new day, Scott\u2019s world will be turned upside down as he grapples with the revelations about Bella\u2019s past. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension between his feelings for her and the looming threats from Craig and the Elders will push him to his limits. Will Scott be able to protect Bella from the shadows of her past, or will the weight of her family history drive a wedge between them? Expect a whirlwind of emotions as Scott races against time to confront the truth while trying to keep Bella safe from those who seek to undermine her.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Bella\u2019s journey will take a pivotal turn as she learns more about her father\u2019s legacy and the business she once fled from. With Scott\u2019s unwavering support, she will have to decide whether to embrace her past or forge a new path free from the burdens that have haunted her for years. Expect moments of vulnerability and strength as Bella faces her demons, all while feeling the undeniable pull of her connection with Scott. The tension will build as secrets are unveiled, alliances are tested, and the winds of change blow fiercely through their lives, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover what fate awaits them both.<\/p>\n
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland\u2019s breathtaking cold.<\/p>\n
When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 22 When Midnight Winds Carry Secrets Toward Worlds Yet Unknown 22 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-22987","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-the-new-world-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22987","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22987"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22987\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22987"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22987"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22987"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}