All Chapters of BENEATH THE COLD CONTRACT : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Chapter 21:Caroline POV The next morning, I walked into the gallery trying to hold myself together.I was surprised to find Larkin, our gallery director, waiting for me.He urged me to follow him to his office.I hesitated at first, but something felt off. So I followed.The moment we stepped into his office, he looked around as if to check for anyone who'd be spying on us then closed the door.“Caroline, I need you to be honest with me.” he started, rubbing his temple. “Did you plagiarize anyone's work?”I stiffened. “I told you, I didn't plagiarize anyone's work.”“I believe you,” he said, his tone firm but his expression was tight. Like he wasn't sure whether he actually believed me. “What's the problem sir?” I asked, nervously. He looked up at me and let out a breath. “We just got another complaint,” he replied. “This time, from a collector. Someone who claims you stole a concept from a private portfolio.” My chest tightened. “But that's impossible.”Larkin gave me a look.

Chapter 23:Caroline's POV>You look nervous, Caroline. Tell him the truth or I will.“I need to go to the bathroom.” I muttered, my voice unsteady.But before I could move, Kane's hand shot out, firmly holding on to me. “Parker.” He said, calmly. “Where do you think you're going?”I forced myself to meet his gaze, struggling to steady my breathing. “I just need a minute,” I said, trying to pull my hand away. His grip tightened.“Then I'll come with you.” I shook my head quickly. “Kane, I just….”Ding.The sound of another message was not what I wanted to hear right now. I

Chapter 25:Caroline’s POV"Caroline," he muttered. "What the hell is this?"I swallowed hard. Oh shit, Gina, what's with the timing? How do I explain to Kane now?I calmed myself. If I panicked then Kane would really know what's going on. If he found out the truth now, everything could change. Come on, Caro. Come up with something. Then it hit me.I forced a laugh, snatching the phone back. “Relax, Kane. It's not what you think.”He raised a brow. “Then explain.” I rolled my eyes, pretending to be amused. "It’s my cousin. She just got into town a few weeks ago, and she’s… well, let’s just say she’s been panicking about her pregnancy. She was craving fruits the other day, and Gina assumed it was for me. Typical Gina.”I forced another chuckle, hoping he’d buy it.Kane didn’t move. His eyes stayed locked on mine, studying me closely."Your cousin?" His voice was skeptical.I nodded quickly. "Yeah! Amelia, that's her name. You haven’t met her, but trust me, she can be a handful.”A

Chapter 27:Kane’s POVKelly let out a fake cough. “Well, we can't talk over the phone.”I exhaled. “Where? And when?”“Fairmount Park. Tomorrow. 6 p.m.”A public place. Of course. He wasn’t stupid enough to meet me anywhere private.“Fine, but I’ve got a question for you.”Kelly chuckled. “Feel free to ask me tomorrow.Beep. He cut the call.I pulled the phone away from my ear, staring at the screen for a moment before shoving it into my pocket.He didn’t even give me a chance to argue. He knew I’d show up regardless.And he was right.I turned to Jayson.“We don’t have to track him down anymore.”Jayson sighed, then stood up and reached for his jacket“You’re going somewhere?”He nodded as he put on the jacket.“I’m already late for an appointment with a client,” he said, checking his watch. “I’d love to stay, but you get the gist.”I narrowed my eyes. What was so important that he had to leave immediately?“Something wrong?” he asked, his gaze sharp.I hesitated. “Nah, it’s nothing

Chapter 29:Diane's POVThe world has a cruel sense of humor.I had always been the best. The most intelligent. The most worthy.Until she appeared. I didn't even want to look at it. The damn poster. But there it was, plastered on the side of the building like a goddamn trophy.>Caroline Hayes: A Visionary in Modern Art.… I would never admit it.She was supposed to be small, insignificant. A bug that could be crushed at anytime.Yet, somehow, she excelled.Every exhibit, every review, every mention of her name was a reminder that she had taken something that should have been mine.My nails dug into my palm as I turned away from the poster, bile rising in my throat.No, not anymore. I wouldn’t sit back and watch her bask in the limelight while I faded into the background.I