Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 140

(JARED’S POV)

Denzel Hernandez.

The name hit me like a punch to the gut. The last person I wanted to hear from, not when my world was already falling apart. My grip on the phone tightened as anger surged through me—why the hell was he calling now?

"Look, I don't know how you got my number, but I don't have time for your silly games," I snapped, ready to press the "end call" button.

"Oh, don't hang up, Jared," Denzel’s voice was as smooth as ever. "You'll want to hear what I have to say. Trust me on this."

“What the hell do you want?”

"Well you really should know. There’s a kid with me, I think his name is…Maverick?"

My heart slammed against my ribs, the world narrowing to a single point. So it was him.

"You bastard! What have you done to him?" My voice was low and deadly, barely controlled. My grip on the phone threatened to crush it.

“Nothing,” he said coolly. “At least not yet. There’s a small mole on his left earlobe huh?”

"Denzel," I said, barely containing the venom in my words. "I didn’t expect you to be this silly. You do realize this is blackmail, right? If you touch a single hair on his head, I will bring you, your company, and everything you’ve ever built to the ground. I promise you that."

As I spoke, Oliver stepped in, a questioning look on his face, but I silently motioned for him to stay back. He knew what this was about.

“Follow this number,” I muttered under my breath, knowing Oliver would understand. “Track him down, find where he’s hiding.”

At the other end of the line, Denzel’s mocking laughter echoed through the receiver. "Oops, now I'm really scared," he taunted. "Look at you, Jared—such a devoted father. But I’ve only got one thing to say to you: Shut the fuck up!"

I clenched my fist until my knuckles turned white.

"This is business, Jared," Denzel continued, his tone dripping with fake sympathy. "We both know that sometimes, extreme measures are necessary. I’m not a criminal, but you need to understand something: If you don’t cooperate, you’ll lose everything. Everything. I’m just making it clear. You can’t make threats to me, Jared... or your son will be the one to pay the price."

I swallowed hard, my heart hammering against my chest. What kind of psycho kidnaps an innocent child to get to his father? What kind of monster does that?

"What do you want?" My voice was barely above a whisper, laced with dread as I shut my eyes, the thought of Maverick, scared and alone, gnawing at me. I wanted to be anywhere but here, but I had no choice. I had to play his game.

"Simple, you’re going to sign over your stake in the company to me in 48 hours. And you’ll do it at a price lower than market value. Second, you’ll stop your investment in the LA project. No more funding. You’ll back off."

I scoffed, bitterness rising in my throat. This wasn’t the first time he’d tried to seize control of my company. All his previous schemes had failed, so now he resorted to this.

Coward.

But I didn't say the word aloud. He had the life of my son in his hands so I had to thread carefully.

"Why would I want to do that?" I asked calmly instead.

"Because, if you don't, I can guarantee you, that little three-year-old boy won’t see tomorrow. I guess you’re wondering how I know so much about him? I’ve spent some quality time with him. He’s adorable, Jared. I’m actually enjoying having him around. I’m rubbing his little cheeks as we speak. It’s a shame, though… because I’m sure you’d hate to think what might happen to him if you don’t come to your senses."

Rage and terror exploded inside me. My pulse pounded in my ears as Oliver walked back, his face pale and anxious. I could tell he’d gathered some leads. Swift, precise. I gave him a silent nod.

I had no time to waste.

"Fine, I’ll do it. I’ll sign over the shares. Just don’t hurt him."

"Good. Meet me at the abandoned warehouse on 5th and main. Come alone, and with the documents."

"And Maverick?"

"He'll be waiting for you. Unharmed...for now."