Chapter: Chapter Thirty TwoAfter lunch, Kimberly decided it was time for an outing. “You need a change of scenery,” she declared, already grabbing her purse and keys. Their first stop was a luxurious spa nestled in the heart of the city, a place known for its serene ambiance and top-tier treatments. As soon as Alice stepped inside, she was enveloped by the soothing scent of lavender and the gentle strains of instrumental music playing in the background. The tension in her shoulders began to ease almost immediately. “You need to relax,” Kimberly insisted as they changed into plush, white robes. “And nothing does that better than a full-body massage.” Alice sighed as she lay face-down on the massage table, her body sinking into the soft padding. The skilled hands of the masseuse worked their magic, kneading away the knots of stress and worry that had built up over the past few weeks. Beside her, Kimberly chuckled softly. “Admit it, you needed this,” Kimberly teased, her voice muffled slightly as she rested her
Last Updated: 2025-03-15
Chapter: Chapter Thirty OneThe dining hall of the Sanders mansion was as grand as ever, bathed in the soft, golden glow of the chandeliers that hung like glittering constellations above. The long, polished table was set with an extravagant feast—crystal glasses filled with wine, silver platters laden with delicacies, and fine china that gleamed under the light. Yet, despite the opulence, the atmosphere was unusually light, almost cheerful. For the first time since returning from the cruise, Alice felt a semblance of ease. Conversations flowed effortlessly, drifting from business matters to travel anecdotes, and even lighthearted childhood memories as Grandma Janet indulged in her favorite pastime: storytelling. Kelvin sat beside Alice, his presence a constant reminder of the life she was still tethered to. He was as composed as ever, his sharp features softened slightly by the warm light. But Alice noticed the way his eyes flickered toward her occasionally, as if he were studying her. He pretended to focus on
Last Updated: 2025-03-13
Chapter: Chapter ThirtyAlice's heart had finally made its choice. It was Daniel, not Kelvin, who had captured her affection. For years, she had clung to the faint hope that Kelvin might change, that he might one day treat her with the respect and love she deserved as his wife. But time and time again, he had proven himself to be a man of little integrity—selfish, cold, and utterly unworthy of her devotion. The realization had settled deep within her, like a stone sinking to the bottom of the ocean. She could no longer deny the truth: Kelvin was not the man she had once believed him to be. He was, in fact, the worst kind of person—someone who took without giving, who demanded loyalty but offered none in return.Her decision was final. She would no longer waste her days yearning for Kelvin’s love, a love that had never truly existed. Instead, her heart had turned toward Daniel, a man who had shown her kindness, warmth, and a love that felt genuine and unselfish. Daniel’s presence in her life had been a beacon
Last Updated: 2025-03-13
Chapter: Chapter Twenty NineThe ship docked yet again. The sun blazed overhead as Alice, Daniel, Kimberly, and a handful of other passengers from the ship wandered through the bustling streets of the coastal town. The port was alive with energy—street vendors hawked their wares, the air thick with the scent of sizzling food, and the chatter of locals and tourists mingled into a lively symphony. For a moment, Alice allowed herself to forget the tensions aboard the ship, the tangled emotions surrounding Kelvin and Daniel, and simply breathed in the freedom of the foreign town. But then, she made a mistake. She had paused at a small shop, captivated by a display of handmade jewelry. Kimberly was deep in negotiation with a vendor, and Daniel had wandered off to inspect something across the street. Not wanting to disturb them, Alice decided to explore on her own. She ventured down a narrow alley, drawn by the charm of the old architecture and the quiet respite from the market’s chaos. But as she turned a corner, he
Last Updated: 2025-03-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty EightThe ship was lively that evening, guests scattered across different entertainment spots, enjoying the luxury the cruise had to offer. Alice, however, had no interest in the grand dinners or the glamorous social events. After spending most of the day forcing smiles beside Kelvin for Grandma Janet, and her mind centered on Daniel and his feelings for her - she subtly excused herself from their company. Soon, she found herself in the dimly lit corridor leading to the deck—a place where she could be alone. Or so she thought. Just as she reached for the railing to steady herself, a voice stopped her. "Why do we always end up being alone?" Alice froze. She didn’t have to turn around to know who it was. The familiar depth of Daniel’s voice sent an immediate shiver down her spine. Taking a slow breath, she composed herself before facing him. He stood a few feet away, arms crossed, his sharp gaze never leaving her. The ship's soft lighting illuminated his face, casting shadows that m
Last Updated: 2025-03-08
Chapter: Chapter Twenty SevenThe next morning, Alice made her way to one of the ship’s finest restaurants, her emotions still raw from the previous night. Dressed in an elegant yet simple blue dress, she tried to compose herself as she stepped inside, already spotting Grandma Janet seated at a prime spot by the window, where the sea stretched endlessly in the background. Kelvin was already there, seated beside his grandmother, his posture relaxed, but Alice could tell that he was on edge. Across from him sat Daniel, looking effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt with the top button undone. His eyes briefly met Alice’s as she entered, but he looked away just as quickly. Standing behind Grandma Janet was Simi, her ever-efficient personal assistant. Simi was a tall, slender woman in her forties with a composed demeanor, always dressed impeccably in professional yet stylish outfits. She was rarely seen without her tablet, always ready to take notes or handle whatever task was required of her. "Alice, my d
Last Updated: 2025-03-02
Chapter: Chapter Fifty ThreeIt was time. Everything was set according to their plans. Amor's army-trained men had scouted the location with the help of that same tiny, undetectable drone and the men were able to locate important spots and entry into the building.The building was a fancy bungalow situated somewhere along the borders of the city, quite far from the main town. The surrounding was deserted and only few abandoned and half demolished buildings were in sight. Alexander drove there with the evidence and alone as Sophia had demanded and was allowed in through the gate by Sophia's armed men. He was directed on where to part his convertible, which he did and them came down. The armed men searched him thoroughly to be sure he wasn't with any arms, wires of any sort, or cameras and then, they escorted him into the house and led him past the empty room, which was supposed to be the living room, through a corridor and into another room, where Sophia and her father were seated on two dinning chairs at the rou
Last Updated: 2023-07-05
Chapter: Chapter Fifty TwoThe room was silent. It had been that way for about three hours. Everyone was present in Bella's living room waiting for Sophia's call. Jeremy has been gone for more than twelve hours and with no where to start, they were earnestly waiting for the kidnapper to call and place their demands."Why won't she call already?" Bella was angry and getting frustrated. She just paced round the living room."I sware, if anything happens to me son, I'll hunt Sophia down" She cursed angrily."Darling, relax" Amor spoke to her from the sofa where she sat. "That woman will not hurt Jeremy since she wants to get Invicta. Maybe she is trying to make a full proof plan before calling. Let's wait for her call""That's what I am waiting for" Bella said and continued pacing."Why don't you sir down?" Amor asked her"I'm okay this way" Bella replied.Time was gradually passing by and Sophia had not still called. Alexander was seriously holding in his anger. A glance at him and one could see his bloody eyes a
Last Updated: 2023-07-05
Chapter: Chapter Fifty OneSophia and her father made the plans for Jeremy's abduction that night before Sophia returned home. According to their plan, they would spend the next day, monitoring every move Bella and her son would make and then the day after, Jeremy would be successfully abducted. This was for them to be very sure before launching any attack and endangering themselves. Sophia said nothing to Alexander after she returned home that night. Alexander also ignored her presence. Things seemed to be drawing to the end. Alexander could see a life without the troubles of Sophia and her father drawing near and Sophia could see the whole of Invicta becoming hers. Two antagonizing plans of which only one can emerge victorious. Alexander held onto the faith that good will always triumph over evil and he strongly believed so.Alexander was thinking, as he laid on the bed. He had not told his parents about what was going on and he knew that he had to tell them. The problem was how to tell them without Sophia's
Last Updated: 2023-07-05
Chapter: Chapter FiftyAmor's men were able to crack the accounts and they sent all the findings to Amor. It was during the weekend get together for the family, with Christine that Amor revealed the findings. The Michaels were in fact, the dangerous drug cartel terrorising the country. That was how they were able to sustain their dead empire. Bella was shocked and immediately forwarded the message to Alexander.*****The Grandes were having dinner when Alexander's phone chimed and he picked up his phone to read the message Bella had sent him. Sophia had her suspicious eyes on him. With the shocked expression that lasted on his face for a split second, Sophia knew that he was up to something. That message definitely had something to do with her. She was sensitive to remove her gaze from Alexander the very moment he wanted to look at her, just after he had finished reading the message. That gesture confirmed her suspicion. Alexander had something against her and she was immediately anxious. The paperwork was
Last Updated: 2023-07-04
Chapter: Chapter Forty NineBella was stunned by what she was hearing. Her mother was plagued with cervical cancer and was near her death. Tears rolled down her eyes. Bella was no longer sure if she still hated her mother or was pained that she was suffering in sickness and would soon die."How?" Bella managed asked."I don't know....I think it's a punishment for my wrongs" Amor said.Bella felt very bad. That moment she dropped all her anger and hatred and stood up to sit beside her mother. She gave her a long hug in tears before releasing her."I forgive you mother" Bella said."Thank you sweetheart" Amor said, touching Bella cheek lovingly.After enjoying that affectionate moment, Bella spoke;"I'm sure there's a way to cure this.....this cancer thing. It's just money and I can borrow money from someone....." She quickly looked at her father, then back to her mother, "We'll take you to India, where I hear that they are good in medicine. You'll be fine mother, you won't die" "Hey!" Amor called softly, "I've t
Last Updated: 2023-07-04
Chapter: Chapter Forty EightAlexander was relaxing in his favourite place, the garden, with some refreshments. The evening was cool and enticing. As he relaxed, he thought of Bella once again, the times they had spent in the garden. It was very beautiful, every moment he had spent with her. He would have her again, he assured himself and took a bite of his snacks.His phone rang and he answered it;"Hey Duke, what do you have for me?" he asked the caller."Nothing much Alex. These accounts you sent me are very very tight. I can't crack them. I've been trying but all seems futile." Duke replied over the phone.That was not the news Alexander wanted to hear."But there's something you can do, definitely" Alexander pleaded"I really need these accounts to be cracked. It's very urgent and very important for me. Surely you must have a way....I.....I'm ready to pay to get it done." Alexander added."Alright Alex. I'll have it sent to a guy I know....and let's see if he can get through it" Duke replied him."Thanks a l
Last Updated: 2023-07-04