Ivy entered the living room; she saw Victor standing by the window, his back to her. He was dressed in his signature black attire, his hair tied in a ponytail, a few strands framing his face. But what caught her attention was the cold, hard expression on his face.Ivy's heart skipped a beat as she approached him, her mind racing with questions. "Victor, where have you been? I've been waiting for you for hours. I was worried sick about you. What happened? Did something go wrong?"Victor didn't respond, his gaze fixed on some point outside the window. Ivy's questions only seemed to annoy him further, his jaw clenched in frustration."Victor, please tell me what's going on. You're scaring me. I thought we had a connection; I thought we understood each other. But now, you're just shutting me out?" Ivy's voice was laced with concern, but Victor didn't seem to care.He turned to face her, his eyes blazing with anger. "What do you want, Ivy? Can't you see I'm busy?" He growled, his voice low
Victor lay down beside Ivy, his eyes fixed on her peaceful face. He maintained a careful distance, his body tense with restraint. Being close to her always tested his control, and he couldn't afford to lose himself again.Victor's gaze drank in the sight of Ivy's sleeping form. He memorized every curve, every feature, and every gentle rise and fall of her chest. He etched her into his mind, a fragile, beautiful thing that he couldn't bear to harm again.His instincts screamed at him to pull her close, to hold her tight, and to never let go. But he resisted, his mind racing with the consequences of giving in. The memory of his slap still lingered, a harsh reminder of his capacity for hurt.Victor's tension slowly eased. He relaxed into the mattress, his breathing slowing to match Ivy's. His eyelids grew heavy, his gaze never leaving hers.In the quiet, dark space, Victor found a strange sense of peace. Ivy's presence had calmed the storm within him and soothed the savage beast that lur
Victor stood at the head of the conference table, his eyes scanning the room filled with high-ranking mafia members. The tension was palpable."Gentlemen, we have a problem," Victor began, his voice low and commanding. "The Smith brothers' alleged attack on our warehouse and Rayder's attempted assassination require resolution."Ethen Smith, flanked by his brothers Julian and Lucas, leaned forward. "We never sent anyone to attack your warehouse or your brother, Victor. We respect the agreement."Victor's gaze narrowed. "Respect? You call attempting to kill my brother respect?"Julian's face reddened. "We didn't send anyone, Victor. This is a setup."Lucas, the calm and collected brother, spoke up. "We've been investigating, Victor. Someone wants us to believe we're behind this. Someone's playing us against each other."Victor's expression remained skeptical. "Convenient denial. We have evidence."He nodded to one of his men, who brought forth the individual who had previously confessed
Victor's eyes widened in shock as Ivy's towel fell to the floor, revealing her naked form. He felt a rush of desire, but he tried to ignore it, looking away and clearing his throat.But Ivy didn't move to cover herself. Instead, she stood there, her eyes fixed on Victor's, a sly smile spreading across her face.Victor's gaze drifted back to hers, his eyes narrowing. He knew she had done it intentionally, trying to provoke him."Ivy, what are you doing?" He asked, his voice tight with restraint.Ivy shrugged, her smile growing wider. "Just getting your attention, Victor."Victor's jaw clenched as he tried to maintain his composure. He knew she was trying to push his buttons, but he wasn't going to give in.But as he looked into her eyes, he saw a spark of challenge there, daring him to react. And despite his best efforts, Victor felt his resolve weakening.Ivy walked towards Victor, her hips swaying seductively, and sat down on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.Victor's eyes
"Fuck!" Victor cursed himself, his eyes locked on his reflection in the mirror. "What the hell is happening to me?"He couldn't believe he was jerking off like a high school teenager, all because of a woman who was 9 years younger than him. And to make matters worse, she was his enemy's sister."I'm the Mafia King," Victor thought, his mind racing with disgust. "I've killed men for less than this. I've taken down empires with ease. But one look at Ivy, and I'm reduced to this?"Victor's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. "I'm 35 years old, for crying out loud! I should be above this. But no, I'm stuck in this endless cycle of desire, all because of her."He thought about his plans, his schemes, and his carefully laid-out strategy to take down the Smiths. But now, it all seemed trivial compared to the overwhelming need he felt for Ivy."What is it about her?" Victor wondered, his mind searching for answers. "Is it her beauty? Her spirit? Her defiance?"He shook his head, his eyes never
Ivy stood outside Liam's apartment, her fingers jabbing repeatedly at the doorbell. She was bursting with excitement, eager to see her brother and discuss the evening's party plans.Liam, caught off guard by the sudden interruption, groggily opened the door. Before he could even register who it was, Ivy pushed past him, sweeping into the apartment.Liam rubbed his eyes, shaking off the remnants of sleep. "Ivy, what the...?"Ivy spun around, her eyes sparkling. "Hey, bro! I'm so excited for tonight!"Liam rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course you are.""Remember that stunning dress you got me from the showroom last time?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.Liam's eyes widened in horror. "Ivy, don't even think about it."But Ivy was undeterred. "Come on, Liam! Get me something just as gorgeous this time. I want to make a statement tonight."Liam hesitated, knowing he was playing with fire. "Ivy, Victor wasn't exactly pleased with that choice. He chewed me out for hours."Ivy's grin tur
She approached her brother; Julian's face lit up with a warm smile. "Ivy! It's so great to see you!"Ivy flung her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Julian, I've missed you so much!"Julian's eyes flicked to Victor, then back to Ivy. "So, sis, what's going on? You're looking... radiant."Ivy laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Just enjoying the party, bro."The party continued, with laughter and music filling the air. Victor, however, was growing increasingly uncomfortable. He was surrounded by Smiths and their friends, all of whom seemed to be enjoying themselves.As he scanned the room, he spotted some of his business partners, who were also friends of the Smiths. He made his way over to them, exchanging pleasantries and discussing deals.But his attention was soon diverted by the arrival of Ethan Smith, the birthday boy. Ivy's eyes lit up as she hugged him, and Victor could sense the genuine affection between them.Ethan made his way through the crowd, and Victor's discomfort grew.
Ivy got up or opened the door to find her brother Lucas standing there, who had come to invite her for dinner—a family dinner. She looked at Victor and shook her head.Lucas didn't say a word; he just turned around and left. Ivy took a deep breath, smoothing out her clothes and fixing herself up. They had to leave now."Shall we go?" Victor asked, his voice low.Ivy nodded, her heart still racing from the earlier moment. She followed Victor out of the room, her mind reeling with thoughts of what had almost happened.They walked downstairs, and Ivy couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. She had been so close to feeling Victor's lips on hers, to experiencing the spark of their connection.But now, the moment was lost, interrupted by Lucas's timely arrival. Ivy wondered what would have happened if they had kissed—if their relationship would have changed forever.But for now, she had to push those thoughts aside and focus on the family dinner ahead. Little did she know, the nig
Five years had passed since Sophie's arrival, bringing unparalleled joy to the Blackwood estate. Ethan, now a seasoned uncle, cherished every moment with his niece.On this sun-kissed afternoon, Ethan tended to his garden, nurturing the blooms that brought serenity to his busy life.As he inspected a particularly vibrant rose bush, a tiny hand wrapped around his leg.Ethan's heart swelled with affection."Sophie!" Ethan exclaimed.He lowered himself to her level, his eyes locking onto hers.Sophie's usually bright face was etched with concern.Ethan's expression softened."Sweetheart, why are you sad?" Ethan asked.Sophie's lower lip trembled."Uncle, all the flowers there have withered," Sophie pointed to a patch of wilted blooms.Ethan's smile reassured her."Baby, they will freshen again when we take good care of them," Ethan promised.Sophie's eyes sparkled with curiosity."Really?"Ethan nodded."Let's water these flowers together."Sophie nodded enthusiastically.Ethan swept Sop
Victor's eyes snapped open, disoriented for a moment before focusing on his wife's frantic face."Ivy? What's wrong, baby?" Victor's voice was laced with concern.Ivy's eyes sparkled with panic."My water just burst!" she exclaimed.Victor's expression transformed from calm to shock."What?! Now?!" Victor's voice rose.Ivy's face contorted in discomfort."Ahhh, oh God...what should I do with this...idiot? Take me to the hospital!" Ivy's words tumbled out.Victor sprang into action, but in his haste, he forgot the most crucial person—Ivy."Yes, let's go!" Victor called over his shoulder.He took a few strides before realizing Ivy wasn't following.He turned to find Ivy glaring at him."Where do you think you're going?" Ivy's voice dripped with sarcasm.Victor's face flushed."Sorry, baby, I'm nervous," he admitted.Ivy's expression softened."Pick me up; I can't walk. They're twins," she shouted.Victor rushed to Ivy's side and scooped her into his arms."I've got you, baby," Victor wh
"Liam, you were like a brother to me," Victor said, his voice low and menacing. "But now, you're nothing but a traitor."Victor's eyes blazed with fury."You used me, manipulated me, and betrayed me," Victor accused. "All for your twisted sense of revenge."Victor took a step closer to Liam."Sophia's death was a tragedy, but using it to justify your treachery is vile," Victor spat. "You've dishonored her memory."Victor's voice dripped with venom."You'll pay for what you've done, Liam," Victor vowed. "You'll suffer for your betrayal."Victor's gaze locked onto Liam's."You're no longer family," Victor declared. "You're no longer human. You're nothing but a monster."Victor's words hung in the air, heavy with malice."Ryder, take him away," Victor ordered, his voice cold. "Lock him up. Throw away the key."Victor turned his back on Liam, dismissing him."You're dead to me, Liam."Victor's eyes never left Liam's retreating figure as Ryder dragged him away.The tension hung like a live
"Don't forget, Victor, Julian betrayed you," Liam whispered. "He colluded with your enemies against you."Victor's gaze never wavered."And Ethan and Lucas tried to kill Elijah," Liam added, fueling Victor's anger.Victor's eyes locked onto Liam, his expression unreadable.The Smith brothers stood frozen, sensing the escalating tension.Liam continued, his words dripping with malice."Adrian and Julian want to destroy you, Victor. They're waiting for the perfect moment to strike."Victor's voice was low, deadly."Adrian, Julian, and you, Liam, want to destroy me," Victor said, his words sending shockwaves.Liam's eyes widened, his face pale.The room fell silent, the air thick with tension.Liam's words hung in the air, like a dagger poised to strike.The Smith brothers exchanged uneasy glances, sensing Victor's wrath.Ethan took a step forward."Victor, what are you talking about?" Ethan asked, caution etched on his face.But Victor's gaze remained fixed on Liam."Liam's words just s
Outside Ivy's hospital room, Lucas, Ethan, and Julian Smith stood clustered together, their faces etched with worry and anger."How could this happen?" Lucas demanded, his voice low and urgent. "She went to meet Victor Blackwood, and now she's lying in there, fighting for her life."Ethan's jaw clenched, his eyes burning with a mix of guilt and frustration."I promised Elizabeth, our stepmom, that I'd protect Ivy, no matter what," Ethan reminded himself, his voice laced with self-reproach. "And now...now I've failed."Julian placed a reassuring hand on Ethan's shoulder."This isn't your fault, Ethan," Julian said firmly. "We don't even know what happened yet."But Ethan couldn't shake the feeling of responsibility."I remember Elizabeth's final words," Ethan said, his voice cracking. "She was lying in the hospital bed after Dad's passing. She grasped my hand, looked me in the eye, and said, 'Protect Ivy at any cost, Ethan. Keep her safe, no matter what.'"Ethan's eyes welled up with t
Liam's voice dripped with malice as he spoke to Victor in the hospital hallway, outside Elijah's room."You're just sitting idle while the Smiths continue to hurt your family, Victor. How can you not take action?" Liam goaded.Victor's expression remained stoic, but Liam's words struck a nerve."You're worried about Ivy, aren't you?" Liam sneered. "She's a Smith, Victor. She'll always choose her family over you."Victor's mind flashed back to Ivy's words: "I trust my brother Julian, not you." The memory stung.Liam's voice cut through Victor's thoughts."Remember Sophia? Ethan's recklessness led to her death in the Xandros attack. Now, because of the Smiths, another Blackwood is fighting for his life," Liam spat, referring to Elijah.Liam's eyes bored into Victor's."You once sought revenge against Ethan, even targeting Ivy. But now, a girl has changed you, made you forget your family and your vendetta."Just then, Victor's gaze fell upon Ivy, standing frozen in the hallway, her eyes
Jane's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, met Victor's as he entered the dimly lit hospital room."Victor," she whispered, her voice cracking.Victor's face twisted in anguish as he rushed to her side."Jane, my dear, I'm so sorry," he murmured, embracing her tightly.Elijah lay motionless in the bed, machines beeping around him."How is he?" Victor asked, his voice low and urgent.Jane's gaze drifted back to her husband."The doctors say...he'll live," she stammered.Victor's jaw clenched."But at what cost?" he muttered.Jane's eyes overflowed."They did this to him, Victor. Ivy's brothers."Victor's face darkened."I know, Jane. And they'll pay for it."Jane's grip on Victor's arm tightened."Don't do anything rash, Victor. Please."Victor's gaze softened."For you, Jane, I'll restrain myself. But I won't let this go unpunished."Jane's voice trembled."What about Ivy? Does she know?"Victor's expression turned cold."I don't know. But she'll soon learn the truth."Jane's eyes filled wi
Victor's thoughts shifted to Jane, Elijah's pregnant wife.Where was she?Liam's quiet voice answered his unspoken question."Sir, Jane went to her parents' house for a visit. She's not aware of Elijah's condition."Victor's anxiety spiked.How would he face her?Tell her that her husband, the father of her unborn child, lay broken and battered?The weight of responsibility crushed him.He should have protected Elijah better.Now he had to confront Jane's tears, her fears, and her anger.Victor's gut twisted into knots.He couldn't bear the thought of shattering her happiness."Elijah's going to be okay," Victor whispered to himself.He had to believe it.For Jane's sake.For the sake of their unborn child.Liam's gentle voice broke the silence."Sir, shall I arrange for Jane to be brought here?"Victor nodded, his throat constricting."Yes. Prepare the jet. Bring her back safely."Liam nodded and slipped out of the room.Victor's eyes lingered on Elijah's fragile form.He vowed silen
Victor's face twisted in rage as Ivy stood firm."You're still defending them after everything I've done for you?" Victor spat.Ivy's voice trembled."I'm not defending anyone, Victor. I just want peace between our families."Victor's laughter was cold."Peace? Your family doesn't know the meaning of the word."With a sudden burst of fury, Victor slammed his fist onto the nearby table, sending ornaments shattering to the floor.Ivy flinched."Victor, stop!"But Victor's anger was unstoppable."You're just like them—blind to reason, driven by hatred," he snarled.He swept his arm across the table, sending more objects crashing to the ground.Ivy's tears welled up."Victor, please..."But Victor stormed out of the room, leaving Ivy shaken.She collapsed onto the couch, tears streaming down her face.How had things escalated so quickly?She worried about her brothers, Ethan and Lucas, and their involvement in the family feud.Were they safe?Did they know about Victor's growing anger?Iv