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
Xandros's eyes roamed over Ivy, making Ethan and his brothers glare at him with anger. But Ethan kept his calm, knowing that if anything happened, Victor wouldn't hesitate to take down Xandros.Ethan was aware of Victor's fierce protectiveness towards Ivy. No one knew the extent of Victor's feelings for her, but everyone knew he'd stop at nothing to keep her safe.Xandros, the sworn enemy of both the Smith and Blackwood families, smiled warmly. "What do you want, Xandros?" Ethan asked, his voice laced with caution."I'm here to put the past behind us and start over," Xandros said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm just here to wish you a you a happy birthday and maybe forge new friendships."Xandros's gaze shifted to Ivy, and he took a step closer. "Ivy Elizabeth Smith, that's your name, isn't it?" He asked, his voice dripping with familiarity."Yes," Ivy replied, her brow furrowed in confusion."I'm Xandros Volter," he introduced himself, extending his hand. "I have... history w
Victor and Ivy sat silently in the car, the tension palpable. Ivy knew Victor was still fuming, and she needed to defuse his anger.As they drove, Ivy's gaze wandered to the roadside, and her eyes landed on an ice cream truck. Inspiration struck."Victor, please stop the car," Ivy said, her voice soft.Victor turned to her, his expression incredulous. "What's wrong?""I need ice cream," Ivy replied, her voice firm.Victor raised an eyebrow. "You want ice cream? Now?"Ivy nodded, her jaw set. "Yes. I want ice cream."Victor rolled his eyes. "Ivy, this isn't the time."But Ivy wouldn't budge. "I want ice cream, Victor."Victor sighed and called out to Liam, "Hey, Liam! Get her an ice cream."Liam approached the car, curious. "What flavor, miss?"Ivy's face lit up. "Vanilla chocolate chip with strawberry and chocolate syrup, and blueberry toppings."Liam and Victor exchanged stunned glances."Seriously?" Liam asked, raising an eyebrow.Ivy nodded. "It's my favorite since childhood."Liam
They remained locked in the passionate kiss, their lips inseparable, until the need for oxygen finally tore them apart.Breathless, Victor and Ivy separated, their chests heaving as they gasped for air.Their eyes locked, the intensity of their desire still burning bright.Victor's hands cradled Ivy's face, his thumbs tracking her swollen lips. Ivy's fingers intertwined with Victor's, her eyes never leaving his.They remained entwined, their lips locked in a passionate kiss, until the need for oxygen finally forced them apart.Victor and Ivy broke apart, gasping for air, their chests heaving with exertion.Their eyes locked, the intensity of their desire still burning bright.Ivy's fingers trembled as she removed Victor's coat, letting it slide onto the backseat.Her hands then drifted to his black shirt, undoing the buttons one by one.As the shirt parted, Ivy's gaze feasted on Victor's muscular body. Her hands caressed his bare chest, tracing the contours of his sculpted physique.V
Victor's thoughts drifted to Xandros Volter, a name synonymous with ruthless ambition. The Volter family had long been sworn enemies of the Blackwoods, their animosity simmering like an open wound.However, Victor knew this feud wasn't as ancient as it seemed. If events had unfolded as his grandfather had desired, the landscape would be vastly different today.Xandros had surpassed his father's cruelty, his tactics merciless and calculating. Victor's mind raced with suspicion—could Xandros be the mastermind behind the warehouse attack and the assault on Ryder? Had he manipulated Smith into taking the fall?How had no one considered Xandros's involvement earlier? The more Victor pondered, the more convinced he became.With a sense of urgency, Victor dialed Elijah's number. "Set up a meeting with Smith," he instructed. "My penthouse office, tomorrow night."Elijah's voice was laced with curiosity. "Any specific reason for the penthouse, Victor?""Security," Victor replied. "It's the saf
Ethan's expression turned grave. "We must remain vigilant. Xandros is unpredictable and will stop at nothing. His sights are set on Ivy."Victor's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched. "You think I'm unaware of Xandros's obsession?"His tone dripped with venom. "I'll ensure Ivy's safety, no matter the cost."Ethan's words had ignited a fire within Victor, his possessiveness surging."I'll show Xandros what it means to cross me," Victor hissed, his gaze burning with intensity.Ethan's eyes widened, sensing the darkness unfolding before him."Victor, calm down," Ethan cautioned. "We can't let emotions cloud our judgment."But Victor's fury was unstoppable."Xandros thinks he can touch what's mine?" Victor's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "I'll destroy him."Ivy's hand, still hidden inside Victor's pants, stilled, sensing the dangerous shift in his demeanor.The air was electric with tension as Victor's anger simmered, ready to unleash a storm upon Xandros.Ethan's concern deepened. "Vi
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