The car glided through the night, Victor's skilled hands navigated the winding roads, leading them back to the penthouse. Ivy's gaze drifted out the window, her mind replaying the magical moments in the rose garden.But soon, her attention shifted to the man beside her. Victor's profile, illuminated by the dashboard lights, seemed chiseled from granite. Ivy's heart skipped a beat as she recalled his heartfelt confession.With a mischievous grin, Ivy leaned in, her voice husky."Mr. Blackwood, you're quite the romantic," she teased.Victor's eyes never left the road, but a hint of a smile played on his lips."And you're quite the temptress, Miss Ivy," he retorted.Ivy's laughter filled the car, her eyes sparkling."You're quite the romantic, Mr. Blackwood," she whispered, her eyes sparkling.Victor's gaze remained on the road, but a hint of a smile played on his lips.As they approached the penthouse, Ivy's boldness grew. She reached out, her slender fingers tracing the contours of Vic
Victor hovered Ivy, his eyes burning with desire. He claimed her lips in a searing kiss, his mouth ravaging hers.As he broke away, Ivy's gasps filled the air. Victor's lips trailed down her neck, leaving a trail of kisses that ignited her skin.He treated her body like a canvas, himself the artist. Every kiss, every touch, and every suckle was a deliberate stroke.Victor's mouth left a path of hickeys across her skin, marking her as his own. Ivy's moans grew louder, her body arching into his touch.His lips danced across her collarbone, down to the swell of her breasts. Ivy's fingers tangled in his hair, holding him close.Victor's hands roamed her body, shaping her curves and claiming every inch. His touch left her breathless, her senses reeling.As he explored her body, Ivy felt herself becoming a masterpiece, crafted by Victor's skilled hands."Mine," Victor whispered, his lips grazing her skin.Ivy's response was a whispered "yes," her heart belonging to him entirely.In that mom
Ivy's eyes fluttered open, morning light streaming through the window. She felt warmth envelop her, Victor's strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her close.Soft kisses grazed her shoulder, sending shivers down her spine. Victor's chest pressed against her back, his steady heartbeat a soothing rhythm.His hand caressed her stomach, gentle strokes that ignited a flutter within. Ivy's breath caught, her senses awakening."Good morning," Victor whispered, his breath tickling her ear.Ivy smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Morning."Victor's hold tightened, his lips tracing the curve of her neck. Ivy's eyes closed, basking in the tender touch.Their bodies swayed, a gentle rock, as if still dancing to the rhythm of their love. The morning light cast a golden glow, illuminating their peaceful haven."Sleep well?" Victor asked, his voice filled with warmth.Ivy nodded, her hair brushing against his chin. "You?""Best sleep of my life," Victor replied, his hand drifting to her hip
"Julian Smith."Victor's eyes widened in shock. Julian, Ivy's brother? His soon-to-be brother-in-law?No, it couldn't be. Julian had sworn loyalty, and Victor had trusted him.But the evidence...Victor's mind reeled. Was Julian playing him? Using his connection to Ivy?He couldn't bear the thought."Elijah, Ryder, get here now," Victor ordered, his voice cold.This changed everything.Victor's phone buzzed again."Ivy?" Victor answered, his voice cautious."Hey, love. What's wrong?" Ivy asked, sensing his tension."Nothing, just business," Victor lied, his heart heavy.How could he tell Ivy that her brother might be betraying him?The truth would shatter her.And what if Julian was innocent?Victor needed answers."Arrange a meeting with Smiths now," Victor ordered Liam.This was about to get complicated.*******************************************"Ethan, Julian, and Lucas will be here within the hour," Liam reported.Victor nodded, his mind racing.How would Ivy's brothers react to
Victor's arms enveloped Ivy, pulling her close as the door closed behind the Smith brothers. The sound of their departure faded into the silence, leaving only the soft hum of the city outside.Ivy's eyes searched his, her gaze piercing the mask he wore. Her fingers traced the lines of his face, seeking the truth beneath."What happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her breath danced across his skin, sending shivers down his spine.The tension lingered, palpable in the air. Victor's expression smoothed, his features rearranging into a calm facade."Nothing, baby," he lied, his voice gentle. His lips curved into a reassuring smile.But Ivy's eyes narrowed, sensing the evasion. Her gaze probed deeper, seeking the secrets he kept."Don't hide things from me, Victor," she said, her voice laced with concern. Her hands slid up his chest, her fingers tracing the contours of his face.Victor's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze burning. His pupils dilated, drinking in the depth o
Liam pulled up to Ivy's building, the city lights casting a golden glow on the sleek glass facade. The silence between them was thick and heavy, like a fog that refused to lift.Ivy didn't speak until she stepped out of the car, the cool night air enveloping her like a shroud. She gazed up at the building, her eyes tracing the curves of the architecture."Thanks, Liam," Ivy said, her voice barely above a whisper. Her words hung in the air like mist.Liam nodded, his expression neutral, his eyes reflected in the rearview mirror. The dim lighting accentuated the sharp angles of his face.Ivy hesitated, her hand on the door handle, her fingers drumming a slow rhythm."Liam?" Ivy called out, her voice laced with concern. Her eyes locked onto Liam's, searching for answers."Yes?" Liam replied, his voice low and even his gaze meeting hers."What's Victor hiding?" Ivy asked, her voice firm, her words tumbling out like a river.Liam's expression didn't falter, his mask intact. "Nothing, Ivy,"
Ethan's expression was grim as he paced the mansion's expansive living room, his footsteps echoing off the marble floor. Julian and Lucas sat on the plush couch, their faces etched with concern."Julian, tell me the truth," Ethan said, stopping in front of him, his voice firm but controlled. "Are you betraying Victor?"Julian's eyes darted around the room, lingering on the crystal chandelier before settling on Ethan's intense gaze. "I don't know what you're talking about."Lucas leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "We know about the suspicious meetings, Julian. The ones you've been having with Victor's business rivals. What's going on?"Julian's face remained neutral, but a faint flush crept up his neck. "Just business meetings, Lucas. Nothing to worry about."Ethan's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. "Julian, we're your brothers. We know you. Something's off."Julian shrugged, attempting nonchalance. "You're just being paranoid, Ethan."Lucas stood up, his tall
The morning after their explosive argument, Ivy remained locked away in her room, unable to face Victor. The weight of his anger still lingered, her heart heavy with hurt.Downstairs, Victor paced the penthouse, his regret growing with each passing hour. He knew he'd lashed out unfairly, his demons using Ivy as a scapegoat.As the day dragged on, Victor's anxiety intensified. He waited, hoping Ivy would emerge from her self-imposed exile, giving him a chance to apologize.He knew he'd hurt her, unjustly taking out his frustrations on the one person who loved him unconditionally. Ivy was innocent, her only crime being her love for him.Victor's thoughts swirled with self-reproach. Why had he yelled at her? Why had he pushed her away?The hours ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity. Victor's eyes remained fixed on the staircase, willing Ivy to appear.But the door remained shut, a physical barrier between them.As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the penthouse, 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