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
In the dimly lit meeting room, three brothers, Ethan, Lucas, and Julian, waited with bated breath for their rival, Victor Blackwood, the leader of the infamous Blackwood mafia family. Ethan's patience was wearing thin, his anger simmering just below the surface."He should have been here by now," Ethan growled, his voice low and menacing. "What does that bastard think of himself? Will we wait for him all day?"Lucas placed a calming hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Calm down, brother. Victor knows the importance of this meeting."Julian nodded in agreement. "He wouldn't dare miss it."Just then, the door swung open and Victor Blackwood strode in, his eyes locked on Ethan with a hint of amusement. The air was electric with tension as the two enemies faced off.Ethan's jaw clenched, his teeth gritted in frustration. "You're late, Blackwood."Victor smirked, taking his seat. "I can do what I want, Ethan. You know that."The mediator, Mr. Jenkins, cleared his throat, his voice stern. "Gentlemen
They entered the grand mansion, Ivy's face lit up with joy, and she sprinted towards Lucas, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Brother, oh my God, where the hell have you been? I've been waiting for you for so long!"Lucas chuckled, hugging her back warmly, while Julian smiled, happy to see his sister so carefree. However, Ethan's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "Behave and watch your language, Ivy. This isn't Eldrida, and we didn't send you to study abroad in Valtoria just to pick up their habits. Remember your roots."Ivy's bright smile faltered and her face paled, as if Ethan's words had sucked the happiness out of her. "Sorry, brother," she mumbled, her eyes downcast.Ethan's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained firm. "In my office, now. There's something important to discuss." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ivy looking crestfallen.Julian stepped forward, his voice gentle. "Baby, don't be sad. He's happy you're home; he just w
The next morning, the Smith brothers—Ethan, Lucas, and Julian—gathered around the dining table, enjoying their breakfast. Ivy, however, was absent, busy getting ready to go out. Ethan, noticing her absence, asked, "Where are you going?"Ivy appeared at the doorway, her hair styled and makeup applied. "To meet my friends," she replied, her voice cheerful.Ethan's expression turned stern. "No need; you won't go anywhere."Ivy's face fell, but she pleaded, "Brother, let me live freely for at least a few days. I promise I'll be careful."Lucas, seated at the head of the table, intervened, "Ok, go, Ivy."Ivy's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, brother!"Ethan scowled, his voice firm. "It's not safe for her to go alone."Lucas countered, "She's Victor Blackwood's future wife; do you think she'll be alone? She'll have his protection. Besides, Ivy needs some freedom. We, the Smith brothers, can't keep her locked up forever."Ivy smiled, relieved, and turned to leave. Ethan's voice stopp
The dinner table fell silent as the door swung open, and a tall, imposing figure strode in, carrying several sleek black boxes. Victor's most trusted associate, Liam, flashed a charming smile, his eyes gleaming with excitement."Good evening, everyone," Liam announced, his deep voice commanding attention. "Mr. Blackwood has sent a selection of rings for the future Mrs. Blackwood to choose from."Ethan's brow furrowed, his voice laced with disapproval. "What's the meaning of this?"Liam's smile never wavered. "Mr. Blackwood wishes for Ivy to select her engagement ring, a symbol of their commitment."Julian snorted, his disgust evident. "How romantic, a ring chosen by the groom, how quaint."Lucas shot Julian a warning glance, but Ivy's voice cut through the tension, firm and resolute."Take it all back; I don't want any of it."Liam's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "But, Ivy, you haven't even seen the rings."Ivy's response was icy. "I won't wear a ring c
The car pulled up to the house, Liam stepped forward to open the door for Ivy. She didn't wait for him to finish, pushing the door open herself and stepping out onto the pavement. Her eyes were fixed on the front door, her movements swift and decisive.Victor watched her go, his eyes narrowing in frustration. He had expected some spark of defiance, some hint of fear. But Ivy's indifference was a slap in the face.As he sat there, his eyes locked on the front door, he sensed a presence above. He looked up to see Ethan standing on the balcony, his eyes fixed intently on Victor.Victor's smile spread slowly across his face. He knew Ethan was trying to intimidate him, to make him back down. But Victor wasn't afraid. He was never afraid.He stared back at Ethan, his eyes glinting with amusement. He could see the tension in Ethan's shoulders, the tightness in his jaw. Victor's smirk grew wider.For a moment, the two men locked eyes, the air thick with tension. Then Victor broke the spell, h
The function drew to a close. Victor's voice cut through the din of conversation, his words dripping with an air of possessiveness. "So now that Ivy has become half 'Blackwood', her safety is my responsibility."Julian's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "What do you want to say, Victor?"Victor's smile was smooth and calculated. "Ivy will stay with me from now on."Julian's laughter was incredulous. "What nonsense? She won't live with you; you're not married yet."Victor's eyes glinted with amusement. "Yes, but if not today, then it will happen soon. And I don't trust Smith's securities, so..."Julian's face twisted in rage, his fists clenched at his sides. He took a step forward, but Ethan's hand shot out, grasping his arm."Let her go, Julian," Ethan warned, his voice low and urgent.But Julian shook him off, his eyes blazing with fury. "What the f*vk you, Victor?"Ethan's grip tightened, holding Julian back. "She will go," he said, his voice firm.Julian's face co
Julian's face twisted in anguish as he pleaded with his brothers. "We shouldn't send Ivy there; she's not married yet. It's not right."Lucas's expression turned stern, his voice firm. "That's why we are sending Ivy there. Do you think we don't care about our only sister? I had promised our dying mother that I would take care of her more like a father than a brother. We care about her more than you, Julian."Ethan's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in determination. "Just one mistake from Victor, and it won't take me even a moment to kill him. We agree to let Ivy go there so that we can bring her back forever. Victor is a short-tempered man; surely our little devil will let his temper get high easily."Lucas nodded in agreement. "If he touches our sister even a little bit, we will not let him go easily. It is clearly stated in the agreement that if our sister gets even slightly hurt, then the agreement ends there."Julian's eyes widened in horror. "So you want Victor to hurt Ivy?"
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