When Lola heard these words from her husband, she stared at him with incredulity before she broke out into laughter. “You? Help me? You’re joking, right?”Alexander shook his head with a soft smile still on his face. He was aware that Lola was openly mocking him but he played the fool still. “Of course, I believe I can help you with any problem that you have at work.” He stood in front of the woman, which made them pause their walk. “Lola, I’ve been meaning to have this conversation with you for a while now. I wonder why you barely let me in on all your struggles at work. You might be surprised by how much help I can provide.”Lola covered her mouth as she let out a ‘pfft’. “How am I supposed to believe you, Alexander? You didn’t even make the cut when you applied for an office job at the company. Your performance must have been so bad that they could only offer you the post of a gatekeeper. Plus, you only got that job because you are married to me.”Alexander sighed as he gently patt
Everyone watched as every single piece of clothes on the aisle was packed up by the boutique’s staff members. Once everything was settled, all the pairs of eyes turned to Alexander.“Well, the clothes have been packed for you.” The middle-aged man raised a skeptical eyebrow at Alexander. “It’s time for you to pay.”Alexander sneered before digging into his jacket pocket only for his hand to touch a space. His smile dropped in place of a confused expression as he turned to his jeans pocket only to find that his card was missing. That was when he recalled that he had left his premium black card at home. He had been so excited to spoil Kelsey for the day that he had actually forgotten to take the one thing he needed."What's the matter, you low-life scum?!" The middle-aged woman glared hatefully at Alexander. "The staff is waiting for you to pay." There was a moment of silence as everyone waited for Alexander to say something. On getting nothing but silence from him, the middle-aged woma
Alexander wanted Theo Good to hear him as he was making the call. This retired archeologist had decided to cheat him out of the goods he had bought fair and square. He didn’t care that the classy-dressed customer wanted to pay $100,000 for it. The fact still remained that it was now rightfully his.Theo Good scoffed. “What exactly is this? Do you think you can call over your pals to come cosplay as some big shot to scare me? Fine, bring it on, young man! I’ll wait and see what show you can afford to entertain me with today. Just know that you are still going to end up in prison; I promise to make that your reality.”Alexander simply smiled at this old man. This was the reason why he wanted his wife and daughter out of the shop. The person he had called just now was Alan Butch – one of the three big bosses of the underground world in this city.There were three underground kings who ruled together, maintaining and controlling the channels that had been established to do all sorts of bu
The three big bosses of the underground world were currently bowing before Alexander, and the few customers in the antique shop couldn’t believe it.Alexander took a good look at the three big bosses before nodding his head in approval. “You weren’t late, so don’t worry about it. Get up.”“Yes, Sir Alexander!” The three men chorused before rising to their feet. Alan took a step forward. “Boss Alexander, please, tell us why you’ve called us here.”Theo Good was still shaken by the fact that he had just witnessed the three most fearsome men he knew bowing down to the man he had threatened. Fear gripped him to the point where he was sweating profusely as Alexander informed the big bosses what had happened between him and Theo Good.The classy-looking customer had slowly taken a few steps back, making sure that he wasn’t mistaken as an affiliate of the antique shop owner.Once Alexander had explained everything to the big bosses, the three men turned around to glare heatedly at the older
Lesley’s eyes suddenly widened and she grabbed Lucas’s arm lovingly. “It has to be Alexander and his father’s doing! There’s no one else as capable as them! After all, he did help my mom to bag her contract with Eckre Empire Headquarters as well!”Alexander Cross could only shake his head in astonishment as he waited to hear Lucas’s reply to this.Lucas Jerald was a little bit nervous as he glanced down at his girlfriend before shifting his gaze to the people around him. He knew very well that the contract that Eckre Empire Headquarters had granted Bygone Corporation through Fiona Blaine was not his father’s doing, and yet, he had swiftly claimed a glory that was not his on purpose.Now that his girlfriend and her family were asking him once again, he wouldn’t dare come clean now; it would be far too humiliating.Therefore, Lucas smiled as he stood up straight and nodded at the small audience. “It wasn’t really a big deal. My father’s influence in the business world is quite profound.
“Put away that phone. Do not call the police, got it?” Fisher McCall spoke sternly to the head of security. “As for these two, I’ll resolve the issue. They’re coming with me.”The head of security could only give in with a nod of approval. This was his superior after all. Fisher led Alexander and the finance personnel out of the security sector and they took the elevator up to the floor where the company manager’s office is located. Once they were gone, the head of security suddenly had a look of anger on his face. “Damn it! We almost got him.” He then retrieved his phone and dialed a number. “Sir, I’m calling to give you feedback on that operation.”The person at the end of the call was Edmund Porsche. “Talk to me, Head Security. Have you arrested that bastard, Alexander?” He laughed with a dark tone in his voice. He was alone in his office, sitting behind his desk with a sinister expression on his face. “I can’t wait to see him in jail.”The head of security couldn’t help but scra
The tall and muscular man turned to see who had just called me. “Alexander?! Alexander Cross is that you?!” His confused face morphed into a bright smile before he rushed over.Alexander laughed out as he also rushed to meet the man with a solid hug. He tapped the man’s back. “It’s been a while bro! I didn’t expect to see you here at all. What are you doing here?!”They ended the hug and they looked at each other to make sure they were physically alright. Both men are about the same height, but Eden Raven is a bit more muscular than Alexander.“Look at you, Alexander! You’re looking sharp! Damn, this suit looks expensive!” Eden Raven smiled brightly as he recalled his friend’s earlier question. “I came here to deliver a signed contract with another company.”“Nah, don’t bother about this.” Alexander waved off the compliment about his suit. “Are you leaving right now?” He got a nod from his friend. “Awesome! I was on my way out as well. Let’s catch up.”The two then walked out of the g
Alexander led Eden to the restaurant and Eden was shocked when he saw that the establishment was a very expensive one.“Dude, are you sure about this place?” Eden looked at Alexander with slight worry. “I’m not sure if I can afford it.”Alexander smirked at his old friend. “That’s okay; just leave it to me.”It was then that a man approached them. “Oh my goodness! It looks like neither of you guys have aged a day;”Eden and Alexander turned their gazes to find a slightly shorter and pudgy man heading toward them. “Guys, it’s me, Bruce Daniels!”“We know!” Eden and Alexander chuckled as they shook their heads.The three men came together and exchanged hugs and pleasantries.Bruce looked at the restaurant. “Woah, Alexander! This is where you want us to have dinner? I’m sorry, my guy, but I’m not sure I can afford even the cheapest meal here.Alexander clapped each hand on Bruce and Eden’s backs. “You guys shouldn’t worry about this. Let’s just go in and have an amazing night already.”E
The cryptic phone call hung in the air, a chilling premonition of the storm to come. Jenifer knew Marcus Lee was closing in, and the threat to expose her secret – the truth about the body swap – felt like a loaded gun pointed directly at her heart.The days that followed were filled with a gnawing anxiety. She found herself constantly looking over her shoulder, scrutinizing every interaction, every phone call, every email. The trust she had carefully cultivated felt fragile, threatened by the impending exposure.One evening, while working late in her office, Jenifer received an unexpected visitor: James Beckett. He stood in the doorway, his face a mask of barely controlled rage.“James,” Jenifer said, her voice tight. “What are you doing here?”“I know,” he said, his voice low and menacing. “I know everything.”Jenifer’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you talking about?” she asked, feigning ignorance.“Don’t play coy with me, Isabella,” James snarled. “Or should I say… Jenifer Carlso
The prison walls might have confined Marcus Lee’s physical form, but they couldn’t contain his vengeful spirit. Even from behind bars, he orchestrated a campaign of economic sabotage, a scorched-earth policy aimed at crippling both the Beckett and Romano empires.The first strike hit Beckett Enterprises. A series of damaging leaks, revealing confidential product designs and strategic plans, surfaced online. The company’s stock plummeted, and competitors pounced, eager to exploit the vulnerability.“What the hell is going on?” Emily Beckett, now at the helm of her family’s company, shouted into the phone. Her voice was tight with panic. “Our stock is in freefall! We’re hemorrhaging money!”Jenifer, on the other end of the line, tried to remain calm. “We’re looking into it, Emily. It looks like a coordinated attack. Someone leaked sensitive information.”“Coordinated? Who would do this?” Emily demanded. “We’ve got enemies, sure, but nothing like this. This is… calculated. Surgical.”“We
The Romano Tower hummed with activity, but beneath the polished veneer, a silent war was brewing. James Beckett, fueled by ambition and resentment, had launched his attack.Jenifer, still struggling to navigate the complexities of corporate life, found herself increasingly drawn into the conflict. The board meetings were no longer just confusing; they were tense, filled with veiled threats and subtle power plays."Something's not right," she said to Alexander one evening, pacing in front of the panoramic windows. The city lights seemed to mock her unease.Alexander, engrossed in a stack of documents, barely looked up. "What do you mean?""The numbers," Jenifer said, gesturing vaguely. "They don't add up. There are discrepancies, inconsistencies. It's like someone's deliberately trying to sabotage the company."Alexander finally looked up, his eyes narrowed. "Sabotage? By whom?""I don't know," Jenifer admitted. "But I have a feeling it's connected to your father's death. Someone wants
The board meeting had been a blur of jargon and power plays, leaving Jenifer feeling more lost than ever. Back in the penthouse, the city lights twinkled, mocking her confusion. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong with Charles Romano’s death. The official story – a sudden heart attack – felt too neat, too convenient.“You’re quiet,” Alexander said, entering the living room. He carried a glass of amber liquid, the same one he always seemed to have in his hand after a long day.“Just… processing,” Jenifer replied, staring out the window. “That board meeting was like another language.”“You’ll learn,” Alexander said, taking a sip of his drink. “Or you can just look pretty and nod. Works either way.”Jenifer shot him a look. “I’d rather learn. But I’m also trying to figure out what happened to your father.”Alexander’s expression darkened. “The police are handling it.”“Are they?” Jenifer turned to face him. “Or are they just accepting the easy answer? A sudden
The penthouse suite at the Romano Tower was less a home and more a gilded cage. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking panorama of New York City, but Jenifer, trapped within Isabella’s body, felt more like a display piece than a resident.She stood awkwardly amidst the minimalist décor, a stark contrast to the cozy, cluttered apartment she'd once shared with Kain. The silence was deafening, broken only by the distant hum of the city below.Alexander entered, loosening his tie. “You seem… lost.”Jenifer bristled. “Lost? I’m standing in the middle of a room the size of my old apartment. How could I be lost?”He raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “A figure of speech, Isabella. Are you settling in?”“Settling in? I have a walk-in closet bigger than my first job. What do you think?” She crossed her arms, the silk of her borrowed dress feeling foreign against her skin.“I take it that’s a no.” Alexander walked towards the bar, pouring himself a drink. "Y
THIRD PERSON'S P.O.V.The limousine rolled through the streets of North Central New York, one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Sterling and James are on their way to the "la fonte" hotel. This was the location where Sterling and James were told to meet Ferdinand the assassin. Sterling had contacted Ross Robert, one of the best contractors in the underworld, to help him get in contact with Ferdinand.The plan was simple; they would hire Ferdinand Giucerro, aka kill shot, to carry out the assassination of Vincenzo at the most public event the Romano family holds, the October 10th ball. Sterling aims to end Vincenzo publicly, therefore eliminating any possible trace of his death to either him or James. Since they will both be present at the ball as well.Sterling settled back into the plush leather seat of the limousine, his expression pensive as James shifted beside him. "So, partner," James began, his brow furrowed in thought, "you mentioned this 'Kill Shot' guy – t
"Veronica responded cautiously, indicating a possibility." Both individuals must participate in the ritual by being present, holding the necklace's two halves, and reciting a particular incantation. "Do you have the incantation?" Jennifer asked eagerly.Veronica nodded, pointing to the diary. "It's written here," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "But there's a warning. The ritual is powerful, and if performed incorrectly, it could have... unforeseen consequences.""What kind of consequences?" Jennifer asked, a shiver running down her spine."The diary doesn't specify," Veronica admitted, her voice grim. "But it emphasizes the importance of precision and understanding the full implications of the ritual.""We need to find Isabella," Jennifer said, her voice determined. "We need to try this.""I agree," Veronica said, her eyes filled with resolve. "But we need to be careful, Jennifer. We don't know what we're dealing with. This magic...
Final Act: Present Day The gala gleamed with luxury. Chandeliers emit a warm golden glow throughout the room, reflecting off the crystal goblets and shiny marble floors. It was a festivity of victory, not only for Ashlyn Bennett but for a legacy revived. The tables were filled with the elite of the business world. Conversations hummed with curiosity, admiration, and whispers of awe over the events of the International Business Summit. The Ashlyn Bennett Foundation’s launch was the talk of the night, and at the center of it all stood Ashlyn herself, poised but undeniably powerful.Richard Knight rested against the bar's edge, swirling his drink. His gaze remained fixed on Ashlyn, who was engaged in a conversation with a distinguished man dressed in a pinstriped suit. “She’s something, isn’t she?” Steven White remarked, sidling up beside him. His voice carried a mix of pride and regret. Richard smirked. “Something? She’s everything. Hard to believe she pulled all of this off in one l
Veronica sat opposite Isabella, a serious expression on her face. "So," she began, her voice low. "Tell me everything."Isabella hesitated, her fingers nervously tracing the outline of the Gemini Heart pendant resting against her chest. "It's... complicated," she began, her voice hesitant."I've dealt with complicated things before," Veronica replied, her eyes steady. "Try me."Isabella took a deep breath. "My name isn't Isabella," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's Jennifer. Jennifer Clarke."Veronica raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "Jennifer?" she echoed. "But... you look exactly like Isabella.""That's because... we switched bodies," Jennifer explained, her voice trembling slightly. "Our souls... they swapped."Veronica stared at her, a mixture of disbelief and curiosity in her eyes. "Switched bodies?" she repeated. "How is that even possible?""It's the necklace," Jennifer said, touching the Gemini Heart. "It happened wh