Brielle's POV I attempt to deflect, my words tumbling out in a sarcastic rush. "Oh, great. Because what I really need right now is you stripping down in front of me. That's exactly what'll help me focus on finding Ivy." I force a dry tone, trying to conceal the flutter in my chest. I cross my arms, adopting a defensive stance, and meet his gaze with a challenge. "This isn't helping, Andrei. We need to focus." “Liam's got his issues, but harming Ivy isn't on his radar. Trust me, I've known him long enough. The police will track her down, they're working around the clock. And if it turns out Ivy's playing both sides with Liam, she's out. They'll both be singing to the cops.” I gasp. What? No way. Andrei can't be serious. He cocks his head to the side, a wicked smile spreading across his face. “Trust me, I've done this rodeo before. I protect my business at all costs.” Ivy's in trouble… again. And honestly, I'm not surprised. She's never exactly been the poster child for selfl
Brielle's POV The tub is a sight to behold, all sleek and designer, with dancing lights and a fancy rain shower head. Andrei leans over the tub, filling it up, and then he's adding some expensive looking bath oil. The bath fills, and the oil erupts into a fluffy, pink-hued foam, releasing the juicy scent of ripe strawberries and blueberries. I hover in the doorway, my arms wrapped around myself, wary eyes scanning the scene before stepping forward, my eyes lingering on Andrei's physique, admiring him. Oh no, I'm staring. Stop staring. Why can't I stop? He's just so… put together. Unlike me, a hot mess. I take Andrei's hand, our fingers intertwining, and he pulls me in. It's electrifying, the charge between us almost tangible. My senses are on high alert, my heart racing as his hands slide down to the tie of my robe. With a gentle tug, he undoes the knot. “Release that lip, Brielle. I want to be the one biting it.” I release my lip, but my tongue darts out, moistening
Brielle's POV. I leap from the bath tub, water sloshing all over the place. Seriously, how did my mom manage to find the Carter estate? That woman's got some crazy tracking skills. Panic sets in as I scan the bathroom, unsure what I'm searching for. I spot the towel rack and react on instinct, snatching a towel and hastily wrapping it around my dripping body. Andrei's just sitting there, in bathtub, looking at me with that “what the hell's going on” expression on his face. Well, that's not gonna cut it, is it? We're in deep trouble here, and all he can do is stare at me like I'm speaking gibberish or something. The voices, muffled but still clear, continue to seep through the bathroom door and I know, I just know, that Mom's in there, arguing with Paul. She's like a pit bull, that woman, stubborn and determined as hell. I pause trying to make sense of the words. “I apologize, ma'am, but you must leave.” Mom's voice is sharp and pointed, as she fires back at Paul. “I
Brielle's POV I stare at her, my mouth agape, unable to form the words to protest. Mom's eyes seem to read my doubts, and I falter. “What?” she asks. I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. “I don't know, Mom. This just feels sudden.” Mom's gaze doesn't waver. “We need to go, Brielle. Now.” “It's… It's you demanding that I leave. I mean,” “I'm not demanding, Brielle. I'm protecting you.” “Protecting me from what?” “From here. From him.” Paul's presence has disappeared. I'm thankful for the privacy he's afforded us. “Brielle, I'm tired. Tired of all the excuses, the lies, the evasiveness. I'm still trying to understand what's going on between you and Andrei, and why you're so unwilling to tell me the truth. Every time I ask, you give me the runaround, like there's something you're not telling me.,” “Mom, I swear I've never intentionally lied to you. I know I haven't been completely open with you, but that's because… I didn't know how to explain everything. It'
Brielle's POV “Hand it over. I want to see the contract. Every word. Every clause. And then I'm going to make sure it's destroyed. Nullified. Gone. You're not manipulating my daughter with some shady agreement.” What am I supposed to do? Mom's so mad, and I don't blame her, but Andrei's not the villain she thinks he is. Being her only daughter, she's naturally protective. I appreciate that. But sometimes, it's like she doesn't see me, doesn't see the woman I've become. “I'm not leaving this place, Andrei Carter, until that contract is shredded, and my daughter is free from your grasp. You're not controlling her life or manipulating her future. Not while I'm still breathing.” Andrei's eyes flicks to me for, a second. What's he thinking? Is he mad? Disappointed? Or is it something more? He's still not saying anything. Just standing there, all stoic. It's infuriating. Can't he see Mom's freaking out? A little reassurance would be nice. “Mom, can we step aside for a minute
Brielle's POV. “Were Edna and Helen already planning to come?” I mutter to Andrei. “Informed them I was back on my feet again. I didn't think they'd take it as an invitation.” “I'm not sure what's more embarrassing, my outfit or my hair…. I'll go change into something more suitable." I turn to walk away, but not before catching Andrei's gaze. His nod was brief, but that smirk and spark in his eye? Totally unexpected. What's he amused about? My cheeks heat up as I dart into my bedroom, feeling a surprising wave of nostalgia. Who knew I'd miss this space? I slip into a sunny yellow floral dress that falls just above my knees, towel-dry my hair, and pull it back into a neat bun. I feel refreshed and renewed. *** As the stars begin to twinkle above, the Carter estate transforms into a hub of laughter and reminiscence. A reunion party of sorts has taken over the grounds, with Edna, Helen, and Mom at its epicenter… I watch, fascinated, as they laughed and chatted like old
Andrei's POV. My fingers drum a staccato rhythm on the desk, irritated by the distraction. Focus, Andrei. Work, not family mysteries. I shake my head, dismissing the thought. Coincidence, that's all. No way our mothers are related. I don't need this hassle, this confusion…. Who cares about distant cousins when I've got a gorgeous woman to pursue? Her smile, her laugh, those captivating eyes and that sassy spark that sets my blood on fire..... Making her mine, securing her heart and soul, that's the only mission that matters. Deals need closing, a business needs running, and a legacy needs securing… But it all pales in comparison to the magnetic pull of the woman who's taken up residence in my thoughts. At first, I only saw her as a means to an end, a way to fix my reputation. But as time passed, and I held her close, bathed her tenderly, and heard those sultry moans of pleasure escape her lips, my feelings transformed into something more, a complex tapestry of desire, af
Andrei's POV. “When exactly did you receive this news about Jeremy being out of prison?” “Today Sir. At 10Am we were informed.” “And what's the status of our security measures?” “We've increased security around the estate and at the office, sir. All entrances are being closely monitored.” “That bastard was locked up for a reason. Find out how he managed to wriggle free. I need answers, Paul and I need them now.” “About Liam, sir…” “What about him? Tell me that scumbag's been tracked down, no matter where he's hiding.” “We've uncovered evidence that Liam has founded a new entity, leveraging your shares without authorization. Appears that this new company is a front for their nefarious dealings, enabling them to siphon off resources and profits from Carter Industries for their own personal gain.” “Paul, move now, assess the market situation. If feasible, acquire Liam's company outright. Simultaneously, alert the authorities and file a report. But for now, our priority is to a
Brielle's POV.The muscles in his jaw flex as he grinds his teeth, his deep brown eyes flashing with anger. Yet, in their depths, a spark of vulnerability flickers, hinting at a pain that goes beyond mere fury.“You're really going to cut and run? Just wake up one morning and decide you're done? No discussion, no compromise. Just… gone. You always do this, Brielle, don't you? You do whatever you want, whenever you want, and to hell with everyone else.”I shake my head firmly, my voice trembling with conviction. “That's not true, Andrei. I'm just doing what needs to be done.”“What needs to be done? Yeah. Leaving me, walking out on our agreement, that's what needs to be done_”He runs his fingers through his hair, pacing back and forth as he struggles to contain his emotions. “How… why would you even consider leaving me like this? I don't understand. Have I wronged you in some way?”My heart shatters further, the words barely a whisper, “You haven't wronged me, Andrei. Not really. Exce
Brielle's POV.Mom thinks she's saving me, but from what? Love? Happiness? The Carter's imperfect chaos?Her words are stuck in my head, and I'm freaking out, doubts eating away at my trust in Andrei. Fear's got me in a chokehold.I'm torn between loving him and listening to her warnings. What if she's right? What if the Carters are hiding something?Why did she have to say that? Why now? Just when I thought I'd found my happiness.The Carters may have their skeletons, but they've got heart. Helen and Edna are the ultimate package deal — love, laughs, and culinary mastery.I recall their frantic prep for my wedding: 'Don't trip!' 'Smile!' Now, they're my quirky family. They've been sweet and reassuring since day one. What's not to love?I reminisce about my whirlwind wedding to Andrei. One night, rescue; next day, 'I do.' But those two lovely ladies made me feel like I'd known them forever.And that initial nervousness was forgotten. Marrying a stranger, coping with his wheelchair-b
Brielle's POV Ivy's gaze pierces mine, and I feel my cheeks flush. “You, of all people, handling company finances? You can't even manage your own expenses.” I cringe inwardly. Why do I always bring my emotional luggage – and a side of financial chaos – to her perfectly organized life? “Marketing, Brielle. That's your expertise. Not accounting. What possessed you to take on that role?” I squirm under her scrutiny, shame washing over me. Andrei's offer had seemed like a vote of confidence, a sign that he trusted me. But now, I realize my ignorance. “Andrei suggested it,” I admit. Ivy's expression turns stern. “And you didn't question it? Didn't think twice about taking on a responsibility that's so far out of your league?” I shake my head, feeling a mix of embarrassment and defensiveness. “You have to tell Andrei or if things go south, it's gonna be on you. Or have you told him?” I wince, the weight of responsibility crushing me. Ivy's right, I have to tell Andrei. But how do
Brielle's POV I glance towards the entrance, and my heart skips a beat as Andrei stands there, his presence a welcome relief. Finally, he's home. But my attention quickly shifts to the unsettling scene unfolding before me. Helen's behavior is erratic, and I'm lost. She's been ranting about bad omens and curses, things that need to be “cleansed.” I exchange a bewildered glance with Andrei, his expression mirroring my confusion. I thought I knew Helen, but this superstitious side of her is unfamiliar. And who is this elderly man she's brought along? His presence only adds to the chaos. Andrei's face darkens, his eyes narrowing as he takes in the scene. He looks like he's about to explode. “Oh, Andrei, thank goodness you're here! We need your help to chase away the evil spirits…" Helen motions for him to follow. He keeps his eyes trained on me, gritting his teeth… Well, don't stare at me like that... “The Oracle's here,” she announces. “He traveled 120 miles just to get here.
Andrei's POV I stand by the window of my office, gazing out at the city skyline. The bustling streets below seem to stretch on forever. My thoughts are lost in the urban landscape when Sarah's soft voice breaks the silence. “Sir, package just arrived.” I turn, and there's Sarah with this gorgeous bunch of roses. Thick, velvety petals in deep red and pink Sarah's cheeks flush as she places the flowers on my desk. “They're pretty. Meant for your wife, I presume? Who else deserves these three dozen beauties?” A smirk plays on my lips, my gaze drifting to the bouquet, “You think Brielle would love this?” “I think she'll love them. They're beautiful.” However, Someone else is getting lucky today, I hand Sarah the roses. “Stick these in the car, would you? I'm done for the day.'” *** I arrive at the hospital around 3 pm, just before visiting hours end. Standing in Jamie's doorway, I take in the serene scene. She sits upright, clutching a teddy bear to her chest, eyes fixed on the
Andrei's POV. Whoever shot at wife better start praying to whatever god they believe in, 'cause they're gonna need all the divine intervention they can get once I get my hands on them. The estate's on high alert. I've reinforced the perimeter, stationed extra men around and sealed off all exits. Brielle's staying put, no arguments. I know she can be stubborn, but I won't budge. She'll remain safe at home while my team and I tackle this Ivy situation, no matter how deadly it gets.However, the latest update has my gut twisting. The location's been rigged with explosives. It's absolute chaos unlike anything I've ever witnessed. Events unfold at breakneck speed, but nothing could've prepared me for this. Paul and the explosives expert assured me they'd defuse the bomb, but now I'm gripped by doubt, “How long until extraction?” I ask, eyes fixed on the road ahead. Paul's voice crackles through the earpiece, “Three minutes, tops. We're still working on disabling the security feeds.
THIRD PERSON "You're abandoning ship, Liam? Coward!" Eva's tailing Liam, her feet pounding the ground. He whirls around, his face set in a determined grimace. “This place is a death trap. Every minute we waste, we're one step closer to prison – or worse. You can stay here and rot if you want, but I'm not sticking around to take the fall for all this." “Our plan, our company — we've just started building this thing from scratch! What's going to happen to it all? It's all on the line_” “Fuck it! If you're gonna stay behind and babysit everything, then go for it! You do that shit! I'm ghosting,” Liam walks out, leaving Eva seething. She shoots him a parting glare, accompanied by a scathing curse. But she's not done yet. She's hot on his heels, her feet moving swiftly. “You think you can just bail on me? Think again, Liam.” He storms out of the dilapidated building, slamming the creaky door behind him. The place is a total dump. The surrounding woods are super eerie, wi
Ivy's POV. After hanging up with Andrei, I take a look around and shudder at the creepy atmosphere. The peeling paint, dusty furniture, and flickering lights make this place feel like a haunted house. But my gaze keeps drifting back to the door. It's a behemoth – thick, metal-reinforced, and intimidating. More like a gate than a door, really. I recall trying to secure it earlier… struggling to lift that heavy metal bar and slide the bolt into place. . I'm still catching my breath from that crazy escape. Liam and Eva were too busy arguing to notice me making a run for it. I took off like a shot, pounding up the stairs two at a time. That was either genius or madness. Eva went ballistic, firing three shots that narrowly missed. The woman's got a serious screw loose – Locking myself in here, I've temporarily dodged the bullet, but the clock's ticking. How soon can Andrei rescue me from this hellhole? Each passing moment feels like an eternity. Liam and Eva's fury intensifies, th
Brielle's POV Andrei's intense stare pins me. “You seem uneasy, Brielle What's wrong?” My eyes dart away, taking in the breathtaking view. The rolling hills, lit up by the moon, are like a velvet painting come to life, and the Carter estate glows like a lantern against the dark backdrop. Beautiful scenery, but I'm getting bad juju. Something's off, and it's freaking me out. Andrei's gaze snaps back to mine, his eyes narrowing. “Don't conceal your fears, let me know if something's amiss.” His hand slips behind the hem of his coat, his fingers vanishing from view as though he were tucking something away within its folds. It’s a discreet movement, almost imperceptible, but there’s an undeniable weight to it. I shrug, eyes still scanning the surroundings. “Nothing, Andrei. Just paranoia.” His eyes, dark and intense, bore into mine, questioning my sincerity. I nod, trying to convince myself more than him. “Yeah, I'm good.” “Sure?” “Honestly, it's just a weird feeling I have,” I