The morning was brisk and filled with an air of urgency as Nathan was already dressed. I woke up feeling lazy and foggy. As I dragged myself out of bed, I saw Nathan going through some files. He was sitting at the desk, his attention fixed on a pile of papers, meticulously going through them.
I could tell he was deep in thought. It was as if the files were magnetic and caught his gaze, as he didn’t even notice me. I pushed myself to the bathroom. We have a board meeting this morning and I do not want to be the one to make us attend the meeting late.
When I emerged from the bathroom, naked, I could feel the weight of the day’s responsibilities evident on his face.
I stepped out of the bathroom, the sound of the water still lingering in the air, as I wrapped
The boardroom buzzed with unease after Nathan’s initial briefing about the Sanchez Gang. The air was thick with tension, and several members exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond to the gravity of the situation. One of the board members, with a stern face and a reputation for asking tough questions, cleared his throat and addressed Nathan directly.“Nathan,” he began, his voice calm but laced with concern, “if this gang is disrupting our legitimate business and threatening our operations, why haven’t we involved the authorities? Why are we handling this ourselves?”There was a collective murmur around the table as the board members eagerly awaited Nathan’s response. The question was valid. In any other scenario, the authorities would be the first line of defence, and many of
As the car sped along, the hum of the engine was a soft backdrop to the excitement bubbling within me. Nathan handed me the contract files, and I noticed immediately that the document bore my name in bold letters. My heart skipped a beat, a mixture of curiosity and surprise flooding my mind.“Why?” I asked, my voice tinged with both excitement and confusion as I looked up at him.Nathan glanced at me with an unreadable expression before his lips curled into a small, sincere smile. “You’ve been with me through everything, Mel. As a friend, as someone I can rely on. I trust you more than anyone. You’ve shown me nothing but loyalty.”I stared at the files, still trying to process what he was saying. This felt like a huge step. It was one I hadn't expected, especially not after everything that had happened with Carlos, the mafia, and the endless twists and turns that had coloured our lives. But in that moment, something about his words, his actions, and the way he looked at me, made me fe
Ali looked at me as if I did not know what I was doing being there with him, as it looked like he was not about to release any information until I played ball.“What do you want?” I asked, looking at him seductively, inviting him in with my eyes.He smiled and licked his lips, “You could offer something else,” He said.As he walked towards me, I pushed him back and he looked surprised. “You have been paid and one way or the other I am getting what I have paid for.”He did not like the fact that I spoke to him that way, and he attacked me. “See, there is no way anyone can help you with what is to happen to you as this room is soundproof, bulletproof and one way in. So without me, you are not going out. Tell me what it’s going to be?” he asked.As Ali’s hand shot out, trying to close the distance between us, I instinctively sidestepped, slipping from his grasp. My mind raced, the shock in his eyes only feeding my resolve. His laugh echoed through the dim room, low and mocking.“Impressi
We stopped abruptly, both of us turning to see Ali struggling to stand, his face pale and streaked with sweat. His earlier arrogance was gone, replaced by something almost pathetic. He held out a trembling hand, his voice cracking as he spoke again.“Please,” he said, his tone a strange mix of fear and urgency. “Don’t leave. I - - I have more to say.”Nathan’s jaw tightened, his expression darkened. He didn’t respond immediately, his silence stretching the moment into something unbearable. Finally, he turned back toward Ali, his movements slow and deliberate, each step measured.“You’ve got thirty seconds,” Nathan said coldly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. “Make it count.”Ali swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he tried to steady himself. “I - - I didn’t tell you everything,” he stammered. “There’s more... more you need to know about the deal, about who’s really behind it.”Nathan crossed his arms, his gaze narrowing. “You withheld information?” he asked, hi
As I walked through the campus, the familiar hum of student chatter and hurried footsteps filled the air. It used to excite me, but now it felt distant, like a life I was ready to leave behind. My finals were in sight, and I was counting down the days until I could close this chapter for good.In class, the lecturer praised my grades. It was one of the few moments that reminded me why I had started this journey in the first place. But even that satisfaction felt hollow. My mind was elsewhere, on Nathan, on the chaos in my life, and, unexpectedly, on Lisa.After class, I spotted Lisa near the cafeteria, chatting with some classmates. She seemed different, more confident, even a bit aloof. As I approached, she noticed me and offered a small, polite smile.“Hey, Lisa,” I greeted her, trying to keep my tone light.“Hey,” she replied, tilting her head slightly as if trying to gauge my mood.“I heard you paid your tuition fees,” I said, genuinely happy for her. “Congratulations. That’s a bi
The moment Katrina walked out of the café, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. I needed a moment to collect my thoughts, but that reprieve didn’t last long. No sooner had I taken a sip of my coffee than I spotted Steven striding into the café, his eyes locked onto me with unsettling intensity.“Mel,” he called out as he approached my table. His voice carried a mix of sarcasm and disdain, enough to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.I sighed, setting my cup down. “Steven, what are you doing here?”“I could ask you the same thing,” he said, sliding into the chair across from me without waiting for an invitation. His gaze flickered toward the door where Katrina had exited moments earlier. “Funny seeing you here with Katrina.”I tensed, immediately on edge. “Were you following me?”Steven gave me a silly smile, leaning back in his chair with a casualness that belied his intrusive behaviour. “Call it what you want. I like to keep an eye on things, especially when it co
As I stepped out of the café, the late afternoon sun momentarily blinded me. I adjusted my eyes and moved to the sidewalk, but I froze when I saw Carlos leaning against a sleek black SUV with his men flanking him. His presence was as commanding as ever, and though his face held a faint smile, his eyes carried a weight that set me on edge.“Mel,” he said, straightening up and taking a cautious step forward. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here. But since you’re here, I guess fate gave me an opportunity I didn’t have before.”I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. “What do you want, Carlos?” My tone was sharp, with no room for pleasantries.He sighed, his shoulders drooping slightly. “I wanted to apologize,” he said, his voice surprisingly soft. “For everything that happened. I never got the chance to say it properly. I know I hurt you, Mel.”I stared at him, waiting for the rest of his speech. Carlos wasn’t the kind of man to show vulnerability unless he wanted something.“And?” I
The hotel was bustling, a hive of luxury and importance, but all I cared about was the man waiting for me inside. When I knocked on the door, Nathan himself opened it. His shirt sleeves rolled up, and his tie slightly loosened, evidence of a long day.“You’re here,” he said, his voice warm but laced with the weariness of his meetings. He stepped aside, motioning for me to enter.As I walked in, the faint scent of his cologne filled the air, grounding me after the chaos of my day. The suite was immaculate, a blend of modern design and subtle luxury. A small conference table at the corner of the room held scattered files and a half-empty glass of what looked like scotch. He must have just wrapped up his meeting.“I thought I would have met you at the lounge,” I said.“Nope, finished the meeting my dear,” Nathan replied.“Sit down,” he said, gesturing to the plush armchair near the window. “You look like you’ve had a long day yourself.”I didn’t sit. Instead, I folded my arms and got str
Everything had settled into place like the final pieces of a grand puzzle. What once felt like an insurmountable storm had passed, leaving behind a new world, one where Nathan remained the undisputed king, but this time, with order and stability.I had been called back to school, a sign that my life was finally returning to normal, or at least something close to it. The weight of uncertainty that had once loomed over me had lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of freedom and direction. Katrina had received 30% of all the clubs and hotels I owned as per the agreement, securing her future and allowing her to walk away from the chaos without regrets.Nathan, ever the strategist, had made swift work of tying up loose ends. With Don Chappo’s assistance, he had not only removed every trace of the gang that had threatened our lives but had also found a way to put Carlos to good use. Carlos had been given a fresh start—an actual career, a legitimate one—working under Nathan and Don Chappo’s g
The boardroom was thick with tension. Every eye was on Nathan, Alex Sommer, Steve, and Uncle Jesse as the battle for control of Cain Corporation reached its climax.Alex Sommer, ever the smooth talker, stood up, adjusting his perfectly tailored suit with an air of confidence. He glanced around the room and smirked, his voice dripping with condescension."None of this matters," he declared, his eyes locking on Nathan. "You can throw all the accusations you want, but it's not enough to stop the change of leadership. The majority of the shares are in my control now. That is all that matters."Blake, Nathan’s sharp and calculating lawyer, was quick to respond. He stood with an easy grace, his expression unreadable."Tell me, Alex," Blake began, "is fraud, not enough grounds to stop another fraud?"Alex narrowed his eyes, shifting his weight slightly."What are you implying?"Blake’s gaze swept the room, ensuring that every board member was listening before he continued."The very people w
The tension in the boardroom was suffocating. The air was thick with silent power plays, unspoken accusations, and the weight of the decision that would determine the fate of Cain Corporation. Nathan sat at the head of the table, his posture calm but commanding, his piercing eyes scanning the room. He wasn’t here to beg, he was here to remind them exactly who he was.My only fear was that I hoped he knew the game he was playing. A lot of things don’t favour him at the moment, but I think he can appeal to the Board members so that they can stand by him. A lot of them worshipped him, yet this was a tough call.Uncle Jesse cleared his throat and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the polished mahogany table. He clasped his hands together in a gesture of authority before addressing the board members."Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth and practised, "we have gathered here today for an important matter, one that affects the very future of this company." He took a moment t
As we stepped into the office, a hushed tension blanketed the room. It was as if everyone had already caught wind of the chaos unfolding behind closed doors. Employees who normally went about their business were suddenly stealing glances at us, some filled with curiosity, others with thinly veiled concern.Nathan walked beside me, his expression unreadable, his steps measured and confident. I, on the other hand, could feel the weight of every stare pressing into my back. This wasn’t just another board meeting. This was a battle. A battle for control, for power, for survival.Blake was the first to greet us, standing just outside the boardroom with an air of quiet authority. He gave us a tight-lipped smile, his eyes scanning Nathan’s face for any signs of hesitation.“They’re waiting for you,” he said in a low voice. “Uncle Jesse, Steve, Alex… they’re all inside. They’ve wasted no time.”Nathan let out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. “Of course they haven’t.”Blake’s expression hard
The soft morning light filtered through the curtains of Nathan’s penthouse, casting long golden streaks across the room. I stirred beneath the silk sheets, the warmth of last night’s intimacy still lingering on my skin. For the first time in what felt like forever, I had slept soundly, wrapped in Nathan’s arms. But as I opened my eyes, the weight of reality crashed back onto my shoulders.Nathan was already up, standing by the window with his phone pressed to his ear. His posture was tense, his back rigid as he listened intently to whoever was on the other end of the line. I could only catch snippets of the conversation.“…Yes. Make sure it’s all filed before the meeting… No, I don’t care what Alex Sommer thinks he’s planning,” He paused, exhaling sharply before adding, “Just do it.”I sat up slowly, watching him as he ended the call and turned around. His piercing eyes met mine, but they weren’t filled with the warmth I had seen last night. Instead, they were sharp and calculating. H
As the warm water cascaded over my body, I let out a deep sigh, letting the steam wrap around me like a comforting embrace. The tension of the past days had been suffocating, and for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to relax.I ran my hands through my hair, washing out the last traces of soap, my eyes closed as I let the water cleanse not just my body, but my mind as well. When I finally opened them, my breath hitched.Nathan stood before me.He was completely bare, his chiselled form illuminated by the dim, misty light of the bathroom. Droplets of water clung to his skin, accentuating every curve of his muscles. His deep blue eyes held mine, dark with something I couldn’t quite name, something raw, something undeniable.For a moment, neither of us moved. The sound of the water filled the space between us, the steam creating a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere. My heart pounded in my chest, my skin prickling with awareness.Then, he stepped forward.His fingers trailed up my arm,
As we stepped into Nathan’s penthouse, the tension from the boardroom still lingered in the air. Nathan’s jaw was set, his mind clearly working through everything that had just happened. I had barely settled onto the couch when the doorbell rang.Nathan didn’t even need to guess who it was. He strode to the door, exhaled deeply, and pulled it open.Katrina stood there, her sharp gaze moving between the two of us before she stepped inside as if she owned the place. She was still dressed in the same impeccable blazer from the board meeting, her posture poised, but there was a flicker of unease in her expression.Nathan shut the door and turned to face her. “Alright, Katrina. Let’s cut to it. What deal did she offer you?”Katrina tilted her head slightly, then smirked. “You seem impatient.”“I don’t have time for your games,” Nathan replied, crossing his arms. “Tell me.”Katrina’s gaze flickered toward me as if debating whether to say it out loud. But then she shrugged and leaned against
As Nathan and I stepped into the conference room, an unmistakable tension filled the air. Every board member was present, their eyes shifting between one another, some avoiding Nathan’s piercing gaze, others openly hostile. But what caught me off guard the most was the sight of Katrina seated confidently among them. She was dressed in a sleek black blazer, her expression unreadable, but there was something steely in her gaze as she met Nathan’s eyes.Nathan’s posture stiffened. He scanned the room, his piercing eyes locking onto each individual before settling on Katrina for a moment. Then, in a voice dripping with restrained fury, he asked, “What is going on here? Who gave the authority to call a board meeting in the middle of the night?”A slow, deliberate chuckle broke the silence.It was Uncle Jesse. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the polished mahogany table, and clasped his hands together as if he had all the time in the world. His smug expression made my stomach twist
The revelation that Steve, Uncle Jesse, and Alex Sommer had called for an emergency board meeting sent a chill through me. This wasn’t just a power move, it was a calculated strike, and if Nathan didn’t act fast, he could lose everything.We grabbed our things but instead of moving towards the door, we stood there looking at each other. I wondered how we got here, to the point where we are almost losing everything we hold dear. Our love, my school, and Nathan’s empire seemed to be crashing down with n solution.I turned to him, my voice firm despite the panic bubbling inside me. “Nathan, if they’ve called a board meeting without you, it’s not a good omen. You know what this means.”Nathan clenched his jaw, running a hand through his dark hair as he exhaled heavily. “I know,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “But what do you want me to do? Sit here and watch everything I built get handed over to Alex Sommer on a platter of gold?” His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, a sto