Because this wasn't just about survival. It was about showing the world and everyone who had doubted her—that Clara Hemp was unstoppable.Clara Hemp's flight had been effortless. Under cover of darkness she had slipped away from the city and into a silent solitude which was perfect to disappear in. There were no flashing lights, nor wailing sirens, merely rustling in the wind against the leaves, occasional crickets to tickle her ear, and an earthy-warm scent: here was a place where she can formulate a scheme, regain herself, and perhaps devise how to get herself out of the place.She rented a tiny, dilapidated farmhouse in cash, with a fake ID, from an unsuspecting elderly owner. There was no one around for miles, and the closest town was thirty minutes away, so it made a perfect hideout. Her days were spent lying low, watching the news programs for any information related to the search for her, and nights spent studying her maps, planning her next move.Clara smiled to herself as she
"We'll face this together," Sabrina assured him. "Just like we always do." Leslie, Sabrina's mother, stood at the doorway with her arms crossed, unspoken authority in the air. "Yeah, we agreed on that, Benedict," she said calmly but firmly. "Safety first before anything else. Nothing else matters now.". Wendy, Sabrina's grandmother, nodded in agreement from her seat on the sofa. In her old age, she had a presence and an authority that few could challenge. "Leslie's right," she said decisively. "Family comes first. It always has been, always will be. The wedding can wait. Keeping you all safe is the priority.".Benedict nodded slowly, grateful for the support from Sabrina's family. "Thank you, both of you. It means a lot to have you here, backing us up.".Just then, Saben came bounding into the room as if he could read the mood turning. He alighted his face with excitement while clutching some small stuffed animal in his hand. He let out a "Mommy! Daddy! See! Mr. Bunny wears a new shi
The next morning sizzling bacon fragrance and freshly brewing coffee streamed out into the kitchen. Benedict remained by the stove with a folded dishtowel slung casually over his shoulder; he tenderly flipped hotcakes in a pan. A warm sunbeam filled windows by letting some light into the apartment.The kitchen door opens, and in walks Sabrina, throwing out her arms, sighing comfortably. She had her hair tied back in a loose bun and a T-shirt flowed loose over her pajama pants. "Good morning, " she murmured in a sleep-causing gentle but warm voice.Benedict turned to face her with a cup of coffee in his hand. "Good morning, " he counters with a grin. "Yes, I brought you coffee.".Her eyes lit up as she reached for the mug; her fingers brushed his in the move. "You're a lifesaver," she said, taking a deep sip. The warmth of the drink seemed to wake her up instantly. "And breakfast smells amazing."Benedict chuckled and jabbed a finger at the bag of fast food on the counter. "Not just ho
His gentle probe meeting no resistance, he pressed further. As he did, her lips parted more fully and their tongues met. Both sighing as their bodies melted together, they began kissing in earnest. Tongues swirling around one another, seeking, exploring.She raised her arms to rest on his shoulders and began caressing the back of his head as their tongues danced together. His right hand began sliding up her back, under her T-shirt as his left slid beneath the waistband of her bottoms. With a deft snap, her bra was unhooked and his hand began sliding slowly to her side, pushing the bra up and out of the way. A small gasp left her lips as his palm slid softly over her hardening nipple while his hand moved to cup her breast."Absolutely perfect," he thought to himself as his thumb lightly played over her nipple, exciting it further. Not too large, but definitely a handful, and he had large hands. Just right.His left hand followed the curve of her shapely ass and cupped first one and th
She bit down on her bottom lip as she looked directly into his eyes and nodded almost imperceptibly."Yes baby. Please make me cum," she whispered. Slowly, agonisingly, he planted wet open mouthed kisses down her body, savoring the taste of her skin. Her travelled lower into the crevice of his nostrils filled his head with her fragrance in the scent of her. Down her chest then between her breasts, his mouth moved slowly. Then over her stomach, tracing his way as he went down her sides were her hands. A playful circle around her bellybutton by his tongue as he drifted lower.His hands rested on her breasts as his mouth approached her mound, squeezing them and teasing her nipples with his palms. As he moved ever lower, she shifted her hips, spreading her smooth, full thighs wider apart. He paused for a moment to look at her before he continued. Her pink pussy lips were opened like a flower and covered in her juices. Barely peeking through its cloak was her clit, throbbing in anticipatio
His days were a blur of meetings, presentations, and late-night strategy sessions at his company. As the CEO, his responsibilities seemed endless, especially with the increasing demands of expansion projects and securing new partnerships. Yet, even amidst the chaos of corporate life, his thoughts always circled back to his family.He'd double-check the security system at home every morning before he left for work. He made sure every window and door was locked and monitored. He left very detailed instructions with the security team stationed outside their property, always telling them to be vigilant.Between reviewing financial reports and negotiating deals, he made quick calls to Sabrina at the office. He just needed to hear her voice to ensure she and Saben were okay.“Everything okay at home?” he’d ask, his tone gentle but concerned.“Yes, Benedict,” Sabrina would reply with a smile in her voice. “You’ve done everything but install lasers around the house. We’re safe. Stop worrying
She knew she had to wait until the dust settled, until the heightened vigilance around her escape began to wane. That was when she would strike. Clara wasn't interested in random vengeance—she wanted precision, a plan that would bring Benedict and Sabrina to their knees. It wasn't just about revenge; it was about reclaiming the power she believed they had stolen from her.Detective Morales sat in his office going through files and reports of Clara's case. Weeks had gone by and still, no Clara was found. His superiors were getting restless but Morales could not help the feeling that Clara wasn't done. She was too shrewd, too ambitious to simply disappear."She's waiting," Morales whispered under his breath as he tapped his pen against the desk. "But for what?Detective Morales leaned back in his chair, the weight of the case pressing heavily on his shoulders. Clara Hemp's escape had not only embarrassed the department but also left a lingering sense of unease that he couldn't shake. Th
Weeks had gone by and life for Benedict and Sabrina became relatively comfortable. Tension that gripped them in their quest to catch Clara after her escape began to slowly ease. The laughter, work, and family times filled their days as if finally, a semblance of normalcy had returned.Benedict, ever the careful provider, ensured that his family was safe but refused to let the worry overshadow their daily lives. Security remained in place, though it no longer felt as stifling as before. Sabrina found herself breathing easier, relishing the time spent with Saben, whose boundless energy was a welcome distraction.One sunny afternoon, Sabrina sat in the garden with Saben, as he chased after butterflies across the lawn. Giggles resounded through the air, and for a brief moment, everything about Clara and her looming threat seemed like just a distant memory."You got it, sweetheart!" Sabrina cheered as Saben cupped his hands together and pretended to catch a butterfly.Benedict stepped out
Eliana's phone beeped on her desk, and she checked the message. Her heart beat rapidly as she read it: Nathaniel Harper had negotiated a exclusive contract with one of their providers for Sabrina Ultra. She felt her anger rising."Are you serious Nathaniel?" she snarled, slamming her hand against the desk. "This is not possible!She stormed into the factory office, her heels clicking in the silence. Nathaniel looked up, surprised. Fury raged inside her, contained almost as she left a thick folder on the desk before Nathaniel Harper.Nathaniel did not even flinch. Nathaniel had not even flinched it rather his back relaxed against his chair. Neatly coiled arms over his chest and still wore that damn same irritating smile on his face. "Well, well. You look disturbed, Princess."Eliana's nails dug into her palms. "You signed an exclusive agreement with our vendors?"Nathaniel nodded his head, playing dumb. "Oh, that? It's business, sweetheart."Her blood pressure came racing up. "Don't yo
Eliana had managed crises for years. Delays in the supply chain, faulty products, high-pressure investor meetings—she'd mastered them all with cold efficiency.Nothing, however, pushed her patience to its limits like Nathaniel Harper.She stood in the middle of the factory floor, arms folded, as employees scrambled around her, checking the five hundred faulty units that had brought the whole schedule into disarray.Nathaniel, naturally, by her side with his telltale smirk, observing everything as if this was his own soap opera."Gotta say, Princess," Nathaniel said, leaning in with a tilt of his head. "I didn't think your business had such a huge screw-up. I thought you had a tight ship."Eliana gritted her teeth. "I do have a tight ship. But even the best operations have hiccups."Nathaniel whistled. "Interesting. Because if this occurred in my firm, heads would already be rolling by now."She glared at him. "We don't fix things by firing people willy-nilly. Unlike some companies, we
He nodded at Nathaniel as he left and then ran for the door. "Good luck getting along with her, Harper."Nathaniel chuckled. "Oh, I don't need luck. I like it."Eliana tossed a napkin in his direction. "Get back to work!"Nathaniel snatched it out of the air. "Yes, boss."As Saben walked through the doors, Nathaniel leaned on the table and observed as Eliana tore into her food."So… gonna thank me for making your day interesting?"Eliana glared at him, face as flat as a board. "I'm going to throw this hot soup at you."Nathaniel grinned, hands up in defeat. "I'll assume that's a no Eliana."Despite her disdain for saying it, Eliana couldn't help but let the tiniest curl of her lips.Because, despite everything—despite the mess, the fights, and the ever-present arguing—she knew something.This war between them?It was hardly over.And maybe, maybe she didn't care at all.Inside the factory, the workers were busy sorting the merchandise for bulk shipment. Cartons of designer handbags we
The next morning, Eliana drove to the Sabrina Ultra plant in front of her car in an ill-temper. She didn't feel like she was up for handling him.After last night's nightmare of the missing shipments—and the horror of having to work alongside Nathaniel Harper—she barely slept at all. Not out of fear. No. But from the smirking man's face and obnoxious voice going round and round in her head like a broken record.She shook her head. Forget it. Concentrate, Eliana.Taking a big breath, Eliana stepped across the factory doors, her shoes clicking on the gleaming concrete floor.And there Nathaniel was.Nathaniel Harper, standing against the loading docks, looking infuriatingly serene with his arms crossed, wearing a sleek navy blue suit that was too handsome for a man so infuriating.The instant he saw her, his signature smirk appeared."Good morning, Princess. Sleep well?"Eliana shook her head. "Not that it's any of yours, but yeah, I did. You know, unlike you, I have a job to get to."
Early the following morning, Eliana drove up to the factory in a crisp navy-blue business suit, her heels clicking against the ground as she got out of the car. Nathaniel was already present, resting against his brand new black sports car, the smile on his face enraging."You're late, Princess," Nathaniel slurred when she got near.Eliana snorted, adjusting her blazer. "I'm on time. Perhaps you're just too early because you have nothing better to do."Nathaniel grinned, jamming his hands into his pockets. "Or perhaps I just enjoy seeing you hurry about like a madwoman."She shot him a look. "I wasn't panicking.""Refresh your memory, of course," he announced, pushing open the factory door with a flourish and bowing courtly. "After you, Your Grumpiness Royal."Eliana raised an eyebrow but trailed behind, surrounded by the smell of leather and whine of machinery whirring. Laborers scurried to prepare the newest shipping line out into the world.She strolled along the assembly line, taki
Eliana opened the door to her family mansion with a push of the front entrance, fatigue sitting upon her as heavily as an anchor. The moment she set foot inside, home enveloped her in welcome comfort—the scent of food preparation, the muted hum of television, and laughter spilling through from the living room. And then, suddenly, someone hailed."And there she is—the great Eliana Thompson, grumpy and emitting the aura of a thousand boardroom battles." Eliana groaned. No way. Sprawled on the couch was her elder brother Saben, a bowl of popcorn between his knees, a really smug grin dawning upon his face."Not now, Saben," snarled Eliana, kicking her heels off and massaging her temples. Oh no, no, no," Saben said, sitting up."I need to know what happened. You look like you've been through a war… and lost." Eliana gave him a glare. "For your information, I did fight a war, and I am winning." Saben shoved a piece of popcorn into his mouth and smirked."Uh-huh. And does this war include a
Nathaniel looked up, unruffled. "Good morning, Princess. You appear. well, exhausted."Eliana waved the comment aside. "You're distracting my team."Nathaniel rested his arms on the table and leaned back against it. "I prefer to say 'cooperating.'"Her eyes narrowed. "That's ironic, because it appears a good deal of adjusting around here is accomplished without consulting me."Nathaniel assumed an innocent expression. "Oh? I thought you had too much to do last night fixing things up to care about opinions."Her blood boiled. "I don't require your help.""No, but your staff does," he replied with a suave smile, glancing around the designers. "They're skilled, but they don't have vision."Eliana leaned in, fire blazing in her eyes. "And you possess it?"Nathaniel's smile expanded. "I do."She gasped roughly. "This is my company. My mother started this from the ground up. You don't get to waltz in and act like you own the company."Nathaniel moved in closer, his voice low. "Oh, but I do,
Eliana pulled herself in, spent. Her whole body hurt from the hours of repairing the damage Nathaniel had done. Her body longed to sleep, but her mind refused to. Not yet. Not while he was out there deceiving her guests.Light in the living room illuminated as the sole hint to anybody that somebody was awake. The moment she closed the door, she could already hear the approaching footsteps.Sabrina Auburn-Thompson was standing before her, with arms folded and a concerned expression on her face."You're late Eliana," her mother replied back, tone tinged with concern and ire. "Again."Eliana sighed and rubbed her temple. "Mom, not tonight. Please."Sabrina came near, her sharp eyes scanning her daughter's weary face. "You didn't have dinner. Your father, Saben, and I waited."Guilt settled in Eliana's heart. "I was working on something. I didn't mean to—"Her mother cut in. "This is because of Nathaniel Harper, isn't it?"Eliana clenched her teeth. "He messed with the designs, Mom. I had
Eliana stepped into the brand new joint venture office, wearing a chic navy-blue dress and razor-sharp heels.Today would be the day they settled the next phase in the expansion—whether or not Nathaniel intervened.She approached, expecting already to find him inside, sneering at her with that odious smirk.She was right.Nathaniel leaned at an angle on the conference table. His arms crossed over his chest, his bright blue eyes still shot with a twinkle of amusement."Eliana," Nathaniel drawled.She set her tablet down on the table, scowling. "Some of us actually get things done, Harper."Nathaniel rose from his chair, laughing. "Oh, don't try to tell me you're still furious at what happened last night Eliana."Her eyes blazed with anger. "Oh, I'm far beyond furious."Nathaniel grinned. "Good. I prefer you angry."Eliana's jaw hardened. "And I prefer you not standing over me." Nathaniel chuckled. "Where's the fun in that Elaine?"There was a fury on Eliana's face and in the way she h