Sabrina stood by the wall, her eyes fixed on Benedict as the conversation weighed in the air between them. Confusion, anguish, and remorse twisted his face—something she wanted to see and couldn't find peace over because of the weight of her past with him. He had been the reason that reshaped her life; the scars of betrayal were something she carried over the years. Now that she stood on the other side of it all, having watched him crushed by the consequences of his actions, her heart felt a fulfillment it had never known before. I’m sorry, my little Saben, she thought quietly to herself, her gaze softening as she remembered the life she had built with her son. But this is for your dad. He needs to feel what he's done. The lies, the betrayals. Sabrina's fingers curled hard around the rim of her glass, her mind snaring on her own feelings. She would not drag Saben into this sick dance with Benedict. Her son was her life, and he would never know the ache of the past. But Benedict? He ha
Benedict sat in his office, the weight of Sabrina's words pressing heavily on his chest. With every revelation-be it his wife's pregnancy and then the tragic loss of their child-the pain didn't seem to move in any other direction in his mind; he had an ache he couldn't escape.Holding onto this pain, he took his phone and called a number he knew better than any other. His mother, Teresa, answered after the first ring."Benedict," she greeted warmly. "It's late. What's wrong?"There was a long pause before Benedict finally spoke, his voice heavy with emotion. "Mother, I… I saw Sabrina tonight."Teresa's tone shifted instantly, a mix of curiosity and concern. "Sabrina? Where? How is she?""At the St. Laurent Hotel," Benedict said. "She was there for an investor's meeting. She looked… strong, confident. But…" His voice broke as he tried to find the words."But what, Benedict?" Teresa pushed, her anxiety increasing.Benedict shook out his breath shakily, his heart weighted with grief and
"Actions really do speak louder than words, Benedict. It's always hard to remember that sometimes the hardest truths are the ones we need to face. Being honest is not just about speaking your mind; it is to feel it in your bones and let that lead your actions. And let her see that you have changed, not for her but for yourself."Benedict clenched his fists, determination settling. "I'll start with honesty. But that's not an end. I'll take up a fight for myself-even if it takes forever to prove myself worthy enough."Teresa looked on at him with a pinch of pride and concern. "Then don't waste any further time, Benedict. There is no pause in the clock for any of us."As Benedict stood there, preparing to leave, the spark of purpose flickered back into him. For the first time in years, he had a direction—a chance, however slim, to make things right. And he wasn't going to let it slip away.She went inside in her beautiful Parisian abode, composure unwrapping the moment the door creaked s
Benedict sat alone in his office, the heavy burden of his decisions weighing him down. His mind was a tornado of emotions that all came from the chance meeting with Sabrina at the event of the investor. Every word she uttered, every look she flung at him felt like an open wound that would never heal. But there was even more to what caused the stir in his being: the possibility that he might have a son—his child. A feeling of regret, and longing, and hope began to stir within him.He had vowed within himself to do whatever it took to make things right, but first, he needed to know the truth. Was that child hers? Was it really his?The thought of Sabrina's son haunted him. He knew he could not change what was done; perhaps he might still be able to redeem himself, prove himself as the man she once believed in. But before any of that, he had to know where Sabrina was, and if that child was his.Tucking the restlessness in his heart, he picked up the phone and dialed his mother's number.
Sabrina sat forward, forcing herself to focus.She nodded along as Penelope talked about the details, but the words felt distant and jumbled in her mind. All she could think about was the question that kept haunting her: how would she face Benedict if he found out that Saben was really his son? Her thoughts spiralled as she tuned out Penelope's voice. She replayed every moment of her meeting with Benedict at the investor's event. His expressions, his questions, the unmistakable pain in his eyes—all of it felt too real, too fresh. Lying to him about their child was all she knew to protect Saben and herself, but now she didn't know how long she could maintain the facade.“Hey!Sabrina,” Penelope’s voice broke through her fog. “You’re not hearing a word I’m saying, are you,dear?Are you okay?”Sabrina blinked, looking a little embarrassed. She had completely spaced out. "Sorry,Penelope," she muttered in a near-whisper, heat traveling to her cheeks. “I’m just. I’m not myself today.”Penelop
The next morning, Sabrina walked into Benedict's office building with a calm yet determined air. Her heels clicked softly against the polished floor. She had convinced herself that this visit was necessary—not for Benedict, but for herself. She needed clarity, if only to prepare for what might come next.As she waited at the reception desk, she overheard hushed whispers from a group of employees nearby."Did you hear? The long-lost Sabrina—Benedict's ex-wife—showed up at the investor's night," one said, her tone conspiratorial."Yes, everyone is talking about it. I heard she told him their child had died. Poor Mr. Benedict. But can you imagine? After all these years, she just reappears like that?""I wonder if she's back to win him over," another chimed in.Sabrina did not react. Her face, unbroken, held an expression that reflected her stinging hurt. She curled her fists by her sides and willed herself not to respond.Across the hall, Clara was seething with anger. Benedict's long-te
"Clara," he stated firmly, his voice unchaotic but edged with frustration, "stop this. Whatever you think is happening between us, it's not real. What happened between us.it was a mistake."Her face crumpled at his words, tears streaming freely now. "A mistake?" she repeated, her voice trembling. "How can you say that, Benedict? After everything we've shared?"He shook his head, softening his tone slightly but remaining resolute. "I told you before, Clara. I don't love you and that is reality. Sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, but you deserve to be given someone's whole heart, and that's not me."Clara took a step closer, desperation written across her face. "You are lying to yourself! I have seen the way you look at me when no one is around, Benedict! You feel something for me—I know it! And Sabrina? She has a child with someone else! What can she possibly offer you now?"Benedict's jaw clenched over her words, but he forced himself to be composed. "Clara, it isn't about Sabr
Clara could not believe her assignment that had just been passed on to her. Between all the events she could be assigned to report on, it had to be the fashion show of Sabrina Ultra—a brand associated with the elegance of success and more importantly, Sabrina Auburn, the woman she loathed with all her being.Clara curled her fingers into fistfuls as she read the details. "It has to be a joke," she whispered to herself. It wasn't. And her editor had been quite clear on that level: this was the biggest event of the season, and Clara was supposed to bring an exclusive story.This could be my chance," Clara thought darkly, her lips curling into a sly smile. "My chance to expose her and finally put her in her place. Everybody sees her as this perfect, untouchable woman-but I know better. She is just as flawed as the rest of us-and I will make everybody know it.Clara's mind started racing with possibilities as she stared at the invitation to Sabrina Ultra's fashion show. There had to be so
Not anymore.Stepping out of the police station into the chill of early dawn, Sabrina wrapped her coat around herself and glanced at Benedict."We are not going home straight away, are we?" Sabrina asked."No," he said. "We are going to the hospital.""Eliana has to rest—""She's going to be lying in front of that motherfucker Harper in a hospital bed," Benedict growled. "I will have to contend with him.""Dad." Eliana attempted.But Benedict was already off, jaw set.They went in two cars. Damian drove with Saben and Eliana and Sabrina in the rear of the second car with Benedict. There was tension. There was an atmosphere of oppression all around them and a heavy buildup of tension.Within the vehicle, Damian addressed her. "You had do well to avoid the hospital for the moment, El."Eliana raised an eyebrow. "Why?""Because Benedict Thompson and William Harper at the same location? That's not a family reunion I'd care to have front-row seats to."Saben growled, "He's correct."Eliana
INT. POLICE STATION – NIGHT TO EARLY MORNINGSA hum of quiet voices echoed in the tiny police station. A sweet chemical scent of metallic disinfectant hung in the air, mixing with the acrid scent of old coffee. Soft hums filled the air from fluorescent lights overhead.Eliana sat still on a bench beside the corner, wrapped in a rough gray blanket an officer had provided. Her cheek was bandaged, bruised just below her jawline. Her own hands shook a little tighter, though she had them concealed in her lap.Damian leaned against the wall across from her, arms crossed and blood still congealing on his sleeve from a cut on his forearm. Nathaniel stood further off, alone, his face pale, his shirt covered in soot and gunpowder. He'd hardly uttered a word since he made his statement.The double doors of the station burst open with a creaking crash."Eliana!"She shifted her attention rapidly. There they were — her family.Sabrina, lovely even when panicked, ran first. Her coat hung over one s
The door of the warehouse creaked open as she slipped within.The air reeked with sweat, metal, and danger.Fluorescent light buzzed overhead. Footsteps—quiet, measured—rang off metal beams.She glided like a phantom, every step measured. Over rusty crates and scattered trash, her breathing harmonized. She didn't recoil at the groans or distant clatters.Until—"Hello, Eliana."She stopped.A man emerged from behind the warehouse, out of the darkness. Tall. In a new charcoal suit. Thin, satisfied smile on his mouth.One of William Harper's finest enforcers."Mr. Harper sends his regards," he said, his voice silky with poison. "He thought you'd show up."Her teeth were gritted. "Of course he did. He always did enjoy the dramatic entrance.".The man laughed. "He said you were predictable. Guess he was right.""You've been chasing my family like it's a game.""Your father started this. Exposed a man who created legacies. Hospitals. Universities. You all pretend like you're the heroes, bu
But she turned slowly, so that he could see the hurt unfettered in her eyes.I never locked you out, Nathaniel," she whispered. "You just never came close enough to linger."And with that, she departed, the chill night air nipping at her skin. The darkness closed in around her like an old friend long forgotten.She did not glance back.Not when the world was weighed in the balance.The wind wailed as Eliana stepped outside onto the porch, the door slamming behind her like the last stroke on the end of a difficult page. But before she could put a foot beyond the stairs—"Leaving without me?"She faltered. Damian lingered by the edge of the cabin, moonlight glinting off of his dark jacket only accentuating the scar near his jaw more than ordinary. His face showed unreadable expressions, but his eyes-those burning, watchful eyes-were locked on her.The air caught in her throat.“Damian.”He took a step forward, hands in his coat pockets. “You said the extraction would be at midnight. It’
He moved another step forward. "I'm not saving you, Eliana. I'm holding on to you. You keep trying to hurt my father, and you'll be dead. Leave this to the cops."She laughed, a laugh that had no pleasure in it. "The cops?" she repeated, her eyes burning. "You think they care? You think they're not already in the pocket? You think I've not already tried that avenue?""Eliana—"No!" she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the thick air. "How am I supposed to stop when your father still tries to kill me? When every animal with my blood in their veins is a target on feet?" Nathaniel's lips opened, but she was far from finished."My father—Benedict—he did his duty. He planted skeletons of your family to keep everyone safe. But your grandfather? He was laundering money and on the board of my father's company! And now your father's attempting to cover up every loose end—including my family!"Nathaniel's face contorted, shame reddening every part of it."I did not know," Nathaniel panted.
For an instant, the room held its breath. No one breathed. Even the fire paused in its flicker, as if respecting her silent declaration of war against the life she did not desire.Then Nathaniel moved back as if she had slapped him."Eliana," Nathaniel growled, "you don't have to—"“But I do,” she cut in. “You both keep looking at me like I’m going to fall apart. Like I’m not capable of making hard choices.”She blinked fiercely, her throat tightening. "But I've made hard choices since the day your dad enter into our lives. Since the day I learned your dad planning to kill me and he included my brother Saben. And then you came along with your deals and your sweet lies, and I let myself think—I for a split second believed—maybe I could have something normal."Nathaniel opened his lips, but nothing came out.Damian stood stock still, as if someone had winded him.Eliana let go of the back of the frayed armchair as if she were the sole thing holding her together."Do you think I want thi
The room was dim, the wan gray light creeping through holes in the drapes. Eliana stood with arms crossed against her chest at the window, observing as the sky changed — black to blue, as if the world breathed in.She didn't catch the door's opening.Didn't catch the steps.But sensed him.Nathaniel."You should be sleeping," he whispered, his eyes closing as he closed the door.She didn't glance around. "So should you."A silence.Then his arrival at her."I couldn't sleep," he admitted.Her whisper a secret shared. "Neither could I."He stood behind her. Close enough to reach out and touch. Close enough to inhale the scent of her.But he didn't.Because he knew better.For if he'd have touched her back at the time, Nathaniel wasn't sure he ever would have let her go."Do you remember Nathaniel," Eliana gasped, "the first time we met?"Nathaniel smiled faintly. "It was your birthday that time ,You got mad at me easily?"Eliana smiled bitterly. "You were arrogant.""You were fire.""I
Dmitri’s smile stretched slow and serpentine across his face, eyes glinting like a blade catching light. “Good. Very good.”Nathaniel was on his feet in an instant. “You’re playing with fire, Eliana.”She stood tall, despite the quake in her chest. “Then let me burn.”Damian whistled low. "Remind me never to mess with you."Dmitri clapped once, the sound echoing through the warehouse like a shot. "Now we're getting somewhere. I like her. Too bad she's saddled with idiots."Nathaniel's glare could've softened steel. "If she gets hurt—""You'll do what? Growl at me?" Dmitri teased. "Relax, Harper. I'm not asking her to smuggle plutonium. Yet." He winked at Eliana.She didn't flinch. "What's the delivery?"Dmitri pulled out a weathered manila envelope from a locked drawer beneath the bar. “Coordinates. Names. A package.” He tossed it on the table. “You’ll take it to an old contact of mine. Neutral ground. He’ll trade it for something that might just help all of us survive William Harper.
Rain hit the hospital's glass windows, each drop reminding her that time was escaping her. Disinfectant and cold wind were the scents as Eliana stood stock-still in the hallway, her trembling hands clasped around the railing.Nathaniel Harper towered above her, his blue eyes veiled in desperation."You don't understand, Eliana. My dad—he's dead." His words were a growl, the words cutting through the air like the fine tooth of a blade.Eliana's swallow was concrete in her throat. "What do you mean?"Nathaniel sucked a rough breath into his chest, standing on the muscles in the back of his neck. "Vincent. My second. He's hunting me. Hunting you." His jaw hardened. "My father wants me to hurt. And he'll start with you."A chill ran through Eliana's body. As she thought about her answer, her ears picked up a voice that conquered the tension in the room.“I’d love to see him try Damian.”Damian Wolfe.Eliana had just time to see him leaning against the doorframe of the hospital room. His