The dimly lit hallway was silent except for the soft echoes of footsteps. Darla moved quietly, heading toward Brayden’s room, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw him.Her breath hitched.Brayden stood just outside Anya’s bedroom door, staring down the hallway, lost in thought.But what made Darla’s blood boil wasn’t just the way he stood there.It was who he had been with.She had seen everything.She had seen the way Brayden caught Penelope in his arms.She had seen how he held her close, his grip firm, his eyes locked on hers.She had seen how long he lingered.And the worst part? He hadn’t pushed her away immediately.Darla’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.That woman.That nanny.Penelope finally disappeared into her room, and Darla forced herself to breathe. She needed to stay calm. She couldn’t let Brayden see how furious she was.She took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and then stepped forward, her heels clicking against the floor.“Brayden,” she called
Penelope Lorenzo’s POV“Please help me!” My voice cracked as I dropped to my knees, clutching at the hem of a nurse’s scrubs. “Please, I’m begging you! My father… he’s dying! Do something!”The nurse took a hesitant step back, her face full of pity but devoid of action to render any sort of help. “Miss, I—I’m so sorry. There’s nothing—”“There’s Nothing?” I screamed at the top of my voice, my voice echoing down the cold hospital hallway. I just didn’t care!“He’s having a stroke! A heart attack! Do you understand? My father, He’s in pain! You have to save him! He is all I’ve got, please!” I yelled more on seeing no one was ready to help me out.“We’re doing all we can,” another nurse murmured, but her words felt hollow. Her gaze darted away from mine, as if she couldn’t bear to look at me.Was I looking so terrible that everyone kept avoiding my gaze? Why wouldn’t they just help me save my father? That’s all I’m pleading for!“No, you’re not doing anything!” I yelled and burst into mo
The hum of the engine was steady as we glided down the dimly lit streets of Los Angeles. The city looked deceptively peaceful, a thin layer of fog clinging to the edges of the road like a ghostly veil.I sat in the backseat of my sleek black car, my gloved hands resting loosely on my knees. My mask—a staple of my identity—covered the lower half of my face. It wasn’t for protection; it was a symbol. A warning. Brayden Giovanni wasn’t a man to be crossed.“Luca,” I said, my voice low but commanding.“Yes, boss?” Luca, my driver and personal assistant, kept his eyes on the road ahead. He was an older man, maybe in his late fifties, with graying hair and sharp instincts. He’d been with me for over a decade, loyal and efficient.“How do you think the deal went?”“The deal?” he echoed, glancing briefly at me in the rearview mirror. “Smoothly, as expected. Those Colombians didn’t dare argue once they saw we came prepared.”I let out a small grunt of approval. “Good. They needed to understa
Brayden Giovanni’s POV“Be careful with her,” I barked as the nurses rushed forward, carrying the unconscious woman into the hospital. My tone left no room for argument.Blood was smeared across her face and arms, her clothing torn in places, revealing deep gashes and bruises. Her head lolled to the side as they laid her on the stretcher. I didn’t miss the faint rise and fall of her chest. She was alive, barely.“Yes, sir,” one of the nurses stammered, visibly shaken by my presence.“Move faster,” I growled, following close behind as they wheeled her toward the emergency ward.The hospital’s fluorescent lights flickered above us, casting a harsh glow on the chaos around me. The moment we entered, the staff seemed to freeze, their eyes darting toward me before scurrying to action. My reputation preceded me, even here.“Get the best doctors available,” I ordered sharply. “I want her stabilized immediately.”“Yes, Mr. Giovanni,” a nurse said, her voice trembling as she rushed to comply.
Penelope’s POVThe silence in the room was deafening. I sat on the hospital bed, staring blankly at the wall in front of me that suddenly looked so interesting to me.My body felt heavy, like a weight was pressing me down, but nothing could compare to the crushing void inside my chest. I felt so empty— Like something had left me the moment I discovered my father couldn’t make it out of this cruel hospital alive!I didn’t cry. I couldn’t cry. There were no more tears left.“Miss Lorenzo,” the deep voice broke into my thoughts and the silence of the room, pulling me out of my trance.I turned my head slightly, barely registering the man standing by the door. Brayden Giovanni. The stranger who brought me here, who claimed to have hit me with his car. I didn’t care who he was. Nothing mattered anymore.“Are you okay?” he asked, his voice low and calm.I let out a bitter laugh, hollow and lifeless. “Am I okay?” I repeated, shaking my head. “What kind of question is that?”He stepped close
Brayden’s POVThe morning light spilled over the hospital driveway as Luca and I waited for Penelope Lorenzo to finish her discharge process. I had instructed Luca to handle the hospital fees first thing this morning. It wasn’t a question of cost; it was about resolving the mess I’d inadvertently caused.Penelope finally appeared, her steps slow and hesitant. She was clutching her bag tightly, her wary eyes darting from me to Luca and then back to the car.“Miss Lorenzo,” I said, gesturing toward the black sedan parked by the curb. “This way.”She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the bag’s strap. Then, with a barely audible sigh, she stepped forward and slid into the back seat. I followed, sitting beside her. Luca, as always, took the driver’s seat without a word.As the car pulled away, I felt her shift uncomfortably in her seat. Her silence was heavy, but I didn’t mind waiting.Finally, she cleared her throat, her voice uncertain. “Um…”I glanced at her. “Yes?”“What kind of
Chapter 6 Brayden’s sleek black car screeched to a halt in front of Giovanni Industries, and he wasted no time stepping out. His towering figure, clad in a sharp black Tuxedo suit cut an imposing silhouette.Without a word, he stormed toward the towering building, his long strides purposeful, while Luca hurried behind him, his weathered face tense.“Luca,” Brayden barked as they entered the elevator.“Go straight to the surveillance room. I want the footage from my office pulled immediately and sent to my computer. No delays.”“Yes, sir,” Luca said with a curt nod, though his voice held a hint of unease knowing it was all his fault.The elevator doors slid open with a ding, and Brayden strode out.Employees scattered to clear his path, their heads bowed.He pushed open the door to his expansive office, the tension rolling off him like waves.The usual pristine order of the space now felt suffocating, every detail reminding him of the audacity of someone daring to infiltrate his
Penelope walked up the grand staircase of the Giovanni mansion, her mind replaying the tense encounter with Anya’s bodyguard. She could still feel the disdain in the woman’s glare, sharp and unwelcome. Trying to shake off the discomfort, she focused on her footsteps. But as she neared the upper floor, voices floated through the air.“I told you, Anya, you need to wash your hands first,” an older voice said, gentle but firm.It was Inez, standing near a slightly ajar door. She was speaking to the little girl, who was still clutching her backpack. The bodyguard stood nearby, arms crossed and face set in a stony expression. With the look on her face and the way she has spoken to Penelope earlier, Penelope hesitated.She was unsure whether to interrupt them, but Inez caught sight of her and beckoned her forward.“Miss Lorenzo,” Inez called. “Come here for a moment please.”Penelope sighed, knowing she'd be caught and there’s no running back. She gently descended the final step cautio
The dimly lit hallway was silent except for the soft echoes of footsteps. Darla moved quietly, heading toward Brayden’s room, but she stopped in her tracks when she saw him.Her breath hitched.Brayden stood just outside Anya’s bedroom door, staring down the hallway, lost in thought.But what made Darla’s blood boil wasn’t just the way he stood there.It was who he had been with.She had seen everything.She had seen the way Brayden caught Penelope in his arms.She had seen how he held her close, his grip firm, his eyes locked on hers.She had seen how long he lingered.And the worst part? He hadn’t pushed her away immediately.Darla’s hands clenched into fists at her sides.That woman.That nanny.Penelope finally disappeared into her room, and Darla forced herself to breathe. She needed to stay calm. She couldn’t let Brayden see how furious she was.She took a deep breath, straightened her dress, and then stepped forward, her heels clicking against the floor.“Brayden,” she called
The evening breeze was cool as Penelope, Anya, and the bodyguards rounded up at the park. The sun had already started dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over the playground. Anya stretched her arms with a tired but satisfied smile.“What do you think, Miss Penny? Ice cream before we go home, right?” she asked, looking up at Penelope with hopeful eyes.Penelope chuckled, brushing Anya’s soft curls away from her face. “Hmm, You’ve had a long day, huh?”Anya nodded eagerly. “And ice cream makes every day better! So I think I need it to wrap everything up.”“Marcus, isn’t there enough time for a quick pick up of ice cream?” Anya asked in her small tiny voice, while giving him puppy eyes.Marcus, who stood nearby with his hands in his pockets, glanced at Darla. “Darla, We’ve got time, huh? This kid might eat me raw if her request isn’t granted.”Darla sighed but nodded. “Fine, but make it quick. We’ve got to get home on time.”“Sure, Darla.” Anya beamed and grabbed Penelope’
The drive to the mall was smooth, with Anya bouncing excitedly in her seat, her little hands pressed against the tinted window as she watched the city pass by.“I love going out!” she chirped, turning to Penelope with bright eyes. “It’s been so long since Daddy let me go to the mall! Did you know I used to go a lot when I was little? But, daddy suddenly changed and stopped taking me to the mall.”Penelope smiled, adjusting Anya’s hair that had fallen into her face. “Really? I guess daddy was just too busy, sweetheart. What did you love buying the most?”“I love buying, Dolls!” Anya chirped and giggled. “And dresses! But I also liked candy and teddy bears. Daddy always let me have whatever I wanted. He always says money isn’t the issue because I’m a princess. His one and only princess!”From the front seat, Darla let out a small scoff, rolling her eyes as she stared ahead.Penelope ignored her and nodded at Anya. “Daddy is correct, Anya. You truly are a princess. You are not just hi
The soft glow of morning sunlight seeped through the thin gap between Penelope’s curtains, casting long, golden streaks across her bedroom floor. The warmth of the light gently caressed her face, stirring her from a restless sleep filled with fragmented dreams and lingering thoughts of the night Brayden said those words to her.Her eyes fluttered open, squinting slightly as she adjusted to the brightness.She sat up slowly, the cool morning air brushing against her skin, sending a slight shiver down her spine. Her heart felt heavy—a mixture of nerves and emotions tangled deep within her chest. The memory of Brayden’s intense gaze, the heat of his words, and Darla’s piercing glare clung to her like shadows she couldn’t shake off.Penelope rubbed her face, trying to push the thoughts away. It’s just another day, she told herself, standing up and slipping into her slippers. She pulled her robe tighter around her body as she stepped into the hallway, her footsteps soft against the po
Inez stepped into the mansion, her sharp eyes sweeping across the living room. Her gaze softened slightly when she spotted Anya curled up against Penelope on the couch, watching a movie. The little girl looked peaceful, her small hands clutching a stuffed bunny.Anya immediately noticed her and sat up. “Ma’am Inez! Where were you?” she pouted.Inez chuckled as she walked closer. “I had to step out for a bit, little one. Did you miss me that much?”Anya crossed her arms dramatically. “I was looking everywhere for you!”Inez smirked. “I’m here now, aren’t I?” She ruffled Anya’s hair, then straightened. “I should go prepare your daddy’s dinner before he arrives.”“Okay!” Anya chirped, then leaned against Penelope again, her focus returning to the screen.“Inez, hope you’re good? I never knew you’d take so long at where you went.” Penelope finally spoke up, staring at Inez.“Oh yeah. I never knew I’d take so long too, but everything went well. I had actually gone out to see my younger
The sound of the front door opening made Penelope pause. She had been stirring a pot of soup in the kitchen, preparing Anya’s meal, when she heard the familiar creak of the heavy doors. Wiping her hands on a towel, she hurried toward the living room.Anya stood there, still in her school uniform, her face lighting up as soon as she spotted Penelope. “Miss Penny! I missed you so much…” she squealed and ran toward her.Penelope smiled warmly, bending down just in time to catch the little girl in her arms. “I missed you too, darling. Welcome home, sweetheart. How was school today? Hope you wrote well and got everyone’s butt kicked?”Before Anya could respond, Penelope felt the weight of a burning glare on her. She lifted her gaze slightly to see Darla, Anya’s personal bodyguard, staring daggers at her. Her eyes were so dark that Penelope thought she could literally see through her.Penelope swallowed hard. Darla had never hidden her dislike for her, but today, her glare felt e
At Anya’s school, she was bubbling with excitement. She couldn’t wait to tell Liam about what her daddy had said—that they would be visiting her grandparents next week. As soon as the bell rang, signaling the lunch break, she ran toward the playground where she and Liam usually met.Liam was already there, sitting on one of the swings, kicking his legs back and forth absentmindedly. When he saw Anya approaching, he smiled and waved at her.“Oh Liam! Guess what?” Anya said excitedly, plopping down on the swing next to him and began swinging herself back and forth.Liam tilted his head, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. “What is it? Did your daddy give you some new cool stuff? I’m so happy when I’m gifted by my parents.”Anya grinned. “I guess this is more than being gifted. My daddy said we’re going to visit my grandparents next week! Isn’t that so cool? It’s been so long I’ve seen them.”Liam’s eyes widened. “Really? Where do they live?”“In another city. It’s far away, so we have t
At Brayden’s company, the atmosphere was professional as usual. Employees moved swiftly, carrying out their tasks, while the air buzzed with the low hum of conversations and ringing phones. Inside the large, glass-walled conference room, Brayden sat at the head of the long, polished table, waiting for his guest to arrive. His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he reviewed the documents before him. Luca stood nearby, a tablet in hand, ready to assist when needed.A soft knock on the door interrupted the silence."Come in," Brayden called, his tone neutral.The door opened, and a tall, elegantly dressed woman strutted inside. She wore a fitted Sky-blue business suit, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached. Her dark brown hair was styled in perfect waves, and she carried herself with confidence."Mr. Giovanni," she greeted with a charming smile, extending her hand. "It’s a p
The next morning, Brayden sat in his study room, flipping through a stack of files.He needed to review some important files before Luca arrived to drive him to the office.His brows were furrowed in concentration as he reviewed the documents, his fingers tapping lightly against the desk. The room was quiet except for the occasional rustle of papers and the ticking of the large grandfather clock in the corner.Just then, the door creaked open, and a small voice broke the silence.“Daddy?”Brayden’s serious expression immediately softened as he looked up to see Anya standing at the doorway, her school bag slung over one shoulder. A warm smile spread across his face.“Anya,” he said, motioning for her to come in. “Good morning, sweetheart. How was your night?”Anya walked over to him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I slept really well, Daddy!” she said cheerfully. “I had a dream about a big castle, and I was a princess!”Brayden chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “A princess,