Kim's pov I’ve always believed that everything has a price. Trust, loyalty, even love—there’s always a number, a trade-off. The key is knowing what you’re willing to pay and what you’re willing to sacrifice. For a long time, I’d been playing the game, learning the rules, and bending them where I needed to. But there’s something about Kevin’s inheritance that makes it feel different. It’s more than just a prize to be won; it’s a power to be taken. And I’ve always known that if I wanted to secure my place at the top, I’d need to get my hands on it, one way or another.The Houston Company used to be my leverage. When my father was still around, I had a say in things, I could pull strings and push people around as I pleased. But when the company slipped from my grip, everything else started to slip along with it. That loss—it stung. It stung in a way that made me realize just how fragile my control over this world was. And then I found the file.I’d been keeping a close eye on Kevin for
Kim's POV I trailed off to my past as I remembered every single part of my memories. Every little thing I have gone through and I wouldn't stop at this point not now.I drifted to my past;“There’s something you need to see,” I said, placing the black file on his desk. “It’s about Kelvin.”His expression didn’t change, but there was a flicker of interest in his eyes as he reached for the file. He began reading, and I watched his face closely for any sign of a reaction. As he turned the pages, I could see the faint tightening of his jaw, the way his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. It was subtle, but it was there. I’d gotten his attention.“It’s not just a partnership,” I continued, my voice calm and measured. “Racheal owns him, or at least she owns a significant part of his company. He’s been using ModernMuse to repay a debt, one that’s tied to a failed investment from years ago. And I’m not the only one who’s noticed.”He glanced up at me, his expression hard. “What are you suggestin
Kim's POVIt has been a week since I was assigned the acting president position, and a week since I have seen Racheal.It was so fortunate for me that I have Kelvin at my tip now and also the Chairman. I know Noah has been visiting us for a while now and that has only added to the fire in me that I felt I could only be quenched by Noah.I was lost in my thoughts on what I could do to grab his attention now that he wouldn't even give me one.I made a mistake on my side by not planning my games well and ended up being a prawn in it." If I could get to this point- I mumbled while rolling my office chair I was sitting on- I would have you back to myself Noah Gordons" I pronounced as if it was meant for me to bounce on, I said with a squirted eyes making it feel more like a quest I had to fulfill at my side that a request.It has been a long I updated my mom........I picked up my phone and called my mom immediately which she picked up after ringing twice." Has it been done?" That was her
Rachael's POV.I smiled in satisfaction the moment I got back to my office but not before checking on Gaby.There was a lot at my side I wouldn't lie, It was such a huge risk to reveal myself openly in such an absurd manner when I knew there lot of danger lurking outside there.The moment I set my eyes on Gabriella the idea flew through me and James perfected it all for me without not being there.He was a trained detective before he quit his job for personal reasons he said.I couldn't believe my eyes when I set my eyes on her after the makeup and the changeover, she looked just exactly like me.....I smiled widely as the memories of my reaction and expression flooded in.Sophia almost fainted when Gabriella was shot in her presence......I could notice his trembling body, shaking lips.......I studied every of my reactions and I came to realize that this wasn't a bit about me. It had a lot of effect on Sophia than I expected.The expression, the way she speaks...... everything made it
I forced myself out of my office in the middle of a meeting leaving the boards shocked.I was the boss but I knew what to and what not to do and of course, I knew how inappropriate it was for me to leave in between the meetings.I found myself trailing the same road that leads to RA Lavando with a mental note to ask the meaning behind the name but right now I have to confirm some things.I have to be sure if I was in love with RA or Racheal.....of course, they are the same person but I couldn't settle with the idea that I still want her......I shouldn't not after what she made me lose.Kelvin's message entered following my butler's own... I planned to check them later.I stood at the receptionist pacing the floor with my hands shoved in my pocket neglecting and ignoring different eyes gawking at me. Of course, I knew the consequences I would be facing the moment I stepped in here that was expected. A new gist will have to trend tonight.I was impatiently awaiting her secretary to come
Noah's POV I groaned as I sank deeper into the worn leather seat of Mike’s car. My head was pounding, each throb a reminder of the whiskey burning through my veins. I felt like I’d been hit by a truck, and every bump on the road made it worse.“I messed up, Mike,” I slurred, struggling to string my thoughts together. “I went to her office... said things... bad things.”Mike shot me a glance, his hands tightening around the steering wheel. “You did a number on yourself,” he said. “Why’d you storm out of the meeting like that? You know you’re not supposed to just leave like that—”“I couldn’t stay there.” The words came out thick like they were stuck in my throat. “It was like… I couldn’t breathe, like this pressure in my chest. I had to see her, had to… say something.” I let out a bitter laugh. “And I ended up saying all the wrong things.”“What exactly did you say to her?” Mike asked, his eyes flicking between me and the road as we neared my apartment.I pressed my palms against my t
Rachael's POV.I sat slumped in my office chair, haggardly wiping the tears streaming down my cheeks. I couldn’t stop them; they kept falling, mixing with the ache in my chest. Noah’s words echoed in my mind, reopening a wound I’d tried so hard to bury. I thought I’d moved past it, but all the pain came rushing back as if I’d never healed. My hands trembled as I clutched the edge of the desk, trying to steady myself.Just then, the door creaked open, and I quickly tried to compose myself, swiping at my face. “Mommy?” Ariella’s small voice broke through my haze. She stood in the doorway with wide, concerned eyes, and beside her was Sophia.“Rachael, what’s going on?” Sophia asked her expression a mix of alarm and concern. “You’ve been crying.”“I’m fine,” I said, my voice coming out shakier than I intended. “Just… having a rough day.” I forced a smile, but it felt weak, even to me.Ariella walked over to me and reached up to touch my face, her little brows furrowed with worry. “Mommy,
Kim's POV." Mom I swear the child belongs to her......The moment I saw those sets of eyes, I couldn't bring myself to believe that the child was not hers .... Those eyes, the way they stared at me, I could see Noah in them.......I promise that child is Noah's"My trip to Racheal's store wasn't for a positive settlement. Of course, she took away one of the most important things of my life from me, what I used five years of my life to plan, and she took it all in daylight.Of course, she deserves to be paid a visit.I could remember the nostalgia I felt the moment I stepped into the store and the embarrassment it caused......I wondered if she sent that Rayla or Layla whatever her name was.I thought everything was getting clearer every day, from the signature to the coincident meeting with that whore, Kim, and me to the concert...... everything.I couldn't help dwelling on my thoughts with the images replaying in my head. Now, it seemed more comprehensive than before, even though it h
RACHEAL'S POV.I could feel the tremors in my fingers as I dialed Sophia's number. It wasn’t fear of some intruder lurking in my home that had me shaking; it was the gnawing anxiety of what Sophia might reveal. I’ve always had this nagging sense that she was hiding something from me, but I’d been patient, hoping she would eventually open up when she was ready. I had to maintain the facade for Rayla, Sophia’s child. I let her believe I understood her mother’s thoughts and feelings, even when I didn’t. It felt like I was walking a tightrope, trying not to disrupt the delicate balance of their world. But now, the tension was palpable, and I sensed that the time had come for answers. Sophia’s avoidance today was telling. Why hadn’t she picked up my calls? It was as if she knew something was brewing, something she wasn’t ready to face. My heart raced as I glanced at the man in the room with me—his smirk only added to my unease. He seemed to revel in my discomfort, but I had no choice; I
Kim's POVI gripped the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as frustration boiled within me. "How could this happen?" I had planned every detail, every move, just to get Noah's attention. I could almost feel the heat of his gaze, the way he smiled at me, and I wanted to turn that spark into something more. But then Rachael had to show up, didn’t she?“Of all the times to barge in! Couldn’t she have just stayed in her perfect little world?” I muttered to myself, my voice laced with venom. The memory of Rachael’s smug smile made my blood boil. "Why did she have to ruin everything?"Images flashed in my mind: the way I approached Noah, my heart racing with excitement, my plans swirling in my head. I had been ready to make my move, and then Rachael’s voice shattered the moment like glass. “Kim, what are you doing here?”"Ugh! Just like that, she had to play the lucky one here, the one who always meddles."I shook my head, my anger intensifying. “I was trying to be bold, you idiot!” I
Rachael's POV."We are being followed, ma'am"I had to walk briskly back to the last floor, where the car was parked while James held the door open for me.I still couldn't get myself. Even when I leaned immediately, I disrupted the kiss.My social media account went out due to different messages and texts here and there.I waited behind till this moment because coming to his office because I thought he might want to do something about it probably asked his social team to handle it by taking it down but after a while and still couldn't notice anything I had to force my way down to his office and I wouldn't deny the great disappointment I felt meeting Kim there, the hurt, the pain...... everything flooded in which I refused to let it take me down instead letting my Adrenaline take control filling me up with confidence I couldn't point out where it came from.I loved it when he slammed the door to Kim's face, and I loved the expression on her face. At least it gave me hope, a glint of
Noah's POV “Sorry, I interrupted something. Maybe I shouldn’t have come.”Her voice broke through my trance, making me realize what was unfolding before me.My heart sank. I could see Kim’s disdain in her eyes, and I felt a rush of protectiveness for Racheal. I struggled to find my voice, feeling trapped between them.I saw through her, it filled with disgust and also disappointment, but why would she feel disappointed when we don't share a thing? I still stood firm to my foot not saying a word until she began to back away, her gaze on the floor. “I should go. It’s not like we share anything worth me explaining or correcting, whatever it is that might be going on in his head.”Her words hit me hard. Did she think I had an explanation? We don't share a thing. I might be “No, wait!” I called out, grabbing her wrist without thinking. I pulled her into the office and shut the door behind us, shutting out Kim’s glare.“Stop it! Stop it okay” Racheal exclaimed, pulling away, her anger evid
Unknown Pov.Los Angeles had a way of swallowing secrets whole, of hiding them under neon lights and cracked concrete. It was the perfect place for someone like me to operate, to weave webs invisible to anyone who didn’t know where to look. This city, with its endless alleys and shadowy corners, was my kind of playground. And tonight, I had a game to play.I waited, seated in a small, dimly lit room in the back of one of my usual spots. The man across from me looked nervous, tapping his fingers on the edge of the table, darting his eyes around like he expected to see ghosts. His name wasn’t important; he was just one of my watchers, someone who owed me enough that he knew better than to keep secrets. And tonight, he had plenty to share.“Sir” he started, his voice barely a whisper. I didn’t bother answering. I just looked at him, waiting, letting him sweat it out. People reveal more when they’re nervous, and I was interested in every detail.He swallowed, gathering the courage to cont
Kim’s POVI’d be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about Noah every single day since he walked out of my life. No matter how hard I tried to push him from my mind, he was always there, haunting my thoughts like a ghost that wouldn’t leave. The things he said, the way he looked at me, it all lingered, reminding me of everything I had lost—and everything I still wanted.For too long, I had convinced myself that he was out of reach. That maybe his heart had finally slipped away from me for good, tethered somewhere I couldn't reach. But recently, something changed. I saw how he looked at Racheal, and a spark of jealousy flickered inside me, igniting an idea. Maybe he wasn’t entirely lost to me after all. Maybe I could pull him back into my orbit, and remind him of what we had before she ever showed up.And so, that’s how I found myself making my way to his office that day. It was early evening, and the hallways of his building were empty, quiet, and dimly lit. I could feel the tension tigh
Kim's POV.I vent out my anger to the pieces of furniture in the room to the lamp desk beside the bedsides, crutching and throwing up things my hand could touch.The more I kept to flew things the more the anger in me seemed unquenchable.I couldn't pick up my mom's call because I knew talking to her would only make things worse. Kelvin has made it his daily job to avoid me, I heard from his secretary that he is going on a Business trip.My marriage has turned into a hut and my quest has yet to be fulfilled.....The first time it was Charlie who called asking me to check my IG and I bore the consequences of everything, especially from my mom.The image displayed on my screen kept infuriating me more and more.....the hashtag, the comment.... everything just seemed to be adding to my fire.With every comment I read talking about how perfect they look and how great they would be if they get married...... everything just keeps messing the entire me up.I heard the honking car downstairs i
RACHEAL'S POVI felt so down and heartbroken when Noah called me a forbidden fruit. I knew he still saw me as someone who only wanted to ruin him and taint his image again even when I had no intention of such.I love the way he kissed me, it was desperate expressing how much he has been wanting which I started to dwell into hoping for a new start until he said those words.He has a thing for having his way and then leaving me mending the shredded piece of me.I wasn't expecting Kelvin to be in the meeting because I don't remember granting him his requests. I noticed his uneasiness and I walked towards him to confirm that not knowing his real intention against me." Would he kissed me or do something out of my will if Noah hadn't barged in?'I mumbled inaudibly."Kelvin hasn't for once gotten attracted to me and now will not be that moment "I trailed off to my thought before asking Juliet if she sent the invitation letter to Kelvin." He is now one of the contractors so I had to send
Noah's POVAs I stood in the dimly lit hotel room, the air felt thick with tension, and the weight of my decision to come to California pressed heavily on my chest. I had traveled all this way for Rachel, a woman I had convinced myself I didn’t love. But as I stood there, the truth crashed over me like a relentless wave—I couldn’t imagine my life without her. The drive down had been a blur, my mind racing with thoughts of her and the lingering doubts that had plagued me for weeks. But nothing could have prepared me for the sight that awaited me when I finally arrived. When I walked into the meeting room, I was greeted by the sight of Rachel and Kelvin standing uncomfortably close. Their silent echoed imagination words in my ears, and a fire ignited within me. I don't care if he was his ex or anything, I might not be the good guy too but of course he shouldn't and must not be Kelvin.My heart raced as I watched them staring at each other with Kelvin's eyes filled with lust and Rache