Sasha breezed into her mother's room, a triumphant smile plastered on her face. "Mother, have you seen the news? The charity event was a huge success! The media is eating up our sob story."Mrs. Montgomery, reclining on her plush couch, gestured for Sasha to join her. "I've been watching, darling. You did an excellent job playing the bereaved daughter. The public is eating out of our hands."Sasha plopped down beside her mother, excitement radiating from her very pores. "And the best part? They're all feeling sorry for us. No one suspects a thing."Mrs. Montgomery chuckled, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "The charity event was a brilliant move. Mentioning Avery's name was the icing on the cake. That girl's reputation is still toxic. Just the mention of her name will stir up controversy."Sasha's grin widened. "I know, right? And we will be waiting with bated breath for Avery to slip up. One mistake, and she'll be behind bars."Mrs. Montgomery patted Sasha's hand. "Patience, darl
Avery I paced back and forth in my room, my mind racing with worst-case scenarios. Clara had been secretive about her plan, and it was driving me crazy. I trusted her with my life, but the thought of her getting hurt was unbearable. She had already sacrificed so much for me.My phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence. I rushed to answer it, hoping it was Clara with some reassuring news."Avery, what's wrong?" Clara's cheerful voice greeted me."You didn't tell me what you had planned, I don’t know what those people might do to you!" I exclaimed, trying to keep my anxiety in check. "I've been worried sick."Clara chuckled. "Avery, stop getting unnecessary worries. Everything will be fine.""Where are you?" I demanded, my concern still evident."I just stepped out of a meeting with Sasha," Clara replied casually.My heart skipped a beat. "What? Clara, be careful. My stepmother is not foolish, and neither is Sasha."Clara's tone remained light. "Don't worry, Avery. At least Sasha didn
Ethan paced back and forth in his living room, his mind racing with thoughts of Clara's meeting with Sasha. He couldn't shake off the feeling of trying to know what they had planned, he needed to know what was happening and there was no way Clara just appeared for no reason, she was there because of Avery. He groaned and ran his hand through his hair, he could t help but think about the stupid charity event they had also, after the ruined drug launching, how could they think about organizing a charity event? The success of the charity event only added fuel to his anger."What did Clara discuss with Sasha?" Ethan muttered to himself, clenching his fists.He needed answers, and he needed them now. Ethan's eyes narrowed as he thought about Avery running to Nathaniel for help. The Montgomerys and Harts were becoming a thorn in his side. He hated Nathaniel for no reason, knowing the two women he once had been in love were after him, he snorted and grabbed the drink in front of him. Ethan
NathanielI sighed for what felt like the hundredth time as I tied my tie, staring at my reflection in the mirror. Why did I agree to this date with Sasha again? Oh right, it was part of the plan. Everything I need to do to please Avery and make sure the Montgomerys get a taste of their own medicine. Just as I was about to put on my jacket, I heard chuckling behind me. I turned to see Avery leaning against the doorframe, a mischievous grin spreading across her face."Hey, relax, Nathaniel," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "It's just one hour. You'll survive."I raised an eyebrow, furrowing my brows. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one stuck on a date with Sasha."Avery chuckled. "Sasha's not that bad, Nathaniel. And she's beautiful too."I moved closer to Avery, my gaze locking with hers. "I don't care about Sasha's beauty," I said, my voice low and husky. "The only beautiful woman I see is standing right in front of me."Avery's cheeks flushed, and she looked away, but I
Clara admired herself in the mirror, smacking her lips together in satisfaction. She loved her confident stride and radiant smile. She loved her dress and how formal she looked and to top it all up, she loved what she was about to do. It wasn’t that she was not worried of course she was, knowing that if she failed it was going to cause a lot of disasters but she didn’t let that deter her mood or her spirit, she believed she was going to help her friend get the justice she deserves, the Montgomery has caused more harm than good and it’s time they taste the piece of their own cake. Just as she turned to leave, her phone buzzed with an incoming call from Avery. Clara hesitated, knowing Avery would be worried. She decided to ignore the call, not wanting to alarm her friend unnecessarily. "I'll fill you in later, Avery," she whispered, tucking the phone into her purse. She couldn’t help but smile as she stepped out of the house and sat in her car, Avery had always been the one to get wo
Avery I stood in front of Montgomery Pharmaceuticals, the sun setting behind the sleek glass building, casting a golden glow over the scene. The warm breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of chirping birds filled the air. Clara walked toward me, a radiant smile spreading across her face, her hair blowing gently in the breeze. Her eyes sparkled with warmth, and her steps were light and carefree.As she approached, we fell into easy conversation, laughing and reminiscing about old times. We talked about our favorite memories, our voices intertwining like the branches of the nearby trees. The tension in my shoulders began to ease, replaced by a sense of comfort and familiarity.Clara's smile was contagious, and I found myself grinning from ear to ear. We were lost in our own little world, oblivious to the dangers lurking in the shadows.But then, without warning, Sasha emerged from the darkness.Her eyes gleamed with malice, and her presence was like a cold w
The Montgomerys sat around the breakfast table, basking in the warmth and comfort of their family gathering. The sunlight streaming through the windows cast a golden glow, illuminating the fine china and crisp linens. Mr. Montgomery, his jovial smile a testament to his love for his family, turned to Sasha."Sasha, dear, how's everything going with Nathaniel? You two seem quite serious," he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.Sasha's smile was radiant, her face aglow with happiness. "Everything's perfect, Father. Nathaniel's absolutely smitten. I'm sure he'll propose soon." Her voice was confident, her eyes sparkling with excitement even though she was lying. Mrs. Montgomery's eyes sparkled, her hands clasped together in delight. "Oh, that's wonderful! We'll finally have a wedding to plan. I've been dreaming of this day for years!" She turned to her husband, her expression conspiratorial. "Dear, we'll have to start making lists – venues, caterers, guest lists..."Mr. Montgomery
NathanielI settled into the couch, a triumphant grin spreading across my face as I watched the news. Montgomery Pharmaceuticals was finally getting its due. The screen displayed the company's plummeting stock prices and Sasha Montgomery's worried expression.Avery sitting beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Nathaniel, how did you do it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.I chuckled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. "Let's just say I have my sources," I replied, winking at her.”I told you that I won’t let anyone get implicated, so you see and you don’t have to worry anymore.” Avery's eyes widened. "You're amazing," she breathed. "I'm so proud of you."Clara, sitting on the other side of me, nodded in agreement. "We make a great team," she said, smiling.I chuckled and smiled at Clara, I love the fact tbat she will go to any extend for Avery. "Couldn't have done it without you, Clara. Your insight into the company's inner workings was invaluable."Clar
“What do you mean, you can’t find him?” Mrs. Montgomery had screamed into the phone, the words sharp with panic, but the response had been nothing she wanted. Her voice cracked as she continued. “I’ve asked you three times, where is he? What’s going on?”Another pause, another incomprehensible answer. Mrs. Montgomery could feel the cold sweat breaking out along her temples.“Bunch of fools!” She yelled and ended the call. When the call finally ended, the silence left behind was suffocating. It wasn’t the kind of silence that felt like peace, it was heavy. Her mind raced, her pulse quickened, and still, no answers. Her husband was missing. They couldn’t find him. Again.A low growl escaped her throat, a sound she wasn’t even aware of making. She turned slowly, her body still tense, like a coiled spring ready to snap. Sasha was standing there in the doorway, her eyes wide, her face a mixture of confusion and concern.For a moment, Mrs. Montgomery didn’t speak. She just stared at her da
“What do you mean, you can’t find him?” Mrs. Montgomery had screamed into the phone, the words sharp with panic, but the response had been nothing she wanted. Her voice cracked as she continued. “I’ve asked you three times, where is he? What’s going on?”Another pause, another incomprehensible answer. Mrs. Montgomery could feel the cold sweat breaking out along her temples.“Bunch of fools!” She yelled and ended the call. When the call finally ended, the silence left behind was suffocating. It wasn’t the kind of silence that felt like peace, it was heavy. Her mind raced, her pulse quickened, and still, no answers. Her husband was missing. They couldn’t find him. Again.A low growl escaped her throat, a sound she wasn’t even aware of making. She turned slowly, her body still tense, like a coiled spring ready to snap. Sasha was standing there in the doorway, her eyes wide, her face a mixture of confusion and concern.For a moment, Mrs. Montgomery didn’t speak. She just stared at her da
Avery I paced back and forth in my room, the thick carpet beneath my feet wearing down with each anxious step. The walls felt like they were closing in on me, the weight of the world pressing down on my chest. Every second felt like an eternity. My father… was he okay? Was he still alive? The uncertainty gnawed at my insides, the fear of losing him clouding every thought in my head. I couldn’t stop myself from running through the worst-case scenarios over and over, each one more horrific than the last.“Take a deep breath, Avery,” Clara’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. I hadn’t even noticed she had entered the room, but she stood by the door now, her brow furrowed with concern.“I can’t,” I replied, my voice tight, barely able to hide the tremor. “I don’t know what’s going on, Clara. My father could be in danger. I need to…”“You will know,” Clara said firmly, walking over to me and placing a hand on my shoulder. “Nathaniel’s going to take care of it. I’m sure of it. Your
Mrs. Montgomery’s heels clicked sharply on the polished floors of the hospital’s main corridor. She stepped forward with purpose. Today, her husband would die not by some tragic accident, but by her own hands. The last thread of his life would be severed, and everything he owned and everything he had promised her would finally be hers.She thought about Sasha and the things she had said. How Sasha had begged her to wait, to let nature take its course. But Mrs. Montgomery had never been one to wait. She had no patience for fate. No, she had worked too long, too hard, for too many years to let some accident stand in her way. She would finish what she had started.Her heart was a slow drumbeat in her chest as she reached Room 307, the door clearly marked with the name “Montgomery.” She gripped the handle, her fingers trembling, and turned it. The door creaked open, but what she saw inside stopped her cold.Empty.The bed, once cluttered with tubes, wires, and the frail form of her husban
NathanielI could feel the adrenaline surging through my veins even before Oliver finished speaking. Mr. Montgomery, the man who had always been the picture of strength, had collapsed. He was the kind of man who never showed weakness, someone who carried himself with an ironclad resolve, unbending in the face of adversity. So, hearing that he was in any sort of trouble felt like the ground had been ripped out from under me.I had to know what happened. Now.“Are you sure of what you are saying?” I asked and Oliver nodded “Yes I am very sure, there is no way I would have come up with fake news, I am telling you the truth.” “Olivia, what happened?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I meant. The words tumbled out faster than my brain could catch up.He was shaking her head, looking more flustered than I’d ever seen him. “I don’t know. I was just there when it happened. he just collapsed. They called the ambulance. I…” his voice trailed off, and I could see the worry on his face. The wo
AveryThe phone slipped from my trembling fingers, clattering to the ground with a sharp, unforgiving sound. My eyes remained glued to Nathaniel, still processing what he had just said. It felt as if my heart had stopped beating, my entire body frozen in shock. I could hear the ringing in my ears, louder than anything else, drowning out everything he was saying.“Your dad is in a coma, Avery.”The words echoed in my head, over and over, but none of them seemed real. This couldn’t be happening. My mind was fighting against it. It had to be some mistake, some cruel joke. But Nathaniel’s face… it wasn’t joking. His expression was serious, filled with concern, but that didn’t make it easier to believe.“No,” I whispered, shaking my head in disbelief. “No. That can’t be right. He’s fine. He is always fine.” My voice was small.Nathaniel stepped closer, crouching down to pick up my phone from the floor, but I barely noticed. My eyes were still locked on him, searching for some glimmer of re
By the time the next week rolled around, the plans to relocate the project team to Crescent Moon Pack were in their final stages. Everything was moving faster than I had expected. It felt like I had barely gotten my feet under me again after returning from the pack, and now I was heading back into their world. But this time, I wasn’t going to be there to stay. I had a project to manage, and my head was focused on the tasks ahead, not on the triplets or the complicated emotions that came with them. I only had one job to do, which was to do some research and avoid everything else. Ruby was also getting ready to leave. She’d been a great support to me, especially after everything that had happened with the triplets. But now, it was her turn. She had arranged an introduction between me and her mate before they traveled. She was insistent on it, and as much as I tried to avoid the subject, she wouldn’t let up. “I’m not going to leave without you meeting him,” she had said one evening whe
I sat in the study, the quiet hum of the house around me doing little to calm the storm swirling inside. My fingers absently tapped the edge of my desk, but I couldn’t focus on anything, nothing but her voice. “It’s disgusting, Lucas.”The words had landed heavier than I expected, heavier than I wanted to admit. They repeated in my mind, over and over, as though she was still standing in front of me, her eyes flashing with anger, her voice cutting through the space between us. Disgusting. The word felt like a punch. And I couldn’t quite shake the sting.I had gone too far, hadn’t I?I hadn’t meant to upset her, hadn’t meant to cross any lines. But watching her with Ryan tonight, seeing the way that man had looked at her and tried to touch her, I couldn’t sit by and pretend it was fine. She didn’t deserve that kind of treatment. But the way she’d turned on me, my attempt to protect her, to help, had been met with nothing but contempt.She doesn’t need me to protect her.That’s what her
When I regained consciousness, the world felt wrong. It was the kind of wrong you sense in your gut, but your mind is too clouded to process at first. My body ached, a deep, dull pain radiating from my neck and limbs. I tried to move, but the restraints holding me were tight, unforgiving. I could barely move my wrists, let alone my legs. My surroundings were unfamiliar, cold, metallic, and humming with the low, steady rumble of an engine. I blinked several times, trying to adjust to the dim light.The realization hit me slowly. I’m on a plane.I jerked my head to the side, feeling the sharp tug of the ropes, but nothing gave. There was no escape. The air around me was thin, carrying a stale scent that made my stomach churn. As I struggled to orient myself, I saw Elena. She was seated across from me, her gaze locked on mine, unwavering and predatory. “How long?” I rasped, my throat sore from the silence. My words felt foreign, like they hadn’t been used in days. “How long was I out?”