VINCE GLANCED AT Vera and Genesis using his serious expression. “We have to tell Dad what we heard,” he whispered with a hint of urgency in his voice. He hoped that if they told their father, Ezekiel would finally believe them. If their mom didn’t, he hoped their dad would. Vera nodded in agreement. Genesis gave a slight nod too, trusting Vince’s lead. Together, the three of them hurried across the hall, weaving through the guests to find Ezekiel.Meanwhile, Ezekiel was standing near the entrance of the event hall, greeting his parents, Emily and Leonardo, who had arrived unexpectedly. “I’m glad you both came,” Ezekiel said, trying to keep his tone neutral but genuinely wanting them to understand that he appreciated the gesture.While his relationship with his parents had always been complicated, tonight Ezekiel was hoping things might be different. He was proud of what Vivienne had achieved and wanted to share it with them, even though he knew there was tension between his parents
VIVIENNE TOOK A deep breath as she stepped up to the microphone at the edge of the stage. The event finally began and the room quieted down as she looked out at the audience. She smiled, glancing briefly at her collection, all ready to debut.“Good evening, everyone,” she began. “Thank you for being here tonight. I am thrilled to introduce my newest line—a line dedicated to the beauty of simplicity and elegance.” Her words were simple, just as she’d practiced, but they held pride. After a few more words of introduction, she stepped back, and the models began to walk the runway, showcasing each design she had poured her heart into.As the show went on, Vivienne watched each model glide down the runway in her creations. Everything was going smoothly, just as she’d hoped. She allowed herself a moment to relax, feeling at ease now that her designs were finally being showcased. But then, her eyes wandered to the VIP seats, searching for Aton. She scanned the rows quickly, but he was nowh
VINCE, GENESIS, AND VERA sat closely together in a dark corner of the venue, away from the crowd. Vince had his laptop open which, fortunately, he brought with him tonight. His fingers were already flying over the keyboard as he worked on hacking into Aton’s phone. Genesis was beside him and leaning in closely while Vera was peeking over their shoulders, trying to understand what they were doing.Vince looked determined as he tapped on his keyboard, muttering to himself. Genesis gave him a supportive nod. “Try using a basic bypass first,” Genesis suggested. “I doubt Aton would think to add extra security.”“Good idea,” Vince replied, focusing hard. “Once I’m in, I’ll look for his messaging app. That’s probably where he’s hidden everything.”Vera blinked, completely lost. “Um…what am I supposed to do?” she asked, looking between them with wide eyes. She wasn’t sure how she could help but wanted to be useful.Vince smiled at her. “Just be our lookout, okay? Let us know if anyone’s co
EZEKIEL“Sir, there’s something unusual here.” I held my phone tightly as I listened closely to Brooks on the other end. For a moment, I excused myself to Vivienne. I told her I would just find the kids but the truth was, I’d communicate with Brooks. After the kids decided to make a move, I also did by my assistant to check any suspicious people in the event. “A few men I don’t recognize are moving around the venue. They look… well, let’s just say they don’t look like regular guests,” Brooks added. The noise of the event was faint in the background, but Brooks’s voice was calm and steady.I frowned as I leaned against the wall to block out some of the noise around me. “Suspicious, you say? Are they looking for something in particular?”Brooks paused like he was carefully observing them before answering. “It seems that way. I’ve seen at least two of them scanning the crowd, like they’re searching for someone.”I considered his words, trying to piece it together. My first thought we
VIVIENNE“Every piece that just went down that runway—stunning!” Piper commented while grinning as she nudged my shoulder. “You’re a genius, you know that?”I laughed softly. Just now, every item of clothes I created was worn on the runway, and I was relieved that nobody made a mistake. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the team, or you both here tonight.” I glanced over at Jeremy, who was nodding, clearly enjoying Piper’s enthusiasm.“Yeah, the whole show looked amazing,” Jeremy added, adjusting his glasses. “Everything came together perfectly.”Piper elbowed him lightly. “You sound so serious, Jeremy. Loosen up! It’s a celebration, not an interview.”Jeremy rolled his eyes but cracked a smile. “Alright, alright. But someone’s gotta keep the praise grounded, Piper. Don’t want Vivienne’s head getting too big.”“Oh, please,” Piper shot back, laughing. “A little ego boost never hurt anybody, and Vivienne deserves it!”Watching the two of them banter back and forth made me smile.
VINCE AND VERA couldn’t hold back their tears as the authorities moved in to bring Vivienne. They clung to each other while their small shoulders were shaking as they watched their mother being surrounded by officers. Vince’s chest felt tight with guilt and thoughts swirled through his head like a storm he couldn’t control.‘This is all my fault,’ Vince thought, squeezing his sister’s hand tightly. ‘If I hadn’t done that hacking before… if I’d just thought about what could happen.’ He never imagined that his actions, the things he’d done without understanding the real consequences, would put his own mother in trouble like this.His lips trembled as he tried so hard not to cry but when his twin sister already burst into tears, Vince’s tears started falling too, no matter how much he tried to be a big kid. When Vivienne saw her children crying, her heart ached. Bitterness crept within her as she crouched down beside them. Her face was calm, though her eyes were filled with a softness
ATON STOOD AT a distance, watching the authorities assist Vivienne. People around him whispered and it was evident from their voices their shock and judgments. He could barely contain his satisfaction, working hard to keep a neutral face. Inside, he felt a deep sense of triumph.‘This is what happens when you try to cross me,’ he thought, his gaze fixated on Vivienne, who now looked vulnerable and defeated. All her confidence and elegance seemed to fade under the accusing eyes of the crowd. She had walked into his trap, just as he’d planned.The murmur of the guests echoed around him, fueling his pride. Hearing the cries of Vivienne’s kids was like music to his ears. 'Serves them right,' he thought bitterly. The children had tried to meddle with him, thinking they were clever enough to get in his way. But they were just children. And now, seeing their tears, he felt his victory was complete. 'Annoying brats,' he sneered inwardly.Aton’s mind drifted to the conversation he’d had wit
EZEKIELI gently squeezed Vivienne's hand, feeling her cold fingers tense. Her eyes were filled with worry, darting around as if the world itself were closing in. I lifted her hand to my lips, kissing the back of her hand softly, hoping it would calm her down. “Vienne,” I whispered, looking directly into her eyes. “Everything is going to be fine. I promise.”Her gaze shifted back to mine, unsure but clinging to a sliver of hope. I could see her struggling to steady herself, her mind clouded by all the accusations that had been thrown her way tonight. But I didn’t need to hear her say anything—I’d already seen enough to know that she was innocent. I kept holding her hand, grounding her as best as I could.“I’ve already contacted a good lawyer. They’re on their way,” I assured her. “You don’t have to say anything right now. Just stay calm. Let them handle it.”She took a shaky breath but then spoke in a voice barely above a whisper, “Zeke… I had no idea about any of this. I don’t know