Aurora's POV The bodyguards wasted no time unloading the countless shopping bags from the trunk, carrying them effortlessly towards the house. Each of them moved in a disciplined manner, their gazes alert, scanning for any potential threats even in the safety of our home.My mother looked around in awe, her fingers tightening slightly around mine. "You live here?" she asked in a quiet voice.I nodded. "Yes. Come on, let's get you inside."She hesitated for a moment, as if overwhelmed by the sheer size of the estate. I could see the emotions flickering in her eyes—uncertainty, hesitation, and something deeper.I squeezed her hand reassuringly before leading her toward the entrance. Dominic followed close behind, his presence solid and unwavering. The moment we stepped inside, warmth enveloped us, the contrast to the cold air outside making me exhale softly.The bodyguards carried the bags past us, taking them straight to the walk-in closet in my room, placing everything down carefully
Aurora's POVMy mother’s phone rang suddenly, breaking the heavy silence in the room. She glanced at the screen, and a small, relieved smile crossed her lips. “It’s Monica,” she murmured, then answered the call.“Julie!” Monica’s voice came through, slightly rushed. “I was waiting for you to come back. Where have you been?”My mother sighed. “Monica, I’m so sorry. I wanted to call you earlier, but something unexpected happened.” She glanced at me, her fingers tightening around the phone. “I found my daughter… Amber—no, Aurora. She’s with me now.”Monica gasped. “That’s wonderful news, Julie! I—”But before she could finish, another voice cut through the background, a voice that made my mother stiffen and my blood run cold.Joanne.I could hear her smooth yet venomous tone, muffled slightly but still unmistakable. She was in Monica’s house.Then there was a rustling sound, followed by Monica’s startled gasp, and Joanne’s voice became clearer.“Well, well… Sister,” Joanne’s voice drippe
Aurora's POV I lay on my bed, my eyes fixed on the ceiling, but my mind was racing. Joanne’s words refused to leave me alone. Even the man you live with is involved…Dominic.Could it be true? Could he really be hiding something from me? He had always been protective, always there when I needed him. But what if it was all an act? What if Joanne was right?I shook my head, frustrated. No. I couldn’t just believe Joanne blindly. She had spent years manipulating me, lying to me. But at the same time… something about her words felt too deliberate. Too confident.What if there was even a sliver of truth to them?I turned onto my side, staring at the moonlight casting shadows across the room. I needed to find out the truth for myself. I couldn’t rely on Dominic, not this time.For years, I had been controlled—by Joanne, by the lies surrounding my past, and even by my own fears. But that ended now.I was done waiting for answers to come to me.If I wanted the truth, I had to go after it mys
Patrick's POVI slammed my fist against the desk, the sound echoing through my study. The anger burning inside me was unlike anything I had ever felt before. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried to take what was rightfully mine, Dominic always found a way to win.First, he stole the company. Then, he took the respect of the board members, making me look like nothing more than a fool. But the final blow—the one that drove a knife straight through my pride—was Aurora.My jaw clenched as I thought of her, of the way she used to be mine. I had been the one in control, the one who dictated what she could and couldn’t do. And now, she was with Dominic. Pregnant with his child.I gritted my teeth so hard it hurt.That should have been my child. Aurora should have been by my side, carrying my heir. But no—Dominic had taken her from me just like he had taken everything else.I paced the room, my mind racing through every failed plan. I had tried to sabotage his business, had tried
Patrick’s POVI leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair as my mind raced with plans. The upcoming party would be the perfect opportunity to strike, but I needed more pieces in place. And for that, I needed Joanne.Turning to Eva, I asked, "Where is your mother? Yesterday, I needed to discuss something important with her, but I didn’t see her anywhere. Did she leave for a trip?"Eva frowned slightly, crossing her arms. "I really don’t know. Mother left the house in a hurry yesterday, but she didn’t tell me where she was going. I found it strange, but she does this sometimes."That didn’t sit well with me. Joanne wasn’t the type to disappear without a trace, especially with everything going on. If she had left so suddenly, that meant she was handling something big—something I needed to know about.I pulled my phone out and dialed Joanne’s number. The call rang once… twice… but there was no answer.I tried again, my fingers tapping impatiently against the armrest of my ch
Patrick's POV I chuckled, tilting her chin up. "Why, jealous?"She scoffed, but the fire in her eyes told me she wasn’t pleased. I leaned in, brushing my lips against her ear."Relax, baby. You know you’re my favorite."I pushed Eva off my lap and stood up, adjusting my shirt as I walked toward the entrance. She huffed in annoyance but didn’t say anything, probably because she knew arguing with me wouldn’t change a damn thing.The moment I stepped into the hallway, my bodyguard was already waiting with the girls. Three of them.They stood in a perfect line, dressed in tight clothing that left little to the imagination. Each one had a different look—one was a brunette with sharp, calculating eyes, the second a fiery redhead with a cocky smirk, and the last a blonde who looked the most reserved but still held herself with quiet confidence.I crossed my arms, taking my time to scan each of them before speaking."You girls will be staying here until our contract is complete," I said cool
The drive to Isabella’s house felt like an eternity, even though it was only twenty minutes away. Patrick's mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle. If Dominic had set Patrick up, then this was more than just a business rivalry, this was war.Vincent pulled up to Isabella’s private estate, a lavish mansion hidden behind high walls and secured with armed guards. As soon as the car stopped, Patrick stepped out, his body tense with frustration and suspicion.Isabella was already waiting for Patrick at the entrance, dressed in a silk robe, her expression serious. She didn’t waste time with pleasantries."You took your time," she said, crossing her arms."Enough games, Isabella. What the hell is going on?" Patrick demanded.She smirked but didn’t comment on his impatience. Instead, she turned and led Patrick inside. We walked through the marble-floored hallways until they reached her private lounge. She gestured for him to sit, but Patrick remained standing.She sighed and lea
Patrick's jaw clenched at Isabella's words. He hated hearing anything that painted Dominic as untouchable. He refused to believe that his enemy was always one step ahead.Isabella leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Have you forgotten that in the big four families, Dominic is one of the strongest? He has influence, power, and people who are willing to die for him. You can’t just take him down like any ordinary man, Patrick."Patrick scoffed, shaking his head. "Power shifts, Isabella. No one stays on top forever. Dominic's time is up."Isabella sighed, swirling the drink in her glass. "I’ve noticed something, though. He has a lot of men around him who feed him information. It’s like he always knows what’s happening before it even unfolds. I wouldn’t be surprised if he already suspects you’re up to something."Patrick narrowed his eyes. "Are you saying there’s a mole in my ranks?""I wouldn’t be surprised." Isabella took a slow sip of her drink before setting the glass dow
Chapter : Final Fight Aurora’s POV“Hold on, Dominic. Please.” My voice trembled, fear clawing at my chest.Leo stood in front of us, his expression unreadable. He exhaled sharply, then turned to his men. “Take him to the hospital. Now.”Two of his men moved forward, carefully lifting Dominic. He groaned in pain but didn’t fight them. I could see how much it took for him to stay conscious.Leo’s cold eyes flickered toward me. “You, stay here.”Panic surged through me. “No! I’m going with him!”He raised a hand, silencing me. “He’ll be taken care of. But we’re not done yet.”I swallowed hard, my heart hammering in my chest.Leo turned to the rest of his men, his voice low but sharp as a knife.“Find Joanna. Bring her to me. I don’t care what it takes.”The air in the room felt suffocating. I could barely breathe.The drive to the hospital felt like a blur. My hands were covered in Dominic’s blood, my heart pounding so hard I could barely think. The moment we arrived, the doors burst o
Dominic’s POVWe moved in quietly, our steps light against the wooden floor. The house smelled of dampness and old cigarette smoke.As soon as we stepped inside, I saw her.She was sitting in a chair, her hands tied, her face pale but alert. The moment our eyes met, she froze.I could see the relief in her eyes, but also the fear. If she reacted, Patrick would notice. I quickly lifted a finger to my lips, signaling her to stay calm.Aurora’s lips pressed together, and she barely nodded. She understood.Patrick was standing a few feet away, his back turned as he spoke to Isabella."This is taking too long," Isabella snapped. "Joanna should be here by now!"Patrick sighed. "She’ll come. She has no choice."I glanced at my men. One wrong move, and Aurora could get hurt.I didn’t waste time.With one swift motion, I pulled out my gun and aimed it directly at Isabella and Patrick."Don’t. Move." My voice was cold, steady.They froze. Shock flashed across their faces. Isabella’s mouth opene
Aurora’s POV“Hold on, Dominic. Please.” My voice trembled, fear clawing at my chest.Leo stood in front of us, his expression unreadable. He exhaled sharply, then turned to his men. “Take him to the hospital. Now.”Two of his men moved forward, carefully lifting Dominic. He groaned in pain but didn’t fight them. I could see how much it took for him to stay conscious.Leo’s cold eyes flickered toward me. “You, stay here.”Panic surged through me. “No! I’m going with him!”He raised a hand, silencing me. “He’ll be taken care of. But we’re not done yet.”I swallowed hard, my heart hammering in my chest.Leo turned to the rest of his men, his voice low but sharp as a knife.“Find Joanna. Bring her to me. I don’t care what it takes.”The air in the room felt suffocating. I could barely breathe.The drive to the hospital felt like a blur. My hands were covered in Dominic’s blood, my heart pounding so hard I could barely think. The moment we arrived, the doors burst open, and doctors and nu
Dominic’s POVI stared at the flash drive in my hand, my grip tightening. How could I be sure this was the real evidence? Patrick was a snake, I wouldn’t put it past him to hand me something useless just to trap me."How do I know this is real?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.Patrick smirked, his confidence irritating me. "You don’t. But do you really have a choice, Dominic?"Before I could say another word, a weak but urgent voice cut through the tension."Dominic, don’t trust him!"My entire body froze. My eyes snapped to Aurora, who was still tied to the chair. Her lips were dry, and her eyes were filled with desperation.Patrick cursed under his breath, moving toward her, but I lifted my gun, stopping him in his tracks."What did you just say?" I asked Aurora.Patrick clenched his jaw and glared at her, but the moment he released the cloth gagging her mouth, Aurora gasped for air and spoke again, this time stronger."Dominic, that’s not the real flash drive! He’s trying to t
Chapter : The final Fight Isabella’s POVPatrick leaned against the table, his eyes dark with satisfaction as he lit a cigar, taking a slow drag before exhaling the smoke. His gaze shifted to Aurora. "Joanna is on her way here," Patrick said, a wicked smirk curling on his lips. "And she’s bringing Dominic’s baby with her."I froze, my breath catching for a moment. Dominic’s baby? I hadn’t expected that.Patrick chuckled, clearly enjoying my shock. "The moment she arrives with the child, Dominic will have no choice but to give up everything for me. His power, his wealth, his loyalty, everything."I narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. "Are you saying you plan to trade his own child for his empire?"Patrick shrugged. "Why not? Dominic isn’t stupid. He’ll do anything to protect what’s his. And if it means bending to my will, he’ll do it."I crossed my arms, watching him carefully. "And what if he refuses? What if he fights back?"Patrick exhaled another puff of smoke, his smirk never fal
Isabella’s POVPatrick leaned against the table, his eyes dark with satisfaction as he lit a cigar, taking a slow drag before exhaling the smoke. His gaze shifted to Aurora. "Joanna is on her way here," Patrick said, a wicked smirk curling on his lips. "And she’s bringing Dominic’s baby with her."I froze, my breath catching for a moment. Dominic’s baby? I hadn’t expected that.Patrick chuckled, clearly enjoying my shock. "The moment she arrives with the child, Dominic will have no choice but to give up everything for me. His power, his wealth, his loyalty, everything."I narrowed my eyes, stepping closer. "Are you saying you plan to trade his own child for his empire?"Patrick shrugged. "Why not? Dominic isn’t stupid. He’ll do anything to protect what’s his. And if it means bending to my will, he’ll do it."I crossed my arms, watching him carefully. "And what if he refuses? What if he fights back?"Patrick exhaled another puff of smoke, his smirk never faltering. "Then he loses ever
Julie’s POVI struggled to breathe, my body aching from the relentless fight, but I refused to give up. Joanna and I clashed again, our hands grabbing, pushing, and striking at each other like wild animals.She lunged at me, her nails clawing at my face, but I ducked just in time. My fist connected with her stomach, making her stumble back with a sharp gasp."You witch!" she spat, her eyes filled with pure hatred.I didn’t waste a second. I spun around and grabbed the baby from the bed, holding the child close to my chest. My heart was racing.I needed to get out. Now.Joanna must have realized what I was trying to do because she let out a furious scream and charged at me again. I turned my back, shielding the baby, and felt her nails scrape against my arm, trying to pull me back."You're not leaving with that baby!" she shrieked.I kicked backward blindly, my foot slamming into her leg. She yelped, losing her balance for a moment. It was all the time I needed.I rushed toward the doo
Joanna’s POVJulie clutched the baby tightly, her eyes filled with fear and determination. “I will never let you go with this baby,” she hissed.I let out a slow chuckle, stepping closer. “Oh, Julie, don’t be so dramatic.”Tears welled in her eyes, but her grip on the baby only tightened. “You’ve already taken everything from me! You stole my inheritance, destroyed our family, and left me with nothing! You kept me away from Aurora, my own daughter, for years! And now you want to take her child too?” She shook her head furiously. “I will never let you have my grandchild!”I sighed, tilting my head. “You always did have a way of making yourself the victim, didn’t you?”Julie’s face twisted with anger. “You are the reason for everything! You lied, manipulated, and ruined my life. You wanted me gone, and you got what you wanted. But I won’t let you win this time. Not with Aurora’s baby.”I smirked, taking another step forward. “And how exactly do you plan to stop me, dear sister? You’re w
Dominic’s POVMy hands tightened around the steering wheel as I drove through the dark streets, the city lights flickering past like ghosts. My mind was racing, my chest tight with fear.Aurora’s signal had led me here, to Patrick’s old office building, not to the address he had given me.I knew Patrick. He was a snake. A master of deception. He wanted me to go to the wrong place while he did whatever sick thing he had planned.The tracking device on Aurora’s phone had been steady for the past few minutes, but then…“Sir, the tracking has stopped.”My heart slammed against my ribs.“What?” I barked, gripping the wheel tighter.“The signal just cut off. It’s gone.”Damn it.I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to stay calm. This wasn’t a coincidence. Patrick was covering his tracks. He must have found out Aurora had a tracker.I inhaled sharply, pushing down the wave of panic rising inside me.I couldn't afford to lose focus now."We’re still going to that building." My voice was firm, le