***NICOLE'S POV***I stared at my reflection on the mirror and nodded my head, satisfied with my appearance. I had on a sleeveless floral gown which stopped right above my knees, held in place by a black waist girdle with a gold head, and black leather tall boots to match.I left the room after grabbing my purse and walked into the living room. I glanced around, letting out a heavy sigh. The place felt so empty without Easton, and I kept thinking about our last discussion, and the way Easton stormed out without giving me a second glance.I wanted to tail him, find out where he was going but decided against it. He didn't return again until late night and when he did, I could perceive the smell of alcohol all over him. He didn't say a word to me about what happened after that day, and he's been speaking to me as though nothing happened but I knew that he still didn't trust me.A part of me knew my time with Easton was coming to an end but I would never let that happen. I decided to use
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I groaned as we finally departed from the airport after a five hour flight from New York to San Diego. Easton already had a vehicle waiting to pick us up and take us to the hotel.We arrived at the hotel in less than thirty minutes and our luggage was placed in a cart as we walked into the luxurious five star hotel to book our stay.“Welcome to Comfort Z, how may I assist you, sir?” The receptionist asked Easton, her tone professional with a slightly thick accent that made one conclude she wasn't a native English speaker.“We'll be taking two of the masters suites.” Easton responded and I furrowed my brows at him.“Two?” I asked and he turned to me with a slight smile.“One for you and your assistant and then the other for me. Or do you want your personal space?” Easton asked and I let out an awkward laugh.I initially thought he was booking two rooms to have us share one and Lola the second. My bad.“Oh that's completely fine.” I said and he nodded before return
***MIRABELLA'S POV***The conference room was filled with the sound of gentle chatter as everyone settled down. We were greeted with three representatives of the Hillgates Company, Mr. Alex Chain, the CEO, Ryan Thomson, the CFO and Ms. Samantha Lee, the Marketing director. After everyone was settled, the meeting commenced with Easton taking the first opening. He rose from his seat, confident and poised, and then picked up the control for the projector screen.“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for considering our proposal. Our company has been at the forefront of industrial innovation, and we believe our digital products can revolutionize the way your company reaches customers.” Easton stated as he clicked on the control remote, showing a chart flow of sales on the projector.The investors looked impressed by the charts and then turned their attention back to us.“We are impressed with your company's growth.” Mr. Alex said with an approving nod. “How do you plan to integrate our bran
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I stared at the message, blinking several times just to make sure I was not imagining. It was crystal clear.But why was I panicking? Easton clearly invited me over for work, yet my heart kept beating as though it wanted to burst out of my chest.I knew it was not a good idea but what's there to worry about? I wouldn't let myself get swayed so easily, I wasn't that Mirabella anymore but we both drank a lot tonight, and I felt as though I would be walking right into a trap if I was to accept his offer, a trap that was probably set up by my mind.But still, I had to be careful.“Since we have no schedule tomorrow, why don't we work on it tomorrow? It's late now and I'm certain you're tired as well.” I texted, holding my breath as I awaited his response.“Alright. Goodnight, Mirabella.” Easton texted back after a while and I finally released my breath.I quickly changed into my night gown and settled on the other side of the bed. Today was a success, and I hoped e
***EASTON'S POV***We were all settled in the hotel's conference room, Mirabella sat next to me, her expression unreadable as she kept her gaze locked on the investors as they signed each document.I let my gaze travel down to her outfit. She had worn a simple buttoned up long sleeve shirt and grey pants, with her hair let down, falling on her back and on each side of her shoulders. She radiated nothing but confidence, and elegance and I found it difficult to take my gaze off her.I tried to be on my best behavior throughout the trip but each time I saw her, I couldn't block out the longing feeling to hold her hand, to run my hands through the strands of her thick hair, and...My thoughts got snapped aside when Mr. Alex rose from his seat.“Well, Mr. Grey, I look forward to our joint partnership and future success.” He said while extending his hand.I stood up and accepted his handshake, a small smile on my face.“Thank you for choosing to partner with us.” I responded and he smiled,
***EASTON'S POV***I ran my hand through my hair, feeling frustrated as I threw my phone on the bed. So many questions laid at the back of my mind and I needed to get answers but I knew asking Nicole would be a waste.She might just find another excuse to give.I walked up to the wardrobe and began packing my things. Since the main agenda for the trip had been accomplished, there was no need to waste any more time.The only person now that could give me an answer was Broody, but from the police report, he seemed to be in pretty bad shape.First I would meet with Kyle to see the transaction lists he had mentioned which apparently were all done by Nicole into Broody's account. Why would she send such an amount of money to him in secret, and where did she even get the money?Nicole wasn't well off, that I was aware of and she didn't seem to me like someone who was into any illegal acts for money, but then again, do I really know her well enough?When I had finished packing, I picked up m
***MIRABELLA'S POV***“Mommy!” I spread my arms wide open as Alfred rushed into my arms excitedly, wrapping my arms around him tightly as I lifted him up, and spun him around.“Gosh I missed you so much!” I said and began placing kisses all over his face, his soft giggles echoing within the corners of the living room.“I missed you more, Mommy.” Alfred tightened his hold around my neck as though I was going to run away if he didn't and I knew he really missed me. “Welcome back, sweetheart.” I shifted my gaze to the side and that's when I noticed my parents were standing there all along, watching us.“Apparently there aren't hugs and kisses for us.” Roman said as he walked in with my luggage and we all laughed at his silly tease. He had picked me up from the airport even after I had insisted on coming on my own.“So, how did it go?” Dad asked with an expectant gaze.“Successful.” I beamed and they both gave me an approving smile.“As expected.” Roman stated, his hands now tucked into
***EASTON'S POV***I stared at the documents in my hand as I flipped through it, everything was just as Kyle had said over the phone.I couldn't make out an excuse for Nicole. I mean as much as I tried to believe this was a misunderstanding, I just couldn't come up with a possible reason she may have had to do this.“I don't get it. If she needed help for her father, why didn't she just come to me?” I asked even though I knew Kyle wouldn't respond.We were seated at the vip section in an exquisite restaurant as I wanted our meeting to be private. “The real question here is where did all those funds come from?” Kyle asked and I furrowed my brows at him.I don't remember Nicole having any job. Come to think of it, I was the one who told her not to bother getting a job. After our graduation, I remembered Nicole telling me about her plans to get a modelling job but I convinced her otherwise, knowing how unfair the modelling industries could be to those without much connections. Seeing
***ROMAN'S POV***It's been two years now since the whole incident with Logan. Everyone had finally healed from old wounds. Mirabella and Easton got their happy ending, the Brookwood family and Grey family are a lot closer than before.Little Alfred and Sandy's friendship was growing stronger by the day. Everyone was happy.We had all gathered for a family picnic, and Mirabella had insisted I come along. She also invited her assistant Lola, whom she also considered a family.We had successfully expanded our company and B&H Global had maintained the first rank in the sales chart for months now thanks to their New AI Health technology project which was scheduled to launch two years from now.She had successfully gotten investors to raise the funds for the project and so far, everything has been great.“Roman, come over here!” Mirabella's voice snapped me out of my thoughts and I walked over to where she was seated on the mat. “Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I asked worriedly whil
***MIRABELLA'S POV***The moment our plane landed in Paris, the first place we visited was the Eiffel Tower, taking lots of pictures and making fun memories.Next, we went to a five star restaurant and had all the best cuisine they had to offer. By the time we got back to our hotel, it was almost midnight.“Gosh that was amazing! I can't remember when last I had this much fun.” I squeaked and Easton chuckled.“I'll run you a bath and then we could call it a night.” He said and I frowned slightly.“Call it a night?” “You must be exhausted from our tour. And it's really late, so I think —”“I think we should both take a shower. How about that?” I said with a smirk and Easton chuckled.“You still think you can handle it?” He asked as he closed the space between us, wrapping his arms possessively around my waist.“Try me.” I responded, holding his gaze.He smirked as he slowly leaned down, connecting our lips. He cupped my face with one hand as he kissed me tenderly, nibbing and sucking
***MIRABELLA'S POV***“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Alfred, happy birthday to you.” We all cheered after singing for Alfred, and he seemed to be having a blast. It was his sixth birthday today and we had all gathered to cheer him on.“Go on, Alfred. Blow out your candles.” Mom said with a bright smile.“Don't forget to make a wish.” I added and he bobbed his head.“What did you wish for, sweetheart?” I asked with a smile after he blew out his candles, and he beamed before responding.“I wished that you would marry Daddy.” I felt my cheeks burn on hearing his words, however, I wasn't prepared for what happened next.Easton suddenly brought out a ring from his pocket as he got down on one knee.“Mirabella, I know things didn't go well between us in our first marriage, and I know you might not want to marry me because of that, but I promise, this time would be different. I want to do right by you, Mirabella. Will you let me?”I felt overwhelmed with
***LOGAN'S POV***“You have a visitor.” The prison guard said to me and I let out a sigh.“I don't want to see anyone.” I stated as I already had an idea of my visitor's identity. He has been coming here for over a month now even when I kept putting him off.“Do you think I get paid enough to be a messenger? Just see the man already so he can stop coming here!” The guard snapped and I slowly got up from my head.“Fine.” I responded and he opened my cell. He led me towards the phone booth and I reluctantly took a seat, picking up the phone.“What do you want, Lionel?” I asked, trying my best not to roll my eyes at his pitiful face.“I came to check up on you.” He responded and I scoffed.“Shouldn't you be more worried about your other children? They did get hurt after all.” I said with a scoff."If you're concerned about them, then know that they are fine. It's been almost two months since the whole incident, and everyone has moved on. I'm hoping you would too."I scoffed at his words.
***EASTON'S POV***There is a look of horror on Logan's face the moment the gun is fired, as though he never expected that to happen.“Freeze!” The door is forcefully pushed open and the room is suddenly surrounded by several police officers, all aiming that gun at Grace and Logan.“Finally.” Kyle who has been quiet the entire time finally speaks out and I realized what the pen he brought out was for.Kyle you mad genius! He had actually contacted the police all these and had been patiently waiting for their arrival.Logan slowly glanced down at his bleeding stomach before collapsing on the ground.“Put your hands up where we can see them!” One of the officers ordered but Grace just stood still, staring at Logan's unconscious body.“Ma'am we will release fire if you don't put your hands up now.” They warned again and it was then she regained her self consciousness and suddenly aimed the gun at dad but before she could release fire, the police all fired their guns at once, shooting her
***EASTON'S POV***We arrived at the address that night, and I'm a bit surprised to see that there are no security guards on standby.“Are you certain this is the place?” Dad asked and I bobbed my head. He had insisted on coming with us and after much argument, I finally gave in.Kyle was also with us alongside two of Dad's security.“Wait in the car. Kyle and I will go check it out —”“I will not let my son walk into that building, knowing he might not walk out. I'm coming with you.” Dad insisted and I frowned. We already agreed he won't interfere, and now we were here, he was suddenly changing his mind?“Dad, we agreed on this.”“I am coming with you and that's final.” He said and pushed open the door without waiting for my response.I let out a sigh and went after with Kyle tailing behind us.We noticed there were two entrances to the building and still no security guards in sight.“I have a bad feeling about this.” Kyle muttered as we made our way through the smaller entrance.It
***LOGAN'S POV***“That fucking bitch!” I thundered as I slammed the phone on the table, instantly cracking the screen.My men had tailed her like I had instructed. I knew she was smart and would try to find ways to escape and so I sent two extra security after her.She had successfully ditched the first two who had dropped her off at her friend's place, while the other two followed her to Easton's house. It wasn't enough that she had gone to see him, she ended up meeting privately with him and from what I heard through my computer, she told Easton about my plans.If I hadn't planted those bugs in the Grey mansion, I wouldn't have known. I had a feeling that someone had eavesdrop on me while I was giving my men instructions, and when I asked from the patrol security, he told me it was Nicole.That was why I had them follow her in the first place, and now her betrayal had been exposed.I'll make her pay! She won't go unpunished.“I want her in the cold room the minute she arrives!” I
***EASTON'S POV***I stared at Nicole's retreating figure until she was out of sight. I knew I shouldn't believe any word that comes out of her mouth but she had mentioned Logan.Thanks to her, I finally confirmed that Logan was involved in the accident but I still couldn't understand why.What did he have against Alfred or against Mirabella that he would want to hurt her. He obviously knew Mirabella's weakness. Kidnapping Alfred was one thing, killing me... It was either he was trying to hurt Mirabella or he was after my parents.I let out a sigh as I walked into the house and saw Mom pacing in the living room.“Easton!” She exclaimed the moment she saw me and hugged me tightly.“Mom, what's wrong?” I asked as I felt her trembling slightly.“I was so worried. That woman came here muttering nonsense about you being in danger and—”“Mom, I'm fine. I'm right here.” I said as I hugged her tightly. I knew she was talking about Nicole and she must have told them about Logan.“Where is dad?
***NICOLE'S POV***I walked through the hallways, trying to find my way to Logan's office. I couldn't stay here anymore, I needed to go out!It felt like a second prison, and I don't care if I'm seen. He was already planning on going full rogue, so what's the point of hiding my involvement with him?I paused when I finally got to his study room, however the door was left a bit ajar, and I could hear faint voices coming from within.“We begin the next phase tomorrow. Find a discreet location where the ransom will be collected, somewhere with little to no pedestrian lane and somewhere off camera view.” I heard Logan's voice and furrowed my brows, wondering what they were talking about.“Should we make the call now?” “No. We'll make the ransom call tomorrow as well. I don't need their money since I have more than enough, but it's our only way to draw Easton out. I figured kidnapping the little boy isn't enough. Lionel needs to feel pain, and what's more excruciating than losing your onl