***NICOLE'S POV***“Miss, can I please see your hands?” I froze at the nurse's request, but I quickly composed myself and stylishly tucked the syringe into the pocket of my jeans then I stretched my hands to her.“Is something wrong?” I asked with furrowed brows.The nurse blinked severally, her expression that of uncertainty “Oh, I'm sorry about that. Who are you?” She asked, her gaze still lingering on my hands.“His daughter.” I responded firmly. “Is there something you need?” I asked her with a slight frown.“My apologies, miss. I just came to check his vitals.” The nurse said as she walked around to where I stood. I swiftly moved out of her way, making sure not to turn my back to her until I was at the door.“Thank you so much for taking good care of him. I'll visit again soon.” I said with a faint smile and the nurse gave me a nod and then began checking his drip settings and his vitals.I quickly left the room, heaving a sigh. Broody might have gotten lucky today, but I'll be
***MIRABELLA'S POV***“Well ma'am, you have nothing much to worry about. All his tests came out clean.” The nurse said with a smile as she handed the results to me.I stared at the sheets, feeling a bit confused. “But what about his fever?” I asked worriedly. I had rushed Alfred to the hospital the moment I noticed he had a fever, as I didn't want to take any chances. I couldn't stand seeing him get sick, I couldn't stand seeing him sad or in any form of pain.“Well it's normal for kids to develop a fever without any serious medical cause. These fevers are benign and often go away in less than two to three days.” The nurse explained.“So you're saying he's fine?” I asked, my voice laced with uncertainty.“Yes, just keep him hydrated, make sure he's dressed comfortably and keep monitoring his temperature. If it persists then we can run more tests.” She explained and ruffled Alfred's hair with a warm smile on her face.“Take care, kiddo.” She said to him before leaving the room.I tur
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I had just settled down in my office when I heard a knock on the door.“Come in.” I ushered and the door swung open, revealing Lola, my secretary.“Mr. Anderson is here to see you, ma'am.” Lola informed me and I gave her a slight nod.“Let him in.” She leaves the office and soon enough, the door opens again, revealing a well dressed man with a deep scowl on his face.“Mr. Anderson,” I greeted, standing up to shake his hand. “Please, take a seat.”Mr Anderson sank into the chair across from my desk, his face still contorted in anger. “I have been wronged, Ms. Brookwood,” He said, his voice tight with frustration. “I have been cheated out of my hard-earned money.”“I see.” I responded, nodding gravely. “Can you tell me what happened?” “I entered into a contract with a local business to supply them with materials for a construction project," Mr. Anderson explained, his voice growing more agitated. ”But they've refused to pay me for my services."“How much do they
***MIRABELLA'S POV***“Private school?” I asked with a slight frown. “What's wrong with his home lessons?”“Come on, Bella. According to you, Alfred has been homeschooled since day one. Back then at least you were around more but he hardly sees you these days and he needs to be around kids his age more often.” Mom suggested but I shook my head negatively.“I don't think that's a good idea, mom. Alfred is already doing well, he's a smart kid and it won't make any difference if he's homeschooled or attends a private school.” I stated firmly while changing out of my work clothes.“You need to loosen up a bit, Mirabella. I get that you're trying to protect him but keeping him locked up isn't the best.”“He isn't locked up. You and Dad take him out on several occasions, and I do the same whenever I can—”“But now work has made you busier than ever. The least you can do is let him socialize. He's a very curious kid you know. He needs to make friends with kids his age and get used to being a
***EASTON'S POV***“Tell me you have some useful information for me.” I said while keeping my gaze focused on the wheels. I had the call connected to the car's Bluetooth, that way I won't get distracted.“Well, I was finally able to get the caller ID from the number you gave me. However, it was registered with a fake name so I couldn't track it down with any known person.” Kyle responded over the phone and I let out a sigh.Smart move. The caller must have suspected something like this and had taken precautionary measures.“And what about Mirabella's case?” I asked after a while and I could hear Kyle grumble from the other end before responding.“I told you already. The Brookwoods are high profile people, they don't let any personal information slip out just like that. All I can find are news headlines of Mirabella's return. Nothing about the kid or his biological father.” “So you're saying you can't track her activities in the last six years?” I asked with a frown, making a right tu
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I kept stroking Alfred's hair as he slowly drifted off to sleep. I kissed his forehead, pulling the blanket over his shoulders then exited his room. My mind drifted off to my encounter with Easton and our visit to his parents' house. I couldn't help but admire the way he acted around Alfred. There was no doubt that he would be a good father to Alfred but it was too risky. He wasn't a good husband to me, and though he is obviously trying to make up for it, I wasn't sure if I could fully trust him again.I remembered his mother's remark about Alfred. I felt bad for lying to them as well but I couldn't risk Easton finding out. If I should tell them about Alfred being their grandson, then there's no doubt that Easton would find out sooner or later.I walked into my room and found my mom comfortably sitting on my bed.“Did you forget the location to your room?” I asked mom jokingly and she smiled softly.“I wanted to have a word with you before you start packing for
***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
***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