***EASTON'S POV*** “Sir, are you listening?” Emma's voice snapped me out of my trance and I shifted my gaze to her. "Sorry what were you saying?" I asked with a perplexed expression. “I was just reminding you about your three O'clock meeting with Mr. Alex Chain from Hillgates Company.” Emma replied and I bobbed my head. “Let me know when it's three then.” I responded and she pressed her lips into a thin line. “What is it?” I asked when I noticed she wasn't moving. “It's already three, Sir. I came to remind you of the meeting.” She stated rather hesitantly and I gave her a faint smile. “Oh is that so? I'll be there shortly.” I said and she bobbed her head before leaving my office. I let out a frustrated sigh as I tugged at my hair roughly. I have been zoning out more often these days and I didn't want that to be too obvious. I just couldn't stop myself from thinking about Mirabella and how to make things right between us. I was also worried about her health so far. Was she alri
***MIRABELLA'S POV*** “You wanted to talk with us, sweetheart?” Mom said as she settled on the couch next to my dad. He isn't fully recovered yet but he's a lot better than before. “Yes, I wanted both of you to be present.” I responded and they nodded. “So, what is it?” Dad asked. I let out a soft sigh before responding. “I was thinking of getting my own apartment and moving in with Alfred...” I paused to observe their reaction and noticed they both had small frowns on their faces. “But sweetheart, we don't mind having you here with us. You know that right?” Mom asked with a sad expression. “Of course I know that mom, and I don't mind staying with you guys either. I just need my own space for now. Alfred can come visit whenever he wants and you can also come see us whenever.” I responded with a reassuring smile and dad let out a sigh. “Why do I have the feeling that you've already decided this and we can't persuade you otherwise?” “That's because I have, dad. I will still ta
DISCLAIMER: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS GRAPHIC VIOLENCE. READER DISCRETION ADVISED. ***NICOLE'S POV*** “And you're certain this would work?” I asked with a frown as I stared at the outfit in the bag. I had asked Logan for help in taking care of Broody and he asked me to meet up with someone in this location. I came here as told and met with a masked man whom I assumed was one of Logan's men since they always made sure to hide their faces. “As long as you follow all procedures. We were able to get your father's check up routine. A nurse comes to his ward three times everyday, four times during the weekend to take him out for fresh air. They keep the wheelchair in the store at the end of the underground hallway.” The man explained and I nodded. “So how am I going to get into the hospital without being noticed? I'm certain those nurses would recognize me the moment I cross those doors.” I said with a frown. “There's a wig in that bag as well to hide your hair. Keep the mask on at all tim
***EASTON'S POV***“Easton, it's not what it looks like.” I clenched my fists at Nicole's words. Did she take me for a fool? What possible excuse could she have that would make me think otherwise of the situation?“Then go ahead and tell me, Nicole. Tell me what it looks like other than you trying to murder your own flesh and blood!” I snapped, unable to keep my anger in check.“Sir, we will have the patient moved now.” One of the nurses said as they both helped Broody onto the wheelchair, then exited the room, leaving just Nicole and myself.“That man is not for father! He abandoned me for his own selfish desires!” Nicole responded as she pointed at the exit as though Broody was there. Her eyes were teary and her tone was filled with rage, all directed towards Broody.“Is that why you tried to kill him? Because he abandoned you? Is that also why you've been sending him money behind my back for years?” I asked coldly, ignoring her tears. I won't be fooled by her pity act anymore.“Th
***MIRABELLA'S POV***"You know, when you told me you were moving, I actually didn't think you were serious." Roman joked as he walked into my apartment, followed by Lola who held two bottles of wine.“You should know that I always stay true to my words.” I responded while shutting the door.“Daddy!” Alfred beamed and ran into Roman's arms the moment Roman walked into the living room.“Wow, did I finally get a promotion?” Roman asked as he ruffled Alfred's hair and Alfred bobbed his head.“The place looks amazing, ma'am.” Lola beamed as she glanced around the living room.“All thanks to your help.” I responded with a smile.“Well then, shall we begin the housewarming party?” Lola beamed as she wiggled the wine bottle close to her face.“I'll go get the glass.” I said and went into the kitchen, taking out three wine glasses and a plastic cup for Alfred. I placed them on the table and brought out a bottle of banana milk from the fridge before going back to join them in the living room.
***MIRABELLA'S POV***I stared at Roman in shock, trying to find the right words to say as that was the last thing I had expected him to say. Was he doing this just to keep Easton away or did he really mean it?“Roman,”“You don't have to answer right away. Just think about, and whichever answer you give me, I'll accept it.” Roman said with a reassuring smile as he held my hands and gave them a gentle squeeze.“Roman if you're doing this because of Easton then you don't have to. I can take care of myself, and I'm not going to let Easton hurt me anymore. You don't have to tie yourself down to me simply because you want to protect me, you've already helped me a lot.” I responded and he seemed thoughtful for a while before responding.“Right, of course you can. I'm sorry if that was too forward.” He said before standing up from the bed.“Roman,”“You don't have to say anything or feel bad, Mirabella. This doesn't change anything between us. Should I pick you up tomorrow?” He asked and al
***NICOLE'S POV***“Argh!” I screamed as I smashed the phone on the wall, my anger rising by the minute.Eleven years! Eleven years of hard work flushed down the drain just like that! How could I have been so careless and not seen this coming?! “If you keep breaking my burner phones I might stop giving them to you.” I turned around to see Logan standing by the door.“You knew I was going to get caught that day, didn't you?” I asked through gritted teeth.“Nothing gets past me, Nicole. I already knew Easton was on your tail. I just wanted you to see for yourself that your beloved Easton doesn't give a shit about you.” He responded nonchalantly and I clenched my fist in anger.“Then why didn't you warn me?! It's all your fault that Easton is back with that woman!” I yelled and he let out a scoff.“It's also thanks to me that you're standing here right now and not behind bars.” Logan said and his gaze suddenly darkened. “Don't make me regret my little act of kindness.” He added, his pl
***EASTON'S POV*** “Come in.” I said the moment I heard a knock on my door and Emma walked in shortly after. “You sent for me, sir?” “Yes. Clear out my schedule tomorrow. I have somewhere important to be.” I responded and she bobbed her head. “I will do that, sir.” She responded with a small smile. “Is there anything else?” “Book a reservation for three people at any five star restaurant that's not too far off from midtown.” I instructed and she made notes of it on her tablet. “Will do, sir.” "That will be all." I said and she nodded before exiting my office. I let out a sigh as I stared at my phone screen which displayed the reply I had received from dad after asking if they were free tomorrow. I wanted to set things right, and make up for my past mistakes and I knew I had to start by apologizing to my parents. It may have seemed like they were controlling my life back then, but every decision they ever made was to the best of my interest. If they hadn't insisted on my ma
***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