Serena’s POVI just stare at my phone for a couple of minutes, wondering, "Why on earth is Bill calling me now?"Seeing the puzzled look on my face, Mom leans in with concern. "What's wrong, dear? Who's calling you?""Oh, it's just my friend, Stevie. She's probably checking if I got here safely," I
Bill’s POV I almost want to clear my desk with one angry swipe. Serena's really changed since the divorce — she's got way more guts now.She's not picking up my calls, which is totally unlike her. I tried calling again, but now the line's busy. Is she talking to some new guy already?Considering h
I furrow my brows in confusion. “What are you talking about? I’m fine,” I insist.But Mom and Aunt Claire exchange a knowing glance. Mom then turns back to me, her expression filled with worry. "Bill, you don’t look so good," she says gently.I try to sound convincing, "Trust me, I'm doing better th
Serena’s POV"It's just dinner with Calvin, nothing more," I remind myself, trying to play it cool. Even though I tell myself it's just a casual catch-up, the nerves and excitement I feel say otherwise.I consider the midnight blue dress, its fit is perfect for accentuating my curves and a neckline
"Incredible," he breathes out. "If I hadn't known you made this, I'd think you'd bought it from some high-end shop in Paris.""Really?" My voice carries a mix of surprise and pride. Knowing Calvin's background in fashion retail makes his praise even more meaningful. "Serena, you've got a real talen
Bill’s POVI told Tyler, my driver, to take me to the restaurant where Sarah saw Serena. Here I am, still in a cast, and she's already out on a date with some rich, older guy. Unbelievable."Tyler, can you step on it? I've got to meet someone," I say, realizing I'm absentmindedly tapping my fingers
Bill’s POVHonestly, I'm at a loss about what to do with my mom. She keeps pushing me to date Doris, saying she'd be good for me, unlike my ex-wife.I've tried explaining to my mom that Doris is just a friend and a trusted business associate. But she insists on me dating someone she approves of this
Bill’s POVI had hoped Doris would realize I wasn’t interested in her that way, but she kept inviting me to dinner. Every time, I found myself scrambling for a new excuse to say no. It felt awkward dodging her invites without hurting her feelings. Honestly, I’ve been avoiding conversations with Do
Stevie’s POVI can still hear the alarm ringing in my ears.Even though it shut off over an hour ago, the shrill sound is stuck in my head, looping like a nightmare I can’t shake.I sit on the couch, gripping a cup of tea I’m not drinking, staring at the front door like I’m expecting someone to try
Calvin’s POVJames is already talking before I even sit down.“We have a problem.”He’s pacing, phone in one hand, a half-empty water bottle in the other. His energy is sharp, clipped—like he’s been waiting too long to say this out loud. The tension in the room is thick, the air stale with coffee an
Calvin’s POVI know this is it.The last move. The final play.We’re past negotiations. Past legal threats, PR spin, and strategic positioning. This isn’t about business anymore. It’s about survival.Sterling thinks he’s inevitable. He thinks no matter how many hits he takes, he’ll always find a way
Bill’s POVSterling has always been untouchable. At least, that’s what he wants everyone to think. The kind of guy who operates in the shadows, moving money, making calls, shifting power in ways that never leave a direct trail back to him.But I know better.Everyone has a weak spot. And Sterling’s?
Serena’s POVSterling thinks he can rewrite history.He thinks he can sit in front of cameras, twist the truth, and control the story like he always has. Like he’s owed the power to decide how things play out.He’s wrong.I refuse to let him turn this into his victory lap.The second Calvin calls to
Calvin’s POVJames looks wired.Not in the jittery, too-much-coffee way. More like the I-haven’t-slept-in-two-days-and-my-body-runs-on-adrenaline way. His hair is a mess, there are dark circles under his eyes, and an untouched energy drink sits next to his laptop, condensation pooling on the table.
Bill’s POVI don’t wait for permission.I don’t tell Serena. I don’t tell Calvin.I don’t tell anyone.I just do what needs to be done.The address I was given leads me to a quiet bar in West Hollywood, one of those places that looks closed even when it’s open. It’s wedged between a high-end sushi r
Calvin’s POVJames looks like he’s running on nothing but caffeine and pure spite.His fingers move fast over the keyboard, eyes glued to the screen like the answers are going to reveal themselves if he stares hard enough. The glow from the laptop makes his face look even more drawn than usual. His
Serena’s POVThe second I hear the footsteps, I know we’re not alone.Stevie and I don’t move right away. We sit frozen, barely breathing, listening. Another sound—closer this time. Someone is here.Then, just as quickly as it started, it stops.A voice crackles over the radio clipped to the securit