Serena’s POV"You think flattering me will get you off the hook?" I say though Calvin's words have left me a bit flustered. I folded my arms, a playful smirk tugging at my lips. "So, where have you been hiding? You've practically vanished."Calvin sighs a weary but warm smile spreading across his fa
Serena’s POVCalvin lifts the lid of the box. Inside, a small, elegant piece of jewelry. It’s shaped to fit perfectly around a shirt cuff, gleaming subtly under the light. Engraved on its smooth, polished surface are the initials "CJL."He looks both shocked and confused as he picks up the piece, tu
Serena’s POVStevie and I make our way to the dining room, spreading out the Chinese takeout on the table. As we unpack each container, the delicious aromas fill the air."So, what's really going on with you and Calvin?" she probes gently, her eyes scanning my face for clues.I take a deep breath, p
Serena’s POVWith just a week until the fashion show, things are getting really busy in my studio. I've been deep in my work, creating a variety of unique jewelry pieces designed to stand out on the runway. My workspace is covered with gemstones, wires, and tools, as I bring each design to life.Ste
Serena’s POVMax's expression tightens, clearly not happy with my sarcasm. He pauses for a moment, arms crossed, as he thinks about what to say next.After a moment, Max uncrosses his arms and says, "Let's see if your TikTok jewelry can actually handle the high fashion scene."Max is such a jerk to
Serena’s POVIt's the day of the fashion show, and I'm carefully inspecting the jewelry designed for Josephine's collection. As I examine each piece, I notice some slight discoloration that wasn't there when we set them up yesterday. Something isn’t right.Suddenly, Josephine approaches me, her expr
Serena’s POVI spot Stevie among the pre-show chaos, camera in hand. She's capturing the flurry of activity around her, focusing on the models getting their last-minute touch-ups and the designers making final adjustments to their garments.I make my way through the bustling crowd and reach Stevie.
Serena’s POVI find myself taking charge with a sense of purpose I hadn't fully realized I possessed. Surrounded by Calvin's team of expert jewelers, I quickly lay out the plan.“We need to focus on the most damaged pieces first,” I begin, gesturing toward a collection of necklaces and bracelets on
Bill’s POVThe second day of the trial feels heavier than the first. I sit at the stand, every eye in the courtroom on me. Kevin sits across the room, leaning back in his chair, his face as blank as ever. But I’ve known him long enough to spot the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers tap rh
Serena’s POVEvan Carter steps up to the stand, his posture rigid but his face set with a kind of quiet determination. He’s nervous — I can see it in the way his hands grip the edges of the chair, his knuckles white — but he doesn’t hesitate when the prosecutor starts her questioning.“Mr. Carter,”
Serena’s POVThe courtroom feels like it’s holding its breath. Kevin sits across the room, calm and collected, as if he isn’t facing the weight of his crimes being read aloud. Arson. Money laundering. Drug trafficking. Arms dealing. Conspiracy. Each charge is like a hammer falling, but Kevin doesn’t
Bill’s POVThe flashing red and blue lights from the police cars paint everything in sharp. Kevin’s hunched figure disappears into the back of a cruiser, his hands cuffed tightly behind his back. But even as he’s being taken away, he still manages to twist the knife with his parting words.“This isn
Serena’s POVKevin strides toward me, his expression dark and twisted. I don’t move. I plant my feet, keeping my stance steady, just like Bill taught me. My heart races, but my mind is sharp, clear. I’m not afraid — not anymore.He lunges, fast and aggressive, the blade in his hand aiming straight f
Serena’s POVKevin raises the knife, and my breath catches. For a split second, time seems to slow, the glint of the blade catching the faint light like a silent threat. Before I can react, Bill charges in from the side, slamming into Kevin with the full force of his body. They hit the ground hard,
Serena’s POVKevin steps toward me. His twisted grin grows wider with each deliberate step. He thinks he has this in the bag. He thinks I’m scared, that I’ll back down the second he closes the gap. He doesn’t realize he’s underestimating me.My feet stay planted firmly on the ground, my hands steady
Bill’s POVKevin and his men approach slowly, scanning every corner. They’re trying to catch even the smallest hint of movement. They’re wary but not afraid, at least not yet. Kevin’s confidence radiates off him like a bad cologne, seeping into the minds of the men with him. Serena is crouched besi
Serena’s POVBill, Matt, James, and I go over every detail of the plan again and again. I sit at the table, watching as they discuss the best routes in and out of the location, debating whether we’ll have enough cover.It’s late, and all of us are tired. But I shake it off. There’s no time for being