Serena’s POVI push open the door to my jewelry shop, the little bell above it ringing softly. The familiar scent of polished wood and a hint of floral perfume greet me, instantly making me feel at home. The soft lights make the jewelry in the cases sparkle like tiny stars."Serena!" Stevie's voice
Serena’s POVEden Jonas’s perfectly arched eyebrows lift as he examines a pair of earrings, and a smirk plays on his lips as he turns to one of his friends."Eden, these are to die for. What do you think?" the friend asks, holding up the earrings.He tilts his head, considering. "They're fabulous, d
Bill’s POVThe engine roars as I speed around the track, the speedometer climbing fast. My hands hurt from gripping the wheel too tight. The bandage on my knuckle reminds me of punching the wall after seeing Serena with Calvin. I push the gas pedal down, making the world outside a blur. The engine's
Serena’s POVWe lock up the shop and head to a nearby café that Taylor suggests. When we arrive, I’m struck by how elegant the place is. The exterior is sleek and modern, with large windows showing off the chic interior. Inside, it’s both simple and luxurious — plush chairs, marble tables, and soft
Serena’s POVI type out a response to Bill. "Not really," I write as my fingers hover over the keys. I stand up and pace the room. After taking a few deep breaths, I return to my phone. "Can we talk?" I add.I hit send and start to worry. My heart races as I think about the mess Calvin created by cl
Serena’s POVToday, the shop is quieter than usual. There are fewer customers, and the usual morning buzz is gone. Only a couple of regulars are browsing. But they look unusually gloomy.The air feels heavy, with just the hum of the air conditioning and the occasional clink of jewelry. I force a smi
Bill’s POVI walk around my home office, watching the shadows flickering from the lamp. The earpiece warms my ear as I wait for James to speak."James, you there?" I ask. Static crackles on the other end."Yes, Bill. We're all set," James replies. We've been planning this for days, going over every
Bill’s POVMy eyes are fixed on the laptop screen, watching the live feed from James's body cam. I smirk, knowing Max has nowhere to run. It’s like watching the final move of a chess game, a perfect checkmate.Max shifts in his chair. His body leans away from the paper with the mafia logo."I-I don'
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