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'
Serena’s POVEver since Eden's 'review' of my jewelry went viral, the shop has been like a ghost town for a couple of days.Sunlight filters through the front windows, casting shadows on the wooden floor. The display cases, once crowded with customers, now stand empty. Necklaces, bracelets, and ring
Serena’s POV"Let me get this straight," Calvin says, furrowing his eyebrows. "This TikTok creator posted a bad review on your jewelry and that's why people stop coming to your shop?"I nod, feeling a lump form in my throat. "Not just a bad review. He called my jewelry trash."Calvin frowns sympathe
Serena’s POVStevie is out of breath when she reaches the shop. Her usually neat hair is tousled, and there’s a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. She bursts through the door, causing the bell to jingle frantically. Her eyes are wide with urgency as she clutches her phone tightly in one hand."I
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