Serena’s POVBill and I stand in front of my apartment, the warmth of the Malibu sun still lingering on our skin. The breeze from the ocean is in my hair, and I can still feel the soft grit of sand on my legs. I fish my keys out of my bag, the sound of metal against metal breaking the comfortable si
Serena’s POVThe makeup artist dabs a bit of highlighter on my cheekbones, making them pop under the bright lights. I sit still, trying to take it all in. Taylor’s studio is something straight out of Hollywood. There are big, professional cameras on tracks, huge lights hanging from the ceiling, and
Serena’s POV"Serena?" Taylor asks, her brows knitting together and her smile fading slightly. She leans in, her eyes searching mine with concern.My mind is a complete blank, and I just sit there, staring at her. Taylor reaches over and gently touches my arm. "Hey, it's okay," she says softly, the
Serena’s POV Taylor’s question is the one I’ve been expecting. I take a deep breath, my fingers interlacing as I prepare to respond. I shift in my seat, sitting up straighter. My hands rest in my lap, and I take a moment to collect my thoughts. “Max and I don’t really get along,” I begin, keeping
Bill’s POVMy fingers tap a steady rhythm on the polished surface of the conference table. The shareholders' meeting is just days away, and with one of my key investors considering selling his shares, my position as the CEO of RGE is at risk. This presentation has to be flawless.My mind feels cloud
Bill’s POVSarah and Kevin nod. Sarah says, "We got this, Bill. Let's make it happen."I know it's going to take a while to remake the entire presentation. I'm glad that they're both here to help.Suddenly, Kevin’s phone buzzes on the table. He glances at the screen, then looks at me apologetically.
Bill’s POV Taking a deep breath, I steady myself. "I understand your concern, Martin," I say, keeping my voice calm and confident. "But Max Laurent himself has talked about why I did what I did." Martin Reed isn’t having it. His brows knit together, and he grips the edge of the table. “Bill, it’s
Serena’s POV Three days after the interview with Taylor "So, when do you think Taylor's going to release the interview?" Stevie asks, her voice breaking the silence. She’s leaning over the counter, peering at a tray of sparkling earrings. I glance up from the bracelet and meet her eyes. "I'm not
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