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
Serena’s POVFor the next thirty minutes, my phone won't stop buzzing. Journalists are reaching out, eager to schedule interviews. My follower count on social media is also rising quickly. That's the kind of influence Taylor Vanderbilt has."Look at this one," Stevie says, holding up her phone. "Th
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