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
Bill’s POVWe arrive at the restaurant, a cozy place with dim lighting and soft jazz music playing in the background. We take our seats at a large round table near the back, away from the main crowd. Sarah and Kevin sit across from me. The waiter brings us menus and takes our drink orders.Once th
Calvin’s POVStevie’s been here for three days, and I’m starting to think she’s allergic to letting people take care of her.She spends most of her time holed up in the guest suite, emerging only when absolutely necessary, like meals. Even then, she always looks like she’s bracing herself for an amb
Stevie’s POVThe ride to the clinic is quiet. Calvin’s hands are steady on the wheel, his focus fixed on the road. I know he’s trying to make this feel normal, like he’s not driving me to an appointment that confirms the biggest change in my life. It doesn’t work.“You didn’t have to drive me,” I sa
Stevie’s POVThis has to be the fanciest kidnapping in the history of bad ideas.I’m standing in the foyer of Calvin’s penthouse, staring at the polished marble floors, the towering windows, and a chandelier that looks like it could fund a small country. Everything about this place screams luxury—to
Calvin’s POVHospitals always feel the same—like time slows down, stretching every second into an eternity. I’m standing outside Stevie’s room, staring at the door, willing myself to move. My hand hovers near the handle, but I can’t bring myself to push it open.I can hear her voice faintly through
Serena’s POV“Stevie, stay with me,” I mutter, my voice shaking as I keep one arm wrapped around her shoulders. Her weight sags against me, and I feel the panic rising in my chest.“I’m fine,” she whispers weakly, but her pale face and unfocused eyes say otherwise.“You’re not fine,” I snap, flaggin
Serena’s POVThe office feels quieter than usual. Maybe it’s the late hour or the fact that most people have already gone home. But as I glance across the room at Stevie, hunched over her laptop, I know something’s off.She’s always had a way of pushing through, of pretending everything’s fine when
Calvin’s POVFatherhood.The word keeps bouncing around my head, refusing to settle. It feels foreign, heavy. Like trying on a jacket that doesn’t fit but knowing you’re stuck wearing it anyway.I stare out the window of my office, watching the city buzz below. Cars honk. People hustle. Life moves o
Stevie’s POVI’m pacing my living room, muttering to myself like a lunatic.“Calvin, listen—no, that’s too polite.” I stop and shake my head, trying again. “Look, Calvin, I don’t owe you an explanation. That’s better. Straight to the point. No room for debate.”I glance at the mirror above my couch
Calvin’s POVI see her before she sees me.Stevie’s stepping out of the building, her bag slung over her shoulder, sunglasses perched on her nose. She looks like she’s trying to blend into the crowd, which is almost funny considering Stevie Malone doesn’t exactly do subtle.“Stevie,” I call, walking