Serena's POVWhen I step into Marjorie’s office, I’m instantly reminded of the gravity of what we’re about to do. Everything feels bigger, more serious. But the moment I see Stevie sitting on the couch, her eyes already brimming with tears, the tension melts a little.“Serena!” she exclaims, rushin
Bill's POVWe sit across from Josh and Leo in the same conference room as before, but this time the atmosphere is different. Sarah has her notepad in front of her, and I’m running numbers in my head, thinking about how this partnership will work.“So,” I say, leaning forward, “let’s talk about shar
Serena’s POVFabiana’s studio is full of that buzzing, creative energy I’ve come to love. Ester Paige’s name keeps coming up during the discussions, and it’s no surprise — she’s the biggest name in Hollywood right now. Tall, striking, and effortlessly glamorous, Ester has become the face of every i
Serena’s POVWhen I walk into the café, I spot Adam immediately. He’s seated by the window, the soft afternoon light casting a warm glow on him as he scrolls through his phone. His casual confidence is still there, the same Adam I remember, but there’s something different about him. As I approach t
Bill’s POVThe car hums beneath us as Sarah and I head toward the Étoile de Collin launch. My suit is sharp, perfectly tailored — black with a hint of sheen in the fabric, a nod to the event’s high-end nature. I’ve kept the tie sleek, silver, and simple, knowing this isn’t the kind of night for bol
Serena’s POVThe lights from the chandeliers above twinkle as I make my way through the sea of elegant masks and glittering gowns. The masquerade theme is in full effect, and everything about this night is perfect. This is the grand launch of Étoile de Collin, a moment I’ve dreamed of for so long.
Bill’s POVThe room swarms with people congratulating Serena after her speech, but I can’t focus on any of it. My eyes are locked on her as she moves through the crowd, trying to stay out of my reach. I weave between the guests, barely acknowledging the ones who greet me. I need to talk to her — no
Serena’s POVBill saved my life?The thought is so surreal it feels like a lie. Yet here he is, standing in front of me, saying those words. Everything about this moment feels wrong. I should hate him, despise him for everything he’s done, for leaving me when I needed him the most. How could he be t
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