Serena’s POVThe sun is setting over Rodeo Drive, casting a soft, golden light across the high-end storefronts. Matt walks beside me, his presence relaxed, and I can’t help but enjoy the change of pace. The energy of Rodeo is different from the intensity of last night. It’s easy to get lost in the
Serena’s POVAdam leads me down a side street, and it doesn’t take long before the crowds on Rodeo Drive thin out. The alley is empty, dark, and unsettlingly quiet. My instincts scream for me to turn back, but before I can say anything, Adam rounds on me, his face twisted with anger.“What the hell
Bill’s POVThe office buzzes with excitement as Sarah and I finalize the setup for the launch of Pinnacle AI. Contracts are ready, paperwork is stacked neatly on the table, and our prospect meetings are scheduled. It feels good to be so close to seeing this company take off. We’ve worked hard to ge
Serena’s POVI’ve barely shut the door behind me when I remember I’m supposed to call Matt. My fingers feel heavy as I dial his number, the phone ringing in my ear louder than usual. I try to focus, but everything’s still blurry.He picks up on the second ring. “Hey, Serena? You okay?”I hesitate. “
Bill’s POVThe West Coast Innovators Gala is crowded, like always, full of people looking to make an impression and show off their connections. But that’s not why we’re here. This is business. And Pinnacle AI needs a win today.Josh, Leo, and Sarah are with me, looking sharp, blending into the crow
Serena’s POVStevie charges over the second I walk in. Before I can even sit down, she’s already fuming. “That asshole! If I ever see him, I swear I’ll — ”“Stevie…” I try to calm her, but she’s not having it.“No, I’m serious, Serena. What kind of scumbag does that?” Her fists are clenched like she
Bill’s POVThe contract sits on the table between us. He’s known for being difficult to convince, but I’m not worried. We’ve built Pinnacle AI for this exact moment.Josh and Leo sit next to me, calm but focused. Brandon taps his fingers on the table, then looks up and meets my eyes.“Looks great,”
Serena’s POVThe moment we step onto the set of Shattered Reflections, it’s like entering a whole new world. People are everywhere — talking, setting up equipment, adjusting lights. Everything seems to be moving all at once, like everyone knows exactly what they need to do. I’ve been to big events
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