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 POVI’m gripping the wheel harder than I need to as I drive north toward the mountains. The road winds ahead of me, but all I can think about is the conversation waiting for me at the end of it. My heart’s beating a little faster, but I keep my focus on the road. Santa Barbara’s not far now.
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