Serena’s POV“Could you give us a few minutes?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. I can already feel the conversation building, and it’s going to be a lot.Stevie gives me a look, like she knows this is going to be heavy. “Sure thing,” she says, grabbing her things and heading for the door. The
Serena’s POV“How…?” My voice cracks, barely a whisper. I don’t know what to ask first. My mind is racing, and my body is on the verge of collapsing under the weight of it all. “How do you know this, Bill?”Bill looks at me, his expression softer than I’ve ever seen it. He takes a step closer, like
Bill’s POVSerena and I are finally on the same page — something I’ve wanted for a long time. We’re both committed to finding Collin, and for once, we’re not working against each other. James has been looking into Harry O’Donnell, but nothing matches the description Irina gave us. Whoever this guy
Bill’s POVCalvin stands confidently at the front, his team gathered behind him like a bunch of well-dressed soldiers ready for battle. I watch, arms crossed, as he kicks off their presentation. The room quiets down, all eyes on him.“Ladies and gentlemen,” Calvin begins, his voice smooth, almost to
Serena’s POVStevie and I are glued to the TV, barely breathing. My heart’s pounding like I’ve just run a marathon.The Oscar nominations are rolling in. Shattered Reflections has already snagged three: Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Costume Design. Each time they mention the mov
Bill’s POV"You're here earlier than I expected, Mr. Richardson," Gianna says, leaning back in her chair. The faintest hint of a smile tugs at her lips like she’s surprised to see me. Maybe she thought I wouldn’t show up.Hell, I’m surprised I’m even here.I've always managed on my own. Always kept
Serena’s POVI reread Bill’s text, just to make sure I didn’t imagine it.My hands tremble a little as I read the words over and over like they might disappear if I blink. He actually said it. I love you.I glance around. Good thing it’s the weekend and no one’s around to see me like this, falling a
Serena’s POVI didn’t mean to tell Matt everything. But once I started, the words just kept coming out, faster than I could stop them.I tell him about how Doris tried to push me off the rooftop while I was pregnant, and how she and Kevin kidnapped me to get to Bill. But I leave out the part about o
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