Bill’s POVSerena moves around the living room, gathering her things like she’s trying to stay invisible. I can feel the distance between us, a quiet sort of discomfort. She’s focused, packing her stuff with a kind of carefulness that’s different from her usual pace. She’s barely looking at me, and
Bill’s POVThe notification pings on my phone, and I glance down at the email header. It’s from our project manager, and the subject line is all I need to see: RGE AI Division Bidding for NXT Gen Project Contract.So, Calvin’s really going for it.I lean back in my chair. I knew he wouldn’t stay qui
Bill’s POVEriksen clears his throat, catching everyone’s attention as he looks between Calvin and me. He’s one of the longest-standing investors on RGE’s board, a man who’s seen the company grow from a small startup into a tech giant.“Now that Mr. Richardson is here, shall we proceed?” Eriksen say
Serena’s POVWhen I walk through the office doors, I barely have a second to catch my breath before Stevie spots me from across the room. Her eyes light up, and she practically sprints over, pulling me into a hug so tight it feels like she’s trying to squeeze out the last few days of worry.“Serena!
Serena’s POVWhen we reach Bill’s place, I barely wait for the car to stop before I’m out, hurrying toward the door. Bill must’ve been watching out for us because the door swings open as soon as I reach it. He looks tense, his jaw set, and I can tell he’s just as anxious as I am.“Got here as soon a
Bill’s POV“I’m coming with you,” Serena says, her voice steady, leaving no room for argument.I meet her eyes, and I already know I won’t be able to change her mind. But I try anyway. “Serena, it could be dangerous. You don’t know what we’re walking into.”She shakes her head, her gaze unwavering.
Bill’s POV“I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” Harry spits out, his voice sharp and defensive. His eyes dart around the room like a trapped animal’s, his pale face betraying the fear he’s trying to hide.“Don’t lie to me,” I say, voice low, though I feel the fury simmering beneath. “Y
Bill’s POVThe world feels like it’s closing in, everything shrinking to this moment. Mom stands there, looking so much smaller than I remember, holding Collin close. She’s frail, almost unrecognizable.Her face is pale, gaunt, each cheekbone sharp, her eyes hollowed by dark shadows, and her hair —
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
Serena’s POVI spot Stevie slipping out of the ballroom as I’m finishing up a conversation with a PR exec. She moves quickly, almost like she’s trying not to be seen, but I know her too well. The slight wobble in her steps, the way she clutches her bag like it’s holding her together — it’s a dead gi