Bill’s POVI feel a tap on my shoulder. My whole body tenses. It’s instinct — I turn, fists clenched, eyes sharp. Calvin’s standing there, hands up in a show of surrender.“I’m not here to fight, Bill,” he says calmly, voice low enough that only I can hear.I study him, still suspicious. Calvin neve
Bill’s POVThe energy in the room is electric. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen RGE like this—alive, vibrant, filled with people celebrating, and full of hope for what’s next. The space is decked out with elegant white and gold banners that say “Welcome Back!” and “Here’s to New Beginnings!” T
Bill’s POVThe rooftop is quiet, the sounds of the party fading away as we step into the open air. The sun’s almost set, painting everything in shades of pink and orange. Serena’s by my side, and I can’t take my eyes off her — there’s something different in her expression, something intense but calm
Serena’s POVThe bell chimes as Stevie and I step into the supply store, the familiar scent of polished wood and metal filling the air. The place is packed with everything we need for our jewelry line — rows of gemstones, spools of wire, delicate chains in every color, and trays of clasps, each more
Bill’s POVAs the morning light spills through the windows, I sit on the floor with Collin, who’s perched on his knees, bouncing with that endless energy he seems to have discovered overnight. His chubby fingers reach out to grab the small stack of wooden blocks I’ve been carefully balancing, and wi
Serena’s POVThe message comes in around midday, just as I’m finally sitting down to have a quiet moment with myself. My phone buzzes, and I glance at the screen, expecting something simple — a text from Stevie, or maybe a reminder about one of Collin’s appointments. But it’s not that at all. It’s M
Serena’s POVMy mind is racing as I head home, Matt’s words echoing like a dark, relentless drumbeat in my head. Kevin’s not done. He’s coming, and he’s coming prepared. My heart pounds, and it’s hard to keep myself calm. I’m terrified, but that only pushes me to move faster, my steps quicker as I m
Bill’s POVThe days have started to blend together in a haze of tension and unease. Every time I leave the house or walk through the halls of Pinnacle, I’m on edge, scanning the faces of everyone around me, watching every corner like I’m back in some kind of tactical training. But this is worse beca
Serena’s POVThe sound of soft giggles and the rustling of blankets pulls me from sleep. For a moment, I think I’m dreaming, but then I hear something else—Bill’s voice. Low, soothing, but laced with strain.I blink my eyes open, squinting against the early morning light seeping through the curtains
Bill’s POVI ignore the pain in my ribs as I push through the doors of Calvin’s office. Every step sends a dull, burning ache through my side, but I don’t slow down. I don’t have the patience for weakness right now.Calvin and James are already at the table, hunched over a laptop, deep in discussion
Stevie’s POVThe house is quiet, the kind of quiet that feels rare lately.I rock Elijah gently, his tiny body curled against my chest, his breath warm and steady. His little fingers twitch slightly, grasping onto the fabric of my sweater in his sleep. I close my eyes for a moment, listening to the
Calvin’s POVThe study smells like coffee, old paper, and exhaustion. The kind of exhaustion that doesn’t just sit in your bones but in your mind, making every thought feel heavier than it should. The desk lamp flickers slightly, casting uneven light over the chaos of blueprints, files, and scattere
Serena’s POVThe house is finally quiet.I stand by the twins’ crib, watching their small chests rise and fall in slow, steady breaths. Their room is dimly lit by the soft glow of the nightlight, casting gentle shadows along the walls. For the first time in what feels like forever, they’re both asle
Bill’s POVPain.That’s the first thing I register. A deep, dull ache pulsing through my ribs, spreading through my chest like a slow burn. It’s not unbearable, but it’s enough to remind me that I’m not at full strength. Not even close.I blink against the morning light filtering through the curtain
Stevie’s POVThe four of us sit in Bill and Serena’s living room, the weight of everything pressing down like a storm cloud.No one speaks at first.Bill is in a wheelchair, recovering from the gunshot wound that was meant for Calvin. His face is pale, drawn tight with exhaustion, but his eyes are s
Calvin’s POVI should’ve done this sooner.For months, I’ve been playing defense, trying to keep my family safe while Sterling takes shot after shot. I’ve been reacting, scrambling to patch the holes he punches in our lives.But that ends now.Bill is in a hospital bed because of him.My son was nea
Serena’s POVI don’t move from Bill’s side.The hospital room is dim, the only light coming from the monitors next to his bed, casting a soft glow over his face. His breathing is steady, but the sound of it isn’t enough to calm me. The machines beep in slow, measured rhythms, a reminder that he’s st