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
Bill’s POVThe day starts before the sun’s up, a phone vibrating loud against the nightstand and jolting me awake. I rub my eyes, picking up before I even check the caller ID. There’s a heaviness in the air, an instinct telling me that this call isn’t just routine.“Bill, it’s James,” the voice on t
Serena’s POVThe tension is thick in the air, so dense it feels like it’s pressing down on me as Bill and I rush through the house, grabbing only what we absolutely need. We’re not taking chances anymore — Kevin’s gone too far, and the fear of him looming close, watching our every move, is unbearabl
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
Stevie’s POVI shouldn’t have worn these heels.It’s the first thing I think as I step into the ballroom, my feet already protesting the dumb idea of combining sky-high stilettos and a body that feels like it’s actively rebelling against me. My stomach’s been on the verge of staging a full-blown mut