Stevie’s POVThe Lancaster ballroom glitters like something out of a dream, all soft candlelight and crystal reflections. But there’s nothing dreamy about the tension hanging in the air.I’m perched near a grand staircase, scrolling through my shots to make sure they’re not completely trash. Most of
Calvin’s POVVictoria’s stunt stays with me, gnawing at the edges of my patience. The second we left the ballroom, I knew I had to get Stevie away from the stares and whispers. Now, she’s sitting on a plush couch in one of the estate’s private lounges, blotting at her wine-stained dress with a damp
Stevie’s POVIf I have to listen to one more toast about “the strength and legacy of the Lancaster name,” I might throw up—and it won’t be from morning sickness.The ballroom is back to its usual glittering chaos, filled with laughter that feels more performative than genuine. Calvin’s family clinks
Calvin’s POVThe morning after the gala, I sit at my desk, staring at a mountain of emails. Most of them are the usual — status updates, meeting schedules, thinly veiled power plays from board members. But one subject line catches my attention: Coffee to Catch Up?It’s from Victoria.I close my lapt
Calvin’s POVNathan’s voice cuts through the boardroom like a knife, smooth and calculated, designed to leave a mark.“With all due respect,” he says, his tone just humble enough to be infuriating, “the board needs to consider whether our leadership is focused enough to steer Titan Group in these un
Stevie’s POVThe smell of fresh coffee drags me out of sleep. I blink at the sunlight streaming through the windows and realize, for once, I don’t feel like I’m running late or already behind. The bedside clock says it’s just past seven, which is weird because Calvin is usually halfway out the door
Calvin’s POVThe phone starts buzzing before sunrise. At first, I ignore it, hoping for just a few more minutes of quiet. But when the buzzing doesn’t stop, I know it’s something I can’t avoid.I sit up, grabbing my phone off the nightstand. The screen is flooded with notifications — emails, texts,
Calvin’s POVThe conference room feels stifling despite the cool air conditioning. A dozen cameras are trained on me, their lenses unflinching, while a low hum of murmured questions fills the space. I adjust the microphone in front of me, my fingers steady even though my chest feels tight.This isn’
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
Stevie’s POVThe call comes in just after midnight.I almost don’t answer.Elijah finally went down an hour ago, and I was hoping for maybe one solid stretch of sleep. But my phone vibrating on the nightstand sends a jolt through my system.No one calls this late unless it’s bad news.I grab my phon