Stevie‘s POVThe lens feels foreign in my hands at first, like it’s judging me for neglecting it for so long. I twist the focus ring back and forth, snapping shots of random things in my apartment: the pile of laundry I still haven’t done, the chipped paint on the windowsill, the vase of wilted dais
Stevie‘s POV“Calvin, I can’t just say yes.”The words tumble out before I can stop them, hanging in the air between us. His eyes, which had been so hopeful, cloud over with something I can’t quite place—disappointment, maybe, or worry.We’re sitting in my apartment, the baby gear shoved into the co
Calvin’s POVThe Lancaster estate feels colder than usual today, and it’s not because of the weather. The vaulted ceilings and polished marble floors echo with the tension that always seems to fill the air when the family gathers.This isn’t a casual dinner or a holiday reunion. It’s a “concerned di
Serena’s POVThe sound of laughter and clinking glasses fills the room, mingling with the faint hum of conversation. I lean against the edge of the kitchen counter, sipping sparkling water from a champagne flute and watching as Bill twirls Collin around the living room.“You’re going to wear him out
Stevie’s POVThe smell of the takeout I ordered fills the apartment, mingling with the faint scent of lavender from the candle I lit earlier to make this whole situation seem less... intense. My stomach is doing somersaults, and it’s not because of the baby.I glance at my reflection in the microwav
Stevie’s POVI’m crouched on the floor, camera in hand, trying to get the perfect angle on the way the late afternoon light filters through the glass vase on my coffee table. The shadows spill across the hardwood in a way that makes me itch to capture it.“Almost got it,” I mutter to myself, leaning
Calvin’s POVThe hospital room is too quiet, the kind of silence that makes every beep of the monitor feel like a gunshot. Stevie’s asleep, her face pale and fragile in a way that makes my chest ache.I step out into the hallway, the sound of my shoes echoing on the sterile floor. My phone is alread
Serena’s POVWalking into Stevie’s hospital room feels like stepping into a warzone after the battle has already ended. She’s lying back against a mountain of pillows, looking pale but steady, her hair messy in a way that she’d normally complain about. Calvin is by her side, of course, holding her h
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
Bill’s POVThe second we step into the warehouse, I know this is going to get messy.It’s quiet—too quiet. The air is thick with oil, dust, and something else, something metallic that makes my stomach tighten. The place is huge, dimly lit by flickering overhead lights that cast long, eerie shadows a
Calvin’s POVI don’t wait.I don’t hesitate.I just start making calls.Bill. James. Andrea. Jensen. Everyone who has a stake in this war.This isn’t about Titan or Etoile anymore. It’s not about boardroom takeovers or financial plays. Someone tried to kill Serena. Someone showed up at my home, wher
Bill’s POVI’ve seen a lot of things in my life. I’ve dealt with cutthroat businessmen, corrupt board members, and people who’d sell their own mothers for a better quarterly report. But nothing—nothing—compares to what I just witnessed.Someone just tried to kill my wife.Not send a warning. Not int
Serena’s POVI know exactly why I’m here.This event isn’t just about business. It’s about power. About showing up, being seen, making it clear that I’m not going anywhere. Sterling and his allies want to shake me, want to make me look weak. That’s why I’m here—because the moment I start hiding, I’v
Stevie’s POVI can still hear the alarm ringing in my ears.Even though it shut off over an hour ago, the shrill sound is stuck in my head, looping like a nightmare I can’t shake.I sit on the couch, gripping a cup of tea I’m not drinking, staring at the front door like I’m expecting someone to try