Isabel’s POVThe news hit like a thunderclap in the quiet dawn, the headline flashing across every screen I passed: “The Montgomery’s Set to Announce the Return of Their Long-Lost Daughter. She Takes Up the Family Business in LA.” It was as if the entire world suddenly turned its gaze toward me, my name whispered in every corner, from New York to San Francisco. I could feel the tremor of shockwaves spreading like wildfire, the curiosity, the gossip— all of it echoing back to the power and influence of the Montgomery name. The Montgomery family—my family—is no stranger to the spotlight. We are the untouchables, the elites. With LM Group dominating both fashion and real estate, we have an empire that stretches across every state, every skyline dots with our investments.My parents are billionaires ranked number one, with wealth so vast it’s almost unimaginable. Our name opened doors, and our presence commanded rooms. And now, after years of being hidden in the shadows, I’m set to rec
Alexander’s POVI walk to my mother’s study room, a place where she summons me whenever she has some serious discussion to do. “I’m sure you must have heard about the news,” she began, her voice tinged with urgency. “The Montgomerys are making waves, and this is our chance. Her eyes flicker with something—maybe determination, maybe fear. Something I can’t quite grasp. “We need them on our side, before other people do. The Montgomerys are extremely wealthy and having them on board is going to be great. Their investment could be a game-changer, especially with the current crises we’re facing.” I nod, already running the scenarios through my head, but before I could respond, Cynthia stride into the room, her gaze shifting between Sabrina and me. “Is it just business, or is there something more to this?” She asked, her tone laced with a hint of jealousy.Her question dropped like a stone, and the atmosphere in the room became thick with tension. My mom’s eyes widened in disbelief and
Alexander’s POVI stare out of the office window, watching as the sun dips lower on the horizon. It’s hard to believe how fast the day has slipped through my fingers, leaving me with nothing but this gnawing sense of exhaustion. Everything feels heavy—my shoulders ache with the weight of the business, the mess at home, and everything else that’s been spiraling out of control. It’s as if I’m standing in the center of a storm, unable to catch my breath.Just then, my phone rings, breaking through the haze. Collins’ name flashes on the screen. I pick up, feeling a strange mix of relief and dread.“Hey, Alex, busy?” His voice is casual, but I can hear something underneath—something tired, maybe even desperate. “Let’s meet at the lounge.”I can’t say no. Collins has always been there for me, through every storm and every mistake, always ready with a word of advice or a quiet moment over a drink. Maybe now, it’s time for me to be there for him too.“Sure,” I say, pushing the exhaustion as
Alexander’s POVI jolted awake, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to make sense of the room around me.For a brief, terrifying moment, I thought I was back in my own bedroom. I feel cold creeping up my spine, dragging with the horror that something terrible might have happened again! I blinked my eyes, and soon the panic began to subside. This isn’t my room.The light is different, softer, and the air smells faintly of something quite familiar. I rub my temples, trying to ease the remnants of the nightmare. Relief washing over me.“Hey! You’re up.” Collins’ voice brakes through the haze, pulling me back to reality. I rub my eyes, trying to get his gaze. He stood at the door, a cup of coffee in his hand, his usual easygoing smile on his face. “Here’s a cup of coffee to help you wake up. I felt your plea, so I just took a room in your hotel to help you relax instead.”I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding, nodding as I took the cup from him. “Yeah, that’s fair. Thanks
Isabel’s POVToday makes it five years since the incident took place. Since her death. I can still see her eyes when she looked at me, telling me not to say a word. She’d accepted she was Isabel when those men heavily loaded with “Arms” came to our house, looking for me. One thing is for sure, they were after me. But who could it be that sent them to me and wanted to have me killed? She was tortured, gosh! Memories of that day send a cold spine down my veins. I could have died. I could have lost my babies.I touch my cheek, remembering the sharp, jarring slap given to me by those men when I tried stopping them. If slaps could reset the brain, then that could. I lost balance, slamming my head against the edge of the cupboard. It was as if the world tilted, and everything blurred into one indistinguishable mess. That moment, I’d felt darkness creeping in, closing around me, like “the I’m going away feeling.” And by the time I was able to gain a little consciousness, all I saw was
Alexander’s POVI finally arrived home, still feeling the weight of everything that has happened. “Where have you been? You weren’t home last night, your phone switched off, and no one could get to you.” Cynthia asked, the sound of her voice snapping me back to reality, a reality I wished I could escape from. Her tone laced with fury, though her demeanor remained unsettling calm. I could see fire in her eyes, barely restrained. I take a deep sigh. Of all people, she’s the least person I'll ever want to talk to right now. I struggle with my feet, the weight of everything crushing on me, pressing down on my shoulders, making it hard to even lift my head.My body—it felt heavy, like I was dragging my own shadow through molasses.“Alexander! You’re not saying anything.” Cynthia gnarls. I raised my head to meet her gaze, but my brain keeps conjuring images of Isabel, her face, her scent. It’s like she’s just here. I could swear I’d seen her, just yesterday, sitting in one of those boo
Isabel’s POVSoon, Roy pulled the car into the driveway. I look at the familiar sight of our mansion, it's a sense of relief. The grand facade and the lush landscaping are a comfort reminder of home. “Isabel, are you sure you’re okay?.” He says, turning to me with a concerning expression. “Should we go to the hospital?”I shook my head, offering a reassuring smile. “No, Roy, it’s okay. I just need to be home. I’ll be fine.”He nods, still clearly worried. I made my way to the familiar warmth of the foyer, the rich textures surrounding me were like a soft whisper of reassurance. This is home—a haven where the world feels distant and safe.As I sank into the plush couch inside, I’m met by a loud, piercing scream that echoed through the house. For a moment, my heart freezes, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. I exchanged a worried glance with Roy, and without hesitation, we rushed towards the source of the noise.Getting closer, more screams were heard, and my heart pounded loudly agai
Alexander POVSusan knocked softly before entering, the sound barely registering over the storm of thoughts swirling in my head. I didn’t even look up when she stepped into my office, too focused on the spreadsheet and projections that weren’t making any sense. But I knew. I knew the moment she came in that something was wrong. “Sir,” she began, her voice hesitant, as if she could sense the weight of what’s coming next. She places a thick report in front of me, her hand trembling slightly. “The investors… they’ve decided to completely back out.” My jaw clenched instinctively, the muscles in my face tightening as I finally looked up. “Why?” The question came out harsher than I intended, but I didn't care. She swallowed hard, shifting uncomfortable. “They don’t want to take the risk, especially with the recent performance and stock…” her voice trailed off, but the damage has already been done. Susan stood there, quiet, waiting for the inevitable outburst thatThe tension in the ro
Alexander’s POVI’m not dreaming. It’s real. Like, it’s fucking real. She’s here—standing before the crowd as Leonard Montgomery introduces her as their daughter. Their daughter. His speech ends, and the crowd erupts into cheers, but I can’t move. My hands stay limp at my sides as shock roots me to the spot. I turn my head slowly to look at Cynthia, her jaw still slack as though her mind is trying to piece together what we’re witnessing. Finally, she glances at me, her face tight with confusion, before excusing herself. Good. Perfect. I don’t need her buzzing around me right now. My gaze snaps back to Isabel—or is it Claire Montgomery?—as she stands poised and radiant in front of the crowd. How? How is she alive? And if she’s alive, why couldn’t I find her? But then again, I didn’t search, did I? Not really. I convinced myself it was pointless. I’d buried my guilt under a mountain of excuses—telling myself it was better to move on, that it was what she would’ve wanted. Bu
Isabel’s POVA light knock on the glass catches my attention. It’s Christine, signaling to Travis that it’s time.I look up, meeting his eyes in the rearview mirror. “It’s time, ma’am,” he says quietly, his voice calm but firm.I press my lips into a thin line, releasing out a deep sigh. The weight of what lies ahead settles over me. I can’t avoid facing them forever. If I’m going to do this, there’s no better time than now.As I step out of the car, blinding lights from countless cameras flash around me. The sharp, rapid clicks of shutters surround me—a reminder of who I am, of who they all believe I am.Claire Montgomery.The name feels heavy on my shoulders, like a cloak I’ve yet to fully embrace. Like I earlier stated, it’s the name given to me by my real mother before we were torn apart. Being Claire Montgomery is the only way to stay hidden, to stay safe. I take a deep breath, the cool night air filling my lungs. Tonight, I don’t just show up as Isabel—I show up as the daughter
Alexander’s POVI stride down the hall, adjusting the cufflinks of my tailored white tuxedo, the soft notes of piano drifting through the air. A gentle melody echoes from the grand piano near the far end of the ballroom, mingling with the quiet hum of conversations. The weight of success settles comfortably on my shoulders.The tux fits like a second skin, and the subtle gleam of my Rolex catches the light with each step. Cynthia is by my side, her manicured fingers curled around my arm, projecting the image of a perfect, polished couple. Her presence beside me is calculated, rehearsed—just like everything else in our public life.Tonight is it.The hotel ballroom is filled with a who’s who of elites, business magnates, and influential figures. The Montgomerys sure know how to gather power under one roof. I let a smile play on my lips as the camera flashes capture the moment, bathing us in a soft glow. Golden accents on the walls catch the light of the chandeliers, casting a warm, a
Isabel’s POVI stand before the mirror, my heart racing beneath the surface, refusing to reveal the anxiety simmering inside.Today isn’t just any day—it’s the day the world learns my true identity, the long-lost daughter of the Montgomery family. I release a slow, steady breath, forcing calm to replace my nerves.Five years have passed since I last faced Alexander, Cynthia, and the meddling Mother Hen—Sabrina King. The thought of seeing them—especially Alexander—tightens a cold knot in my chest. I remember the last words he said, the look in his eyes when he handed me the divorce papers. I can’t afford to show my rage, not tonight.“Sis, you look absolutely gorgeous,” Aurora’s voice snaps me out of my thoughts, her reflection joining mine in the mirror.Her eyes sparkle with pride and excitement as she adjusts her gown, a stunning midnight blue that shimmers under the chandelier light.“You’re ready for this, Isabel… Claire.” She rolls her eyes, and I can’t help smiling. “More than r
Alexander’s POVI sit by the wine bar, my fingers lightly tracing the rim of my glass as I replay the day in my mind—every word, every look, every moment that seems to unravel all at once.The Montgomerys are revealing their missing daughter to the world tomorrow. They keep making it seem like they’ve struck gold with her.What’s the point of a party? Well, considering we got the check, I won’t mind if they keep throwing parties every weekend. I scoff.Just as I’m about to take another sip, I catch sight of Cynthia passing by, dressed in a figure-hugging mini dress made of sleek, shimmering fabric that catches the light.I glare at her as she walks past, pretending not to notice me. For a second, I wonder where she might be heading this late at night, dressed like that.Don’t get me wrong, I’ve never been interested in her, her looks, or anything related to her.But for the sake of my family’s reputation, I can’t just let it slide. And for god’s sake, she’s a mother! What kind of exam
Cynthia’s POVThe phone won’t stop ringing.Every call brings worse news, and in an instant, I lose billions of naira.If this is how it feels falling from grace to grass, then I’m finally feeling it.Most of our sponsors pull out one by one, the major ones already gone.This is bad.How can one stupid—one poorly chosen moment in front of a hidden camera—make me lose everything I’ve worked for?I glare at the screen, disgust welling up inside me. I hate the internet.They’re all fools, a bunch of idiots! The way people share and comment like vultures on a carcass, feeding on whatever scandal they can find.It’s like some twisted scene from a movie, except this time I refuse to be the tragic character that loses everything. I’m not going to end up like them. There’s a way out. There must be.I pick up my phone, desperation clawing at me as I dial my father’s number.Even if everyone turns their back on me, he won’t. I want to believe so.I’m his only child, after all.He answers after
Cynthia’s POVI’m deep in the bliss of my much-needed sleep when the incessant ringing of my phone yanks me out of it.My eyes flutter open, squinting at the brightness of the screen flashing beside me.Who the hell is disturbing my sleep this early? Even though it’s past 12 p.m., to me, it’s still early. After the exhausting outreach yesterday, the last thing I want is to be disturbed.Agnes. My PA.Her name flashes across the screen, and immediately my face contorts in a scowl. Anger surges through me.She knows better than to call me at this hour, especially when I’ve informed them I’m not coming to the office today.I’ve warned her a thousand times about this, and if she’s calling me for something trivial, she’s as good as fired.I grab my phone, my fingers gripping it tightly, practically vibrating with irritation.Taking a deep breath, I answer with a low growl. “This better be important, Agnes.”Her voice comes through, shaky and tense. Worry?That’s unlike her. “Ma’am, you nee
Alexander’s POVI tell you, I’m such a fool. I pace around my office, taking a halt at the window as I take in the view of the city sprawled beneath me. The world outside seemed calm, distant, but my mind was anything but. That night at the old pier keeps following through my mind. I stood on the pier for hours, the salty wind whipping around me, the wooden planks creaking under my weight. Every gut felt like a whisper of mockery, each splash of water a reminder of how foolish I was for coming. I couldn’t stop glancing over my shoulder, expecting—no, hoping—to see something move in the shadows. But there was only darkness, deep and suffocating, pressing down on me like a bad omen. I take a deep breath. Why would I get such a message if the person had no intention of showing up? Is there something more to it? I force myself to shake off the memory, but the questions linger as I reach for my Americano, letting the rich aroma fill the room.My thoughts were interrupted when Susan wal
Isabel’s POVThe confession hangs between us, thick and heavy like a storm cloud ready to burst. Roy’s face shifts from confusion to disbelief, and I can feel the gravity of my words pressing down on both of us. This wasn’t how I wanted it, but the truth was inevitable. He needed to know, and it was better coming from me than having him find out on his own.I owe Roy so much for everything he’s done for me.But Alexander King. The name tastes like ash on my tongue, a painful reminder of a past I’ve tried to bury.Roy’s gaze meets mine, searching for answers. “He’s the father?” His voice is quiet, almost a whisper, as though the words themselves are too heavy to hold. I feel my heart thud painfully in my chest.I want to reach out, comfort him, but the truth I’ve just laid bare feels like a chasm opening between us, too wide to bridge in this moment.I blink, remembering why I came in the first place. “Your mom must be waiting for us. I’ll go,” I say, forcing a calmness I don’t feel.