Collins’ POVWe sit in the private room of a quiet, upscale café, waiting for the other party to arrive.My client, Mark, shifts nervously in his seat, glancing around, clearly uncomfortable. I wonder why. Maybe it’s because he’s about to face the woman who gave him a solid beating.I tap my fingers on the table, trying to keep my thoughts in check. Finally, the door swings open, and the other lawyer enters, followed by the woman.At first, I think my eyes are playing tricks on me. Aria? After all these years of seeing her from a distance, here she is, just a few feet away. She doesn’t know me—of course, she doesn’t—but I’ve memorized every detail. And now, she’s looking at me for the first time. My heart pounds, and I grip the table, trying to steady myself.What are the odds? Of all the cases, of all the women, it had to be her.I quickly dart my eyes to Mark, who’s staring at his hands, biting his lip, avoiding eye contact. My voice drops, barely controlled. “Did you say you did no
Isabel’s POV“So, you’re saying you did beat him up because he refused to apologize, huh?” I ask, walking towards my office desk, gently placing my iPad on it and sinking into my chair. Since yesterday I got back from the office, Aurora hasn’t let me rest, she keeps following like some child. Ranting about some jerk she came across with when she was out with the kids and Aria. The lady my mom introduced as her friend’s daughter at my welcoming party.I narrow my eyes on her as she starts talking, her voice animated, recounting what happened yesterday and how it happened.“Yeah, me and the kids were out with Aria after you left for the office yesterday,” she begins, pacing as she does so. “Then this jerk from the street thought he could sexually play around with us, you know? I asked him to apologize, but he refused and started mouthing off, calling me weak and throwing disgusting words about my body.” She clenches her fists. “I couldn’t take it anymore, Sis. I had to teach him a less
Isabel’s POVThe door swings open, and as Sabrina steps inside, her presence fills the room.She’s dressed in a tailored black dress, elegant but sharp, the kind that screams power. Her red lips curl into a subtle smirk, the same confidence that her son, Alexander King always carries. She’s the chairman of the King’s Empire, after all.I lean back in my chair, watching her with a cool, calm expression.Aurora glances between us, clearly sensing the tension in the air. She’s not one to start drama, but she certainly knows when to step out of the line of fire. And without a beat, she rises from her seat and starts to head out.“Uh,” she parts her mouth open, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I’ll, uh, be leaving now,” she mumbles, gesturing vaguely toward the door. “I think I got some stuff I need to get done.” She adds, practically sprinting out of the office before I can say anything.As the door closes behind Aurora, I take a breath and turn my attention back to Sabrina. “So, you’re
Aurora’s POVI leave the office, finally stepping into the elevator.As the door closes, I let out a breath I didn’t even know I was holding. The soft “bing” of the elevator signals that I’ve reached the ground floor, and as the doors slide open, I step out into the lobby. It’s filled with executives in tailored suits, striding confidently across the gleaming marble floor, their sharp heels clicking with purpose as they head to meetings or greet clients.“Hello, thank you,” I reply to the greeting of the hundredth person today since I arrived at the office with Isabel. Argh! It’s stressful.As I leave the building, the cool breeze from outside greets me. I stop, gazing out at the skyline, watching the bustle of people moving in every direction.The freedom of being outside hits me, but then, as reality sets in, I frown and kick my foot into the air.“Of all days, she has to show up now…” I mutter, annoyed. Of course, Sabrina makes an appearance earlier than expected—today, of all days
Isabel’s POVI make my way down the stairs, dressed in my silk pajamas. The sound of my flip-flops barely making a whisper against the polished wood. Tea. I need tea.The events of the day wash over me, Sabrina King’s visit still weighing heavy on my mind. Her veiled threats replay in my thoughts, sharp and lingering. But instead of feeling victorious, I’m restless, my nerves stretched thin.As I reach the bottom of the stairs, I spot Aurora coming down as well, a sheepish smile plastered on her face. She seems lost in thought, her eyes sparkling with some hidden amusement.I pour myself a cup of tea and take a small sip, letting the warmth spread through me. I lean back slightly, watching her from the corner of my eye. I wonder what on earth has her smiling like that. “Hey girl,” I call, taking a seat on the couch, crossing one leg over the other as I gently place my teacup on the table. My eyes widen with curiosity, a grin spreading across my face. “You left the office early and c
Isabel’s POVThe morning light streams through the window as I try to wake, stretching before rolling out of bed.Today’s a big day—the kids’ first day at their new school. At first, I’m worried that they might find it hard to adapt, given how much they loved their old school in New York. But to my surprise, they’re bouncing with excitement, as if this is an adventure they’ve been waiting for.I smile to myself as I help them into their school uniforms—Sterling in a sharp pair of grey trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a light pink tie, which adds a soft touch of color to his otherwise polished look. Scarlett, in her matching grey pleated skirt and light pink blouse, completes the outfit with a bow at the collar, her hair neatly done. Their little shoes are also polished.I have to admit, I’m amazed at how well they’re taking everything in stride. I guess I must’ve done something good in my past life to be blessed with such incredible kids.They finish dressing quickly, their faces glo
Cynthia’s POVI step into my office, my heart thudding against my chest, anger already flushing over me. I take a deep breath, sinking into the leather chair, but I can’t seem to calm down.Her face—Isabel’s face—keeps flashing in my mind. That smug look she gave me, like she’s already won, like she’s got everything under control. Who does she think she is?Bluffing, saying her PA would text me? I scoff, tilting my head to the side. I see she’s playing some kind of rich brat game, isn’t she? She’s really starting to get on my nerves. Or should I just do away with her once and for all? My lips twist into something sly.Argh! Relax Cynthia. You are still getting to know this new Isabel. I try to calm my nerves. Besides, this new Isabel seems to have a lot of interesting stuff on her. I blink, letting a smile play on my lips. Again, my mind flashes to what she said. Damn it! I can’t believe I was stupid enough to sign that damn contract without reading it properly. So now what, huh?
Alexander’s POVI smile faintly as I dress, the cool fabric of my shirt sliding smoothly against my skin. The tie sits perfectly, the cuffs are crisp, and everything feels in place.For a moment, I feel lighter, like I’ve achieved something—though I can’t quite place what. My mind races through the tasks ahead, then I catch myself in the mirror.Why am I smiling? I pause, studying my reflection.Just then it hits me again. My Mother’s sudden decision. It’s strange how easily she handed me the CEO title at King’s Empire after her visit to LM Group. It’s not like her to make choices without a reason. What could she have discussed with Claire Montgomery? I shake my head, pushing the thought aside. I won’t let it gnaw at me. Today is about moving forward, proving that I’m the right choice.I grab my cologne from the counter, the familiar scent filling the air as I spray it lightly—warm cedarwood with a hint of spice. Isabel used to love this scent.Before I can stop myself, I spray a lit
Collins’ POV“So, from what you told me last night, you’ve been able to confirm the authenticity of the two documents,” I say, my voice low and measured, though barely masking my anger. I take a deep sigh, pressing hard on the file in my hand, as if the pressure might somehow contain the disappointment seething within me. “And the one my client, Eva, presented against Miss Aria is fake.” The words taste bitter on my tongue, my grip tightening around the edges of the file until they crumple under my fingers.“Yes, sir,” my secretary, Tessa, replies, but there’s a hesitance in her tone.I lift my gaze to her, my jaw tightening. “What else?”She holds out her iPad, her expression unreadable. “Also, sir, you need to see this.”I take the device from her, watching as she presses play. The video starts, and at first, nothing about it strikes me as urgent—just another scandalous clip meant to stir the public. But then, a name pulls me in like a hook sinking into flesh.“Aria Rousseau is no
Isabel’s POVI stride down the stairs, the sharp click of my heels echoing through the quiet house. The morning light streams through the wide windows, casting long shadows across the marble floors. Aurora has already left with the kids for school, and now it’s my turn to head to the office.As I reach the final step, I notice my mother standing near the foyer, her back turned to me. There’s a stiffness in her posture, her shoulders tensed as she grips her phone tightly to her ear. Her voice is hushed but urgent, words spilling out in quick, clipped sentences.I slow my steps, watching her carefully. Something is wrong.She doesn’t notice me at first, too caught up in whatever conversation she’s having. Her fingers press against her temple as she listens, then she exhales sharply, like the weight of whatever she just heard is pressing down on her.Then, the call ends.She turns, her face set in deep lines of worry. And then, her eyes meet mine.“Claire, there’s a problem,” she says.A
Alexander’s POVI sit in the dimly lit lounge of my family’s hotel, the only place that has ever felt like a sanctuary. The air is thick with the scent of aged whiskey and polished wood, and the low hum of jazz plays in the background. Here, I can breathe—at least, I used to.I gulp down my drink, the burn trailing down my throat before I drop the glass onto the table with a loud thud. It echoes in the silence, but nothing drowns out the memories flooding my mind. Isabel’s face. The way she ignored my presence, focusing on Carl like I wasn’t even there. The way she smiled when she admitted to trying to sabotage the condo project by requesting the material cancellation.I don’t even know her anymore.They say people change when they have money, but maybe it’s not just that. Maybe she found something better—something worth throwing everything we once had away.I take another long gulp, but it does nothing to dull the ache in my chest. It’s ridiculous, really. Like some adolescent boy nu
Alexander’s POVThe sight in front of me stirs something deep and unwelcome.Carl. Isabel. Together.Not just discussing business, but enjoying each other’s company, the kind of ease that speaks of familiarity, of something beyond mere negotiations. I freeze at the threshold, my mind stumbling for a second—before reality snaps back with a sharp, bitter edge.So, it’s true.I scoff, sliding my hands into my pockets, masking the tightness in my chest. “Didn’t realize your office had turned into a home for strays.” My voice is calm, laced with indifference, but the words are aimed directly at Carl. A reminder that no matter what he’s doing here, no matter how much he tries to insert himself into Isabel’s world, he’ll never be me.Carl smirks as he rises to his feet, unbothered. “That’s the thing about business, Alexander.” His voice is smooth, measured, with that infuriating edge of self-assurance. “The best opportunities tend to find their way home.”I catch the meaning behind his words
Isabel’s POVAlexander strides in, frustration carved into his features. Christine rushes in after him, trying to stop him, her expression tight with unease. “Sir, I told you—“But he’s already inside, his stormy gaze flicking between Carl and me. I relax my shoulders, turning toward him with quiet amusement. He looks ready to burst at any moment, and it’s almost entertaining. I catch Christine’s gaze and give her a curt nod. It’s fine.Alexander scoffs, slipping his hands into his pockets. “Didn’t realize your office had turned into a home for strays.” His voice is laced with something sharp, something simmering just beneath the surface.Carl smirks, rising from his seat. “That’s the thing about business, Alexander. The best opportunities tend to find their way home.” His tone is light, but there’s no mistaking the underlying edge.I sense the flicker of unease in Alexander, and I savor it. I stand, crossing my arms over my chest. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” I say smoothly. “B
Isabel’s POVIt’s been days since the shoot, and today’s meeting with the committee in charge of our fashion line’s new collection launch has finally wrapped up. I slip into the backseat of the car, exhaling softly as I lean into the leather seat. Travis pulls away from the building, the tinted windows reflecting the city’s skyline as we head toward LM Group’s headquarters. Moments later, the car rolls to a stop at the entrance, and I step out, smoothing the crease on my dress. Christine follows closely behind, her heels clicking against the pavement. As we make our way through the glass doors, the cool air inside brushes against my skin. The marble-floored lobby stretches ahead, modern chandeliers casting a warm glow. My steps are steady as I head toward the elevator, but Christine closes the gap between us and leans in, her voice a whisper.“Ma’am, Sir Carl Edwards is in the waiting room.”I pause mid-step, his name ringing through my mind. A slow, knowing smile tugs at my lips. So
Isabel’s POVI take a deep breath, my shoulders rising high as I glance at Aurora. It’s a subtle signal—I had no idea this was coming. She reads the unspoken message in my eyes, but her face stays unreadable.Turning to face Richard, I manage to say, “Wow, I didn’t know you model.”His face softens, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He glances at Aurora, but she doesn’t flinch, her expression neutral.“Oh, it’s just a side gig. Something to mix things up now and then.” he says, his voice casual yet confident, as if he’s used to keeping things light.I feel my shoulders drop, my arms folding instinctively across my chest. “Right. I see.” My voice is even, but inside, the awkwardness churns. How do I navigate through this?The silence stretches, thick with unspoken tension. Richard clears his throat, breaking the stillness. “So, can we begin?” His gaze darts around until it locks briefly with Roy’s. Richard chuckles softly, a smile playing on his lips, before looking away
Isabel’s POVLooking at Nadia, I can tell she’s deeply worried about something. Her grip on the clipboard is tight, her expression pinched with stress.“I’ll be right back,” I say, excusing myself from Roy and Aurora. Nadia follows me as I step aside, already bracing myself for whatever bad news she’s about to deliver.When we reach the corner, I turn to face her. “What’s wrong?”She exhales, shifting uncomfortably. “The main models for the shoot—both of them—aren’t coming. Last-minute emergency.”My stomach drops. “Both?”She nods grimly. “The female lead model canceled first, and then her male counterpart followed. I reached out to the agency, but they don’t have replacements available today.”I pinch the bridge of my nose, swallowing the frustration rising in my throat. The main models were supposed to be the face of this collection—the ones leading the campaign. Without them, the entire vision we planned is compromised.“And you’re just telling me this now?” I ask, keeping my voic
Isabel’s POVMy heels click sharply against the polished tiles as I stride into the shooting scene, commanding attention without a word. Aurora trails behind, her steps lighter but equally poised. Heads turn as we pass, and the air shifts, a ripple of greetings and smiles flowing through the crew.“Good morning, ma’am.”“Welcome, Ms. Montgomery.”They nod and smile, but something feels… off. There’s a tension, a subtle hum of unease in the air. Murmurs ripple like a secret thread weaving through the room. I catch fleeting glances, the way their eyes dart back to their phones, then quickly flick up to meet mine before they school their features into polite expressions.I stop, crossing my arms, my gaze narrowing as I glance at Aurora. She shrugs nonchalantly, feigning ignorance. “Don’t look at me,” her expression says.Flipping my hair to the side, I turn back to the crew. “Is there something I need to know?” My voice cuts through the air, calm but commanding.They fidget, exchanging u