**Third person**After the day Valerie had with Mr. Denver, Lucas had insisted they stayed in together. She'd been having nightmares and crying a lot. He wanted to keep a close watch on her.Valerie lay on the couch, surrounded by the remnants of her pity party: empty ice cream containers, crumpled tissues, and a blanket wrapped around her. After everything that she'd heard from Mr. Denver, she just felt numb, empty… unsure of what to do, how to feel.The couch dipped, and Lucas sat beside her, his eyes filled with concern as he looked around. “You'll get fat if you keep up with this,” he teased with a smile, an attempt to cheer her up.“Then you won't like me anymore, right? Nobody would,” she drawled, leaning her head against the wall.Lucas frowned at how his joke had been taken. “Ashley, I'll love you regardless of how you look,” he said firmly.She smiled, her eyes brightening a bit. “Really?” “Yeah.” He smirked. “I actually even prefer you fat.”She shoved his arm playfully. “
**Third person**Valerie pressed the record button. “You're being recorded, Amelia,” she stated, once the recording began.“Yes, I know,” answered Amelia.Amelia launched into the details of that day. Details on how Karen had approached her and the offer she'd made. Valerie asked her questions at different points, and she answered.“So do you know what happened to his nurse?” Valerie finally asked. His nurse was supposed to be with him when he supposedly poisoned himself and the girl has been missing since then.“Karen killed her,” Amelia deadpanned. “I have a video.”Valerie's eyes widened and she leaned forward. “A video of what?”Amelia hesitated and Valerie’s grip on her phone tightened, the recording app still active. She nodded, encouraging Amelia to continue.“A video of Karen killing the girl. It happened just after I'd given my statement. The young girl's statement was going to contradict mine and so she was silenced,” Amelia explained. “Mrs. Smith doesn't know that I'm aware
**Third person**Karen took her seat and the room fell silent as the members prepared to vote. A sleek, black box was passed around the table, each member depositing their vote. Karen's eyes narrowed as she cast her vote, her gaze never leaving Valerie's face. Matthew, seated beside Valerie, had on a smug smile.As the box made its way around the table, the tension mounted. Finally, the last member cast their vote, and the box was sealed. The room fell silent, awaiting the announcement of the winner.After a few moments, the secretary stood, a smile spreading across her face, "The new CEO of Harrison's Enterprises is... Ashley!" The room erupted into a mixture of applause and gasp as Valerie's face lit up with gratitude.The gasp came from Karen. Apart from her and Matthew, it seemed as though everyone else knew that she was going to win.Matthew's fists clenched by his sides as he turned to see Valerie beaming, but he didn't say a word.Karen stood up abruptly. “Liar!!” She yelled a
**Third person**Lucas tossed the cloth to the ground before positioning Valerie face-up on the bed, legs apart.Completely exposed to him, she watched as he trailed kisses from her bellybutton down to her V-line. His hands pressed her knees farther apart as he stared back at her.Dark blue eyes sparkled with lust as he licked his lips a second before his head lowered and he licked her. She moaned out as a jolt of pleasure passed through her spine.He licked and sucked on the sensitive nub of her pussy, making Valerie's breath come out in short gasp. Flickering pinpoints of pleasure began filling her body.The more he sucked, the more the feeling increased until her moans filled the air. She lost the strength in her neck, her head fell back on the bed, her hair like a wildfire spread out around her head."Oh... oh..." Her hand gripped the sheets, tremors racking her body, her thighs trembled.Lucas gripped her legs, raising them over his shoulders and successfully caging her as he lic
**Third person**Valerie resumed work the next day, an unmistakable glow on her face. She wore a bright smile on her face as she walked past and replied to the greetings of employees. Most people would have attributed her smile to the fact that she'd taken back her company. Yes, it was partly that and then last night… She bit her bottom lip in remembrance.The sound of chairs scraping and cheerful chatter filled the air as soon as she entered the secretary's office. Valerie looked up at the entrance to see fancy alphabets arranged to form “Welcome back, Ashley.”Gabriel, Tessa, and some other employees popped some party poppers as she entered. Colorful pieces scattered everywhere on the floor, some clinging onto her clothes and hair.“What's this?” Valerie looked around, surprised."Honey, congratulations!” Gabriel cooed with a cake in hand. He moved forward to hug Valerie. “You did it! You're the new CEO!"Valerie welcomed the embrace, instantly feeling guilty for not reaching out
**Third person**After her friends left, Valerie settled into her plush chair, propping her legs on the desk as she gazed around the room. It felt so relaxing to be here, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the office.She already had a lot of things changed, like Adam's stupid chair, where he'd sat to commit lots of atrocities.As she sat there, she couldn't help but think about Karen and Adam. She knows that Karen hadn't shown up at the office due to the embarrassment of their defeat. But Adam… where could he be hiding?Just then, there was a knock at the door. Frances poked her head inside. "Hey, new CEO!” She beamed.She entered the office, her eyes darting around the room and her smile intact. Her hands rested on her waist. “How does it feel to be back where you belong?"Valerie laughed, feeling a surge of happiness. “Come on in!" She urged her best friend.Frances moved further into the office, her eyes still scanning the place. "You know, Ash, I think you should cha
**Third person**Valerie walked into her office, her eyes widening in annoyance as she spotted Adam sprawled in her chair, his legs tangled around the table like he owned the place. “My wife,” he muttered as soon as he saw her."Adam, how can I help you?" she asked, her face twisting into a grimace.“Congratulations, Mrs. CEO,” he smiled. “You keep looking more and more beautiful," he smirked, his eyes roving over her.Valerie raised an eyebrow, striding over to him. "I can't say the same about you." She was standing in front of him now. “Get your legs off,” she snapped and then gestured for him to stand up and take the other seat. Adam chuckled. "I like this new spark, Valerie. This fierce nature…”“I knew we were meant to be from the start. But this whole new look you have... it has made me realize that you're the only one meant for me.” He paused and threw his head backwards. Then he looked up at her again. “The fact that I didn’t even know you were my wife and I was still attra
**Third person**The force of the slap whipped Valerie's head to the side, the burning pain spreading through her body.She curled her hands into fist and clenched her jaw, to restrain herself from caressing her stinging cheek and giving this horrible woman the satisfaction of seeing how hurting the hit was."You're a troublemaker and a disgrace to this family," Kate Harrison spat, her face twisting in rage. "What do you think you’d achieve by bringing down our family's name?”A muscle ticked in Valerie's jaw as she struggled to contain her emotions. “I'm the one bringing down the family name?” she repeated, her voice laced with sarcasm.“Yes, you're the demon in this house,” Mrs. Harrison fumed. “Even if you managed to survive, why couldn't you just live quietly? Why must you try so hard to sabotage your sister and her husband?”Valerie's laughter was bitter, her eyes flashing with spite. “You really don’t know why? Her sarcastic tone and response fueled Mrs. Harrison’s anger. “You
**Third person** Valerie dragged her heavy eyes open. She blinked a couple of times to clear her vision. The smell of drugs and antiseptic and hospital filled her nose. Beside her, Lucas sat with his eyes closed. Almost immediately she jumped up on the bed. “Let me go,” she shouted, startling Lucas. He climbed the bed and pulled her into his arms. “It's okay, you're safe now,” he whispered softly, planting kiss after kiss on her hair and forehead. Valerie relaxed into his embrace, her racing heart finally calm. A tear slipped from his eyes and he wiped it. He'd thought he'd lost her. “I'm sorry I couldn't keep you safe. I should have anticipated it, I should—” “It's not your fault,” she cut him off gently. “It's not.” Tears trailed down her own cheeks and she sniffed. “What happened to Matthew?” A muscle ticked in Lucas's jaw, he felt Matt had an easy fate after everything he did. "Dead." Valerie let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, her body shaking with relieve
**Third person**“Let's move, slowly,” Matt murmured in Valerie's ears, his hot breath fanning against her skin. His eyes were still locked onto Lucas—who was practically shooting daggers at Matt with his eyes."Matthew, please," Valerie whispered back, her voice trembling. "You don't have to do this. You can still let me go."Matt's jaw tightened, his chest heaving with desperation and anger. "Do you really think I'm stupid?" he hissed. "You want me to let you go? I should just allow you to run into his arms?" He questioned in a mocking tone.“Drop your weapon and surrender,” the police announced again but neither Valerie nor Matt paid any attention. “Best believe that if I do that, then I'll shoot you from behind before you get to him,” Matt added. The chilling sensation in his voice sent a shiver down Valerie's spine.“Man to man,” Lucas began, his voice almost a growl. “What would it take for you to let her go? Anything at all… name it. Even if you don't want to spend a single da
**Third person**It took Matthew half the time it would normally take to get to the bunker. He parked his car at a safe distance before running over to the location. And with each step he took, his mind raced, his heart pounded with anxiety. He couldn't afford to lose her now that he was so close. They'd literally be leaving the country today. Valerie please be there, please be there, Matt murmured, his legs moving faster.A half-relieved sigh left his lips when he reached the entrance and saw that the door was still locked—She was still here. His trembling fingers sifted through his bunch of keys, his breath gaspy and he wiped the sweat on his forehead with the back of his palm.Matt unlocked the door and then pushed it open forcefully. His eyes blazing with anger and anxiety found Valerie immediately. She was curled up at a corner, her cheeks stained with tears and her hands and feet shaking."What have you done??!" he growled, his voice venomous.She frowned in confusion, even th
**Third person**Matt seemed to ponder for a moment before he exhaled deeply. Then he moved over to the table and picked up a small knife. He began cutting the ropes. His jaw clenched at the red mark the ropes left on her skin, a pang of guilt coursing through him. He'd done this to her, he thought. “Do you need me to get you anything from the store?”Finally untied, Valerie examined her free hands and legs, a sense of relief and determination washing over her. “No, thanks.”“I'll be back soon.” He gave her a warning look. “Don't try anything stupid.”She nodded vigorously. “I wouldn't dare.”Satisfied, Matthew turned around and headed out. Valerie had her timid and innocent mask on, until the moment Matthew was out of view.She squeezed her eyes shut and then began counting from one to fifty in her head, giving Matthew enough time to leave the premises. Even with her eyes closed, she could hear the locks click behind him.When she was done, she sprang to her feet, her eyes desperat
**Third person**Eighteen hours had passed since Valerie's disappearance.Lucas stood in the center of his living room, surrounded by computers and anxious faces. His team of experts, handpicked from the best in the business, worked tirelessly to track down any lead on his woman.But so far, neither his team nor the police have been able to come up with anything tangible. There was also no signal from the tracker in Valerie's necklace. Either her kidnapper knew that the necklace was bugged and got rid of it, or they were under water, in a bunker, or somewhere that'll block the signal.One thing for sure; he'd find Valerie and he'd find her soon. Even if it meant turning the planet upside down. She'd be found.News about her and disappearance was all over the media and there was a huge cash prize for whoever brought relevant information on her whereabouts. Lucas ran a palm across his exhausted face. Deep lines creased his forehead, and his jaw was set in a rigid clench. "Broaden the
**Third person** It was almost as if Valerie disappeared just when Elliot blinked. After dismissing the woman who'd come to talk to him, he looked up but he didn't find his boss. Damnit! He'd clenched his jaw and quickened his pace, his hand instinctively resting on the gun holstered at his hip as he rushed outside. Eyes scanned everywhere around but there was no trace of her. "Miss Thorne?" he called out, his mind racing. “Ashley?” He called louder. “Valerie?” There was no response. Immediately, he dialed her number… once, twice, thrice… until it was unreachable. He'd rushed over to some passersby to ask if they'd seen her… There was nothing. Shit! Just then, his phone started ringing. Elliot pulled the device out and stared at the screen, his throat suddenly feeling dry as he registered the caller ID—Mr. Stone. He took a deep breath and then pressed the answer button. ***************************** Valerie's eyes fluttered open, her gaze was blurry and unfocused. She tri
**Third person**Valerie's blood ran cold as she stared at the picture attached to the message. It was a picture of a small boy, no more than two years old. The fact that he was a spitting image of Lucas Stone had goosebumps erupting all over her skin—same blue eyes, jet-black hair, nose, lips, jawline…Val's heart rate increased. Her son was truly alive?“We’re heading to the hospital; Mr. Stone said we're meeting him there?” Elliot asked, his hands already on the ignition.Valerie nodded absent mindedly and he started the car.She felt a surge of adrenaline coursing through her veins as she stuck her head outside the window. Breeze hit her face but it did nothing to calm her. She knew that she had to lose Elliot, and fast. As the car moved through the city, she spotted a convenience store up ahead and made a split-second decision. "I need to stop and get some water," she said suddenly.Elliot frowned and glanced at the bottle of water sitting in the middle of the car compartment.
**Third person**Valerie's smile broadened into a full-blown grin. "Oh, don't think it's unfair if justice isn't served for your lover's sister."Karen frowned, her eyes narrowing. "My lover? What do you mean?" What did this have to do with Victor, she hasn't even heard from him, Karen wondered.Valerie locked her eyes onto Karen's. "Victor, your bodyguard... the one you've been fucking.” She paused to study Karen's face—she didn't look so confident anymore. “But you killed his sister."Karen's face drained of blood, her eyes wide and her lips parting with shock. Valerie continued, "The young lady who took care of Nathaniel Scott."Dread coursed through Karen, her mind shifting back to the night Nathaniel was killed. He'd been with a woman, and when Adam killed Mr. Scott, the woman witnessed it. Karen had to silence her.A small smile found its way to Valerie's lips as she studied the horrified look on Karen's face. "So now, does it finally ring a bell?"Karen's eyes stung with tears
**Third person**Valerie woke up to a wet sensation on her clit. A shiver coursed through her spine, her nipples hardening.The sensation continued, and she was forced to open her eyes. She wiped her heavy eyes with the back of her palm and then looked down between her legs, where the source of the heat she was feeling came from. Lucas, with his head between her thighs, looked up, his tongue still whipping her sensitive clit. “Morning, babe,” he murmured. Valerie blinked a couple of times to clear her eyes. She arched her back and she cried out in pleasure when he slipped a finger inside her. “W-what are you doing?” She managed to ask between moans.He smiled and looked up at her again, with those dark, desire-filled eyes. Her cheeks flushed as she noticed her pussy juice rubbed all over his mouth and its surroundings. “I've always dreamed of waking you up like this,” she murmured, his voice rough.Lucas slipped another finger in her and began pumping, his tongue returning to her c