**Valerie**"At least it's good that she's dead now," Matthew said to me, his eyes glinting with a hint of satisfaction.I raised a surprised brow as I peered at him. "What do you mean?" I asked.His expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over. "I mean... it means your secret is safe," he muttered, his voice low and husky. “She was blackmailing you, and she wouldn't have been satisfied no matter how much you gave her.”Yeah, there's that part of not having to worry about my secret and all, but there was something about the way Matthew said it that sent shivers down my spine. Does he have a hand in her death?"Tell me you have nothing to do with it," I asked, my eyes locking onto his. I held my breath, anticipating his response, hoping he didn't do something as crazy as killing Layla just to protect my secret.His expression remained calm and composed, the sides of his lips curling into an amused smile.Then his features suddenly turned fierce, his eyes blazing with intensity as
Chapter 76**Valerie**I sat on my couch, still feeling a bit shaken after the recent events. Matthew had called to let me know that he had a strong alibi at the time of death, and so it's all sorted out. But Lucas... What about him? Did he really have a hand in what happened to Layla? I shook my head, waving off the thought. And even though I've not known him for very long, he didn't strike me as someone who'd do that.Then again, he didn't strike me as someone who'd propose to a woman with his cock buried deep inside her. I pressed my palm against my warm cheeks as more thoughts about last night flooded my mind. *Should I put a ring on your finger?* That definitely wasn't a real proposal, right? People just don't propose so casually or... Do they? Standing to my feet, I paced the length of the room, my hands on my waist.Adam had proposed on a dinner date, though nothing too fancy. Friends on the table with Karen beckoning me to say yes.I rolled my eyes and gritted my teeth at
**Valerie**I opened the door and Lucas walked in. “You didn't really kill her, right?” I asked immediately, a little scared about what his answer would be. He just shrugged. “I didn't.” “So why did…” The words died in my mouth when I looked outside to see a sleek black Rolls Royce stop in front of my apartment, and Calvin stepped out of it. Then he walked over to where we were standing, and after exchanging brief pleasantries with me, he turned to Lucas and handed him a key.And in a moment, Calvin was gone as quickly as he came and without the car he'd come in.Lucas shifted his gaze to me before he winked. “Seems like you have two cars now,” he muttered, handing me the set of keys Calvin had just given him. “And this one would keep you safe should your enemies decide that a shootout is a better option this time.”What? This is about the attack? My mind reeled, a thousand thoughts trooping in. But damn!! "You bought me a Rolls Royce!?" He frowned a little, somewhat surprised at m
**Valerie**His brows furrowed, his forehead wrinkling, but he didn't say a word about it. “Good night, Val, I'll see you tomorrow." He planted a brief kiss on my forehead before getting into his car and driving off.***************************The sound of my phone ringing woke me up the next morning.“Still asleep?” I yawned, wiping my heavy eyelid with the back of my palm. “I'm awake now.”“Okay, I'm waiting,” Lucas's voice came out clearer this time.Waiting? I immediately sat up and jumped off my bed, my feet taking long strides towards the window.I got there just in time to see Lucas step out of his car and Calvin drive away with it. He leaned against my new car, his eyes shifting to my now-open window, and I blushed.“It'll take a while for me to get ready,” I pointed out.He did a small bow, making me chuckle. “At your service, milady.”I grinned, feeling the butterflies in my stomach churn. “Are you going to keep standing like that till I'm done?” “Don't worry, that's what
**Third person**As she screamed, Karen felt herself falling, her legs giving way beneath her. She hit the ground hard, the wind knocked out of her.Adam woke up from his sleep, his eyes wide with concern. "Karen, what's wrong?" he questioned, rushing to her side.But Karen couldn't speak. She was frozen in terror, her eyes fixed on the photograph and the note that seemed to sear itself into her brain.“Karen,” he called out again, frantic, and he shook her shoulders aggressively, snapping her out of her daze. “What happened?” Karen's eyes remained fixed on the photo, tears streaming out. "This... this was in my drawer. It's Ashley,” her eyes clouded with fear as she gripped Adam's shoulder, her eyes screaming a silent plea for him to save her from this madness. “She's co... She's coming for me,” Karen whispered, listening to how crazy she sounded by voicing that out.“Shh…” Adam whispered back, pulling Karen into an embrace and pressing her head against his chest. “Ashley's dead. S
**Valerie**“Damn it,” he exclaimed, a loud laugh escaping before he quickly stifled it, likely concerned about being overheard. “It’s like you’re literally my soulmate. You just know the right things to do.”I clenched my jaw, tired of all his idiotic remarks. “I'll take that as a yes then.”“So, do you feel better after doing this to Karen? Your voice doesn’t sound excited,” Adam observed, finally acknowledging my mood throughout the call.“She tried to take my life. It'll take a few more pranks to do the trick.”“Sure, sure. I have to go now, okay? I love you so much, and I will keep fighting for your love.”I instantly cringed at his words. Yeah… Jackie Chan.“Great choice,” I nodded, too tired to drag out the conversation. I stretched my arms and yawned after the call ended. Hearing Karen's fearful screams had brought some kind of comfort, and I decided that it was finally time to get some sleep. *******I managed only a few hours of sleep before the sound of my phone ringing p
**Valerie**At 12:05 pm, we'd just crossed the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline unfolding before us. I turned to glance at Lucas, whose eyes were focused on the road. “Where are we going?” I asked, intrigued.He smirked, his eyes still glued to his front. “Again, patience is a virtue, milady.”“Just so you know, I know a bit of karate in case you're planning to kidnap me,” I joked.“Interesting,” he hummed. “But if that were the case, your skills would be useless against a black belt-er.”I huffed loudly, and he laughed, even though I was somewhat impressed by the fact that he's damn good at everything. Leaning back against my chair, I allowed my eyes to roam the bustling streets of New York as I watched the scenery go by.After a few more minutes of driving, we arrived at a rooftop helipad. I spotted a sleek helicopter with its rotors whirring softly. I leaned forward, my curiosity piqued. "Okay, what's going on?" Lucas got out of the car and moved over to open my door. He w
**Valerie** I stood in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom, admiring my new bob hairstyle for the last time before I headed downstairs, where Lucas was already waiting for me. "Hey," I greeted, buckling my seatbelt as soon as I entered the car. He glanced at me with a smile and brushed my cheek gently. "You look great." My heart did a stupid flip, and I blushed. "Thanks." As soon as the drive started, I mentally began to go over how I hoped today would turn out. The music playing from the speakers served as a backdrop as my mind reeled... searching for loopholes, and I so hoped to God that there were none. I glanced at Lucas humming to the music, and I was glad that we'd reached the stage of comfortable silence between us, where neither of us felt pressured with bringing up topics to be discussed, where we both understood that sometimes, silence was indeed golden. As usual, Lucas walked me to the huge doors of Harrison Enterprises when we arrived. And today again, I w
**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 tried to sit
**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
**Third person**Karen's face went pale, and she was silent. The officer spoke up again. “What will it be, Mrs. Smith? Will you rat your parents out to save your skin?”Finally, Karen's eyes flashed with defiance, locked on the officer’s. "No."The officer's expression didn't change, but her voice took on a slightly harder edge. "Mrs. Smith, we have evidence. We know your parents were involved. It's better for you if you cooperate."Karen's jaw set, her eyes blazing with determination. "I said no," she hissed. The officer pressed her lips into a thin line stood up. “Very well then,” she sighed out in resignation. “I'll ask you again after you spend a week in this shithole. I'm sure you'll have a change of mind.” Then she shrugged and gave Karen a wicked smile. “That's if you survive it. Because this place is no place for a pretty girl like you.”“Go to hell if you think you can scare me!” Karen snapped, trying to seem confident even though her voice trembled slightly.”The woman smi
**Third person**Wait… Valerie just stood still for a few minutes, her mind blank, her head spinning.A gentle tap from Elliot had her snapping out of her daze. She looked up at her robot. “It's fine, he's a friend. Give us a moment, please,” she murmured absentmindedly. Elliot glanced at Victor briefly, a warning flashing in his eyes before he stepped back.As Valerie's eyes locked onto Victor's, she felt goosebumps erupt all over her skin. The initials "VA" flashed into her mind. He was the anonymous person who had been helping her all along. How??"How are you...?" Valerie's voice trailed off as the memories came flooding back. The first time he'd texted her, she was literally about to enter Adam's office with a knife. He had been standing just outside the door. So she didn't think too much about him. He was Karen's bodyguard. He had always been in plain sight, but she never recognized him. Even on the yacht... he was always there. He knows about all Karen's plans; that's how he
**Third person**“I thought the reality sank in after you cried for help?” Lucas mocked, his eyes shooting daggers at Adam. “If I think about what you tried to do to my woman, I still have this urge to kill you regardless.”Adam's jaw clenched again at the mention of ‘my woman’. But he didn't say a word about it, he wouldn't dare.Lucas placed the paper and pen that he was holding on the table. “Sign them now while I'm being nice,” he ordered, his voice a low growl that had Adam forcing a lump down his throat. Then he removed his feet from Adam's hand.Adam cried out in relief.Using his other hand as support, Adam tried to massage the hurt one into shape, but it was numb anyway. He looked up at Lucas, “My fingers… I—I can't sign.”Lucas shot Adam a glare without saying a word. He didn't need to.Adam swallowed, and quickly, he picked up the pen with trembling hands and scribbled his signature on the paper. His jaw tightened when he finished signing. So he is actually divorced from A
**Third person**“I'll get you, I promise,” she swore, and then climbed out of the window, still flashing the knife in her hand.Karen sprinted to her car and leapt inside. Her shaky hands found the ignition, her eyes watching Elliot who was almost closing in on her as she sped away.Elliot paused to catch his breath, his hands on his waist as he watched the back of Karen's car helplessly. Then immediately, he rushed inside to check up on the women.He apologized to the frightened women, then he cleaned Frances’s wound. Afterwards, he called Lucas to inform him. And as expected, Lucas was fuming. ****************************Valerie sat on the hard chair, her fingers drumming on the desk as she waited with her eyes fixed on the door where Adam would emerge. An officer brought him out, his wrists cuffed to a chain around his waist. His eyes met Valerie's, and his face brightened.Adam looked worn out, his skin pale and his eyes sunken. His hair was disheveled, and his clothes were w
**Third person**“Hello, sister,” Karen sneered, her eyes blazing with fury as she got closer. She reached where Valerie was standing, and without hesitating, she swung her knife in the air. Adrenaline coursed through Valerie, and she dodged quickly before any harm was done. “What are you doing?” Valerie fumed, taking swift steps backward, further into the room and away from Karen.Karen followed. “Come, let me show you.” She lunged forward and swiped the blade at Val again. Valerie scurried backwards again, her heart racing with fear as she reached for a pillow on her bed. She used it as a shield when Karen swung her arm in the air again. The knife sliced the pillow fabric, fiber bleeding out.“Don't you think you've done enough harm already?” Valerie panted, heart hammered anxiously against her chest as she spoke. She glanced at the bathroom door that was still shut. Frances was still inside, listening to her music and singing along loudly.“The fact that you're still alive means