Adrian’s POVI paced the length of the private suite, my mind calculating every possible angle, every potential counterstrike. The city skyline stretched out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I barely noticed the lights flickering in the distance. My focus was here, on the war we were fighting in the shadows. Every move we made had to be precise, every action timed perfectly. Rome had underestimated us. And I was going to make sure he regretted it.Julian leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression tight with barely restrained fury. He was always calm under pressure, but even he couldn’t hide the anger simmering beneath the surface. Neville sat at the small dining table, laptop open, his fingers drumming against the wood in that familiar rhythm of a man who thrived on pressure. Emily sat across from him, her lawyer beside her, her hands clenched in her lap. She was nervous, but there was a new steel in her spine. She wasn’t the same woman Rome had controlled for years
Sarah’s POVI arranged the presentation files carefully on the conference table, aligning each one perfectly in front of a seat. Next, I placed bottles of water beside them, smoothing out the edges of my dress with trembling hands. I exhaled slowly, stepping back to assess my work. Everything was in place for the meeting with Adrian Blackwood, the CEO.The door swung open, and the board members began filing in, their conversations blending into a steady hum. I took my seat beside my manager, gripping my iPad and light pen, ready to take notes.Just minutes before the meeting was set to begin, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I hesitated, then leaned toward my manager. “Excuse me, sir. I need to use the restroom.”He shot me a pointed look. “Make it quick. I don’t want you missing a thing in this meeting.”I nodded and hurried out, my heels clicking against the polished floor. The elevator doors slid open, and just as I stepped forward, Adrian Blackwood strode out. His attention was locked
Adrian’s POVI leaned back in my chair, exhaling slowly as the weight of the board meeting settled over me. The pressure to maintain Blackwood’s dominance in the industry was mounting, and my personal life—of all things—was now under scrutiny.Neville, my personal assistant, strode in, shutting the door behind him with a knowing look. “We need to talk.”I rubbed my temples, already anticipating where this was going. “I was just about to call you in. Let me guess—you’re about to lecture me on how my dating habits are tanking our company’s image?”He didn’t even try to soften the blow. “I don’t need to lecture. The board made it clear: our biggest competitor is gaining traction because their CEO is a family man. Investors see him as reliable, grounded. Meanwhile, you…” He gave a pointed glance at the whiskey tumbler on my desk. “You’re ‘the bachelor CEO’ who cycles through models and influencers like they’re seasonal collections.”I scoffed, though the truth of his words gnawed at me. “S
Chapter ThreeSarah’s POVI stood at the doorway, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag tightly. The office was sleek and modern—black, white, and grey tones giving it a sharp, intimidating feel. Two paintings adorned the walls, though I barely noticed the details. My heart pounded against my ribs. This was the first time I had been called into the CEO’s office since I started working here two years ago.“Please, take a seat,” Adrian said, his voice smooth yet commanding.“I’m comfortable standing, sir,” I replied, trying to steady my voice.“Miss Nathaniel,” he said again, slower this time, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Have a seat.”With a reluctant sigh, I sank into the chair across from him, my back ramrod straight.“You sent for me, sir,” I said, meeting his gaze with a mix of defiance and anxiety.I had a bad feeling about this. Had my manager reported me? Did they find an excuse to fire me? I needed this job. I needed the money for Nora.Adrian leaned back in his cha
Adrian’s POVA moment of silence stretched between us, tension thick in the air. Then, she let out a slow breath and nodded. “Fine. I'll marry you… but I’m doing this only for my daughter.”A victorious smirk curled my lips. “Good. I knew you’d make the right decision.”Her eyes darkened with suspicion. “What do you stand to gain from this? You’ve been fine without a wife all these years.”I leaned back, watching her carefully. “I’m doing this for Blackwood Organization,” I said smoothly. “For the thousands of employees who rely on us. For my family’s legacy. For the future of the company. So, in a way, you and I are not so different.”She let out a sharp scoff. “Don't flatter me, Sir. There’s a world of difference between us. For one, I wouldn’t marry someone unless I loved him.”The second the words left her lips, realization dawned on her face. Her eyes widened slightly before she pressed her lips together, as if trying to take them back.I chuckled. “Well, you just shot yourself in
Sarah’s PovI stepped out of my bedroom, about to head out when Adrian emerged from the kitchen, his bare chest glistening with sweat. His sweatpants hung low on his hips, the sharp dips of his muscles on full display. He must have been working out—his usual morning routine before breakfast. Funny how I had memorized his habits when we had only been married for a few days.My eyes betrayed me, lingering a second too long.Adrian smirked. “I see you’re enjoying the view.”I snapped out of my thoughts, heat rising to my cheeks. “No! Eww!”His chuckle was low and deep, vibrating through the air between us. “You sure about that?” He took a step closer, arms folding across his chest, making his muscles flex deliberately.I took an instinctive step back, clearing my throat. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?”He cocked a brow. “I’m supposed to be on my honeymoon since I got married last weekend.” His voice dripped with amusement. “Now, don’t change the subject. Where are you going?”“That’
Sarah's POVI was still standing there, trying to process the woman’s words when Adrian found me. His warm presence beside me broke through my thoughts.“You wandered off,” he said, handing me a drink. His voice held a teasing edge, but his eyes softened as he studied my face. “What’s wrong?”I hesitated, unsure if I should mention the encounter. What if it was nothing? What if she was just trying to rattle me? But the lingering unease in my chest told me otherwise.“Nothing,” I replied, forcing a smile. “Just needed some air.”Adrian’s gaze lingered for a moment before he nodded. “Let’s step outside. It’s quieter on the balcony.”He led me out to a secluded terrace overlooking the city skyline. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the crowded gala hall.“Better?” he asked, leaning against the railing.I nodded, but my thoughts were still racing. “Adrian,” I started, deciding to test the waters. “Have you ever had someone try to come between you and your
Adrian's POV I moved swiftly through the crowd, Graham trailing behind me as we made our way toward the heart of the gala. My mind raced, trying to piece together Sophia’s angle. Promised a place in the new deal? It was absurd. No one in my team would dare make such a promise, not to her or anyone else without my approval.When we entered the main hall, the hum of conversation seemed louder and more tense. Sophia was in the center of a small group of investors, her practiced charm on full display.“There he is!” she announced as her eyes locked onto me. Her tone was light, but the smirk playing on her lips was anything but innocent. “Adrian, darling, I was just telling everyone about the wonderful opportunity you mentioned last year. You remember, don’t you?”I kept my expression neutral as I approached, every step calculated. “Sophia,” I said evenly, “a word, please.”Her eyes lit up with feigned curiosity, but I caught the flicker of unease beneath her confident exterior.“Of cours
Adrian’s POVI paced the length of the private suite, my mind calculating every possible angle, every potential counterstrike. The city skyline stretched out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, but I barely noticed the lights flickering in the distance. My focus was here, on the war we were fighting in the shadows. Every move we made had to be precise, every action timed perfectly. Rome had underestimated us. And I was going to make sure he regretted it.Julian leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression tight with barely restrained fury. He was always calm under pressure, but even he couldn’t hide the anger simmering beneath the surface. Neville sat at the small dining table, laptop open, his fingers drumming against the wood in that familiar rhythm of a man who thrived on pressure. Emily sat across from him, her lawyer beside her, her hands clenched in her lap. She was nervous, but there was a new steel in her spine. She wasn’t the same woman Rome had controlled for years
Sarah’s POVThe soft flicker of candlelight illuminated the dining table, casting a golden glow on the delicate china I had carefully set. The aroma of roasted chicken and fresh bread lingered in the air, mingling with the faint notes of vanilla from the scented candle burning on the sideboard. It was meant to be a quiet evening, a rare moment of peace before the storm Adrian was facing at Blackwood Enterprises.But then my phone buzzed. Once. Twice. Then again, in rapid succession.Frowning, I picked it up, my stomach tightening as I saw the flood of notifications. My heart pounded as I tapped on one of the messages from Emily.Emily: Sarah, check the news NOW. It’s bad.A chill rushed through me as I clicked on the link she had sent. The headline blared in bold letters across the screen:BREAKING: BLACKWOOD ENTERPRISES CEO ACCUSED OF INSIDER TRADING—NEW FINANCIAL REPORT REVEALS SHOCKING DETAILSMy breath caught in my throat. I scrolled down, my fingers trembling as I skimmed through
Adrian’s POVThe skyline of New York stretched before me, illuminated by the city’s endless pulse of life. I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window of my office, phone in hand, the weight of the moment pressing heavily against my shoulders."He’s here," Julian said from the doorway.I turned, nodding once. "Send him in."Julian hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping aside to allow Gregory Shaw, Blackwood Enterprises' Chief Financial Officer, to enter. Shaw was in his early fifties, a seasoned executive with a reputation for caution rather than bold moves. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed, but there was tension in his jaw as he adjusted his cufflinks."Mr. Blackwood," Shaw greeted me, his voice measured."Gregory," I acknowledged, gesturing for him to take a seat. "I appreciate you coming in so late. I assume you know why I asked for this meeting?"Shaw exhaled, lowering himself into the leather chair opposite my desk. "I have an idea. But let’s not play
Sarah’s POVThe scent of coffee and toasted bread drifted through the air as I stepped into the dining room. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting a golden glow over the table where Tasha sat with Nora, helping her spread peanut butter on a slice of bread.Tasha glanced up and smiled. “Morning, sleepyhead.”I let out a small laugh, sinking into the chair beside her. “I wasn’t that bad.”“You were,” she teased. “I thought we’d have to carry you to bed.”Last night had been exactly what I needed. For the first time in weeks, I’d let go of the tension that had been weighing on me. Tasha, Emily, and I had talked about everything—some serious, some ridiculous, and plenty in between. Emily had left at dawn with the kids, but Tasha had decided to stay a bit longer, keeping me company until Nora left for school.I poured myself a cup of coffee as Nora took a careful bite of her toast. “Did you sleep well?” I asked her.Nora nodded, her little feet swinging beneath the chair. “Uh-h
Adrian’s POVThe house was quiet by the time I made my way to our bedroom. The absence of Sarah beside me felt strange, but I knew tonight was important for her. She’d been carrying so much lately. If a girls' night could bring her even a little peace, I wouldn’t stand in the way.Still, I wasn’t used to sleeping without her anymore.I took off my shirt and sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing a hand over my face. I thought back to the meeting with Emily and Julian earlier. The solid evidence Emily had presented us with was enough to disarm Rome, and maybe Daniella but I wanted something that would put him away completely.I leaned back against the headboard, my mind still racing. Emily had given us enough to corner Rome, but I knew men like him—backed into a corner, they became even more dangerous. He wouldn’t go down without a fight.I reached for my phone on the nightstand and scrolled through my messages. Neville had sent over a few updates from our legal team, outlining the next s
Sarah’s POVThe guest room was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioning filling the space as I pulled back the covers for Emily. She stood near the dresser, her arms crossed, watching me with an unreadable expression.“You didn’t have to do all this,” she murmured.I straightened, offering a small smile. “You and the kids deserve a safe, comfortable place. It’s no trouble.”She hesitated, her fingers brushing against the fabric of her sweater. “I’m not used to this… people looking out for me.”My chest tightened. I knew that feeling all too well—the weight of having to do everything on your own, of expecting kindness to come with conditions.“Well, get used to it,” I said softly. “Because you’re not alone in this anymore.”Her throat bobbed as she swallowed hard, nodding. “Thank you, Sarah. Really.”I reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze before stepping back. “Get some rest. I’ll check on the kids before heading to bed.”She offered a faint smile before I slipped o
Adrian’s POVThe laughter around the dinner table was something I hadn’t realized I missed until now. It wasn’t forced, wasn’t cautious—it was easy, natural. Even Emily, though still reserved, looked more at ease than she had since she arrived.I glanced at Sarah, watching as she gently wiped a smudge of mac and cheese from Alex’s cheek. She was in her element, smiling, laughing softly at something Julian said.She caught my gaze, her eyes meeting mine. And in that brief moment, I saw it—the quiet satisfaction, the relief, the warmth of knowing that, for tonight, things were okay.I squeezed her thighs, reached for my water with the other hand and taking a slow sip before setting the glass down. The conversation had drifted toward the kids and their adventures at the park, but my mind was already shifting to what awaited me in the study.Evidence. Proof. A way to finally put an end to Rome and Daniella’s sabotage.Julian caught my eye, as if sensing my thoughts. He gave a small nod, t
Sarah’s POVBalancing the tray of beverages, I returned to the study with Emily and Julian following behind me. I set the tray on the table, pouring a cup of coffee for Julian and tea for Emily before handing Adrian his usual black coffee.Adrian gave me a brief nod of thanks, his focus already back on the documents in front of him. Emily sat stiffly, her fingers curled around her teacup, while Julian leaned back, watching Adrian sift through the papers.I didn’t linger. “I’ll leave you to it,” I said, straightening. “The kids are in the living room. I’ll be with them.”Adrian caught my hand briefly, squeezing it before letting go. I squeezed back before stepping out, closing the door softly behind me.I had barely reached the living room when I heard a door open behind me. Emily stepped out of the study, her gaze flicking toward me before quickly looking away.“I just need the bathroom,” she murmured, heading down the hall.I hesitated for a moment before following. When she reappear
Adrian’s POVI tapped my pen against the desk, my mind drifting away from the reports in front of me. It was impossible to focus when I knew what was coming. The board meeting was only a few days away, and if I didn’t have solid proof against Rome and Daniella, everything I’d built—everything my father built—would slip right through my fingers.The sound of the door opening made me glance up. Julian stepped in, his hands in his pockets, his usual air of arrogance dimmed by something quieter.I leaned back in my chair. “Didn’t think I’d be seeing you today.”Julian gave a half-shrug before settling into the chair across from me. “Yeah, well… Sarah thinks I should stop avoiding you.”A small smirk tugged at my lips. “She’s right.”He let out a breath. “Look, I know I messed up. I shouldn’t have backed out the way I did. If I’d stayed—”“Julian, how many times do I have to tell you?” My voice came out firmer than I intended. I set the pen down and met his gaze. “This isn’t on you.”His j