---A week trickled by, and Eva remained in deep, unmoving sleep.Why hasnât she woken up?!Damienâs frustration was spiraling into desperation. He moved restlessly around her hospital room, back and forth in an endless loop that wore tracks into the sterile tile floor. Shadows from the bright, clinical lights cast deep lines on his face, making his fatigue painfully visible. Each lap around the room sharpened his anger and fear, simmering dangerously beneath his rigid composure.He gritted his teeth, jaw clenching as the sterile, unmistakable scent of disinfectant hung in the air, scratching at his nerves. This placeâhe hated it. Hospitals felt like death traps, filled with ghosts of the sick and the wounded. And worse, this was the second time heâd found himself pacing like this, in just this setting, all because someone had hurt her.Two times. Twice, heâd arrived too late. Twice, she had been caught vulnerable in the crossfire.His hand raked through his hair once more, but it onl
Two and a half weeks later.Beep.Beep.Beep.The rhythmic beeping sound filled Evaâs mind, scratching at her patience. She groaned softly, frustration and irritation building as the relentless sound drilled into her thoughts.âWhy canât it shut up?! How Annoying!â Her hand moved slightly, but even that small action pulled a wince from her as pain flared through her muscles. Her body felt as though it had been shattered and pieced back together, each limb screaming with the memory of trauma. Her head throbbed, a dull, relentless ache that only worsened as she stirred.Suddenly, she heard a loud crash in the background. The sound jolted her, heightening her awareness of her surroundings. Someone had slammed something, perhaps a table or chair, against the wall. Shuffling followed, then a low, furious voice, sharp and menacing.âItâs been three weeks, and you still havenât stabilized her condition? How incompetent and useless,â Damienâs voice thundered, dangerous and animalistic, more l
Evaâs own gaze shifted to him, taking in his disheveled appearance. The usually composed, immaculate man she knew was gone, replaced by someone raw and broken. His suit was wrinkled, his hair wild and unkempt, his face carrying the haunted look of sleepless nights and endless worry. Sheâd never seen him so unguarded, so utterly vulnerable.Slowly, she shifted in bed, a faint discomfort creeping into her as she looked past Damien to the others. Nathalia, her normally bubbly friend, looked crushed by emotion. Edwin stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with a faint air of detachment, his gaze flicking between her and his brother as if gauging his reaction.âG-good morning.â Evaâs voice was barely a whisper, reminding them all she was truly awake.âOh, EvaâĶâ Nathalia choked on a sob, practically running toward the bed, her arms spread wide for a hug. âItâs two in the afternoon,â she added, laughter and tears mingling in her words as she reached for her friend.âIâm so glad you
Edwin rolled his eyes, staring down at her. âIâm older than you, Nathy. Whether he asked me or not, you still have to go.âNathalia turned and glared back at him without saying anything, but it was obvious that she was stubbornly standing her ground.Eric let out a sigh and decided to put an end to the petty argument between both siblings. Did they not realize the bossâs woman had just woken up?âIâll get it,â He said, stepping out to fetch the cup of water that had started the entire argument.A moment later, the door opened and Eric returned with a cup, filled to the brim with water. He walked past the two siblings and walked towards Damien before handing the cup to Damien. âThe dispenser was literally right outside the door,â He muttered, rolling his eyes as he glanced at both Edwin and Nathalia. With how much theyâd argued, one might think it had been miles away.Nathalia who clearly heard Shane pouted and ignored him. Her focus was turned back to her friend and when she glance
His voice was soft but insistent as he asked, âWhere did you learn to wield a gun like that?â He kept his tone gentle, his eyes warm and steady as they held hers, a silent reassurance that she was safe with him. He hoped, prayed, that his open expression would draw her out, that sheâd finally trust him enough to let him in.The quiet intimacy between them stunned his younger siblings, who stood watching, wide-eyed. Nathalia had already glimpsed this side of her brother, the softness and vulnerability he reserved only for Eva, yet seeing it again still took her by surprise. Beside her, Edwin was speechless, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. Heâd never thought his usually stoic, no-nonsense brother was capable of this kind of gentle devotion. Who would have guessed that beneath his brotherâs composed, polished exterior was a man willing to give his whole heart to someone like Eva?âI-â Already knowing what was going to come out of her, his voice grew firmer as he cut her off, âDonât tr
Across from her, Edwin leaned forward, anticipation lighting up his expression. Heâd long been curious to know about this crazy lady. Ever since the warehouse incident, he was now incredibly wary of Eva due to her abilities. Most of her kills of the men were clean shots that resulted in instant deaths! Also given the mysterious influence she held over his brother. Hearing her story now, he felt a strange, nervous excitement, almost as if he were about to glimpse a secret hidden from everyone else.This type of woman would be suitable to be the future Madam of the Cross family. Even though they were not part of the underworld, the power the Cross family possessed was enough to have a strong-willed woman beside Damien. It has been a long time since he came across someone that seemed experienced to go on a ruthless rampage. However, seeing how possessive and overprotective his brother was of this woman, he doubted Damien would ever allow her to take even a single step towards any kind
âWhat?â Nathalia was shocked and surprised at the same time when she heard her best friend. She was not a country bumpkin to not know who the Black family was in california. âI never heard of the Black family having a direct granddaughter in their family except for the granddaughter from the extended family. So youâre telling me that Aunt Evelyn is the only daughter of the patriarch that died a few years ago. How come I wasn't able to figure this out.â âThat's because you are a bit slow when it comes to using your head, little sister.â Edwin suddenly remarked with a taunting smile as he patted her on the head.âHow dare you insult me like that, you brute!" Nathalia angrily smacked his hand away, making him chuckle at her.âAfter we finished highschool, I was sent here to live with my maternal family because of my father's selfish wish for me to become an heir. I'm sure It's no surprise for you guys that the Black family is involved in the underworld and they are one of the top fami
She remembered that night clearly, stepping into the same familiar black helicopter on the top floor of the building, carrying nothing but the clothes on her back, the cold seat pressing into her shoulders. âI wasnât thinking straight. I didnât care where I was going, didnât care what I would doâI just needed to get away. I wanted to leave Miami behind and never look back.âHer hand clenched, nails digging into her palm as she remembered the desperation in her decision. One day, she had looked into a mirror and barely recognized the woman staring backâhaunted eyes, thin and gaunt, an almost feral determination to chase after Mark. She was a shadow of herself, driven mad by heartbreak and despair.âGrandpa Smith noticed my condition,â she continued, her voice steadier now. âHe arranged for me to disappear, to heal somewhere where I wouldnât be found.â She looked at each of them, her eyes darkening as memories resurfaced. âFor the next few months, I went back again and lived within the
âI... Iâm starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling sheâs trying to push me out of the competition,â Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Markâs voice was low, filled with annoyance. âWhat do you mean, sabotage you? Sheâs already got the public on her side. What else does she want?ââI donât know, Mark. But I canât shake the feeling that sheâs behind some of the things happening to me lately,â Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. âSheâs been getting more endorsements, more media attention... Sheâs always one step ahead, and I feel like sheâs using me to boost her own career. Maybe sheâs trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I donât have a chance to win.âMark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didnât respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everettâs words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everettâs eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. âWhat are you going to do about her? Sheâs the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell sheâs been pulling strings, trying to break you down.âEva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. âIâm not sure yet. But Christineâs time is running out.â She gave a slight, bitter laugh. âI wonât let her destroy me.âEverett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. âBe careful, Eva,â she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. âChristineâs dangerous. And sheâs got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.âEva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everettâs words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christineâs smile faltered. âWhat is she doing here?âBefore she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.âLadies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, weâre honored to have Eva here tonight.âChristine stiffened. âWhat? Thatâs impossible!âEva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasnât an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the roomâand the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I donât care what it takesâpull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.âTanya hesitated. âChristine, are you sure about this? Maybe you shouldâââDonât question me!â Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. âDo you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I wonât even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!âTanya sighed. âFine. Iâll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. Youâre playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.âChristine scoffed. âPlease. Eva wonât be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Evaâs reputation, she had only fueled the publicâs admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.âChristine?âShe turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trustedâor rather, toleratedâbecause she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christineâs side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.âWh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everythingâsabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumorsâyet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didnât work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldnât hide behind shadows. She wouldnât need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the mediaâs attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing thisâhis favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didnât even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.âChristine, what is this?â His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. âA dinner. For us.âMark scoffed, shaking his head. âA dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what Iâve been dealing with? My fatherâs furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.â His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. âAnd do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancÃĐe might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasnât one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.âWhy didnât you ask for my help?â His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeperâsomething close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didnât quite reach her eyes.âBecause it was something I could handle,â she said simply. âLike always.âDamienâs expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. âAnd if you couldnât?âEva shrugged. âThen I would have asked. But it wasnât time for that yet.âThat answer didnât satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. âEvaâââI know what youâre going to say,â she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. âYou think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I donât always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going homeâwhere the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurkingâwas out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. âEva.âJust her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said itâlow, controlled, yet sharp with attentionâthat made her exhale slowly.âHey,â she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, âWhatâs wrong?âShe almost smiled. He always saw through her.âI canât go home,â she admitted, rubbing her temple. âThe reporters are camped outside. And after todayâs interviewâĶ theyâll only get worse.âDamien didnât answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. âWhere are you?ââPenthouse suite at the Grand Royale,â she repli