No... It can’t be.
The photo on the laptop... Isn’t Laura?“The culprit is Grace Miller, 20 years old, from Nevada. She’s only been with the company a few months.” Jackson says, then turns his eyes to Julian, who is frowning.Honestly, I feel like I’ve been punched in the chest. I can’t believe it... Is Grace really the culprit?“No... It can’t be...” I mutter, my voice shaky and my eyes down. I look at my hands, feeling my stomach twist even more...But Jackson pays no attention to me; he simply sighs and says, “No mistake, Mr. Adams.”Julian is silent for a few moments, and then his heavy footsteps catch my ears. He’s walking to the door with a slightly closed expression, and I wish I knew what was going through his mind at the moment, even if I can’t even follow mine now.He opens the door and calls out loudly, his commanding voice shaking me, “Grace MillAs soon as Jackson leaves the room, I let out the breath I hadn’t even noticed I’d been holding. I run my hand through my hair, brushing back the brown waves, and sigh. My anxious eyes go to Julian, who remains seated in complete silence. I still can’t read his expression, but somehow, I can imagine what’s going on in his mind... “You don’t believe that Grace is really behind this, do you?” I say slowly, and Julian finally rests his eyes on me. “Of course not.” He also sighs, relaxing his back on the chair. “But either way, she needs to be punished for starting all this.”“I believe her, Julian.”“I believe her too, but there’s nothing we can do... The only trace Jackson has found is of the first photo — the one Grace took.”“But how? I really don’t think she did it all by herself... How would she know about these inactive accounts? She h
Just as I said, I spent the day discreetly watching Laura.In fact, she didn’t even go near the I.T. floor or meet any of their staff. Curiously, her mood was also great, as if a burden had been lifted from her shoulders... And indeed, it has. I look at Tyler’s messages, the summary he sent me of what happened after I left the club with Julian... something I don’t regret, of course, but I wish I’d seen for myself.Tyler (Owner), Sunday 08:27 am:After you left, we stayed for another hour at most.Your friend Cathy stayed there, so I don’t think the girl suspected anything.I didn’t see any sign of Laura. I don’t know if she was there, but I stuck to the plan.I put the Grace girl in a cab, even though she asked if I couldn’t take her home.I think I did something interesting because she asked
When the cab finally pulled up next to a nice restaurant, I let out the breath I hadn’t even noticed I was holding. Julian pulls up a little behind, and we watch Laura get out and enter the establishment with elegance. It’s not a five-star restaurant, those extremely expensive ones with a specific type of customer, but it is elegant and modern. Unfortunately, there are no large windows that allow us to look inside, which makes me anxious and uncertain.I sigh, resting my back on the car seat... “Damn.” “At least you were right... She really did go to meet someone.” Julian says, tapping his thumb on the steering wheel.“But we won’t know who she’s meeting with...” I grumble with shrunken shoulders. “Should we go in?”Julian brings his hand up to my face and strokes it slowly, catching my fearful eyes... “Sure, why not? I’m hungry anyway.”I give him a bright smile and n
“Tyler?” Laura asks, stealing the words from my mouth, “What are you doing here?”“I was at home, of course. Have you forgotten where I live? Of course not, right? Since you’ve been knocking on my door so often these days. Oh, and if I’m not mistaken, you got to know this restaurant because I used to bring you here.” Tyler replies slowly, crossing his arms and looking directly at Laura, who remains pale, blinking. “Laura...” Jackson calls her slowly, looking around cautiously.“Can you not do that now, Tyler?” She stutters, looking at him with fearful, begging eyes.“What? You called me this morning and last night... I thought you were missing me.” Tyler gives a sarcastic smile, and I confess that I’m so tense that I can barely enjoy the panicked expression on Laura’s face. “Do you even have the face to deny it?”“What’s he saying?” Jackson asks, this time in a slightly louder, harsher voice — and now he really does sound like the man I know. “Laura?”“Jackson, my love...” She opens
I glance at the watch on my wrist, the slender pointers ticking as the seconds pass by. I tilt my head, now staring at the ceiling, the bright light mixing with the moonlight coming through the window. Outside, night has fallen, and there is no one else in the building except for the security guards and other employees who work the night shift.Honestly, I’d like to be at home in Angelee’s warmth, but here I am, in my office, three hours after the end of work time, waiting to finish what I’ve let go on longer than it should.“I can’t let that Tyler guy take all the credit, huh?” I mutter to myself, taking a deep breath...Suddenly, I hear the sound of the elevator, which is too loud in the silence of the night on this empty floor, and I watch the boy finally walk towards my office through the window, and I don’t let him waste time to knock on the door — I just nod as our eyes meet.And just like that, he opens the d
[……] “I want you to break up with Eric. We should have told you a long time ago, but Eric was unsure…. Anyway, since you saw it with your own eyes, you must know what’s going on.”“Oh, yes… You were riding my boyfriend.”“That wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t held your virginity so tightly, Angelee.” [……]“What... What is the meaning of this?” Jackson says in a shaky voice, approaching my desk slowly. “This voice...”“It’s a recording from the security camera in a specific room. And these voices, I’m sure you already recognized it.... It’s a private talk of Laura and Angelee.” I can see a million questions in his eyes, but none dare escape Jackson’s trembling lips. He runs a hand through his hair, breathing deeply. “Why... Why are you showing me this?&rdqu
I’ve been sitting in this chair for at least ten minutes, staring at the screen that reproduces exactly what is happening in the next room. All the preparations are ready, but my stomach is squirming, and anxiety is bubbling through my veins. My throat is dry, but I don’t dare move a muscle. Julian, next to me, notices my tension and pats my shoulder slowly as if to reassure me that he’s by my side and that I’m not alone.Still, I feel like something horrible could happen at any moment.“Do you really think Laura will come?” I ask, without taking my eyes off the screen that shows only Jackson sitting in an armchair, head down, looking at his hands. I can’t see his expression, but I confess I’d like to; since Julian returned to his apartment last night, he hasn’t said a word to me about his talk with Jackson. Julian’s expression was serious, and he seemed lost in thought, so I just let the night pass in
Laura glares at me but still tries to keep her sweet girl mask, saying in a soft voice, “What do you mean?” “I’m asking if you’re really pregnant,” I say even more firmly, pressing my arms a little closer together. Yes, my heart is pounding so fast it’s going up my throat, and I’m breaking out in a cold sweat, but I’m trying my hardest not to show it.“That’s absurd.” Laura’s voice trembles, and that attracts Jackson’s confused eyes, but she just looks at me like she could kill me with a single glance. “It’s not enough that you’ve destroyed my life... now you’re saying that I’m faking something like this?”“I destroyed your life?” I repeat, simply shocked. “Laura, you’re the one who’s been making my life a living hell! And I should ask you that — it’s not enough sleep with my boyfriend; now you’ve been
“Jackie, Lizzie, stop running like that… you could get hurt!” I shout, putting my hands on my waist. They are laughing, hiding their smiles behind their little hands. But despite this, they go running back down the sandy beach, making my heart rise to my throat.They grow up so fast! Two years and seven months ago, they were so small in my arms, and now they’re running around our house in Nassau, their blond hair ruffling in the pleasant wind.Just as we promised, we created a little tradition in our family; every year, during our wedding anniversary, we bring the children with us. It’s the second time they’ve been here, and this time, we’ve decided to invite the people closest to us to enjoy this paradise.“This place is really wonderful!” Cathy says behind me, stroking her big belly. I look over my glasses and quickly take them off. “Seriously, I really appreciate you inviting me... I’d really go mad
As soon as the meeting is over, I feel my tense shoulders relax. My head is throbbing, a pain that has haunted me since last night when I received a call from my father.Apparently, his retirement has been announced. He will continue as chairman for another six months just to organize everything until his departure.The problem is that he still hasn’t announced a successor. The board is desperate because of the options, as none of them have the necessary qualifications to be the group’s new chairman. Of course, that’s just a sadistic strategy to get them on their toes and accept Dominic O’Neil’s desire.Apparently, my half-brother is taking victory for granted, telling everyone that he will be my father’s successor and that the group belongs to him. With the news of Father’s retirement reaching the knowledge of the media, it won’t be long before he finally names me as the new chairman.When I accepted Dominic’
The doorbell jangles, announcing my arrival. And as always, the moment people look in my direction, without interest, almost by instinct, their eyes widen, and the whispering begins. After all, I am a supermodel. My face is all over Times Square. I don’t have the luxury of privacy, of an anonymous life.Still, why am I here?My blue eyes meet the owner of this place; he’s distracted by another customer, smiling easily.My stomach twists, and I feel suddenly nervous.The whispers reach his ears, and he looks at me. It takes a few seconds for his face to show a reaction, but soon, the smile rises to his eyes, following me while I cross the coffee shop to the table at the back.I sit down and hide my face behind the menu, my cheeks burning for a reason unknown to me.Dammit, I look like a teenager. It’s not like it was the first time I’ve woken up in a man’s bed after a few drinks. And it certainly wasn’t the first time
It took a year before we could really enjoy some time alone on a honeymoon, but I have to say that it was really worth the wait. Julian made sure that our first day in Nassau, at our new beach home, was special and unforgettable.First, he invited me on a yacht ride. Going down to the deck was itself a memorable experience. This place is simply breathtaking, and the private beach is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but imagine my daughters playing in the sand. The thought made my chest warm. I already consider this place a second home.To my surprise, Julian prepared a wonderful breakfast while the 65-foot yacht cruised along the coast with everything you could wish for — fruit, bread, juices, coffee, and ending the tour with a glass of wine in one of the cabins. Fortunately, the sound of the sea drowned out my moans enough for us to enjoy some sex on the high seas.After the tour, it was lunchtime, and Julian took us to Paradise Island. He chose a luxuri
They say the Bahamas are paradise on earth, and I couldn’t find a better word to describe this place. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.As soon as we arrived at Nassau airport, a car was waiting for us. The weather is really nice here, even though it’s winter. Although I like snow, it’s nice to feel the warm weather enveloping my skin... I wish the girls were here… the cold makes them so sensitive.Thinking about them makes me feel a bit down. My heart squeezes, and I try to think that it’s only for two days and that soon they’ll be in my arms again, but still, I miss them. It’s an almost unbearable feeling. I wonder how they’re doing, if they miss us, and if they’re crying right now...But I know that Julian and I need this. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a real honeymoon, which we haven’t had before. Some would think that it’s a shame to celebrate it after so long, with the
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤ“How are you feeling?” Julian asks for the first time since we got on the plane. The trip to the Bahamas doesn’t take long, about three hours, but we’re reaching our destination soon.“I’m fine,” I say, taking Julian’s hand in mine. I stroke the white-gold ring on his finger, but I’m still lost in thought.“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” He says, studying my face.“A little.” I give a nervous smile and shrug. I thought I’d be scared to see Laura, to hear the words she said to me that day, but I didn’t.”“What’s bothering you, then?” Julian’s question makes me raise my eyes again.“More than being afraid of Laura, I was afraid of losing the people I love again,” I confess, noticing that his gaze softens. “Losing you, our daughters... I couldn’t bear it.”&ldquo
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤㅤFor the past seven months, I’ve wondered what happened to Laura.What happened after she left by the stairs? What happened to her twisted mind?I knew that she had been temporarily arrested for trespassing and assault, but Julian and my father tried hard to keep the details away from me. Perhaps that’s why the subject never really seemed a closure to me.Unfortunately, as much as I fought against it and didn’t want to admit it, for the last seven months, that day has tormented me.When I held my daughters in my arms for the first time, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let Laura get to me. And I really tried to deny it, to convince myself that it was enough just to let go and focus on my family — but I couldn’t, and I hate myself for being weak to that extent.Finding out that Laura would spend her time in a mental institution wasn’t really a surprise. I knew there was s
— JULIAN ADAMS (POV)[...] Seven months later.ㅤㅤI sigh deeply, massaging the top of my nose. Ever since I heard the verdict of Laura’s trial, I’ve been feeling uneasy.Many months have passed, and I still remember how I felt when I saw the building security cameras… and how I threw up, feeling stupid, weak, and furious.I’ve never felt so impotent in my entire life.But what really put me out of sleep was what happened the day Angelee woke up in the hospital... when Laura also decided to break into the J’O Tech building. I still get chills remembering that night.It’s been a long time since Laura was fired, but for some reason, her credentials worked. In the end, we really had to restructure the entire I.T. department, which resulted in a mass layoff that only didn’t make it into the media because of damage control.Laura got crazy when she knew that her plan to harm Angelee and my
My eyes take a while to adjust to the brightness, but slowly, the blur goes away. I move my hands, feeling a weight on one of them.I blink a few times heavily, looking down carefully because I still feel a little dizzy, and see that Julian is sitting in an armchair next to the bed, holding my hand.He senses my movements and slowly opens his eyes, looking directly at me, taking a few moments for him to understand that I’m wide awake. When reality hits him hard, Julian’s eyes widen and glisten with tears.He doesn’t say a single word, just leans in, taking my hand in both of his, enveloping it in his warm palms, something I’ve really missed over the last two weeks. He rests his forehead on our hands, his tense shoulders immediately relaxing.“You really scared us, you know?” Julian grumbles, then looks up. I can see the deep, dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve been unconscious for two whole days!”Sudde