Gina's POV My head throbbed as I sat up in bed, groaning at the sharp pain shooting through my skull. The morning light was too bright, making my nausea worse. I rubbed my temples, trying to piece together the events of last night. I remembered Alex walking into my room, inviting me to drink with him. At first, it had seemed like a simple offer, a way to unwind, but now, I wasn’t so sure. I swallowed hard, my throat dry and scratchy. Something about last night felt off. The way Alex had looked at me. The way he had steered our conversation. My stomach twisted as realization dawned—he had gotten me drunk on purpose. He had wanted me to talk. My breath hitched. What exactly had I told him? Panic surged through me as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, dizziness making me stagger. I had to find him. Now. I checked his room first, my heart pounding as I pushed open the door. Empty. The bed was neatly made, as if he hadn’t even slept there. My pulse quickened. Alex
Gina's POV The moment Alex left, the weight of everything crashed down on me. My legs gave out, and I sank to the floor, my chest heaving as sobs wracked my body. The strong, composed Gina—the one who always had a plan, always had control—was gone. In her place was someone broken, desperate, and drowning in her own mistakes. Tears spilled freely down my cheeks as my mind replayed everything that had led me here. Julian's betrayal.It had all started with that. Then Elena's blackmail She had cornered me, forced my hand, threatened to expose secrets that could ruin me. And in my desperation to keep her silent, I had dug myself deeper and deeper into a pit I couldn’t escape. I had been so consumed with protecting myself, so blinded by my need for control, that I hadn’t realized just how much I was losing. And now, Alex—my husband, my only true ally—was slipping through my fingers too. I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking slightly as my sobs quieted into soft gasps. I ha
Gina's POV I rested my head on Alex's chest and remained there for a long time; oblivious of how time passed by. It felt like ages since I last felt this peaceful. It seemed like a breath that I could finally breathe and relax.I had no idea how we would tackle Elena without triggering her anger, but I believe in Alex. He said he would support me all the way, and I know he would.Finally, I lifted my head and looked into his dark eyes, “Babe, Thank you.” “For what exactly?” He asked.“Everything. For not flaring up like I expected. For accepting me as I am.” I said, my voice shaky and tears stinging at my eyelids.“You're welcome. Now, we can put the past behind us and look forward to a greater future.” He drew me closer and pecked my hair.I broke down into light sobs when the feeling became so overwhelming. How could he forgive me so easily? He doesn't even hate me…Even after finding out the truth.“Shush, Baby. It's alright now.” He wiped the tears at the corners of my eyes and b
Gina's POV After spending the morning with Alex, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—peace. For the first time in what felt like *forever*, I wasn’t carrying the crushing weight of my secrets alone. I had Alex by my side. The thought alone was enough to make my steps lighter, my heart less burdened. I arrived at the office feeling… different. There was no tension in my shoulders, no anger simmering beneath the surface. Instead, I felt—dare I say it—*happy*. As soon as I stepped into the sleek, glass-walled building of Saxton Empire, I caught sight of Jenna, my secretary, sorting through a pile of documents on her desk. Normally, I would have walked past her without a second glance, too consumed by my own stress to acknowledge her. But today, something made me pause. "Good morning, Jenna," I greeted with a small smile. Jenna’s head snapped up so fast that I almost laughed. Her brown eyes widened in shock, as if she had just seen a ghost. "Uh… g-good morning, ma’am," s
Julian’s POVThe past week had been nothing short of *amazing*. For months, my company had been struggling to stay afloat, suffocating under debts and failed deals. But now? Everything had turned around, *all thanks to Elena’s blackmail.* I had signed the partnership deal with Gina’s company just in time, and since then, *doors had opened*. Funding poured in from multiple organizations, investors suddenly saw potential in my company, and the name "Windsor Enterprises" was beginning to be recognized by bigger firms. For the first time in *forever*, I felt like I was finally winning. I sat in my office, leaning back in my chair, staring at the document in front of me—a *new* contract, a *bigger* deal. "$15 million," I muttered under my breath, running my fingers over the thick paper. My company had just sealed an agreement with another major firm, an opportunity that would solidify our growth. A grin spread across my face as I picked up my pen and signed my name at the bot
Julian's POV The taste of victory still lingered on my tongue as I leaned back on the couch, swirling the remnants of wine in my glass. The night had been perfect—a new car, a thriving business, and Lily in my arms, celebrating our success. Everything was falling into place. Lily had gone to bed an hour ago, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stretched lazily, feeling the warmth of the alcohol settle into my veins. Life was finally looking up. Just as I was about to stand and head to bed, my phone vibrated against the glass coffee table. I frowned. It was an unknown number. At this hour? My instincts prickled with unease, but I picked up anyway. "Julian Windsor," I answered smoothly, bringing the phone to my ear. There was a pause. Then, a deep, composed voice spoke. "Julian, it’s Alex." I stiffened. Alex? Gina’s husband? What the hell was he calling me for? "Alex," I said coolly. "What a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?" "I figured I should be the o
Elena’s POVThe moment Julian’s call ended, I felt my blood boil. Alex was interfering. After everything I did to secure this deal—after all the strings I pulled, the threats I made—he thought he could just waltz in and ruin it? Not on my watch. I paced my room, gripping my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. Julian had sounded furious, and rightfully so. If Gina actually canceled the partnership, everything we worked for would go down the drain. I wasn’t about to let that happen. Without hesitation, I scrolled through my contacts and pressed Gina’s number. The phone rang once. Twice. Then, she picked up. “Elena,” Gina’s voice came through, cold and sharp. “We need to talk,” I snapped, wasting no time. “I just got a call from Julian. What the hell do you think you’re doing?” A pause. Then, a slow, amused exhale. “I assume you’re calling about the partnership deal?” she said, her voice annoyingly calm. “You know damn well why I’m calling.” I gritted my
Gina's POV As I walked out of my office, leaving Julian standing there in shock, I didn’t spare him another glance. I had more important things to do. “Jenna,” I called, striding toward the hallway. “Yes, ma’am.” She hurried to my side, holding a stack of documents. “Bring the files and start heading to the boardroom,” I instructed. “We don’t have time to waste.” She nodded quickly and followed behind me. Bruno and eight of my personal security men moved ahead, their presence commanding and intimidating as they cleared the path. Every step I took echoed with power, and I reveled in it. As we climbed the stairs to the boardroom, employees moved out of the way, their heads bowed slightly in respect. I was Gina Saxton—CEO of Saxton Empire. And today, I was putting an end to Julian Brookes once and for all. By the time we reached the boardroom, most of the board members were already seated, waiting. The tension in the room was palpable. At exactly 2 p.m., Mr. Thomps
Gina's POV After Alex left, I leaned back in my chair, exhaling in relief. Things were finally falling into place. Julian was humiliated, the partnership deal was dissolved, and I had the full support of my husband. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely in control. But just as I was about to pour myself a celebratory glass of wine, an unsettling thought crept into my mind. My satisfaction dimmed as I remembered one of the biggest mistakes I had made under Elena’s blackmail—firing Mrs. Clara, the efficient managing director of Saxton Luxury Homes, and replacing her with Lily. Mrs. Clara had been nothing but loyal to Saxton Empire for years, overseeing major projects and ensuring everything ran smoothly. She was a force in the real estate industry, well-respected and incredibly competent. Yet, because of Elena’s threats, I had discarded her without a second thought, humiliating her in the process. I clenched my jaw, disgusted at how far I had let Elena control me.
Gina's POV As I walked out of my office, leaving Julian standing there in shock, I didn’t spare him another glance. I had more important things to do. “Jenna,” I called, striding toward the hallway. “Yes, ma’am.” She hurried to my side, holding a stack of documents. “Bring the files and start heading to the boardroom,” I instructed. “We don’t have time to waste.” She nodded quickly and followed behind me. Bruno and eight of my personal security men moved ahead, their presence commanding and intimidating as they cleared the path. Every step I took echoed with power, and I reveled in it. As we climbed the stairs to the boardroom, employees moved out of the way, their heads bowed slightly in respect. I was Gina Saxton—CEO of Saxton Empire. And today, I was putting an end to Julian Brookes once and for all. By the time we reached the boardroom, most of the board members were already seated, waiting. The tension in the room was palpable. At exactly 2 p.m., Mr. Thomps
Elena’s POVThe moment Julian’s call ended, I felt my blood boil. Alex was interfering. After everything I did to secure this deal—after all the strings I pulled, the threats I made—he thought he could just waltz in and ruin it? Not on my watch. I paced my room, gripping my phone so tightly my knuckles turned white. Julian had sounded furious, and rightfully so. If Gina actually canceled the partnership, everything we worked for would go down the drain. I wasn’t about to let that happen. Without hesitation, I scrolled through my contacts and pressed Gina’s number. The phone rang once. Twice. Then, she picked up. “Elena,” Gina’s voice came through, cold and sharp. “We need to talk,” I snapped, wasting no time. “I just got a call from Julian. What the hell do you think you’re doing?” A pause. Then, a slow, amused exhale. “I assume you’re calling about the partnership deal?” she said, her voice annoyingly calm. “You know damn well why I’m calling.” I gritted my
Julian's POV The taste of victory still lingered on my tongue as I leaned back on the couch, swirling the remnants of wine in my glass. The night had been perfect—a new car, a thriving business, and Lily in my arms, celebrating our success. Everything was falling into place. Lily had gone to bed an hour ago, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I stretched lazily, feeling the warmth of the alcohol settle into my veins. Life was finally looking up. Just as I was about to stand and head to bed, my phone vibrated against the glass coffee table. I frowned. It was an unknown number. At this hour? My instincts prickled with unease, but I picked up anyway. "Julian Windsor," I answered smoothly, bringing the phone to my ear. There was a pause. Then, a deep, composed voice spoke. "Julian, it’s Alex." I stiffened. Alex? Gina’s husband? What the hell was he calling me for? "Alex," I said coolly. "What a surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?" "I figured I should be the o
Julian’s POVThe past week had been nothing short of *amazing*. For months, my company had been struggling to stay afloat, suffocating under debts and failed deals. But now? Everything had turned around, *all thanks to Elena’s blackmail.* I had signed the partnership deal with Gina’s company just in time, and since then, *doors had opened*. Funding poured in from multiple organizations, investors suddenly saw potential in my company, and the name "Windsor Enterprises" was beginning to be recognized by bigger firms. For the first time in *forever*, I felt like I was finally winning. I sat in my office, leaning back in my chair, staring at the document in front of me—a *new* contract, a *bigger* deal. "$15 million," I muttered under my breath, running my fingers over the thick paper. My company had just sealed an agreement with another major firm, an opportunity that would solidify our growth. A grin spread across my face as I picked up my pen and signed my name at the bot
Gina's POV After spending the morning with Alex, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time—peace. For the first time in what felt like *forever*, I wasn’t carrying the crushing weight of my secrets alone. I had Alex by my side. The thought alone was enough to make my steps lighter, my heart less burdened. I arrived at the office feeling… different. There was no tension in my shoulders, no anger simmering beneath the surface. Instead, I felt—dare I say it—*happy*. As soon as I stepped into the sleek, glass-walled building of Saxton Empire, I caught sight of Jenna, my secretary, sorting through a pile of documents on her desk. Normally, I would have walked past her without a second glance, too consumed by my own stress to acknowledge her. But today, something made me pause. "Good morning, Jenna," I greeted with a small smile. Jenna’s head snapped up so fast that I almost laughed. Her brown eyes widened in shock, as if she had just seen a ghost. "Uh… g-good morning, ma’am," s
Gina's POV I rested my head on Alex's chest and remained there for a long time; oblivious of how time passed by. It felt like ages since I last felt this peaceful. It seemed like a breath that I could finally breathe and relax.I had no idea how we would tackle Elena without triggering her anger, but I believe in Alex. He said he would support me all the way, and I know he would.Finally, I lifted my head and looked into his dark eyes, “Babe, Thank you.” “For what exactly?” He asked.“Everything. For not flaring up like I expected. For accepting me as I am.” I said, my voice shaky and tears stinging at my eyelids.“You're welcome. Now, we can put the past behind us and look forward to a greater future.” He drew me closer and pecked my hair.I broke down into light sobs when the feeling became so overwhelming. How could he forgive me so easily? He doesn't even hate me…Even after finding out the truth.“Shush, Baby. It's alright now.” He wiped the tears at the corners of my eyes and b
Gina's POV The moment Alex left, the weight of everything crashed down on me. My legs gave out, and I sank to the floor, my chest heaving as sobs wracked my body. The strong, composed Gina—the one who always had a plan, always had control—was gone. In her place was someone broken, desperate, and drowning in her own mistakes. Tears spilled freely down my cheeks as my mind replayed everything that had led me here. Julian's betrayal.It had all started with that. Then Elena's blackmail She had cornered me, forced my hand, threatened to expose secrets that could ruin me. And in my desperation to keep her silent, I had dug myself deeper and deeper into a pit I couldn’t escape. I had been so consumed with protecting myself, so blinded by my need for control, that I hadn’t realized just how much I was losing. And now, Alex—my husband, my only true ally—was slipping through my fingers too. I wrapped my arms around myself, rocking slightly as my sobs quieted into soft gasps. I ha
Gina's POV My head throbbed as I sat up in bed, groaning at the sharp pain shooting through my skull. The morning light was too bright, making my nausea worse. I rubbed my temples, trying to piece together the events of last night. I remembered Alex walking into my room, inviting me to drink with him. At first, it had seemed like a simple offer, a way to unwind, but now, I wasn’t so sure. I swallowed hard, my throat dry and scratchy. Something about last night felt off. The way Alex had looked at me. The way he had steered our conversation. My stomach twisted as realization dawned—he had gotten me drunk on purpose. He had wanted me to talk. My breath hitched. What exactly had I told him? Panic surged through me as I swung my legs over the side of the bed and stood, dizziness making me stagger. I had to find him. Now. I checked his room first, my heart pounding as I pushed open the door. Empty. The bed was neatly made, as if he hadn’t even slept there. My pulse quickened. Alex