Gina's POV As I sat in the passenger seat of my sleek Lamborghini truck, watching Mrs. Clara drive through the city streets, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Today was about making things right, but it was also about reclaiming my authority. No more bending to blackmail, no more losing control. Mrs. Clara had been quiet for most of the drive, her hands gripping the wheel tightly. I could tell she was anxious about stepping back into Saxton Luxury Homes, but she had nothing to fear. Lily's reign of incompetence and cruelty was over. When we pulled up to the company’s massive glass building, the first thing I noticed was the commotion at the entrance. The main gates were slightly ajar, and a security guard stood with his head bowed, flinching as a shrill voice berated him. Lily. She was standing in front of the poor man, her hands on her hips, her face contorted in rage. "You had one job!" she snapped. "One! And you can't even open the damn gate on time?" The gateman, a
Julian’s POVI walked out of Saxton Empire feeling like I had just been gutted. The cool afternoon breeze did nothing to cool the fire raging inside me. My fists clenched at my sides, my jaw tight as I stalked toward the car where Marcus was waiting. The moment I slid into the passenger seat, Marcus glanced at me through the rearview mirror, sensing the storm I was barely containing. "How did it go?" he asked cautiously. "What was the meeting about?" I didn't answer. I couldn’t. I was too angry. Too humiliated. Marcus glanced at me again, waiting for a response. When I remained silent, he pushed further. "Julian, what—" "Just drive," I snapped, my voice cold and edged with frustration. Marcus swallowed back whatever he was about to say and started the car, knowing better than to press me when I was like this. The drive back to the office was silent except for the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from impatient drivers. My mind was a mess, replaying the moment
Gina’s POVThe moment my phone rang, I had a feeling it was her. Elena. I hesitated for a second before answering, already bracing myself for whatever tantrum she was about to throw. "Are you out of your damn mind, Gina?!" she snapped the moment I picked up. I exhaled slowly, keeping the phone away from my ear as she continued her rant. "You went against everything we planned! Terminating the partnership with Julian? Firing Lily? What the hell are you thinking?!" I remained silent, letting her vent. "I trusted you to play your part," she hissed. "Now you’re just making things worse! Do you realize what you've done? Do you understand the consequences—" "Are you finished?" I finally cut in, my tone calm, but cold. There was silence on the other end, as if she wasn’t expecting me to interrupt. "Listen to me, Elena," I continued, standing up from my bed and walking toward the window. "I don’t take orders from you. I never have. And as for the blackmail—" I let out a qu
Gina's POV By the time I left the house and arrived at the office, the weight of the upcoming meeting with Elena sat heavily on my mind. I had spent the morning handling reports and checking in with my staff, but no matter how busy I kept myself, my thoughts kept drifting back to what could happen later today. Elena had made it clear that she wasn’t pleased with my decisions. She had probably expected me to be her obedient pawn forever, bending to her threats and following orders like a puppet. She underestimated me. And now, she was desperate. A knock at my office door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called. Jenna entered, holding a neatly organized folder. "These are the latest financial reports for Saxton Luxury Homes." I nodded, taking the folder. "Anything I should be concerned about?" Jenna hesitated. "Well… Lily's management before her termination caused a few internal conflicts. Some of the employees are still adjusting to the change." I sighed, r
Gina's POV I screamed, my voice echoing off the lavish walls of our mansion. "Help! Someone, please!" Panic set in as I clutched my abdomen, waves of agony washing over me.An hour after taking the cup of coffee which my maid, Rachel, had brought me, a searing pain tore through my lower belly, leaving me breathless. I stumbled out of bed, my vision blurring.As my feet touched the floor, I felt a strange slickness between my thighs.No, no, no. This can't be happening.I was only two months pregnant, and the thought of losing my baby was unbearable. Fear gripped me as I felt the warm liquid trickling down my thighs. Blood. Oh God, I'm bleeding.“Is anyone there? Lana! Help me!” I screamed at the top of my voice.Lana burst into my room, followed by other servants. "Ma'am, what's wrong?" she cried, alarm etched on her face."I...I think I'm losing the baby, I don't know. I'm…in pains.” I stammered, tears streaming down my face.The steward, James, sprang into action, quickly putting m
Gina's POVJulian's eyes locked onto mine, his expression a mix of shock, guilt, shame, and indifference. The woman's face turned toward me, her lips still locked on Julian's.Lily.My stepsister.His hands were wrapped around Lily's waist, his fingers digging into her skin.I felt like I'd been punched in the gut, unable to breathe. The air was sucked out of the room, leaving only a suffocating silence.Lily's gaze sparkled with malice, her smile twisting into a cruel grin. Julian's face contorted, guilt and shame mixing with defiance.My eyes burned, tears welling up, but I couldn't look away. My husband and my stepsister.Together.My world crumbled, shattered by the betrayal.“Alex, why? What did I do to deserve this?” I asked with ashaky voice, refusing to allow the tears drop.“Enough of the drama! I'm sick and tired of this charade. Julian has always been mine from the beginning. You were used just for the mean time and that time has expired.” Lily sneered.I stared at them in
Gina's POVI stepped into Grandpa Wilson's chambers, and his warm smile enveloped me. Six years had passed since I'd last seen him, but the sparkle in his eyes remained unchanged."Gina, my dear," he said, opening his arms.I rushed into his embrace, feeling a mix of joy and sadness. He was looking so frail; his once-strong shoulders now stooped, and his skin was pale and thin. I noticed the subtle signs of illness and age etched on his face. His movements were slower, his voice weaker."Grandpa," I whispered, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.He held me at arm's length, examining my face. "You've grown more beautiful, Gina. But I see shadows under your eyes. What troubles you, child?"I took a deep breath, hesitant to burden him with my troubles. But something in his gaze reassured me."Julian and I...we're divorced," I said, the words still feeling foreign.His expression turned stern, but his eyes softened. "I'll deal with him. You're safe now."The familiar scent of old bo
Gina's POV My eyes widened, disbelieving."What?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.Mr. Jenkins nodded. "Yes, Gina. You are now the sole beneficiary of your grandfather's vast wealth and business empire."All of it? To me?I thought of the countless charities, the employees, the business partners... How could Grandfather leave it all to me?Lana's gasp echoed my shock."But...why?" I stammered.Mr. Jenkins consulted the will. "'To my beloved granddaughter, Gina, I leave my legacy, trusting she will continue my vision and make me proud.'"Tears welled up in my eyes. Grandfather's faith in me was overwhelming.The weight of responsibility settled upon me like a mantle.Saxton Enterprises. The mansions. The philanthropic endeavors.It was all mine now. I felt both honored and terrified.Mr. Jenkins handed me a folder. "The details are all here, Gina. Your grandfather's team will assist you in the transition."As I took the folder, a sense of purpose began to stir within me.Grandfat
Gina's POV By the time I left the house and arrived at the office, the weight of the upcoming meeting with Elena sat heavily on my mind. I had spent the morning handling reports and checking in with my staff, but no matter how busy I kept myself, my thoughts kept drifting back to what could happen later today. Elena had made it clear that she wasn’t pleased with my decisions. She had probably expected me to be her obedient pawn forever, bending to her threats and following orders like a puppet. She underestimated me. And now, she was desperate. A knock at my office door pulled me from my thoughts. "Come in," I called. Jenna entered, holding a neatly organized folder. "These are the latest financial reports for Saxton Luxury Homes." I nodded, taking the folder. "Anything I should be concerned about?" Jenna hesitated. "Well… Lily's management before her termination caused a few internal conflicts. Some of the employees are still adjusting to the change." I sighed, r
Gina’s POVThe moment my phone rang, I had a feeling it was her. Elena. I hesitated for a second before answering, already bracing myself for whatever tantrum she was about to throw. "Are you out of your damn mind, Gina?!" she snapped the moment I picked up. I exhaled slowly, keeping the phone away from my ear as she continued her rant. "You went against everything we planned! Terminating the partnership with Julian? Firing Lily? What the hell are you thinking?!" I remained silent, letting her vent. "I trusted you to play your part," she hissed. "Now you’re just making things worse! Do you realize what you've done? Do you understand the consequences—" "Are you finished?" I finally cut in, my tone calm, but cold. There was silence on the other end, as if she wasn’t expecting me to interrupt. "Listen to me, Elena," I continued, standing up from my bed and walking toward the window. "I don’t take orders from you. I never have. And as for the blackmail—" I let out a qu
Julian’s POVI walked out of Saxton Empire feeling like I had just been gutted. The cool afternoon breeze did nothing to cool the fire raging inside me. My fists clenched at my sides, my jaw tight as I stalked toward the car where Marcus was waiting. The moment I slid into the passenger seat, Marcus glanced at me through the rearview mirror, sensing the storm I was barely containing. "How did it go?" he asked cautiously. "What was the meeting about?" I didn't answer. I couldn’t. I was too angry. Too humiliated. Marcus glanced at me again, waiting for a response. When I remained silent, he pushed further. "Julian, what—" "Just drive," I snapped, my voice cold and edged with frustration. Marcus swallowed back whatever he was about to say and started the car, knowing better than to press me when I was like this. The drive back to the office was silent except for the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from impatient drivers. My mind was a mess, replaying the moment
Gina's POV As I sat in the passenger seat of my sleek Lamborghini truck, watching Mrs. Clara drive through the city streets, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Today was about making things right, but it was also about reclaiming my authority. No more bending to blackmail, no more losing control. Mrs. Clara had been quiet for most of the drive, her hands gripping the wheel tightly. I could tell she was anxious about stepping back into Saxton Luxury Homes, but she had nothing to fear. Lily's reign of incompetence and cruelty was over. When we pulled up to the company’s massive glass building, the first thing I noticed was the commotion at the entrance. The main gates were slightly ajar, and a security guard stood with his head bowed, flinching as a shrill voice berated him. Lily. She was standing in front of the poor man, her hands on her hips, her face contorted in rage. "You had one job!" she snapped. "One! And you can't even open the damn gate on time?" The gateman, a
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