Five days passed, and the dynamics between Hazel and Francisco underwent subtle shifts, bringing them closer. Yet, Hazel maintained a careful boundary, navigating the newfound closeness with a cautious demeanor. During this time, Francisco's restrictions prevented her from going to the office or accompanying him outside.Hazel cooked for him every day, and she seized every opportunity to discreetly explore Francisco's mansion. Despite her knowledge of the security code, she hesitated to venture into his room, wary of surveillance cameras that could potentially betray her actions.On the night Francisco prepared to depart for Georgia, Hazel knew this was her last chance. Determined and with a strategic plan in mind, she took a deep breath.I hope you guys have been there already.Rafael, I hope you are doing well.As the night unfolded, Hazel prepared a spicy meal for Francisco, knowing it would be their last dinner together. Francisco, engrossed in a phone conversation, continued his
Hazel and Francisco settled beside each other as she served him the Spanish dish she had prepared.In his regular way, Francisco extended the first bite toward Hazel, expecting her to taste it before he began eating. However, Hazel deviated from the norm.Instead of accepting the bite, she held his hand and spoke with a touch of vulnerability, "I want you to take the first bite.”“Because I don't know when you are going to return, sir. So, first you eat, then I will."Francisco, touched by her words, smiled and reached out to trace her face. His fingers delicately moved across her cheek, prompting Hazel to lower her gaze momentarily.When he demanded, "Look at me," Hazel met his gaze, finding herself captivated by the intensity in his eyes.With a hint of playful teasing, Francisco added, "I hope you won't poison me."The unexpected comment injected a mix of tension and humor into the moment, causing Hazel's heart to quicken in response.Hazel, despite the nerves that churned within h
Hazel, armed with the obtained pen drive, swiftly unlocked the door and stepped out of Francisco's mansion. Her eyes quickly scanned the surroundings, noting the presence of bodyguards both at the entrance and near the main gate. As the designated personal assistant to Francisco, she encountered no interference while leaving the mansion.Navigating her way toward the gate, Hazel's progress was halted by vigilant guards. Their inquisitive gazes fixed upon her as one of them questioned, "Ms., where are you going?"With a confident yet purposeful demeanor, Hazel responded, "I am going out for official work.""I'll be back in one hour."The guards exchanged glances, seemingly uncertain about the abrupt departure.Sensing potential scrutiny, Hazel offered an explanation, "Mr. Francisco can't go right now. I need to handle this on his behalf. He's resting as he has a flight."The guards, though still cautious, seemed to accept Hazel's explanation. However, one of them raised another concern
The taxi came to a sudden halt in front of a nondescript building. In the dimly lit surroundings, it appeared uninhabited. Hazel swiftly exited the taxi and entered the building. Its interior was equally dim, suggesting an absence of occupants.She approached a specific door, knocked cautiously, and after a brief pause, it creaked open. A familiar face greeted her."Hazel!""Robert," she responded in hushed tones, a subtle smile playing on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with the satisfaction of a mission well-executed."I think I found it."Robert, Ken, and Peter were gathered in the room, their eyes fixated on a laptop. Startled by Hazel's unexpected entrance, they exchanged tense glances.“Really!”"Hazel, you didn't give us any message," Ken remarked, his voice carrying an air of concern.Hazel took a deep breath, retrieving the critical pen drive from her possession. Displaying it to her comrades, she announced, "I found it."The room filled with a palpable sense of accomplishment and
The team deliberated on Rafael's plan, dissecting its intricacies and potential pitfalls. Hazel, Rafael, Ken, Robert, and Peter gathered around the table, their shared goal uniting them on purpose.Rafael's finger pointed resolutely at the Georgia section of the map, his eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation."His men will be in this school, likely posing as staff. We need to move swiftly," Rafael emphasized.Hazel, demonstrating her leadership skills, asserted, "We need to go there as soon as possible."Rafael nodded in agreement, "I've already dispatched our team. They'll blend in as casual staff members and inform the school authorities. The cooperation is secured."However, Peter voiced a legitimate concern, "It would be risky."Rafael acknowledged the inherent risks, responding, "Yes, it will be. If we alert the school authorities to cancel classes or close the school for the day, it might tip off Francisco's men, and they'll disappear."The room fell into contemplative si
The atmosphere in the police station changed as Francisco made his dramatic entrance. The news of his arrest had undoubtedly sent shock waves through the entire facility. Sergeant Martin, caught between the allegiance to his corrupt dealings and the fear of being exposed, found himself in a precarious situation.As the word spread, police officers and personnel started gathering, their expressions a mix of curiosity and tension. Martin, unsure of how to navigate this sudden turn of events, felt a knot tightening in his stomach."God, what should I do?" he muttered, the weight of his choices bearing down on him.His loyalties were divided between his role as a police officer and the ties he shared with Francisco, a criminal mastermind.Amid the internal turmoil, a sudden announcement echoed through the station, "They are here.”“Inform everyone."Martin's anxiety heightened, realizing that the moment of reckoning had arrived. He stood up tentatively and began moving towards the entranc
The school corridors were unusually quiet as Adam, clad in a sweeper costume, and Freddie, disguised as a teacher, maintained a vigilant watch over their surroundings. The atmosphere was tense with anticipation as they waited for any sign of suspicious activity from their respective teams.Hours passed without a hint of trouble, leaving Adam and Freddie growing increasingly restless. The disguised duo exchanged glances, wondering if their elaborate plan had been unnecessary. The school seemed to be in a state of normalcy, and their fellow team members were nowhere to be seen.Just as the tension began to wane, the principal emerged from his chamber, wearing a smile on his face. Adam and Freddie shared a quick, puzzled look before Freddie decided to approach the principal discreetly.Leaning in, Freddie whispered, "What happened?”“Why did you come out?"“Sorry, Mr., but today an important person is also coming."The principal, with a friendly smile, shared the unexpected news, "Yes, a
With the signed documents securely in place, Liam handed over the substantial sum of money to the principal. Gratitude filled the air as the principal marveled at the unexpected turn of events. Liam, in his composed manner, spoke up, "Sir, can I talk to Mr. Lane.""Of course you can," the principal responded warmly."He must be in his class.""Wait, let me call him to come here," the principal added, summoning a staff member to fetch Mr. Lane to his office. Moments later, Lane entered the room with a beaming smile."Mr. Liam, you are here," Lane greeted him enthusiastically."Yes, Mr. Lane," Liam replied, standing up to shake hands with the English teacher.The principal, sensing a positive rapport, suggested, "Sir, can I see around your school?""Sure, Mr. Liam," the principal approved."Mr. Lane, please escort him."Liam and Lane exchanged glances, smiles playing on their faces, as they exited the principal's chamber. The trio embarked on a tour of the school, weaving through corrid
“Will you be able to handle everything?” Francisco asked, his voice low as he and Max walked through the quiet garden under the night sky.“Do I have any other option?” Max replied, glancing at him.They both fell silent for a moment, only the sound of their footsteps on the gravel breaking the stillness.“So, you’ve really decided to go through with this?” Max asked, sensing something heavy on Francisco’s mind.“Yes,” Francisco replied, exhaling a puff of smoke into the cool air.“I have to do whatever it takes to protect her... and the child.”Max looked at him with concern.“Francisco, I don’t know… is it really worth it? All of this?”Francisco took a deep breath, then threw the cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his shoe.“Max,” he said firmly, “for me, she is everything.""And soon, she’ll give me the best gift I could ever have.”Max looked around the still garden, the silence pressing in.“I’ll pray for you,” he muttered, then let out a soft laugh.“Pray? When we’re
James took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and muttered, “Yeah, everything I do irritates you, but when it comes to Francisco—everything he does is just perfect, right?”Lilith narrowed her eyes, her patience clearly thinning.“James, just shut up.”He smirked, not bothering to hide the satisfaction in her irritation. “Fine, I’ll stop. But let’s not forget—you lost him too.”Lilith’s expression darkened. Her jaw clenched, and for a moment, it looked like she might speak, but she chose silence. Her cold stare said enough.Dimitri let out an audible sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Alright, enough. Let’s stay on topic.”Andrew leaned forward, glancing around the table. “We all know this won’t be easy. Francisco may be reckless, but he’s done a lot—things that kept the balance. We need to decide—do we support this internal power shift, or not?”Dimitri raised a brow and turned to Michele, Kai’s son. “Speaking of balance, Michele... I heard about the recent attack on Francisco.”Mic
The next morning, when Hazel woke up, something felt different. She looked around the room, her brows knitting together in confusion. The walls, once cast in shadows and a cold ambiance, now glowed with soft, natural light. The curtains were lighter, fresh flowers adorned the corners, and the overall atmosphere felt warm—inviting.No longer did the room feel like a prison.Hazel propped herself up on one elbow. “What is this…?”Just then, Lily entered with a bright smile and a large bouquet of fresh flowers in her arms. “Good morning, ma’am.”Hazel blinked in surprise. “Good morning… but what’s going on?”“Sir instructed us to redecorate the room,” Lily replied, arranging the flowers in a vase by the window. “He said it should feel brighter for you.”Hazel raised an eyebrow. “Why?”Lily smiled softly. “Because the doctor said it would help improve your mood.”Hazel pressed her lips into a thin line and said nothing. She simply stood and made her way to the washroom. After freshen
Enemies surrounded Francisco from all sides. He had built his empire on blood, and now the ghosts of his past were closing in.On him.On her.On their unborn child.Hazel studied him for a moment longer before shifting her gaze back to the book in her lap.Francisco’s voice cut through the silence."I didn’t mean to shock you."Hazel didn’t look up. Her tone was flat."It’s nothing new for me."Francisco clasped his palms together, his fingers pressing against each other in thought. He wanted to keep talking to her, to break through the walls she had built around herself, but Hazel was determined to end the conversation before it even began.He blinked slowly, exhaling through his nose.As he watched her, something stirred inside him—an overwhelming craving. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to hold her close, to feel the warmth of her body against his.He had heard that pregnant women experienced mood swings, that they craved more affection even as they pushed people away.Was th
“So the deal is more important to you than your child?” Arthur asked, his voice gentle yet firm.Hazel fell silent.Her heart pounded faster, but she forced herself to ignore it.Then, Arthur spoke again.“Will you really be able to live without your child, ma’am?”Hazel’s fingers tightened around the book she was holding. She had only been thinking about her freedom, about escaping the monster who had taken everything from her. But she hadn’t once stopped considering the child.Would she really leave her baby with him?Would the child grow up to be like Francisco—a ruthless mafia king?A deep frown creased Hazel’s forehead.No. She didn’t want to think about that. That wasn’t her concern.She was only supposed to care about herself.That was the plan.That was the deal.That was it.Taking a deep breath, she spoke, her voice steady but cold.“Arthur.”Arthur’s eyes remained on her, waiting.“Do you know your boss is monitoring me?” she asked, tilting her head slightly. “Every second.
Francisco and Hazel arrived at the mansion after the dangerous chaos. The ride had been silent, but the weight of what had happened lingered between them like an unspoken storm.Hazel’s face was gloomy, her expression distant. She wasn’t naive—she knew this was only the beginning.There would be more.More blood. More danger.More reasons to fear for the life growing inside her.Her hand instinctively rested on her belly.At first, she didn’t care much about the child. The idea of carrying Francisco’s baby had been unbearable. But now, an unfamiliar feeling twisted inside her—something more than just obligation. A strange, indefinable bond.Francisco, watching her closely, noticed the way her fingers pressed lightly against her stomach. He didn’t say anything, but he understood.She was shaken.She hadn’t expected an attack so soon.He clenched his jaw. From now on, he had to be more careful.Whatever he had been before—ruthless, reckless, untouchable—it didn’t matter anymore. Now, he
Francisco glanced at his bodyguard, his tone sharp and commanding.“Take her from here. I’ll handle this.”The bodyguard hesitated, his grip tightening on his weapon.“Boss, it’s too risky. How can I leave you alone?”Francisco’s gaze snapped at him, cold and unwavering.“Do you need me to shoot you right now?”That was enough.The bodyguard stiffened, lowering his head in obedience.“Understood.”He turned toward Hazel.“Ma’am.”But Hazel wasn’t moving.Her eyes were locked on Francisco as he fired at the advancing enemies, drawing their attention toward himself.Each shot echoed with deadly precision, but Hazel saw it clearly—he was outnumbered, and he was bleeding.Still, he didn’t hesitate.Didn’t falter.The bodyguard reached for her arm, his grip firm, almost forceful.“We need to move.”Hazel barely registered his words. She was staring at Francisco, unwilling to leave.As they shifted to retreat, a sudden bullet shattered the glass near them with a sharp crack.Hazel ducked in
Max’s phone rang as he worked through a stack of files. Without thinking, he glanced at the screen.Diana.He hesitated, a flicker of agitation crossing his face. For a moment, he considered ignoring it.But he couldn’t.With a sigh, he answered."Yes?"There was silence at the other end. Then, after a brief pause, Diana’s voice came through, quieter than usual."Francisco came here.""I know," Max replied flatly, his tone robotic.Diana took a deep breath, trying to steady herself."Max… I’m not feeling good about this. Francisco… he’s messing everything up. I don’t know what to do."Max slowly set the file down, his jaw tightening. He knew exactly what she meant.But he also knew there was no turning Francisco back now.A faint, bitter smile tugged at the corner of his lips.Sarcastic.Resigned.Francisco loved Hazel so much. So much that, if anyone stood in his way, Francisco wouldn’t hesitate to ruin everything.And the dangerous part? People wanted that kind of devotion."Diana,"
"Hazel."Francisco gently guided her to sit beside him, closer than before. He didn’t wait for her response."Our baby will play like them, right?" His voice was soft, almost hopeful.Hazel remained silent.Then, suddenly, she felt a touch on her belly.She froze.Francisco's large palm traced over her stomach, slow and deliberate. Her heartbeat quickened."I wonder how much he or she has developed inside you," he murmured. His words echoed in her mind, stirring something deep within her.When Hazel first learned she was pregnant, her immediate thought was to end it. She didn’t want to carry the child of a man who had turned her life into a nightmare. A mafia king—a ruthless, heartless man.And yet… she couldn’t.Francisco was right. Their child would play one day.She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and slowly raised her eyes.The moment she did, she met his gaze.Francisco was leaning in closer, watching her intently.A wave of discomfort washed over her. She didn’t wan