Mildred’s phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it, her brow furrowing. “It’s from Bianca,” she said. “She’s in trouble. Carlos caught her trying to escape with files. She managed to send the documents to Gerald, but she’s still in his clutches.”Victoria gasped. “We can’t leave her behind!”“We won’t,” Gerald said, gripping the steering wheel. “But first, we secure you and the files. Bianca knew the risks and trusted us to use what she found. If we don’t, her efforts will have been in vain.”The car sped through the dimly lit streets, the tension inside as palpable as the stakes they faced. Victoria leaned her head back, her mind spinning with possibilities and fears.After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a secluded building on the outskirts of the city. Gerald parked the car and ushered the women inside. The safe house was modest but secure, equipped with multiple locks and reinforced windows.“Stay here,” Gerald said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’m go
Nelson pushed open the heavy oak door to his bedroom, the dim lighting casting deep shadows against the walls. His gaze landed on Bianca, bound to the bed just as he had commanded. Her wrists were cuffed to the ornate bedposts, her breathing heavy, chest rising and falling with both exhaustion and defiance.She turned her head at the sound of his entrance, dark eyes burning with a mixture of rage and something else—something that made his blood heat despite the fury simmering inside him.“Untie me,” she demanded, voice sharp despite her vulnerable position.Nelson chuckled darkly, stepping closer, his presence filling the room like a looming storm. “You have some nerve giving orders when you’re the one tied up, Bianca.”She yanked against the restraints, her body arching as she tested their strength, but the metal held firm. “Do you think this will make me talk? Make me beg?” she hissed. “You underestimate me, Nelson.”He sat on the edge of the bed, eyes raking over her form, his jaw
Nelson stormed down the grand staircase, his mind racing. The scent of Bianca still clung to his skin, a stark contrast to the cold dread creeping into his chest. He had spent years building his empire, ensuring he was untouchable. So why the hell were the police here?Carlos trailed behind him, stiff with tension. He knew better than to speak unless spoken to, especially when Nelson was in a volatile state.At the bottom of the staircase, two uniformed officers stood waiting, their faces impassive. A third man, dressed in a sharp suit, was clearly the one in charge. He studied Nelson with cool, assessing eyes.“Mr. Brown,” the man said, flashing a badge. “Detective Harris, Organized Crime Unit. We have a few questions for you.”Nelson forced a smirk, masking the irritation surging beneath his skin. “Detective, what an unexpected visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?”“We received an anonymous tip about your involvement in illegal financial activities—money laundering, blackmail, brib
Nelson set his glass down, his fingers drumming against the polished wood of his desk. Cherish will always be Victoria’s weakness. No matter what Victoria had planned, when it came to her daughter, she was nothing more than a terrified mother willing to do anything to protect her child.And Nelson was about to exploit that weakness.A response came through almost immediately."Consider it done."He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The moment Cherish was in his hands, Victoria would have no choice but to bow. She thought she could betray him? Thought she could run back to Gerald and destroy everything he had planned for both of them?Not on his watch.A sharp knock on the door made him turn. “Come in.”Carlos entered again, his expression tight. “Boss… we have our eyes on Mildred.”Nelson pinched the bridge of his nose. “Where is she?” He looked up at Carlos with an irritated glare. “I want her caught.”Carlos hesitated. “We're working on it boss.”Nelson’s jaw clenched. “I d
Mildred moved swiftly through the alleyways, her breath coming in short gasps. The sharp sting of a fresh wound on her arm reminded her just how close she had come to being caught. Nelson’s men had been relentless, but she had been smarter.She had seen the man tailing her the moment she left the safe house. At first, she pretended not to notice, walking at an even pace, blending into the crowd. But when she made a sudden turn into a less crowded street, the footsteps behind her quickened. That was when she knew—she had to run.The first attacker came at her from the left. Mildred ducked, spun on her heel, and drove her elbow into his ribs. He grunted in pain, but she had no time to celebrate. The second man lunged forward, a knife glinting in the moonlight.Pain shot through her arm as the blade nicked her, but adrenaline fueled her movements. She kicked the knife out of his hand, delivering a sharp punch to his jaw before dashing into the shadows.Now, she was safe—at least for the
Monday morning came all too soon. Victoria Morgan contemplated whether to get up and go to work or stay back in bed. The truth she really had no option, if she didn't go to work she could lose her job. She stole a glance at her fiance who was stretched out beside her on the bed. He was still asleep and she took a moment to admire his body in the light. They had spent the weekend together in his apartment, that was after he had asked her to marry him. Nelson Brown was the right man for her, she thought as she smiled at herself contentedly. They've been dating for four years now, but despite so many problems they've had in the relationship she was assured of his love for her and she loved him as well. Victoria braced one hand against the blanket, about to get to her feet when Nelson's hand closed around her wrist. "Where are you going? " he murmured, sounding still half asleep. "It's a Monday morning my love, I have a job to go to. " Toria gave a little shrug, "though I reall
Victoria Morgan walked into the restaurant where her friends were waiting to have dinner together and quickly spotted them at their usual table. "Finally. " said Becca, Victoria's best friend who had helped her when she newly relocated eight months ago far away from Nelson. "I'm sorry I am late. " Victoria said as she drew out a seat to join them. "Aren't you always? " Bianca hissed out. Victoria eyed her, she knew Bianca didn't like her much, she wasn't really fond of her either but she was Becca's friend. "I said I am sorry. " Victoria said angrily. "It's okay, let's order already I am hungry." Becca cuts in. "But Mildred isn't here yet. " Bianca says, "I thought us meeting today is because of the big news she has for us. ""Yes, receiving the news with filled stomach seems better. " Becca scoffed and goes ahead to wave down a waiter. "Hello sweethearts, sorry I kept you waiting. " Mildred greets her friends with a peck each on their cheek before taking a seat with them. "So
Victoria was set aback by the expression on the faces of her friends who had come to take her out that weekend. They had succeeded in cajoling her to leave the work she had brought home and go out with them, and she had took her time to dress up only for them to wear a disappointed look. "What are you wearing? " Bianca asked disgustedly "What's wrong with what I am wearing? " Victoria asked confused. Becca shook her head in disapproval. "No way! You are not coming with us looking like this". "How do I look? " Victoria asked perplexed. "Do you have to ask, wearing such a dress that does nothing but conceals your beautiful shape". Bianca answered instead.Victoria takes a good look at herself. She was wearing a loose-fitting flower print dress with the length below her knee. She also had no jewelry on. "Well, I feel comfortable and really like what I am wearing". "What?! " Becca exclaimed, "what happened to your sense of fashion? ""That's if she had any. Ever since I met her, sh
Mildred moved swiftly through the alleyways, her breath coming in short gasps. The sharp sting of a fresh wound on her arm reminded her just how close she had come to being caught. Nelson’s men had been relentless, but she had been smarter.She had seen the man tailing her the moment she left the safe house. At first, she pretended not to notice, walking at an even pace, blending into the crowd. But when she made a sudden turn into a less crowded street, the footsteps behind her quickened. That was when she knew—she had to run.The first attacker came at her from the left. Mildred ducked, spun on her heel, and drove her elbow into his ribs. He grunted in pain, but she had no time to celebrate. The second man lunged forward, a knife glinting in the moonlight.Pain shot through her arm as the blade nicked her, but adrenaline fueled her movements. She kicked the knife out of his hand, delivering a sharp punch to his jaw before dashing into the shadows.Now, she was safe—at least for the
Nelson set his glass down, his fingers drumming against the polished wood of his desk. Cherish will always be Victoria’s weakness. No matter what Victoria had planned, when it came to her daughter, she was nothing more than a terrified mother willing to do anything to protect her child.And Nelson was about to exploit that weakness.A response came through almost immediately."Consider it done."He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The moment Cherish was in his hands, Victoria would have no choice but to bow. She thought she could betray him? Thought she could run back to Gerald and destroy everything he had planned for both of them?Not on his watch.A sharp knock on the door made him turn. “Come in.”Carlos entered again, his expression tight. “Boss… we have our eyes on Mildred.”Nelson pinched the bridge of his nose. “Where is she?” He looked up at Carlos with an irritated glare. “I want her caught.”Carlos hesitated. “We're working on it boss.”Nelson’s jaw clenched. “I d
Nelson stormed down the grand staircase, his mind racing. The scent of Bianca still clung to his skin, a stark contrast to the cold dread creeping into his chest. He had spent years building his empire, ensuring he was untouchable. So why the hell were the police here?Carlos trailed behind him, stiff with tension. He knew better than to speak unless spoken to, especially when Nelson was in a volatile state.At the bottom of the staircase, two uniformed officers stood waiting, their faces impassive. A third man, dressed in a sharp suit, was clearly the one in charge. He studied Nelson with cool, assessing eyes.“Mr. Brown,” the man said, flashing a badge. “Detective Harris, Organized Crime Unit. We have a few questions for you.”Nelson forced a smirk, masking the irritation surging beneath his skin. “Detective, what an unexpected visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?”“We received an anonymous tip about your involvement in illegal financial activities—money laundering, blackmail, brib
Nelson pushed open the heavy oak door to his bedroom, the dim lighting casting deep shadows against the walls. His gaze landed on Bianca, bound to the bed just as he had commanded. Her wrists were cuffed to the ornate bedposts, her breathing heavy, chest rising and falling with both exhaustion and defiance.She turned her head at the sound of his entrance, dark eyes burning with a mixture of rage and something else—something that made his blood heat despite the fury simmering inside him.“Untie me,” she demanded, voice sharp despite her vulnerable position.Nelson chuckled darkly, stepping closer, his presence filling the room like a looming storm. “You have some nerve giving orders when you’re the one tied up, Bianca.”She yanked against the restraints, her body arching as she tested their strength, but the metal held firm. “Do you think this will make me talk? Make me beg?” she hissed. “You underestimate me, Nelson.”He sat on the edge of the bed, eyes raking over her form, his jaw
Mildred’s phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it, her brow furrowing. “It’s from Bianca,” she said. “She’s in trouble. Carlos caught her trying to escape with files. She managed to send the documents to Gerald, but she’s still in his clutches.”Victoria gasped. “We can’t leave her behind!”“We won’t,” Gerald said, gripping the steering wheel. “But first, we secure you and the files. Bianca knew the risks and trusted us to use what she found. If we don’t, her efforts will have been in vain.”The car sped through the dimly lit streets, the tension inside as palpable as the stakes they faced. Victoria leaned her head back, her mind spinning with possibilities and fears.After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a secluded building on the outskirts of the city. Gerald parked the car and ushered the women inside. The safe house was modest but secure, equipped with multiple locks and reinforced windows.“Stay here,” Gerald said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’m go
The ballroom’s air grew thick with tension, every eye in the room fixed on Victoria. Cameras clicked furiously, capturing her poised figure as she stood at the microphone. Nelson’s smile remained frozen in place, though the fury in his eyes betrayed his unease.Victoria gripped the edges of the podium, steadying herself. She could feel Nelson’s presence looming behind her like a dark shadow, but Gerald’s steady gaze from across the room gave her the courage she desperately needed.“Love is a beautiful thing,” she began, her voice trembling slightly but gaining strength with each word. “It’s built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect. But when any of those are missing, what remains is an illusion—a façade meant to deceive.”A ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd. Nelson’s hand tightened into a fist by his side, his mask of charm beginning to crack.“Nelson has spoken so eloquently tonight about love and partnership,” Victoria continued, turning her head slightly toward him, her t
Her bare feet pounded against the cold concrete as she ran, her breaths ragged. She didn’t know where she was going, but escape was her only thought. The thought of Carlos recovering, pushed her forward, her desperation fueling her speed.Bianca spotted a staircase at the end of the hall and bolted toward it, her heart hammering. If she could just make it to his study and get her hands on those files, she might have a chance to put a stop to Nelson evil schemes.Once Bianca reached Nelson's private study, she pushed the door open and quickly stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. The polished desk, lined with papers and a sleek laptop, where he had taken her the day she arrived, stood at the center. She moved swiftly, rifling through drawers and documents.“Here!” Bianca exclaimed, holding up a folder labeled Confidential. Her eyes widened as she skimmed its contents—proof of Nelson’s blackmail schemes, financial fraud, and threats against influential figures.“This should do it.
Nelson set his glass down with a sharp clink against the mahogany desk. His jaw clenched as he leaned back in his chair, contemplating his next move. Bianca’s defiance was an irritation he hadn’t anticipated. She had always been strong-willed, but this time, her resistance threatened to disrupt his meticulously laid plans.He reached for the intercom, pressing a button. “Bring me Carlos. Now.”Minutes later, Carlos, his most loyal enforcer, entered the study. Dressed in black, his imposing figure carried an air of silent menace.“You called, Mr. Brown?” Carlos asked, his voice steady and cold.Nelson leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin. “Bianca is becoming a problem. She’s making too much noise in that room. I need you to remind her why she’s here and ensure she stays quiet. Do whatever it takes—but keep her alive. She still has a role to play.”Carlos nodded, his expression unchanging. “Understood.”“And Carlos,” Nelson added as Carlos turned to leave, “if she so much
Nelson sat behind his desk, sipping a glass of whiskey while reviewing a list of influential guests for the wedding announcement party. His assistant, stood nearby, taking notes on his instructions."Make sure every major media outlet is there," Nelson said, his tone smug. "I want this event to dominate headlines. Victoria and I will be the power couple of the decade."His assistant nodded, but her eyes flickered with unease. "Of course, Mr. Brown. And about Bianca—she's been making a lot of noise in the room she is locked in."Nelson’s expression darkened, his grip tightening on the glass. "Yes. Find her. I will take care of that."His assistant nodded and quickly left the room.----Bianca sat on the edge of the small cot in the dimly lit room, her arms folded tightly across her chest. She had stopped pacing hours ago, choosing instead to conserve her energy for the inevitable confrontation. When the sound of a key turning in the heavy metal door reached her ears, her body tensed.