It had been a week since the attack at Alex McCollum’s mansion. The cops were still searching for the assassin crew, while Martha remained in their custody, hospitalized.Hazel was now two months pregnant, and her morning sickness grew worse by the day. This made it impossible for Harden to leave her side, and she couldn’t chase him away because he was the shoulder she leaned on during this difficult time.It was sunrise. Despite the cold air conditioning in the room, Hazel felt hot. Her stomach was cramping as if it were her first day of a period. Her face was flushed, and her skin felt as hot as a tomato. She had been going to the bathroom multiple times.Harden squatted beside her, watching as she rubbed her stomach.“The doctor is on his way,” he said, rubbing her hands.“I’m scared, Harden. I don’t want to lose this child. I don’t know if God is punishing me for considering an abortion at the beginning. Please,” she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks.“Don’t worry, you won’
“Okay, okay, fine. One million dollars, at least to help with Mr. Collins’s expenses. Please, he has no one else,” Kira pleaded. “Publish them, and—” “Wait! Are you guys so stingy that you can’t pay a reporter a million dollars to—” “We’re not criminals, Kira. Go ahead, publish what you want. But remember, we already know everything. If you manipulate the facts to favor yourself, so that my boss or the company gets hated, I won’t just come for you. I’ll come for your mother,, that little baby Kamala, and your sick father. All of them,” Simon said coldly. Kira gasped, her face turning pale. “How do you know about my—” “Think twice,” Simon cut her off, then turned and walked away. As he exited the restaurant, he bumped into someone. Their eyes met, and Simon’s expression shifted to one of shock. “Godfrey?” Simon called out in disbelief.The cell room was loud from the scream of the person being tortured, Alex white office shirt was already stain with blood from pulling out the f
Night had already fallen as the McCall private jet soared toward Honolulu International Airport. Hazel, who had been sleeping for hours, finally stirred, her body feeling more relaxed than it had in days. She yawned, stretching, before noticing Harden watching her with a smile. “You’re awake,” he said softly, his voice warm. Hazel blinked in confusion, her brows furrowing as she glanced around. “An airplane? What am I doing on a plane?” she asked, turning toward Harden, her blue eyes filled with questions. “Harden?” she repeated, her voice rising slightly. “What am I doing on an airplane?” Harden smiled calmly. “I promised to take you to my grandmother’s poetry museum, remember?” But Hazel didn’t seem reassured. Her expression remained skeptical. “Harden?” she called his name again, still trying to piece everything together. “We’re on our way to Hawaii. I wanted to fulfill your wish of staying far away from Alex,” Harden explained gently, but Hazel only sighed, turning her back
The room was silent before the captain stood up. He looked at the two men who sat in silence before he spoke. “As03, you carried out this job over twenty years ago. You should solve it and let the organization be free from whoever Alex McCollum thinks he is,” he said, and the man nodded. “Yes, sir,” As03 replied, then As01 left with the guards following behind him. “This is bullshit. This organization has been secretive for so long; this will make it difficult for us to work swiftly. Do you think Alex will sit and watch you come for him without reacting?” As02 asked, but As03 didn’t respond. Instead, he stood up and was about to leave. “I lost my most important men because of him. He should pay,” As03 said, but As02 grabbed his hand. “Revenge is the beginning of a downfall,” As02 warned. “He came for revenge. He should receive a welcome gift from me,” As03 said before leaving. The McCollum jet had already left New York, headed for Hawaii. Alex sat calmly with his iPad, continui
Everything Simon was saying was like a breeze in Alex’s ears, as all he focused on was the picture, not the subject that came with the email. “Boss, I think the assassin is aware of the madam as your wife. They are coming for her, and I think they know about her…” “Is my wife pregnant?” Alex’s voice was quiet and cold as he kept staring at the photo, which made Simon look at it again. He looked at the picture again before he gasped. “Is that Harden?” he asked, and Simon nodded, biting his lip. “Ye… yes, boss, but the subject is what we should be worried about. We need—” “Shut the fuck up, Simon!” Alex raised his voice, and Simon immediately apologized. “I’m sorry…” “Send guards to pick her up. She’s in Hawaii, that’s the Honolulu Museum,” Alex said, clenching his fists. Simon nodded, typing on his phone, and immediately sent the message, glancing at his boss, whose face had become red. “How many hours do we have?” Alex asked, and Simon checked his wristwatch. “Two hours. We
Hazel’s luscious lips parted, but words couldn’t come out. She stood holding her stomach as she watched Alex, then sighed. She wondered why she became scared of him, not that he saw her cheating or she admitting having anything with Harden, why does her heart feel like she betrayed him. “I think coming to talk to you was a bad idea. I’m leaving,” she said, but Alex kept looking at her. “Hazel Smith, get into the bathroom,” he said, his voice cold and firm. Hazel frowned. “I’m not here for silly things, Alex. You refuse to let go of me. You kept coming after me, and I’m here to tell you—” “You are here to stay, Haze,” he interrupted, not using the comforting tone he used to talk to her with. “Alex, this is not necessary. I’m not staying. I’ve made up my mind,” she said. “Get into the bathroom while I’m still within my controlled zone. I hate his scent on you. I’m keeping my sanity together after watching him touch you. If you want me to listen to whatever reason made you agree to
Alex couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He stood in the dimly lit hotel hallway, his eyes flicking between Harden’s smug expression and the blank confusion on Hazel’s face. His pregnant wife. His world. The woman he had sworn to protect. She looked at him, wide-eyed, seeking answers from the man who was just as lost as she was. But Alex had none. “What is he talking about?” Alex’s voice was quiet, but beneath the surface, it boiled with rage, threatening to erupt. Hazel shook her head slowly, her brows furrowing in pure confusion. She pressed a trembling hand to her swollen belly, as if to shield their child from the onslaught of emotions crashing over her. Her lips parted, but no words came. The truth was too overwhelming, too absurd to process all at once. Harden, the man responsible for this mess, stepped forward, his presence commanding the space with an arrogance that churned Alex’s gut. “She didn’t know,” Harden said coolly, not sparing Hazel a glance. He spoke directly to
Harden’s mind raced, trying to process Alex’s cryptic words, every warning a weight on his chest. He felt the pulse of danger quickening, but the specifics eluded him. The panic hit like a punch to the gut. Sweat began to pool at his temples as he frantically dialed his assistant. He couldn’t afford mistakes. Not now. “Sir,” the voice of his assistant crackled through the line, maintaining the calm professionalism Harden had come to rely on. “What’s the situation at the mansion?” Harden’s voice dropped to a whisper, though his urgency surged through every syllable. “We’ve evacuated. The guards put up a fight, but they’re no match for these guys. They’re still out there, searching for her. The assassins, they won’t stop until they find the madam. It’s a personal mission for them.” Harden cursed, sharp and low. Fleeing had bought them time, but he knew time was something that slipped through the fingers too easily. These men wouldn’t rest, they wouldn’t stop. The cold precision
The doors to the dining room opened, and three men in black suits entered silently, their imposing presence casting a shadow over the room. Alex smirked, his tone ice-cold. “I mean, Mr. Lark, that your time has run out.” The assistant paled, his hands trembling as the men in black closed in. *Outside the Villa* A convoy of cars pulled up near the entrance to the McCollum estate. The general, sitting stiffly in the backseat of his car, glanced at his assistant. “I don’t think it’s wise to approach the villa uninvited,” the general said, his voice calm but firm. “Shall I write to Mrs. McCollum, then? Ask about her health and that of your great-grandchild?” the assistant offered. The general nodded, his lips curving into a rare smile. “Yes, do that. And… one more thing. Have you found her mother?” “Yes, sir,” the assistant replied. “She’s currently in the city.” “Invite her to the villa,” the general said, his expression unreadable. The assistant hesitated. “Are you sure, sir?
Simon immediately followed Alex’s instructions. As expected, Alex approved of the arrangements. The drive back to the villa was dead silent. Hazel held Alex’s hand tightly, watching him carefully for any unusual signs that might necessitate returning to the hospital. “When are the workers in the mansion coming back?” she asked, breaking the silence and earning a small smile from Alex. “They’re already back. I just want us to stay at the villa until you give birth,” Alex replied, his tone calm. Hazel sighed. “It’s lonely in the villa. At least in the mansion, the maids keep me company when you’re away.” Alex nodded thoughtfully. “I don’t trust them with you. They might accept money to hurt you. Let’s stay here until our child is born,” he said, lifting her hand to his lips and planting a gentle kiss. “And the scan?” Alex asked, watching Hazel closely. “You remember?” Hazel responded with a smile. “Of course. I dare not forget anything about you,” he said, making Hazel blush. “I
Hazel sat in the cold weather as Alex slept soundly, unaware of Simon being out on tasks. The gentle snow falling outside caught her attention so deeply that she didn’t notice someone enter the room. “Erhem,” a familiar voice said, causing Hazel to turn abruptly. Supporting her stomach, she stood up swiftly. “How dare you step your filthy feet in here?” she demanded, her voice full of rage, as Harden raised his hands in mock surrender. “Guards!” she called out, but Harden sighed in response. “Chill. I wouldn’t be here if the guards were active. I just came to visit,” he said, watching Hazel reach for her phone. She knew the sedative Alex was under wouldn’t allow him to wake up. “Haze, chill—” “Don’t call me that!” Hazel snapped, furiously dialing Simon’s number. “I came for a business deal,” Harden continued, undeterred. “I just wanted to check on him after hearing he was in an—” “Or you came to see if he survived the accident you planned!” Hazel cut him off furiously. “Get ou
Alex’s eyes opened slowly, his gaze unfocused but alive. Hazel sobbed with relief, pressing a kiss to his hand. “You’re here… you’re still with us,” she whispered. Alex’s voice was hoarse, barely audible. “Hazel… what happened?” “You were in an accident,” she said softly. “But you’re going to be okay.” His brow furrowed, memories flickering through his mind. “It wasn’t… an accident,” he rasped. Hazel nodded, her voice trembling. “We know. And we’ll find out who did this. Together.” Simon stepped forward, his expression grim. “Sir, we think it was Harden McCall.” Alex’s eyes darkened, his jaw tightening. “Harden… he won’t get away with this.” Hazel squeezed his hand, her resolve matching his. “No, he won’t. We’ll make sure of it.”the soft knock on the hospital door pulled Hazel’s attention away from Alex. A middle-aged man in a white coat stepped in, carrying a clipboard.“Mrs. McCollum, I’m Dr. Harris, I will be taking over from Doctor Gabriel, he has a family emergency,” he s
Tears streamed down the driver’s face as he shook his head. “I didn’t mean to… I swear I didn’t…”The driver’s sobs grew louder, and he buried his face in his hands. “I… I needed the money… but I didn’t think… It wasn’t supposed to…” He broke off, shaking his head in despair. Grant ignored him, stepping out of the room to make a call. “Officer Grant,” a voice answered on the other end. “I’ve got a lead,” Grant said. “Trace the account that sent this transfer. We’re dealing with something bigger than a random accident.”… “Understood,” the voice replied. Grant hung up, his mind racing. He had a gut feeling this wasn’t just a case of reckless driving—it was a targeted attack. And someone wanted Alex McCollum dead. Back at the hospital, Hazel stirred awake, her face still pale and tear-streaked. She glanced around and found Simon seated by the window, speaking quietly on the phone. Alex lay on the hospital bed beside her, his breathing steady but labored. “Simon,” Hazel called
The doctor let out a heavy sigh, his face shadowed with sympathy as he looked into Hazel’s striking blue eyes, which were now brimming with tears. She stood there, shaking, the weight of his silence suffocating her. “We tried our best, but…” His voice wavered, trailing off. “What?!” Hazel screamed, her body jolting forward in shock. Simon, her steadfast support, quickly caught her before she fell. His own face was a mask of anguish, his eyes glassy with unshed tears. “We did everything we could, ma’am,” the doctor said softly, lowering his gaze. “But I’m sorry. The blow to his head was… too severe. He didn’t make it.” “No! No, no, no!” Hazel cried, her voice piercing and raw. She wrestled free from Simon’s arms, shaking her head violently. “Don’t say that to me! Where’s my husband?” Her frantic eyes searched the room for any sign of Alex, her desperation palpable. Simon stood frozen, helplessly watching her crumble. “Ma’am, please,” the doctor interjected, his tone gentle but fi
Inside the McCall office, Harden anxiously drummed his fingers on the polished oak desk, his sharp eyes darting between the wall clock and his expensive wristwatch. The silence in the room was suffocating, broken only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock. He exhaled deeply, frustration evident in his posture. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, breaking the stillness.“You agreed that if I do this, I’ll get twenty percent of the shares in McCall Corporation?” the voice on the other end asked sharply. Harden let out a slow sigh, gripping the phone tighter.“It’s a signed deal, Mr. Lark. Just do this for me,” Harden said curtly, his voice laced with impatience.“Alright,” Lark replied, though there was a hint of reluctance in his tone. “But don’t associate me with this if it doesn’t turn out as you wanted.”Harden’s lips curled into a sly smile. “And if it doesn’t turn out as I wanted, you won’t be getting twenty percent. You’ll get ten percent at most,” he countered, his voice cold and calcula
As they left, Harden remained seated, his fists clenched and his jaw tight. Alex didn’t spare him a second glance, but as they walked through the mansion’s grand halls, he leaned down to whisper in Hazel’s ear. “It’s not over. He’ll try again.” Hazel squeezed his hand. “Then let him try. He’ll lose every time.” Harden stood in the General’s study, pacing furiously as the General watched him with a critical eye. The door clicked shut as the General’s assistant exited, leaving the two men alone. “You’ve lost, Harden,” the General said, his voice calm but laced with finality. “Hazel has chosen Alex. You’ll do well to respect that.” Harden’s jaw clenched, his mind racing. “You don’t understand, General. Alex is dangerous—for her and the child. If she stays with him, she’ll never be free, we’ve spent time together, we’ve shared a bond that she can’t deny, she has confessed her regrets to me. I can give her stability, safety… love.” The General sighed, shaking his head. “Love? T
Alex nodded grimly. “He’s using every connection he has to come for you. Last night, he attended that gala with General Aiko. He’s doubling down, likely whispering in the General’s ear that I’m some monster keeping you captive. He wants to turn him against us.” Hazel stood, her hand instinctively resting on her stomach. “And the General? Do you think he’ll believe him?” Alex exhaled sharply, his gaze darkening. “The General is no fool, but Harden’s desperate. He’s feeding on the General’s guilt for abandoning his family all those years ago. He’ll twist it, make himself seem like the savior you need—someone who can give you the ‘life you deserve.’” Hazel scoffed, her anger rising. “The life I deserve? I have everything I want. I have you. Our baby. He has no right—no idea what’s best for me!” Alex crossed the room, his hand gently cupping her cheek, forcing her to look up at him. “I know, Hazel. But Harden thrives on manipulation, you’ve given him the opportunity to feel I wasn