Chapter: Sixty Nimr: Facing the PastNolan is standing at the edge of the street, his heart pounding in his chest as he follows Elena with his eyes as she walks away. Elena gives a shoulder over her shoulder; her eyes meet his for less than a second before she proceeds down the silent road. He hesitates for a moment and feels uncertainty overpower his thoughts. Why does he try to follow her? What does she want from him?The night is cool, the streetlights stretching long shadows down the pavement. Nolan takes a deep breath and steps forward, resolved to see just what Elena has to say. His footsteps echo through the stillness, a reminder of his hesitancy. Every step feels heavy with anticipation, while his heart pounds in his chest. He should keep a safe distance, careful not to show himself too soon.Elena takes him through dark alleys, not hurrying, yet walking with a determined pace. Nolan struggles to keep up, his eyes squinting as he watches for any signs of deception. Curiosity a
Chapter Seventy The small café buzzed with fresh coffee aromas and a murmur of conversations. Nolan sat at a corner table, playing with his cup while he waited for Elena. The bright morning sunlight blazed through the panes, casting warm rays across the room, yet he felt a chill of apprehension in the air.Elena came in, and immediately his nerves started to settle down. She walked toward the table with a smile and sat, and Nolan couldn't help the spark of anticipation that ran through his veins."Thanks for meeting me," she said warmly without losing the professionalism in her tone. "I figured we could take a break from the investigation for a moment and get to know each other a bit more."Yeah, I think that's a good idea," Nolan replied, trying to suppress the tension coiling in his stomach.After ordering their drinks, they settled into an easy rhythm of conversation. Elena began, "So, what do you do, Nolan?""I'm the CEO of a tech company," he said, pride mixed with a hint of vul
Chapter Seventy OneThe only sound in Nolan's office is the gentle hum of city life from beyond its windows. Afternoon light streams in, casting a soft glow in the room and lighting up the papers scattered over his desk, documents outlining his business, plans for Simeon's future, and now, a growing mound of evidence against Leo. He has sat and spent an untold number of hours in this space, running boardroom deals and waging corporate battles, but nothing quite readies him for the deeply personal battle ahead.When Elena enters the room, she is an anchor, holding him with his resolve to confront the past and fight for justice. She moves with quiet confidence-the type he has come to depend on-and he knows how much her support has come to mean for him."Thanks for making time," Nolan says, gesturing to the seat across from him.Elena gives him a small, reassuring smile. "Of course. I think it's time we really dig into this, don't you?" She opens a thick file she's brought along, replete
Chapter Seventy TwoNolan paces his room, he has his phone in his hand, he clutches it hard, he doesn't know what to do next. He doesn't want to drag Simeon into this, but he knew that he could only do this if he does what Elena wants him to do.This is not the time he will back down, he doesn't know what next Leo is planning and he has to be fast before things go out of hand.Simeon had tried for him and he didn't want to keep pulling him to this, Nolan knew he had to respect his father l.He takes a deep breath and dials Simeon's number. The familiar ringing of the line fills the dead air until, after several rings, a young, clear voice responds. "Hello?"Nolan's voice is soft but unwavering. "Hey, Simeon-it's me."Hello, Dad" Simeon replies; the sound of his voice is suddenly brighter. There is comfort in his voice that warms Nolan, but soon is overwritten by the task ahead."Are you alone?" Nolan asks, cautious. "Is there anyone around you?"Simeon does stop then, his tone seriou
Chapter Seventy ThreeSimeon takes a big breath as he steps out of his room. His heart is pounding with a mix of excitement and fear. He never thought he would be this close to his father, Leo, but he knew it was all for a purpose. Every step he made was calculated; every smile he gave was carefully crafted. Leo and his mother, Marie, feel finally that he's warming up with his father, letting go of the distance he's always kept. They sound so pleased to see the change in him, so needy for him to be "Leo's son." But only Simeon knows the truth.He feels like he's on thin ice inside. He needs proof-something that would help Nolan bring Leo down. He needs to hear Leo incriminate himself with some sentence that shows his manipulative nature, especially where Nolan is concerned. But Leo is smooth, sly as a fox. Simeon knew it was never going to be easy to get him to slip up.Coming down the stairs, he sees Leo in the study, bending over some papers. His heart quickens. Perhaps today will b
Chapter Seventy FourToday, the house seems different, filled with something Simeon can't just shun and ignore. Leo's younger sister Clara was sending them her daughter Rita, who would stay with them for some time. He didn't like that. She had always seemed to him one of those people who would never let go but would keep stirring further. And with her games he did have little patience. But Leo was excited. He spoke so nicely about finally having family around.As he proceeded to the living room, he could hear Clara's chirpy voice no more than Rita's high-pitched laughter. He rolled his eyes at the happenstances that could have freed him from this. Moving into the kitchen, he poured some cold water into a glass."Are you okay, Simeon?" Clara asked, noticing his quietness."Yeah, I'm fine," he replied briefly, avoiding her gaze.Clara shrugs and walks away, her attention already caught by Rita, who was busy unpacking her things. Simeon heaves a deep breath, shaking off the annoyance. He
Chapter Seventy-FiveSimeon stands in the silent room, his heart racing as he watches Rita disappear. She didn't see him send the recording, but he knows she suspects. He has gained a little time with his promise to take her to the amusement park, but he can tell it is not enough. Rita isn't the kind to let things go, and her curiosity is one of those currents he has no easy way to dam. It is as if the weight of her lingering gaze, knowing all she does about him, hangs still in the air around him.The moment she is out of sight, Simeon reaches into his pocket, pulling his phone out to check if the message went through. Relief washes over him as he sees the small "Delivered" mark next to Nolan's name. At least he has managed to send the recording. But now he has another problem on hand: Rita. He knew she would be back, this time wanting answers.Sure enough, soon Rita reappears, leaning casually against the wall as if she has been waiting for him. Her eyes are bright, shining with curi
Chapter Seventy-SixHe paces his living room as images in his head about all that this recording by Simeon has brought forth literally race through his mind. It cannot be debated anymore-some strings being pulled by Simeon's father, cold and calculating, in manners that Nolan could hardly imagine. For years, Nolan thought that he had known struggles with the man, rivalries and small-time power plays that he was navigating. But this recording-evidence of manipulation, deception, and outright control-reveals a whole new level of treachery.A knock on his door brings him out of his reverie, and he walks across the room to open it onto Elena, standing with a look of determination in her expression, a file tucked under her arm."Thanks for coming over, Miss Elena" he says, stepping aside to let her in."Of course," Elena says, stepping inside with a serious expression on her face. "We have much to discuss, and from what Simeon was able to obtain… it is obvious that this is not just some ki
Chapter One Hundred: A Sudden VisitThe smell of sautéed onions and spices fills the small kitchen as Elena hums softly to herself. She efficiently navigates between the stove and the countertop, her hands deftly chopping vegetables as she occasionally follows along on the recipe pulled up on her cell phone. Sun pours through the window into the tidy space.Nolan leans lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed and his lips curled up in a small smile. He regards her with a quiet sort of admiration, though the tension in his shoulders betrays his thoughts."You know," he says at last, coming into the kitchen, "you really don't have to do all this. We could have just ordered something."Elena looks up briefly, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "And miss the chance to show off my cooking skills? Not a chance. Besides, you need a proper meal. Stress eating takeout isn't doing you any good."Nolan chuckles, moving closer. "Stress eating, huh? You make it sound like I'm falling apart."Elena r
Chapter Ninety Nine: UnitedThe soft hum of the morning sunlight pours into the kitchen, washing over the countertops and making everything moe bright. Elena stands at the stove, stirring a pot of oatmeal with a steady practiced motion. The kitchen is warm, comforting-familiar, normal in the chaos still hanging outside.The creaking of footsteps breaks the silence, and Elena doesn't need to lift her head to know who is behind her. Even before he says a word, the room fills with his presence- thick with tension now days over. She hears him stop right in the entrance, taking in the view of her; his gaze lingers as if she were the only thing keeping him bound to this earth."Elena," he begins, and the strained sound is almost weary. She doesn't turn around immediately, knowing he needs to say whatever is on his mind. She keeps her attention on the oatmeal, though she feels the heavy weight of his eyes on her."Something's wrong, isn't it?" she says calmly, while the undertone in her voi
Chapter Ninety Eight: A Fragile PlanThe room in the hospital is silent, except for the soft humming of machines that monitor Simeon's recovery. Morning light cascades through the blinds, giving the little room a pale glow. Marie sits by the window, observing her son leaning against his pillows. Simeon looks stronger now, his cheeks no longer as pale as they were when they first came in.“You’re getting better,” Marie says with a small smile. Her voice is warm, but there’s a tension behind it that Simeon doesn’t miss.“Yeah,” he replies, his tone flat. “I guess.”Marie hesitates, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her cardigan. She’s been thinking about this conversation all night, turning it over and over in her mind. She knows it’s risky, but she can’t shake the idea. Finally, she speaks."Simeon," she begins, her voice low. "I've been thinking. Perhaps we ought to get in touch with your father."Simeon freezes, his eyes narrowing as he stares at her. "What?"Hear me out," Marie sa
Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Predator ReturnsThe limousine rolls to a stop outside the towering iron gates of Leo Ralston's estate. The driver is out in a flash, briskly efficient as he opens the door. Leo steps onto the gravel driveway, commanding and cold. The air is crisp, biting against the fine fabric of his tailored suit, but Leo doesn't flinch.The gates groan to a creaky open, revealing the serpentine drive up to his mansion. In the distance, the imposing structure looms like a shadow against the fading light of dusk. This was always the house that represented his power, his untouchable status. Tonight, however, there seemed to be something off about it-something hollow in the silence that surrounded it.Leo's eyes go sharp as he nears the great front doors. The carving, once a pride, now feels almost mocking. He shoves the heavy doors open; the groan of it resounds through the halls that are now empty.A chill greets him from the foyer, one that has nothing to do with the eveni
Chapter Ninety-Six: A Storm on the HorizonNolan leave the hospital, he doesn't want to discuss with Marie, because he knew whatever he says might be use against him, just Incase Marie goes back to him againNolan steps out into the brisk evening air, the city alive with celebrations for National Unity Day, but the joy and lights feel almost like a different place. His mind is consumed by the news of Leo Ralston's release. Each step to his car feels so heavy, his thoughts gray with worry.Leo. Free.He knows what it means, and a chill runs down his spine. It's not just about him; it's about Marie and Simeon. It's about all the lives Leo could destroy again.The drive home is silent and unusually so. Even the sound of the engine feels muffled under the weight of his thoughts. He clutches the steering wheel a little tighter than usual, his knuckles whitening. Pulling into the driveway of his modest home, he readies himself for the conversation that will ensue.Inside, Elena is sitting o
Chapter Ninety Five: FreedomThe atmosphere of the morning was thick with celebration as the people prepared to celebrate National Unity Day. The streets around the nation were draped with flags, and every available square space was packed with citizens awaiting parades and merrymaking. But behind the scenes, the government is planning a far less publicized but equally important move-a gesture of goodwill that reverberated through every corner of society.Senior officials filled the seats of the long table inside the presidential mansion. At the head of the table, the president ran his eyes over the document before him. On it was a list of prisoners eligible for early release, an early but symbolic act of compassion pertaining to the national holiday.This will send a great message," the Minister of Justice says, his voice measured. "The country requires unity, and giving amnesty to some of the prisoners will show our resolve for second chances."The president nods but does not say a
Chapter: Nolan's PromiseNolan sits beside Simeon's bed, his elbows to his knees, his hands clasped together in tight fists. The soft beeping of the monitor is a reassuring cadence, a steady heartbeat that tells him Simeon lives, that he still fights. Morning light seeps through the blinds, but the exhaustion in his body will not abate. His vow to Simeon, "I won't let you down, not this time," is the litany in his brain.The door creaks open, and Marie steps in hesitantly, carrying two cups of coffee. Her face looks tired, her eyes heavy from a sleepless night. She stops near the doorway, watching Nolan for a moment before speaking.“You should rest,” she says softly, setting one cup on the small table beside him.“I’m fine,” Nolan replies, his tone curt, though he doesn’t look at her.Marie pulls a chair closer and sits down, wrapping her hands around her cup for warmth. For a while, neither of them speaks, the silence stretching out uncomfortably. Then, she breaks it.“You’re still
Chapter: Nolan Stays by Simeon's SideThe pale-faced Marie paces around the living room, her eyes on Simeon. He lay on the sofa, hardly conscious, with beads of sweat on his forehead. His wheezing is shallow and faint, and every wheeze refreshes a new panic wave in her mind.Simeon, please, stay awake," she begs, moving the cool cloth once more over his burning forehead. Her voice breaks, and for a moment, her emotions betray her. She clenches her jaw and tries not to fall apart, but seeing him like this breaks her.Her mind is racing with what to do next. She's not prepared for this-she's never been prepared for this. Simeon has always been the strong one, the steady rock in a world full of chaos. Seeing him like this, so vulnerable, terrifies her.Trembling, she picks up her phone and dials Nolan's number. It rings twice before he answers.Nolan," she begins, her voice strained with desperation. "Simeon is sick. I don't know what to do. Hè's burning up, and he can barely breathe. Pl
Chapter Ninety-One: "Torn Between the Past and PresentHe leaned back in his chair, sitting alone in his study, the faint light of the desk lamp casting long shadows across the room. The confrontation with Marie earlier in the day replayed in his mind-every word another dagger twisting deeper. The weight of her voice, the crack in her resolve when she begged for his understanding, still lingered in his mind like some unshakable ghost.Five years: five long, long years they shared together, once a time that seemed to be the basis of his future. But then it fell, torn down by the stab of betrayal. Twice, she failed him, and each time it felt as if someone plunged a knife into his soul.At this, Nolan runs a hand through his hair; frustration boils inside him. He knows what logic dictates: she's the past. Marie made her choices, and he made his. When she wasn't there for him, Elena stepped in. Elena had been the one to stand by him at his very lowest, when he thought himself empty and wi