Chapter Fifty SixThe wall clock tongs loudly, his echoes reverberating in the silent house. It was late, and with the weak light of the lamp casting shades everywhere, it made the room heavy. I am sitting on the couch edge, often looking at my phone, waiting for that message which never came. Simeon was late, and with every minute that flew by, the knot of worry that tied my tummy squeezed tighter.Leo notices how agitation has overcome me. He comes into the living room, his face set in a frown. "Marie, is everything okay? You seem off."I paste an empty smile to mask my concern. "It's just Simeon. He's not back yet."Leo furrows his eyebrows some more. "What do you "mean? I thought you went out to check on himAbout an hour," I answer, my voice shaking a little. "He went to meet some friends after dinner, but he should have been back by now.""Did you try asking about him from his friends?" he asks, sudden casual to seriousI nod, feeling the heat of shame rise in my cheeks. "I did,
--- Chapter Fifty Seven The silence in this house felt like an ax that could fall at any moment, heavy and suffocating. The soft ticking of the wall clock reverberated in the room, reminding me of the time running out—and with it, my hope of taking back what has been done. The documents.It gnaws at the edges of my mind, since Simeon came back tonight, without a care in the world, still smiling, completely unaware of what he has done. I know he never intended to betray anyone, never even realized what the consequences were of what he handed over. But the fact is: those documents are with Nolan now. And what they hold… Well, it's enough to bring down his father. Simeon's biological father.I shiver just thinking of all the secrets that lay between those pages, secrets I fought so hard to bury. I run my hand through my hair, taking a shaky breath. I know just what I should be doing now. I have to speak with Simeon and hope-pray-that he is able to retrieve them from Nolan, but would N
-Chapter Fifty EightSimeon quietly closes the door to his bedroom, careful not to raise suspicion. He's a storm of conflictive emotions: loyal to mom, loyal to Nolan, and the knowledge this could blow up in his face if he handles it the wrong way. He takes a deep, steadying breath before pulling out his phone. He scrolls through his contacts until he comes upon the name. "Father," it reads. The name is deliberate, a sign of respect and a show of trust he feels toward Nolan, a man who has always felt more like a father to him than his own biological father ever had.Simeon hesitates, his thumb hovering over the call button, but finally, he presses it. It rings once, twice, and with each ring, he listens as if some countdown to something inevitable were happening. Then, a voice that is very much familiar is answering the phone, deep and warm in such a way that comfort still clings to it."Simeon," Nolan's voice is peaceful and collected through the line. "Calling this early? Something
Chapter Fifty NineThe early morning air is thick with anticipation as Simeon wakes to a subtle chime from his phone. Blinking away sleep, he fumbles for the device, rubbing his eyes to clear the fog from his mind. A single message lights up his screen."Meet me at the old coffee shop. I'll bring the documents. Make sure you are safe."This message is from my father, Nolan.Simeon felt his heart race as he reread the message, processing the weight of what was being demanded. A meeting-just the two of them. And this time, Nolan would return something, something important. Hastily, Simeon's mind went into overdrive as he quickly deleted the message, making sure nothing was left behind for another person to find.He slips out of bed with quiet precision, dresses swiftly into jeans and a hoodie, his hands shaking as he picks up his phone and a small pocket knife-just in case. He pauses at the door, listening for all other rooms. Still, Mom and Leo are asleep, oblivious to the silent missi
Chapter SixtyMarie's PovI sit by the window, arms crossed, my fingers tapping restlessly on my elbow as I wait for Simeon. The old clock in the corner ticks steadily, its rhythm ringing in my silent room, but a storm brews inside me, ready to burst any moment he steps through that door. He's taken long enough-far too long. I wonder what he has been doing, what kind of justifications he'll come up with this time. Even the thought makes my jaw clench.How could he do such a thing? How could he just take something so dangerous-something that could tear this family apart-and hand it over to someone else? My own flesh and blood, going behind my back, acting with no thought or respect for everything I've ever done for him-for everything his father has done. As much as I would like to believe he tried to do some good, I am not able to let go of the carelessness, the lack of trust.A faint squeak of the door cuts through my reverie. I straighten up, eyes narrowing as I find Simeon squeezing
Chapter Sixty One Leo sits at its head, his gaze piercing as he surveys the room. Around him are the people in his trusted inner circle-carefully chosen for this exact moment, each one fiercely loyal, astoundingly talented, and willing to do whatever it takes. Today, they aren't here to strategize over profits or project growth; today their purpose is more personal. Today, they're here to destroy Nolan.Leo's fingers drum against the table while his face retains its cold, calculated features. "This isn't about framing Nolan," he begins in a tone barely above a whisper but carries such weight. "This is about constructing something so convincing, so flawless, that he buys it for a second.The room turns quiet, each man waiting for his direction. A heartbeat later, Leo nods to Mason, his trusted right hand. Mason knows every detail, every step, every process that has taken countless hours of his time in order to ensure this scheme is as airtight as Leo demands.Mason rises, smoothing hi
Chapter Sixty TwoNolan is sitting in the darkened sitting room, a faint glow across his face from his phone. The silence in the room is deafening as he scrolls through his social media feed; then, without warning, his finger pauses mid-swipe as he sees something in the business circles: a new post that has just circulated with a subtle accusation of insider trading linked to him. Emblazoned across the page, in bold, are the words "Nolan's shady dealings"; the dark shadow cast by those words overshadows his otherwise spotless reputation.He gnashes his teeth and furrows his eyes as he goes through comments and reposts that add fuel to the smoldering fire being built inside him. He had known this day would come; he knew Leo's need for revenge would find him one way or another. But seeing it this way-a calculated, public assault on his character-sends a fresh wave of anger and frustration coursing through him.Noland exhales sharply, trying to calm himself, and then makes himself reason
Chapter Sixty ThreeNolan tightens his grip on the wheel and heads towards the private estate of Josephine Carter-a vast estate shut from the outside world with delicate wrought iron and tall hedges. He had played this over and over again in his mind each word he was going to say, every glance. Josephine is cagey, immensely smart, able to sniff out weakness from a mile away. He knows that she will shut him down before he can even get a word out if he displays even the first sign of doubt.He buzzes in at the gate, waiting heart pounding while he looks up at the security cameras. A few excruciating moments tick by before the gate hums to life, swinging open to admit him. He drives up the winding driveway until Josephine's mansion rears ahead of him: sleek and modern, it flashes against the dark, like a fortress no intruder could hope to breach.It isn't until he is finally escorted into her sitting room that Josephine lifts her eyes, barely, from the tablet in her grasp. Josephine is s
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