Chapter EightyLeo paced back and forth in his private study, his footsteps silent with the plush carpet. The court summons lay on his desk, taunting him. He picked it up, reading it one more time, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the lines that called for his appearance. The fact that Nolan would even think to challenge him this way rankled. After all Leo had done to secure his position, to claw his way to the top—Nolan dared to threaten that?Sure, he’d made his own moves against Nolan in the past, used him when it suited his purpose, but that was just familybusiness. He's doing this because of what his family had done to his father,and if Nolan couldn’t understand that, then he deserved what was coming, because he should be begging and pleading him.In Leo’s mind, he wasn’t the betrayer. No, he was the one ensuring his family’s survival in a cutthroat world—a world where Nolan’s father had once ruined his own.This lawsuit was not a nuisance-it was a personal attack, a betrayal, an
Chapter Eighty-OneThe darkness of his apartment wraps around him as Nolan sits alone, the shadows pooling around him like a dark fog that reflects the turmoil in his mind. A half-finished glass of whiskey is sitting on the table in front of him, untouched for almost an hour. He's not even sure why he poured it, only that he felt he needed something to calm his nerves, which have been frayed ever since he filed the lawsuit against Leo. Despite the fact that the legal papers went out, a sense of dread now gnaws at him, like he's awakened a beast that cannot be put back to sleep.He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees and clasps his hands hard, the knuckles white. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees the vision of Leo's cold calculated nature flash before his eyes. Leo never pulled punches with anyone who got in his way. Nolan knows that-has lived it. Pressing charges against Leo wasn't just a legal move; it was an act of defiance against a man who thrives on fear. But now,
Chapter Eighty TwoThe courthouse was packed, a sea of silent faces observing and waiting. Nolan entered, Elena next to him, his jaw clenching as he steeled himself against what was to come. His palms were cold with nerves, but Elena's quiet strength at his side served to steady him. On the opposite side of the aisle, Leo sat with his characteristic unflinching confidence, his piercing gaze homing in on Nolan with a smirk that said he'd already won.But today's different. Today, Nolan's got a surprise of his own in store.Simeon sits a few rows back, his body taut, every muscle strung between fear and defiance. Beside him, his cousin Rita stands cool and reassuring, laying a steadying hand on his shoulder. Simeon nods slightly, a reassurance to Nolan, as if he's saying, I'm here. I got your back.With the judge calling for quiet, the first part of the hearing consisted of the lawyers volleying arguments with one another, Leo's side making accusations that painted Nolan as petty and vi
Chapter Eighty ThreeLeo slams the door shut as he got home, his jaw clenched, his fists curled tight at his sides. The hot molten coals of fury bursting in his eyes scan the living room, as if trying to tear every piece of the house, every one of them in it, to pieces. Every step he made echoed in the big hall, laced with the weight of his anger. He's home now. And he's not ready to let anyone off easy.Marie is the first to approach, knowing better than to get too close. Her eyes are wary, yet she stands her ground, refusing to show any sign of weakness. Simeon stands behind her, his face expressionless, unreadable, his shoulders stiff as if bracing for some calamity.Leo's voice slices the air cold and sharp. "Who did it?"His eyes dart from one to the other, his gaze seething with questions. "Who recorded me? Was it you, Marie?" His voice grows harder, more venomous, anger starting to rise.Marie stammers, her eyes drop a beat. Her gaze then flicks upwards to Leo's face, her eyes
Chapter Eighty-FourThe courtroom is packed, its air thick with a soft hum of murmurs, as people cast furtive glances at the man sitting at the defense table. He sits there, his face once confident, now drawn, each line etched deep as he looks forward, waiting. Leo can feel eyes on him, the weight of judgment upon him from every soul present. His jaw is set, his hands clasped tightly on the table, though the slight tremor in his fingers betrays the storm brewing inside him.The judge enters from the front, his walk slow and deliberate, carrying with him an air of authority and gravitas. The room falls silent; all eyes turn to him. He sits, his face unreadable, his eyes scanning the crowded space. The air thickens with anticipation, it would seem, even to the walls of the courtroom, which wait for what will happen next.Leo's defense attorney rises, his suit perfectly pressed, but his face strained, a faint sheen of sweat on his brow. His voice, smooth and commanding under any other ci
Chapter Eighty FiveThe courthouse takes its time to empty, as if the formality within those solemn walls indeed will remain in the air. Echoes of the gavel strike still ringing in his head, Nolan walks out into the fresh air of freedom. He stops on the steps of the courthouse and lifts his gaze toward the evening sky. For the first time in years, the weight upon his chest feels a little lighter.Elena joins him a moment later, standing beside him in silence. She watches his face, searching for the signs of relief she knows he must be feeling, though his stoic expression betrays little. Her hand brushes his arm, anchoring him to the present."We won," she says softly, her voice laced with disbelief and quiet triumph.She turns back then, to see Nolan with all that brightness in his eyes, an unsaid emotion. "We did," he murmurs, his words full of traces of exhaustion and satisfaction.****Later In The Evening*The apartment is silent except for the creaking of the floorboards as Nolan
Chapter Eighty SixAfer the chaos in that courtroom, quietness is just spooky. Between the muffled sobs of Marie, who sat on the living room couch clutching a tissue already damp from tears, even the soft hum of the air conditioning seemed to fill the gaps. Her shoulders shake as her face buries into her hands, unable to hide the load of the emotions going through her.Simeon stands a few feet away, fidgeting with his hands and hanging his head low. He has never been good with the sight of his mom crying. "Mom." he starts in a low, tender voice, hoarse under the pounding in his heart from guilt and uncertainty.At first, Marie says nothing. Her sobs worsen, the sound tearing through the silence like shards of glass. Finally, she raises her head and her eyes are red and swollen. "Simeon… why? Why did you do it? Why did you record your father and give it to Nolan? Do you even understand what you've done?Simeon winces at her tone, and his heart shrinks. "I-I had to, Mom," he stammers. "
Chapter Eighty Seven: A Love UnveiledThe late afternoon sun filters through the trees, casting a gold streak on Nolan's car as it heads toward Elena's small townhouse. The air reeks of autumn, with the slight perfume of roses filtering from the bouquet of crimson flowers sitting on the front passenger seat; next to it, a neatly wrapped box lies wrapped with silk ribbon the color of midnight. Inside was a dainty bracelet he had picked out earlier-a piece of jewelry reminding him of Elena's elegance and strength.He cannot help the smile that tugs at his lips as he thinks about how she will react. The surprise in her wide eyes, the blush that climbs up her cheeks when he does something completely unexpected-it's these moments that have gotten him through the roughest times. Today is the day: he has kept his feelings bottled up for too long, and he's finally ready to let them spill.He parks in front of her townhouse, steps out, smoothes his jacket, and then reaches for the gifts. His h
Chapter One Hundred One : Strength in UnityThe early evening light filters through the living room windows as Nolan sets down his coffee mug on the kitchen counter. He’s restless, his mind replaying Leo’s threats from earlier. Elena moves around the kitchen with purpose, her hands busy slicing vegetables for dinner."You're still pacing," Elena remarks without looking up, her voice calm but firm. "It won't change anything, you know."Nolan stops mid-step and leans against the counter. "How can you be so calm, Elena? The man practically declared war in my own house. And the way he looked at you—"Elena lifts an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "What, you're scared of Leo now? I thought you were braver than that."Brave? It's not about bravery. You don't know what he's capable of. He's not just some angry ex-con. Leo is-He's dangerous," Nolan says, running a hand through his hair.Elena chuckles softly, shaking her head as she stirs a pot on the stove. "Dangerous or not, we're not running.
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