I woke up to an unusual noise, like things colliding. I opened my eyes to find the mattress empty. I had given her space last night, sitting in the corner to let her sleep. Now, she was gone. I rushed outside.As I stepped out, I saw Samantha amidst the family, laughing and chatting like she belonged. The younger girl was sitting in front of her, and Samantha was weaving flowers into her hair. The two little boys were playing with sticks, trying to catch a chicken, while the mother was tending to a garden. The guy who had helped us was sitting on a rock, chatting with the girls.I approached them, my footsteps quiet on the grass. Samantha's smile dropped the moment she saw me. She had been smiling and laughing with them like she'd known them forever. Now, her eyes just looked... flat. "Hey," I said, trying to sound casual. She replied with a light "Hey" and went back to weaving hair. I glanced at the family, who were all staring at me. "What's going on here?" I asked. The guy spoke u
Samantha was happy, truly happy, for the first time since I'd met her. I watched as she danced around the lake the kids, playing with water. The sunset was behind her, and she was smiling so much. Mia Sola, mine only... I thought about how I'd never given her reason to smile like that. I'd vowed to never let anyone in again, but Samantha... she'd melted my walls. It wasn't supposed to happen. I promised myself I wouldn't let anyone in again. I wouldn't be vulnerable. So, what happened to that vow? What happened to my control?She was keeping her distance, just like she said she would. I wasn't used to this. I was used to pushing her away, not the other way around.I tried to focus on my phone, on finding a signal, but my gaze kept drifting back to her. She was helping the kids with something, her hands moving deftly as she showed them a trick. Canyon was watching her, a smile on his face, and I felt a pang of...something. Jealousy? No, that couldn't be it.I wasn't sure what I felt,
Henry had arrived, and we were preparing to leave. The family still had no idea I planned to take them along too.Samantha was hugging them, tears in her eyes."Take care." She said."We will." The old lady saidSamantha turned to Canyon."Thanks for everything." She said.Canyon smiled. "Anytime.""Where are the cars?" I asked Henry."A mile away." He replied.I turned to see Samantha walking towards me, her eyes locked on the leaves."Let's be on our way, Mr. Williams." She said."What are you waiting for? Let's go." I said to the family.They looked confused. Canyon stepped forward."I don't understand—" he began.Samantha finally lifted her head, looking confused too. "Okay, let me be clear," I cut in. "I'll cover your family's expenses - new house, finances, education. Whatever you need in return for helping us.""Oh, thank you so much but we'll decline the offer." The old lady said."Why is that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow."We understand you are grateful to us for helping y
"Don't fucking joke with this," I said, more serious than ever. Laura killed Father?"I'm not joking with you, Carlton. I was just as surprised as you are when I found out. I'm telling you, Laura has gone nuts. She's not the Laura we used to know."'I'll do anything to get what I want.' I recalled her saying."Tell me every single thing.""Okay," Jace leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "Laura has been giving your father some kind of slow poison for months. The name was Aconitum. It causes ventricular tach– I don't remember what that hot nurse said.""Are you sure about what you're saying?""Never been too sure my entire life, Carlton." Jace replied."How did you even...?""Just had to use my charm on one of the housekeepers when I noticed they were all getting fired," He explained. "She told me she noticed Laura would always offer to prepare and serve your father tea, and that she'd always bring some small container. She'd tell everyone to leave whenever she wanted to prepar
SAMANTHAIn a floor-length, long-sleeved champagne-colored gown with a modest hairline and delicate pearl earrings adorned with a simple necklace, I walked into the huge hall arm in arm with the new chairman. My short hair looked sleek and polished, thanks to hours of styling dedicated by Jasmine.As we entered, the room was filled with disapproving expressions and whispers. A huge banner hung above, reading "INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF G&K GROUP." I'd been smiling for a couple of minutes, and my cheekbones hurt. I took a glance at him. His appearance was the same, but something seemed different. Our eyes met, and I felt my heart skip a beat.He was smiling warmly, with so much love in his eyes. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was genuine.He gently sat me down in the front row and took the stage. There he was; Carlton Williams, effortlessly handsome. Those piercing blue eyes still made my heart skip a beat every time they settled on me. His chiseled features,
I stood there, frozen, as people rushed past me. Some guy's elbow brushed against mine, and I stumbled. That was all it took. Tears flooded my face.How was I supposed to get to the hospital? I didn't even know which one he was taken to. I closed my eyes, trying to recall the ambulance. Red, green, white... the logo. W-Wynwood Regional Hospital. It was the same hospital Dad was hospitalized before he passed away. Great, now I know the hospital, but how do I get there?I took a few tentative steps forward, scanning the parking lot. "Where's the car?" I muttered.Henry had driven us, and I didn't know where he was. I tried to call him, but then realized I didn't have his number. I grabbed my hair, pulling the roots in frustration. Taxi. I rushed toward the taxi stand, but before I got there, I collided with someone. My purse spilled everywhere. I turned to see a guy in a gray suit, light brown hair, slightly messy."I'm sorry." He said.I ignored him and quickly gathered my scattered
I blinked my eyes open slowly, groaning as the bright hospital lights pierced through my haze. My surroundings were blurry, but I saw a figure nearby. I blinked again, and Jace's face came into focus."Hey," he said softly, moving closer to me. "How are you feeling?"I rubbed my temples, trying to shake off the lingering fogginess. "I had a terrible dream." A dream that Carlton was dead. How ridiculous is that? The last thing I remember was falling asleep in front of the operating room; I must have fainted from fatigue.I removed the IV from my hand, wincing at the sharp pinch. Standing up, a wave of dizziness washed over me."Let's go back to the operating room." I said, trying to shake off the fog.Jace blocked my path, his expression somber. "Don't you remember?" he asked.I raised an eyebrow. "Remember what?"Jace's eyes locked onto mine, his voice firm but gentle. "It wasn't a dream, Samantha. Carlton is dead."My breath caught, and cold sweat drenched my skin. I turned away, con
"Why are you here?" I didn't let her speak. "After nine years." I choked back a sob.What would be her excuse? That she felt guilty for abandoning us for nine years and that she did it for our sake?I scoffed and released myself from Layla's grip. "I know you hate me, and there's no excuse that can make you change your mind about me."She moved closer, tears about to fall from her eyes.I stepped back as she continued to move forward."Stop! Go back to the hole you came from. Sarah and I don't want you, so just fucking leave and don't come back! And I hope you die a terrible death!"Tears fell from her eyes, her hands shaking as she tried to take my hand into hers, but I didn't give her the chance to.She was in tears, sobbing quietly."I was a coward, I'm aware of that. I also never wanted to show my face, but I have to, for you to know the real truth." She raised her head as if trying to suck back tears. "The real truth behind everything that happened." She continued. She looked al
I received a message from Ethan Russell, George's former lawyer, stating that I should come to Georgia as soon as possible to see what was in the house George left the key for me. I decided to go because I had been procrastinating for no reason, so I discussed it with Carlton and he approved, but he would have some people stay with me until I returned to Florida in case his brother tried anything. Here we are, at the airport, and he was seeing me off."You can still take the private jet, Samantha." He said, giving my arms a gentle squeeze. "No, Carlton, I'm fine taking the plane.""Okay." He turned to the two huge men in suits next to him, his expression stern. "Take care of her, nothing must happen to even a strand of her hair." He said. My eyes went to people murmuring as they walked by. "Look at those people, Carlton." He looked around. "What about them?" "These huge men? Nothing will happen, I can take care of myself. Moreover, your brother has been silent since forever.""And t
I stared out the window, watching for pharmacies so I could buy a new one or something else to use immediately. I hoped it would destroy whatever was building inside me.Carlton's hand gently stroked my thigh. "Don't you think this is too short? You'll catch a cold." He said."This is the only gown I have that isn't spaghetti-strapped or cleavage-revealing," I replied. "If you don't want me to catch a cold, you shouldn't have filled my wardrobe with those."The only reason I owned this short-sleeved, V-neck gown with subtle depth was cause Layla insisted it would look good on me during our shopping spree months ago.Carlton picked up his phone and started typing with one hand while keeping the other on the wheel."If you need anything else after the wardrobe change, let me know." He slipped his phone back into his jacket pocket.I went back to looking for pharmacies, then noticed we were out of the city, heading towards Calypso City, where I spent my childhood before moving to Miami t
SAMANTHAI stretched, moving my hand but then felt something huge and strong behind me. I slowly opened my eyes to find Carlton beside me. Everything that happened last night came flooding back. I had to admit, last night was better than the other nights we had together. I want to hate him, I really want to but... I can't–My heart doesn't want to. I slowly tilted my head up to see if he was awake, his eyes were still shut and he looked gorgeous even in his sleep. My hand trailed down his toned muscles but stopped at his groin, taking a look at his now resting cock which had me trembling last night. Tempted, my hand made its way down like it had a mind of its own, wanting to touch it. What was I doing? I immediately stopped and withdrew myself from him. Suddenly his hand pulled me back into his arms, I looked up at him, but his eyes were still shut."Touch it whenever you want to, it's all yours, do whatever you want to with it." His deep morning voice came. What was he spewing? All
After minutes of Passionate kissing and taking off our clothes in between. I withdrew myself from her, standing beside the bed. I gazed at her, mesmerized by her biting her bottom lip while caressing her nipple.I was so fucking hard but I needed to take things slowly.I walked over to my room's office area, grabbed the half-empty whiskey bottle, and poured a shot into my drinking glass. After taking a sip, I returned to the bed."What are you—?" She sat upright."From this moment on, till I'm done with you, you don't say a word till I give you permission to speak." I said.I knelt on the bed, carefully placing my drinking glass beside me. I yanked Samantha's legs, sliding her down toward me. The whiskey splashed on her body as I poured from the cup.She gasped. "Carlton.""No words." I warned firmly.I pressed myself against her, my lips finding hers once again. I don't think I'll ever get enough of her mouth, she tasted so fucking good. My lips trailed down her neck and then back to
"He's a monster now, Carlton." Jace said. Monster was an understatement. Alex had finally lost it all in the name of money. Just a week ago, we received a recording from the hitman's wife, proving Alex's involvement. She had recorded their conversation, sensing something was off– and I'm grateful she did.We also found out that Larsen and Alex were frequently seeing each other after Father's death, even on the day I was shot. The reason was still unknown, but we have tapes from security cameras that can prove they were working together. Who would have thought Larsen would be involved? Now I know why I never liked that asshole from day one.We didn't find anything linking Laura, and there hasn't been progress on Father's death. We tried convincing the housekeeper Jace met to testify in court, but she refused, saying she has a one-year-old son and doesn't want involvement. We can't force her, so we're looking for alternatives. The other housekeepers just vanished.Jace ordered his peopl
Samantha was using birth control pills, and I was aware of it, but I didn't question her. I was the type of person who fucks raw. I don't do condoms, they're like a barrier, and I hate barriers. So, her using pills during those times we had sex was fine with me. But now, those pills had to go.I took the pills from her purse while she was showering and returned to my room, flushing them down the toilet. I watched as the water swallowed them whole, and a smirk spread across my face. Phase one is done, on to phase two.Today, I lied about finding a clue about who was backing Alex, telling Samantha we'd go confirm it. Little did she know, we had an interesting, long day ahead. In casual attire, I waited impatiently downstairs. Finally, I heard footsteps and looked up to see her, beautiful as always, in formal attire with one side of her hair tucked behind her ear.Her brows furrowed in confusion. "What are you wearing?""My other clothes make me feel stuffy, so I decided to switch it up
We didn't exchange a word during the drive home. All I could think about was how to make her stay. If I brought out another contract, she wouldn't sign it. I needed something to compel her to stay, something that would leave her no choice.Upon arriving home, we saw Canyon and his family outside, looking worried. We stepped out and approached them."What's wrong?" I asked.Their expressions softened as their eyes fell on the towel covering my wound."We wanted to see Mrs. Williams, but suddenly some man came in and started threatening us. He's inside." Canyon said.My brows furrowed. "Some guy?" I walked past them and entered the house.Inside, I saw Alexander seated on the sofa, his legs crossed."Oh, brother, where have you been?" He stood up, smiling."What are you doing here?" I asked."I came to see you. Is something wrong with that?" He moved closer, and I instinctively positioned myself between him and Samantha."You're not welcome here, Alex."He put his hands behind him and s
I slowly opened my eyes, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through my body. I tried to stand, but it was like a weight was holding me down. I groaned, scanning the unfamiliar room. I glanced down at myself, realizing I was shirtless, with a clean towel covering my wound. How did I get here? Memories of collapsing onto Samantha's shoulders flooded back. Where was she?I pushed through the pain, hastily searching the room, clutching the towel to my wound. "Samantha?" I called out.Just as I reached for the door to search for her, she appeared, holding a glass of water. I pulled her into a tight hug, spilling some of the water. But instead of reciprocating, she quickly pulled away, avoiding eye contact."Here's a glass of water," she said, her voice detached, holding out the half-full glass. "They don't have a first aid kit here, so you'll need to go to the hospital or get it dressed at home."Her gaze still avoided mine."Look at me." I growled. She sighed. "I don't want to."I gently
CARLTON"What the fuck was that about, Carlton?" I heard Jace's footsteps move closer to me."I should be asking you that. How did she know I was here?" I put aside the papers in my hand and faced Jace, who had his brows furrowed in anger.He scoffed. "I sent it to her. That's not the issue here. Why are you treating her that way? Do you know what she went through when you weren't around? I don't think you do, because if you saw her, you wouldn't treat her like that."I saw everything while trying to keep an eye out for whoever sent the hitman, hoping they'd slip up. Of course, I knew who it was – I knew it was Alexander – but I didn't want to believe he could go to such extremes, so I needed proof, hence why I faked my death. Aunt Claire and Jace also knew I was alive, making it easier to stay hidden."Mind your business, Jace. Your job is to help me take down Alexander, not meddle in my personal life. You're in no position to lecture me. Now, sit and let's finalize the plan and stop