TODD'S POVI watched my kids as they walked alongside Zenith and Zendaya, their laughter blending with the sounds of the park. My wife was keeping Sylvia distracted, making small talk while our kids subtly drew hers away. I had already briefed my kids on our plan and what we needed to do. Our contractor had laid out all the necessary information: hurt and frustrate her kids until they wanted to leave New York.As I observed them, I couldn't help but think about the secrecy surrounding this job. We still didn't know who had hired us; they kept their identity hidden, which told me they meant serious business. It also meant that we absolutely couldn’t afford to fail."Hey, Todd," Sylvia called out, pulling me back to the present. "Everything okay?""Yeah, just making sure the kids are having fun," I replied with a smile, masking my true intentions.I watched as my kids executed the plan, nudging Zenith and Zendaya towards a more secluded area of the park. This was just the beginning, and
JOCELIA'S POVI leaned forward, locking eyes with Judge Edwards. "Here's what you're going to do. On the day of the court hearing, you will rule against Slyvia. You will impose sanctions and suspend her real estate license. She will face prison time, and her kids will go into the foster system. And I will ensure they end up with the worst foster parents imaginable."Judge Edwards looked horrified. "What if I refuse?"I smirked, leaning back in my chair. "If you refuse, I'll ruin your life. I'll make sure your wife divorces you, taking all your wealth and properties. I'll expose every bribe and corrupt deal you've ever made. Your kids will hate you and leave to live with their mother. You'll be disgraced, and your law license will be revoked. You'll lose everything, Edward."He swallowed hard, his face pale. "You can't do that...""Oh, but I can. And I will. So, are you going to cooperate, or do I need to start making calls?" I raised an eyebrow, watching him squirm.He sighed, defeate
GRAYSON'S POVI woke up that Saturday morning, feeling the empty space beside me in bed. Jocelia must have left early. She’d thrown a fit about sleeping in my room last night, and I’d been too exhausted to argue. I groaned and yawned, rubbing my eyes with my hands before getting out of bed, my hair a complete mess.I glanced around the room, still half-asleep. Jocelia's perfume lingered in the air, a reminder of the late-night argument. Stretching, I shuffled to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face to wake up fully. As I brushed my teeth, I thought about how complicated things had become.Jocelia's relentless pursuit of being in my life was wearing me down. I didn't want to think about her right now, but it was hard to ignore her constant presence. I sighed, rinsing my mouth and running a hand through my hair, trying to tame it somewhat.Heading downstairs, I wondered where she might have gone. Her ambitious nature probably meant she was off scheming somewhere. I poured mysel
REX'S POVI saw Zendaya looking for the other kid. The girl had dragged Zendaya away from the others in the park, telling her they should play over there. Zendaya tried to refuse, but the girl urged her to go, saying their parents were still present and they wouldn't get lost. I knew something was off, so I followed them to the other side of the park, away from Slyvia and her new neighbors.Grayson had hired me to look after Slyvia and her kids, and I intended to take my job seriously. I watched as the other girl suggested playing hide and seek. Zendaya closed her eyes, counting to ten, while the other girl ran off and left her. I slowly approached as Zendaya began to cry, looking for her mother."Hey there, kiddo," I said softly, kneeling down to her level. "You okay? Where's your friend?"Zendaya wiped her tears, looking around frantically. "She ran away... I don't know where she went.""Don't worry, we'll find her," I assured her, taking her hand. "Let's get you back to your mom fi
SLYVIA'S POVAs I got home, I ushered the kids inside, trying to shake off the tension from the park. I sat Zenith down on the couch, his face still streaked with dried tears. "Alright, buddy, let's get you cleaned up," I said softly."Zendaya, can you get your favorite book and read it to Zenith while I get some first aid supplies?" I asked, trying to keep her occupied and calm."Okay, Mommy," Zendaya replied, heading to her room to fetch the book.I quickly went to the bathroom, rummaging through the cabinet for the first aid kit. My mind was racing, replaying the events at the park, but I forced myself to focus. I grabbed the kit and headed back to the living room.Zenith was sitting quietly, his little legs swinging off the edge of the couch. Zendaya had already started reading, her soft voice filling the room with a familiar story."Alright, sweetheart, let's take care of those bruises," I said as I knelt in front of Zenith. I carefully dabbed antiseptic on his knees and elbows,
GRAYSON'S POVAs I walked back to my room, I couldn't shake the thoughts of Sylvia from my mind. I decided to draw a bath, hoping the warm water might help me relax and clear my head.I filled the tub and slowly sank into it, the water enveloping me as I let out a deep sigh. I submerged my head, looking up through the rippling surface. The world above looked distorted and far away, just like my thoughts.Sylvia had always been strong, but the constant battles she faced, especially now with the media tearing her apart, weighed heavily on me. I wanted to be there for her, to protect her from all of this, but she needed space.As I resurfaced, I thought about how to help her from a distance. Maybe I could pull some strings, use my connections to get the media off her back. But for now, I just let the warm water wash over me, trying to find some clarity in the chaos.As I tried to relax in the tub, my phone buzzed again. I reached over to the side of the tub and saw it was a voice note fr
GRAYSON'S POVI finally stopped punching the bag, my arms aching and sweat pouring down my face. The gym session had helped a bit, but I still felt the weight of everything pressing down on me. I removed the gloves, tossing them aside, and headed back to my room.Once inside, I peeled off my gym clothes and stepped into the shower. The hot water cascaded over me, washing away the sweat and tension. I stood there for a moment, letting the warmth soothe my sore muscles. My thoughts drifted back to Sylvia and the kids, the media frenzy, and the impending meeting with Mr. Konrad.After a while, I turned off the water and grabbed a towel, drying off before wrapping it around my waist. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, taking a deep breath to steady myself. I needed to be composed for whatever was coming next.I stepped out of the shower, feeling somewhat refreshed, only to find Jocelia sitting on my bed. She looked up as I entered, her expression unreadable."I'm taking some of my t
SLYVIA'S POVI was sitting on the couch with my kids, enjoying a quiet meal together, when my phone buzzed. Glancing at it, I saw an official email from Lockwood Corporation. "What the hell is this?" I muttered, opening it. It was an invitation to some event, sent at the last minute. Why on earth were they sending this now and not days before?Just as I was about to set my phone down, another email notification popped up. My heart sank as I read it. This one felt almost like a threat, stating that I had to attend the event or they would terminate our partnership and bury me in a lawsuit, on top of the one I was already dealing with.I looked at my kids, their innocent faces blissfully unaware of the storm brewing. "Mommy needs to handle something," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. I couldn't believe the audacity of Lockwood. This wasn't just a business move—it was a power play, and it felt personal.As I sat there, the email glaring up at me from my phone screen, a thought cro
SYLVIA'S POVThe music filled the room, a soft melody that perfectly matched the elegance of the moment. I stood with the crowd, cheering as Raymond and Beverly cut their wedding cake, the sweetness of the day mirrored in the layers of cream and sponge. I felt a tear slip down my cheek as I watched them share a kiss, a symbol of the love they had found in each other. It was a love that had grown stronger despite the odds, and seeing them now, so happy and so in love, filled my heart with an overwhelming sense of joy."Cheers to the newlyweds!" someone called out, raising a glass of champagne. The room erupted into applause and laughter, and I joined in, lifting my own glass before taking a small sip. The bubbles danced on my tongue, but the real celebration was in my heart. Two of the people I cared about the most had just vowed to spend their lives together, and I couldn't be happier for them.I watched as Grayson approached me, his smile wide and warm. He slipped his arms around me
SYLVIA'S POVI pushed my cart to the checkout line, trying to ignore the hum of the supermarket's television broadcasting the latest news. The report was a grim reminder of the chaos that had overtaken my life these past few weeks. Alice had managed to evade capture, despite the police's best efforts, and now her escape was dominating the headlines. The screen showed a grainy image of Alice from a surveillance camera, her face partially obscured as she slipped away. Todd Marlon and his wife, the couple who helped her, were also being sought, but it was clear Alice was the priority.My fingers tapped impatiently on the shopping cart handle as I waited for the cashier to finish scanning my groceries. I could hardly focus on the small talk she tried to make. My mind kept drifting back to the kids—Zenith and Zendaya—and the constant fear that loomed over us. As long as Alice was out there, nothing felt secure. My chest tightened just thinking about it.I paid for the groceries, my movemen
ALICE'S POVI could hear the buzzing of news reporters and paparazzi as my car came to a stop. The flashing cameras and shouted questions were almost deafening. I adjusted my black pantsuit, the fabric feeling too tight and heavy as I prepared for the day ahead. This wasn’t how I had envisioned my court hearing. The last few weeks had been a whirlwind of stress and paranoia. I’d been so engrossed in my schemes that I failed to notice the net closing around me.Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself. The reality of the situation was sinking in—I hadn’t managed to cover my tracks as thoroughly as I’d thought. The thought of being caught off-guard was infuriating. My only real ace in the hole was the fact that I technically owned Lockwood; it’s hard to embezzle from a company you own. The charges against me were primarily about being an accomplice in the kidnapping of Zenith and Zendaya. But I was confident there was no solid evidence linking me directly to the crime. Beverly was
GRAYSON'S POVI stood in front of the mirror, struggling to get my tie just right. No matter how many times I adjusted it, it wouldn’t stay in place. The knot seemed to mock my efforts, slipping just out of reach of perfection. As I fumbled with the silk, I felt Sylvia’s presence behind me. Her gentle touch on my shoulders was a comforting contrast to my frustration.“Let me help,” she said softly. Her hands moved with practiced ease, guiding the tie into place. I felt her warmth as she adjusted the fabric, smoothing it down and securing it. When she finished, she gave a reassuring pat on my shoulders. Her eyes, usually so full of confidence, held a hint of worry. I could tell she was anxious about the upcoming meeting, about what this day might bring.“It’ll be okay,” I said, turning to face her. “Everything’s going to be fine.”Sylvia gave me a small, but hopeful smile. Her hands lingered for a moment before she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to my lips. I kissed her back, trying
GRAYSON'S POVStepping off the private jet, the crisp New York air hit me with its familiar bite. I inhaled deeply, a mix of relief and anticipation washing over me. My eyes wandered to the tarmac where Sylvia and the kids were just stepping down the jet’s stairs. Zenith and Zendaya, holding onto their mother’s hands, looked up at me with wide, curious eyes.Paul and Stewart stood nearby, their faces lighting up as they saw me approaching. I broke into a smile and headed towards them. Paul extended his arms in a welcoming gesture, and I embraced him warmly. “Good to see you, Paul,” I said, giving him a firm pat on the back. I turned to Stewart, giving him a friendly hug as well. “And you, Stewart. It’s been too long.”As we pulled apart, Stewart nodded. “We have much to discuss. I’m glad you’re back.”Paul and Stewart greeted Sylvia next, and Paul’s eyes softened as he looked at the kids. “Look at you two! You’ve grown so much,” he said, making Zenith and Zendaya giggle and smile shyl
ALICE'S POVI sat at my desk, staring at the email on my desktop screen. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This was a game-changer, a lifeline that I desperately needed. Another company, completely out of the blue, was willing to buy 72% of the shares in Lockwood Corporation. Lockwood’s value had been steadily climbing, and at present, those shares were worth around 96 billion dollars. My heart pounded with excitement and fear. This was my chance, my way out. The risks were enormous, but so were the rewards.The document of ownership for Lockwood Corporation was a ticking time bomb. I knew that. It was only a matter of time before it was contested. Taking Lockwood public was out of the question, not with the shadows looming over its ownership. But with this offer, I wouldn’t need to go public. I wouldn’t need to worry about the document anymore. Once the sale went through, I could embezzle the money, and by the time anyone realized what had happened, William and I would be long go
SYLVIA'S POVThe night sky was a canvas of flickering lights as I stood there, taking in the beauty of it all. The warm, balmy air of Rio wrapped around me like a comforting blanket, and the sound of music and laughter filled the air. It was a perfect night, a celebration of everything we had worked so hard to achieve. The lighters—thousands of them—filled the sky, their soft glow reflecting the joy and camaraderie that had blossomed within this community.I spotted Grayson on the dance floor, moving with a rhythm and grace that made me smile. He was in his element, completely at ease with the people around him, people who had once been strangers but had now become like family to us. I watched him for a moment, content to observe, to bask in the happiness that radiated from him.But then, as if sensing my gaze, Grayson turned and caught my eye. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he began to make his way toward me. I knew what was coming before he even reached me."No, no, no
ALICE'S POVAs I leaned back in my office chair, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I signed off on yet another large sum of money being transferred to one of my offshore accounts. It had become a routine by now—a safety net I’d meticulously built over the past year, in case things ever went south. With each transfer, I felt a little more secure, a little more prepared for any surprises that might arise.It had been over a year since anyone had seen or heard from Grayson, Sylvia, or her children. They had vanished without a trace, leaving behind a wake of speculation and rumors. I had my theories about what happened, of course. Perhaps they were hiding, licking their wounds after the disaster that was Sylvia’s trial. Or maybe, just maybe, they were plotting their return, waiting for the perfect moment to strike back. That last thought always sent a chill down my spine, but I quickly dismissed it. They had been gone too long, and I had taken too many precautions to wor
SYLVIA'S POVI stood in the living room, my eyes locked on the bags Grayson had packed for us. They just sat there, lifeless and heavy, like the weight pressing down on my heart. This wasn’t how I imagined our lives would turn out—sneaking away in the dead of night as if we were fugitives. But this wasn’t about starting fresh anymore; it was about survival, about protecting my children from Alice and Konrad. Grayson had made it clear: we had to leave, and we had to leave now.I paced back and forth, anxiety gnawing at me with every passing second. Where were my children? They should have been here by now. My mind raced, pushing away the worst-case scenarios that kept creeping in. What if something had gone wrong? What if we were already too late?A hand touched my shoulder, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts. I turned to see Raymond standing there, his expression calm, yet concerned. “They’ll be fine,” he said, his voice steady, trying to reassure me.I nodded, even though I wasn’t