JOCELIA'S POVI couldn't believe it. How had Slyvia managed to outwit me? I had invited her here to embarrass her, to disgrace her in front of everyone. But now, instead of her, it was me who everyone was staring at, gossiping about. I stood at the edge of the room, fidgeting with my clutch, my mind racing.The humiliation was unbearable. I glanced around the room, seeing the smirks and whispers directed my way. Slyvia had completely turned the tables on me, and I was the one left standing in the spotlight, looking like a fool.I tried to compose myself, smoothing down my dress and taking a deep breath. This wasn't over. I wouldn't let it be over. Slyvia might have won this round, but I wasn't finished yet. I watched her move through the crowd, her confidence radiating, and it only fueled my anger more.How could she do this to me? How could she walk in here, looking so perfect, and just... destroy my plan? I saw Grayson looking her way, the way he looked at her with that mix of admir
SLYVIA'S POVI continued to make small talk with the people and executives of Lockwood Co., my smile unwavering despite the tension simmering beneath the surface. Every handshake and nod was a reminder of the stakes."Don't worry about the lawsuit," I said with as much confidence as I could muster, "The claims are completely false, and we have a strong case. We'll win this."Some nodded sympathetically, while others offered words of encouragement. Each conversation felt like a small battle, but I needed to maintain my composure. I couldn't afford to show any signs of weakness.A few executives raised concerns about the potential impact on our partnership. I reassured them, explaining how my team of lawyers was on top of everything and that this was just a bump in the road. "These things happen," I told them, "But we're prepared and fully committed to seeing this through."As I moved through the room, I could feel eyes on me—some curious, others skeptical. But I had to keep going, keep
SLYVIA'S POVAlice walks up to where I'm standing, a smug smile playing on her lips. "Impressive," she says, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "The way you handled yourself with Jocelia."I narrow my eyes at her. "Why are you here talking to me, Alice?"She shrugs coyly. "Can't I make small talk? After all, the last time we spoke, you smacked me in the face." She touches her cheek, feigning hurt.I can't help but smirk, feeling a small sense of pride. "Yeah, I remember."Alice's eyes flash with something dark. "How are the kids, Slyvia?"My smirk fades, replaced by a warning glare. "Keep my kids' names out of your mouth, Alice, or you might receive another slap."She laughs softly, a cold, mocking sound. "Oh, look at you. You think you're so smart, so tough. You have no idea what's coming for you."I step closer, my voice low and dangerous. "Try me, Alice. I'm not backing down."She raises an eyebrow, still smiling that infuriating smile. "We'll see about that."As she walks aw
SLYVIA'S POVSunday was always a busy day, and this one was no different. I spread out my papers and evidence across the dining table, the weight of the case pressing down on me. Each document, each piece of evidence was a lifeline in the storm that was about to hit. As I reviewed everything, my eyes drifted to the living room where the kids were playing. Their laughter filled the apartment, a stark contrast to the anxiety I felt.I smiled warmly, knowing that every effort, every sleepless night, was for them. They were my world, and I would fight to my dying breath to win this battle for their future.Taking a break from the papers, I moved to the kitchen. Cooking was never my forte, but I tried my best. I chopped vegetables, stirred pots, and made sure the kids had a wholesome meal. Despite the stress, I wanted them to have some semblance of normalcy."Mommy, can we have spaghetti?" Zenith asked, his eyes lighting up."Sure, sweetheart. Spaghetti it is," I replied, ruffling his hair
SLYVIA'S POVI woke up that Monday feeling anxious, the weight of the impending court date pressing heavily on my mind. My first priority was preparing the kids for school. I made their breakfast, the familiar routine bringing a small sense of normalcy. As I scrambled some eggs and buttered their toast, I couldn't help but think about the long day ahead.After breakfast, I hurried the kids to get dressed and grabbed their backpacks. We headed out the door and drove to school, where, as expected, a mountain of paparazzi awaited us. They were lined up behind the barricade, shouting my name and bombarding me with questions. I kept my head down and ignored them, focusing on getting the kids inside safely.Once we were inside the school, I took a moment to breathe. I walked the kids to their classrooms and saw Beverly, the school secretary, standing by the door. We greeted each other warmly."Hey, Beverly," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "The court date is today."Beverly's face s
GRAYSON'S POVStewart and I sat down, the tension thick in the air. With a swift motion, Stewart tossed a file onto the coffee table in front of Judge Edwards. I leaned back, crossing my legs, a smirk playing at the corners of my lips as I watched Edwards's reaction."Pick it up," I said calmly.Edwards hesitated but then reached for the file. His eyes scanned the contents, widening in shock as he realized what it contained: evidence of his bribery and drug abuse. He looked up at us, his face pale, swallowing hard.Stewart leaned forward, his voice steady. "We know you’ve been compromised. They're using your past crimes to manipulate you."Edwards's mouth opened and closed, struggling to find words. He was clearly panicking.I decided it was time to lay it out clearly. "You’re going to go to court today, and you’re going to judge this case fairly," I said, my tone firm. "If you don’t, I will make sure your career ends. I could easily tell you to rule in Sylvia's favor, regardless of t
SLYVIA'S POVAs we drove to the courthouse, I glanced over at Lisa, my assistant. Her hands were trembling slightly. Reaching out, I took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll get through this,” I said, offering her a warm smile. She nodded and returned my smile, a bit of the tension easing from her face.When we arrived, the scene was chaotic. Reporters and paparazzi swarmed us, shouting questions and snapping photos. My security team did their best to keep the crowd at bay. Amidst the noise, I heard someone call my name. The voice was familiar. I turned and saw Raymond pushing through the crowd.“Let him through,” I instructed my team.Raymond reached me, and we embraced tightly. “I’m here, I’m here,” he murmured as we hugged.“Thank you for being here,” I whispered back, feeling a surge of relief and gratitude.With Raymond by my side, we made our way into the courthouse. The chaos outside was a stark contrast to the solemn, almost oppressive atmosphere insideEntering
RAYMOND'S POVAs we settled into the back seat of the car, I put my arm around Sylvia, and she rested her head on my shoulder. I gazed out the window, the city lights blurring past, lost in my thoughts. I knew I needed to be there for her, to support her through this ordeal. But I couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of my mind—the awareness that I had to compete with Grayson. As much as I didn't want to admit it, being back in New York brought those insecurities to the surface. Grayson had a way of making me feel... threatened.We drove to Sylvia's workplace, where she gathered her staff together. I watched as she thanked everyone, her voice strong and steady despite the day’s events. "Prepare for tomorrow," she told them, her tone filled with determination. Her strength amazed me.Once we were back in the car, I took the wheel and we drove back to her apartment. The ride was mostly silent, both of us wrapped up in our thoughts. I could see the fatigue in her eyes, the wei
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