ALICE'S POVI sat across from Konrad in the dimly lit room of his office. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and the air seemed to vibrate with the weight of our high-stakes negotiation. Konrad, with his sharp features and authoritative presence, looked at me with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. His gaze was intense, almost like it could cut through any pretense.“Why would you do something like this for me and my company?” Konrad asked, his voice measured but clearly skeptical. “You’ve always been a greedy bastard. Why would you share a piece of the Lockwood pie with us?”I smirked, keeping my expression cool and calculated despite the swirl of thoughts in my head. “Oh, I’m still a greedy bastard, Konrad. Don’t get me wrong. But this isn’t about altruism or some sudden change of heart. This is about creating a situation where we all win.”I leaned back in my chair, tapping lightly on the armrests. “Think of it as a strategic move. You’re getting a significant stake in Lockwood,
ALICE'S POVI gathered myself in my sit “Konrad, I need you to persuade the board members,” I began, my voice steady and authoritative. “Get them on our side so that we can push through the vote to remove Grayson as CEO. This is crucial. If we’re going to make a move, it has to be calculated and precise.”Konrad leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “And what about you, Alice? What will you be doing while I’m handling the board?”I met his gaze without flinching. “I’ll be pushing the motion from our end. I need to ensure that the proposal is not only solid but also appealing to the key stakeholders. My presence at the meeting will reinforce our commitment to the cause.”Konrad’s smile widened, a mixture of approval and cunning. “Alright then. I’ll get to work on persuading the board. We should have everything lined up in a few days. I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”As he stood to leave, Konrad turned to Jocelia, who had been quietly observing from a corner o
ALICE'S POVThe restaurant was emptying now, perfect for intimate conversations. William and I were still seated in a secluded corner, away from the other diners. A large round table, covered with crisp white linen, held a few scattered papers and a steaming cup of coffee that I sipped absentmindedly.William shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a frown creasing his brow as he looked across the table at me. “So, why didn’t you tell me this was your plan? Working with Mr. Konrad and Jocelia? I held back my opinions in their presence because I didn’t want them to see us as a united front, but now I’m starting to wonder what the point was.”I looked up from my coffee, a knowing smile curling on my lips. “Good thing you didn’t let on. I’m actually not planning to work with Konrad and Jocelia. It was all a ruse, a smokescreen. Their plan will never work.”William blinked in confusion. “Wait, what? But you laid out this entire elaborate scheme involving Konrad and Jocelia. Are you saying it’s
ALICE'S POVWilliam and I still sat in out seats eating the fluffy pie, surrounded by the rich aroma of glavours and old books. I could feel he was still puzzled about the whole thing, I sighed knowing he wanted to say something again. William leaned back in his chair, his frown deepening as he listened to my latest scheme.“So, let me get this straight,” William said, narrowing his eyes as he tried to grasp my plan. “You want Konrad to not only give us Grayson’s shares but also agree to a marriage proposal for his daughter, Jocelia?”I nodded slightly, maintaining my usual composed demeanor. “Exactly. Konrad is driven by his ego and his need for respect. If we play this right, he’ll be so blinded by the prospect of marrying his daughter to Grayson and the chance to rejuvenate his failing company that he won’t see the real danger. He’ll be too busy gloating over his daughter’s marriage and the revival of his company to notice our true intentions.”William’s mouth dropped open slightly
JOCELIA'S POVMy dad yanked my arm with a force that left no room for hesitation. "Get in the car, Jocelia," he demanded, his voice brooking no argument. I resisted briefly, my instincts screaming that this was a bad idea, but I knew better than to push him further. The tension between us was palpable, and I could tell he was in no mood for discussion.As I climbed into the passenger seat, I shot him a look. "Dad, I don't trust Alice. Agreeing to work with her might be a trap," I said, my voice edged with frustration.Konrad didn’t even glance at me. His focus remained on starting the engine and maneuvering out of the parking space. "You worked with Alice before to get Sylvia out of Grayson's life. Remember that?"I sighed, feeling the weight of the past pressing down on me. "That was different. Look how that ended. I got screwed over in the end."Konrad’s face hardened, his eyes narrowing in irritation. "It's no different now. You got screwed over because of your own stupidness and l
GRAYSON'S POVI stood in my sleek, modern bathroom, the morning sun filtering softly through the frosted glass. The space was minimalist perfection: white marble countertops, chrome fixtures, and a glass-enclosed shower. I gingerly stepped into the shower, mindful of the fresh scar on my neck from the recent fall that had left me injured and in need of surgery. The warm water was soothing, but I kept my movements slow and careful, avoiding any direct pressure on the tender area.As I washed away the remnants of sleep and the stress of the past weeks, my mind wandered to Sylvia. Rekindling our relationship had been on my mind ever since the court case wrapped up, and I felt a surge of determination. If I wanted a future with her and the kids, I needed to start by setting things right and securing my position, both personally and professionally.I finished my shower, dried off with a fluffy towel, and dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. My phone buzzed on the vanity, and I glanced at it
GRAYSON'S POVI sat onto my bed, feeling the weight of the day pressing down on me as I cradled my phone between my shoulder and ear. My mind had been racing for hours, grappling with how to protect my family from Alice and William’s scheming. Stewart’s voice crackled through the receiver, a steady presence amid my swirling thoughts.“So, have you figured out a strategy?” Stewart’s question cut through my haze of contemplation.I exhaled slowly, trying to find the clarity I needed. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what Alice and William might try next. I’ve decided it’s time to act decisively.”Stewart’s voice was attentive, a steady anchor in the storm. “I’m all ears. What’s the plan?”I glanced at the framed photographs on my bedside table, each one a reminder of what I was fighting for: Zenith and Zendaya. I cleared my throat and began, “I’m going to put 90% of my shares in Lockwood into a trust fund for Zenith and Zendaya. The trust will be set up so that while I’ll control it for
GRAYSON'S POVAs I started to leave my room, a glint of something caught my eye in the mirror. I paused, taking in my reflection. The suit I had on was sharp, tailored to perfection, but too formal for what was supposed to be a casual day. I wasn’t headed to a board meeting or some gala event—I was just going apartment hunting with Sylvia.“This is a bit much, isn’t it?” I muttered to myself.I shook my head, smirking at how easily I could slip into ‘business mode’ without even thinking. With a quick decision, I shrugged off the suit jacket, tossed it on the bed, and started unbuttoning the dress shirt. In its place, I picked out a crisp Armani white shirt and paired it with dark, tailored pants. I finished the look with a pair of dark mirrored sunglasses, feeling more at ease with the balance between casual and polished.As I left the room, I could hear Sylvia’s car pulling into the driveway. I paused at the top of the staircase, listening to the familiar hum of her engine as it came
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