JOCELIA'S POVI drove to my father’s penthouse, feeling knots of anxiety twist in my stomach. I’d failed to get Sylvia out of Grayson’s life, lost the court case, and now Grayson had thrown me out. Sylvia was closer to him than ever. My grip on the steering wheel tightened as I imagined the fury I was about to face.I glanced in the rearview mirror at the bags in the backseat, a tear escaping my eye. I quickly wiped it away, trying to steady myself before facing my father’s anger.I finally pulled up to the penthouse and sat in the car for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The drive had been exhausting, and I needed a minute to collect my thoughts. I finally got out and approached the building staff, asking them to bring up my bags and luggage. They nodded and began to handle the heavy lifting.I walked over to the elevator, pressing the button to the top floor. As the doors slid open, I stepped inside, my mind racing with everything I had to do. I could already imagine
SYLVIA'S POV I woke up the next morning with my head resting on Grayson's chest. His steady heartbeat was comforting, and I couldn’t help but smile as I looked up at him. “Careful not to fall in love,” Gray murmured with his eyes still closed, his voice carrying a teasing note. I chuckled softly and playfully hit him with a pillow. “You’re so full of it,” I said, smiling at Grayson, who chuckled at the exchange. Grayson wrapped an arm around me briefly before I got up. “I’ve got to get the kids ready for school,” I said, stretching and heading toward the bathroom. As I walked away, I heard Grayson’s soft laughter behind me, and I felt a warmth in my chest that made getting up early a little easier. I walked into the kids’ room and found them still curled up under their blankets. I leaned in and gently shook them awake, but they just burrowed deeper, pretending to stay asleep. Smiling, I decided it was time for a little fun. I started tickling them, and soon enough, their gigg
SYLVIA'S POVI glanced over at Grayson as I finished getting ready. He was leaning against the doorframe, watching me with that familiar, intense gaze. I smiled at him through the mirror.He strolled over, wrapping his arms around me from behind and pressing a soft kiss to my neck. “You’re making me late,” I teased, trying to sound exasperated, though I couldn't hide the smile on my face.Grayson grunted softly, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Alright alright.....go on then, finish up. I’ll wait.”With a playful roll of my eyes, I slipped into my shoes and grabbed my purse. “Alright, alright. Let’s get out of here before we’re both late,Grayson and I stood by the door, the weight of the conversation settling between us. "I'll call my real estate agent and have him start looking for a place for us today," Grayson said, his tone steady but with an edge of urgency.I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness. "I’d like to come along. I want to see the places too."Grayson raised
JOCELIA'S POVI woke up that Monday morning feeling the weight of my troubles pressing down on me. As I stumbled out of bed, my head pounded with each step. I shuffled over to the mirror and took in the sight: dark bags under my eyes, dried tears streaking down my cheeks, and smudged eyeliner from last night’s breakdown. My hair was a mess, just like my life.Just as I was trying to pull myself together, the door to my room swung open. It was the new maid, and she hadn’t knocked. I lost it immediately. I shouted at her, calling her a fool for barging in, and before I could stop myself, I slapped her. I told her that if she ever came into my room without knocking again, I’d make sure her life was a living hell.The maid was crying, saying she was new and didn’t realize someone was in the room—this was only her second day, and there had been no one in the room yesterday. I told her to make my bed, and as she worked, I asked if my dad was awake.“Yes,” she replied through her tears. “He
ALICE'S POVI sat in the upscale café, the soft hum of conversations creating a low background buzz. The elegant decor and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee provided a calming atmosphere, a stark contrast to the tension I felt about to unfold. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I waited for Konrad and Jocelia to join me at the table.The waitress arrived, her notepad poised and ready. "Good afternoon. Can I take your orders?"I looked up from my menu, my gaze steady. "I'll have a cup of tea and some cookies, please."Konrad, his face set in a mask of stoic seriousness, glanced at Jocelia before replying. "Just bring me a glass of your finest gin and we won’t be needing anything at the moment, thank you."The waitress nodded and walked away, her footsteps fading as she headed back to the kitchen. I turned my full attention to Konrad and Jocelia, my mind racing through the details I needed to cover.“Now that we’re settled,” I began, my voice calm but firm, “we need to ad
ALICE'S POVKonrad took a sip of his drink, his gaze never leaving mine. He was contemplating, I could tell. "Fine. Say we entertain this idea of yours. What exactly do you propose?"I smiled, sensing the shift in his attitude. "We work together to undermine Grayson’s foothold. I have access to information and resources that can be beneficial to both of us. With your influence and my connections, we can create a formidable front."Konrad’s eyes narrowed as he considered my proposal. "And what makes you think I can trust you? You’ve played dirty before, and your reputation precedes you."I met his stare head-on. "Trust is a luxury we can’t afford. But mutual benefit is something we can both understand. I’m not asking for blind trust; I’m asking for a partnership based on clear, mutual goals."Jocelia looked skeptical. “And how do you propose we do that?”“Simple, we frame him” I sipped my tea, relishing the warmth as it flowed down my throat. Across from me, Konrad shifted uneasily in
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
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