ALICE'S POVI arrived home with a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction after a long day of scheming. The driver pulled up to the grand entrance of my estate, and as he opened the door for me, I stepped out gracefully, letting the cool evening air wash over me. My heels clicked against the cobblestone path as I walked towards the door, feeling the weight of the day's accomplishments on my shoulders. Mama needed her rest, after all.But before I could reach the sanctuary of my home, my phone buzzed in my purse. I pulled it out and saw Todd's name flashing on the screen. I answered it, my voice smooth and controlled. "Todd," I greeted him, already knowing the purpose of his call."It's done," he reported, his voice steady, professional. Just as I’d trained him."Good. And precautions?" I asked, though I already knew the answer. Todd was nothing if not thorough."Taken care of. No loose ends.""Excellent," I purred, feeling a sense of satisfaction ripple through me. "The money will be wired
GRAYSON'S POVI stepped out of my office, the weight of the day hanging on my shoulders, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was just another day at the top, where the world and its demands never seemed to let up. I walked into my private elevator, the familiar hum of the machinery doing little to distract me from the monotony of my routine. The doors slid shut, and I pressed the button for the ground floor, thinking about how much I was looking forward to getting home, to unwinding with a glass of whiskey and a good book—or maybe just zoning out in front of the TV for a change.The elevator descended smoothly, and when the doors opened, Paul was already there, waiting for me as usual. We exchanged nods, a silent understanding passing between us. Paul was the kind of man you could rely on—steady, unflappable, and always in control. We walked together to the garage, the click of our shoes echoing in the quiet space.Just as we were about to reach my car, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I
GRAYSON'S POVI told Paul to stop the car, my voice steady but firm. He glanced at me, concern etched into his features, but he didn't question my command. "Paul, I have to meet Konrad alone," I explained, already bracing myself for what was coming. "I can't risk you being there, and I sure as hell can't risk Konrad harming the kids if he sees you with me."Paul tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles white against the dark leather. "What about Sylvia?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck as I looked out the window, trying to gather my thoughts. "Don't tell Sylvia it was Konrad who took the kids. Not yet, at least. If she knows, she might get emotional, panic, and call the cops, which could make Konrad desperate. And we both know what that means."Paul’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, his concern now palpable. "Are you sure about this?""I don’t have a choice," I replied, my voice thick with determination. "I need to k
SYLVIA'S POVI paced frantically across my bedroom, the walls closing in around me with every second that passed without my children. My heart raced, and my thoughts spun out of control as fear gripped me like a vice. Where were they? Who would have taken them? Alice? Jocelia? A thousand scenarios flashed through my mind, each one more terrifying than the last. Tears blurred my vision, and I stumbled toward my phone, hands shaking as I dialed Beverly’s number."Beverly, please pick up, please…" I muttered, my voice trembling with desperation. When she finally answered, I couldn’t hold back the sobs that erupted from my chest."Sylvia? Sylvia, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?" Beverly’s voice was laced with concern, and I could hear Raymond in the background asking what was happening."My kids, Beverly! My kids are missing!" I cried out, my voice cracking under the weight of my terror. The words felt unreal, like I was speaking them in a nightmare from which I couldn’t wake."What? Sy
GRAYSON'S POVI stepped into Konrad's penthouse, the tension already thick in the air. The sleek modern decor, with its minimalist design and large windows overlooking the city, seemed at odds with the dark intentions that brought me here. The lights of the city twinkled below, a stark contrast to the shadowy dealings that were about to unfold. Konrad stood by the window, a glass of wine in hand, looking out over the sprawling metropolis as if he owned it all. The man had always been arrogant, but tonight there was something more sinister in his posture.I approached him cautiously, my footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. As I got closer, I noticed Jocelia limping into the living room, her face twisted in pain. She winced with each step, clearly struggling, but I couldn’t bring myself to care. After everything she’d done, after all the chaos and destruction she had wrought in my life and Sylvia’s, any sympathy I might have had for her was long gone. My concern was solely for my kids
I sat on the couch, trying to steady my breathing as the penthouse felt suffocatingly quiet. The silence was heavy, almost unbearable. My heart ached with every beat, the worry gnawing at me like a relentless predator. Zenith and Zendaya, my babies, were out there somewhere, and I had no idea where. My hands were trembling, and I could barely focus on anything around me. The buzzer from the intercom jolted me out of my thoughts.Paul glanced at me, silently asking if he should answer. I nodded, trying to compose myself. He pressed the button, and Raymond's voice crackled through the speaker, "It's me and Beverly. Let us in."Paul looked at me for confirmation, and I managed a small nod. He buzzed them in, and I could hear the elevator ascending. My heart raced with a mix of anticipation and fear. The moment the elevator doors opened, Beverly rushed towards me, her arms wide open. I stood up, and as soon as she reached me, I collapsed into her embrace. The tears I had been holding back
GRAYSON'S POVI stepped out onto Konrad's penthouse balcony, the cool evening breeze brushing against my face as I tried to steady my racing thoughts. The city sprawled beneath me, lights twinkling like stars fallen to earth, oblivious to the turmoil consuming me. I gripped the railing tightly, my knuckles turning white as the weight of the decision before me pressed down heavily on my shoulders.Marry Jocelia or risk the lives of Sylvia's children. An impossible choice, a cruel game orchestrated by a man who reveled in manipulation and control. My heart ached at the thought of Sylvia's face contorted in pain, her trust shattered, and the innocent smiles of Zenith and Zendaya replaced by fear and betrayal. A single tear escaped my eye, trailing down my cheek before I hastily wiped it away. There was no time for weakness, no room for despair. I needed to think, to strategize, to find a way out of this nightmare.I closed my eyes, taking a deep, steadying breath as I began to calculate,
GRAYSON'S POVThe air was thick with tension as I stood on the balcony, staring down at the busy city streets far below. My mind was racing, trying to piece together how everything had spiraled so far out of control. Just a few weeks ago, I had been dealing with the normal headaches of running a business, and now... now I was dealing with a woman I once cared for turning into a complete nightmare."Grayson!" a voice called out, snapping me out of my thoughts.I turned to see Konrad, a hulking figure of a man, stepping onto the balcony. He wasn’t alone. Flanking him were two equally intimidating men, their faces hard and expressionless. My gut twisted as I took in the scene. This wasn’t just a casual visit.Konrad strolled over, the smirk on his face making my skin crawl. He was dressed sharply, as always, his suit perfectly tailored, his hair slicked back. He looked like a man in control, and I hated that he had the upper hand right now."You're not leaving this building," Konrad said
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