SYLVIA'S POVAfter unlocking the door and stepping inside, I headed straight to the kitchen to drop off the groceries. The familiar hum of the refrigerator and the cozy atmosphere of the apartment greeted me, a stark contrast to the tension and drama of the courtroom. I quickly checked the time on my phone, wondering if I could whip up lunch before Zenith and Zendaya got home from school. Realizing I couldn't risk the timing, I decided to get a head start by prepping the meal instead.I began by cutting vegetables and marinating the chicken, enjoying the rhythmic chopping and the fragrant smell of the spices. The simple act of cooking was a soothing balm after the chaotic weeks I’d endured. Once everything was prepped and ready, I set it aside for later.Feeling the need to wash off the day's stress, I headed to the bathroom for a quick shower. The warm water was refreshing, and I allowed myself a few moments to simply breathe and relax. After drying off, I slipped into a comfortable
SYLVIA'S POVAs we drove home, the car was filled with the joyful sound of our voices singing along to the radio. Zenith and Zendaya belted out the lyrics with enthusiasm, and I couldn’t help but join in, laughing as we tried to hit the high notes together.“Mom, turn it up! This is our favorite song!” Zenith shouted over the music.I cranked up the volume and we all sang even louder, the car vibrating with our energy. The stress of the past few weeks seemed to melt away with each verse.When we finally pulled into the driveway, I felt a wave of relief. We hurried inside, and the kids quickly changed out of their uniforms, tossing them into the laundry basket."Alright, who wants to help me cook?" I asked, rolling up my sleeves."Me, me!" Zenith and Zendaya chorused, racing each other to the kitchen."Zenith, you can help me chop the vegetables," I said, handing him a small cutting board and a safe knife. "And Zendaya, why don't you help me stir the sauce?""Got it, Mom!" Zendaya said
JOCELIA'S POVAfter Davenport released me, I stood up, wiping my mouth and hands with a tissue. I glared at him, feeling a mix of disgust and anger. “Now you’ll do it?” I asked, my voice cold.Davenport looked at me with a smirk and waved his hand dismissively. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll call my friend today and tell him to begin the process of evicting her company from his building. I’ll also send Sylvia a quick notice on her apartment.”“Good,” I said curtly, turning to leave.Just as I was about to step out, Davenport called out, “Jocelia, this was good. We should do this more often.”I glared at him, my eyes burning with hatred. “You wish,” I hissed before storming out. His laughter echoed behind me, each chuckle a slap to my pride. My bowels turned with anger and humiliation as I walked away, feeling degraded for agreeing to his ultimatum. This was a new low, even for me.As I got back into my car, I cranked up the radio, turning the volume up to drown out the shame gnawing at me. The lou
SYLVIA'S POVAfter we finished our meal, I took Zenith and Zendaya to the bathroom for their nightly bath. Filling the tub with warm water, lather, rubber ducks, and other toys, I began to bathe them. As I gently scrubbed their backs, Zenith looked up at me and asked, "Mom, why doesn't Grayson pick us up from school anymore?"The question took me by surprise. I paused for a moment before responding, "He's been very busy lately, sweetie.""I miss him," Zenith said, his little face full of sadness.I was dumbfounded to find that Zenith felt this way about Grayson. I turned to Zendaya and asked, "Do you feel the same way, honey?"She nodded, her eyes filling with tears. "Yes, Mom. I miss him too."Their expressions turned gloomy, and I felt a pang of guilt and sadness. I tried to think of something to cheer them up, but their longing for Grayson was palpable."Alright how about icecrwam to cheer you up" i says knowubg how much they love icecream, "no mum we want Grayson" Zenith begged.I
RAYMOND'S POVComing back to my apartment after the courthouse, I realized just how empty it was. No food, no groceries—everything was gone, thanks to my time away in Paris. The fridge hummed quietly, a stark reminder of my negligence.I grabbed my phone and pulled up the list my modeling agency had sent me. They were strict about my diet, especially now that I was their top face. The list was full of organic, unprocessed foods—nothing fun, but necessary to stay in shape.Sighing, I knew I needed to go grocery shopping. I couldn't put it off any longer. I double-checked the list: kale, quinoa, wild-caught salmon, organic chicken breast, fresh berries, and a variety of vegetables. No shortcuts allowed.As I headed out the door, I made a mental note to hit the gym later. The demands of my career were relentless, but I was determined to keep up. Stepping into the bustling streets of Manhattan, I felt a mix of exhaustion and resolve. Paris had been incredible, but it was good to be back.
SYLVIA'S POVI woke up to tiny hands gently patting my face. Opening my eyes, I saw Zenith's bright, smiling face inches from mine. I couldn't help but smile back."Good morning, Mommy!" Zenith chirped."Good morning, sweetheart," I replied, rolling over to the edge of the bed. Last night, I'd let Zenith and Zendaya sleep in my bed. They'd had a bit of a rough day, and I wanted them to feel close and safe.I looked over at Zendaya, still sound asleep, her small form nestled comfortably in the blankets. I brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her forehead gently."Did you sleep well?" I asked Zenith."Yeah! But I'm hungry now," Zenith said, rubbing his tummy dramatically."Alright, let's get some breakfast started," I said, climbing out of bed. "But first, let's let your sister sleep a bit longer, okay?"Zenith nodded enthusiastically and slid off the bed, ready to follow me to the kitchen. I glanced back at Zendaya one more time before heading out, feeling grateful for the
JOCELIA'S POVI woke up from my nap to find several messages from my father, each one more urgent than the last: "Call me ASAP." My anxiety spiked as I read them. Failing to win against Sylvia in court through Julia had already put me on edge. I needed something solid to present to my father, something that showed I was still in control.I hoped that by getting Sylvia kicked out of her apartment and her company evicted from their rented space, I'd score a significant victory. It might be enough to make Sylvia leave Grayson and New York altogether. Davenport just needed to stick to his end of the deal.I quickly checked my phone for any updates from Davenport, hoping he hadn't let me down. No messages yet. I sighed, trying to calm my nerves. This had to work. I couldn't afford another failure.I got up and made my way to the bathroom sink, splashing cold water on my face. It felt refreshing, snapping me out of the grogginess from my nap. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, taking
SYLVIA'S POV As I reached back home, I started getting ready for work. My phone buzzed, and I saw it was Lisa calling. I picked up and greeted her, "Hey, Lisa, what's up?" "Hey, Ma'am. We've been getting a bunch of calls from new clients this morning," Lisa said, sounding excited. "That's great news!" I replied, feeling a bit of my own excitement rise. "Can you take their requests and get the basics down? I'll be coming in a bit later today." "Sure thing, I'll handle it," Lisa assured me. "Is everything okay? You sound a bit off." "Yeah, I'm fine. I just need some time alone to think things over," I explained. I want to sort out where I stand with Grayson in my mind. Maybe I should forgive him for the past six years, or at least speak to him and thank him for looking out for me during the trial, I thought Lisa's tone softened. "ok ma'am. Take all the time you need. You've been through a lot, and it's important to get some clarity." "Thanks, Lisa. I'll be there soon, I jus
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