ALICE'S POVI was lying on my massage table, feeling the tension slowly melt away under the expert hands of my masseuse. The room was dimly lit, a soft, ambient glow coming from the candles I had set up, casting a warm, inviting atmosphere. William, my son, was seated comfortably in the room's chair, flipping through one of his books. He didn't mind sitting with me during these moments, knowing that I enjoyed having him nearby.As I was just beginning to sink deeper into relaxation, my phone rang. I let out a small sigh of annoyance, but I gestured for the masseuse to hand it to me. She did so with the quiet grace I expected of her. I glanced at the screen and saw Konrad's name flashing."Ah, Konrad," I murmured, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. I glanced at the masseuse, and without a word, she understood and left the room, closing the door softly behind her. I turned to William and said, "It's Konrad."He looked up from his book with mild interest but didn’t say anything,
ALICE'S POVI dialed Todd Maroon's number, my fingers moving with purpose over the screen. It was time for the plan to set into motion. Todd answered on the second ring, his gruff voice greeting me with a casual, “Ma'am, what’s up?”“Todd,” I said, leaning back into my chair with a sigh. “The time has come for you to do a job for me. I need you to take care of Jocelia.”There was a pause on the line before Todd responded, “What exactly are we talking about here?”“I need her kidnapped,” I said firmly, “and taken to a secluded location. Make sure you avoid any cameras, and ensure that your face isn’t seen. The vehicle you use should be untraceable.”Todd chuckled. “I’m no rookie to this, Ma'am. You don’t have to worry about me getting caught. I know how to stay out of sight.”“Good,” I said, nodding to myself as I spoke. “The plan is to kidnap Jocelia, rough her up a bit, and leave her with some bruises. Nothing more, nothing less. We don’t want any permanent damage, just enough to sen
SYLVIA'S POVI squinted my eyes open, the early morning light streaming through the curtains. I found Zendaya looking down at me, her bright eyes full of mischief. She grinned and said, “Good morning, sleepyhead!”I smiled, still half-asleep, and responded, “Good morning, sweetheart.” Grayson, lying next to me, grunted and draped his arms over me, pulling me closer. “Heh,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep.Zenith, not wanting to be left out, jumped onto the bed and laid down playfully on Grayson’s head. I chuckled at the sight and said, “Alright, you two, time to get up. You’ve got school.”Grayson, still holding me close, mumbled, “Dora can handle the baths today.”I turned to the kids and asked, “Do you want Dora to bathe you, or do you want to do it yourselves?”Both Zendaya and Zenith shouted in unison, “We want to bathe ourselves!”I laughed at their enthusiasm and teased, “Look at you, acting all grown-up now. Pretty soon, you’ll be asking to drive the car!”Zendaya and Z
SYLVIA'S POVI laughed, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride watching Zenith struggle to pack a small box into the moving lorry. His little face was scrunched up in concentration, refusing any help from anyone, even Grayson, who was standing by with a grin, ready to assist. It was such a small task, but to Zenith, it was monumental. Finally, after what seemed like an epic battle, he managed to place the box inside the lorry. He jumped up, his face beaming with excitement, and puffed out his chest like a little gorilla."I’m Superboy!" he declared with all the pride in the world, his voice ringing with the kind of confidence only a child can muster.We all burst into laughter—Grayson, the moving men, and I. Even the tension of the day couldn’t keep the smiles from our faces. Moving was stressful, but moments like these made it all worthwhile. This wasn’t just any move; we were leaving behind the toxicity, the deceit, and betrayal that had been suffocating us. We were finally movin
JOCELIA'S POVThe tension in the room could crush a steel pipe, and I could feel the weight of the conversation bearing down on me. My father was sitting behind his massive oak desk, his fingers drumming a slow, deliberate rhythm on the polished surface. The board members had just left, their murmurs of discontent still lingering in the air like a foul stench. I knew better than to speak out of turn, but I couldn’t keep the question bottled up any longer."So... Grayson didn’t agree with the proposal about marrying me?" I asked, trying to sound as meek and non-confrontational as possible. I could see the storm brewing in my father’s eyes, and the last thing I wanted was to be the one to set it off.He didn’t look up from the papers scattered across his desk as he responded. "No, he didn’t."There was no emotion in his voice, just cold, hard fact. I bit my lip, the words of reassurance I wanted to offer caught in my throat. My father had poured a lot of effort into this arrangement, be
SYLVIA'S POVAs I stood in the middle of the penthouse, boxes piled high around me, I took a deep breath. Today had been a whirlwind. After the chaos of the past few weeks, Grayson, Paul, and Rex were finally settling into the penthouse. I figured the least I could do was make the transition a bit smoother by ordering some pizza and grabbing a few essentials for the kitchen.“Pizza’s on the way,” I called out to the guys as they busied themselves with unpacking.Grayson glanced up from a box he was sorting through, giving me a grateful nod. “You’re a lifesaver, Sylvia. We’ll need the fuel.”I smiled back, but my mind was already shifting to the next task. I grabbed my keys and headed out to the car. The penthouse was luxurious, no doubt, but it was still missing a few personal touches. I decided to pick up some groceries while the guys were busy, thinking ahead to what meals I could prepare for the week.The drive to the store was quick, but it gave me a moment to collect my thoughts.
GRAYSON'S POVAs I sat on the edge of the couch, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Jocelia, with her perfectly calculated crocodile tears, was spewing all sorts of lies and venom on national television. The words "Sylvia stole Grayson from me" echoed in my head, and I couldn't help but wonder how I had ever been in love with someone like her. There she was, painting herself as the victim, while slandering Sylvia in every way she could think of. She called her a whore, claiming that Sylvia only rose to power by "climbing on men’s dicks," as she so crudely put it. My blood boiled as I listened to her tirade.I glanced over at Sylvia, who was sitting next to me, her eyes fixed on the TV. I knew that Jocelia had always been a thorn in her side, someone who never missed an opportunity to try and bring her down. But this was different—this was public, and this was low, even for Jocelia.The host of the late-night show, a man who thrived on controversy, leaned in with a smug expression.
SYLVIA'S POVI woke up that morning with a sense of determination, shaking off the lingering frustration from Jocelia's pathetic attempt at a smear campaign last night. She'd gone on some talk show, spouting her usual nonsense, but I couldn’t let that get to me. My day was packed with important tasks, and I needed to stay focused. The kids were already up and about, Zenith playing with his toys while Zendaya was brushing her hair in the bathroom. After getting them ready for school, I made sure they had their lunches packed and kissed them goodbye as they headed out the door.I took a deep breath as I dressed for work, selecting a sleek navy-blue dress that would command respect without being too flashy. Today was a big day for the company—the opening of our newly refurbished building. This wasn’t just any building; it represented the growth and resilience of my business, the very things Jocelia had tried to undermine. I glanced at the clock and grabbed my keys, determined to make the
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