GRAYSON'S POVMy phone buzzed, and I saw Paul's name flash on the screen. I picked up quickly. "Hey, Paul. What's up?""Sir, my brother's agreed to meet with you about the job," Paul said, sounding relieved."Great. Tell him to bring his résumé and meet me at my office tomorrow," I instructed."Yes, sir. He’s looking forward to it," Paul replied before ending the call.I leaned back in my chair, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination. This was a critical step in ensuring Zenith and Zendaya’s safety. I couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that they might still be in danger, and having someone reliable watching over them would bring some peace of mind.SLYVIA'S POVAfter I finished the laundry, I realized it was already getting dark. I headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner, enjoying the brief moment of calm. As I chopped vegetables, my phone rang. Seeing Raymond's name on the screen brought a smile to my face."Hey, Raymond," I answered, feeling a wave of relief wash over me."H
SLYVIA'S POVI woke up feeling a bit better than last night. It was Saturday, and I had plans to meet Beverly for drinks later in the day. I wanted to make sure everything was in order before the babysitter arrived, so I started tackling some house chores. Sweeping and cleaning the whole house felt therapeutic, like I was clearing away more than just the dust.As the morning went by and I was cleaning the windows, I noticed a truck pulling up outside. It was a moving company. I watched for a moment, curious. "Guess the new neighbors are settling in almost immediately," I thought to myself.The kids stirred awake, their footsteps padding softly towards the kitchen. "Good morning, my loves!" I greeted them with a smile."Morning, Mommy!" Zenith and Zendaya chorused back, their faces still a little sleepy."Alright, brush your teeth while I finish up here, and then I'll make us all some breakfast," I instructed.They nodded and headed off to the bathroom while I returned to my chores. As
ALICE'S POVWilliam strolled up to me by the pool, his face shadowed by a hint of curiosity. He took a seat beside me, adjusting his sunglasses."How's it going with the Morris family?" he asked, his tone casual yet laced with genuine interest.I leaned back, letting the warmth of the sun envelop me. "They've settled in," I replied, a satisfied smile spreading across my face. "The movers are currently bringing in their stuff. Everything's going according to plan."He nodded, a sly grin forming on his lips. "That's good to hear. Have they had any interaction with Slyvia yet?"I couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh, yes. Slyvia, in her typical naïve fashion, brought them pancakes as a welcome gift."William laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. "She doesn't even realize she's feeding the very people who will be her downfall.""Exactly," I said, my voice tinged with amusement. "She has no idea what's coming. It's almost too easy."We shared a conspiratorial laugh, the irony of the situation
After I finished the chores and everything else, I decided to take a bath to freshen up from the stress. I ran hot water into the tub and eased myself in, letting the warmth envelop me. As I sank into the tub, I dipped my head fully underwater, staring up at the ceiling through the bubbles and water.Flashes of Grayson entered my mind, unbidden. I remembered the first time we ever made love. It was in the shower, much like this one. We had finally gotten close after he had resented me for what he believed was me forcing him to marry me through his father.He had walked up behind me in the shower, parting my hair to the side and planting soft kisses on my neck. I could still feel the warmth of his skin, the way his touch made my body respond instinctively. He had wrapped his arms around me from behind, his hands cupping my breasts as I leaned back into him, surrendering to the moment.I instinctively raised my head from the tub, the vivid memory pulling me back to reality. "What am I d
SLYVIA'S POVAs the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of cooking, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. I was grateful for these small moments of normalcy amidst the chaos. I finished preparing dinner, setting everything up so the babysitter wouldn't have any trouble. Just as I was putting the final touches on the meal, I heard the doorbell ring."Perfect timing," I thought, as I went to greet the babysitter. Now I could leave with peace of mind, knowing my kids were taken care of, and I could focus on a much-needed evening out with a friend.Jessie arrived right on time, her usual bright smile lighting up the room."Hey, Jessie! Perfect timing. Come on in," I greeted her warmly."Hey, Slyvia! Smells amazing in here," she said, taking in the aromas wafting from the kitchen."Thanks! I'm making the kids' favorite tonight. How have you been?" I asked as we walked back to the kitchen together."Oh, you know, busy with school. But I'm hanging in there," she replied, setting her bag
WILLIAM'S POVI had been cooped up indoors for too long and I needed to let loose, party, and have some fun with the girls. It had been a while since my last party, and the itch to get out was too strong to ignore. I put on my favorite leather jacket, strapped on my diamond watch, and felt that familiar rush of excitement.Heading down to the garage, I couldn't help but admire my collection of cars. Tonight, it was the Ferrari's turn. I slid into the sleek, red beast and started the engine, feeling the powerful purr beneath me.As I pulled out of the garage and onto the road, the city lights ahead seemed to beckon me. "It's time to live a little," I said to myself, grinning as I floored the accelerator and felt the wind whip through my hair. Tonight was going to be epic.I made it into the city night, the vibrant energy of New York humming all around me. I wasn't in the mood for my usual nightclubs where everyone knew my name. Tonight, I craved something different, something new-a "fr
SLYVIA'S POVI looked over at Beverly, feeling a surge of irritation. "Do you know him? Did you know he was gonna be here? Is that why you brought me here, to ambush me?" I demanded."Nooo, I don't even know him! I just got here a while ago, and I literally just asked him if he was William Lockwood because he looked familiar," Beverly explained, her eyes wide with surprise.I turned to William, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Long time no see," he said, trying to sound casual."I saw you weeks ago, entering my kids' school. God knows why," I shot back, watching his expression change to one of fear, like a deer caught in headlights. I wondered what he was up to there. "And no, it's not nice seeing you after how you betrayed me.""I see you're still salty after all these years," he replied, a hint of a sneer in his voice."Fuck you, William," I snapped."You've done that already," he sneered with a grin."You wish. Even if you were the last man on earth, I still wouldn't sleep with you
SLYVIA'S POV After Beverly and I finished our pool game, we headed back to our seats, feeling a bit more relaxed and lighter from the dancing and chatting. The bar had started to quiet down a little, making it easier to have a conversation. Beverly looked at me with concern. "So, how's the case going, Slyvia? Any progress?" I sighed, taking a sip of my drink before answering. "It's going the best it can, given the circumstances. We're gathering evidence, but it isn't much. It feels like we're grasping at straws sometimes." Beverly reached over and squeezed my hand. "I'm really sorry you're going through all this. It must be so tough." "Don't worry about it, Beverly. It's not your fault," I said, trying to reassure her. "I've learned to take things one step at a time. It’s just... exhausting." She nodded, her eyes full of empathy. "How are the kids holding up with everything?" I smiled weakly. "They're actually handling it better than I expected. They're still so young, too youn
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