JOCELIA POV I paced back and forth in my lavish living room, clutching my phone tightly. The news about Grayson's partnership with Sylvia had hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't believe that after all these years, Sylvia was still managing to worm her way back into Grayson's life. But I wasn't about to let Sylvia win. Not this time. I dialed my contact at the news station, my mind racing with the plan I had formulated. "Are you sure of this news?" the voice on the other end asked cautiously. "Of course I am sure," I snapped. "This is an exclusive, and I want it as the headline ASAP." I ended the call abruptly, not waiting for a response. I needed this done quickly, before Sylvia could make any official announcements about the partnership. My next move was critical. I had to sabotage Sylvia's company and tarnish her reputation beyond repair. With a smirk, I dialed my contact at the news again. "I have a story for you. Lockwood Co. and Hanson Real Estate are entering a partners
GRAYSON POVI saw the news headline pop up on my phone: "The Whore of Wall Street is Back" with a picture of Sylvia. My heart dropped. "What? What is this?" I muttered under my breath as I found it hard to believe I am seeing right. I grabbed the remote and turned on the TV in my room, switching to the news channel.As I watched the report, my blood began to boil. The reporters were tearing into Sylvia, slandering her in the most brutal way possible. My mind raced, trying to piece together how this happened. I hadn't made our partnership public yet. The only people who knew were my family. That could only mean one thing: someone from my own family had leaked it and staged this smear campaign.I stormed out of my room and down the hall, my thoughts fuming with anger. Entering the living room, I saw Jocelia lounging on the couch, flipping through a magazine like nothing had happened."Jocelia!" I barked, causing her to jump. "What the hell is this?" I shoved my phone in her face, the he
SLYVIA'S POVI was in a cab heading to the airport when my phone rang, displaying an unknown number. I hesitated to pick it up, knowing it might be one of those nosy reporters. It rang two more times, but I still didn't answer."Mummy, are you not gonna pick up your phone?" Zendaya asked me, her eyes wide with curiosity."No, it's nothing important. Besides, I don't want anything to distract us from our move. Aren't you excited?" I said, tickling her. She burst into laughter."Mummy, stop!" Zendaya said, giggling.A few minutes later, a message popped up on my screen: 'Sylvia, pick up. It's Grayson. I called your assistant, and she said you were moving today. Why didn’t you tell me you were moving today? Anyway, I wanted to make sure you were okay about what the news said today. I am really sorry. Please pick up, I need to talk to you.'I sighed. Moving back to New York was going to be a battle as soon as the sharks of the Lockwood household smelled me coming, but I didn't think it wo
SLYVIA'S POV"This is quite a good neighborhood, ma'am," Paul remarked as we drove through the quiet, tree-lined streets."You know the neighborhood?" I asked, surprised."I used to work as a security guard at a hotel close to here," he responded with a nostalgic smile.I was curious. "How was that? Did you enjoy working there?"Paul chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, it was quite the experience. I have plenty of stories. Like the time a married man brought his side chick to the hotel, and his wife showed up and confronted them. The drama was something else!"I laughed. "That sounds like a soap opera!""Exactly!" he said, laughing along. "And then there were the celebrities. They'd come in, cause a scene, and their agents would rush over to pay the hotel management to keep everything a secret. It was like living in a tabloid some days."I shook my head in disbelief. "I can't imagine dealing with that on a regular basis.""It kept things interesting, that's for sure,"
SLYVIA'S POVWe slept well in our new home despite our current living conditions. The air mattress wasn’t the most comfortable, but it did the job. The next morning, we brushed our teeth, took our baths, and got dressed. Today, I plan to find a good school nearby for the kids. Just as I was gathering my things, I heard a knock on the door. “Who could it be?” I wondered. It couldn't be the movers since they weren't due until tomorrow.I peeped through the door hole and saw Grayson standing there. My heart skipped a beat. "Open up, it's me, Grayson, Sylvia," he said from the other side."Who's at the door, Mummy?" Zendaya asked loudly enough for Grayson to hear. There was no pretending we weren't home now that Zendaya had given us away.I took a deep breath and opened the door. My eyes fell on Grayson. He wore a dark navy suit with a black coat and a scarf, his hair brushed back perfectly. His eyes were as captivating as ever, and he had never looked more handsome. His presence filled
GRAYSON'S POVHearing that the kids had been bullied, especially Zendaya, broke my heart. I wished I could shield her from the cruelties of the world, to protect her from any harm. I stepped over to where Zendaya and Zenith stood and squatted down to their level."Hey," I began softly, "I want you both to know that you have me in your life now. I will never leave you, and I'll do everything to keep you safe. Your mom and I are going to find the best school for you, where no one will pick on you, okay?" I said, placing my hands gently on their cheeks.Zenith stepped forward and hugged me tightly, his small arms wrapping around my neck as I kissed his head. It felt like a breakthrough, a small victory. Zendaya, on the other hand, remained still, her big eyes studying me warily. Though she didn’t hug me, she didn’t pull away when I cupped her cheek. It was a tiny gesture, but it felt like a significant start.I looked into her eyes and smiled. "I promise, Zendaya, I'll be here for you."
SLYVIA'S POVThe kids were taken for measurements by the school tailor for their uniforms, leaving Grayson and I in the principal's office to finalize the paperwork for their enrollment. I sat there, trying to focus on the forms, but my mind kept drifting to the enormous fees."I'll call Paul to bring my checkbook from the car," Grayson said, snapping me out of my thoughts."Grayson, you don't have to do this," I insisted one last time, though my resolve was weakening.He gave me a reassuring look. "It's for the kids, Sylvia."I sighed, nodding reluctantly. A few minutes later, Paul appeared with the checkbook, handing it to Grayson. He quickly signed a check and passed it to the principal, who accepted it with a smile."Thank you, Mr. Lockwood. We’re thrilled to have Zenith and Zendaya join our school," the principal said warmly.By the time we finished the paperwork, the kids had also finished with their measurements and joined us, their faces glowing with excitement."Mummy, we saw
SLYVIA'S POV"Hi, everyone," Jocelia said with her fake smile, sliding into the chair next to Grayson. I watched Grayson's expression shift to frustration at the sight of her."What are you doing here... and how did you find me?" Grayson asked in a cold sharp tone."Oh, come on, Grayson. You dining at a place like this tends to make the news," she replied casually, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. I glanced around and noticed a few people sneaking glances at our table.Jocelia settled into her seat and looked around expectantly. "So, what are we having?" she asked, but no one responded."It's good to see you, Slyvia," she said, turning her attention to me."Is it, Jocelia?" I sneered, unable to hide the spite in my voice."Come on, you're not still angry, are you?" she continued, ignoring my tone. "We can get past our differences, especially since we'll be seeing more of each other now that you and Grayson are working together. And besides, Grayson and I are togethe
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