SLYVIA'S POVI stood up to resume unpacking, but before I could get started, I heard a truck pull up outside. Moments later, I heard the excited sound of Zenith and Zendaya's little feet running towards the house."Mummy!" they shouted in unison as they ran inside and gave me a big hug."How are you?" I asked, smiling as I hugged them back."We're fine!" they both said eagerly.Raymond entered the apartment behind them, looking around appreciatively. "Wow, nice place, Sylvia," he said."Thank you," I replied, still holding onto the kids."How was your first day at school?" I asked them."It was good," they answered, their faces lighting up with excitement.Zenith took a deep breath and started, "Mummy, we did so many things! We played games, and I made a new friend named Tommy. He's really good at soccer."Zendaya chimed in, "And we painted pictures! My teacher said mine was really good. I drew a rainbow with a unicorn.""That's wonderful!" I said, beaming at them. "I'm so glad you bo
GRAYSON'S POVMy anger spiked when I saw this so-called Raymond guy’s hand casually draped over Sylvia’s shoulder while they ate Chinese food. Who the fuck did he think he was? My blood boiled, but I tried to keep my cool for the kids' sake."Hi, Mr. Grayson," Zenith called out to me with a smile, breaking me out of my thoughts."Hi, Zenith," I responded, forcing a smile. Not here, not in front of the kids. I couldn’t cause a scene."Sylvia, can I speak to you?" I asked, trying to keep my tone even."Umm, sure," she replied."Privately," I emphasized."Okay?" Sylvia said, standing up. I grabbed her arm and led her outside the house."Hey, stop it. Why are you so pissed off?" she asked, yanking her arm away."Who the hell is that man inside?" I demanded."What? Raymond? Why are you asking? What is this?" she responded, confused."I saw him picking up the kids from school today," I said, my voice tight with anger."Yes, I couldn’t make it, and he agreed to help," she explained."I wante
SYLVIA'S POVAs soon as I closed the door, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "Are you okay? What did he want?" Raymond asked, concern etched on his face."It's fine, don't worry about him," I said, waving it off, though my mind was far from settled.We sat back down at the table, and the kids resumed eating their Chinese food, chatting animatedly about their day at school. I tried to focus on them, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Grayson's intense gaze and his heated words.Raymond was saying something about his drive from LA, but I could barely concentrate. Grayson's voice echoed in my mind: "I will move the heavens and earth, I will do everything so you and the kids are mine, even if it means destroying Raymond." The way he said it, with such conviction, sent a shiver down my spine. Why did I find that confrontation so attractive? Why did I like the way he wanted to fight for me?"Sylvia, are you listening?" Raymond's voice cut through my thoughts."Yeah,
GRAYSON'S POVI reached home, and my mind was utterly consumed with thoughts of Sylvia. No matter how much I tried to push them aside, they kept creeping back in. I threw my keys onto the table and slumped into the armchair, rubbing my temples in frustration. Just then, Jocelia entered the room. I barely noticed her until she started caressing my legs."What are you doing?" I asked, trying to keep my irritation in check."We haven't spent any quality time together," she purred, her fingers tracing circles on my thigh. "I thought we could, you know..." She slowly removed her top, exposing her bare skin."I'm not in the mood," I said flatly, trying to look away."Come on, Gray," she persisted, sliding onto my lap. Her hands roamed over my chest, trying to ignite a spark that just wasn't there."Jocelia, stop. Get off," I said, pushing her away gently but firmly. I stood up, needing some distance."Am I wrong for wanting to spend time with my man?" she shouted, her voice breaking with em
GRAYSON'S POVI went back into my room, pacing around as frustration and determination coursed through me. I had to know who this Raymond guy was. The uncertainty gnawed at me, and I needed answers. "I need to call my lawyer," I thought, my mind racing. Stewart, my lawyer, used to work for the government, and he had the resources to find out anything about anyone.I picked up my phone and dialed his number. After a few rings, he answered, "Good morning, sir.""Hey Stewart, I need your help. I need you to find everything there is to know about a man named Raymond Keller, his friends with my Ex-wife," I said, my voice urgent."Is he a problem?" Stewart asked, always quick to assess the situation."I don't know yet, but I want to make sure," I replied, pacing even faster."Alright, I'll check into it and get back to you as soon as I can," he said before we ended the call.I stood there for a moment, my phone still in my hand, staring out the window. If this Raymond thinks he can take Syl
ALICE'S POVI ran down the stairs, clutching my purse and breathing fast, glancing over my shoulder. "Mom, is everything okay?" William asked as he bumped into me.I stammered, trying to find the words. "Did you talk to him? What did he say?" he pressed."William... I... I..." I began."Yeah, yeah? What did he say?" he urged."I have never seen him so angry, his eyes, the way he looked at me," I finally managed to say, my voice trembling. Jocelia walked up to us, with a concerned face."What's going on?" she asked, noticing my reaction."We need to get rid of Sylvia, that's what should be going on," I snapped, irritated that Jocelia hadn't taken care of her as she said she would."I know... Grayson hasn't even touched or looked my way since she came back into his life. Six years. Six years she was gone, and now she's back and has this hold on him," Jocelia said, and her face changed to a deep frown."Well, stop complaining and start planning. If she's not gone soon, it could be bad
SYLVIA'S POVAfter dinner, I turned my attention to getting the kids settled into their new rooms. It was a relief to see their beds finally set up, thanks to the movers. Zenith's room had his favorite superhero bedspread, while Zendaya's was adorned with princess-themed bedding she adored."Okay, time for bed," I announced, leading them upstairs. Zenith was already bouncing with excitement, while Zendaya clutched her favorite stuffed animal.I helped Zenith into his pajamas first. He was still buzzing with energy, recounting every detail of his first day at school as I guided him through brushing his teeth. "And then, Mom, we learned about dinosaurs! Did you know that the T-Rex has tiny arms but huge teeth?" he exclaimed, his eyes wide with enthusiasm."That sounds fascinating, Zenith," I replied, smiling at his infectious energy. "But now, it's time to get some sleep. You need to be well-rested for another exciting day tomorrow."I tucked him into bed, smoothing out the wrinkles in
GRAYSON'S POV I woke up to a text message from Stewart, my lawyer: "Call me when you get this." He sent it around 3 AM. Groaning, I stretched out my arms, feeling the effects of the previous night's drinking. My hair was a mess, and I probably had morning breath laced with the lingering taste of alcohol. Yesterday, I saw Sylvia with that fucker Raymond. I rubbed my eyes and picked up my phone to call Stewart."Hey Stewart, you found something?" I asked."Good morning, sir," he replied. "Raymond’s parents are Richard and Deborah. They divorced when he was 15. He got into modeling at 18. He has a few charges, but just DUIs—nothing too outrageous. He recently moved to New York after being signed to a modeling agency.""Oh, so he's a model," I said, my irritation evident."Yes, sir. A struggling one, but it seems he just got his big break," Stewart continued."What can you tell me about the agency that signed him?" I asked."MJ Modeling Agency," he replied. "They filed for bankruptcy tw
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