The following day, I began working on my purpose for coming back in Anacortes. And it was to met Jack in his office first thing in the morning. As I entered Jack’s office in Anacortes, a quiet tension settled over me. The familiarity of the space, the faint smell of leather and polished wood, triggered memories I’d long tried to leave behind. Jack stood from behind his desk when he saw me, his expression a mix of relief and seriousness that made my stomach tighten.I braced myself for whatever news he had; I already suspected it would be unpleasant.Jack’s face was tight, his brow creased with concern as he fiddled with a stack of papers. When he finally looked up, his expression was troubled.“Margarette, it’s good to see you. Please have a seat.” he greeted, extending a hand as I settled into the chair across from him.“You too, Jack,” I replied with a small, tight smile as I took in my seat. “Though, I have a feeling this isn’t going to be a pleasant conversation.”He gave a somber
A bright morning greeted me as I stepped outside, feeling the weight of my recent conversation with Jack begin to lift, at least for now. As for today, Lena happily accompanied me, eager as ever, her light-hearted demeanor a perfect contrast to my own tightly guarded thoughts. We decided to explore the town, visit some of the spots that held many memories. It felt strange, seeing Anacortes again in this light—as a place to simply enjoy. Two elite bodyguards accompanied us, blending discreetly into the surroundings, trained to remain inconspicuous yet alert. Their presence reminded me of the stakes, but I pushed that aside, hoping today would just be a simple day out.We started with a café in town, where I indulged in a strong coffee and Lena ordered a pastry that looked too delicate to eat. For a while, we just laughed, talking about her plans, her classes, and the people in her life. It was nice, grounding in a way I’d been missing since I came back.As lunchtime approached, Lena s
The next few days had been about me and jack deciding to finally see this resort that Wilma had built.And with Jack’s guidance, we made our way towards the Montefalco resort. It felt surreal as we approached the grand entrance, cloaked by shadows and guarded by staff who, thankfully, didn’t seem to recognize either of us under our carefully chosen attire. We entered through a back pathway that Jack had scouted earlier, careful to avoid the main entrance and any security cameras that could expose our identities. The resort sprawled out before us as we walked further inside. Lush tropical plants framed the entrance, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of disbelief at the grandeur. This place was more than just opulent—it was dripping with wealth and exclusivity. Guests milled about, dressed in designer clothes and exuding that effortless elegance of the elite. Some lounged by the pool, others sipped cocktails on the sun-drenched terrace, while a few sat by the garden in private, sec
After the intense day Jack and I had spent at Wilma’s resort, confronting not only the twisted lies plastered across its walls but also Wilma herself, I knew what needed to be done. My anger had simmered long enough; it was time to take action. I wouldn’t sit idle as Wilma wrapped her tentacles tighter around the remnants of Justin’s estate and rebranded his memory for her own twisted gain. That encounter in the lavish, deceit-ridden walls of her resort had been the final push I needed to put an end to her schemes.Once we’d returned to Jack’s office, I took a steadying breath before voicing the decision that had solidified in my mind. “I’m ready to file a lawsuit, Jack. Wilma has crossed every line imaginable,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “She’s using assets, properties, and finances that were never hers to use. And that plaque—dedicating the entire place to Justin? It’s blatant manipulation.”Jack leaned back in his chair, nodding as he mulled over the words. “That’
[LENA’S POV]I glanced at my watch as I headed up the building stairs, my stomach churning with nervous energy. Margarette had asked me to deliver a package to one of her colleagues—nothing fancy, just some gifts she had put together. She said she’d be busy during lunch and needed me to drop them off for her.I didn’t mind helping out; I was grateful Margarette trusted me enough to take care of her little errands. Besides, it gave me an excuse to break from my usual routine.Stepping into the café where we were to meet, I adjusted my blouse, trying to smooth out wrinkles that probably weren’t even there. I told myself this was just a simple drop-off, that I didn’t need to be so anxious, but that never stopped my nerves from twisting.Then, as I scanned the tables, I froze.Jack was sitting there, looking relaxed as he browsed through his phone, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. My heart raced, my mind swirling with confusion. This wasn’t supposed to be a lunch with Jac
[MARGARETTE’S POV]The afternoon sunlight streamed through the window as I spotted Lena stepping through the front door, looking refreshingly radiant and a bit…well, dazed. I stifled a grin, noticing how she lingered at the door a little longer than usual, a tell-tale sign that she was trying to collect herself. Jack’s car had just pulled out of the driveway, and I couldn’t resist the playful urge that bubbled up in me. I took a few steps closer, casually leaning against the doorway with a smile that I knew Lena would recognize as mischief. “So…” I drawled, crossing my arms, my voice just loud enough to snap her out of whatever lingering thoughts Jack might have left her with. “How was your date?”Her eyes widened, cheeks flushing with that unmistakable shade of pink. “It—it wasn’t a date, Margarette,” she stammered, hurrying to set her purse down as if that action alone might distract me from my teasing.“Oh, really?” I raised a brow, leaning a little closer to her. “Because from wh
Yesterday’s laughter with Lena felt like a distant memory as I refocused on why I had come back to Anacortes—to bring justice to everything Justin’s mother had taken from me. The sun had barely risen, casting soft light through my window, when I found myself sitting at my desk, sifting through stacks of documents and revisiting old memories. Jack had just informed me that he’d officially filed the lawsuit against Wilma for her illegal usage of assets, particularly those belonging to Justin and me as conjugal property.The prospect of standing up against Wilma was daunting, to say the least. I’d seen her power, her influence, the way she used people and assets without a second thought. But I knew this was something I couldn’t avoid. Sitting back and letting her rewrite the truth of Justin’s legacy wasn’t an option, not anymore.I barely had time to finish my coffee before my phone rang and saw that it was Jack who called, his voice calm yet urgent on the other end of the line. “Good
The days following the filing of the lawsuit against Wilma passed in a blur of legal discussions and quiet reflection. But amid the whirlwind, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought of grandma, whom was the only person that showed me true kindness during my time at the Montefalco household. She had been a surrogate grandmother to me, offering warmth and wisdom when everything else in that home felt cold and transactional. When I learned about her being left at the retirement home like she was of no use to Wilma anymore, my heart broke and there has not been a day that I didn’t worry what could her condition be like even now as I thought about her.It made me want to look after her but I know it wouldn’t even be easy especially while Wilma was still around to hamper me.I found myself sitting in Jack’s office one afternoon, the faint hum of his coffee machine filling the silence. He was scanning a document, his brow furrowed in concentration. I hesitated for a moment before finally voic
The days that followed were a whirlwind of chaos.My father’s downfall was splashed across every news outlet. Financial crimes, money laundering, illegal dealings—his empire was collapsing, and with it, his reputation. His allies abandoned him one by one, choosing self-preservation over loyalty.But he wasn’t the kind of man to go down without a fight.That’s why I wasn’t surprised when I received the message.A single text.Suite 1103. One last talk. Come alone.Leon was furious. “Absolutely not.”I expected that reaction. I also knew there was no changing my mind.“Leon, this is my fight. My ending to write.”His eyes darkened. “He’s cornered, Margarette. That makes him more dangerous than ever.”I reached for his hand, squeezing it. “I’ll be fine.”He exhaled sharply. “I don’t trust him.”I smiled softly. “Good. Neither do I.”The Last Conversation—AgainSuite 1103 was dimly lit when I walked in. My father sat by the window, a drink in his hand, staring out at the city he once rule
We had expected my father to retaliate, but I knew he wouldn’t be careless. No, he’d take his time. He’d make sure his counterattack hurt.Which meant we had to strike first.Leon was already making calls before I even had to say anything. His contacts, his men—every piece of leverage we had was being mobilized.Victor paced across the penthouse, his expression tense. “Margarette, I don’t think you understand how much you just provoked him.”I crossed my arms. “Oh, I understand, Victor. That’s the point.”Leon smirked at my words, but his eyes were sharp as he cut in. “We need to draw him out. He’s not going to sit back and lick his wounds. He’s going to come for you.”Victor sighed. “And you’re just waiting for that to happen?”I walked over to the window, watching the city below. “No.” My voice was calm. “We’re leading him exactly where we want.”Victor ran a hand through his hair. “And where is that, exactly?”Leon leaned against the counter, his voice casual but firm. “A place whe
Dorian was right. My father wasn’t sitting idle. He was moving his pieces, fortifying his position before I could strike.But he underestimated me.By morning, I was already on the phone, making calls, pulling in every favor I had left. I wasn’t just going to fight him—I was going to destroy him.Leon watched me from across the kitchen, leaning against the counter, sipping his coffee. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and despite the weight of everything we were up against, he looked completely composed.It irritated me.“Do you ever worry?” I muttered, ending a call and tossing my phone on the counter.Leon smirked. “Constantly.”I gave him a look. “You don’t seem worried.”He set his mug down and closed the distance between us. “Because I don’t show it the way you do.”I exhaled. “I feel like we’re on the edge of something big. Like we’re one wrong move away from losing everything.”Leon tilted his head slightly, studying me. “Margarette.” His
Leon didn’t speak much after that. The drive back was filled with nothing but the hum of the tires on the road and the unspoken weight between us. I wanted to say something—anything—to make him look at me the way he used to. But I knew this wasn’t the time.When we pulled into the underground parking lot of our penthouse, Leon shut off the engine and exhaled through his nose. His hands remained on the wheel, knuckles white.I unbuckled my seatbelt. “Leon—”He turned to me, his eyes dark and unreadable. “You just declared war on your father, Margarette.”I swallowed. “You think I don’t know that?”“That’s the problem.” He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. “This isn’t just about exposing his corruption. Harlan Westwood isn’t the kind of man who forgives betrayal. And you just put a target on your back.”I clenched my jaw. “I’ve had a target on my back ever since I decided to take back what’s mine.”Leon let out a humorless laugh. “And you think he’s just going to let you?”I reac
The night was deceptively peaceful. The city lights stretched far beyond the penthouse windows, illuminating a world that had no idea of the chaos brewing beneath the surface.Leon stood by the window, his sleeves rolled up, his jaw clenched in quiet contemplation. He hadn’t said much since our meeting at the club.I knew why.We had allies now, but it wasn’t enough.We needed more.“Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours,” I said, stepping closer.Leon’s fingers tightened around the glass in his hand. “There’s a war coming, Margarette. And I don’t know if I can keep you safe through it.”I scoffed. “You’re still underestimating me?”His jaw ticked. “No. I just—” He exhaled sharply, turning to face me. “I can’t lose you.”The words hit harder than they should have.I swallowed, pushing down the sudden rush of emotion. “Then don’t.”Leon studied me for a long moment, his eyes dark and unreadable. Then, before I could react, he pulled me flush against him, his lips capturing mine
By the next morning, the fallout had already begun.Leon and I sat in his penthouse, reviewing the reports pouring in from our contacts. Calloway’s operation had taken a major hit—his Russian allies were furious, his supply lines were compromised, and his reputation was crumbling.But we both knew it wasn’t over.Calloway wouldn’t take this loss lying down.Leon’s fingers drummed against the table, his jaw tight. “He’ll retaliate.”I nodded. “It’s just a matter of when.”Leon’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then answered with a clipped, “What?”A pause.Then his expression darkened.“When?” he demanded.Another pause.“Where is she now?”I sat up straighter, sensing the shift in his energy.Then Leon cursed under his breath and ended the call.“What happened?” I asked.He stood, already grabbing his keys. “Alexa was taken.”My blood ran cold. “By Calloway?”Leon’s jaw clenched. “Looks like it.”I shot up from my seat. “Then let’s go get her.”Alexa’s location was traced to a
The ride back to the penthouse was silent, tension thick in the air. Leon drove with one hand on the wheel, the other gripping his gun. His jaw was locked, his eyes dark.I knew that look.He was planning. Calculating.“Calloway just declared war,” I murmured, watching the city lights blur past the windshield.Leon exhaled sharply. “He did more than that. He underestimated us.”I studied his profile—the controlled rage simmering beneath his calm demeanor. He wasn’t just angry. He was ready to make a move.“We need to hit back,” I said.Leon’s grip tightened. “We will.”His phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then tossed it onto the dashboard. “My father.”“Answer it,” I urged.Leon let out a slow breath before pressing the call button. “Yeah?”His father’s voice was sharp. “I assume you’re still alive.”Leon smirked. “Disappointed?”A pause. Then, “Get to the estate. Now.”The line went dead.Leon exhaled through his nose, tossing his phone onto his lap. “That’s never a good sign.”I lean
Days passed, but the unease in Leon hadn’t faded. He kept himself busy, making calls, arranging meetings, tightening security. I watched him closely, noting the way his shoulders carried an unseen weight. His father’s sudden reappearance had unsettled him more than he let on.One evening, as we lay in bed, I turned to him, brushing my fingers over his chest. “Leon, talk to me.”He exhaled, his arm tightening around me. “It’s nothing.”I propped myself up on my elbow, searching his face. “It’s not nothing. You’re restless. You barely sleep.”His jaw clenched, and for a moment, I thought he would brush me off again. But then, he spoke.“When I was younger, my father used to tell me that in our world, loyalty is everything,” he said, his voice low. “But he also told me that loyalty is never free—it’s bought, traded, or forced.”I frowned. “You think he came back because he wants something from you?”Leon nodded. “My father has never been a man who does things without a reason. If he’s he
The days following Leon’s proposal felt like a dream—soft, golden, and filled with an unshakable sense of peace. I caught myself staring at the ring on my finger more often than I cared to admit, the weight of it both grounding and exhilarating.We didn’t rush into planning the wedding. Instead, we let ourselves be, relishing in this new phase of our relationship. The world outside our home was still chaotic, filled with unfinished battles and uncertain futures, but in this—in us—there was certainty.One evening, as we lay tangled together on the couch, Leon traced patterns on my bare shoulder, his voice a low murmur against my skin. “Tell me something you’ve never told anyone.”I turned my head to look at him, our faces inches apart. “Something I’ve never told anyone?”He nodded. “Something real.”I swallowed, considering. There were so many pieces of me I’d kept hidden—fears, dreams, scars that hadn’t fully healed. But with Leon, there was no need for walls.“I used to be afraid of