There was a soft humming woke me early, a gentle tune drifting from the kitchen. At first, I thought I was dreaming. It had been years since I’d heard someone hum in the mornings—a sound that spoke of comfort, warmth, and routine. I rubbed my eyes and pushed off the blankets, hurrying downstairs.As I approached the kitchen, I froze. Grandma Victoria stood by the counter, organizing jars of spices with a tea towel slung over her shoulder. She looked so at home, so natural, that for a moment I forgot the battles we had fought to bring her here.“Good morning, Grandma,” I greeted, stepping carefully into the room.She turned, startled for a moment before her face softened into a smile. “Oh, my, dear. Good morning. I didn’t mean to wake you.”“You didn’t,” I reassured her, moving to her side. “I just wasn’t expecting to see you up so early.”“I thought I’d make myself useful,” she said, her hands delicately rearranging a jar of cinnamon. “This place is lovely, but I need to keep busy, yo
About a few weeks later…It had been weeks since I last faced her, but the thought of her icy glare still sent chills down my spine. Today was no different. When she entered the courtroom, dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, her eyes locked onto mine like a predator sizing up its prey.The courthouse had a way of feeling colder than it should, even on a warm day. The air conditioning hummed softly, the scent of polished wood and faintly lingering coffee hanging in the air. I sat at the plaintiff's table, trying to focus on my breathing while the memories of past encounters with Wilma gnawed at the edges of my confidence.I swallowed hard and glanced at William, sitting beside me. He must have sensed my unease because he reached over and gave my hand a warm squeeze. His touch was steadying, like an anchor pulling me back from the storm raging in my mind.“You’ve got this,” William murmured, his voice low and soothing. “She’s all smoke and mirrors. The truth is on your side.”I n
The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on the kitchen as I sat at the table, staring at my phone. My thumb hovered over Lucas’s name in my contact list. It had been a few weeks since we’d spoken, and while he was safe and sound in Vancouver with his father, my chest tightened with longing.With a deep breath, I pressed the call button and held the phone to my ear.“Mommy!” Lucas’s voice chirped on the other end, bright and full of life.“Hi, sweetheart!” My heart swelled at the sound of his voice. “How’s my favorite boy doing?”“I’m good. Aunt Lety and I went to the science museum yesterday, and we saw a giant T-Rex skeleton! It was so cool!”“That sounds amazing! Did you take pictures?”“Yeah, but Aunt Lety wouldn’t let me climb on it.” He giggled, and I couldn’t help but laugh along.“Well, that’s probably for the best. We wouldn’t want to upset the museum staff, now would we?”“I guess not. When are you coming home, Mommy? I miss you.”The lump in my th
A soft drizzle tapped against the windows as I sat at my desk, reviewing the stack of documents Jack had sent over. Each page detailed Wilma’s transgressions: forged signatures, shady transactions, and records of her exploiting even Grandma’s properties. Seeing her betrayal in black and white only stoked the fire within me. This wasn’t just about getting back what was rightfully mine—it was about justice for my family.Still, the weight of it all felt immense. My chest tightened as I thought about the upcoming hearing. Would Wilma slither her way out of this, as she had so many times before? I shook my head, pushing the thought away. I needed to focus on what I could control.The ringing of my phone broke my concentration. Picking it up, I saw it was William.“Hey,” I answered, my voice soft.“Just checking in,” he said, his tone warm and steady. “How’s the prep going?”“As well as it can,” I admitted. “I’m combing through everything Jack sent over. Honestly, it’s hard not to get ang
After several weeks later…This was it—the final hearing. Either justice would prevail, or Wilma would continue to walk away unscathed, leaving behind the wreckage she’d caused.The courtroom buzzed with a tense energy that mirrored the storm brewing in my chest. As I walked in with Jack, my lawyer and steadfast ally through this ordeal, the gravity of the day settled over me like a heavy cloak. The oak-paneled walls of the courtroom felt imposing, the weight of history and judgment imbued in their very grain. I could see Wilma sitting across the room, her expression icy and unreadable. But beneath her composed facade, I could sense the cracks—a subtle shift in her demeanor, the tiniest flicker of fear.“Stay calm,” Jack whispered as we took our seats. “I have a strong gut this case is on our side.”I nodded, gripping the edge of the table. My palms were damp, but I took a deep breath to steady myself.The court official, a middle-aged man with a measured tone, began to read through
The air in my home felt different that evening—lighter, warmer, alive with the sound of laughter and conversation. It was a small celebration, nothing grand or extravagant, just those closest to me, the people who had been my steadfast pillars throughout the grueling journey to reclaim what was rightfully mine.The dining table was set with simple yet delicious dishes: roasted chicken seasoned with rosemary and garlic, creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and a rich chocolate cake for dessert. It wasn’t about the food but the company and the significance of the moment."To justice finally being served," William said, raising his glass of sparkling cider. His smile was genuine and proud, a rare sight that made my heart swell with gratitude.“To Margarette,” Jack echoed, raising his glass with a soft smile.I raised mine too, the warmth of their words filling my chest. “To all of us. I wouldn’t have made it here without each of you.”The sound of glasses clinking filled the room,
For so long, I had fought to reclaim what rightfully belonged to my family. Now that it was mine, the victory was bittersweet.The sun was just beginning to rise as I stood on the balcony of my new office, overlooking the sprawling grounds of the Montefalco Casino Resort. The sight was breathtaking: the sun’s golden rays reflecting off the towering glass façade of the hotel, the carefully manicured gardens below, and the serene blue of the infinity pool that seemed to merge with the horizon. This was my empire now—a reality that still felt surreal.The resort represented both a legacy and a monumental challenge. Wilma’s influence still lingered in the shadows, particularly among the board of trustees, most of whom had been loyal to her. Winning them over—or at least earning their begrudging respect—would not be easy.“Quite the view, isn’t it?”I turned to see William stepping into the office, carrying two cups of coffee. He handed one to me with a smile.“It is,” I said, taking a si
Work had become an intricate dance, a delicate balance between asserting my authority and navigating the complex personalities that surrounded me. Every day brought new challenges, and every day I reminded myself why I fought so hard for this. This wasn’t just a job; it was my legacy, my family’s name.It was mid-morning, and the sound of my heels clicking against the marble floor echoed through the quiet halls of the resort’s executive wing. I had a meeting with the marketing team to finalize plans for an upcoming VIP gala. As I turned a corner, William emerged from his office, falling into step beside me with his usual easy confidence.“Ready for the meeting?” he asked, glancing at the tablet in his hand.“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied. “How’s the pitch looking?”“Solid,” he said with a small smile. “Though I’m sure you’ll find something to tweak.”I chuckled softly. “You know me too well.”The meeting was productive, though not without its share of heated debates. By the tim
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