After the harrowing revelation about Lucas's bullies, I couldn’t just sit idly by and let things fester. My maternal instincts kicked into overdrive, and I knew I had to step in—not just for Lucas, but for every child who might be suffering silently.That’s how I found myself signing up as a candidate for the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) presidency. I needed a platform to address the bullying issue directly, and what better way than to hold a position of influence within the daycare?My decision wasn’t met without resistance. Sandra Murphy, the long-time president of the PTA and practically the daycare’s unofficial queen bee, wasn’t too thrilled about my sudden entry into the election.“Oh, Margarette,” she said with a tight smile during one of our encounters. “Running for PTA president is a big responsibility. Are you sure you’re ready for something so...demanding?”I matched her smile, refusing to back down. “I think being a mother is already a demanding job, Sandra. This is jus
The weeks following my election as PTA president were a whirlwind of meetings, new policies, and adjustments. Despite the challenges, there was a renewed energy at the daycare. Parents began to engage more, the teachers reported fewer incidents, and Lucas was slowly finding his confidence again.But one afternoon, as Leon and I arrived to pick Lucas up, we noticed something that stirred our concern. Lucas was sitting on the playground bench, his expression distant as other children played around him.I immediately walked over and knelt beside him. "Lucas, sweetheart, is everything okay?"He looked at me, his eyes hesitant, and then nodded. "I’m okay, Mommy," he murmured, but his tone was unconvincing.Leon crouched on his other side. "Buddy, you can tell us anything," he said gently. "We’re here for you."Lucas hesitated before finally speaking. "I just… I feel like everyone’s watching me now, like they’re waiting for me to mess up."My heart broke at his words. Even though we had made
The weeks following the successful playdate saw even more progress in Lucas. His confidence grew steadily, and he began to thrive not just at daycare but also at home. He laughed more, shared his thoughts openly, and no longer hesitated to express his feelings. Leon and I couldn’t have been prouder.One evening, as Leon returned from his office, he handed me an envelope with the daycare's logo on it. "This came in the mail today," he said, raising an eyebrow.I opened it, curiosity bubbling within me. Inside was a beautifully handwritten letter from Lucas’s teacher, Mrs. Ellison:Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kwartz,I wanted to personally reach out to commend the remarkable progress Lucas has made over the past few weeks. His enthusiasm, kindness, and leadership in the classroom have been inspiring. Recently, he even took it upon himself to comfort a classmate who was feeling left out, demonstrating empathy far beyond his years.Thank you for being such supportive and loving parents. Lucas is a
Life had finally settled into a rhythm of peace and hope. Lucas’s laughter filled our home once more, a sound that had been sorely missed. Between his art classes, playdates with Tomas, and the ever-growing bond we shared as a family, it felt like we were finally healing from everything that had once threatened to tear us apart.Then one sunny morning, Leon dropped a bombshell—albeit a good one.I was in the kitchen making breakfast, flipping pancakes while Lucas sat at the counter, coloring in a new superhero drawing he’d started. Whiskers sat curled up at Lucas’s feet, occasionally glancing up with hopeful eyes that some pancake crumbs might fall his way.Leon walked in, unusually chipper, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Morning, my loves," he said, kissing the top of Lucas’s head before coming over to plant a soft kiss on my cheek."Morning," I replied, smiling at him as I slid a pancake onto Lucas’s plate. "You’re in a good mood. Did you finally win the argument with your board
Life had finally settled into a rhythm of peace and hope. Lucas’s laughter filled our home once more, a sound that had been sorely missed. Between his art classes, playdates with Tomas, and the ever-growing bond we shared as a family, it felt like we were finally healing from everything that had once threatened to tear us apart.Then one sunny morning, Leon dropped a bombshell—albeit a good one.I was in the kitchen making breakfast, flipping pancakes while Lucas sat at the counter, coloring in a new superhero drawing he’d started. Whiskers sat curled up at Lucas’s feet, occasionally glancing up with hopeful eyes that some pancake crumbs might fall his way.Leon walked in, unusually chipper, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Morning, my loves," he said, kissing the top of Lucas’s head before coming over to plant a soft kiss on my cheek."Morning," I replied, smiling at him as I slid a pancake onto Lucas’s plate. "You’re in a good mood. Did you finally win the argument with your board
The morning of our departure arrived sooner than I expected.I had barely finished packing when Leon walked into our bedroom, a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched me struggle to zip up my suitcase. "Need help?" he asked, amusement flickering in his eyes.I huffed and threw him a half-hearted glare. "I got it."Lucas ran into the room, clutching his stuffed panda. "Mama, Papa! Are we really going to Japan today?"I ruffled his dark hair, smiling down at him. "Yes, sweetheart. Are you excited?"He nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! I want to see ninjas and samurais!"Leon chuckled. "We might even get you a little ninja outfit."Lucas gasped in excitement and jumped onto the bed. I couldn't help but smile at their exchange, though the nagging thought in my head remained—why was Leon so insistent on this trip? It felt so sudden, and though I loved the idea of a vacation, something told me there was more to it.We arrived at the airport without a hitch. Leon had booked first-class seats,
The tension in the air was thick, lingering like an unshakable storm cloud. Ever since our confrontation with Sandra Murphy, I had a sinking feeling that things were far from over. Leon’s revelation that Kent might be working with someone powerful made my stomach twist with unease.That someone could very well be Sandra.It made perfect sense—her wealth, her connections, and her entitled nature. If Kent had found a way to get her on his side, then we weren’t just dealing with a playground bully. We were dealing with something far bigger.That night, I barely got any sleep, my mind running through countless possibilities. I had spent so long fighting for justice, for my family’s safety. I couldn’t let anyone—especially someone like Sandra—undermine everything I had built.The next morning, I decided to dig deeper. I wasn’t just going to sit around and wait for Sandra or Kent to make their move. If they were working together, I needed to find proof.With Leon at work, I dropped Lucas of
Margarette sat in the dimly lit room, her fingers trembling slightly as she clasped the warm cup of tea Aunt Lou had prepared for her. Despite the comfort of her aunt's presence, her thoughts were a storm she couldn't calm.Leon’s determination to clear his name had put them on a dangerous path. With Alexa hidden away for her safety and Justin growing more desperate, the stakes were higher than ever. She had spent the last few nights tossing and turning, unable to shake the feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong.A soft knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Aunt Lou exchanged a quick glance with Uncle George before rising to answer it. Margarette’s heart pounded as she watched the door creak open to reveal a familiar figure—Claire Donovan.Claire stepped inside with a warm smile, but Margarette's instincts screamed that something was off. Claire had always been friendly, but there was something different in her eyes tonight, a sharpness that sent a shiver down
The next few days passed in a blur of careful planning and tense anticipation. Elise’s information had given us a direction, but we still had work to do—connections to make, leverage to gather. It should have consumed all my focus.But Leon was a distraction I couldn’t shake.No matter how much I told myself that our night together hadn’t changed anything, I felt it in the way he looked at me, in the way his fingers brushed against mine when he handed me a file, in the way his presence filled every quiet moment. He didn’t push, didn’t demand more than I could give, but the weight of everything left unsaid pressed down on me.I wasn’t sure if I was grateful or terrified.***Late one night, I found myself pacing the penthouse balcony, the cold air biting through my thin sweater. The city sprawled beneath me, glittering and endless, yet I felt trapped in my own thoughts.“You’re thinking too loud again.”I turned to see Leon stepping onto the balcony, his hands tucked into the pockets o
The meeting with Elise was set. That should have been my focus. But my mind kept replaying last night—Leon’s lips on mine, the way he held me as if he couldn’t bear to let go.I inhaled sharply and pushed the thought away. There was no space for distractions.The restaurant Elise had chosen was a high-end establishment, the kind that catered to politicians and business elites who wanted to talk without prying eyes listening in. The dim lighting and low chatter made it the perfect place for clandestine discussions.Leon and I arrived together, though we were careful not to look too familiar. Dorian had insisted on waiting outside, just in case.Elise was already seated when we arrived. She was dressed elegantly in a dark blazer, her posture stiff with tension. As soon as she spotted us, her eyes flicked to Leon, then to me.“You came,” she said, her voice steady but guarded.I slid into the seat across from her, Leon taking the one beside me. “You asked, we answered.”Her lips pressed
The weight of Leon’s words settled over me, thick and inescapable. I could feel the heat of his gaze, his possessiveness wrapping around me like an invisible chain. A part of me wanted to push back, to tell him that I didn’t belong to anyone. But the other part—the part that craved the way he looked at me, the way his presence consumed me—refused to speak.Instead, I exhaled sharply and turned away, fingers tightening around my phone. "I haven't decided yet," I said, my voice even, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an immediate answer.Leon hummed low in his throat, stepping closer. "Decide carefully, Margarette."I refused to face him, but I could feel the warmth of his body behind me. The air between us buzzed with unspoken words, unsatisfied tension.Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.***Later that evening, I sat curled up on the couch, scrolling through my phone, staring at Noah’s message.Drinks sometime? To catch up. No pressure.It should have been s
The morning sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the penthouse, but its warmth did little to ease the tension curling in my stomach. Elise’s message played over and over in my mind.Meet me at noon. My place. No one else.Leon sat across from me, fingers drumming against the table as he studied the message. He was too quiet. That meant he was already three steps ahead, calculating risks, preparing for anything.Dorian whistled from where he lounged on the couch, sipping his coffee like this was just another casual morning. “So, we’re going or not?”I shot him a glare before turning back to Leon. “What do you think?”Leon leaned back in his chair, considering. “It’s suspicious. Either she’s truly desperate, or she wants us walking into something.”I crossed my arms. “I think we should go.”His gaze flickered to me, sharp and assessing. “If we do, we’re doing it my way.”I nodded. “Fine.”Leon studied me a second longer, then let out a low sigh. “Then let’s get moving.”
The night breeze rolled over the pier, carrying the scent of salt and damp wood. Elise had disappeared into the fog, but the weight of her decision lingered in the air. Leon stood beside me, silent, his hands shoved into the pockets of his coat.“She’s scared,” I murmured.Leon let out a low hum. “Good. Fear makes people careful.”I glanced at him. “And desperate.”He met my gaze, his dark eyes unreadable. “Desperation is useful. If she’s smart, she’ll realize we’re offering her an out before everything collapses.”I let out a slow breath, my mind racing. “And if she’s not?”Leon’s jaw tightened. “Then we make sure she doesn’t get in our way.”There was a finality in his tone that sent a chill down my spine. He wasn’t a man who took risks lightly. He weighed every move, calculated every possibility. It was why I trusted him, even when the path ahead was uncertain.Dorian, who had been leaning against a lamppost, pushed off and stretched lazily. “Well, that was fun. I say we celebrate.
The days turned into weeks, and for the first time in a long time, my life wasn’t consumed by revenge or survival. It was strange, almost unsettling, to wake up without the weight of the past pressing down on me.But Leon made it easier.We spent our days in a quiet rhythm—mornings wrapped in each other, afternoons exploring parts of the city I had never truly appreciated, and evenings spent talking about everything and nothing.One afternoon, Leon surprised me with a drive outside the city. The road stretched ahead of us, winding through rolling green hills and open fields.I turned to him, curious. “Where are we going?”He glanced at me with a smirk. “You’ll see.”After about an hour, we pulled up to a secluded property. A modern house with wide glass windows sat on a hill, overlooking a lake. The air smelled of fresh grass and wildflowers, and the only sound was the distant chirping of birds.I stepped out of the car, taking in the view. “Leon… what is this place?”He walked up bes
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