ELLA'S POVThe morning air was cool as I trudged back to the planner's office, the load of today's tasks weighing heavily on me. Or so I thought I had picked out the perfect vendor. But something nagged at me, an annoying unease I couldn't just push aside.The planner, Sandra, had seemed perfectly professional when we first met, but today I felt tiny things were off. Her smile was different-too tight. Her gaze flickered away a lot more than it had previously, almost as if she didn't want to make eye contact. I told myself that was probably nothing. Just nerves. Big events tended to make people jittery, even seasoned vendors like her.Yet, I could not help but wonder if Madame Browne had already started her meddling. I really would not put it past her to throw a spanner in my works the moment I was getting too comfortable. She'd made her displeasure known, subtly attempting to corner me at every turn. Slip once, and she'd make sure I fell hard.I took a deep breath in and squared my sh
SANDRA'S POVThe weight of my guilt sat heavy upon my chest as I sat at my desk, watching Ella walk out the door. She didn't have a single inkling of what was barreling her way, and part of me hated that I had even a small part in it. I wasn't like this-I wasn't the kind to get pulled into some scheme of someone else's. At least, I never used to be. But Miss Genevieve had made sure to blur those lines. And now here I was, right in the middle of something I had no business being involved in.Of course, when Genevieve first reached out, I thought it was a friendly gesture. We'd known each other long enough-we knew the type of woman she was: ambitious, calculating, a smile that was more of a weapon than a pleasantry. We'd crossed paths in the industry before, though we'd never been close. Honestly, I tried to avoid her whenever I could.But Genevieve didn't come knocking unless she wanted something, and this time was no different.I remembered the phone call like it had just happened-her
MADAME BROWNE'S P.O.V.The air in my study was thick with aged leather and expensive cigars. I sat behind my mahogany desk, swirling a glass of cognac, savoring the warmth spreading through my chest with every sip. It was late, but I never minded working under the cover of night. That was when the best schemes were born, and tonight was no different.My fingers drummed in a lazy rhythm on the armrest as I reached for the phone. I had been too lenient for too long, letting Genevieve handle the situation with Ella Rocci. Efficient, yes, but never quite as careful as I would have liked. That was why I needed Sandra. A backup set of hands to see it through without any kinks.It was time to wrap up the loose ends. No more hanging onto a thread. That event Ella had been working her fingers to the bone to put together? It needed to fall apart—and fall apart with a bang.I dialed Genevieve's number, the low hum of anticipation rising in my chest as I waited. She answered on the second ring, h
ELLA'S POVThe day was weighed down a bit more than I had anticipated, and no matter how many deep breaths I took, I couldn't shake that feeling that something was off. I sat at the window in the office of the event planner, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of the chair. The soft hum of conversation from the receptionist's desk filled the air, but my mind wandered elsewhere. Something about today gnawed at me, like a splinter I couldn't reach.It was probably the pressure. I mean, how could it not be? Madame Browne had thrown every possible obstacle in my way, from delayed vendors to last-minute changes. She wasn't trying to make this event hard; she wanted me to fail.I hit the screen once more, refreshing the log of missed calls. I had tried Xavier earlier in the hope of hearing his voice, but the call went straight to his assistant, who gave me a vague reply about him being busy. No surprise there. Xavier was always busy, but somewhere inside, a part of me hoped he would
MADAME BROWNE'S POVThere was just something so satisfying about a well-plananed plan executed. The evening light bathed the dining room in soft glow, glinting off the crystal glass in my hand as I swirled the wine lazily. The ruby liquid moved silky-smooth, and I let a small, satisfied smile curl my lips. Victory always had a sweet taste-like aged Bordeaux on the tongue, smooth and full-bodied, just the way I liked it.Across the table, Ella chatted along, completely oblivious to the storm working its way toward her. She sat straight-backed, her expression that perfect blend of professionalism and charm. Poor girl. She thought she was in control, thought this dinner meant she was on top of things. Really, it humored me just how confident she looked, just how easy it was for her to so ardently believe she was the one holding the reins.I sipped my drink lazily, feeling the complex flavors cascade over my palate. Ella was talking in that special decisive tone that was so singularly her
CHAPTER 112ELLA'S POV The air changed the instant I stepped foot inside the room, I took a warm sip from the coffee cup in my hands. The hot coffee stung my tongue as I walked towards the table at the edge of the room. On the table was the laptop and the instrument I was going to use in planning the event. I sat on the chair and began typing, my fingers clicked the keyboards in a swift rhythm. The receding sound of keyboard clicking echoed against my ears as I ran my gaze against the screen just one last time.The preparations had gone exactly as planned. The vendors had been reached out to and the event was going to be in full swing. Sarah had been nice to me and I fell really released to have her on my team. She was trustworthy, kind and professional. I entrusted the catering of the event in her hand. I was also going to offer my supervision in other to make sure things went as planned. I ran my fingers into my curls as I settled into the high neck swivel chair, pain revolving a
ELLA'S POVThe D-Day to the president's birthday was fast approaching. I had inspected the preparations and today, I was going to be finishing it all of with one last preview. Sarah, the event planner I had hired had already done most of the work. The florists had been booked and in just two days from now, the party was going to hold. I felt relieved, there wasn't a chance of the event falling apart now.In my hands was the notebook in which I had jotted down the sequence of events that would be showcased on the president's birthday. My gaze roved over the list, the introduction down to the closing. I had everything all sorted out and I could finally let loose a little. I felt releaved, the stress rolled out of me in free gasps. I had jotted my ideas and the layouts for the event in the book in my palms. The event’s running was in safe hands and I couldn't feel any more safer.A knock rang on the door, I heard a calling voice following it almost immediately. I paused what I was doin
ELLA'S POV My fingertips traced the breakfast table’s edges. I flashed a glance at Madame Browne before turning my gaze to the food served. On the plate were some some french toast beside some well drizzled avocados.The aroma of the food did nothing to arouse my hunger rather it drove an unknown reverberation of dread in my veins. The air in the room was hot, hot from the tension exuded by Madame Browne's scrutinizing gaze.I fiddled in my sit, my teeth clenched. Something wasn't right, I could tell. The way she quickly turned her gaze away from me, the way she acted all goody two shoes. All of this was not the usual attitude of Madame Browne— not even on a good day.Running the event was going to be a pain in the neck especially with this new act Madame Browne was pulling. It was almost ‘weird’ how Ivy's caretaker disappeared just the morning Madame Browne had decided to be a kind aunt to Ivy.I knew all to well that this was one of her plans to make him deviate from the event. But
MADAME BROWNE'S POV He was there.Right there.Seated on the chair and cladded in all black outfits. His eyes sparkled under the soft hues of lighting from the chandelier. As I strolled towards the dining area, my heart thumped violently in my chest. My fingers clenched into hardened fists that were pressed to my sides. Sweats.Cold sweats clung to my forehead as I walked towards the table where he sat. I moved towards the table and once I was close enough, I took a seat on the chair and fixed my eyes on him. He had on a hat that shaded over his face and allowed dark shadows cast across his features.His eyes sparkled nonetheless. His gaze is as heavy as carrying rocks but in my case, the rocks were being dragged against my body. My chest fell as I heaved out a sigh and tapped on the table.“Hello?” I muttered and his fingers which I now noticed were cloaked in dark gloves pulled off his hat. A sense of fear washed into my veins as my lungs tightened and I choked on a breath.A low
MADAME BROWNE'S POVWhile in my unconscious state, I felt darkness wrap around me. I saw, felt and even heard nothing. Nothing other than that ding. With each time it came, I writhed, twisted and strived to get it to stop. I was sick and tired of it and to make matters worse, I was beginning to get scared to my wits as questions pulsed through my mind. Did I die? Was this all another version of hell? I was expecting an erupting volcano, heat and a little bit of fire but all I saw was darkness. Thick, dark darkness. I was about to ponder on a question when I heard a ding. I tried to move but my body wouldn't budge.I tried again and then again but with each trial, I drew closer to the realization that maybe I had died. I mean my body wasn't going to move anymore and the signs were beginning to police together.I was about to accept the finalisation of my current dilemma when all of a sudden, I felt the elevator shake. Panic surged through me and in a fit of fear and confusion, I trie
MR MCKINNEY'S POV If you are reading this now, you must've thought Madame Browne had died. Well, I wished she was dead too but not all of our wishes came true and the acceptance of the fact was the beginning of maturity.Don't be discouraged yet. There was still a lot of things coming for her that she just didn't know yet. You see, when I planned on getting someone to do something, I made sure to leave no stones untouched. Right now, I was seated on my chair with my arm crossed and my eyes fixed on the tablet in front of me. Right there on the screen was Madame Browne, fallen and weak with sharp fearful gasps rolling out of her lips.She was afraid.Don't get me wrong this was the only time I'd seen her this shaken to fear. Her hair which you'd expect tostull be tied up in some fancy bun was now let down in rough, messy strands that draped down to her back. She was currently trying to block the dings I was letting off stop but little did she know that I, Mr McKinney, was the one beh
MADAME BROWNE'S POVThe entire walk from my room down to the elevator was long because most of the minutes were spent pondering on the invite. I bit my fingers slowly as fear pulsed throughout me in sharp jolts. The guard who was sent to call me over there led the way since I was too shaken with suspicion and fear to go alone. As I followed his lead, I still couldn't let out the gleams of suspicion that clawed at my chest.Something was in the hallway. Something was watching over me, judging maybe even cackling as I made my way to the elevator with my steps as soft as feathers. The guards' back figure filled me with relief as I rubbed my chest and sighed.Several droplets of sweat trickled down my forehead as I paused and watched as he jabbed his fingers against the controls. The buttons by the elevator beeped countlessly for a long period of seconds but the doors didn't open.It was as if someone was in it but if that were to be the case at hand, the indicator had to be flashing red
MADAME BROWNE'S POV As I stepped out of the car, the cold wind justled several strands of my hair into the air as I struggled to keep my strands down. My fingers brushed off some blocking strands as I paced towards the door leading into the mansion. Two guards stood by it with firm frowns on their faces. “Thank you.” I muttered out loud to the driver who was probably engulfed in something else to respond. I made my way to the door and as I approached it, the drivers standing by it, pulled it open as I stepped into the mansion. I walked into the mansion and walked directly to the staircase. I made sure no one was watching before I placed silent steps up the stairs. The overhead lights in the room flickered brightly as I traced my steps up it. It didn't take long for me to arrive at the hallway leading into the elevator. I tapped on the buttons and as the door chimed open, I locked my arms and inhaled deeply as I waited for the ride to come to an end. My body was aching so much I n
MR MCKINNEY'S POV I stayed at alert all through the time the guards informed me she had stepped out of the mansion down till the car that drove her out veered into the mansion. My eyes widened almost immediately as my fingers roved over to the window panes as I adjusted to me to get a clearer view of the car.Just as it parked safely in the parking lot, the door to the room pulled open and as the cracks it made slashed through the silence in the air, I paused then flashed my gaze in the direction. I tilted my head and I met the blank faces of the two security guards I gave the task of relaying every update on Madame Browne's movements to me. The golden brown lighting in the room buzzed over their cold features as one of them stepped forward. “She's here, sir.” he mumbled coldly and just then, I heard a sound. It wasn't from the room but from the parking lot.If I heard it correctly, it was the sound of her driver's voice. I wasn't able to catch the exact line of words he used but I
LUCAS'S POV The moment Madame Browne stepped foot out into the restaurant, I felt my heart thump heavily in my chest. A cold shiver trudged down my spine as a sensation sprouted within me. I didn't know how to explain it but it was there. Blossoming. Growing. With my gaze fixed on her figure, I carelessly grabbed a bottle of wine and raised it to my lips. The sour taste of grapes washed down my throat as I stared back at her. She was pacing towards the table in a black dinner gown that wasn't too flashy but still blended in with the people in the bar.They all seemed discreet enough to not even flash a glance at us. Everyone had their attention fixed on the people they came to meet and nothing else. No stolen glances, no glaring eyes… nothing. It felt like we were all alone.I had to give accolades to my assistant. She really did know what her job entailed and delivered effortlessly. My fingers curled around the wine glass as I placed it back on the table and for a split second, sho
MADAME BROWNE'S POV AN HOUR EARLIERAfter the call with Lucas, he passed the phone over to his assistant who I surprisingly caught up well with and as he did, her voice blared out. “You can come over. I've fixed a dinner reservation for you and him to talk it all out and figure out the next step to take.”I nodded softly as I asked, “What time is that going to be in?”Her reply came in quicker than I was expecting. “In about twenty minutes from now, I'll send you the address.”Just as she said that, my phone buzzed in my grip and as I paused talking just to glance at my screen, a pop-up message from her number came up. I read the letters on the card slowly and after reading it, I replied her softly. “Okay. I'll be out in a bit, it actually isn't that far from the mansion.” I uttered the words and as I finished, I ended the call and raced over to my wardrobe where I picked the first dress I saw and zipped it down as I stepped into it. Pulling the gown back up, I ran my fingers over t
MR MCKINNEY'S POVI shouldn't have chased him away. He wasn't wrong but I just couldn't stand seeing him like that. For the first time in the entire decades I'd spent raising him, my little boy was making his stand and as much as I wanted to let him flap his wings I couldn't let him go out there and lose his life to Lucas.I knew who he really was and how dangerous he was and having him contend with Xavier would crush me. Lucas could have him killed within the blink of an eye and I'd lose the one thing I promised myself I'd watch over. Just if you weren't aware, I made a promise to myself after the death of his parents to take care of him and shield him from any form of harm and now…I guess he'd outgrown my tactics buti just couldn't let him out of my grasp. At least not now. Not when everything was a standstill and each and every move we made was being closely watched by him. Lucas.My heart palpited in my chest as I watched him turn his back and leave. A part of me wanted to hold h