ELLA'S POV The morning light filtered through the curtains, falling softly across the room. I blinked against the glare, feeling the warmth of Ivy nestled up beside me. Her small body was curled between Xavier and me, still soundly asleep, her chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of breathing. I turned to see Xavier already awake; his eyes, piercing as always, were set on the ceiling above him as if in deep reflection. His features were slack, yet there was something behind those eyes-something distant, a thousand miles away, though he lay no further than beside me.I shifted carefully, not to rouse Ivy, and then sat up. Today was the day of her school function, the one she had been so hyped about. The thought of going through all those people made my stomach twist nervously. People who had looked down at me, who have whispered behind my back. Ivy's classmates' parents that see us as less than them. But today was different. Today I had Xavier beside me.I got out of bed as
CLAUDIA'S POV As I walked away from Ella, my anger bubbled in my stomach, waiting to spill over. How dare that woman even think she could take anything that belonged to me? That was the maddening part. I fisted my hands, digging my nails into my palms as I struggled to keep at bay the surging anger.Ella had been no more than a thorn in my side. Now, apparently, she would stop at nothing to stake her claim on something that was never meant for her. In the world of Xavier, Ella was no better than a pawn, some sort of distraction with whom he'd grown bored. I knew this. I'd seen the whole thing before. Men like Xavier were never satisfied with those things that were easily within their grasp. They always reached for something new, something different.I took a deep breath, willing myself to be calm. I had to think, not let my emotions take over. But the more I thought about it, the angrier I got. Seeing them, Xavier and her, so perfect and so satisfied, wanted to make me scream. I'd be
Claudia’s POVI stood there, hidden in the throng of guests, my gaze locked on Ella and Xavier. The sight of them, so close and intimate, was like a splinter in my mind. I had imagined myself in Ella’s place countless times, but seeing them together, so effortlessly at ease, ignited a storm of irritation within me. I was supposed to be the one by his side, not her. The way Xavier looked at her, the way he spoke to her—it was as if she had cast a spell over him.I wanted to understand it. What was it about Ella that had captured Xavier’s attention so thoroughly? What made her special enough to make a powerful CEO lose control? Was it her perfect smile, her seemingly effortless charm? I couldn’t comprehend it, and that frustration gnawed at me like a relentless beast.As I watched them, an idea began to form in my mind. If I couldn’t have Xavier, then I’d make sure everyone knew just how much I was willing to disrupt his perfect little life. I needed to draw attention, to remind everyon
Claudia's P.O.V.I stormed out of the event, my blood boiling beneath my skin like I was about to explode. That was supposed to be me there, standing next to Xavier and not that pathetic excuse for a woman, Ella. What did she have that I didn't? How had she managed to get a man like Xavier all wrapped up in her finger?It was sickening; every time I saw them together, my stomach would turn. She had Ivy-that little mistake of a child-and suddenly she was some saint in Xavier's eyes. I clasped the steering wheel tightly as I drove-my knuckles white, vision blurry from my rage. I could feel my heart pounding, pulsing in my chest as if it was going to burst through my rib cage any second.Why her? Why not me?I deserved to be there. I put in the time. I'd known Xavier for years-hell, I'd been there while he was still building his empire, when he was just a name and not the god everyone bowed to now. But somehow, she'd just waltzed into his life and claimed the throne that should've been m
Claudia's POVI watched him leave, his figure disappearing through the door like a shadow slipping into the night. The room felt colder without his presence, but the chill wasn't from the air conditioning; it was from the way my skin prickled with confusion and something else-something I couldn't quite place. Fear? No. I wasn't afraid of Alex. But the game we were playing? That was a different story.I let myself fall back into the chair behind my desk, my fingers going through my hair. My head reeled with questions, the sound of his voice, how easily he'd picked my emotions apart. How the hell could he know me this well? Know what I wanted? Know how I hated her?Ella.Her name was like venom in my blood. I could feel the rise of heat up my chest, the slow burn that was becoming altogether too familiar. How had I let it get this far? How had I allowed myself to become so consumed, so wrapped up- no, entirely obsessed with a thought of her? This wasn't me. I didn't fall apart like this
Ella's POVI stood in the doorway, watching him move around the kitchen, completely lost in the sight of him. I swear, I wasn't trying to stare, but Xavier was impossible to ignore-especially when he was like this. Shirtless, his muscles flexing every time he reached for something, those dark eyes focused on making breakfast. It was infuriating how effortless he could be this… perfect.He cracked eggs into the pan where they immediately joined the scent of bacon and fresh brewed coffee, and my stomach growled, reminding me I should at least be thinking about food, but how could I, when there he was right in front of me, like some kind of god stepping out of a daydream? He caught my gaze, and that slow grin spread across his lips, that damnable, teasing grin which quickened the pulse without my will.I leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms, trying to compose myself. But it was impossible. There was something about him, something about the way he carried himself-so confident, s
Xavier's POVHer lips were soft against mine, pliant, as if she was meant to be here. My hands gripped tighter at her waist, tugging her closer until there wasn't an inch of space between us. I could feel the heat from her body through the thin fabric of her dress, the rhythm of her heartbeat drumming against my chest. I wanted more. No—I needed more. Every touch, every kiss acted to inflame the desire building between us for months now.I deepened the kiss, sliding my hand up the curve of her back to feel her shiver under my touch. I smirked against her lips; I knew exactly what I was doing to her. And damn if it didn't make me want to take her right here and now. The need was almost unbearable.Her hands tangled in my hair, and that soft little moan escaping her lips had me on the edge of losing control. Fuck. I needed her. Now.I was about to lift her onto the counter, ready to rip off the dress that clung to her perfect body, when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I ignored it first,
Claudia's POVI watched Xavier storm in, all business, with that brooding scowl on his face. The kind of scowl that always made me want to smooth it out— to touch it, to claim it as mine. He had fire in him, the kind of power that made men nervous and women weak. And today, today he was more enticing than ever. I rose from his chair, slow, my movements deliberate, watching him, the tension radiating off him like a palpable force."Claudia," he growled, his eyes narrowing. "What the hell are you doing here?"I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I moved my hips slightly as I walked towards him, allowing him to consider how my dress clung to the lines of my body. I knew what he liked, what tempted him. I'd been close before, too close, and this time I wasn't going to miss my shot. It was there in the air between us, this charged atmosphere that precluded any number of crossed lines.As I glanced back his towering frame, I couldn't help but feel a flame of anxiety in me. My lips twisted
XAVIER'S POV There she stood, huddled closely behind Madame Browne. Claudia.Shock filled me to the brim with her presence, she stood awfully close to Madame Browne. A part of me dreaded the scene but I shrugged it away, it was obvious that she was invited under either a mistaken name or address.I passed my wine glass back to the MC and walked down the steps unto the main ground. I walked past the crowd, interacting with the few people that called on my attention.“So I told him that I would need at least a 30% equity rate.” I laughed at the unfunny joke, making sure that the guests felt relieved before running a background check. I moved about the hall, ensuring that everyone and everything was alright.I noticed that as I progressed Madame Browne's eyes never wavered away from my body, her gaze followed my every move but I didn't care. Once I had ensured that everything was fine, I made my way towards the door to step out.The guests were already begining to leave and just minut
XAVIER'S POV ~ NEW YORK ~I made my way into hallway and strutted purposefully towards the elevator. My mind was still reeling with confusion but I masked it as I waited for the elevator ride to come to an end.With the news of my uncle's impending arrival, it was hard to relax knowing any day from now, he'd step feet back into the mansion for reasons unknown to me. He left the McKinney household years ago, the last thing I remembered was him arguing with my grandfather, the president over the company.I vividly remembered how the president sending had sent me to my room saying he wanted to have a chat with my uncle but I knew something was wrong. I was young then, maybe twelve or fourteen, I guess.I had stayed back, standing close to the door, my ears pressed against the door. I eavesdropped on their supposed “conversation” which mostly comprised of low hushed voices.Although, I couldn't ear what they were talking about, I could tell they were arguing about something very controve
LUKE'S POV~ MOSCOW, RUSSIA ~Madame Browne had called me numerous times, usually to attend one of her events or to maintain the illusion that we were still a healthy couple. But I never expected that call. The one call I'd waited for— my wife's go ahead. As much as I didn't want to admit it, women ran the world. Madame Browne ran the game and we all know two power driven wolves don't always flock together.I wanted power and so did she. A collaboration with her could ruin the entire McKinney family for all it's worth but she'd held back back then heard ago and now, It happened.I lit a cigarette in between my lips, the lighter flickering a red hue in the dark room. The soft smell of blood and alcohol reeked into my nostrils as I declined into my chair.My office was always this filled— I'm a freaking mafia lord so what would you expect. The liquor on my desk laid untouched, swirls of mist from my cigarette surging into the air.Beside me were two damsels— my girls, in skimpy dresse
XAVIER'S POV I reread the message on the screen to make sure I wasn't seeing things. The news of uncle Luke's coming back meant nothing but danger. He'd left the McKinney family for years, barely showed up for events and now, he was back.But for what?The answer to that wasn't registered in my mind but I knew it wasn't going to be good. Uncle Luke had a long disagreement with my grandfather, the president, because he insisted on not handing over the McKinney bussiness heritage to him. I could still remember his words back then vividly, if he wasn't the heir nobody would. I relaxed on the seat of the car, my mind flashing through thoughts. The ride to the McKinney mansion was short and quiet— the tension unspoken.I still couldn't contain the astonishment in my veins, the words on the screen replaying in my head like a spell. I could still remember the glints of malice in Madame Browne's eyes, her eyes fixing on the camera as if she knew I'd watch the livestream.Once we arrived at
XAVIER'S POV “The McKinney pharmaceuticals has just received a major partnership to extend her business to countries like Asia and Africa.” I said, my voice melting a laugh of joy.I never expected to loose it over the news but for the business empire, this wasn't just any incredible partnership, it was the company's one shot to going global across the entire world. The president would be overjoyed if he heard the newds. Ella turned to me and asked if I was for real and I replied her, saying I really meant it.I'd always knew Ella was the one woman for me, my love relationship with her was the major turnover I'd ever had in my life. Funny enough, our story began with a one night stand and now this, we now found ourselves weaved in a string of passion and love.“We need to celebrate.” I said, reaching as I placed a kiss on her lips, the warm aftertaste of strawberries on my tongue. I pulled her closer, claiming her lips again, but this time, the kiss lasted longer.The silence in the
ELLA'S POV WITHIN JUST TWO HOURS, THE LATEST MEMBER OF THE MCKINNEY FAMILY, MRS ELLA, IS NOW THE MOST SEARCHED ON PERSON IN THEWORLD.My heart nearly leaped out of my chest when I read the message on the screen. Never in my life could I have ever imagined Madame Browne's interview, which I knew was a stunt to put me off my feet, could actually be setting me up for greatness.I could still remember struggling to respond to the interviewer's words and Madame Browne grinning backstage but now, the interview had gone viral. Madame Browne had thought the interview would give me a poor image in front of the media and earn me a few nods but she guessed wrong.Instead of the news of my failure, my success had intrigued many others. The elevator's soft chime came next and we rushed out into the last floor of the hospital.The presidential floor. A glance at the presidential floor of the hospital brought back a lot of memories. I remembered how the files and registers of the presidential flo
ELLA'S POV “It's the president.” My heart skipped a beat as I heard the worker's voice. I gripped my chest, fear gripping my lungs as I tried to keep a steady breathing system.Concern washed through my veins. What had happened? An attack? I knew he was aging but I'd never expected to find a healthy agilr man as the president to have an attack. Xavier took a step further from behind me, his hands gripping mine.“Where is he?” He asked, his voice sharp edged with a roll of command. The worker, who was still worked up from the fear, found it hard to give an instant reply.After what felt like a minute, her voice finally creaked out. “H… he has been rushed to the city hospital.” The lady spoke softly, glistening sweats trickling down her forehead.“Which one?” I asked, the impatience boiling in my tone.“The city hospital.” She said and before she could flutter out other words, we raced into the hallway.I ran despite on heels. I was really worried something bad had happened to the pr
XAVIER'S POV“Let's go,” I said, my eyes flashing to the most beautiful lady I've met all year, Ella. She was dressed in a purple mermaid that clung to her curves perfectly. Her hair was brushed back in a neat sweep that was packed into a bun. “I’m almost done,” I heard her say, her hands brushing a make-up brush on her cheekbones. Ella looked gorgeous today, I knew she would supercede Madame Browne's. A smile tugged at the corners of my cheeks as I walked over to where she stood. Bending my neck, i sniffed her hair seductively. I'd really missed Ella over the weaks and seeing her in a gown dropped need in my veins.She released a low breath, a moan perhaps. I gripped her neck, her eyes rising to meet mine. I brush my fingers over her lips as I pulled forward, my lips claiming hers in a hot fiery kiss.I allowed her explore my mouth, her fingers rubbing the back of my head. A minute of kissing Ella and I was already hard on all edges.I pulled her closer, my fingers gripping her st
MADAME BROWNE'S POV I slid the cigarette in between my lips, the stale mist it let out seeping into the air. I inhaled, letting out puffs as I settled deeper into my chair.I was just about to take my second puff when I heard the sound of footsteps. I turned my head sharply, my senses at alert. My gaze caught the figure of a man, thin, when he turned, I recognized him immediately. It was my assistant.That insolent fool!“What did I tell you about coming into my quarters without approval from me?” I questioned, my eyes darting over his features.“I know you said it's dangerous and you could have me killed for that but…” His voice faltered, his panting rising. He was reeking with sweat, his breathing unstable like someone who had just run a hundred meters.“Go on.” I ordered, my voice soft yet laced with command. “You… you have to see this.” He said, turning on his phone. I watched his fingers shake as he swiped his fingertips on the screen like the winter leaf he was. He turned the