ELLA'S POV I froze at the doorstep to Madame Browne's room, the cold air in the room bracing my ears for what they were about to ear. I overhead Madame Browne on a call with someone, her voice was high pitched which meant she was venting out her anger to the person on the other end.Just before I gripped the doorknob to step in, I overhead her saying, “You promised.” Madame Browne continued, her voice dropping into a low, dangerous register. “You swore you’d ruin her.”I stiffened at the sound of her voice, the air shifted as ai bit my lower lip. What had just happened? My jaw had fallen and I was still in shock. Madame Browne's words hit me like a punch, a tidal wave that settled for my bones.So it was true after all? Her hated and resentment towards me. I knew her plan was obviously another try at ruining the event for me and having everyone watch me fail so she could say she was right after all. To say I told you so and pounce on my shame, her plan was to ruin it all for me and
ELLA'S POVAs the elevator door chimed open, my heart leaped with anxiety. A glance at the hallway to my room did nothing to ease me of the cruel anxiety I had storming in my veins. My body was still revolving from the shock of overhearing Madame Browne's plan.I could still remember her exact words, the way she cackled darkly after ending the call, the way she vented her anger at the person on the other end clearly. I never expected Madame Browne to be this power hungry, it was now beginning to look like the more you look, the less you see.The less I saw. A swift glance at Madame Browne would give you the impression she was a nice member of the McKinney family who wanted nothing but the good and betterment of the event I was hosting.But from my eyes, you'll find out that beneath the feigned giggles and smiles lays a dark twisted hatred boiling and waiting for the right time to spill. The fear in my veins echoed in sync with the fear instilling silence in the hallway. The walk from
MADAME BROWNE'S POV I sat at the balcony sipping wine from the tall wine glass framed in between my fingers. The soft berry like tinge in the wine stung my tongue as I tasted it. Everything was going smoothly, my plan was working perfectly now and nothing could stop me from reigning over the forthcoming event Ella was going to host.I'd told Genevieve to leave whatever she was doing at her office to come address the issue of the list. I didn't expect Ella to be smart enough to crosscheck the information given on the list, I had expected things her to wait for the event to pull closer before placing the booking like the fool she was.But either ways, I still had everything in control and that was all that mattered. The sunlight from the sun poured down from the open heavens basking my figure in in the golden brown hue of the evening sun. I tapped the glass before raising it to catch the glow of the setting sun. I was enjoying this, the cold air blowing gently against my flesh, the wi
MISS GENEVIEVE'S POV "I give you 24 hours to have the event under my control or else!" Her breath fanned my face. My body revolved in harsh pain as I was pressed against the hard wall by Madame Browne's cold grip. Her hands gripped my neck and pressed it hard enough to squeeze the living day light out of me. I tried to fight it, to pull her hands off but her grip was just too hard and my breath was coming out in muffled puffs.I choked on a breath as I coughed. "Or else I'll have your firm close and make you go back to being the penniless grocery worker you once were 3 years ago." She threatened before yanking off her hand from my neck.The world stood still for a split second as I watched her swivel before stepping out of the room. Before stepping out, she flashed a side way glance at me and with that she stepped out of the room.I gripped my chest as I heaved a relieved sigh, the heat from the sudden collision of my body sent me into a frantic state of panick. I panted, my heart b
Miss Genevieve's POVThe voice of Madame Browne still echoed in my head, like some ringing bell that would never stop. "You've got 24 hours, Genevieve. If this event isn't back in our hands, I'll make sure you regret ever owing me." It sent shivers down my spine, but not because of fear-because of rage. How dare Ella think she could relieve me? Me, Miss Genevieve, from that assistant role she was so desperately unfit for in the first place? The audacity. I gritted my teeth and clutched the steering wheel tighter, the leather creaking with the pressure of my hands.I hated Ella Rocci. That little nurse didn't know who she was dealing with. She thought that firing me would get rid of me? Oh, sweetheart, you just threw the first punch. Now it's my turn.I pulled my car into the parking lot of a small, grimy coffee shop that sat on the corner of a street most people would avoid. It was just the place for the kind of conversation I needed to have. Sliding my sunglasses on, I stepped out, t
ELLA'S POVMadame Browne lingered in my mind— like some unwanted guest. If she was plotting-and, really, she was plotting-could I honestly hope to get away with this event? What was intended to be a subdued celebration of the president's birthday had now, within Madame Browne's realm, even simplicity wearing the robes of a trap.I ran my fingers through my hair, pacing in the room as unease gnawed at me. I'd already caught her meddling once. What else did she plan?The third time that morning, the thought crossed my mind to call Xavier. He was still on his trip, but I hoped maybe-hearing his voice-would steady me. I leaned over and reached for my phone on the nightstand, dialing his number as my pulse sped up. It rang once, twice, and then beeped, going straight to his assistant.I swore under my breath. "Of course," I muttered to myself, trying not to let the frustration bleed into my voice. Xavier was busy. But still, it kinda stung a little. Left to battle this storm alone, a ship
STONE'S POVI leaned against my motorcycle, my gaze fixed on the McKinney estate. She'd stepped out of the front door just minutes ago, head held high, trying to look unbothered. But I knew better. I'd seen that kind of nervous energy a hundred times before.Ella Rocci. The woman who thought she could stand up to people far more dangerous than her.I watched her climb into the car. She hadn't noticed me-most people never did until it was too late. I swung my leg over the bike, the engine rumbling low beneath me, and followed from a safe distance, weaving through traffic with ease.She wasn't going very far. The florist. Of course. I smirked to myself under my helmet. Miss Genevieve had been right-Ella wasn't just a thorn in Madame Browne's side, she was dangerously obstinate. But no amount of determination was going to save her from what was coming.I parked a block away from the vendor's shop, keeping to the shadows as I watched her step inside. She was easy to track-too easy. A woma
GENEVIEVE'S PERSPECTIVEBut Madame Browne's words echoed in my mind. I stepped out of the office, and every word inscribed its place with unuttered threat. "Close the deal, Genevieve. Once and for all this time. No room this time for mistakes.".I adjusted my coat, the soft material brushing against my skin as I walked to the elevator. The metallic doors opened with a quiet hiss, and I stepped inside, jabbing the button for the ground floor. As the elevator hummed softly, my fingers drummed a rhythmic beat against my clutch. I hated loose ends, and Ella Rocci was the most annoying loose end I'd ever encountered.The elevator dinged, and I stepped out into the lobby of my firm. Polished marble floors gleamed beneath cold lights, and the air held a faint scent of disinfectant. My heels clicked sharply as I crossed the lobby, drawing curious glances from employees who had grown accustomed to seeing me leave on personal errands. I was a woman with a mission, and they all knew better than