Mia’s POVI kept running and didn’t look back.My lungs burned. My legs screamed in protest. But I kept running.The city lights blurred as I darted through the empty streets, barefoot, breathless, and bleeding.I didn’t know how long I had been running. All I knew was that I couldn’t stop. Not yet.The night air was cold, biting against my exposed skin. My dress once pristine was now ripped, dirty, clinging to my sweat-drenched body. My feet throbbed from stepping on gravel and debris, but I ignored the pain.I turned a corner, pressing myself against the cold brick wall of a deserted alley, listening.Nothing.No footsteps. No voices.Had I lost them?I clenched my fists, my breath coming in ragged gasps. No. I couldn’t afford to be careless. Not when they were willing to erase my entire memory just to shut me up again.I needed to get to Elena.Now.I pushed forward, ignoring the sharp sting in my calves. Every instinct in me screamed to keep moving, keep going, keep running.I cut
Elena’s POVMia’s entire body went rigid at the sound of Alexander’s voice.She didn’t answer.She didn’t even flinch.She just stood there, eyes dark with like she had just seen a ghost, her jaw clenched so tight it looked painful.Alexander took another step inside, his presence commanding, his sharp gaze locking onto her. “Mia, is everything okay, why do you look like this?.”Silence.My stomach knotted. The air between us was thick with unspoken words, with tension so heavy it made my chest ache.Mia’s fingers twitched at her sides. I could feel the energy vibrating off her the barely contained storm raging beneath the surface.“Mia?” Alexander said again, his tone calm, smooth. But I knew that tone. It was the same one he used when he was dangerously close to losing his patience.Still, Mia didn’t answer.I swallowed hard, glancing between them, unsure of what to do.“Uhm…” I started, my voice barely above a whisper. “She was just about to”“I heard everything.”Mia’s voice slice
Chapter 55Elena’s POVThe silence that followed was suffocating. My heart pounded in my chest as I turned to face Mia, swallowing hard against the lump forming in my throat.She was still glaring at Alexander, her chest rising and falling with sharp, angry breaths. Every inch of her body screamed betrayal.I took a tentative step toward her. “Mia…”She didn’t look at me. Her hands were balled into fists at her sides, her jaw so tight I thought she might crack a tooth.I took another step, my voice softer. “Mia, You must have misunderstood.”Mia’s head snapped toward me so fast I flinched.“What?” Her voice was dangerously low.I forced myself to hold her gaze. “Like Alexander said… maybe you didn’t hear everything.”She stared at me as if I had just slapped her. “You can’t be serious.”I swallowed, forcing my voice to stay steady. “Mia, I I know you wouldn’t lie about something like this, but you were in a vulnerable situation. You were in that space, hiding. Maybe you only caught bi
Chapter 56Elena’s POVI hesitated for a moment, watching Isla’s expression shift from curiosity to concern.“Can I really trust you?” I asked again, my voice quieter this time.She gave me a small, reassuring smile. “Yes you can, Elena. What’s going on?”I exhaled slowly, my fingers gripping the edge of the table. “I know you’re just my assistant and I’m not meant to bother you with my personal but I just really need someone else to talk to about this situation”“You can tell me anything Elena, I’m all ears” Isla reassuredI took a deep breathe then continued “It’s about my best friend, her name is Mia and my husband”Isla’s brows furrowed. “What about them?”I swallowed the lump in my throat, feeling the weight of everything that had happened the night before pressing down on my chest. “My best friend was attacked.”Isla’s eyes widened. “What?, how did that happen?”I nodded. “She was trying to warn me about something she overheard about Alexander’s business partner, Lorenzo Morett
Victoria’s POVI arrived at The Velvet Room, our usual spot, a secluded lounge tucked away in the heart of the city. It was dimly lit, with plush red seating and a bar stocked with the finest liquor. It wasn’t just a place to unwind, it was a place for secrets, a place where power players whispered about things the world wasn’t meant to hear. Isla and I had met here countless times, and each time, she brought me something valuable. But tonight, something in her voice told me she had something better. I spotted her immediately, sitting in our usual booth near the back. She looked restless, fingers drumming against the table. Her dark hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, her fitted blazer emphasizing her sharp features.I slid into the seat across from her, crossing my legs. “Well, well. You sounded urgent.”“Oh yeah, that’s because I have a lot to tell you, I don’t even know where to start from” Isla chuckled.“Oh well, this had better be something good”Isla exhaled and leaned
“Unknown number?”Victor glanced at the screen, irritation flickering in his eyes before answering with a clipped tone.“Victor speaking.”A pause. A soft, almost amused chuckle came through the line.“Oh, come on, Victor. No need to be so formal. It’s been a while.”Victor’s brows furrowed. The voice was familiar, but he couldn’t immediately place it.“Who is this?”“Tsk, tsk. Have you forgotten me already? That’s disappointing.”There was a slow, deliberate drawl to her voice, laced with amusement and something more sinister. Then it hit him.“Victoria.”His tone was flat, unimpressed.“Bingo.”Victor exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. What the hell did she want?“If this is some pathetic attempt at to rekindling your connection with the company or Alexander, just know I can’t help you with that”I let out a soft chuckle “Of course not ! I know it was your idea to have me kicked out in the first place”“Don’t be ridiculous, I could care less about your existence or non-existence i
Elena’s POV“Alexander?” I stepped closer, touching his arm lightly. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”He blinked rapidly, his focus shifting slightly as if pulling himself out of a trance. “It’s nothing,” he muttered, but his voice lacked its usual steadiness.I followed his gaze again and turned to see an elderly woman standing there, dressed in an elegant navy blue dress, her silver hair pinned neatly back. There was a warmth in her eyes, but beneath it lay something deeper nostalgia, sorrow, and familiarity.Her gaze softened the moment she locked eyes with Alexander. “You look just like your father,” she murmured.Alexander swallowed hard. “Ms. Florence?” His voice carried a rare tenderness.She smiled at the recognition. “It’s been years, Alexander. The last time I saw you, you were just a boy.”Florence stepped forward, her eyes misty. I glanced at Alexander, sensing the tension in his posture. Whoever this woman was, she clearly meant something to him.“I—I didn’t expect to
Victor’s POVVictoria swirled the drink in her hand, her red lips curving into an amused smirk. “Relax, Victor. You don’t need to worry about anything. This is just to open Elena’s eyes.”I scoffed, arms crossed. “And by that, are you suggesting I betray Alexander?”She tilted her head, studying me with a knowing gleam in her eyes. “Betray is such a strong word. Let’s just say… you are helping the woman you love see the truth.”My jaw tightened. “Even though Elena is involved in this, the last thing I would do is trust you”Victoria sighed dramatically and placed her glass on the table. “Come on, Victor. Who would you rather trust then? You can’t trust Alexander either, I’m the only one here trying to help you “I shook my head. “From the look of things, you can do this without me, you already have whover is feeding you with all of this”She chuckled, stepping closer. “Oh do I now?” Her voice lowered, dripping with amusement. “You’re in love with her, aren’t you?”My chest tightened.
Victoria’s POVIt was a few days after Alexander and his little play team ruined my life. The walls of my penthouse felt smaller now, everything felt different, my life had changed for bad.The curtains were open, but the light didn’t touch me. I hadn’t eaten since the arrest. I hadn’t slept either. I’d been staring at the TV, waiting for them to say my father had been released. That something could be done, but there was nothing, I had made several calls and no one seemed to help, they said the allegations were true and heavy on him. All our connections had failed us, my life was in shambles.Just while I was lost in thoughts, there was a knock at the door.Then another.I wasn’t expecting anyone but I opened the door.Adrian.He stood there, in his black coat, hands in his pockets, face calm like he hadn’t just helped destroy everything I had ever built.“You have a lot of nerve,” I snapped, stepping aside to let him in, only because I didn’t want the neighbors to hear the screaming
Elena’s POvI don’t know what possessed me to come here. Maybe it was closure. Maybe it was vengeance.Maybe it was both.And at the center of it all, Victoria Greenwood.She stood at the stage, her red dress flowing like a curtain of blood. She held the microphone with an effortless grace, and when the lights focused on her, the applause was thunderous.“Good evening, darlings,” she began, her voice silk and venom. “First, thank you all for coming tonight. It means the world to me that I get to celebrate with each of you—those I love, admire, and aspire to collaborate with. Tonight isn’t just about glamour—though, let’s be honest, I’m killing it.” Laughter rippled across the room.She winked. “But really, this is about gratitude. For those who have believed in me, supported me, and paved the way… especially one very special man—my amazing father.”The applause returned, louder this time. And then he emerged.Mr. Greenwood Stones.A walking headline in a sleek tux, polished shoes, and
Victoria’s POVMy phone hadn’t stopped ringing all morning. It was my birthday today, my big day!“Is the floral arrangement in place? I want the cherry blossoms centered—nothing else,” I snapped into the phone, pacing across the marble floor of my apartment. The mirrored panels along the hallway reflected my anxious expression as I turned the corner into my bedroom, where my evening dress lay spread across the bed like a silent promise.I hung up the call before the planner could ask another question and immediately dialed Isla.She picked up on the second ring. “Hey, babe! Big night!” she chirped.“I hope you’re looking stunning. I don’t want to be the only jaw-dropper walking that red carpet tonight.”Isla giggled. “Trust me, I’m going full glam. I’ve got that bejeweled emerald gown you love—hair slicked back, high heels tall enough to break necks.”“That’s the spirit,” I smiled, easing into the chaise by the window. “This night’s going to be perfect. Dad says he even has a surpris
Elena’s POV“What exactly do you mean by that ?” I asked turning to Adrian.Adrian leaned forward, his piercing blue eyes reflecting a lifetime of calculated decisions. “Victoria’s birthday celebration is tomorrow, correct?” His Russian accent added a gravitas to his words this time, making every syllable feel like a decree.Alexander nodded, his jaw tightening. “Yes. She had even sent a reminder just last night, she’s always extravagant with her celebrations. The city’s elite will be in attendance.”A slow, predatory smile spread across Adrian’s face. “Then it’s the perfect stage for our performance.”I shifted in my seat, the weight of the situation pressing down on me. “Performance?”Adrian’s gaze met mine, unwavering. “A public unmasking. We expose Greenwoods for the charlatan he is, in front of his peers, his allies, his world, we make them see what humiliation feels like.”The audacity of the plan sent a shiver down my spine. The idea of confronting such a powerful figure in a p
Elena’s POVThe following morning came quicker than I expected. I hadn’t even taken a full sip of my coffee before I heard the soft knock at the door.Mia peeked out the window first, then turned to me. “It’s Alexander’s driver—and I think those are his security guys too.”I sighed, placing my mug down. “He didn’t mention he was sending a whole team.”Mia raised a brow. “You surprised? It’s Alexander. He sends an army if you sneeze too loud.”I offered a faint smile and grabbed my coat. I had already texted Adrian earlier that morning, and after a few minutes of back and forth, he had sent me a location. It was a private estate just a little outside the city limits—discreet, exclusive, and of course, heavily guarded. I didn’t tell him that Alexander would be coming too. I knew it was a gamble, but something told me Adrian would understand.The drive to Alexander’s penthouse was quiet. His men barely spoke a word, but they were polite, respectful. As the gates opened and the car pulled
Elena’s POVI had barely caught my breath when the silence between Alexander and Victor stretched thin like a worn-out thread ready to snap. The air was stiff, as though it could combust from the tension lingering in the room. Alexander’s chest rose and fell heavily beside me, still furious from everything I had just confessed to him. Victor just stood there helpless, sad, his eyes filled with regrets.Then, he spoke.“I know you hate me, Alexander,” Victor began, voice raw and cracking, “and I know I don’t deserve even a second of peace from you. But I just want you to understand one thing—I never wanted to take Elena from you or anything. Everything I felt for her was real.”I froze.Victor’s voice trembled as he stood from the couch. “I loved her genuinely. I still do.” He turned toward me, and I couldn’t move, couldn’t speak, just stared at him as his words pierced the quiet. “From the moment I saw you, Elena. Not because you were beautiful or brilliant—although you are—but becaus
Elena’s POVI didn’t realize how long I’d been standing outside until I felt a breeze brush against my skin, cooling the spot where Alexander’s lips had just touched mine. My heart was still racing from the kiss—his kiss—and I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even know what to feel.So I asked the only thing that made sense in the moment.“Why did we just do that?”Alexander didn’t even hesitate. His voice was calm, low, but firm.“Why wouldn’t we?” he said, eyes not leaving mine. “You’re still my wife.”I looked away. His words pierced something deep in me. Something raw. Something that hadn’t healed yet. I felt my chest tightening as I fought back the emotions swirling inside me.But it didn’t work.I broke down.The tears came so suddenly I couldn’t stop them. I turned away from him, trying to hide my face, but he reached for me gently.“Elena,” he whispered, but I couldn’t meet his gaze.“I don’t know anymore, Alexander,” I sobbed. “I don’t know how to trust you. You hurt me. Yo
Elena’s POVThe silence that followed my words was louder than any argument we’ve ever had and then he asked again “what did you say?”“I still want a divorce,” I repeated, my voice quieter this time. Almost like I didn’t want him to hear it, but I knew he did. His chest barely moved. His eyes were locked on mine, and his lips parted, like he wanted to speak but forgot how to form words.Finally, he blinked. Once. Twice. And then… a slow exhale.“I see,” he said.I turned away, looking at the garden hedge behind him, anything but his face. “You said if you found out my father was innocent, you’d sign the papers.”His jaw tensed. “I did.”“And?”He took a step closer. “And I will.”I nodded. That should’ve made me feel relieved. But instead, it burned.He stared at me for a long time. Then his voice cracked gently through the air. “But before I do… can I say something? Please.”I didn’t speak. I didn’t nod. I just stood there. That was enough for him.He ran a hand through his hair, l
I barely had time to react before Alexander was on his feet, his chair scraping violently against the floor. His entire frame was tense, his jaw locked in fury as he glared at Victor standing a few feet away.“What the hell is he doing here?” His voice was sharp, demanding. His eyes flicked between Victor and me, searching for an explanation, his anger barely restrained.Victor, looking just as startled as Alexander, raised his hands in defense. “I didn’t know I was going to be here either,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “Elena invited me.”Alexander’s gaze snapped to me, his expression darkening. “You invited him?”I let out a slow breath, steadying myself. “Alexander, calm down.”His glare intensified. “Don’t tell me to calm down, Elena. Do you even realize what you’re doing?”“Yes,” I said firmly. “Victor is a part of this, whether you like it or not. He is one of us.”Alexander let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. “A part of this? You’re joking, right?”Before