The two men walked right back into the office where Lorenzo was “She’s out ,” one of them muttered.Lorenzo didn’t look up. “Good!.”One of the men—Paolo—exchanged a glance with his partner, Marco. “What do we do with her now?”Lorenzo leaned back, exhaling slowly. “We hold on for now.” His voice was calm, but there was a sharp edge to it. “She mentioned that I was messing with someone she cared about and I need to understand what she meant by that.”Marco frowned. “Someone she cares about?”Lorenzo’s cold blue eyes flicked toward Mia’s unconscious form. “Exactly and I wonder what that meanr.” He tapped his fingers against his desk, then looked at Paolo. “Was anyone around when you took her?”Paolo shook his head. “No one. The students had all retired to their dorms. It was the perfect moment.”Lorenzo gave a curt nod. “Good.” His mind was already working through the next steps. He couldn’t afford any loose ends, not now.Then, his gaze darkened. “Was she carrying anything?”Marco st
Elena’s POVI stared at Victor, my pulse quickening at the intensity in his gaze. His words lingered in the air between us, heavy with meaning.“If things ever go south… if you ever feel like you have nowhere to turn, I’ll be here. No matter what.”There was something about the way he said it something almost pleading.I swallowed, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “Victor… what do you mean by that?”He inhaled sharply, his hands tightening into fists at his sides. For a long moment, he didn’t speak, as if waging a war with himself. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he said, “I don’t know how to say this, but… I’m in love with you.”The words hung in the air, thick and suffocating.I blinked, unsure if I had misheard him. My heart stuttered in my chest. “What?”Victor let out a breath, rubbing a hand over his face before looking at me again. “I’ve tried to fight it, Elena. Believe me, I have. But the more time I spend with you, the more I realize… it’s not something I can contro
Chapter 50: Shifting TidesElena’s POVThe morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of coffee and freshly pressed suits as Alexander stood by the front door, adjusting the cuff of his tailored jacket. His sharp blue eyes flickered toward Isla, who had just walked in, looking as put together as ever in a sleek navy dress and stiletto heels.“You’re always early,” Alexander noted, a hint of amusement in his tone.Isla offered a polite smile, shifting the strap of her designer bag over her shoulder. “I like to stay ahead of the day. Besides, Elena and I have a lot to discuss and work on.”Alexander nodded approvingly. “That’s good to hear. I want you do everything possible to ensure in growth in this.”There was something unreadable in Isla’s expression. “You really believe in her, don’t you?”He straightened his jacket, his gaze unwavering. “I do. Elena has something rare talent and authenticity. She just needs the right stage and management.”Isla studied him for a moment before
She finally said “Mia was sent on an international assignment”“That’s… odd,” I said slowly, my grip tightening around the strap of my bag. “When was this ? Because She never mentioned anything about an assignment when we last spoke”Sofia shrugged, her expression neutral. “It was a last-minute selection. Only a few students were chosen, and they left immediately. It’s a huge opportunity.”I frowned. “Then why hasn’t she answered my calls?”“There’s a possibility they’re not allowed to use their phones,” she replied, tilting her head slightly, as if my concern was unnecessary. “Some designers have strict policies about that especially when working on high-end collections.”I studied her carefully. Something felt off. The explanation made sense, but Mia would have told me. Even if it was last-minute, she would have called, left a message anything. Again, it could also explain why she wanted to see me so urgently, maybe this was meant to be some sort of surprise.“And which designer is
Without thinking twice, the sharp crack of my palm meeting Victor’s face echoed through the penthouse.For a moment, time seemed to stop. My hand stung, but not as much as my pride. I hadn’t slapped anyone in my life, let alone someone ten times older than I was. Victor barely flinched. His head snapped to the side, his jaw tightening, but he didn’t move away.My heart was racing. “Are you insane?” I snapped, breathing heavily. “What the hell is wrong with you?”He lifted his hand to his cheek, exhaling slowly, then turned his gaze back to me not angry, not surprised. Just… resigned.“You’re starting to take my kindness for granted,” I seethed. “I have never—never—given you a reason to think this was okay.”Victor took a step forward. “Haven’t you?”I staggered back, my pulse hammering. “Don’t twist this on me.”“I’m not twisting anything,” he said, voice low, almost pained. “I know you feel it too, Elena.”I scoffed. “Feel what, exactly?”“This,” he gestured between us, his voice r
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
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