Alexander’s POVI paced the length of my office, Adrian Volkov’s voice still ringing in my ears.We’ll talk soon, Wells. Very soon.There was something about the way he said it calm, assured, almost amused that unsettled me more than I wanted to admit. Volkov wasn’t just taunting me. He had something up his sleeve. The more I thought.A deep, simmering anger burned inside me. The thought of that image the way Elena had looked, the way Volkov had stood so close made my stomach twist in a way I hated. It wasn’t just about my reputation or my company. It was about her.Before I could dwell on it further, my phone vibrated on my desk. I picked it up without hesitation.“Wells.”“Alexander,” Volkov’s voice was slick, measured. “I was hoping we could have a civilized conversation. I assume you’ve seen the picture?” It was the audacity to have called me this time. How did he even have my number.My grip tightened. “What do you want?”“A meeting.”“Not interested.”Volkov let out a soft chuc
Victoria’s POVI had just arrived the mansion. I stepped inside, my heels clicking against the marble floor, each step deliberate. The air smelled of expensive cologne, whiskey, and something undeniably familiar, power.And there he was.Adrian Volkov leaned against the bar, a glass of scotch in his hand, watching me like a predator who had already claimed his prey.“Victoria,” he murmured, his lips curving into that slow, knowing smirk.I let my fur coat slip from my shoulders, revealing the sleek black dress that hugged my figure. His eyes darkened.I approached, letting my fingers trail along his jaw before tilting his chin slightly. “Did you miss me?”He exhaled sharply, setting his glass down. “More than I should.”His hands found my waist, pulling me against him in a swift motion. The heat between us ignited instantly. His lips crashed against mine, rough and demanding, years of tension and unfinished business unraveling in a single moment.I melted into the kiss, my fingers tan
Elena’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, my hands smoothing over the navy-blue dress Alexander had picked out for me. It was elegant but not showy, the kind of dress that said class and control. My heart pounded in my chest as I adjusted the delicate necklace resting against my collarbone. I had been in the public eye before, but never like this. Never with the weight of a scandal threatening to crush me.Behind me, Alexander stepped closer, his hands resting on my shoulders. His fingers traced a reassuring pattern against my skin.“You look perfect,” he murmured, meeting my eyes in the mirror.I swallowed hard. “Do I look convincing?”He turned me gently to face him. “We’re not here to convince anyone of a lie. We’re here to remind them of the truth you’re my wife, and we’re untouchable together.”I exhaled slowly, letting his words sink in. He made it sound simple, effortless, as if the world couldn’t tear us apart if we stood firm. I wished I could believe it as easily as he did
Elena’s POVIt was the following morning and a box sat on the bed, wrapped in sleek black paper with a silver ribbon. I hesitated before pulling the ribbon loose, my fingers trembling slightly. The paper fell away to reveal a gown elegant, floor-length, and undoubtedly expensive. Midnight blue satin pooled like liquid silk, shimmering under the soft glow of the bedroom lights.I traced the delicate embroidery along the bodice, my heart tightening. Alexander had chosen this for me.“You don’t like it?” His voice was smooth as he leaned against the doorway, arms crossed.I turned, meeting his gaze. “It’s beautiful. But you didn’t have to.”His expression was unreadable, but something flickered in his eyes. “Yes, I did.”There was no arguing with him. I slipped into the dress, letting it mold to my body, the fabric cool against my skin. Alexander stood behind me, adjusting the clasp of a diamond bracelet around my wrist.“You look stunning,” he murmured.I swallowed, nodding. Tonight was
Elena’s POVI didn’t wait for Alexander’s response. My heart pounded as I grabbed my purse, barely aware of my own movements. The messages on my phone burned into my mind Mia was in trouble. I had to get to her, I had tried calling her number but she didn’t pick up. “Elena, wait,” Alexander’s voice was firm behind me, but I was already moving. I pushed past the waitstaff, the guests, the chandeliers above blurring as I hurried toward the exit.A strong hand caught my wrist. “You’re not going alone,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.I turned to face him, my breath uneven. “I don’t have time to argue.”“Then don’t. I’m coming with you.”Normally, I would have resisted. But the look in his eyes steady, unwavering told me he wouldn’t back down. And truthfully, I needed all the help I could get.We rushed to the car, and Alexander instructed the driver to take us to Mia’s apartment. The drive felt endless. My legs bounced restlessly, fingers gripping my phone.When we got t
Elena’s POV“Dad?” I hesitated, gripping the phone tighter. His voice sounded off colder than usual.“Elena,” he repeated, his tone laced with quiet disapproval. “How have you been, I’ve been hearing things.”I exhaled, already knowing where this was going. The rumors about Adrian and me had spread too far. “Dad, I know what you’re thinking, but it’s not what it seems.”This was a long conversation that couldn’t be had over the phone.“I hope so,” he said sharply. “Because the last thing you should be doing is humiliating your husband in front of the world after everything he’s done for you. Do you know how damaging this could be to him? To our family?”I bit my lip, willing myself to stay calm. “Dad, it’s already been handled. There won’t be a repeat of it.”He let out a sigh, but it wasn’t a relieved one. “Handled. Do you even understand what you risked? The Wells family name isn’t one to be dragged into scandals, Elena. And more importantly, you know what Alexander has done for Spe
Elena’s POVI hesitated at the bottom of the staircase, my pulse still racing from what I had just heard. Alexander had sounded dangerous, his voice sharp with a finality that sent a shiver down my spine. He wasn’t just talking about any business deal there was something deeper, something personal.Steeling myself, I stepped forward, my bare feet silent against the cool marble floor.“Who were you talking to?” My voice was soft, but firm enough to demand an answer.Alexander turned swiftly, his blue eyes dark in the dimly lit room. For a split second, something flickered across his face, surprise? Guilt? But it was gone before I could grasp it.His expression smoothed into something unreadable as he set his phone down on the bar counter. “It’s business,” he said evenly, his tone dismissive. “Nothing for you to worry about.”I narrowed my eyes. “At this time of the night?”“Deals don’t sleep, Elena.” He exhaled, running a hand through his tousled hair before stepping closer. “I didn’t
Elena’s POVI’d dropped the call with Mia and gotten in the vehicle with Alexander and they dropped me off at the gallery. Alexander had kissed my forehead before we said goodbye. The gallery was exactly as I remembered elegant, minimalistic, and humming with quiet energy. Sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows, casting a golden glow on the polished floors. A few people moved about, admiring the art, their voices a low murmur in the background.Rachel stood near a large canvas, her arms crossed over her chest as she studied a painting. The moment she spotted me, she smiled, though there was a flicker of something else in her expression—something odd.“Elena,” she greeted warmly, stepping forward. “I’m glad you to see you.”I returned the smile, my hands clasping nervously in front of me. “Me too.”Rachel tilted her head. “Did you see it?”My brows knitted in confusion. “See what?”Her lips pressed into a thin line before she sighed. “The painting.”I blinked. “I… No.?” I kn
Alexander’s POV“I’ll sort Adrian out.”Victoria’s voice was steady, but I didn’t trust it. I folded my arms and leaned back against the leather chair in my office, watching her carefully.“You’ll sort him out?” I repeated, skepticism dripping from my tone. “Sorting out isn’t enough for someone who nearly destroyed my reputation and kidnapped my wife like a madman. You expect me to believe he won’t blackmail you again?”Victoria exhaled and stepped closer. “Alexander, listen to me. Adrian is obsessed with me, yes, but I know how to handle him now. I won’t let him come after me or the company again.”I scoffed. “And what exactly is your plan?”“I have my ways, just trust me please.”Her answer was vague, and I hated that. “That’s the problem, I can’t trust you Victoria.”She sighed, rubbing her temples. “Look, I know I messed up before, but I swear I’ve changed. I want to come back, and I want to make things right. You need someone you can trust in your company—someone who understands
Victoria’s POV“It’s time for what papa?” I asked, gripping my phone tighter. My father’s voice was calm but firm, carrying that heavy weight of authority that always made my stomach twist.“Since you refuse to come to Milan, I will come to Florida.”My heart nearly stopped. “What?”“I should have done this sooner,” he continued. “This situation has gone on long enough. Your silence, your avoidance—it all tells me there’s something you’re not saying. If you won’t come to me, I have no choice but to come to you.”Panic surged through me. “You don’t have to do that,” I said quickly, forcing out a small laugh as if the idea were ridiculous. “I mean, I’ve just been… busy. Things are under control, really.”“Victoria.” His voice held no patience for my excuses. “Enough.”I swallowed hard. “Dad, please. There’s no need to—”“I’ll be in Florida soon.”The finality in his voice made my chest tighten. “Dad—”The call ended.I let out a shaky breath, pressing my phone against my forehead. Shit.
Alexander’s POVLorenzo met my gaze, his jaw tightening. “I want answers.”I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head as he reached for the glass of whiskey he’d abandoned earlier. “Answers?” He took a slow sip before setting the glass down. “To what, exactly?”I leaned forward, bracing my hands against the desk. “To this mess, Alexander. To the way my name and yours is being dragged through every damn blog and media outlet. To the way the showcase was sabotaged. To how exactly I got tangled in all of this.”My eyes darkened. “You think I wanted this?” My voice dropped, the underlying anger in it barely restrained. “Do you think I enjoy waking up to headlines splashing my name across the internet like I’m some fucking criminal?” I scoffed, shaking my head. “I was supposed to be the shadow, Lorenzo. The one pulling strings from behind the scenes, not the one thrown into the public eye like a circus act.”I studied him for a moment. For all his arrogance, there was a layer of genuine fru
Elena’s POVVictoria stood near one of the displayed paintings, arms folded across her chest, a smug smile curling on her lips the second her gaze met mine.“Well, well, well,” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “Look what the cat dragged in.”Isla, beside me, exhaled softly but said nothing. My eyes flickered to her briefly, but her expression was unreadable—calm, indifferent. She made no move to acknowledge Victoria, and Victoria, in turn, acted like she didn’t see her. But something in the way Isla stiffened ever so slightly didn’t sit right with me.“You seem surprised to see me,” Victoria continued, stepping closer, her heels clicking against the polished floor. “I figured after that… spectacle you put on at the showcase, you’d be too busy hiding under a rock somewhere.”I squared my shoulders, refusing to let her get under my skin. “Funny. I was thinking the same about you.”Victoria let out a laugh, sharp and taunting. “Oh, darling, please. Unlike you, I don’t crumble u
Mia reached into the box and picked up the bracelet, her eyes widening as she turned it over in her palm. It wasn’t just any bracelet—it was expensive-looking, delicate yet striking. A thick, silver band wrapped around itself in an intricate woven design, almost like intertwining vines. The metal had a polished gleam, catching the dim light in the room, and at the center was a locket charm. Mia clicked it open, revealing a tiny, hand-painted portrait of Elena inside.“Oh, wow,” Mia breathed, holding it up to the light. “This is some real Romeo shit.”Elena said nothing. Her fingers curled around the edge of the box, heart hammering against her ribs.Mia turned the bracelet in her hands again, tilting her head as she examined the artistry. “Look at this detail. This isn’t some basic mass-produced jewelry; this was customized. The way the edges are carved? The way your picture’s been hand-painted and set into the locket instead of just printed? Girl, Victor did not play around with this
Elena’s POVI blinked, sure I had misheard him. “What?”Victor’s eyes remained steady on mine. “I think Isla might be involved.”I let out a sharp laugh. “You think Isla—my assistant —is involved? Are you even hearing yourself?”Victor sighed, leaning back slightly. “Elena, I need you to listen—”“No, you listen,” I snapped. “You don’t get to come in here and start pointing fingers at someone who has been nothing but good to me.”Mia, who had been silently munching on her fruit, straightened up. “Wait. I’m gonna need some context for this one.” “Who’s isla again ?”I turned to her “Isla Kerrington, she’s my personal assistant and her reason why I got on that showcase”“Oh that’s nice , so mr Victor, why is she your suspect?”Victor exhaled. “Look, something happened in London when Alexander was away.”I crossed my arms. “I know that’s where Alexander met Isla for the first time.”“Right,” Victor nodded. “But what you don’t know is that something strange happened to Alexander during t
Elena’s POV“You won’t at least take the flowers?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.I stared at them again. I had no reason to accept anything from him. Yet, something in the way he was looking at me, almost as if he was pleading, made me reach out and take them.“Fine,” I muttered, plucking them from his grasp.Victor’s lips twitched into a small smile, but I turned away before I could acknowledge it. I walked into the living room, setting the flowers down on the coffee table before sitting on the couch. Victor followed, sitting across from me.The air between us was thick, unspoken words sitting on both our tongues. Before either of us could say anything, footsteps sounded behind us.“Well, well, well,” Mia’s voice was laced with sarcasm as she strolled into the room, arms crossed. “Look what we have here, the Romantic lawyer himself .”Victor chuckled, shaking his head. “Always a pleasure, Mia.”Mia smirked. “Flowers? Gifts? What’s next, a violinist playing love songs outside
Isla’s POVI grabbed the phone and answered immediately.“Elena?”“Isla,” she breathed, her voice quiet but urgent. “I need to talk to you.”I frowned, my grip on the phone tightening. “Are you okay? How are you doing ?, sorry I didn’t reach out to you after I left the hospital”There was a brief pause before she sighed. “It’s fine Isla.”Something in her tone put me on edge. “What’s wrong, you don’t sound fine”.Elena hesitated, as if she was weighing her words carefully. “I don’t know Isla, the whole thing from the showcase, my name being on blogs, has put my career on the line and I’m just so overwhelmed.”I exhaled, sinking into the chair. “I know Elena, but don’t worry about it, soon something else would take over from this and the bloggers would move on. Besides, I reached out to the sponsors and PR team of the showcase already ““Really?” I could feel the excited in her voice “Yes Elena, you have nothing to worry about for now”“For now?” She asked “Yes, they would have to ge
Victoria’s POV“Who the fuck is this?”The words flew out of my mouth before I even processed the call. I wasn’t comfortable having this phone call while I was still at Alexander’s premises. Then, silence. A beat too long.And then“Are you fucking serious right now, Victoria?”Victor, I realized.I blinked, my grip tightening on the phone as recognition settled in. “Oh.” A slow smirk crept onto my lips. “Victor, darling, didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. What, miss me already?”His voice was ice, laced with barely controlled rage. “You set me up, you crazy bitch. Right ?”I rolled my eyes, already bored. “Oh, please. Set you up? I did you a favor.”“A favor?” he spat. “Are you out of your damn mind?”I sighed dramatically, looking around cautiously before responding “Think about it, genius. Now that Elena thinks Alexander’s some bitter, conniving snake, guess what? She won’t go running back to him anytime soon.” I let that sink in before adding, “Which means you have the perfe