I hadn't expected my uncles to support my plan immediately, but unity is strength, and they were seasoned businessmen. Uncle Leonardo, now the head of the family, had faced many temptations yet managed to remain uncorrupted—a fact I deeply admired. Uncle Lucius, on the other hand, was a master of networking and negotiation. I might tease him about his far-fetched stories and questionable decisions, but one thing was certain: when he entered a deal, he rarely lost. Except, of course, in his battle against Marianne's fertility—three kids later, it was clear he had waved the white flag there.As the two debated the feasibility of my plan, I glanced toward Jason, who seemed entirely unbothered by the gravity of the situation. His focus was on his phone, his thumbs moving rapidly across the screen. I leaned slightly to the side, curiosity getting the better of me. Was he texting Emma? From this angle, I could see enough to confirm my suspicions.Jason caught my gaze, his eyes meeting mine
Lucius was practically rubbing his hands together in excitement over my proposal. Uncle Leonardo, who normally avoided risk like the plague, was still deep in thought, carefully weighing the dangers against the benefits."What role do I play in this plan?" Leonardo asked, his tone measured."Diplomacy and strategy, of course," I explained confidently. "It's not just about attacking Mark's campaign; it's about strengthening one of his opponents. Your support could tip the scales and significantly reduce his chances of winning."Leonardo gave me a look—half amused, half incredulous—like I was still a mischievous child. Maybe I was still mischievous, but I had certainly outgrown being a child. I pulled out my iPad and navigated to the profile I'd prepared, handing it to him. He took it skeptically."Isabelle Silver. Lawyer, congresswoman, and mother with an impeccable track record. She's got a strong social media presence too, thanks to her perpetually online daughter. She has also an
"I'd heard he had quite the temper, but isn't that a bit much for just a spilled glass?" Isabelle said slyly, her words laced with subtle judgment."We're on the same page," I replied, taking a sip of my juice. "A man so quick to anger isn't suited for a position of such importance. Personally, I'd love to see someone more eloquent representing us."Isabelle regarded me carefully, her sharp gaze dissecting my words. I smiled back, giving nothing away, and excused myself under the guise of needing the restroom. It wasn't entirely true, but the key to intrigue was never appearing too eager—always leaving them wanting more.Inside the bathroom, I touched up my makeup, applying another coat of my bold red lipstick and fluffing my hair for added volume. Tonight, I'd reclaimed my usual flair, wearing a glittering, figure-hugging dress that radiated confidence. As I adjusted my hair, the mirror betrayed the presence of someone entering behind me. It was Lawrence."You've got the wrong doo
Emma White's P.O.V.If I had the power to freeze time, I would have done it during those stolen nights with Jason. The way he spoke of running away, leaving everything and everyone behind, resonated deeply with me. He listened as I shared the weight of my father's expectations, the abuses, and my personal struggles. For the first time, someone truly saw me. But our lives weren't just ours anymore.We needed time. Time to plan, time to escape. And that time could only be bought by Lawrence. I expected resistance when we approached him, yet I was surprised when it was Sara who convinced him to join the plan—and even more so when she suggested dismantling my father's empire.The thought of going against Mark terrified me. It wasn't just about respect; it was fear, deeply ingrained from years of his control. As Sara outlined her strategy, my mind conjured countless scenarios where my mother and I ended up discarded, left to rot in some nameless ditch. But once you kindled a spark of hop
Emma White's P.O.V.My father placed a firm hand on Julian's shoulder as he led him away. I caught the apologetic look Julian gave me before leaving and responded with a small smile, silently letting him know it was fine.-We were meeting Lawrence at the event, so I found myself climbing into Mark's SUV with a familiar sense of dread. Another boring cocktail party awaited—complete with guests who carried their superiority complexes like accessories. Mark had insisted on driving tonight, playing the humble, down-to-earth candidate for the public. My mother sat in the passenger seat beside him, her lips pressed into a tight line.Everything seemed normal—well, as normal as things could be with Mark—until I realized my parents were arguing."Did you really have to invite him into our home? Alone?" my mother hissed."You're insufferable," Mark snapped, gripping the steering wheel tightly."Our marriage would be better if you respected our home," she retorted. "What are you planning
The boy looked pitiful and absolutely mortified, and the growing number of eyes on us only made it worse. Lawrence took advantage of the commotion and slipped away in the direction of Sara."Who's in charge here? Who's your superior? Tell me this instant," Mark barked at the server.Had he completely lost it? What was wrong with him? I clutched my arm tightly, a mix of embarrassment and dread flooding through me."My apologies, sir. It was an accident," the server stammered, trembling under Mark's piercing glare."An accident?" Mark sneered, leaning closer. "You call this an accident? Don't make me laugh."His voice dripped with venom, and I felt my stomach churn.My mother sidled up to me, leaning in to speak quietly. "Why don't you go check on Lawrence? It's not good to leave your fiancé unattended... especially with her, you know," she whispered, pointedly glancing in the direction Lawrence had gone."He's an adult, Mom. He can make his own decisions," I replied flatly, too t
One moment, I had Sara in my arms; in the next, I was pulling Mark and Jason apart from the chaotic brawl they had started in front of all these people. The uproar had been massive, and the fallout was just as significant. I wasn't the only one stepping in—other guests had joined in to separate them, attempting to defuse the scene.But Mark, in this unhinged state, was beyond reason. Even with blood dripping from the corner of his mouth, he continued spewing insults at Jason, his voice ringing with disdain."Get this filthy nobody out of here! You'll never see the light of day again, you miserable wretch!" Mark hollered, his fury unrelenting.Whatever had happened while Sara and I were in the bathroom must have struck a nerve with Jason because he was struggling against me, desperate to lunge at Mark again. I tightened my grip on him, meeting his gaze with a warning look."That's enough," I ordered. He hesitated, his rage barely contained. "Or do you want to make his threats come t
Emma looked like every last drop of color had drained from her face. Her mother wasn't faring any better. I had to step in."Emma and her mother will be coming with me to my apartment," I stated calmly.Mark turned to me, his expression a mixture of disbelief and malice."And why would my wife and daughter go with you?" he asked, a wicked smile creeping onto his face."We have a dance rehearsal tomorrow. It's for the wedding," I improvised, keeping my tone steady. "The instructor will be coming to my apartment."Mark appeared to consider my words but didn't seem entirely convinced."Fine, take her. But my wife—"Emma grabbed her mother's arm and stepped back before Mark could finish. She interrupted quickly, her voice trembling but determined."Mom's a terrible dancer too. She'll need the lessons as much as I do."Mark's jaw tightened, but there wasn't much he could argue. With a frustrated wave of his hand, he stalked off to his car, leaving us behind. Emma and her mother cli
If I had the superpower to walk up walls, trust me, I'd be doing it right now. How could I not? Lawrence, Emma, and Jason were all at that chaotic political debate. Sure, I agreed with the plan, but that was with the condition I'd be there, not isolated in my parents' house, waiting anxiously for updates and glued to the television.The program was showing introductions for each gubernatorial candidate while they took a commercial break. During the downtime, they cut to shots of the audience settling in their seats. My eyes stayed locked on the screen, my nails reduced to stubs, while I heard my mother coming down the stairs."Look at all these treasures I found, darling!" she exclaimed.I didn't take my eyes off the television, still focused on the delayed start."What did you find?" I asked absentmindedly."If you'd just turn around, you'd see what your mother is trying to show you."Sighing, I tore my attention from the screen and turned around. What greeted me left me both am
The officer's words hung in the air, echoing like a death sentence."Yes, yes, we'll confirm everything at the station," he repeated, motioning for Jason to be taken away.I stepped in their path, refusing to move. They asked me to step aside several times, but I stood firm. Just when I thought they might physically remove me, a voice froze everyone in place. Mark's voice."What's going on here?" he asked, his tone feigning martyrdom, like a man miraculously reborn.One of the officers summarized the situation—how they had been forced to shoot the sniper in the back and were accusing Jason of being his accomplice. I glanced at Jason helplessly, my heart breaking as he avoided my eyes. He wouldn't even look at me."Do you know him?" the officer pressed. "Do you have any idea why he would target you?""Unfortunately, yes, I know him. He has threatened my life multiple times and my daughter's too, driven by some sick obsession with her," Mark declared.Jason finally snapped, liftin
Emma White's P.O.V.The chaos in the auditorium was absolute—shouts, people running in all directions, and sheer panic painted a scene of hell. My eyes stayed locked on Mark, who lay on the ground with blood smeared across his face. I couldn't move, paralyzed by shock and confusion."Get down! Don't just stand there," Lawrence urged, pulling me to a crouch.Obediently, I dropped low, realizing we weren't the only ones doing so. Others had also taken cover, waiting for the madness to subside. Though the gunshots had ceased, the frenzy hadn't. I couldn't get a clear view of how badly Mark was hurt—his security team had dragged him behind the podium."What just happened?" I asked Lawrence breathlessly."Whatever it was, it wasn't fatal," he replied, his eyes scanning the stage.From my crouched position, I saw Mark rising to his feet, ignoring his guards' insistence to stay down. My mother suddenly bolted from her seat, rushing to the stage the moment she spotted him. Her face was e
"What's more humiliating than being left alone during the debate? That was the plan—to show everyone that neither his wife nor daughter supports him after his scandals, emphasizing the danger he represents," Lawrence argued."I have to go. I'm sorry, but it's something I need to do. What's your take?" I pressed, glancing at the others.In the end, we agreed Lawrence would accompany me with his security team, Jason would be nearby to help extract my mother if necessary, and Sara offered to provoke Mark by visibly supporting Isabelle Silver.Oddly enough, Lawrence scolded Sara, telling her to stop meddling and stay with her parents that afternoon. Even more strangely, Sara didn't argue. Instead, she pouted and quietly placed her hand over her stomach in a... peculiar way.Was it just me, or did she have a bit of a belly?-All the progress I'd made in the days away from Mark seemed to crumble the moment we arrived at the auditorium for the candidates' debate. Seeing his face on the
"With you... I'd want everything."I smiled like a love-struck fool, nibbling on my fruit as my heart melted. If there were ever going to be kids in our future, I had to be at my healthiest. Jason started talking about his morning routine, and I listened with the phone tucked against my shoulder as I continued preparing breakfast. But as I poured the batter onto the pan, it struck me how odd it was that my mom hadn't come out of her room yet."That's strange. My mom's still asleep," I said, glancing toward her door."Did you check to see if she might've stepped out?" Jason suggested gently."Why would she leave? We agreed neither of us would go anywhere... I'll check."I put the phone down for a moment and knocked on her door, calling out softly. There was no response. When I opened it, the room was empty—her bed neatly made, her shoes gone. My heart raced as my phone buzzed again, this time showing my mom's number. Picking it up, I quickly explained the situation to Jason and tol
Emma White's P.O.V.I woke up wrapped in an unexpected sense of peace. Despite the unfamiliar bed and the small, borrowed space, it was a kind of calm I'd never known before. Peace, as it turned out, wasn't something you could buy, no matter how much money you had.Life in Lawrence's apartment had been surprisingly pleasant. Each day felt a little brighter, a little safer. As I got up and made my way to the bathroom, I splashed my face with cool water, noticing with delight how much my skin had improved.By the time I reached the kitchen, I was in an unusually cheerful mood. Pancakes seemed like the perfect breakfast, so I opened the fridge to grab some pre-cut fruit—melons and papayas, today's choice. The sight of the neatly packed container brought a smile to my face. I plucked a piece of melon and popped it into my mouth. It was perfect.Setting the fruit on the counter, I gathered the rest of the ingredients: oatmeal, eggs, and milk. The clock on the microwave caught my attenti
"Have you forgotten that you're still engaged to Emma White? Because I certainly haven't," Lionel accused, his tone sharper than a blade."The repeated delays in the wedding should've given you a clue—it's not happening," Lawrence stated firmly."Then why is the engagement still active? Wouldn't it have been simpler to handle this in order? Or do you enjoy fueling the rumors about my daughter? You've turned her into your mistress," Lionel spat, his glare piercing.Lawrence visibly flinched at the accusation, guilt washing over him. He seemed lost for words, so I stepped in."Dad... are you really going to echo the same gossip as those busybodies? I already told you—there was never a real relationship between Emma and Lawrence. That engagement was arranged by their parents," I explained, trying to diffuse the tension."There was never anything between us," Lawrence added, his tone desperate for clarity. "Not emotionally, not physically. It was entirely a business arrangement."At
In my head, an apocalyptic soundtrack was playing; on my parents' faces, an apocalyptic expression was forming. My apartment had turned into the ninth circle of hell. From this moment on, everything spiraled out of control. Lawrence turned to face Lionel and Clara while I instinctively clung to his back, using him as a human shield."Sara Brown!" my dad bellowed."She's not here!" I shouted, clutching Lawrence so tightly my arms ached."What are you doing with that boy?!" my father roared.Still pressed against Lawrence, I could see him glance around the room, taking in the chaos of scattered clothing—including undergarments. And then, Lawrence did something unforgivable."Isn't it obvious, sir?" he said, calm as ever.Lawrence clearly wanted to watch the world burn, and my dad wasn't about to disappoint. He lunged toward us, but my mom intercepted him, wrapping her arms around his middle to stop a full-blown disaster. Meanwhile, I stayed glued to Lawrence's back, peeking out fro
"Because I just found out from Richard!" I exclaimed, watching Lawrence's brows lift in genuine surprise. "He said Emma is their half-sister, which officially makes Victoria the ultimate hypocrite. I mean, how was she planning to marry you off to the half-sister of your half-brothers? And I was supposed to be the 'incestuous' one because of her wild theory that you and I might be siblings?""Why would Richard tell you that?" Lawrence asked, his curiosity piqued.I looked at him with a mix of tenderness and pity. I knew that Lawrence had said back in that room that he didn't see Richard and Julian as brothers, but I also knew him better than anyone.Gently, I stroked his face. "Because deep down, those two brats care about you, and they still see you as their brother."He shook his head, unconvinced. "You heard them. All they care about is the money. I even offered to give them some before the will was read but they ignored me and kept coming at me. I'm done, Sara. Let them file wha