Sophia’s POVAs we approached the chateau, I couldn’t help but marvel at its grandeur. The massive stone structure was nestled in a valley surrounded by lush hills, its tall windows glinting in the waning light. This place was the epitome of elegance and luxury, far removed from the dire circumstances Daniel and I now found ourselves in.We pulled up to the entrance, and Henry and Julia stepped out of the car with a haughty, satisfied air. I followed reluctantly alongside Daniel, my heart thumping hard as I felt the cold pistol touching my back. Henry’s men had us surrounded all the time. There were a lot of them, and there was no way we could escape this. Inside, the chateau was even more impressive. High ceilings embellished with chandeliers, sweeping staircases, and richly furnished rooms greeted us at every turn. The floors were made of polished marble, and the walls were decorated with intricate tapestries and paintings.Julia’s eyes twinkled with delight as she looked around. “
Elijah’s POVI disembarked from the plane, my heart pounding with urgency and frustration. The Paris airport pulsed with its usual activity, but for me, it felt like a chaotic maze. I was determined to find Sophia, no matter the cost. When I noticed a group of security officers and police officials, I quickly headed over there and introduced myself. “Mr. Sinclair?” the officer asked, his accent thick with French inflections.“Yes, that’s me,” I replied sharply. “I need to speak with the head investigator in charge of the search.”The officer nodded and led me to a small office just off the main terminal. Inside, a tall man with a well-tailored suit and a sharp gaze sat behind a desk cluttered with maps and reports.“Mr. Sinclair, I’m Inspector Laurent,” he said, extending a hand. His tone was calm, but his eyes betrayed a hint of frustration.“Inspector Laurent, I need to know what you’ve found,” I said, barely managing to keep my composure. “Have you seen any sign of Henry, Julia,
Elijah’s POVJoe led me to a sleek helicopter waiting on the tarmac, its rotors already spinning. The cold wind whipped around us, blowing on our faces. As we climbed aboard, I couldn’t help but feel the adrenaline rushing through me.Joe settled into the pilot’s seat, his movements precise and practiced. I took a seat beside him as I thought about the implications of the photos and Daniel’s betrayal. Joe handed me a tablet displaying a map with various locations marked in red.“These are potential locations where Henry and Julia could have gone,” Joe said, pointing to the screen. “We’ve got several leads: remote airstrips, private estates, and even a few places where we suspect they might try to lay low.”I scanned the map quickly. “Any particular locations that stand out?”Joe nodded, tapping a few points on the map. “There’s a secluded villa in the south of France that’s been known to host high-profile individuals under the radar. Another is a private airstrip in the countryside. A
Julia’s POVI stepped onto the balcony, feeling the cool, crisp breeze brush against my skin. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden hue over the ocean, the sky, and the distant mountains. I threw my arms out wide, letting out a scream of pure, unadulterated joy. “I’m free!” I shouted, my voice echoing against the stone walls of the chateau. “I’m finally free!”I had almost lost hope. There were moments when the darkness seemed impenetrable, when escape felt impossible. But here I was, at the top of the world, reveling in the freedom Henry and I had fought so hard to reclaim. I twirled around with my eyes closed, feeling a sense of exhilaration course through me.Henry soon joined me, his presence as reassuring as ever. I ran to him, throwing my arms around him in a tight embrace. “You’re the best, Henry. You’ve always had my back, even when things seemed impossible.”He laughed, a twinkle in his eye that made my heart skip a beat. “Of course, Jules. I’ve always been her
Henry’s POVI stood at the edge of the docks that afternoon, gazing at the rippling water. As the cry of seagulls sounded in the distance, my thoughts shifted back to the memories I thought I had buried. Julia was a small figure in the distance, her laughter carried by the breeze. She looked so carefree, almost like the girl I used to know, the one who would drag me to the beach or up to the mountains to forget our troubles, even if just for a little while.I couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. Those were simpler times, times when we thought our problems could be left behind with a change of scenery. Now, everything was different. Complicated.“Mr. Stanford,” a voice called from behind me, breaking my reverie.I turned to see Marco approaching, looking so concerned but sounding frustrated. He was always so loyal, so dependable. It was why I kept him close.“What is it, Marco?” I asked. “We couldn't stop Elijah,” Marco said, his tone forbidding. “He's reached France.”I clen
Sophia’s POVThe room was dimly lit by a small window high on the wall, barely allowing any sunlight to filter through. It was a slight improvement from the previous room—more spacious, less suffocating—but the damp cold still seeped into my bones. The walls were clammy and smelled of mold, and the flickering light from a single bulb cast eerie shadows that seemed to move on their own.I shivered uncontrollably, wrapping my arms around myself in a futile attempt to stay warm. At least they had fed me, but now my throat was parched from thirst again. I had no idea how long I’d been here now. I leaned against the wall, staring at the small window. If only I could reach it, maybe I could signal for help. But it was too high, and I was not strong or agile enough. The faint light coming through was a cruel tease, offering a glimpse of freedom that was just out of reach.Quickly I looked around. There was nothing I could use to push myself up. Not even a chair or anything else I could step
Daniel’s POVI pounded on the door, my fists sore and my frustration mounting with each blow. My throat was parched, and my stomach growled with hunger, but my mind was fixated on one thing—Sophia. Hours had passed since they’d taken her out of the room, and with each minute that ticked by, my anxiety grew. “Hey! Let me out! Where’s Sophia? What have you done with her?” I roared, my voice cracking with desperation. I pounded again, my fists hurting from the impact on the metal door. But I didn’t stop. The silence that followed was maddening. It was probably night now, and the realization only added to my distress. I leaned my forehead against the door, my breath uneven and ragged. “Please,” I pleaded loudly. “Someone answer me please! Just tell me she’s okay. I need to know she’s okay.”The door creaked open suddenly, and I stumbled back, squinting against the harsh light that spilled into the dim room. Two of Henry’s men stood there, guns slung casually at their sides. The sight of
Elijah’s POVI splashed cold water on my face, hoping it would knock me into clarity. The hotel room was hardly illuminated by the morning light filtering through the thin curtains. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, my eyes bloodshot and my stubble unshaven. Two days of relentless searching and sleepless nights had left their mark.My phone buzzed on the counter, and I grabbed it, noting the missed call from Connor. I dialed him back immediately.“Elijah,” Connor's voice crackled through the speaker with exhaustion. “Any updates on your end?”“Nothing concrete,” I replied, rubbing my eyes. “We've been combing through every possible lead, but it feels like we're hitting dead ends everywhere. The authorities are coming up empty too.”“We’re facing the same problem in Iceland,” Connor informed me with disappointment and worry. “No one’s seen or heard anything. It’s like they vanished off the face of the Earth.”“We need to step up our efforts. I can’t keep sitting around. I’m head
Sophia’s POVElijah’s silence pressed down on me like a physical force, heavier than the comforter I was clutching. I lay on my side, my back turned to him, staring into the darkness. My heart felt raw, aching with the knowledge that I’d hurt the one person who meant everything to me.He wasn’t asleep—I knew him well enough to sense that. And knowing he was lying there, just as restless as I was, made the ache in my chest even worse.I couldn’t take it anymore.“Elijah,” I whispered. Turning slowly, I faced him, my eyes adjusting to the faint light filtering through the curtains. His back was still to me, but I reached out tentatively, my fingers brushing against his shoulder. “Please,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I can’t stand this distance between us.”For a moment, he didn’t move, and I thought he might ignore me. But then, he rolled over, his face etched with both exhaustion and pain. His eyes met mine, and the sight of his hurt broke me.“I’m sorry,” I said, tears pooling i
Sophia’s POVAs I stepped out of the bathroom, the cool silk of my nightgown brushing against my legs, I immediately noticed Elijah standing near the bed, his back to me. His posture was rigid, his head slightly tilted as he studied something in his hands. My breath caught when I realized what it was.The chocolate wrapper.My heart sank as I recognized it instantly. I’d completely forgotten about it after stashing it away. How had it ended up here?“Elijah?” I said hesitantly, my voice quieter than I intended.He turned, his face calm but his eyes sharp, like he was holding back a storm. He held up the wrapper. “Where did this come from?”I froze, my mind racing. “I—”“I found it in Reese’s bag,” he said evenly, cutting me off. His tone wasn’t accusatory, but there was an edge to it that made my stomach churn.For a split second, I considered lying, brushing it off as something our daughter must have gotten from a classmate or a friend. But the look in Elijah’s eyes stopped me. He d
Elijah’s POVI sank into the couch, remote still in hand, as the credits of some late-night documentary rolled across the screen. The faint hum of the television was lulling me into that in-between state of wakefulness and sleep when my phone buzzed on the coffee table. The name Camille lit up the screen.Frowning, I picked it up. “Hello?”“Elijah,” came her voice, slightly slurred, accompanied by background noise—music, chatter, the unmistakable din of a party still in full swing. “Hey... I’m sorry, am I interrupting something?”“No,” I said cautiously, sitting up straighter. “Are you okay? You sound... off.”She let out a soft laugh that sent warning bells ringing in my head. “Just had a little too much fun tonight, that’s all. I’m about to leave the party.”“You shouldn’t drive,” I said immediately. “Find someone sober to take you home or call a ride. Seriously.”“Oh, so protective,” she teased, her words laced with flirtation. “I’m so flattered you care.”“Camille,” I said firmly,
Sophia’s POVI sipped from my glass of champagne, the bubbles fizzing on my tongue and giving me a fleeting sense of lightness. Kayla’s concerned voice cut through the haze.“Are you okay? That’s your third glass already,” she said, a shadow of worry crossing her face as she moved closer.I waved her off with a forced smile. “I’m fine. Really. I’m just so... happy. The event was a huge success. We deserve this, don’t you think?”Kayla hesitated, her gaze scanning my face. “Yeah, but don’t go overboard. You’ve got a family waiting for you at home.”“Elijah went ahead,” I said quickly, my tone dismissive. “He’s tired.”Her eyes narrowed slightly, like she wanted to press further, but Connor appeared beside her, sliding an arm around her waist. The moment passed as she turned her attention to him, and I took the opportunity to slip away into the crowd.The bass thumped through the speakers, reverberating in my chest as I joined a group of familiar faces on the dance floor. The alcohol co
Sophia’s POVThe energy of the fashion show was electric. The applause was thunderous as the models made their final walk down the runway in Emily’s stunning tribute collection. Kayla and I stood near the stage, watching as the curtains closed on months of hard work.“We did it,” Kayla whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. She squeezed my hand tightly, her smile brighter than the spotlights above.I nodded, unable to suppress the overwhelming joy bubbling inside me. “We really did. It’s perfect, Kayla.”The after-party was in full swing now, a celebration of what we had pulled off. Everyone seemed to be riding the high of the evening. Elijah had surprised me earlier with a bouquet of my favorite flowers, a sweet and thoughtful gesture that made my heart swell. His warm kiss on my cheek and whispered, “I’m so proud of you,” had been the cherry on top of a perfect night.But now, as I moved through the crowd, my excitement dulled slightly. I couldn’t find him.“Elijah?” I called
Sophia’s POV"Kayla, can you double-check the lighting cues for the finale?" I asked, glancing at the stage where models were gliding down the runway, their movements rehearsed to perfection.Kayla, clipboard in hand, barely glanced up. "Already done. Now spill. How was the night with Lucas?"My heart jumped, the question catching me off guard. I kept my tone breezy as I adjusted a hemline on one of the dresses. "Oh, it was fine. We caught a movie and grabbed dinner. Nothing special."Kayla lowered the clipboard and arched a brow. "Uh-huh. And where was Luana during all of this?"I busied myself with the dress, my hands suddenly fidgety. "She... got caught up with something at home. A repair, I think. She couldn’t make it."Kayla’s lips parted in mock surprise as she leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Wait. Are you telling me you and Lucas—alone—watched a movie and had dinner together? No Luana? Just the two of you?""Shh!" I hissed, glancing nervously around the backsta
Elijah’s POV“All the permits and licenses are in order,” Victoria began, her tone suddenly professional again as her eyes scanned the screen. I felt relieved. “But I’ll double-check the fire safety certifications and food handling records to make sure we’re fully covered.”“Good,” I replied, keeping my tone brisk. “I’ll work on connecting with a few experts to get additional certifications if necessary. It won’t hurt to go above and beyond for now.”She nodded, typing something into her device. “That’s a smart move. It’ll help to counter any claims before they gain traction.”As she spoke, she reached across the desk to grab her pen, her fingers brushing mine. I pulled my hand back instinctively, but she barely seemed to notice—or pretended not to.“Sorry,” she murmured with a faint smile, her eyes briefly flicking to mine before returning to her tablet.I shifted in my seat, brushing it off as an accident until, moments later, she reached up to unclip her hair. The cascading strands
Elijah’s POVI walked into Bella Sera, happy to see that it was packed with guests at this time in the afternoon. Fresh from closing a successful business deal, I was in a good mood, but there was a nagging concern for Morgana at the back of my mind. It was why I’d decided to stop by the cafe—to check in and see how she was holding up after she’d left me a series of frantic voicemails.Since I didn’t see her in the dining area, I went straight to her office. The door was ajar, and I could already feel the tension and anger leaking through it. I found Morgana pacing like a caged lioness, her hands gesturing wildly as she muttered to herself. The sight reminded me of the old Morgana— my stepmother who never minced her words or held back when someone crossed her.“I cannot believe this! The audacity, the gall!” she ranted, slamming a folder onto the desk. “This is a targeted attack, Elijah. It has to be. Who else would stoop this low?”“Morgana,” I greeted cautiously, stepping inside. “
Adrian’s POVThe Roosevelt mansion came into view as the car eased into the circular driveway, its stately facade bathed in the setting sun. Growing up here, I’d long since grown accustomed to its grandeur—the towering columns, the meticulously trimmed hedges, the way it seemed to command attention. Yet tonight, I barely noticed it. My thoughts were entirely on the woman sitting beside me, her fingers absently toying with her bracelet. “Relax,” I said, throwing her a reassuring smile. “My father’s not as intimidating as he looks. He’s actually… well, decent these days.”Lila gave me a skeptical glance. “Decent? I’ve read about your family, Adrian. You’re practically royalty in this country.”I laughed at her dramatic tone. “You’ll be fine. Trust me.”“Tell me again why you’re bringing me to see him?” she asked as we both stepped out of the car. Laughing, I simply answered, “You’ll find out soon enough.” One of the staff greeted us and led us inside. The interior was just as imposin