Sophia’s POV“Elijah, you should be more careful,” I said, my tone firmer than usual as I handed him his crutches. “Julian and his team are trained for these operations. You don’t have to throw yourself into the middle of every chase.”He took the crutches from me, his jaw tight, eyes darkened with that look I’d come to know too well—determination tangled with anger, frustration still raw after weeks of healing.“If I don’t go after them myself, Sophia, they’ll keep slipping away.” His knuckles whitened around the crutches, the tension almost vibrating off him. “They’re out there, regrouping, plotting, and I can’t just sit here waiting for updates.”“Elijah, you’re still recovering,” I said, doing my best to keep my own voice calm. “What matters is that you made it out alive. It could’ve been so much worse.”“That’s exactly the problem,” he snapped, more to himself than to me. “It should’ve ended that night. They were within reach, and I let them slip through my fingers. Again.” He le
Sophia’s POVMy heart pounded as I looked at Kayla, her words sending a shiver down my spine. “Julia?” I repeated. “What about her?”From the corner of my eye, I could see my husband fidgeting in his seat, eager to know the details too. Kayla exchanged a glance with Connor, who gave her a subtle nod, encouraging her to continue. She shifted Asha in her arms, then took a deep breath. “I ran into Lila in the office earlier today. She’d just returned from Mexico, and she… she swore she saw Julia there.”I felt my breath catch in my throat. “Mexico?” I repeated, trying to process the shock, the disbelief that followed it. Elijah sat forward, his brows knitted in fierce concentration.“Did Lila say where exactly she saw her?” he asked, his voice low, intense. I could see the fire sparking back in his eyes, the urgency building.Kayla shook her head. “She didn’t give me the details. She was in a hurry, and I had to get back to Asha, so we couldn’t talk more. But she was adamant it was Jul
Elijah’s POV“This is good news, Sophia,” I said, turning to my wife who was sitting up in bed next to me. Outside our bedroom window, the full moon shone brightly.“If Henry’s arm is in a cast and he’s limping, that means they’re weakened. They can’t move easily, and if they’re in Mexico, it’s only a matter of time before they’re found.”Sophia nodded, but her eyes were filled with caution. “So, you think they’re lying low because they’re injured?”“Exactly. They’ll need time to recover. Connor already contacted the local police here and also down there. They’re keeping an eye out, and I just got off the phone with Julian—he’s got people on the ground in Mexico, ready to track them as soon as they get a solid lead.”She placed a reassuring hand on my arm, but I could feel her worry. “So they’re closing in?”“Yes,” I replied, nodding. “But…” My voice trailed off, the frustration clawing at me.Sophia’s eyes met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. She knew me too well; she
Sophia’s POVI gently laid Roxy down, her tiny face peaceful as she drifted off into a deep sleep. Her soft breathing filled the quiet room, and I brushed a finger along her cheek, feeling a pang in my heart.My thoughts drifted immediately to Elijah—he was probably in Mexico by now, fully absorbed in their mission to track down Henry and Julia. It’s been two weeks since we found out that information from Lila. And just yesterday, Elijah had flown to Mexico to join Joe’s and Julian’s teams. The thought filled me with an equal mix of pride and worry.He’d been so determined, so resolved to see this through, but knowing he was out there in danger made me feel helpless.I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer. Please let him be safe. Keep my husband safe and make this operation successful. Henry and Julia have to be brought to justice. A soft giggle pulled me back, and I looked over to see Jared, his chubby fingers reaching for the toy blocks I’d set up on the play mat. I joined h
Sophia’s POVI unfolded the note, my hands trembling as I absorbed each word. Chris’s handwriting was hurried, a bit messy, but very recognizable. I could almost hear his voice speaking the words as I read.Hi, Sabrina… We’re okay. Emily and I are safe, but for now, we can’t return to the States. There’s still too much risk, too many eyes watching. You and Elijah… I know I don’t have to ask, but please take care of Jared. He’s safer with you than he could ever be with us. Tell him, when he’s old enough, that his mother and Uncle Chris never stopped loving him and that we’ll be back for him when the time is right. Until then, he’s yours. We’ll keep fighting to get back. Trust that. And trust we’re always with you in spirit.Love, ChrisI clutched the note to my chest, my heart swelling with a bittersweet joy. They were alive. Somewhere out there, in the shadows they were forced to navigate, Chris and Emily were holding on, fighting to survive. And even if they couldn’t be here physi
Elijah’s POVThe bookstore in Guadalajara was hushed, with the quiet murmur of a few customers flipping through books or browsing the shelves. I sat in the far corner, half-hidden by a display of mystery novels, watching as the team casually took up positions around the room.Each one looked like they belonged there—disguised as staff, customers, a student reading by the window. I had to hand it to them; they blended in flawlessly.But under the calm, there was tension, and my heart thudded with the thrill and nerves that always came before a high-stakes operation. Today, we were either going to end this chase, or Henry and Julia would slip through our fingers once again.It made me stop and think all of a sudden. How did I come to be tangled up in such dangerous situations? A long time ago, I wouldn’t have dreamed of being a part of something like this. I would have chosen not to be in the middle of the action but simply waiting for reports and updates. But I’ve changed already… And
Elijah’s POV“Elijah,” Henry sneered, regaining a bit of his composure. “You think this is going to change anything?”I crossed my arms, blocking their only escape. “You’re right. It’s not going to change anything. But it’ll end everything.”Julia’s eyes darted to the side, searching for a way out. I could see the desperation rising in her, a trapped animal’s instinct kicking in. She looked to Henry, but he kept his gaze locked on me, his expression bitter.“You think you’ve won?” he spat, his voice laced with defiance. “You’re too late, Elijah. Everything’s already in place. You can’t stop us.”“We’ll see about that,” I said, taking a step forward. “You’re done running.”Behind them, Julian and Joe’s operatives moved in, sealing off any possible escape. Henry and Julia were completely surrounded, their backs against the wall. I could see the realization dawning in their eyes—that this was it. The end of the line.“Give it up,” Joe called out, his voice firm. “This is over. You’re not
Sophia’s POVOne year had passed. Just like that. One long, grueling year since they’d been captured in Mexico. Now, I sat in the trial court, my hand clasped tightly in Elijah’s as we waited for the final verdict.Anticipation hovered around us, every rustle and whispered breath amplifying the tension that had been simmering for so long.I glanced across the room at Henry and Julia, seated a few rows away, flanked by officers on either side. Henry’s once-sharp features were worn, his face gaunt, his hair graying and thinning.He looked hollowed out, as though the years of hiding, the trials in France and now here in the U.S., had sucked the life from him. His hands were bound, but I could still see the twitch of his fingers, the anger boiling beneath his carefully composed exterior.Beside him, Julia looked equally changed. She’d aged in ways that seemed impossible for just a year’s passing—her skin pale, her eyes shadowed and glassy, as if she’d been surviving on sleepless nights a
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