SARAH'S POV:"Can't you drive faster?" I snapped at Barr Lawn, my voice quivering with a mix of fear and urgency, as the rain pounded against the windshield and the trees blurred past in the darkness. My heart pounded with an unrelenting mirroring of the panic that flickered in my wide eyes."Sarah, calm down," he replied, casting a worried glance at me, his grip tightening on the steering wheel as the wind howled outside.The car seemed to inch forward along the winding road, despite Barr Lawn's determined efforts. Anxious thoughts gnawed at my insides, and the haunting image of my grandmother's house lingered in my mind. Mark's frantic phone call had triggered immediate alarm, and my panic only escalated as we approached closer to our destination.The sense of anticipation seemed to stretch on endlessly. Finally, as we approached, the flashing lights of ambulances and police cars came into view, casting an eerie glow across the scene. My heart seemed to echo the urgency of the surro
MARK'S POV:The heavy, oppressive air seemed to press down on me, as if warning of an impending catastrophe. I found myself standing in confusion, silently observing the heartbreaking scene unfolding before me.Sarah, her once vibrant and lively spirit now extinguished, lay motionless in Joe's embrace. His arms enveloped her fragile form, offering a false sense of security. As I gazed upon them, a turbulent storm raged within me, manifesting in the fiery intensity of my eyes, a reflection of the seething turmoil brewing inside me.If looks could kill, Joe would have perished under the weight of my scorching glare a thousand times over. Every fibre of my being quivered with the overwhelming conviction that this was all his doing. It felt as though he had meticulously orchestrated the nightmarish sequence of events that had led me to this moment.The undeniable evidence of his betrayal gnawed at my insides, stoking the flames of my raging fury. The searing heat of my anger threatened t
MARK'S POV:It felt as though the very walls of the cell were conspiring to crush me, their suffocating and oppressive presence closing in on all sides. In a fit of overwhelming frustration and despair, I began to pound the unyielding concrete with my fists, each impact reverberating and amplifying the intensity of my emotions. My shouts echoed off the unfeeling surfaces, serving as a stark reminder of the cold and indifferent environment that surrounded me.The cell police officer’s voice pierced through my fury like a knife. “Shut up in there!” he shouted. His voice was a harsh bark, filled with the authority of someone used to being obeyed.But I didn’t care. I didn’t listen. For hours, I’d been pestering him to let me speak to Paul, but he refused, dismissing my pleas with an indifferent wave of his hand. Now, my patience is gone. I decided I would make enough noise to force him to let me talk to Paul.As I raged on, my voice grew increasingly hoarse and frayed. Suddenly, the b
MARK'S POV:In the stillness of the room, not a sound penetrated the air except for the faint reverberations of activity from beyond the prison walls. Within the confines of my small cell, I found both imprisonment and sanctuary. This solitary space became my haven, offering refuge from the turbulent world outside.In the embrace of this solitude, I frequently sought comfort, engaging in deep meditation to transcend the limitations imposed by my own thoughts and the unyielding barriers that defined my surroundings.As I shut my eyes, seeking a moment of tranquility, I was rudely snapped back to the present.The heavy door of my cell groaned open with a resounding clang, its rusty hinges protesting loudly. The metallic clinking of keys added to the cacophony, shattering the fragile calm I had tried to cultivate. The harsh, piercing sound reverberated in my ears, disrupting my attempt at finding solace.As I slowly opened my eyes to see the figure of the stone-faced cell officer standi
SARAH'S POV:As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across the room, I remained close to my grandmother, unwilling to leave her side. The memories of the past few days flooded my mind, each moment playing out in vivid detail like a never-ending, tormenting movie. The absence of Mabel, my beloved daughter, hung in the air like a heavy shroud, weighing down on my heart with an unrelenting force.As my grandmother lay in the hospital bed, I could see the frailty in her appearance, but her eyes were open and alert, which brought an overwhelming sense of relief.I rushed to her side, holding her hand with an intensity that I couldn't hide. "Grandma," I whispered, tears rolling down my cheeks.She mustered a weak smile, her eyes filled with warmth and kindness despite her obvious struggle. "I'm okay, Sarah," she whispered, her voice quivering but filled with a reassuring tone."I was so worried.” I spoke, my voice trembled with emotion, I tightened my grasp around her ha
SARAH'S POV:Barr Lawn enveloped me in a strong and comforting embrace, his steady arms providing a sense of security as I struggled to regain my composure. In that moment, his unwavering support was the only thing anchoring me as I grappled with the overwhelming reality of the situation.As I began to regain my composure, I retrieved my phone from Barr Lawn and made another attempt to dial the number. Despite my efforts, the line remained unresponsive, intensifying my feelings of frustration and fear. "What should we do next?" I inquired, barely audible, as I struggled to control my emotions."We must contact the police as soon as possible. It's crucial that we provide them with a thorough explanation of the situation so they are fully aware of what's going on," Barr Lawn stated firmly."Can we count on the tracker?" I inquired eagerly, a glimmer of hope shining in my eyes."I will immediately instruct our tracker to pinpoint the location," Barr Lawn reassured me. "Rest assured, he w
MARK'S POV: The sound of the heavy, steel cell door reverberated throughout the dimly lit hallway, sending a shiver down my spine. As the guard stepped to the side, granting me passage into the corridor, I couldn't help but take a deep, steadying breath. My heart raced with a tumultuous mix of emotions—relief at finally being released, and anxiety about the uncertain road ahead. I owed it all to Paul. Against all odds, he had managed to find a dedicated attorney who was willing to take on my case. And now, as I stepped out into the unfamiliar freedom beyond those prison walls, a sense of gratitude and disbelief washed over me. I was finally free. My mind was already racing ahead to the task at hand—finding Jennie and Joe and uncovering their connection to my daughter Mabel's disappearance. It felt like freedom was a relative term, and I was determined to follow every lead to bring Mabel back home. As I stepped out of the police station, I could feel the cold wind cutting through
MARK'S POV: As the moon cast its faint glow over the landscape, I carefully made my way toward the imposing mansion, taking care to stay concealed and unnoticed. With each step, I could feel the chill of the night air seeping into my bones. Upon reaching the perimeter wall, I gingerly hoisted myself over, feeling the rough texture of the stone against my palm as I lowered myself into the silent courtyard. The mansion stood before me, a silent sentinel steeped in mystery and menace. I swiftly navigated through the darkness, sticking to the shelter of the shadows as I approached a side entrance. Though the door was firmly secured, I managed to overcome the obstacle with unsteady hands, the subtle sound of the lock giving way adding to the tension of the moment. Inside, the mansion was eerily quiet. I navigated the labyrinthine hallways, my senses on high alert. Every creak of the floorboards, every distant murmur set my nerves on edge. I made my way to the basement, where I hop
MARK'S POVI could feel my pulse pounding in my ears, a low roar of rage building inside me. How could she? After everything, how could she do this now, knowing I still love her? Knowing what she meant to me? My fists clenched at my sides, my mind racing with a thousand questions, a thousand thoughts crashing in.Then I heard it — a low murmur from the crowd, a ripple of excitement spreading like wildfire. And then, as if on cue, voices began to chant, louder and louder, "Marry him! Marry him!"The words hit me like a punch to the gut. The room was closing in, the noise growing deafening, and I could feel the heat rising up my neck, my vision narrowing as the reality of what was happening sank in. Joe was down on one knee, a ring in his hand, and the crowd was cheering them on. “No… no, no, no,” I muttered, shaking my head as if trying to wake from a bad dream. My chest felt tight, and I could barely breathe. Paul reached out, grabbing my arm, trying to pull me back to my seat, but I
MARK'S POV:The restaurant was crowded, filled with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of cutlery against plates. Paul and I were seated by the window, where the sunlight poured in. I pushed my food around, barely tasting it, my thoughts elsewhere.Suddenly, Sarah walked in, her smile as radiant as ever, but my chest tightened when I saw who was with her — Joe. My jaw clenched instinctively. That man. I knew he had something planned, something dark. I’d seen enough of his schemes to know he was trouble, and now he was here with her. My Sarah. A burning anger rose inside me, spreading like wildfire. "They just sat down," I muttered, my eyes glued to them. I didn't even realize Paul was speaking until he snapped his fingers in front of my face."Hey! Earth to you," Paul called, his voice cutting through my thoughts.I blinked and turned to him. "What?"Paul’s gaze shifted towards Sarah and Joe, and then back to me. He sighed, exasperation etched on his face. "How long are yo
JENNIE'S POV:My father’s study, usually a place of calm, had turned into a storm of anger and tension. I stood near the doorway, my fists clenched, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hardly breathe. "Daddy, are you really going to sit there and let that bitch, Sarah, take everything we’ve worked for?" I spat out, my voice trembling with frustration. My words felt like acid on my tongue. The room seemed to shrink as I waited for his response, my breath quickening.My father, his face shadowed in the gloom, whipped his head towards me, his eyes narrowing into dangerous slits. "I’ve told you to shut your mouth! I’m doing something about it!" He shouted, his voice slicing through the air. His fury hung in the air, thick and suffocating.I felt my cheeks flush with heat, my anger flaring even hotter. I couldn’t stay still. I paced back and forth, my heels clicking sharply against the hardwood floor, frustration boiling inside me like a storm ready to break. My mind raced, thoughts tu
SARAH'S POVI smiled, glad to hear a proactive suggestion. “Absolutely. Explore those options. Bring me a list of potential partners and what they bring to the table. We’re not just here to compete; we’re here to lead, and sometimes that means joining forces.”Angela grinned and nodded, already thinking of ideas."And you, Daniel? What do you think needs to change?" I asked.He hesitated, then said, "We need stability. People are worried. They don’t know what to expect from you."I leaned back, considering his words. "Then make it clear: change is coming. But it’s a change for the better. We’re not just surviving; we’re going to thrive. And anyone who can’t keep up with that pace has no place here."I could feel the tension in the room. The executives exchanged uneasy glances. Some of them were on board, others were resistant. But they all knew one thing: this was not my uncle’s company anymore.No one moved. It was clear they had no more questions—for now, at least. I could see the g
SARAH'S POV:I could see the mix of expressions—some were still processing, some were skeptical, and a few were cautiously optimistic. I wanted to make sure there were no doubts and no misunderstandings about what was coming next.James, the CFO, raised his hand slightly, his eyes narrowing behind his glasses, he cleared his throat, adjusted his glasses, and stood. “What happens if these new strategies don’t work? What if we lose money and our position in the market worsens?" he asked, his voice steady but carrying a hint of challenge. I nodded, expecting this kind of resistance from James. "We adapt and pivot. We don’t cling to what doesn’t work. This company has been too afraid to take risks. But if we’re afraid to fail, we’ll never succeed. We’ll monitor every move closely, but doing nothing isn’t an option anymore.""We’ve been running a tight ship, focusing on profitability. I think we should maintain our current trajectory.” James continued.I nodded, my face expressionless. "P
SARAH'S POV:As I stood in my father's company, looking out over the city that had been the backdrop to this epic battle—a battle for survival, for control, for legacy. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. The skyscrapers rose high above the clouds, their glass windows reflecting the dying light of the sun. I could see it all now—every corner, every street, every building that had witnessed the storm I’d fought through. This city had been a battlefield, and I had emerged victorious, my resolve unbroken. But the war wasn’t over yet. The real work was just beginning.Now, standing in this high-rise office, it was time to reset everything. I turned away from the window and looked around the office. Now, my office. Everything in here screamed of the old regime: the heavy oak desk, the leather-bound books lining the walls, the dimly lit. The office smelled of leather and old wood, a heavy scent of authority. I could feel the weight of my uncle's legacy pressing down on my shoulders
SARAH'S POV:The rawness of it cut through the air, making everyone in the room freeze. Andrew's words, high-pitched and frantic, shattered the heavy silence that had settled over the courtroom like a thick fog. Every head turned to him, eyes wide with shock. Even the judge, who had maintained a stoic expression throughout the trial, looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. The tension in the room grew unbearable, like the air had been sucked out, leaving only the charged atmosphere behind.The bailiffs, trained to handle situations like this, tightened their grip on Andrew. But he continued to thrash, his movements wild and erratic, like a trapped animal. His eyes, once sharp and calculating, now darted around the room in sheer desperation. “I had no choice!” he shouted again, louder this time, his voice thick with fear. He scanned the faces in the courtroom, searching for someone—anyone—who might offer him a lifeline, a way out of the fate that awaited him.Then, his eyes landed on
SARAH'S POVThe courtroom was a cold, unforgiving place, filled with an almost palpable tension. The ceiling-high windows let in a harsh, gray light that settled over everything like a shroud. I stood at the defendant's table, gripping the edge so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The wood felt rough under my fingers, grounding me in the moment. My heart hammered in my chest, each beat echoing in my ears like the ticking of a clock. Every breath I took seemed louder than the whispers that had filled the room moments before. Now, it was silent. Unbearably silent.Barr Lawn stood beside me, tall and steady, his presence a rock in the storm of my emotions. He wasn’t just my lawyer—he was my friend, my guide through this harrowing journey. His eyes, usually so stern and focused, were softer now as they flicked toward me, giving a small nod of reassurance. I tried to find strength in his calm, but the fear was too strong. It coiled in my stomach, tightening with each second that passe
SARAH'S POV: The day before had been a blur of calls, documents, and the ceaseless hum. I didn’t feel like the same person anymore. The timidness that once gripped me had been burned away by the fire of righteous fury.My uncle’s legal team, once arrogant and dismissive, had fired the first volley—a desperate plea for a settlement. I had read their letter once, twice, maybe a dozen times. Each word was a thinly veiled threat wrapped in a mask of concern for “family unity.” But I wasn’t the same person who had bowed to their will in the past. That morning, as I held the letter in my hands, something inside me snapped into place, a final, unyielding decision.“No,” I had whispered, my voice echoing in the silence. “No more.”The battle lines were drawn in earnest. My reply to the settlement offer was curt, clinical—a refusal that left no room for doubt. Barr Lawn understood the stakes. He moved with precision, crafting each counter-response like a scalpel, cutting through the bluster