Raisel - POVHe didn’t answer me. Instead, he grabbed my hand and urged me to walk with him. I froze, unmoving. He glanced back at me, exhaling loudly in exasperation.“Ugh.” He sighed, then smirked. “I’m just kidding, Raisel. You’re way too easy to rile up.” His laughter rang out, light and teasing.I relaxed, muttering a curse under my breath as I finally followed his lead. He had no idea how much he’d just scared me. We ended up at a cozy little spot called the River Crab House, savoring crab cakes and crisp Chardonnay in a surprisingly quiet lunch.“You know, it’s been ages since I’ve had lunch with someone,” he said after a long stretch of silence.I raised an eyebrow. “You expect me to believe that?” My tone was sharp with disbelief. “You’re the CEO of Dalton. I’m sure there’s no shortage of people eager to keep you company.”His expression shifted—distant, almost wistful. “I don’t dine with snakes,” he replied flatly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth as he side-
Soren – POVThe office was a mess, buzzing with tension. People tiptoed around me, subtly dropping hints and questions: When will Raisel be back? We need her to move forward. I knew they needed answers from her, but I wasn’t about to push. She deserved space—time to heal. Losing someone is one thing, but watching a man die in front of you, a man you once cared for? That’s a whole other kind of trauma.Me? I felt the opposite. There was a sense of calm in knowing one of the bastards was finally out of the picture. Dead and gone.Still, the work couldn’t wait. I stepped in, made a decision on her project. It was something Raisel would’ve approved of—or at leastI hoped so. I couldn’t let the deadline slip.It was late when the call came. I was sitting at my desk, nursing a cup of lukewarm coffee, when my phone buzzed.“Mr. Soren Dalton,” the voice on the other end said. It was Officer Denvor, the man in charge of the investigation into Nancy’s murder.“Speaking,” I replied, already brac
Raisel’s POVJoshua’s words won’t stop echoing in my head.“Listen to me carefully,” he said, his voice cold, calculated. “If you want to stay out of trouble, accept my deal. Pretend you’re in love with me.”I blinked, trying to keep my composure. “And what happens if I don’t accept your deal?” I asked, my voice barely steady.His smirk darkened, curling his lips into something both handsome and sinister. “Then you and Soren are in for a rough time,” he warned. He let that threat hang in the air before continuing, his words like venom. “Your project—the one launching the new car?It’ll stay nothing more than a dream. I’ll make sure of it.”My stomach dropped.I gulped. This man is heartless. No empathy at all. He’s… he’s the devil himself.“I… I…” I stammered, unable to string words together.“I’m giving you three hours to think it over,” he said with that insufferable smirk still plastered on his face. To most, he might look charming; to me, he was the worst kind of monster. Untamed.
Raisel’s POVI took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Yes, I’m in. But I have my conditions,” I said, my voice firm despite the tremble in my hands. This isn’t what I want. Not at all.Joshua’s eyes darkened with intrigue. “And what might those be?” he asked. He didn’t shut me down immediately, which meant there was hope—however slim—that I could claw my way out of this mess.“You will respect boundaries,” I demanded, my tone sharp. “When I say no, it means no. You won’t blackmail me or manipulate me into doing things.”He leaned back, exuding the kind of confidence only a man like him could radiate. “I don’t have to force you into anything, Raisel.You’ll beg me for it,” he said smugly, his arrogance filling the room like a storm cloud.I rolled my eyes so hard I was sure they’d stick. These Dalton men—arrogant, entitled, and infuriatingly aware of their allure. And,God help me, why wouldn’t they be? With their striking looks, obscene wealth, and dangerous power, they practic
Soren’s POV “Mission Raisel accomplished.” A smirk tugged at my lips as I read Jace’s text on my phone. Perfect. Everything had fallen into place—because I made sure it did. It took a lot of manipulation to create this so-called “problem” and ensure Raisel would be the one to fix it. There’s no way I’m letting that asshole Joshua get anywhere near her. The temptation to storm into Chicago and drag her back home myself was almost unbearable. But that would only make her hate me more. And Raisel hating me? That’s the one thing I can’t risk. “Sir, the situation is getting worse.” Gwen’s voice cut through my thoughts. She entered the office, her expression tight with worry. I glanced at her calmly, and she frowned, as though confused by my lack of panic. “You don’t seem concerned. Sir, if we don’t fix this, we’re out of car models, out of investors, and ultimately... out of business.” “Take a breath, Gwen,” I said. She nodded, though the tension in her shoulders didn’t ease. She plac
Raisel – POVThe room was heavy with tension, so thick it felt like the air itself had turned solid. All eyes were on me, but the unspoken energy in the room wasn’t about me. It was about Soren. His presence alone was enough to tighten every throat in the room.“As you all know, there’s been an issue with the car sensor failing,” I began, my voice steady, calm, despite the storm brewing beneath my skin. “I’ve found a solution.”Soren’s voice sliced through the air like a blade. “What have you come up with?” His cold tone made the hair on the back of my neck rise.I didn’t flinch. “I’m getting to that, Mr. Dalton,” I replied, holding onto my composure. “I ran a series of diagnostic tests to pinpoint the exact conditions causing the sensor delay,” I said, my voice measured, professional.“And? What did you find?” His words were sharper now, laced with curiosity, but there was something else there—something darker.I clenched my fists under the table. “The issue could be caused by several
Soren - POVThe penthouse felt lifeless—empty and cold, even as sunlight struggled to pierce through the curtains. I lay motionless on the bed, staring at the ceiling, the weight of exhaustion pinning me down. I wasn’t really sleeping, just barely surviving on fragments of rest.The worst part wasn’t the sleepless nights; it was the endless nightmare of Raisel’s hatred. It felt like a prophecy, each passing moment bringing it closer to reality.The phone rang, cutting through the silence. I sighed and glanced at the screen. Grandpa. If I ignored him, he’d show up unannounced. I dragged myself to answer.“Morning,” he said.“It’s not,” I whispered flatly.“I know,” his tone carried a grim edge. “There’s a scandal blowing up. Apparently, your current girlfriend is all over the tabloids… cozying up to Joshua.”I shot upright, a sharp hiss escaping as the sudden movement worsened my pounding headache. I hadn’t checked the news yet—I didn’t need to. She said she was done with me, and I bel
Soren - POVSusan sighed, shaking her head with a heaviness that filled the room. I sat on the edge of the couch, my patience thinning. She stood abruptly, walking off to her room without another word. Frustration twisted in my chest as I waited, but before I could follow her, she reappeared. In her hands were files, thick and stacked, which she dropped on the table in front of me.“What’s this?” I asked, picking up the top file. My hands tightened around it as I flipped through its contents. Photos of Raisel’s childhood in the orphanage, her college years, and, worst of all, her marriage to Alaric stared back at me. There she was, smiling—happy, even—standing next to him. A twisted knot of agony coiled in my gut. It never failed. Any time I saw Raisel with Alaric, whether in a photograph or in memories that refused to leave me alone, I’d spiral. I couldn’t think, couldn’t focus, couldn’t breathe.Instead, I’d bury the pain the only way I knew how—by drinking myself senseless in some
Raisel’s POV“Raisins.” I stared at the nickname, my heart caught somewhere between a laugh and a lump in my throat.“This isn’t Davina writing, but—” Hazel cut in, grinning. “I’ll give you and that letter some privacy, now that I know it’s not a threat letter. It's a love letter.” She winked, her tone playful.I blushed, caught off guard.As my eyes returned to the letter, I caught a soft trace of his cologne clinging to the page — warm, spicy, unmistakably him. And just like that, a rush of emotion surged up, bittersweet and strong. A strange calm swept over me. Even if things were uncertain, this letter brought me back to center.The LetterRaisins,This is a rough patch we’re going through — being apart like this. But it won’t last forever. I know that in my gut.Raisins... are you eating on time? You always forget when you’re caught up in work. Skipping lunch is basically your thing — and it drives me nuts.{I smiled through a tear. I could almost hear his voice, every word alive
RAISEL’S POVOne Month LaterI crouched in the shadows of the alley, my breath shallow, heart pounding. I was hiding from Davina’s assassins. Heavy footstepsechoed behind me.“Search over there!” a man barked.They swarmed the area. Without a sound, I slid beneath a rickety shed, my pulse thudding so loud I was sure they could hear it.“Come out, woman!” another voice shouted.I clamped a trembling hand over my mouth, stifling the scream clawing its way up my throat. Every part of me trembled. I regrettedeverything—leaving alone, ignoring Killian and Jace’s warnings to call first, brushing Hazel off when she tried to stop me. Myphone was in my hand, but the screen was black. Dead.God, help me, I begged silently. Please."Did you check all the spots?" one of them asked."I did. Nothing.""Impossible. We saw her run down this alley."“We can’t fail this mission. If we do—” the man’s voice faltered.“We have to kill her. Then send the photo to Lady Davina.”I shivered. Even they were
Soren’s POVKillian explained everything—Davina’s out of prison, and Raisel could be her next target. He promised to protect her. And he didn’t ask for anything in return. Not money, not favors. Just a quiet promise.When I asked him why—why risk so much for someone else—he said, “Helping Raisel this time… it makes her see me like a brother. And I want to protect the last family I have left.”That stuck with me.I spent the rest of the night tossing and turning, unable to shake the unease building in my chest. All I could do was stare at the sliver of morning sunlight cutting through the window. My stomach twisted with anxiety.Footsteps echoed down the hall. I didn’t need to look—I already knew it was one of Killian’s guys.“Morning, Soren,” Brian chirped as he placed a grocery bag on the table, humming some old tune like life was normal.“Brian, is Killian here?” I asked, trying to hide the urgency in my voice.“Boss is in New York,” he replied.I sighed and headed to the gym area.
Raisel’s POV We stood there—four of us—staring at the screen in stunned silence.My eyes blinked, struggling to process the words. The will... the property hadn’t been left to Soren. Or any Dalton. It had been left to me.Me? Why?Mr. Beau never liked me. I could feel the questions spiral in my chest, one after another, tightening like a vice.“This poses a problem,” Jace said grimly.“Davina will come after Raisel,” Fiora added, her voice low with worry. “She’ll try to take the property—illegally.”“Damn,” Hazel muttered under her breath.“Let’s grab this information and head back to the penthouse,” Jace said, already dialing Killian. I narrowed my eyes. Jace always acted like he didn’t trust Killian—so why call him now?As soon as we left, the car sped up, tires gripping the road with urgency.“What’s going on?” I asked, tension creeping into my voice.“We’re being followed,” Jace muttered, eyes locked on the rearview mirror.I turned, heart racing. A black car was trailing us. All
Raisel - POVKillian’s gaze flicked over to Jace, his tone sharpened with quiet urgency.“To stop Davina from taking over Dalton’s estate?” he asked. “As far as I know, she’s already spent a fortune bribing victims,erasing every shred of evidence.”Killian continued, eyes fixed on me. “Raisel’s carrying Soren’s child. That connects her—technically—to the Dalton family.”Jace blinked rapidly, visibly startled. The news had shocked him.Hazel spoke up, her voice tight with concern. “This isn’t a good idea.”“I agree,” I said softly. I already knew what she was thinking, because the same storm was brewing in me.“Why not?” Killian’s eyes landed on me, waiting.“I won’t gamble with my child’s life,” I said, my voice barely steady. “Davina isn’t just cruel—she’s dangerous. Standing up toher…” I let out a shaky breath. “I can’t take that risk.”“There’s no other choice.” Killian’s expression hardened. “You think I haven’t thought of that?”“Then why are you pushing this?” I snapped. “I ca
Raisel’s POVGwen had to face the consequences. Killian didn’t spare her, no matter how much I wanted him to. The verdict wasn’t mine to make—but I didn’t try to stop it either. I just stood there… silent. The only thing I could offer was a promise—to care for Gwen’s mother, a sick woman who depended on her daughter for everything.Fiora and Hazel had moved into Soren’s penthouse to stay close to me. That place, once his, now belonged to me. His lawyer had handed over the official documents just last week. Hazel was still job hunting, and Fiora was constantly buried in work. I wasn’t any better. Between my usual responsibilities and the added pressure of stepping in as Killian’s temporary secretary, I was running onfumes.He’d be visiting again this week—hopefully, with updates about Soren. God, I needed something. Anything.In a blur of fatigue and distraction, I stepped into the wrong office. It hit me the second I walked in—the silence, the stillness. The absence.The air was heav
Soren's POV I stared at the white ceiling. Everything felt hazy, like I was floating somewhere between sleep and consciousness. Voices filtered through the fog — muffled, distant.“How long until he wakes up?”That voice — I knew it. The only person I could ever call a true friend. Jace.“He should—”The rest blurred. I saw movement in my periphery, someone speaking, but the words were just noise. Slowly, the fog began to lift,my vision sharpening bit by bit.A man in a lab coat leaned over me. “How are you feeling?” he asked.“Fine,” I whispered, though it felt like a lie. My eyes wandered until they found Jace. He handed me a cup of water, and I drank itlike I hadn’t tasted water in days.“I need to call Raisel,” I said, breath catching in my throat.Jace handed me another cup without a word. The cool water soothed my parched throat.“You can’t,” he finally said.My stomach dropped. “Why not?”He looked me dead in the eye.“We staged your death — and the case was officially close
Raisel – POVFiora, Hazel, and I had searched everywhere—every hallway, every floor—but Gwen was nowhere to be found.“Hey, have you seen Gwen?” I asked one of my coworkers, trying to keep the panic out of my voice.“Yeah,” she nodded. “She came in earlier but left after taking a phone call.”“Did she say where she was going?”“Not a clue.”“Come with me,” Fiora said, grabbing my hand. I didn’t hesitate, following her with Hazel close behind as we rushed into my office.“I can track her phone,” Fiora offered, already pulling out her laptop.“Do it,” Hazel snapped before I could even get the words out. “I need answers—goddammit.”Fiora looked at me for confirmation.“Yes,” I whispered. “Please.”Seconds ticked by like hours before Fiora finally said, “Got her. Let’s go.”“I’ll text Killian and let him know I’m taking the day off,” I muttered as we hustled out. Hazel’s car screeched into the road as Fioragave directions, leading us straight to the one place I didn’t expect—The prison.
Raisel – POVIt’s been a week. Just one. And yet, everything’s changed.I had to get back to work at Terrain Motors. Normal life, right? Except it’s not. Gwen dropped the bomb—Killian's the new CEO, not Soren. That one stung.The whole week passed in a blur. Killian kept me updated using coded language that made zero sense half the time. Thankfully,Fiora was a pro at decoding it. Killian said Soren was doing fine, which was something, but the officers were still monitoring every call, every device. Translation: zero contact with Soren. For who knows how long.Knock knock.“You ready? You’re gonna be late,” Hazel’s voice called out gently.“Coming!” I stepped out of my room, pulling down my green blouse and smoothing my black pencil skirt.“Whoa, look at you. Total knockout,” Hazel said, giving me the classic head-to-toe scan. I smiled. She was trying her best to lift myspirits.“You don’t have to drive me. I’ll grab a cab,” I said quietly.“Nope. I’ve got nowhere to be,” she said, h