Lysander pushed open the heavy wooden door to his mansion, the soft hum of his car engine fading as the automatic garage door sealed behind him. The quiet opulence of his home greeted him: marble floors gleamed under ambient lighting, and the faint aroma of cedarwood lingered in the air.He shrugged off his blazer, tossing it onto the back of a chair before making his way upstairs. His room was spacious yet cold, the kind of space that screamed wealth but lacked warmth. He paced to the floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding them open just enough to let the cool night breeze touch his face.A smug grin spread across his lips as he pulled out his phone. The call connected after two rings.“Soren,” he said, his voice carrying an undercurrent of authority.“Sir?”“I need you to find someone,” Lysander began, his words deliberate. “Emmanuelle.”There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Emmanuelle? Sir, isn’t she… dead? The news said Lucy killed her. It was all over the media.”Lysander c
The group split into two as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Lucy’s team headed toward the village chief’s residence, where eager children waited for their lessons, while Jeremy’s team set out for the best farmer’s house in the village. Cameramen followed both teams, broadcasting every move live to an online audience hungry for drama and entertainment.Lucy adjusted her cap as she stepped through the dusty village path, the camera zooming in on her determined expression. Around her, the chatter of her team mingled with the soft rustle of leaves in the morning breeze. When they reached the large wooden gate of the village chief's home, he was already waiting for them, his face breaking into a smile."I was thrilled when I saw you coming," he said, stepping forward to greet Lucy. His hands were calloused from years of hard work, but his grip was firm. "And thank you again for the tractor. Ever since you repaired it, work has been so much easier."Lucy forced a smile, brushing stray st
Maddy leaned back in his chair, the dim glow of the California city lights streaming through the restaurant’s glass window. The man across from him, Soren, fidgeted with his phone, stealing nervous glances at Maddy’s hulking frame. Maddy’s phone buzzed on the table, and he picked it up, answering with a deep, deliberate tone.“Boss, your assistant is here with me,” he said, his voice steady.On the other end of the line, Lysander’s voice was calm, almost cold. “Good. Has he been briefed?”“Yes. We’re parked across the street from her apartment. My team is ready.”“Then listen carefully,” Lysander said, his tone hardening. “Bring her back to Apex Grove tonight. Do it quietly. Not a single hair on her head should be harmed she’s critical to my plans.”Maddy nodded, though Lysander couldn’t see him. “Understood. I’ll wrap this up quickly.”“See that you do,” Lysander replied, the line going dead.Maddy slipped his phone into his pocket and turned to Soren, whose knuckles were white as he
The air was crisp and quiet, a blanket of calm resting over the village. The morning sun painted everything in soft gold, yet the two competing teams emerged with vastly different energy. Lucy’s team radiated confidence, their consistent wins reflected in their growing stash of food supplies. The aroma of spices and vegetables already filled their corner as they prepared for the day’s challenge.Lucy stretched, the corners of her lips tugging into a smile as she turned to her team. “So, what’s on the menu this morning?” she asked, her voice carrying over the murmur of the nearby crew adjusting their cameras.Orion scratched his head, his other hand rubbing his stomach. “I’m thinking boiled eggs and rice. Something simple but filling,” he said with a grin.Sylvaine and Vivian exchanged glances before nodding enthusiastically.“Rice and eggs it is,” Lucy declared, clapping her hands together. “I’ll handle the cooking. You all take care of the prep work.”“I’ll get firewood,” Orion volun
Elowen leaned back in her sleek leather chair, the dim glow of the computer screen casting sharp shadows across her face. The rhythmic clatter of keyboard strokes filled the room as comments flooded the live broadcast feed. Her sharp nails tapped against the desk in a slow, deliberate rhythm, her lips curling into a predatory smile.The chaos she’d unleashed was unfolding beautifully. Words of outrage, shock, and support poured in—each comment another nail in Caspian’s coffin. The scandal was festering in real time, exactly as she had planned.Her phone buzzed against the glass tabletop, the faint vibration breaking the silence. She glanced at it casually, her amusement undisturbed. The message preview blinked on the screen:“Don’t mess with me, Elowen. You’ll regret it. Time to go back to your city.”A dry laugh bubbled in her throat, low and mocking. She picked up the phone and read the message again, her amusement deepening. “Regret?” she murmured, setting the phone back down with
The door slammed shut with a resounding thud that echoed through the sleek, silent office. Caspian stood there for a moment, chest heaving as he stared at the glass panels that reflected the storm brewing in his eyes. His hand shot up, raking through his dark hair, the strands sticking up in chaotic defiance.“Elowen,” he hissed, the name rolling off his tongue like a curse. His voice was venomous, laced with anger so sharp it could cut glass. His fists curled tightly at his sides, his knuckles turning white. “You’ll pay for this. Mark my words you’ll pay.”He crossed the room in a few long strides, yanking the phone off its cradle with such force that the cord rattled. His thumb jabbed at the buttons, and the phone barely had time to ring before a voice answered.“Get the boardroom ready,” he barked, his tone brooking no argument. “Twenty minutes. I’ll address the directors myself.”“Understood, sir,” came the swift reply.He slammed the phone back down, the metallic clink reverberat
The rhythmic echo of footsteps filled the dimly lit hallway, but Caspian remained still. His fingers curled into fists at his sides as he stared out over the city skyline. The neon lights below flickered like dying embers, and for the first time in years, he felt the ground shift beneath him. His world his empire was unraveling. And he would burn it all to the ground before letting someone else seize control.A hesitant voice broke the silence."Sir..."Caspian didn’t turn. His mind was elsewhere, weaving a hundred different ways to eliminate the woman who had dared to challenge him."Sir," the voice came again, more urgent this time.He exhaled sharply and shifted his gaze from the city to the man standing near the door. His assistant normally composed looked pale, his fingers twitching at his sides like he wasn’t sure if he should step forward or run.That look. Caspian knew it well. Fear. But there was something else beneath it hesitation. Whatever news his assistant had come to de
The evening air was thick with tension, yet for the first time in days, Mr. Douglas found himself smiling. The live broadcast had gone better than he’d expected. The response from the online audience was overwhelming, and he knew exactly what to do next.As he strolled across the set, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a sleek black phone. With only two days left until the broadcast ended, it was time to let the contestants see what was happening outside. One by one, he handed them their phones, relishing the anticipation in their faces.Then, with deliberate steps, he approached Lucy.She sat on the edge of a wooden bench, her fingers twisting together in her lap. The golden light of the setting sun caught the strands of her dark hair, making her look almost ethereal like the star she once was. Douglas stopped in front of her, tilting his head.“You know,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, “after this broadcast, I’m shooting a new movie. I’d like you to be the fem
Lysander gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white as he sped down the narrow, unpaved road. The engine’s low growl barely masked the storm brewing inside him. The headlights cut through the thick darkness, illuminating the overgrown bushes that lined the path to his family’s old hideout.His hideout.Now overrun by the very woman who once swore she loved him.He should have killed Calista when he had the chance.The thought burned through his mind as he cut the engine a few feet away from the compound. Silence. The night was still, but Lysander knew better. She’d have men posted everywhere.He slid out of the car, moving like a shadow. The bulletproof vest felt snug against his chest as he unholstered his silenced pistol. His eyes scanned the area two guards at the entrance, standing stiff, their breath visible in the cold night air.Lysander exhaled slowly.Two bullets. Two bodies.They crumpled without a sound.He stepped over them, slipping inside through the creaky d
The room was silent.Thick. Suffocating.But Elowen didn't flinch. Instead, she did something that made Calista pause.She smiled.Cold. Unyielding.And when she spoke, her voice was steel.“Then I hope you’re ready.”A flicker of hesitation flashed in Calista’s eyes.“Because I don’t plan on dying today.”Calista's laughter rang through the dimly lit room, sharp and full of venom. Her heels clicked against the concrete floor as she stepped out of the shadows, finally revealing herself.Elowen’s head throbbed, warm blood trickling down her face. The ropes bit into her wrists, cutting off circulation, but she refused to let the pain show.Calista crouched before her, tilting her head like a predator studying its prey.“You always were full of fight.” Her fingers clamped onto Elowen’s jaw, nails digging into her skin. She squeezed tight, unforgiving. “But let me make one thing clear.”She leaned in, her breath hot against Elowen’s ear.“You don’t get to win.”Elowen gritted her teeth, b
“I miss it already,” Seraphina sighed, her fingers trailing along the cold glass of the car window. The city lights blurred past, casting golden reflections over the darkened streets.“Me too,” Elowen murmured, her hands tightening on the wheel.The road stretched ahead, slick with rain, the faint hum of tires the only sound between them. The night felt calm, almost too calm—Then came the headlights.Blinding. Fast. Barreling straight toward them.A truck.No time. No space.BANG.The impact slammed into them with bone-shattering force. The seatbelt bit into Elowen’s chest as the car was sent skidding, tires screeching against asphalt. Metal groaned, twisting under the weight of the collision.Glass exploded.The world spun flipping, rolling, tumbling.CRASH.Then silence.Thick. Suffocating.A metallic scent filled Elowen’s nose blood. Gasoline. Smoke curled in the air.Somewhere, a phone buzzed.Seraphina.“Are you there? Elowen, answer me!” Seraphina’s voice was sharp, frantic.No
Sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, warming Elowen’s skin as she shifted beneath the covers. A lazy yawn escaped her lips, her body protesting against the idea of leaving the comfort of sleep. Just five more minutes…A shadow fell over her.Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the light only to find Lysander perched at the edge of her bed, watching her.She jerked upright. “Lysander? What the hell—”“Good morning.” His voice was smooth, teasing, like he had been waiting for her reaction.Her gaze flickered around, confirming she was indeed in her own bedroom. The realization did nothing to soothe her racing heart. She narrowed her eyes at him. “Don’t tell me you spent the night in my room?”Lysander leaned in slightly, his presence filling the space between them. “Is that how you greet someone in the morning?” His fingers ghosted through her tousled hair, making her stomach flip.Elowen swallowed. “Good morning.” The words came out breathy, uncertain.Lysander sat back, cro
Elowen’s pulse hammered in her ears as Mrs. Martha’s words echoed in the dimly lit room."I’m going to kill her right in front of you."The woman said it so casually, like she was discussing dinner plans.Elowen’s fingers curled into fists.Mrs. Martha leaned closer, smirking. "Then, I’ll erase Zephyr’s memory. And we’ll all pretend this never happened."A laugh slipped past Elowen’s lips low, cold, unnatural.Mrs. Martha’s smirk faltered. "Something funny?"Elowen tilted her head, her gaze locking onto the woman’s with unsettling calm. "You’re right about one thing, Martha."Martha’s brow arched in amusement."You’re good at eliminating problems."Elowen’s eyes turned to steel. "Too bad you never realized you’re mine."A flicker of confusion crossed Mrs. Martha’s face before Elowen moved.The gunshot shattered the silence.Martha’s smirk didn’t even have time to fade before the bullet slammed into her skull. Blood splattered across the cracked concrete walls as she crumpled, her body
Elowen’s grip tightened on the steering wheel as she stared at the blinking red dot on her phone screen. The tracker had stopped moving. An abandoned building deep in the forest. Her gut twisted. That’s where Seraphina is.She took a steady breath and killed the engine. The line of black SUVs behind her followed suit, their headlights cutting through the thick fog. The air smelled damp, the scent of pine mixing with something metallic something off.As Elowen stepped out of her Lamborghini Aventador, a dozen guards followed, moving with sharp precision. Their black suits blended with the night, silent shadows awaiting orders. Her pulse was steady, but beneath it, rage simmered."Surround the building," she commanded, her voice low but firm.The men split instantly, disappearing into the darkness, their training evident in the way they moved no wasted steps, no hesitation.Elowen adjusted the gun holster beneath her coat. She wouldn’t leave without Seraphina.With a flick of her wrist,
Elowen’s heels clicked against the marble floor as she paced in her office, her mind racing. Her hands trembled slightly as she clenched her phone, her heartbeat thrumming in her ears. Seraphina was in danger. And if there was one thing Elowen couldn’t stand, it was feeling helpless.She took a deep breath and dialed Lysander’s number.The call barely rang twice before he answered. "I was just about to call you," he said, his voice carrying its usual smoothness.Elowen forced a smirk. "Yeah? But I called first.""Touché, my love," he teased, but there was an edge to his voice, like he sensed something was wrong."I need your help," she said, dropping all pretenses.A pause. Then, "What do you need?"Elowen swallowed hard, gripping the edge of her desk. "The full force of your guards."Another pause. She could hear Lysander shifting, the rustling of papers being pushed aside. "Why?""My friend has been taken by her own mother."Lysander let out a low, frustrated sigh. "Seraphina?""Yes
Elowen stood slowly, the quiet scrape of her chair against the floor the only sound in the room. She smoothed her hands over her dress, then crossed the space between them with graceful precision. Settling into the chair across from Seraphina and Zephyr, she crossed her legs, her sharp gaze never leaving them.She had never asked Seraphina about her mother. It wasn’t out of disinterest far from it. She had respected her friend’s choice to never speak of the woman. But now, hearing Zephyr's words, a chill crept down her spine.She folded her hands in her lap. "Why would her mother want her dead?" Her voice was calm, but the steel underneath was unmistakable.Zephyr leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his fingers interlocked. He let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening as he spoke. "From what I’ve uncovered, Seraphina’s mother never wanted her in the first place. She only married her father for his wealth, and children weren’t part of the deal. She was a spy planted by the
The early morning sun filtered through the glass walls of Elowen’s office, casting soft golden streaks across the sleek mahogany desk. She adjusted her posture in her chair, fingers gliding over the keyboard as she lost herself in the work on her screen.A knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. She glanced up, momentarily disoriented before shifting her focus toward the doorway.Andrew stepped in, bowing slightly. "Ma'am, you have a visitor."Elowen frowned. "A visitor?" She hadn't been expecting anyone."She says she’s your friend," Andrew replied.Curiosity flickered in her eyes. "Let her in."Andrew bowed again and exited. Moments later, the familiar figure of Seraphina stepped through the door. Dressed in a stylish yet casual ensemble, she radiated confidence as she took in the space around her.Elowen's lips curled into a smile as she shut her laptop. "You should be at the villa, not here," she said, a playful reprimand in her tone.Seraphina rolled her eyes as she san