“You can join the others in writing a proposal. I hope you win.” Lysander’s voice carried a sharp edge, his smirk deepening as he delivered the verbal jab. He didn’t wait for a response, turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd, his presence leaving a trail of tension behind.The fashion showcase unfolded around them, a dazzling display of gowns and suits gliding across the floor. Elowen stood off to the side, her posture composed but her gaze scanning the room. When she felt someone step into her space, she turned her head sharply. Lysander was standing beside her, the faintest trace of amusement dancing on his lips.“We meet again, Miss Elowen,” he whispered, his voice low enough to brush against her ear.Her shoulders stiffened as she turned her head to face him. With a tight smile, she stepped closer and beckoned him down with a slight tilt of her head. When his ear was close enough, she murmured, “You shouldn’t call me that name.”His smirk widened, his eyes gleaming w
“Mommy, Mommy!” Eulalia’s voice pierced through Elowen’s groggy haze. Her eyes fluttered open, and sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, painting her bedroom in gold. She groaned, shielding her face with an arm.“Come here, little popcorn,” Elowen murmured, sitting up just in time to catch her daughter climbing onto the bed. Eulalia giggled as Elowen pulled her into a warm hug, her tiny arms wrapping around her mother’s neck.“Where’s your brother?” Elowen asked, brushing a stray curl out of Eulalia’s face.Eulalia pouted, crossing her arms. “He’s playing with his toy, but he won’t let me join. He said I don’t know how to build the spaceship right.”Elowen stifled a laugh. “Maybe we can go to the park today,” she said conspiratorially, “just the three of us. What do you think?”Eulalia gasped, her pout replaced with an ear-to-ear grin. “Really? Can I wear my sparkly dress?”“We’ll figure something out,” Elowen said, pressing a kiss to her daughter’s forehead. “How about we wea
Mrs. Cassiopeia’s gaze lingered on Leander a moment too long, her expression a curious mixture of longing and disbelief. Realizing Elowen had noticed, she quickly averted her eyes, a faint smile curling her lips. “Your son…he’s a handsome boy. He has a brightness about him, just like my grandson used to,” she said, her voice soft, almost wistful.“Oh?” Elowen tilted her head as she handed the water bottle to Leander. Her son took it eagerly, gulping it down, and Elowen couldn’t help but smile. “Are you here with your grandson, then?” she asked, curiosity sparking in her tone.The older woman chuckled, shaking her head. “I wish. He’s far too busy to join me for something as simple as a day at the park. I come here to soak in the joy of the children. Their laughter…it fills the silence of my days.” Her gaze strayed to the playground, her eyes crinkling as a group of kids shrieked in delight over a game of tag.“That’s lovely,” Elowen said. She adjusted Eulalia’s hair, tucking a stray cu
Elowen stepped out of Mrs. Cassiopeia’s mansion, the weight of her decisions pressing on her shoulders. The woman’s kindness felt sincere, but something about her lingering gaze unsettled her. Shaking the thought aside, she slid into her car, determined to finish her work and return with her belongings.Inside the mansion, Mrs. Cassiopeia moved with purpose. Her fingers trembled slightly as she picked up the strands of hair she had carefully gathered from the twins. She held them up to the light, her heart racing.“They have to be his,” she murmured under her breath, her voice barely audible.A knock interrupted her thoughts. She turned to see her assistant waiting at the door. “Come in,” she said, her tone firm.The assistant stepped forward, eyes flicking to the hair in her hands. Mrs. Cassiopeia didn’t wait for questions. “I need these samples tested immediately. Match them with mine. I want the results before the day ends.”The assistant nodded, taking the samples with practiced e
Elowen lingered in her seat, her gaze fixed on Lysander. Her lips curled into a soft smile, one that carried both grace and resolve. “I don’t think I need your help. But thanks for the offer.” She rose with practiced poise, smoothing out the invisible creases on her dress. “If you’re ready to move forward with the wedding planning, you know where to find me.”Her heels clicked against the polished floor as she made her way to the door. Pausing briefly, her hand resting lightly on the handle, she glanced back at Lysander, her voice steady but edged with finality. “Just remember, I have two months here. After that, I’ll have fulfilled my end of the bargain.” Without waiting for a reply, she stepped out, the door clicking softly shut behind her.Her phone vibrated in her bag as she strode toward the elevator. Fishing it out, she read the text with an arched brow:It’s me, Aurelia. If you’re less busy, you can stop by my office.A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. Well, well. Let’s
Elowen checked her watch. The evening sun dipped below the skyline, casting long shadows over Aurelia’s office. She stretched slightly, feeling the day’s wear on her shoulders.“I think I should head out now,” she said, rising from her seat.Aurelia extended a hand, her lips curving into a warm smile. “It’s been amazing spending time with you. I hope we can catch up again soon.”Elowen nodded, returning the smile as she grabbed her bag and headed out.The drive to Mrs. Cassiopeia’s mansion was quiet, the hum of the engine blending with her thoughts. As she pulled up to the grand estate, laughter echoed through the air. Stepping out of the car, her heels clicked against the driveway, but her steps faltered when she spotted the scene before her.Eulalia and Leander were surrounded by a sea of toys, their laughter ringing out like tiny bells. Elowen’s jaw dropped slightly, her eyes sweeping over the lavish setup.“Mummy!” Eulalia’s small voice cut through her shock as the little girl ran
Mrs. Cassiopeia sat in her plush armchair, the DNA test results trembling slightly in her hands. The golden afternoon light filtering through the lace curtains illuminated her lined face as her eyes darted over the document again. She couldn’t believe it. The children were his undeniably her grandson’s.A soft chuckle escaped her lips, though it was laced with disbelief. “So, it’s true,” she whispered to herself. For a moment, she let the enormity of it settle. Then, a sly smile crept onto her face. This wasn’t just news; this was leverage.She rose to her feet, leaning slightly on her ornate walking stick. “Fetch the car,” she ordered one of the household staff. “The best one. It’s going to be a gift.”The servant hesitated. “A gift, ma’am?”“Yes,” she snapped, but not unkindly. “For the mother of my great-grandchildren.”With a sharp inhale, she picked up her phone and dialed her grandson, Lysander. The line clicked, and his voice came through, light and casual. “Granny? What’s the
The faint buzz of Elowen’s phone pulled her from the haze of sleep. Groaning, she reached for the device, squinting at the screen. Seraphina. Her thumb slid across the screen as she stifled a yawn.“You better not tell me you were fast asleep,” Seraphina teased, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.Elowen pushed herself upright, her hair falling over her face. “What if I was? It’s been a long day,” she muttered, rubbing her eyes. “Why are you calling?”“Caspian’s lawyer the one who betrayed your family wants to meet with you,” Seraphina said, her tone now serious.Elowen froze. The weight of that name sent a jolt through her. Her hand clenched the phone tighter. “Andrew? Already? Why would he want to see me now?”“I heard Caspian discarded him. Word is, the G Group Corporation doesn’t need him anymore, and Caspian’s made sure everyone knows he’s irrelevant,” Seraphina explained.Elowen leaned back against the headboard, her eyes narrowing. A bitter laugh escaped her lips. “Typical
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
Elowen reached across the small space between them, wrapping her fingers around Seraphina’s trembling hands. “You don’t have to figure everything out right now,” she murmured. “Just breathe. I’m here.”Seraphina inhaled shakily, her grip tightening as if Elowen’s touch was the only thing keeping her from crumbling. She hadn’t cried not really. The tears sat heavy behind her eyes, threatening, but she held them back with sheer force of will.And then, for the first time since she arrived, she whispered, “Thank you.”The words had barely left her lips when her phone vibrated against the wooden table. The name flashing on the screen sent an icy shiver down her spine. Zephyr.She stared at it, heart hammering. Confused. Scared. Unsure of what to say if she answered.Elowen caught her hesitation and offered an encouraging nod. “Pick it up.”Seraphina swallowed hard, then slid her thumb across the screen.“Thank God, babe. You answered.” Zephyr’s voice was breathless, like he had been waiti