As Tyler sat on the comfortable leather sofa, I picked up my glass of wine from the glass table separating us and took a gentle sip. Of course, I saw the excitement still written on Tyler’s face as I took that gentle sip. To him I looked beautifully different. I mean, how couldn’t I? I was dressed in a long gown with a strapped arm. I was stylish like a model on the runway and as beautiful as the queen goddess herself. “You... you... look beautiful, Alda,” he stammered. He was afraid to say the word, which immediately made me smirk gently at the tip of my lips. I took a side look at Robert, which he understood immediately. Understanding what I meant, Robert took one step forward, then bent slowly down towards the glass and served Tyler a glass of wine from the same bottle as mine. I saw the smile written buoyantly on his face the instant Robert began to pour wine into the glass. I could tell what was going through his mind. However, if that were to be the case, he would only decei
Sometimes, the hunter becomes the hunted, and the hunter may not even know about this until he is suddenly attacked by the hunted in his most unconscious state.This was what Tyler did not know. He did not realize that his intentions were as glaring as a mirror that could never keep a secret. Hence, with every thought of his, I could read it on his face. Every dreamy desire about my wealth, I could see in his eyes.How dare he think that after all he did to me, I would easily give him a chance to get back with me? He must have thought I am so daft that I would make the same mistake twice.However, it was my time for revenge, and it is okay to let him think that he has a chance with me.The moment we were done at the VIP section and I had the chauffeur drive him back home using the same limousine that brought him, Tyler slept happily that night.Like a child who was promised a new iPhone 15 Pro Max, he smiled throughout his sleep until the next morning, and without a doubt, he would ha
With what Mr Reynolds had said, Tyler complied immediately and located the recommended Tax advisor Mr. Reynold had referred him to. And just with this, as he stepped into the tax advisor’s office, Tyler saw that it was a spacious and elegant room adorned with dark mahogany furniture. The walls were lined with bookshelves filled with thick volumes on tax codes, financial regulations, and legal precedents. A large oak desk dominated the center of the room, behind which sat the tax advisor, a distinguished-looking gentleman with silver hair and sharp, attentive eyes. The desk was meticulously organized, with stacks of paperwork neatly arranged alongside a sleek computer monitor displaying complex financial charts and graphs. A plush leather armchair sat in front of the desk, inviting Tyler to take a seat. Soft light filtered in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room and highlighting the rich, earthy tones of the wood-paneled walls. The air was filled with the faint sce
“Hello everyone. My name, as you may already know, is Tyler Harrington, and I am the owner of this home.” Tyler began his speech immediately, his mouth almost kissing the microphone on the stage, and his hand rested on the stand on which the microphone was seated.In the same manner, the press stretched forth their different microphones, and flashes of light decorated the whole place as if a world celebrity were giving an honorary speech.“The purpose of this event is as seen right in my background, which of course is self-explanatory. I am making a donation of this beautiful house to charity. This is coming from a place of willingness and a way that I give back to society.”“While I was coming on the stage, some reporters asked loudly, and I heard them loud and clear about why I am donating this house to charity and if my ex-wife knew about this donation, among other questions. I will answer them right away.”“The reason for me donating this precious house to charity, precisely the o
"Though I do not like to answer this question while I am being recorded and I know everybody is watching right now, for the sake of the purpose of this event, I will answer. Yes, Matriarch Alessandra and I are getting back together as the good and loving couple that we used to be.”Even when Tyler had not pointed to any reporter to ask his or her question yet, a sudden question popped out from the same reporter who asked the question earlier.“You said 'loving couple' as you used to be, right? If you were that loving couple, why then did you divorce her?”“Well, in different marriages, people divorce for so many reasons. For some couples, it could be because the husband's workload is too much and the wife always complains. For other couples, it could be that the husband does not give the wife attention. Another couple may divorce because of a financial crisis and...“Mr. Harrington, it seems as though you are running from the question. And for this, I will ask again,” the same reporte
The next morning came, and I was ready to visit the orphanage home, inspired by how CEO Harshit had thanked me on TV the evening before. In this sense, I was dressed in a sophisticated ensemble that exuded elegance and grace.I wore a tailored cream-colored pantsuit crafted from luxurious silk, its clean lines accentuating my slender figure. The fitted blazer, adorned with delicate gold buttons, added a touch of refinement to my outfit.Under the blazer, I donned a soft lavender blouse, its gentle hue complementing my complexion with a subtle hint of femininity.My accessories were understated yet tasteful, with a delicate gold necklace gracing my neckline and matching earrings adorning my ears. A slender gold bracelet adorned my wrist, adding a subtle sparkle to my ensemble. My hair was swept back into an elegant chignon, held in place by a stylish hair clip adorned with shimmering crystals.Likewise, my choice of footwear was both chic and practical. I opted for nude patent leather
Just like CEO Harshit said, one of the ladies behind her bowed to me and said, “Ma’am, please walk with me.”Just as she said this, she began to walk forward in another direction, different from the one that led to the front door. Hence, we began to walk in a dark corridor until we met the light and found ourselves in the garden.The garden in the orphanage was not really a garden, as the word had depicted it. Instead, I could see right from the start that it was a name given to one of the living rooms where the orphanage children could play.In this room, I saw toys of different sizes and colors scattered on the floor. I observed drawings of happy children on the walls and various sofas and flowers in jars and vases, making the room even more beautiful.I had not waited for more than two seconds in the room when the same lady who led me in bowed to me again, saying, “The children will be here at any moment, ma’am.”As she said this, it seemed as though the children heard her. They em
Though Hyejin asked me this question, I could not bring myself to answer it. What kind of person would I have been if I had done so? What purpose would the story have achieved? Is it to scare little children with the situations they find themselves in? “She is no one,” I lied and smiled at her. Hence, I caressed my finger through her hair and kissed her forehead. It did not matter if there were drops of tears in each of my eyes or if my eyes were filled with teary water; I still smiled immediately. However, it did not change the fact that each time I remembered the story of Lucy, my emotions did not take full control of my body. “Matriarch Alessandra, you are crying. Why are you crying?” Hyejin asked suddenly. “These are tears of joy, dear. Don’t mind me,” I said to her. With this, I quickly changed the subject and announced the gifts I had brought for each person at the top of my voice. “Who wants to see their present?” “Me!” “Me!” “Me!” “Me!” Each child answered excitedly a
Robert’s POVMy job is simple: protect Alessandra at all costs. But as I stand here, watching everything unfold, one thought keeps repeating in my head—I’ve failed her.I should never have stayed behind at the hospital, no matter how much she insisted. Alessandra may be strong, but I should’ve known better. I should’ve been there, more alert, more prepared. That woman who pretended to be hit? I should’ve seen right through her. Everything is finally falling into place, and the truth hits me like a punch to the gut.I know who Diana is. I’ve figured out who Emily and Olivia really are. And those three idiots hiding behind their ridiculous code names? Yeah, I know them, too.It was them—we passed them on the road earlier. The bodies scattered across the pavement... the blood... It all makes sense now. Alessandra—Matriarch Alessandra—is in serious danger.That’s why I don’t waste any time. My foot slams down on the gas pedal, racing us past the chaos on the road. Stopping isn’t an option
Sandra’s POVWe pull up to the warehouse, and the moment I spot the front door slightly ajar, I know it’s time. I drive inside, parking with purpose as the tension in my chest tightens. Locking the door behind me, I take a deep breath, bracing myself for what’s next.I watch Alessandra step out of the vehicle, her face calm—too calm. She doesn’t look scared, like I thought she would. Instead, she’s asking, “Where are we now? Are they gone?”I pause. What? Does she seriously think I’m here to save her?A twisted laugh threatens to escape my lips, but I swallow it down. Instead, I turn toward the backseat and yank open the door. My fingers grip the cold steel of the sniper rifle. The weight of it feels satisfying in my hands, a reminder of the power I hold.Without missing a beat, I swing the rifle around and aim it straight at her. “On your knees, now!” I command, my voice as sharp as the edge of a knife.For a second, her eyes widen, but then realization sinks in. She knows now. She’s
Brandon’s POVI never thought I'd find myself here. In custody. The cold metal of the handcuffs still lingers on my wrists even though they’ve been removed. My mind is racing, struggling to keep up with everything that’s happened. How did I get here?I’ve already contacted my family lawyer. He promised he’d help—at first. But then he learned that bigger forces are involved, and he left me to fend for myself. I don’t blame him, though. When powerful people decide you’re guilty, it doesn’t matter what the facts are. According to them, I committed a crime too big to ignore, and they want me to pay for it, no matter who I am.But how do I make them see I’m innocent? How do I prove I’ve been framed? The evidence stacked against me is so clear, so detailed, that even I would think I did it if I were on the outside looking in.It feels hopeless.I sit in the interrogation room, staring at the dull gray walls. The weight of everything crashes down on me. But the thought of Alessandra pushes t
Diana’s POVOut of nowhere, Olivia, Emily, and I suddenly see Viper, Red, Jinx, and Blade fall to the ground, each with a bullet wound to the head. Blood pools around them, dark and terrifying, staining the ground beneath them. The sight makes my heart race, and for a moment, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. My breath catches in my throat, and time seems to stand still. I’m in shock, completely blindsided by the sudden violence. How could this have happened? One moment, we’re in control, and the next, everything’s gone to hell. But as I watch them fall, one after another, the horrifying reality hits me: we’re under attack. We’re not safe. We never were.This can’t be anyone but the police. Who else would come at us like this, so precise, so deadly? And it’s my fault. My fault we didn’t get out sooner. My fault this mission is hanging by a thread. I should have listened to Viper when he told us to leave. We should have been long gone, but I hesitated. And now they’re dead—Viper, Red, J
Sandra’s POVI steady myself in the cramped toilet, heart pounding as I carefully position the sniper rifle out the narrow window. The cold metal of the trigger grounds me, and I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts.Through the scope, I zoom in to 8X. Alessandra finally comes into focus as she steps out of the law firm. She looks composed, but there’s a tension in her movements that makes my gut clench. Something’s wrong.In the distance, off to the right, a group of people is watching her with an intensity that makes my skin crawl. Their eyes are locked on Alessandra, and the cruel twist of their lips sends a chill down my spine. They’re like predators circling wounded prey, relishing the kill before it even happens.I should take the shot now, end this. It’s the perfect moment. Then Brandon would finally be free, and he’d be mine. But something holds me back. These people, whoever they are, might be more dangerous and I need to know why they’re after Alessandra.As
Diana’s POVAs Viper deftly tosses a small canister of smoke into Alessandra’s car. We don't waste a second, swiftly moving to take control of the other vehicles in her entourage.Alessandra is being escorted by three cars: one at the front, one in the middle where she sits, and one at the rear. The plan is precise, and we execute it with the efficiency of seasoned professionals.Olivia and Emily take on the first car. They expertly deploy another smoke canister, filling the vehicle with a thick, suffocating fog. Meanwhile, I focus on the rear car, tossing a canister of my own into it. Smoke quickly engulfs all three vehicles, forcing their occupants to open their doors, desperately gasping for fresh air. Even Alessandra, who had been hysterically screaming moments earlier, is silenced by the choking haz
Diana’s POVWhen Jezebel’s message arrives, confirming what we've been anxiously anticipating—Alessandra is alone. My heart beats faster, not out of fear but from the anticipation of what's to come. It’s time to set our plan in motion.With a cold, calculated calm, I gather Viper, Red, Jinx, and Blade. “She's alone,” I say, my voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through me. “Jezebel’s done her part. Now it’s our turn.”They nod in unison, a silent agreement passing between us. There’s no need for words; we all know what needs to be done. The stakes are high, and failure is not an option.We regroup at my rundown, hidden in the shadows of the city. Viper, the most experienced among us, checks his blade, its edge gleaming under the dim light. “Remember,” he says, his voice low but firm, “guns are for boys in the game. Blades are for men.”His words echo in my mind as I glance around at the others. Red is sharpening his weapon, his eyes filled with a cold, ruthless determinati
Sandra’s POVStepping out of the warehouse, I don’t know where I am, and it’s terrifying. I’m stranded, disoriented, and powerless.I stand by the road, feeling utterly lost, watching taxis whiz by as if the world is oblivious to the chaos inside me. My hands shake as I lift them to flag down a taxi. But just as I do, my phone rings.The sound sends a jolt through me, and I glance at the screen. My heart pounds as I see the caller—Private Number. Dread tightens around me like a noose, and I hesitate before answering, my breath shallow.“Hello?” My voice barely escapes, trembling with anxiety.A cold, deep voice responds, as sharp as ice.
Jezebel’s POVI’ve been treated at the nearest hospital, but if I let this personal assistant slip away now, then I’m not the Jezebel everyone thinks I am.The doctor finishes up, wiping his hands as he says, “There you go, ma’am. You’re free to leave now.”I flash him a polite smile, but my mind is already elsewhere. My fingers tighten around the personal assistant’s arm, my nails digging into his sleeve as I anchor him beside me.The room is cold and sterile, yet I feel the heat of the moment. Matriarch Alessandra sits across from us, her silence dominating the room. When I grip her assistant’s arm, I catch the flash of surprise in her eyes, the slight parting of her lips. She wasn’t expecting this.“I still feel pain in my leg,” I say, my voice tinged with just enough distress to sound convincing. “It’s much worse than I thought. I don’t think I can walk.”Alessandra’s eyes narrow ever so slightly as she watches me closely, trying to figure me out. Let her think I’m putting on an ac