Chapter 15: Escape The night felt endless for Sophia as she sat in the corner of her apartment, cradling Zira. The baby who was still fast asleep, her tiny chest rising and falling with steady breaths. Sophia couldn’t stop replaying the attack in her mind, the masked intruder, the struggle, the blood, the body in her living room. She had acted on instinct, but now she was left with the horrifying aftermath, she killed a person.Her hands were still shaking as she checked her phone again. No missed calls, no messages. She was alone, but for how long? The body in her living room was a ticking clock, a silent threat reminding her that she had no time to waste.Sophia’s mother, Grace, had called earlier in the day, she offering to visit, ever since she moved a few blocks away to give Sophia space and privacy,. Sophia regretted brushing her off now. She could have used someone; anyone to be with her, to remind her she wasn’t completely alone in this fight.She whispered softly to Zira, “W
Chapter 16: Digging DeepThe room was lit dimly, a single bulb swinging gently above Alex Montgomery’s head as he stared at the large map spread across the table. Red pins marked various locations across the city and beyond. His team moved around him like ghosts, silent and efficient, knowing better than to disturb him while he worked.Sophia had slipped through his fingers, and that wasn’t something Alex could tolerate. His jaw tightened as he lit a cigar, taking a slow drag before exhaling.“We’re expanding the search,” Alex said, his voice low but firm. “Every bus station, every train stop, I want them combed. Sources are she has a child, we need to figure out, if the child is hers, then that’s our leverage.”One of his men stepped forward hesitantly. “Sir, what if she’s already gone too far? There’s only so much ground we can cover without”“Without what?” Alex interrupted, his gaze freezing the man in place.“Without drawing attention,” the man finished, his voice faltering.Alex
Chapter 17: Outsmarting The Devil Sophia paced back and forth in her mother’s small living room, her mind a storm of fear, after her initial escape she has realized that the child was not safe with her and decided to take her to her mother. Grace sat on the couch, her hands clasped tightly, watching her daughter with a mixture of concern and quiet understanding. Zira was nestled in her grandmother’s arms, sleeping softly, blissfully unaware of the chaos swirling around her.“You’re really doing this,” Grace said softly, her voice trembling.Sophia paused, her gaze darting to her mother. “I have to, they keep following me, if I stay, I’m putting Zira at risk and you too.”Grace was speechless for a minute, she looked down at her granddaughter. “She’s just a baby, Sophia. She needs her mother.”“And I need her to live,” Sophia countered, her voice breaking. She knelt before her mother, taking her hands. “Please, Mom. I’m trusting you with her. Rico already set up an account for her, it
Chapter 18: Shadows in the DarkSophia leaned back in her seat, her hands trembling as the train took off along the tracks. Her cheap, oversized hoodie hid her face, and the fake glasses balanced on her nose added an extra layer to her disguise. She kept her head down holding tightly the worn out backpack that carried everything she had left, some cash, a burner phone, and a new identity.Her new passport bore the name “Eva Grant.” It felt strange, almost foreign, but it was the only alternative.She glanced through the window at the passing scenery, her reflection faint against the glass. The weight of leaving Zira behind on her mind but she pushed the ache down. She had made her choice. It was the only way to keep her daughter safe, “safety over feelings” she mutteredA man two rows down shifted in his seat, his eyes darting frequently to her direction. Sophia’s pulse was building up. Was he following her? She couldn’t be sure.“Calm down,” she whispered under her breath, forcing he
Chapter 19: Deadly MovesSophia sat at the edge of the bed in yet another run down motel, holding her burner phone like it was her lifeline. She had moved twice since the train ride, each time more convinced she was being followed. The last bus stop had nearly sent her into a panic attack, when a man in a leather jacket stood too close, pretending to check his phone, She didn’t wait to find out if it was a coincidence.Now, in the dim light of the motel room, she tried to focus. The fake ID was still intact, but her nerves weren’t. She couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching and following her.Her phone buzzed, and she flinched. It was a text from the contact who had set up her new identity:“No signs of a trail so far. Lay low, will update.”Sophia exhaled and forced herself to believe it. She had to, for Zira’s sake. But just as she set the phone down, a car engine rumbled outside, too close, too slow. She peeked through the curtains and saw a black SUV parked near the
Chapter 20: Hidden MovesMelissa sat in her hideout; she has been there for two weeks, her fingers traced the edges of a photograph, it was a picture from her last trip, one of the few things she could remember before all the present chaos, But the constant death threats had worn her out, and she knew it was time to vanish, at least for a while. She couldn’t keep running with a target on her back. The Hawthornes were closing in, and Evelyn wasn’t the type to let anyone slip away, not twice, she has been lucky the first time.She picked up her phone, and dialed Emma's number, she waited for the line to connect, her assistant answered on the third ring, her voice filled with concern."Melissa, is everything okay? I haven't heard from you in days, sorry it’s been two weeks." She said"I’m fine, just, I need to disappear for a while," Melissa said, trying to sound calm, "You’ll be the only one who knows where I’m going, I can’t risk anyone tracking me down, not right now."Emma paused, cl
Chapter 21: Dangerous PathsMelissa sat at the edge of the worn out chair, staring at the map spread across her coffee table. The safe house was small, barely enough space to breathe, but it would have to do even though the walls felt too close, but that was better than the alternative, being out in the open.Her phone buzzed again, another message from Emma."Are you sure about this? You’re not even safe there." It readMelissa sighed and typed back quickly."I need time to think, Emma. I can’t keep running blind; I would eventually get myself killed."She set the phone down and traced the red circles on the map. The Hawthornes weren’t just closing in, they were moving faster than she expected. Evelyn wasn’t splaying nice anymore she was sending a message. The men who trailed her last week weren’t random; they were professionals.Melissa pulled out a small flash drive from her pocket, the one thing she got as she risked her life. She hadn’t had time to go through it yet, but the file
Chapter 22: Breaking PointsMelissa leaned against her cracked kitchen counter, her fingers clutched the phone. The line had gone dead moments ago, but her heart still pounded in fear. Emma would deliver the message, she had to. Rico needed to know how close he was to stepping into the same trap Lydia couldn’t escape.But Melissa wasn’t sure if the warning would be enough. Rico has showed that he wasn’t the type to back down.The safe house felt smaller tonight, its shadows stretching longer than usual. She forced herself to breathe, pushing back the weight pressing against her ribs. She couldn’t afford to fall apart now. Not with everything she’d seen in those files.The screen of her laptop blinked again, showing the last transaction, the listed date was only three days earlier, money had exchanged hands, large sums moving through shell companies tied to both the Hawthornes and Alex. Melissa’s name appeared under “liabilities.” Her stomach knotted.A sharp knock at the door snapped
Chapter 65: The Game ShiftsRico’s CounterattackThe Blackwood estate was silent in the early morning, but inside Rico’s office, the tension was thick. Raymond sat across from his father, his fingers tapping against the polished wood desk as he waited. The scandal surrounding Rico’s Dubai deal had exploded overnight, and the investors were already asking questions.“I knew Adrian would try something,” Raymond muttered. “But I didn’t expect him to come after you Dad.”Rico leaned back, eyes unreadable. “This isn’t just Adrian, this is Evelyn, his just a child, he wouldn't dare"Raymond frowned. “You’re sure?”Rico smirked. “Adrian might be smart, but he’s a child like you. This attack? It’s too calculated. Evelyn knows exactly where to hit.” He tossed a folder onto the desk. “You want so bad to be involved in adult dealings here you are we need to respond, and fast.”Raymond picked it up, flipping through the details of Rico’s plan. He exhaled slowly. “This is risky dad.”Rico’s expres
Chapter 64: A Dangerous GameRaymond’s Next StepThe night air was cool, but Raymond barely noticed it as he pulled up to the location Camila had sent him. It was an upscale lounge, discreet enough to keep conversations private but exclusive enough that anyone inside knew they were dealing with power.Camila was already seated in a booth at the far end, sipping on a glass of wine. She looked completely at ease, but Raymond knew better. Camila was always calculating, always one step ahead.“You took your time,” she said, not bothering to look up as he slid into the seat across from her.Raymond leaned back, arms crossed. “I wasn’t sure if this was a setup.”She smirked. “If I wanted you destroyed, I wouldn’t be so obvious about it.”Raymond exhaled sharply. “Then what do you want?”Camila tapped her nails against the glass. “You’re in a mess, and I have a way out for you.”He narrowed his eyes. “And what would that be?”She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering. “You’re not the o
Chapter 63: A Battle has began.Raymond In TroubleThe Blackwood name had weight, until it didn’t, Raymond was the reason why the Blackwood name began to sink gradually.Raymond had spent the night in a holding cell, the cold metal bench beneath him doing nothing to soothe his rage. The moment the police raided the party, he knew he had been set up, but it didn’t matter. The flashing cameras, the whispers, the humiliation, all of it had happened so fast. And now, the headlines were everywhere."Blackwood Heir Busted in Drug Scandal!""Raymond Blackwood: Reckless or Ruined?"The door to the holding cell creaked open, and in walked his father, Rico Blackwood. He wasn’t angry. No, Rico was worse than that. He was disappointed.Raymond stood immediately, trying to salvage some dignity. “Dad, I” he started before he was interruptedRico raised a hand, silencing him. “Don’t.” His voice was like steel, cold and final. He turned to the officer behind him. “Release him.” he said with a voice o
Chapter 62: The Seeds of WarThe Weight of ConsequencesRaymond Blackwood had never known restraint. His entire life had been a series of privileges, expensive cars, exclusive clubs, and unlimited access to wealth. But now, standing outside St. Augustine’s Academy, waiting for a driver that would never come, he realized just how much had changed overnight.His bank cards were useless. His friends, once so eager to be around him, had suddenly become ghosts. Even Rosalie, usually his partner in crime, seemed distant.“Let’s just go home,” she muttered, adjusting the sunglasses on her face to hide the bruise Adrian Hawthorne had left.Raymond clenched his fists. “I’m not going anywhere without a plan.”His pride wouldn’t allow him to simply accept Rico’s punishment.As if on cue, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down, revealing a girl around their age. Her dark brown eyes gleamed with amusement, her black hair styled in effortless waves.“Raymond Blackwood,” she
Chapter 61: One Good, Two Bad.Rachel sat at the farthest corner of the school library, her fingers flipping through the pages of a thick textbook. The familiar scent of old paper and ink filled the air, a quiet comfort in the otherwise chaotic world of high school.She didn’t mind being alone.It was easier this way.People at St. Augustine’s Academy, one of the city’s most elite private schools weren’t cruel to her, but they weren’t friendly either. She was neither rich enough to be admired nor outgoing enough to be noticed. The other students barely acknowledged her presence, as if she were part of the furniture.Rachel had stopped trying to fit in years ago.“Class, before we begin, I want to acknowledge something,” Mr. Grayson, their economics teacher, said as he entered. He was one of the few teachers who actually noticed her.He turned to face the class. “We had a round of mock exams last week, and the highest scorer as usual where a number of kids but someone had given a large
Chapter 60: New Beginning, Old ShadowsFifteen years had passed, and the world had moved on. The city still played with power, its undercurrents of corruption as strong as ever. The names that ruled it, Blackwood and the Hawthorne had not faded, only grown more ruthless.And among them, hidden in plain sight, was a girl who had no idea she was part of that world.Rachel Smith.Or, as she had once been called Zira.She didn’t remember the name. She didn’t remember much of anything from the life she’d left behind.But some things, even forgotten, never truly disappeared.***The Smith's Household: Two Sisters, Two RealitiesThe Smith's were a good family. At least, that’s what everyone believed.And in some ways, it was true. They weren’t cruel. They didn’t raise their voices, didn’t hit, didn’t mistreat her.But love?That was different.Rachel sat at the dinner table, the warm glow of the chandelier above them casting soft light over the polished mahogany. The smell of roasted chicken
Chapter 59: Before A New Era.The world had shifted, but the game? The game was still the same, power, secrets, and survival. Only this time, the rules were different.Some won. Some lost. And some? They simply waited for their next move, it took years but it never ended.***Evelyn’s Unfinished BusinessEvelyn Hawthorne sat in her dim lit office, her fingers tapping against the polished wood of her desk. The city skyline stretched beyond the floor to ceiling windows, a reminder of everything she had built… and everything she had yet to destroy.Dominic, her right hand, stood by the door, watching her closely. “We have a problem,” he said.She exhaled slowly, swirling the whiskey in her glass. “I don’t like problems, Dominic.”“This one won’t go away.” he saidEvelyn arched a brow. “Alison Roman?”“She disappeared.” he answered Silence."Isn't that suppose to be Alexis and Alex job?" She fired back, staring at him.Evelyn didn’t react right away, but the weight in the room changed. D
Chapter 58: Shadows and ReckoningsThe night was thick with tension. Evelyn Hawthorne sat in her car, the soft hum of the engine filling the silence. Across the street, the remnants of the burned warehouse still smoldered, sending wisps of smoke curling into the dark sky. Her men were scattered, stationed at vantage points, waiting for movement.And then it came.A black SUV, tinted windows, slow and cautious, pulled up near the alleyway. Someone had come to investigate the aftermath of her destruction. Evelyn smiled coldly.“Finally,” she murmured.Dominic, her enforcer, leaned forward. “Want us to move in?” he askedEvelyn held up a hand. “No. Not yet. Let them think they’re safe, I also want to see who it is.”She watched as a figure stepped out of the SUV, their figure obstructed by shadows. They stood still for a moment, surveying the damage, then pulled out a phone. Whoever they were, they were making a call.Evelyn’s fingers drummed against her armrest. “Find out who they’re ca
Chapter 57: Resilience and Confessions.The night air smelled of smoke and destruction. The fire raged, licking at the sky as the old warehouse collapsed in on itself. Evelyn Hawthorne stood a safe distance away, her face illuminated by the flickering flames, eyes cold and calculating.Her men moved like shadows around her, efficient, ruthless. This was just the beginning. Whoever had taken over Alex Montgomery’s empire had hidden well, but Evelyn wasn’t one to play guessing games. She’d draw them out the old-fashioned way, by making them bleed, This wasn't a fight for her children as she had instructed them to watch and learn how it is done.One of her men, a tall enforcer named Dominic, stepped closer. “The fire will take care of any evidence. We hit three of their locations tonight. Their operation is falling apart Ma.” he aaidEvelyn took a slow breath, the scent of burning metal sharp in the air. “Good,” she murmured then smiled, “Now we wait.” she replied.If the new leader was