Cian POV I leaned back in my leather chair, my eyes narrowing as I considered my next move. The plan was starting to take shape, each piece falling into place like a well-crafted puzzle. My fingers drummed rhythmically on the polished wood of my desk as I gazed out of the large window of my office, the view of the sprawling city below doing little to quell the dark thoughts brewing in my mind.David had been a disappointment --- getting himself beaten up by Vanya, of all people, had been nothing short of embarrassing. But now, he was going to be given a chance to redeem himself. And I was nothing if not strategic; I knew how to use people, how to bend them into doing exactly what I needed. That was my gift, my power. It is why I'm the alpha, why I rule with an iron fist."David," I said, my voice low and calculated as I looked across the room at my subordinate. David was still nursing the bruises from his last encounter with Vanya, his face a mess of healing cuts and fading discolora
Cian's POV I parked my car a short distance from Jacobs Kitchen, my golden eyes narrowing as I watched the entrance to the building. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the street, but I remained patient, my predatory instincts sharp as ever.As the clock struck 6 PM, employees began filtering out of the building, heading home after a long day of work. My gaze sharpened as I spotted Tara among them, her face tired but still carrying the determined expression I had come to expect from Vanya's most loyal assistant. She was an easy target, isolated and vulnerable---just the kind of person I could bend to my will.I stepped out of the car, my presence immediately commanding attention. Tara looked up and froze as she saw me approach, her eyes widening with a mixture of fear and uncertainty. My lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't reach my eyes."Tara," I said smoothly, my voice a low purr that buried the menace behind it. "I've been waiting for you."Tara'
Vanya's POV My hands trembled as I gripped the steering wheel, my mind racing with the encounter I'd had earlier that day. The woman's words echoed in my ears, a haunting whisper I couldn't shake. "I'm your mother, Vanya." The declaration had stunned me, leaving me frozen in shock before my fury surged forward. There was no way. My mother had died years ago---both my parents had. This had to be one of Cian's sick games, another twisted trick to mess with my head.As I pulled into the driveway of my home, the heavy weight of doubt settled in my chest. Marco had always been the one person I could trust, the man who had raised me and protected me when no one else would. If anyone were to know the truth, it would him. I pushed open the door to the house, my footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway as I sought him out.Marco was in the living room, reclining on the couch with a book in his hands. He looked up as I entered, his expression softening as he saw the worry etched on my face."V
Vanya's POVDuring lunch, I found Tara in the break room, sitting alone at a table with her head in her hands. I could hear the faint sound of sniffling, and my heart went out to the young woman. Despite everything happening, I still cared about my employees, and Tara was definitely my favourite ."Tara?" I called softly, approaching the table. "Are you okay?"Tara looked up, her eyes red and swollen from crying. She quickly wiped away her tears, shaking her head. "I'm fine" she said, her voice trembling. "Just.. a rough day."I frowned, my concern growing. "You can talk to me, you know" I said gently. "If something's bothering you, I want to help."But Tara shook her head again, her hands trembling as she clutched the edge of the table. "I'm fine, Vanya. Really. I just need to be alone for a bit."I hesitated, not wanting to push Tara if she wasn't ready to talk. But something about the whole situation felt off, like there was more going on than Tara was letting on. "If you ever nee
Vanya POV I sat on the couch in the living room, my eyes fixed on the television but my mind elsewhere. The TV flickered images of a children's cartoon, but I wasn't really watching. Emily sat across from me, a small smile on her face as she talked animatedly about the kids' upcoming soccer game.I nodded absentmindedly, trying to focus on what Emily was saying, but my thoughts kept drifting back to the office, to the confrontation with Cian, and the strange way Tara had been acting."..and Andrew is so excited" Emily was saying, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "He's been practicing his kicks every evening.""That's great," I replied, forcing a smile. "We'll make sure to be there."As I said the words, I noticed Emily's smile falter slightly, her gaze shifting nervously towards the hallway.Before I could ask what was wrong, Marco walked into the room, his presence instantly changing the atmosphere. The lightheartedness of the conversation dissipated, replaced by a tense silence."Va
Vanya's POVThe crisp Saturday morning air was filled with excitement as the boys' soccer game got underway. The whole family had turned out to support them, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy as I sat in the steel canopy, surrounded by cheering parents and the occasional bark of a dog. It was a welcome distraction from the chaotic whirlwind that had become my life.Marco sat beside me, his eyes glued to the field where Andrew and Ryan were running around, their small legs pumping with determination. He seemed relaxed, almost too relaxed, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. I glanced over at Emily, who stood a little distance away, her posture tense as she watched the game."Emily, you should sit down" I called out, patting the seat next to me. "You're making me nervous just standing there."Emily offered a weak smile and shook her head. "l'm fine, thanks" she said, her voice tight.I frowned but didn't push. I had noticed the strain between Emily an
Vanya's POV I sat in my office, flipping through some documents, trying so fervently to focus on work. But my mind raced with thoughts of Emily and Marco. Something was definitely off between those lot, and it was eating at me. Marco had always been so protective of me, always on my side. But with Emily, his countenance was different. Utterly distant. Cold, even. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to their story than either of them were willing to admit to me.The door to my office opened slightly, and Emilia, Marco's wife gestured the door open slightly, poking her head in. "Vanya my dear,""Emilia!" I called out in surprise. Emilia rarely came this way, especially not to my work place."How are you Vanya?" She asked as she closed the door behind her."I'm doing okay, just trying to get some work done yunno" I said as my smile met my eyes "What brings you to my little kingdom, don't tell me you wanna host a party too?"Emilia let out a loud laugh before she settles in
Vanya's POV*HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS* Those were the words and figures inscribed on paper."Take this money and leave town. You're destroying the relationship between me and my alpha, and I won't let you do it any longer."I glanced at the check in Josephine's hand. A hundred million dollars. A ridiculous sum of money that barely even registered to me. I let out a short, incredulous laugh. "You really think this is worth making me leave?"Josephine's eyes blazed with desperation. "Just take it and go, Vanya. This is your chance to start over, somewhere far away from here."I shook my head, a wide smile playing on my lips. "Josephine, you're offering me money that's not even worth the cost of my furniture. If you think that this is going to buy my silence talk more of making me leave, you're sorely mistaken my love."Josephine's face turned red with fury. "You arrogant bitch," she hissed. "You're nothing. Nothing but a ghost of Cian's past."My smile faded as I looked Josephine dead i