“Hello, Mrs. Harper?” Elizabeth greeted over the phone.“Hello, Elizabeth,” Leah said steadily.“I've been trying to reach Mr Harper but he isn't answering. Please, is he close?” Elizabeth asked politely, though her tone carried a hint of urgency.“Uhm…he's not close at the moment. Is there a problem?” Leah asked.“I hate to disturb you, ma'am, but there's an emergency and we need Mr Harper in the office urgently,” Elizabeth replied, her voice trembling with growing panic.“Isn't it something you can handle, Elizabeth? Leah asked, trying to sound composed, though worry began to creep into her thoughts.“If it was, I wouldn't have called you,” Elizabethtown said frankly, yet respectfully.“I understand. Thank you, Elizabeth. I'll try to reach him,” Leah said before ending the call.She set the phone down and sighed, her heart beginning to race. Where had Jeremy gone? He hadn't mentioned any plans to her this morning. And she was supposed to visit her family today. Leah looked around an
Leah saw Jeremy standing beside Caroline. She hugged him tightly, excited to see him, hale and hearty. She had been worried sick.“You're okay!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement. “I was so worried.”Jeremy’s arms encircled her, and he smiled softly. He was standing? Didn't he say he'd put on a charade for as long as possible? Maybe, he'd finally figured out how to defeat Big Margaret with the help of her twin, Caroline, and their lives would go back to being normal again.The tension in the room was palpable as the two women locked eyes, the weight of their shared history hanging heavy between them. Leah stood off to the side, her mind racing as she watched the confrontation unfold.For the first time, Big Margaret looked genuinely unnerved. Her smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. Caroline, however, remained composed, her gaze unwavering.“You thought you’d gotten rid of me,” Caroline said, her voice calm but laced with steel. “But you were wrong.”Bi
Sarah looked smitten. She felt like she'd lost a trophy. Jeremy was back on his feet, he still had his company and he had defeated Big Margaret. He was even married; happily even. But she was stuck with Conrad who seemed to be heading nowhere in life.What would become of her? She couldn't be with Conrad anymore. He was a failure. Only the sex was good, but he couldn't give her the life she deserved.She kept turning uncomfortably on the bed, lost in her thought, until Conrad came in to play with her.When Conrad touched her, she flared up in anger. Conrad could see the disdain in Sarah's eyes when she looked at him. “Are you okay, babe?” He asked.“I'm fine. I just had a bad day,” Sarah said, frowning her face.“Then, let me help cheer you up,” Conrad offered, moving closer to her and touching her, but Sarah stood up abruptly.“I said stop!” she yelled, her voice sharp as a whip. I'm not in the mood for this, please,” she said firmly.Conrad could see the intensity of hate and anger
“Good heavens!” Leah exclaimed, her voice trembling with disbelief. “How could you keep something like this from me, Noah?”Noah's brain swam for a minute. He looked at Leah steadily, not knowing how to explain to make her understand. He had expected her to understand.“I told you, Leah. You were away on that trip with Jeremy. The night I learned of the incident, you were so happy, I didn't want to break any news to you that could cut short your joy. I just thought I'd wait for you to get back before I told you,” Noah explained, calmly, in bits, enough to allow Leah grasp and reason with him.But Leah just looked at him disappointingly. Noah shook his head in frustration. “Okay. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I didn't tell you. Forgive me?” Noah asked with a weak smile.Leah looked away. “I don't know. I'm sorry for snapping like that. I just… anyway,I mean, I can't even cry. We've thought he'd been dead thesenoast years before we learned he was actually still alive, and, and…. suffering, a
“Hey, are you alright?” Jeremy asked Leah, seeing her brooding on the balcony where she sat, arms folded, staring into the night sky.Leah barely moved, her head tilting slightly in acknowledgment of his presence. “Yeah, I'm good,” she replied, her tone flat and unconvincing, looking up to see Jeremy holding a bag. “What's good?”Jeremy stepped closer and handed the bag to her. “I got these for you,” he said simply, his voice warm.Leah took the bag, her brows furrowing slightly as she opened it. Inside was a matching designer bag and shoes, the kind that would make any woman’s eyes sparkle with excitement. She looked up at him briefly before setting the bag aside.Jeremy was buying her gifts more often but she didn't want to read any meaning into it. Unless he came out openly to say that he loved her, she wouldn't assume anything, to avoid having her expectations cut short, and getting hurt. Perhaps he was buying her those things to ensure she kept looking like the Billionaire's wife
Noah knocked only out of courtesy each time he visited Leah's mother. The house was more like his own. He had trooped in and out of there more times than he could count since he was a boy. The bond he shared with Leah’s family was a deep one, forged over years of friendship and trust.He just knocked, but he never waited to be invited in before entering.“Mama Bear,” he said, smiling at Mama. Mama turned to him, her face breaking into a wide grin as she opened her arms to receive him. “My dear Noah,” she said, pulling him into a warm embrace.Noah hugged her tightly. “I didn't forget to get you fruits today,” Noah announced proudly, placing the nylon containing fruits he was holding on the table.Mama’s eyes twinkled with delight as she peeked into the bag. “I hope you got me more watermelons?” she teased, a playful smile tugging at her lips.“Of course. Just how you like it,” Noah said, his voice brimming with affection.“Bless you, my son. Bless you,” Mama said.Noah sat beside Ma
Leah was on the phone with her mom, while still in Jeremy's bed. Jeremy couldn't keep his hands off Leah. As she spoke with her mom, he kept showering her with affectionate kisses on her face, neck and ears, making her giggle uncontrollably in between sentences. The ticklish kisses distracted her and she couldn't help the laughter that bubbled up everytime his lips met her skin.“Stop it,” Leah said to him softly, giggling. She moved slightly trying to escape his playful advances. “I can hear you, Mama,” she said standing up from the bed, trying to regain some composure.“Wait. Are you giggling?” Mama asked, curious.Leah tried to hold back her laughter, wiping her tears. “No, no. What were you saying, Ma?” Leah said, trying to keep her voice steady.“When will you come home? I want us to talk,” Mama said, sounding serious.Leah became worried. “Is everything alright? Are you okay? Kiera and Ivan, how are they?” Leah asked, her voice filled with worry.“I'm fine, my dear. Your sibling
Leah yawned softly, stretching her arms as she woke up. “Good morning,” she greeted lazily, her voice still heavy with sleep.Jeremy, already awake and seated at the edge of the bed, turned to her with a warm smile. “Morning, beautiful,” he said, leaning over to plant a soft kiss on her cheek before standing and heading toward the bathroom.As Leah snuggled back under the duvet, savoring the warmth of the bed, she could hear the faint sounds of Jeremy in the bathroom. He eased himself and reached for his toothbrush, glancing at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.“Aren't you wondering what Big Margaret is up to?” he asked, his voice casual as he began brushing his teeth.Leah, who was still covering herself up with the duvet, sat up, imagining what Jeremy had said. She had been so happy lately that she hadn't even had the time to think about their enemies or what they could be up to.“That's right. She eliminated Caroline, her own twin. How deadly can she be?” Leah asked, wondering
The low hum of the airplane filled the silence between Jeremy and Leah. The private jet flew through the night, taking Jeremy to a challenging situation he wasn't sure he could handle. He stared out the small oval window, watching the dark clouds swirl and the endless black stretch before him. His mind was filled with worrisome questions, none with answers he liked.His father.Alive.The man Jeremy had mourned, idolized, defended even when others accused. The same man who had once filled his childhood with warmth and strength… yet had also, in hidden shadows, betrayed his mother with Big Margaret — the woman who had caused more havoc than Jeremy could have ever imagined.If he had been alive all these years, why hadn't he reached out? Why had he allowed Jeremy and Maggie to suffer, to believe he was dead, to build their lives on lies and pain? Why had he joined forces with Margaret, forming something as monstrous as Ares Protocol?Jeremy closed his eyes briefly, exhaling slowly throu
The phone slipped from Jeremy’s fingers. He barely caught it before it hit the floor. His heart pounded violently against his ribcage, a deafening rhythm in the stillness of the office. He looked at Leah, his face expressed disbelief—shock. Perhaps he was hoping that she might confirm that this wasn’t real, that it was some cruel illusion crafted by his stressed mind."I... I don't understand you," Jeremy said finally, his voice rough and uneven, still battling the reality Maggie had just thrust upon him.Maggie's voice trembled through the speaker. "It's true, Jeremy. He's here… at the penthouse in Japan."Jeremy's lips parted, but no words came out. His hands tightened into fists at his sides. His wide, unblinking eyes stared through Leah, through the walls, through everything.His head was filled with thoughts.How?And if true, why?Why had the man stayed away all these years?Was he here now out of love and loyalty or was he plotting something sinister with those who had been tr
Jeremy frowned as he dialed Maggie’s number for the third time. Again, the call didn’t go through. The automated voice repeated, "The number you're trying to call is currently switched off. Please try again later."He pulled the phone away from his ear, staring at the screen like it would change the outcome."Her phone is still off," he said, puzzled.Leah turned to him from across the desk, arching a curious brow. “Maggie’s phone is off?”“Yeah. It's weird. Her phone is never off,” Jeremy muttered, eyes narrowing. “Something feels off. She always picks.”“Try again?” Leah suggested, though her voice lacked urgency. Her gaze had shifted. Like she was less focused on the problem at hand and more on him.Jeremy was about to dial again, but when he glanced up, Leah was staring at him… differently.Her head tilted ever so slightly, her lips parted just enough to reveal a hint of a sultry smile, and her eyes darkened with unmistakable mischief. Slowly, she rose from her chair and walked ar
Leah could perceive the sweet aroma of freshly baked croissants and sizzling eggs as she stepped into The Maple Grove, a quaint yet upscale eatery nestled between two tall buildings on Eastbourne Street. The morning rush hadn’t quite begun, so the place felt warm, inviting, and quiet—just as she remembered. It was the kind of place that offered comfort in chaos, and today, she needed that comfort.The hostess greeted her with a soft smile and recognition in her eyes. “Ms. Leah! It’s been a while.”Leah smiled back, her voice a little strained from the weight of everything she’d been carrying. “Yeah, it has. Just stopping by for breakfast.”“Jeremy not with you today?” the hostess asked, leading her to their usual corner table by the window.Leah shook her head. “No, he’s at the office. I’ll be taking some breakfast to him, too.”The woman nodded knowingly, placing the menu before Leah. “The usual?”Leah nodded. “Yes, please. Two of everything.”As she waited, she looked out the window
The morning sun shone brightly, lighting up the Fisher estate. The living room was quiet—a calm before a storm everyone could sense but couldn’t see. Leah sat at the edge of the sofa, her hands folded across her lap, trying to hide her nervousness.Jeremy stood by the window, staring out with a pensive look, his jaw tight. His phone buzzed on the table, and he glanced at it before ignoring the call. His mind was elsewhere, calculating, preparing.He turned and looked at Leah, concern evident in his eyes.“Sure you’re strong enough to go with them to the airport?” he asked gently, stepping toward her.Leah looked up at him, offering a small but determined smile. “Yeah, I am. Don’t worry.”She knew her body wasn’t in top shape as she was still recovering, but her spirit, her will, wouldn’t let her stay back. Not when the people she loved were being sent into hiding, even temporarily. She had to be there. She needed to see it for herself—that they were safe, that they got on the plane, t
Outside of town, in a secretive, quiet place, a lady was standing; waiting, her arms folded across her chest, her breath coming out in even mists as the evening chilled. The only sounds were the distant calls of birds settling in for the night and the subtle crunch of gravel beneath approaching footsteps.Clara appeared moments later, dressed in dark jeans and a loose sweater, her blonde hair tucked beneath a cap. She moved quickly, glancing over her shoulder every few seconds. Her heart was beating fast, but not from fear—at least not entirely. There was something else pulsing through her veins: adrenaline, purpose, the knowledge of what they were about to set in motion.The lady had a striking resemblance with Clara. Their face, height, complexion, everything. They were mirror images. The only difference was that she had sharper edges and a colder aura."Update," the woman said, her tone brisk, as though she wasn’t interested in pleasantries. Even her voice echoed Clara’s, but wit
Morning light came through the curtains, casting soft lines on the walls. Leah woke up, still feeling the effects of the previous night. She lay in bed for a few seconds, enjoying the warmth and Jeremy's gentle breathing—the faint scent of him lingering in the pillows.Slowly, she got up from the bed, careful not to wake him. She yawned as she sat upright, her bare skin kissed by the gentle chill of the room. It was then she realized she was completely naked, her breasts still standing and pointed; sensitively alive, a sweet reminder of how passionately they’d expressed their love just hours ago.Last night had been more than sex. It had been soul meeting soul, a temporary sanctuary from the chaos that constantly clawed at their lives. With Margaret’s evil still echoing through the walls, with betrayal and secrets swirling in every corner of Empire Hub, and possibly Fisher Enterprise, they'd found comfort in the only place that still felt safe: each other.Leah slipped into her silky
Leah had gone with Jeremy to see Ivan. “Please wait for me. Let me go in alone,” she said to Jeremy.“Okay,” Jeremy said without any argument.He trusted Leah so much, more than himself even. She was extremely smart and her gut feelings were usually right.Leah walked in and the warder went to bring Ivan out.Ivan couldn't look at Leah. He bent his head, avoiding her gaze.“Look at me,” Leah said, her tone firm.Ivan didn't look up.“Ivan, look at me, I said!” She sounded authoritative this time.“I can't. I'm too ashamed,” Ivan admitted, crying softly.“You were brainwashed. Big Margaret was very manipulative. I don't blame you, Ivan,” she paused and stretched her hands to his. “I'm getting you out of here, I promise.”Ivan finally raised his head up and looked at her, surprised at her words. She would help him after everything?Leah nodded as if she could hear his thoughts.— — —Jeremy was still being troubled about Clara or Claudia or whoever she was. She was an infiltrator and s
Jeremy was no longer himself. Always lost in thoughts, wondering who that lady, Clara, actually was, and where he'd seen her.Damn! Why couldn't he place the face? He surely had seen her before. The face… It was too familiar.And she wanted to work in his firm as his secretary? He couldn't trust her. No, he couldn't trust anyone. Not after everything they'd been through.His fingers moved reflexively toward the resume she’d left behind. He wanted to show it to Leah. Clara Dane. Age thirty-two. A flawless work history. Multiple firms, stellar recommendations, even a few accolades for administrative excellence. But no matter how pristine the paper trail looked, his instincts screamed that something was off. That woman… he knew her. Or he knew her face, her eyes, or maybe the energy she carried — like a polished blade hidden beneath silk.He snapped out of his daze when Jackson walked in, holding two cups of coffee and humming along to whatever was blasting in his AirPods.“Morning, boss