Drake’s POVI had been up all night wrestling with my decision. The old woman’s request to move into the Chase mansion bothered me, but after hours of turning it over in my mind, I couldn't find a logical reason to refuse. She had her motives, but I couldn't deny that she held power, she knew things about my father, about the family legacy that no one else did. She had been such a fixture in this town that the very walls of her shop seemed to hold secrets.But agreeing to her conditions wasn't enough for me. If I was going to make this work, I needed something more something that would give me some kind of control over this situation. And that was when my mind turned to Valerie.Since we’d crossed paths that day at the store, Valerie had remained in the back of my mind, a fixture that I found particularly aggravating. No, what annoyed me was simply the fact that she had looked at me, not in fear, or awe, but almost in disdain. Like I was just one more man she couldn't stand to be nea
Drake’s POVI paced the length of the drawing-room, my mind racing, my thoughts tangling together in a whirlwind of frustration. Bringing the old woman into the Chase mansion was a decision I had not taken lightly, yet one I now couldn't help but second guess.Charlotte had been right to question me, yet the words that had spewed from her mouth, the venomous tone she had used when she'd spoken about the old woman as filthy, fired a spark within me, I hadn't felt in so very long. At that moment, the instant the word had escaped her lips, my temper had flared.I stood by the window, staring out into the darkening sky, trying to process it all. The faint sound of footsteps behind me pulled me from my thoughts, and I turned to see Charlotte standing in the doorway, her face twisted in anger."Drake," she snapped, her voice piercing the quiet. "We need to have a word. What on earth were you thinking, bringing that. that woman into our home?"I ground my teeth together, my patience wearin
Drake’s POVThe morning sun filtered in through the windows, casting a soft golden glow across the Chase family estate. It should have been a peaceful day, instead, I felt the tension as I entered into the grand living room to see suitcases by the door. My grandmother was bustling about, giving instructions to the household staff to pack her things into the car.My heart sank as I had hoped that, with the argument of yesterday still hot, we could all cool off and move on from it. But with a vision of my grandmother ready to leave, it felt like a blow to my stomach."Grandmother," I said, walking forward, "what are you doing?"The old woman glanced over her shoulder but did not stop the ordering about of the staff. "What does it look like, Drake? I'm moving out."I blinked, taken aback for a second by the casual tone in which she let such bombshells drop. "You can't just leave like this. Where would you go?"She waved her hand dismissively. "I have other properties, Drake. You forget
Ron’s POVI stood outside the study, leaning against the doorframe, a smirk playing on my lips. I had been hanging around the hallway, not by coincidence, but because I knew from experience in this household that eavesdropping on conversations often presented me with opportunities. And today proved to be no exception.I’d heard it all, the threat from Charlotte, Drake’s hesitation, and the ultimatum their grandmother had issued. It almost couldn't get much better. The poor guy was getting it between both corners, one side from Charlotte and her manipulations, another from his grandmother and her mysterious wants. Drake was feeling distinctly overwhelmed, and when Valerie did come, the situation that would ensue would swallow him whole. That would leave the perfect opening for me to finally take what I thought was owed me.A scheme was definitely forming in my brain, and I knew Valerie played a significant role in it. If I could manipulate the circumstances in my favor, then perhap
Valerie’s POV I wrapped myself in a world of color and creativity in the small back room of the art supply store, but my mind was somewhere else. The old woman who had taken up residence with Drake and Charlotte had just shared her ambitious plan with me. As I listened to the details, shock gave way to intrigue and excitement."You can't be serious," I said, my eyes wide. "You want me to live there with you? To be a part of all this?The old woman nodded, her eyes gleaming with the determined sparkle of mischief. "Yes, dear, I have been watching Charlotte for far too long. They are so confident, in their little bubble. But you and I, we can change that, can't we? We can turn things upside down for her.".My heart skittered as I absorbed the possibilities. "And you really think I can just walk in there and do that? What if they don't want me around?"The old woman waved a dismissive hand. "They don't get a say in this. You're strong, and you know how to play the game. Plus, having
Valerie’s POVMy heart was racing while my knuckles had turned white around the steering wheel. The old woman sat beside me.You have to promise me something," the old woman said, breaking the silence that had fallen as thick as fog. "You have to protect Drake from Charlotte and Ron. They'll stop at nothing to use him against you, and you absolutely can't let that happen."I glanced sideways, my stomach clenching. "But how? They're so interwoven in each other's lives. What could I possibly do to shield him from their games?The old woman turned her head, the expression on her face setting into a grim mask. "You'll find a way. You're stronger than you realize. Just remember, some people will use Drake's love for you against him. Charlotte is cunning, and Ron… he's a snake in the grass. Be vigilant."I nodded. My elbows weakened. "I understand. But what if I fail? What if I am not able to protect him? I don't want to get him in harm's way.""You won't fail," insisted the old woman as he
Drake’s POVAs I drove toward the hospital, my heart was racing, the road was starting to blur through my tears. The phone call from Jasmine was a shock in itself, but then to hear my grandmother died in that accident had felt like a gut punch that was leaving me hollow and worn out. I hadn't spent enough time with her, hadn't told her enough how much she meant to me after staying away so long. The more miles I covered in his hurry to get to the hospital, the more my guilt chewed me up.The parking lot now in sight, I parked hastily and fumbled with shaking hands with my seatbelt. I ran inside the hospital, unbothered by the half-curious looks passing patients and staff gave me as I breezed down the corridors. My mind was filled with thoughts of my grandmother. She had a stern, but loving manner, full of wisdom and unwavering strength. It wasn't until recently that I had known how much she meant to me, and now it was too late. She’s gone. My brain couldn’t accept the reality, it was t
Valerie's POV.While the nurse was trying to inject something into the drip I had on my hands, the door opened and Ron walked in, This is the first time he is coming today visit since I got in this accident, and I'm happy he is here, Even though I had requested for no one to see me, I needed some time alone to be able to digest the fact that the old woman who I have been working with and was with just a day ago is already dead. Jasmine made sure I lacked nothing in the hospital and I have not been alone because she knows how sensitive I can be to anything when someone close to me dies in front of me.“Good day Sir, please you need to check if it's already visiting hours before you can come in” The nurse said, “I'm sorry if I sound rude, but I would lose my job if you don't obey these rules”“You should also go around with a watch on your wrist or better still look at the clock which is hanging close to you, before you talk, The clock isn't just made to hang there, you should use it” H