Camille’s Revenge Roman's POV My office's air felt oppressive and heavy. With my hands grasping the armrests so firmly that my knuckles became white, I leaned back in my chair. The image on my phone's screen, Naomi's kind face, Elijah's closeness, and the intimacy of it all burned into my memory. With a harsh thud that echoed through the silent room, I slammed my fist upon the desk. This wasn’t just a betrayal—it was a calculated move to dismantle everything I held together. But by whom? I picked up my phone and called my personal assistant, Daniel. He was the only one who could find the truth, and his efficiency and discretion were unmatched. “Daniel,” I barked as soon as he picked up. “Yes,Sir?” “Find out who leaked those photos. I want names, connections—everything. And I want it fast.”"Understood. I'll give you an update soon.”With a pounding chest, I hung up. Elijah and Naomi weren't the only ones involve in this. Someone think they could take control of this situa
Public FalloutRoman's POVI spoke carefully, crafting each words to maintain the empireI had built, control the public, and protect Naomi. "Although these images appear scandalous at first, they actually tell a partial story that has been distorted to serve a deceptive and manipulative agenda," I spoke in a measured, forceful tone. "Naomi Blackwood is my wife, and any suggestion of infidelity is not only false but malicious.” The room was punctuated by the harsh clicks of flashing cameras. Eager for more, the reporters leaned forward. Elijah Grant, the man in those pictures, is a family friend,who has been helping Naomi with private affairs. Their relationship is professional, and any implications otherwise are baseless fabrications meant to damage her reputation and consequently mine.”The room echoed with a low murmur of curiosity mixed with mistrust. "I can guarantee you that we are looking into the source of these photos and will hold those accountable for this gross inv
The Auction StandoffNaomi's POV“This is it,” I whispered to myself, stepping out of the car. As cameras flashed frantically all around me, the chilly air pricked my flesh. There are clamor of accusations and conjecture, questions flying in all directions. With my head held high, I headed toward the venue, my heels clicking against the pavement. Inside the grand ballroom, the atmosphere was a sharp contrast to the chaos outside. The air was heavy with the aroma of expensive champagne and fresh roses, and there was a gentle buzz of discussion. Under the glittering lights, the guests' diamonds gleamed as they were lavishly adorned. Karen greeted me at the doorway with a look of relief and resolve. "You're a vision," she remarked as she tidied up a stray strand of my hair. “Remember, Naomi, tonight is yours. Don’t let them take it from you.” I gave her a forced smile and nodded. "Let's finish this up." The weight of everyone's eyes fell on me as I moved farther into the room.
Camille’s Last WarningNaomi's POVFor a moment, I was too stunned to respond. Camille was standing on my doorstep, her perfect face glowing sharply in the morning light. Her polished appearance felt out of place here, like a predator wandering into unfamiliar territory. "Camille," I murmured cautiously as I held onto the door's edge. “What are you doing here?” Her eyes narrowed, cutting through any appearance of friendliness, yet her grin remained unwavering. “I thought it was time we had a little chat. Woman to woman.” Something about her tone sent a chill down my spine, but I didn’t let it show. Instead, I moved aside and gestured for her to come in. Whatever this is, I won't let my neighbors catch wind of it. Her shoes clicked on the wood floor as she passed me, surveying my house with hardly concealed contempt. Although Camille had always been confident, there was something about her today that made the air feel heavier a deadly energy, a keen edge. I closed the door, t
Naomi’s ChoiceNaomi's POVThe envelope seemed to be bearing the weight of all my unresolved questions as it weighed heavily in my palms. The sound of the latch clicking like a period punctuated my growing tension as I shut the door behind me, my heart thumping. I leaned against the door, staring at the familiar handwriting on the envelope. Lila. A mixture of relief and pain came at the sight of her name. My sister had always been my pillar of support, even though she lived far away, safe in her own college bubble. She had a knack for sensing when my world was spinning out of control. Clinging to the envelope as if it were a lifeline, I made my way to the couch. I cautiously tore it open with trembling fingers as I slid them under the seal. Inside was a single sheet of notebook paper, folded neatly. Lila’s handwriting, bold and slightly slanted greeted me. Hey, Naomi Something told me that you might need this, even though I know I don't write as frequently as I should. You
Roman’s Breaking PointRoman's POVThe old ache in my chest did not go away as the whiskey burnt its way down my throat. Through the faint hum of conversations and clinking ice, I made a loud sound as I smashed the glass against the bar. The bartender gave me a wary look, but I didn’t care. One more drink.The auction. Her face when she walked out. The way she ignored my texts. Naomi is slipping through my fingers, and it was my fault. My palms dug into the slick wood as I held onto the counter's edge. I remember the fire in her eyes when she called me out, the way her lips curled into a smile when she thought no one was looking, and her laugh. And now? Nothing. No phone calls. No messages. Nothing but silence.You don't know the value of a thing, until you lost it and that's what is happening to me now.The bartender slid another drink toward me, and I stared at it, my reflection rippling in the amber liquid. “Rough night?” he asked cautiously. I gulped the glass down
The Betrayal Unfolds Roman's POVMy heart was racing more than it should have as I stood outside Naomi's door. She had hardly given me a glance the previous time I saw her. I couldn't just sit back and keep her in the dark about Elijah, even though I knew it was risky to come here. She had to find out how he had been using her and what kind of man he truly was. I hesitated before raising my hand to knock. For days, I had been plagued by the weight of her rage and the pain in her eyes when she gazed at me. She had good reason to be upset with me. But,this has nothing to do with my mistakes. I took a deep breath and knocked. The door opened a few seconds later, and she was standing there with her hair tied back in an untidy bun, wearing pants splattered with paint and a baggy top. She looked like she had been working, and for a second, I almost envied her ability to lose herself in her art. When she saw me, her face changed; her eyes narrowed and her jaw tightened. "Roman, what
Camille’s WebRoman's POVAs I sped through the deserted streets, the city lights flickered through the glass. I clenched my hands over the driving wheel until my knuckles were white. Tension pulsed through every muscle in my body. Camille. I had already told her to keep out of my life. But now, she’d crossed into Naomi’s. That was a line I couldn’t let her cross again. My heart was beating like a war drum by the time I arrived at Camille's fancy apartment. Of course, her lights were on. Even in her own empty house, Camille always enjoyed being the center of attention. With purpose, my shoes struck the pavement as I got out of the car. I was not aware of the chilly wind that blew across the street. My attention was highly focused. When I knocked on her door, it wasn’t polite. Three hard, deliberate knocks echoed through the quiet night. She opened without any delay. Camille came out in the doorway, dressed in an elegant silk robe, her red lips curving into that signature smir
Camille's Downfall (Roman's POV)My eyes met Naomi's as soon as I entered the room, everything inside me twisted. She was wrapped in a blanket and sitting on the couch, her face pallid and battered, her wrists raw from the binding. I was devastated by the sight. She looked up at me, her eyes red and puffy from crying, but she tried to smile—a fragile, heartbreaking attempt to reassure me. My fists clenched at my sides, my jaw tight. Like wildfire, rage raged through my veins, yet beneath it all was something worse: Helplessness. All of this happened because I'm wasn't smart, fast and ruthless enough."Roman," she said softly, her voice tremulous but resolute. I knelt in front of her after taking three steps across the room. My thumbs brushed her cheeks as I caressed her face gently. My stomach turned over the bruises there. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice hoarse. “I should’ve gotten to you sooner.” Her hand was on mine as she shook her head. “You came. That's what matte
The EscapeNaomi's POVThe room was cold and wet. The rope, which was wrapped too tightly to permit even the slightest movement, dug into my skin, causing my wrists to hurt. My body hurt from where I’d been shoved into the chair hours ago. Time blurred in this hazy darkness. I forced myself to breathe. I couldn't bear to panic right now. The only thing keeping me grounded was the thought of Roman. He’d come for me—I knew it. But when? Through the walls, I could hear the faint buzz of voices. I tried to listen, paying attention to the word's cadence despite my inability to make them out. All of my instincts begged me to pay attention and to follow any lead that might get me out of here. The sound of footsteps approached, heavy and deliberate. My heart raced. I didn't recognize the man who stepped through the creaking door. I forced myself not to scowl at him as his beady eyes passed over me with apathy. The man grunted to the guard by the entrance, "Elijah said no harm for no
Chapter 90: A Dangerous RescueRoman's POVThe image pierced into my mind. Naomi—trapped, defenseless, terrified. My chest constricted as if my heart had been mercilessly squeezed by a vice. I looked at the phone screen once again, my hands shaking from rage and desperation. I feared my teeth could break from the tightness in my jaw. Elijah was showing off that he had her. The bastard believed he could manipulate and mock me. My voice was low and venomous as I muttered, "Not this time." I slammed the door behind me as I ran into my study. Long shadows were casted throughout the room by the desk lamp's feeble light, but I didn't mind the gloom. It mirrored the storm that was building inside of me. I needed a plan I kept thinking about Naomi's face, her terrified wide eyes. I would be haunted by that expression until I got her. No, not just got her back. I’d make damn sure Elijah regretted ever laying a finger on her.I took my phone out and dialed a number. Marcus, my head o
Camille’s Confession Roman’s POVThe cool air outside Camille's opulent apartment and the eerie silence of the night only made me more agitated. My mind was racing with pictures of Naomi's ambush, and my hands were clenched, my knuckles hurting from the hold. When I got to her door, I didn't bother knocking. Rather, I forced it open, my rage driving the action. With a glass of red wine in her fingers, Camille's head jerked up from where she was sitting on the couch. Her typical self-assurance concealed any shame she believed she could conceal as she grinned. She put the glass on the table and drawled, "Well, Roman, to what do I owe the pleasure of this... unexpected visit?" The sound echoed across the room as I slammed the door behind me. "Cut the crap, Camille," I yelled. "You know why I'm here." She crossed her knees and leaned back, her brow arched slightly. "Do enlighten me." I took a step forward, the rage seething beneath the surface. “Naomi was ambushed. Margaret’s in
Elijah’s Fury(Elijah's POV)The atmosphere in my office was oppressive, heavy with resentment and a better taste of treachery. Naomi had crossed a line I never thought she’d have the guts to approach, let alone crossing it. The city stretched out below me as I stood by the window, my hands holding the sill's edge so firmly that my knuckles turned white. My mind was racing, with each idea becoming more sharper than before and escalating the anger that was on the verge of erupting. I was startled out of my reverie by a knock on the door. I turned sharply, my glare fixed on the figure standing hesitantly in the doorway. It was Greg, one of my most loyal enforcers. His usual confidence faltered under my gaze, and he shifted uneasily "What?" I yelled my voice like a whip slicing through the tension. Greg cleared his throat. “Sir, we’ve gathered the details about the exhibition. The media’s still buzzing. Attendance was high—journalists, collectors, even a few government officials.
The Public Expose(Naomi’s POV)Margaret was rushed to the hospital in Roman’s private car, her weak breaths could hardly be heard above the hum of the engine. Roman sat next to me and held my hand firmly. With his jaw clenched and his gaze fixed on the future, his silence spoke more than words. “She’ll be okay,” I murmured, more to reassure myself than him. He didn’t respond, but his grip on my hand tightened. The medical personnel was prepared when we got there; Roman had called ahead to make arrangements for a private team. We waited in a sterile room while they took Margaret away on a stretcher. My nostrils were irritated by the antiseptic odor, and the stark white walls were oppressive. Roman paced the room, shouting commands to his squad while holding his phone to his ear. You could feel his rage coming off him in waves. “I want surveillance on Camille,” he said sharply. “Find out where she is. No mistakes.” With my head whirling, I leaned back in the chair. Now it w
Margaret’s Last Act(Naomi’s POV)The sharp sound rang out, slashing through the commotion. I opened my eyes expecting to see the man's fist roaring toward me, and my heart leaped to my throat. Instead, the attacker stumbled backward, his grip faltering as he cursed under his breath. Margaret stood like a resolute shield in his place. She was the one who took the punch meant for me."Margaret!" My voice trembled as I gasped. She remained silent, staring at the assailants with a calculating and icy attitude. “Stay behind me,” she said firmly, her voice sharper than I’d ever heard it. I froze, watching in shock as Margaret, who was always so calm and distant, stood against the guys who were closing in on us. One of them swung a crowbar toward her as he pushed forward. "No, Margaret!" It was too late when I let out a scream. The metal whooshed past her head as she ducked, then pushed the man hard in the chest.He staggered back and ran into another assailant. "Naomi, run!" Sh
Daniel's Redemption (Roman’s POV)A man I hadn't anticipated seeing again, stood in my entryway: Daniel. I could not see his usual confident demeanor, rather all I see is a wary tension. He appeared to be a guy burdened with a thousand regrets. Roman,” he said again, his voice steady, though his eyes revealed the turmoil within. I didn't offer him a drink or ask him to sit down. Rather, I glared at him while crossing my arms. “You didn’t answer my question. What are you doing here?” Daniel lowered his voice and took a step closer after peering over his shoulder to check for prying eyes. “I don’t have much time. Elijah… he’s planning something big. And I’m done being his puppet.”Elijah's name was like gasoline when it was said. I clenched my jaw. "I know, You think I'll trust you? after all of you have done?” There was a glimmer of desperation in Daniel's eyes, but his countenance tightened. "I came here not to ask for forgiveness. This is what I came to give you.”He bought
Naomi’s Growing Strength(Roman’s POV)The morning sun spilled through the bedroom curtain, casting a warm glow on Naomi’s face as she stirred awake. She looked peaceful, her soft curls spread across the pillow, and for a brief moment, I allowed myself to forget the storm outside our walls. I was snapped back to reality, as my phone buzzed on the nightstand. I cautiously reached for it so as not to wake her. Naomi's eyelids fluttered wide as she stirred next to me. “Morning,” she said softly, her voice weigh with heavy sleep. “Morning,” I replied, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead. “Did you sleep well?” She stretched like a happy cat and sat up after nodding. She stared at my phone for a second, but she didn’t ask. Smart woman. She knew I’d tell her when it is time."Coffee?" I swung my legs out of bed and asked. “Only if you’re making it,” she teased, pulling the sheets tighter around her. I smirked. “Your wish is my command.” As I leaned against the counter i