The ApologyRoman's POVSlowly, the door opened, revealing Naomi. Her face was a mixture of surprise and cautious as she stood there. She wore an oversized sweatshirt with the sleeves pushed up as if she had been working on something, and her hair was tied back loosely. I was momentarily unable to speak. She was stunning—not in the glossy, magazine-cover style, but rather in the unvarnished, unadulterated way that demonstrated her strength and tenacity. And that light had been dimmed by me. "Roman," she said in a flat voice. Her hand gripped the door's edge more tightly as if she was already thinking of shutting it again. With a forceful gulp, my chest constricted. “Naomi. Can I come in? Please?” She paused, looking past me as if to see whether anyone else was there, and her brows wrinkled. At last, she moved aside and gestured silently for me to come in. In contrast to the cold I had experienced outside, her apartment seemed toasty. The air was heavy with the subtle smell
The Business TrapRoman's POVMy muscles tensed as I stood up straight. “What about Elijah?” Daniel paused, looking briefly at Naomi before returning his attention to me. "He is going after your company. A major deal one we’ve been negotiating for months has been ruined. Camille’s fingerprints are all over it too.” As if to steady herself, Naomi's hand touched mine and she tensed up next to me. I looked at her, and her wide eyes reflected my mounting discomfort. “Ruined? How?” I asked, my voice sharp, cutting through the tension in the room. “They intercepted key documents, twisted the details, and leaked false information to our partners,” Daniel explained. “It’s a complete mess. The board is already panicking.” His words began to hang heavily in the air. Anger simmered beneath the surface of my tightened jaw. "Who leaked the information ?" I asked. “Elijah,” Daniel confirmed. “But Camille... she’s the one who planned it. She used her connections to make it stick. They
Naomi’s DiscoveryRoman's POVWith every second, my stomach grew more constricted as I unfolded the paper Naomi had given me. Every words felt like a kick to the gut as my eyes scanned the text, even though the words on the page were hardly lighted by the dull light from the city outside. My company's name was shown in the header. The rest……it was a legal agreement, a deal made years ago between my firm and a name I never expected to see: Victor Carter, Naomi’s father. "What the hell?" Before I could stop them, the words spilled out. Naomi spoke in a quiet, shaky voice. “What does it say?” My mind was racing, so I swallowed hard and tried to concentrate. “It’s a partnership agreement. Signed by your father and one of my predecessors.” I stopped and read a particularly damning paragraph again. It described significant payments made under the pretense of "consultation fees." payments with unclear intentions. Naomi took hold of my arm. “Consultation fees? For what?” My thro
An Unlikely AllianceRoman's PovAs the first rays of morning came through the blinds, Naomi stirred in my arms. I hadn't had much sleep since my thoughts were too focused on the flurry of feelings and the escalating dangers all around us. For a brief instant, everything felt perfectly normal as she moved slightly and pressed her face on my chest. But reality didn’t wait. The cloud of sleep softened her countenance as her eyelashes fluttered open and she stared up at me. Her voice was warm and raspy as she whispered, "Roman." “Morning,” I said quietly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. The blanket slipped off her shoulders as she slowly sat up. "Did you spend the entire night up?" I gave a shrug. "I couldn't sleep. I have too much on my mind.” I could sense the hesitancy and terror of what was ahead in her eyes as they searched mine. “We can’t keep pretending this will just go away,” she said softly. “I know,” I admitted, sitting up straighter. “That’s why I thin
The Private InvestigatorRoman's POVDaniel stepped into my office within minutes, his usual composed demeanor in place. “You needed me, sir?” I steepled my fingers, leaned back in my chair, and nodded. "Close the door." His expression fixed in silent resolve, he followed instructions. I trusted Daniel more than anybody else in my circle since he had been with me for years. If anyone could help me navigate this mess with Elijah, it was him. “Elijah,” I began, letting his name hang in the air for a moment. “I want every detail about his past. Connections, hidden dealings anything that could give me leverage.” Daniel didn't ask me any questions, although his brows did wrinkle a little. “Understood. Are we targeting any specific angle?” I tapped the desk while deciding what to do. "I'm curious about Camille's level of involvement with him. I need evidence that they are working together.” Daniel nodded slightly, his gaze alert. "I'll get in touch with some people. The process
Naomi’s Inner Strength Roman's POVWith my throat dry and my mind fumbling for the perfect words, I gazed at Naomi. Her question, which dared me to lie, hung in the air, thick and persistent. But I couldn’t. Not to her. Not now. "It was Elijah," I said in a steady but quiet voice. “And Camille. They worked together to create that document, to frame you.” Naomi's eyes widened, and she was momentarily mute due to the shock. Her jaw tensed as she took in what I had just disclosed, and her lips formed a thin line. “So, all this time…” she began, her voice shaking. “ You really thought betray you? Her words struck me hard. With regret pounding in my chest, I stepped toward her. “I didn’t know what to think, Naomi. I was blinded by my own fears, my own insecurities. But I was wrong. I was so wrong.”She folded her arms and looked directly into my eyes. “You didn’t even give me a chance to explain,” she said, her tone sharp but not rude. “You jumped to conclusions and pushed me
The Boardroom CoupElijah's POVI clenched my jaw and poured myself another drink, the amber liquid swirling in the glass. Roman had taken what was mine. Naomi should’ve been here, by my side, not at his mansion. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot. "Camille," I whispered, breaking the stillness with my voice. She had visited after hearing the news of Naomi going back to Roman's mansion.With deliberate and precise motions, she took a step forward, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "Yes?" “I need the reports you promised me. The ones with the insider details about Roman’s company.” With a sly smile, Camille took a small folder out of her purse. You’ll find everything you need in here. Financial gaps, questionable partnerships, even some skeletons in Roman’s closet. If you play this right, you could destabilize his entire empire.”I picked up the folder and leafed through the pages, looking at the well-structured evidence. A gradual, contented smile appeared on my f
Double-CrossRoman’s POVThe anxiety in the air was obvious, and the press conference was scheduled for midday. Throughout the night, my team put forth endless effort to gather all of the evidence we could against Elijah and Camille. Knowing that I would reveal everything in a few hours, I stood in my office in the morning and watched the city come to life. Daniel came in with a tablet. “The live stream is ready to go. We’ve secured every major media outlet.” "Good," I said, adjusting my necktie. "Ensure that the story is understandable. This is about revealing a danger to the business and everyone associated with it, not just about corporate disloyalty.” Daniel paused and nodded. “Are you sure about this, sir? Camille and Elijah won’t go down without a fight.” “That’s exactly why we need to strike first,” I said, my voice steely. “If we let them control the narrative, they’ll tear everything apart.” The conference hall was crowded with reporters, cameras, and board members b
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