Strategic Moves(Roman’s POV)"Hello,” the voice on the other end said, smooth and deliberate, with hint of mistrust.“Michael,” I said, gripping the phone tighter. “It’s been a while.” After a moment, there was a low chuckle. "Awhile? Roman, that’s an understatement for century. Last time we spoke, you told me never to contact you again.” I let out a sigh and paced the room, looking at the bed where Naomi was sleeping. “And yet, here I am, breaking my own rule. I need your help.” "Of course you do," Michael said sardonically. "No one ever calls me just to catch up. What is it this time? Business, revenge, or both?” “Both,” I admitted. “It’s Elijah.” The line went dead, and for a moment, I thought he might have hung up. But then Michael’s voice came through, sharper now. "Elijah," he said again, the name tinged with contempt. "I should’ve known. That bastard’s still alive and causing trouble? What’s he done this time?” I paused my pacing and squeezed the bridge of my nos
Elijah’s Plan Revealed(Roman’s POV)With her head still lying on my chest, Naomi's steady breathing filled the room. I had my arm wrapped protectively around her, but my thoughts were far away. Like a loaded rifle ready to fire, the email I received from Micheal stayed in my mind. I carefully slid out from under Naomi, using a pillow to place of my chest. She slightly twitched but remained unconscious. I hate hiding hings from her, and her utter relaxation around me was a clear sign of her trust. But for the time being, I had to deal with this alone. After grabbing my phone, I padded silently into the study and closed the door. The email dared me to open it by staring back at me. I inhaled deeply and tapped it. Subject: “I think I found something.” Message:Roman, I've been looking through Elijah's accounts and connections. There’s a pattern here that leads to a concerning conclusion. He’s after your offshore accounts—especially the ones tied to Steele Enterprises’ global o
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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