KYLES POV. “Then prove it,” I say simply before turning on my heel, motioning for her to follow me toward one of the finest homes in the first estate we’ve built. The construction here is finished, but safety rules are safety rules. I grab two jackets and helmets, handing one to her. She takes the jacket and slips it over her blouse. I do the same with mine, but when I glance back at her, she’s still struggling with the helmet. It’s taking way too long. With an exasperated sigh, I step closer, gently pushing her hands away. “Here,” I mutter, clicking the strap securely under her chin. She blinks up at me in surprise, but I don’t think on it. We should’ve hired an interior designer for this project a long time ago, but every candidate either didn’t match our style or had too many other commitments. I need someone focused. No distractions. “This is a three bedroom home designed for a family of four,” I explain as we step inside. “We want it to have a cozy, welcoming atm
KYLE’S POV My warning fell on deaf ears. She picked it up. She freaking picked it up. “Aren’t you a cutie,” Elara coos, cradling the little fur-covered menace in her hands. I take a quick step back. “Put it down.” But instead of listening, she grins and pushes it toward me. “Would you look at that?” I take another step back. “I’m not touching that.” She gasps dramatically. “Wait… Are you scared of cats?” “No, I am not,” I say firmly, keeping as much distance as I can. Her brows lift. “Then why did you just jump away like that?” “I didn’t jump—” “Oh, look, kitty, seems like the great Kyle Sinclair is scared of you,” she teases in a baby voice. The cat meows as if agreeing with her. “For the record, I am not scared of cats,” I grumble. “And I did not jump away.” I point at the thing still nestled in her arms. “That thing is dangerous.” She lets out a laugh. “Dangerous?” “To your health, yes,” I say, arms still crossed tightly. “You don’t know where it’s
ELARA’S POV “There was a mistake with the accounting,” Jenna says, placing two sets of clipped papers on my desk. “Sam was supposed to record it correctly, but she made an error. If you look at the total balance in the account and the balance in the transaction I sent you… it’s the same.” I frown, taking both documents and scanning them carefully. “It seems so,” I murmur. Sam needs to start double, checking things. And now? I feel bad for jumping to conclusions. I had doubted Jenna, even thought she might be stealing from the company. But the numbers check out. Maybe I was just being paranoid. Still… something about her just doesn’t sit right with me. She never seemed suspicious, and I didn’t find any actual proof against her. Yet, deep down, I still feel like something is off. Maybe it’s time I drop it and focus on more important things. I shake the thoughts away. “So…” Jenna leans in, eyes glinting with curiosity. “How was your visit to the Coles yesterday… y
ELARA’S POV “Yes… but I can come up if you’d also like me to,” he shrugs. I stay silent for a second, smiling to myself. “I’ll be down in a minute,” I say before ending the call. Jenna raises a brow. “Everything okay?” I nod, grabbing my purse. “I’m stepping out for a moment.” “To see Robert Powers?” she asks, the amusement in her tone was evident. “Yes.” I keep my expression neutral. “Ohh… something’s going on between you two,” she declares. “Jenna!” . “with that blush? You don’t even need to tell anything” I press my lips together, fighting the smile threatening to break free. “I bet you have a lot to do,” I say, clearing my throat. “So, maybe you should get back to work, Jenna.” “It’s a miracle you’re keeping it together right now,” she smirks before finally leaving. I exhale, glancing at my reflection in the window. Straightening my blouse, I grab my perfume and spritz a little. Then, I reach for my lipstick, but pause before it touches my lips. Wha
ELARA’S POV I thought we were just going for lunch, but instead, we end up at a steakhouse with an outdoor setting. It’s not too crowded, and the air feels warm and a little classic . We settle at a table indoors, near the large windows. I’ve never been to a place like this before but then again, that’s what I get for not going out much and focusing on work. Even though the place looks nice, the steak prices are absurd. But honestly… what did I expect? After ordering, for the first time, silence settles between us. I don’t mind. The swoosh of the TV catches my attention. A Formula One race is playing, but it’s a replay from last month. It’s been a while since I’ve watched a race, but even now, just seeing those cars, the sleek designs, the sharp turns, the roaring engines…. It’s exciting to watch. For a moment, I lose myself in the screen, watching how effortlessly the drivers take sharp turns, as the sped away. “Don’t tell me you’re one of them?” Robert’s voi
ELARA’S POV“We don’t have much time…” Robert speaks again, but I stay frozen in my seat.I just can’t believe this is happening.It all feels too surreal.“But we ordered. What about the steak?”Robert smirks. “We’ll have plenty of steak at the Grand Prix.”He stands, waiting for me.My heart hammers in my chest. I hesitate, but eventually, I rise to my feet, my steps slow as I follow him out of the steakhouse.A Formula One race?I’m actually going to a Formula One race.A thrill rushes through me, mixing with disbelief. I don’t even know how to feel.The drive from the restaurant to the Las Vegas Boulevard is a blur, my mind still struggling to catch up.But when we arrive—The scent of burning rubber fills the air.The deafening roar of engines vibrates through my chest.Crowds of excited fans move around us, neon lights reflecting off their eager faces.The cheers. The noise. The energy.It’s been so long, yet the feeling is still the same.My palms grow clammy as we approach the
ELARA’S POV I turned just in time for Robert to hand me a glass of something sparkling and a plate filled with small, ridiculously fancy appetizers. Truffle sliders, so delicate they looked like art. A tiny spoonful of caviar that probably cost more than my entire outfit. Sushi rolls perfectly made they looked almost too perfect to eat. I took a bite and groaned. “Okay, this is ridiculously good, How is this even real?” Robert chuckled, reaching for something on his plate with a pair of sleek black chopsticks. “Okay now You have to try this,” he said, directing his chopsticks toward my mouth. I hesitated. Did he expect me to take it from him, or—? Before I could decide, he moved in closer, leaving me no choice but to open up. The cool, delicate texture of the salmon roll hit my tongue first, followed by the perfectly seasoned rice. The flavors burst in my mouth, a balance of saltiness and sweetness that made me moan to the goodness. “It’s reverse sushi,” he explained, watching
ELARA’S POV The race started, and my heart pounded as the cars sped off the line. For the first few laps, Ferrari was stuck in the midfield, and with every turn, my stomach twisted with nerves. The Red Bull driver was ahead, comfortably holding second place, and I could feel Robert’s smugness radiating off him. “Looks like I’m about to win this,” he murmured near my ear. A shiver ran down my spine, but I refused to let him see how much he affected me. I straightened and lifted my chin. “It’s not over yet.” Even though, deep down, I was starting to lose hope. Hamilton was still in third. The laps were winding down. There wasn’t much time left. Then, everything changed. With just three laps to go, the Red Bull car and the Mercedes were trying to overtake each other. When the Ferrari car suddenly picked up speed, gaining on the Mercedes ahead. I clutched the railing so hard my knuckles turned white, my breath catching as Hamilton took an aggressive inside line. “Come on,” I
NATE’S POV I switched into a pair of grey sweatpants, and the whole time, it felt like the space around me was closing in. I needed to speak with Dave, but I didn’t have a phone. Then again, there might be one in the car. I never forget to keep one lying around. One important thing I completely forgot? This wasn’t my car. Apart from the perfume bottles, random documents, and candy wrappers, there was nothing close to a phone in here. And that only made my anger worse. I can’t believe I came down here for nothing, I slammed the car door shut and leaned against it, staring out into the dim parking lot. I needed to clear my head. But Even a glass of alcohol didn’t seem like the right thing. hell, I don’t even want to smell it right now. The last place I wanted to be was in that penthouse. It didn’t feel right anymore. Nothing did. Not when all I could think about was how much of a damn fool I’d been today. From the corner of my eye, I caught the sign for the indoor shoot
NATE’S POV In a few days I will be handing over the vegas branch and everything that has to do with hales mining & co. to my brother, and will let loose of all my ties to the company. Everything is falling into place but I’m losing the one person I’m doing all of it for. And it’s all due to my actions it seems. And the fact that the realisation is only hitting me now made me feel worse than I already do. Everything she said was true, I am stupid. i didn’t think there was much harm in the things I’ve been doing… heck I’ve only been trying to get my wife back, have her forgive me. have her see how sorry I am and how much I want to make things right. Even though I don’t deserve it, while clinging to hope that she will give me a chance since I’ve been trying. But then in the silence in the car I started rethinking it all, it seems I have been doing it all wrong. She was also right for calling me a barbaric imbecile. I have been letting my anger get the best of me, and instead
ELARA’S POV “El, I know what—” “Save it. I don’t want to hear it,” I cut him off coldly, my eyes fixed on the road ahead. Even though I barely paid attention earlier when Kyle drove us to the showroom, I somehow managed to trace my way back around the area. It took longer than it should’ve, especially considering how urgent it was to find a hospital or pharmacy. His hand was wrapped in a handkerchief, but that wouldn’t hold for long. I needed to be fast. But the truth is, I don’t know my way around this damn place. I’ve been living in Vegas for a while, and somehow, I still don’t know the roads around here. “Do you even know where you’re going?” Nate asks, his voice low. “I do,” I snap, gripping the steering wheel like it’s the only thing keeping me from losing it completely. In reality, I have no idea how I’m supposed to get us back to the main side of the city. “I don’t think—” “Can you just shut up for once in your life?” I bite, my voice rising with my rising panic. “I’m
ELARA’S POV I wish the earth would open up and swallow me whole. “Kyle,” Mimi speaks up before I can respond to him. “I need all of you to leave right now.” The smile I thought was permanent is long gone from her face. Even though she isn’t frowning, she doesn’t look happy. “Mimi—” Kyle begins. “I know it’s not your fault, but I need you guys out while we assess the damage.” Her tone is clipped, but her anger is evident and I don’t even blame her for getting mad. Nate broke two luxurious bed lamps during the stupid tussle. Thankfully, we were the only people around. What if she had customers in here and he came in making this mess? That would’ve been even worse. Kyle turns and gestures for us to leave while trying to straighten the wrinkles on his shirt. “I’m really sorry about this, Mimi,” I whisper, slipping my business card discreetly into her hand. “Please send me the invoice. I’ll make sure the damages are covered.” “There’s no need to apologize. It’s not your fault, dear,
NATE’S POV I yank my phone out of my pocket, hands trembling as I dial Dave’s number. He picks up on the first ring. “Dave.” “Yes, sir,” he responds, sharp and ready. “I just sent you a number. I want the exact location. Right now.” “Got it, boss.” I don’t know where to start looking for her since she wasn’t at home, but I hit the main road anyway. My foot is heavy on the gas pedal, heart pounding against my ribs like it’s trying to break free. The phone buzzes again a moment later. “Do you have anything?” “Yes, sir. 288 Flitwood. It’s pinging to a Boho-style interior show room, place called Mali.” What the hell? I hang up, quickly typing the address into the GPS. A shortcut lights up on the screen. I take it without a second thought. Why the fuck would she be in an interior design place with another man? I slam my hand on the steering wheel, jaw locked as I try to shake the thought. My mind is spiraling images of her laughing with some man, touching him. Whil
NATE’S POV “Right,” the valet mutters, fumbling with the keys in his hands as he searches for mine. It feels like it’s taking forever. My foot taps impatiently against the marble floor while my mind spins with the worst possible scenarios. Each second wasted here is another second Elara could be with him laughing, smiling, looking at him the way she used to look at me. But then, as the valet continues to sort through the keys, I spot a familiar keychain the sleek black one with the silver initials that belong to Marcus’s car. “I’ll take these,” I say sharply, snatching them before he can react. The guy blinks, mouth opening as if to protest, but he must be smart enough to read the expression on my face. He doesn’t ask questions, doesn’t try to stop me. Wise choice. I press the unlock button on the fob, and the car beeps in the distance before I even reach it. “Nate!” I hear Marcus call out behind me. I don’t turn around. I don’t have the time or the patience
NATE’S POV A few months ago, when Jenna reached out and proposed a deal to me about helping me keep an eye on Elara, I was stunned. Gobsmacked even. She wasn’t just Elara’s assistant but her friend also. So if Ask me, I thought I’d be the last person she’d want to help, especially considering how rocky things are between Elara and me. I expected her to do everything in her power to keep me away from my wife… not offer to play matchmaker for a price. She claimed she wanted to help us “fix things.” Said she could keep me in the loop, provide updates, even talk Elara into showing up when I needed her to. Even though I agreed to this arrangement, I found it a little suspicious and with time I kept seeing weird patterns and I don’t think money is all she wants I think she wants more that but then again. She didn’t do it out of loyalty. No, backstabbers like Jenna always have a price. And hers? Pathetically low, if you ask me. Once everything is back to normal bet
Nate’s POV“Congratulations, brother.”Angelo pulls me in for a quick bro hug, his signature grin stretched across his face.“Thanks, man,” I reply, patting his back before stepping away.“What is this, your millionth project now?” James jokes from the side, his tone casual but curious.I shrug with a smirk. “Could be. Who’s counting anymore?”The event kicked off earlier than planned because of the product showcase Marcus insisted on adding. He said it’d help widen our customer base and give the brand a more approachable image. He even suggested slashing some of our prices to attract more interest.Which, of course, I didn’t agree with.Our company has been doing just fine with the current pricing more than fine, actually. If it’s not an increase he’s proposing, then I’m not interested. But this entire branch is going to be his soon. A few more weeks and I hand over the reins. After that, he can do whatever he wants with it. For now I want to make this event is a success. To be hon
ELARA’S POV For most of the time now Kyle has been quiet while Mimi does more explaining. Kyle is still holding my iPad swiping g through the sketches. With an expression I can’t quite explain. His hand slightly brushed mine as he turns the iPad to me. “This is good,” Kyle murmurs, his voice low and thoughtful as he studies the design on my iPad. I try to swallow the sudden lump in my throat. Why the hell am I feeling nervous now? It’s just Kyle. Just a stupid couch. Just… expensive cologne and annoyingly attractive… Pull it together, Elara. “But I don’t think there’s an exact design like this here,” I say, clearing my throat and pointing toward a set of couches arranged nearby. “So, what if we swap it out for one of those? Just for the prototype, I mean. If you don’t like them, we could… maybe look somewhere else.” I lower my voice at the last part, just loud enough for him to hear. The last thing I wanted was to offend Mimi by talking about scouting o