The next morning, I was ready. Or at least, I told myself I was. I slipped into the outfit I’d picked the night before, an emerald-green wrap dress that hugged my curves and ended just above my knees. The neckline was modest, but the slit on one side revealed a hint of thigh when I moved. I paired it with nude stiletto heels, My hair was styled in loose waves, and a light touch of makeup completed the look. Sexy yet elegant, exactly the way I wanted to present myself. Standing by the window in my room, I stared at the city skyline, trying to calm my nerves. I had no idea what to expect from this six-month trip, but something about it felt monumental. A knock on my door startled me out of my thoughts. Before I could respond, Martha walked in. “Miss Lexi,” she said, “Mr. Blackwood is waiting for you downstairs.” I turned away from the window, grabbing my purse. “Of course,” I replied. Martha left, and I followed shortly after. As I stepped outside, the morning sunlight greeted m
The meeting room doors clicked shut behind us. Étienne leaned against the wall, already on his phone. I glanced at Lexi, her posture too rigid, her gaze darting around the room like she expected it to swallow her whole. “You look like you’re about to pass out,” I said. “I’m fine,” she snapped, straightening. “Good,” I replied coldly. “You need to be.” Étienne chuckled, glancing up. “Careful, Julian. Push her too hard, and she might snap.” “She wouldn’t dare,” I said without missing a beat. Lexi crossed her arms, glaring at me. “I’m right here, you know.” “And I suggest you stay focused,” I shot back, my tone sharp. “This isn’t a charity trip.” Étienne pushed off the wall, smirking. “Relax, both of you. We’ve got bigger problems than your little spats.” I ignored him, turning my attention back to Lexi. “When we go in there, you observe. You don’t speak unless I ask you to. Understood?” Her jaw tightened, but she nodded. “Understood.” The assistant reappeared, gesturing for u
Julian’s POV The master bedroom door clicked shut behind me, the faint sounds of Étienne and Lexi talking in the kitchen fading into the background. The evening had been a rollercoaster, and now we were here, this luxurious apartment with two rooms, one shared between Lexi and me. It was a setup I hadn’t anticipated, and I doubted she had either. The apartment had Étienne written all over it: sleek design, spotless surfaces, and just enough decadence to make anyone feel out of place. I set my briefcase down and loosened my tie. The large window offered a panoramic view of the city, but my thoughts were elsewhere. The muffled sound of Lexi’s laughter drifted through the door, cutting into my moment of solitude. Étienne was making her laugh. Again. I stepped out into the hallway, walking toward the kitchen. “What’s so funny?” I asked, my voice sharper than intended. Lexi turned, a faint smile lingering on her lips. “Étienne was just telling me about his… unique choice in furni
Lexi’s POV I had just finished my shower, steam swirling in the luxurious bathroom, and wrapped myself in a towel. The cool air hit my skin as I stepped out and made my way to the dresser. The low murmur of Julian’s voice drifted through the slightly ajar door, catching my attention. “…I don’t like surprises. Spill it now,” Julian said, his tone sharper than usual. I froze mid-motion, my hands still in my hair. Something in his voice made the air in the room feel heavier. Was he talking to Étienne? No, the cadence was different, like he was on a call. I stepped closer to the door, my bare feet silent against the floor. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop,at least, that’s what I told myself, but curiosity got the better of me. Whatever this was, it seemed serious. “What the hell do you mean alive ?” Julian’s voice was lower now, laced with an edge I’d never heard before. I strained to hear, but his words became muffled. My heart raced as I considered whether to let him know I cou
Julian’s POV I stood in my study, staring out at the sprawling city lights below. The skyline blurred as my thoughts raced. The weight of what I’d learned tonight was a storm pounding in my chest. Lexi’s mother wasn’t just alive, she was a danger, a shadow lingering on the edge of our lives. And now, Pierre Thompson, the man who claimed to be Lexi’s father, had to answer for the lies he’d built her life upon. I turned to Étienne, who stood by the door, his expression unreadable. “Bring him in,” I said coldly. “I need to hear it from him. Every word.” Étienne hesitated for a moment before nodding. “He’s already on his way. Are you sure you’re ready for this?” “I don’t need to be ready,” I snapped. “I need the truth.” Pierre Thompson sat across from me in the private suite, a guarded look in his eyes.His weathered face lined with regret and something I couldn’t quite place, fear, perhaps. I leaned back in my chair, the silence stretching between us. “You’ve had enough time to
Julian’s POV The sound of the door clicking shut behind Pierre Thompson left an uneasy silence hanging in the air. Étienne sat across from me, his legs casually crossed, but the sharpness in his gaze betrayed the same tension I felt. “Well,” he drawled, breaking the silence, “that was enlightening. Your Lexi’s got more skeletons in her closet than a haunted mansion.” I shot him a glare. “This isn’t a joke, Étienne.” “I’m not joking,” he said, sitting up straight. “This is a mess. A dangerous one. Her mother isn’t just a threat to Lexi; she’s a threat to anyone remotely connected to her. Including you.” I didn’t need him to remind me. Catherine Hale was no ordinary woman. Ruthless, calculated, and utterly devoid of conscience. A woman like that didn’t just disappear for years without a plan. She was waiting, watching, and now, it seemed, making her move. “We need to neutralize her,” I said finally, my voice cold. Étienne raised an eyebrow. “Neutralize? Is that the new polite ter
Julian’s POV “Wear the red dress,” I said, leaning casually against the bedroom doorframe. The deep burgundy fabric hung in the closet, catching the soft light. Lexi glanced up at me, a mix of curiosity and defiance in her eyes. “The red one?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, the one I bought for you,” I replied smoothly. It’s our last day here in New York, “We’re going out tonight.” “Where?” she asked, her tone cautious. “A couples’ dinner. You, me, Étienne, and his wife,” I said, watching her reaction closely. Her expression softened slightly. “Étienne’s wife?” “Yes,” I confirmed, stepping closer. “You’ll like her. She’s… classy. I think you’ll enjoy meeting her.” Lexi tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. “Alright, but if this dress doesn’t fit, it’s your fault.” “It’ll fit,” I assured her, my tone unwavering. Lexi sighed dramatically but turned toward the closet, her fingers brushing over the silky material. “You’re really pulling out all the stops, are
Lexi's POV I woke up to the sound of Julian's phone buzzing on the nightstand. He groggily reached over to silence it, his eyes squinting in the morning light. I snuggled deeper into the blankets, feeling a sense of contentment wash over me. Last night had been perfect - the dinner, the conversation, the way Julian had looked at me with such intensity. But as I drifted off to sleep again, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Julian's behavior had been strange, almost... guarded. And Étienne's words kept echoing in my mind: "Those two are trouble. But they're loyal to the core." I pushed the thoughts aside, telling myself I was just being paranoid. Julian and I were... complicated. I had developed feelings for him, small and tentative, but feelings nonetheless. And I could sense that he felt something for me too, even if he didn't always show it. But as the day went on, I couldn't help but notice that Julian was distant, preoccupied. He kept glancing at his ph
Carla’s POV The icy water dragged at me, but I pushed on, my muscles screaming with each stroke. The small motorboat was a dark silhouette ahead, waiting exactly where we’d planned. As I broke through the surface, gasping for air, Victor Hale’s figure came into view. “About time,” he muttered, his voice sharp with impatience as he leaned down to grab my hand. I ignored his tone, too drained to care. “You wanted the job done right, didn’t you?” I shot back as he pulled me into the boat. Etienne sat at the helm, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Is she gone?” I dropped onto the wet deck, wiping water from my face. “She’s dead. There’s no way she survived that.” Victor handed me a towel, his expression unreadable. “You’re sure?” “Yes,” I snapped. “I made sure she wouldn’t make it out alive.” Etienne chuckled darkly, revving the engine. “Then let’s get out of here. Catherine’s waiting.” As the boat sped away from the riverbank, I leaned back and let the cold night air whip against m
Catherine's POV The room was dimly lit, the faint glow of a single candle casting dancing shadows on the walls. Catherine paced back and forth, the phone pressed to her ear. Her red lips curved into a wicked smile as a familiar voice spoke on the other end. “Is it time for me to step into the game?” the voice asked. It was calm, smooth, and dripping with confidence. “Very soon, my dear,” Catherine purred. “Very soon. After the accident, you’ll have your moment.” There was a chuckle on the other end. “I’m ready whenever you are. Just give me the signal.” “Oh, you’ll know,” she said, her tone sharp now. “This will be a night Lexi won’t forget—if she survives.” The call ended with a soft click, and Catherine stared at the screen for a moment before whispering to herself, “It’s already in motion.” Lexi’s POV The car hummed along the road as Carla and I sat in silence. My thoughts were still tangled in Julian’s call earlier, his voice heavy with worry. I sighed, running my fingers
Kayla’s POV I stared at my phone, Catherine’s voice still echoing in my head: “Make your decision, Kayla. By morning, it’ll be too late. And if you can’t choose, I will.” My chest tightened as I glanced at the clock. It was almost dawn. I needed to think. No, I needed to act. But every time I tried to picture the next move, Lexi’s face would flash in my mind—her arms around me last night, her voice full of concern, the way she always had Dad’s back. How could I betray her? My phone vibrated in my hand. The screen lit up with Catherine’s name. I froze. The call disconnected then rang again. My stomach churned as I finally answered. “I—I told you I need time.” Catherine’s voice was sharp, her patience gone. “And I told you time is up. Make a choice, Kayla. Help me take her out of the picture, or you’ll wish you had. I don’t wait for indecisive little girls.” “I’ll give you my answer by morning,” I stammered, desperation slipping into my tone. A low chuckle. “By morning, huh? Fi
Kayla’s POV Catherine’s words swirled in my mind, intoxicating and undeniable. She didn’t speak like an ordinary person—her voice carried power, authority, and a promise of something I couldn’t resist. “All you have to do is follow my instructions,” she said, her piercing eyes never leaving mine. “You’ll have everything you’ve ever wanted, Kayla. And more.” “And what do you want in return?” I asked, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to sound confident. Her smile deepened, and for a moment, I saw something darker behind her composed exterior. “Loyalty. Obedience. And a willingness to do what’s necessary.” I swallowed hard, unsure if she meant what I thought she did. But it didn’t matter. I’d already come this far—there was no going back. “I’ll do it,” I said firmly, my voice steadier now. “Whatever it takes.” Catherine stepped closer, her gaze almost predatory. “Good. Then let’s get started.” Lexi’s POV “Dad, she’s missing!” My voice cracked, the panic overwhelming m
Kayla’s POV The stranger’s words echoed in my mind, heavy with promise. He was offering me everything I’d ever wanted. And yet, every instinct told me this was a trap, a dangerous game, whether I liked it or not. “You want Julian. You want Lexi's life, her wealth—everything she has,” the man said, his voice like smooth velvet, masking something darker beneath. “I can help you get it all. But you’ll have to trust me.” The words hung in the air, so easy, so tempting. I stared at him, trying to piece together his intentions. But his gaze was unwavering, confident. It made my skin crawl and my heart race at the same time. “Why me?” I finally managed to ask, my voice tight, still reeling from his bluntness. “Because,” he said, taking a slow step toward me, his eyes glinting with something I couldn’t place, “I know what you want. More than that, I know how to get it.” I crossed my arms, fighting the impulse to back away. “What’s the catch?” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his e
Kayla’s POV The moment Dad was safely inside and seated, I felt the weight of everything shift. I tried to shake off the tension that had crept in when we’d pulled up to the house, but it clung to me like an uncomfortable sweater. I caught Lexi’s smile as she helped Dad settle into the couch, her hand on his shoulder, her voice soft and comforting. “We’re going to make sure you get some rest tonight, Mr. Thompson. You’ve been through a lot.” Of course, she was the one taking charge. She always was. I couldn’t help but feel a sharp pang in my chest. It wasn’t that I didn’t appreciate what she was doing for Dad; I did. But with every little thing she did, it was like she was trying to prove something. To prove that she was the better daughter. The better everything. I was still standing by the door, frozen in place as Lexi kept talking. She didn’t even glance my way, not once. But I could feel her eyes on me earlier, a pitying look that I’d seen too many times before. Like I
Victor’s POV I stood in front of the large, polished oak desk, fingers drumming a steady rhythm on its surface. The details had to be perfect. If it wasn’t flawless, it would all fall apart. And I couldn’t afford that. Not now. Not when the time had finally come to take the final step. Lexi had been too much of an obstacle, and she had no idea how much danger she was in. But that was about to change. I pulled the map closer, the street names blurring as I tapped the area I’d marked in red. The route was perfect—isolated, with no traffic at all that time of night. It would look like a freak accident. No one would suspect a thing. My mind raced through every possible scenario. The timing, the positioning, and even the way the car would roll. I could see it all in my head, playing out like a well-rehearsed script. I took a deep breath, savoring the moment. “It has to be seamless,” I muttered to myself, turning toward the phone on the desk. It was time to call Etienne. The phone ran
Lexi’s POV Dad was asleep now, his breathing slow but steady. The harsh hospital lights made the room feel cold, sterile—everything I hated about places like this. But I didn’t dare leave. I stayed planted in my chair, one hand gripping his as though he might slip away if I let go. Kayla had curled up in the chair on the other side of the bed, her head resting against the armrest. She looked peaceful for once, though I knew the moment she woke up, she’d be back to snapping at me or avoiding me entirely. Not that I blamed her. A creak at the door made me look up. Julian stepped inside, his tall frame filling the small space. The sharp lines of his suit made him look improper, like he belonged in some high-rise office rather than this cramped hospital room. “How is he?” he asked quietly, his voice softer than I’d expected. “Still stable,” I replied, keeping my voice low, so I wouldn’t wake Dad or Kayla. “They’re saying the next 24 hours are critical, but… he’s holding on.” Julian
Lexi’s POV The sound of Dad’s heart monitor was steady, but it felt fragile, like it might stop at any second. I sat beside his hospital bed, holding his hand as if my grip alone could tether him here. His hand was cold, the once firm grasps that had held mine through so many storms now limp and fragile. “Dad,” I whispered, leaning closer, “it’s okay. You’re safe now. We’re here.” His eyelids fluttered, his lips parting like he was trying to say something. “Don’t push yourself,” Kayla said softly, perched on the other side of the bed. Her voice was as delicate as the rest of her, but the cracks in it gave her away. “Hey,” Dad rasped, his voice barely audible, “you two… still fighting?” Kayla and I exchanged a look—surprise mixed with a sliver of humor. Leave it to him to be half-dead and still cracking jokes. “No,” I said, managing a small smile. “We called a truce for now.” Kayla chimed in, trying to match the lightness. “You’ll be glad to know I’ve refrained from throwing he