Lexi’s POV “I was his most prized possession?? And yet he treated me like I belonged to the garbs”. I looked at him , trying once again to understand the type of man he is exactly. Julian’s eyes bore into mine, cold and unreadable. I couldn’t tell what he was planning, and that terrified me more than Victor’s gun pressed to my head. Victor’s grip tightened on my arm. “What’s it going to be, Julian?” he taunted. “Your girl, or your pride?” Julian’s jaw clenched, but he didn’t move. “Let her go, Victor. This doesn’t have to end badly for you.” Victor laughed, a dark, guttural sound that sent chills down my spine. “Oh, it’s going to end badly, alright. Just not for me.” The silence stretched, heavy and unbearable. Then, to my shock, Julian slowly crouched down and placed his gun on the ground. “Smart choice,” Victor sneered. Julian pushed the gun toward him with a deliberate slide. Victor smirked, bending down to pick it up. And that’s when it happened. A single sharp m
I was lounging on the couch, scrolling through my phone aimlessly. I stared at a picture Liam had just posted. It was from a night at the bar, his crooked smile and carefree charm staring back at me. I hated to admit it, but I kind of missed him. Missed the way he could make any conversation feel normal, easy, even when my world was spinning out of control. A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I jumped slightly as Martha, the housekeeper, stepped in. She folded her hands neatly in front of her and said, in her usual formal tone, “Mr. Blackwood has requested your presence in his office.” The mention of Julian’s name jolted me back to my current reality. “Do you know why?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer. Martha simply shook her head and waited for me to follow. I glanced around the room. My dad, sitting in his usual spot with the newspaper, looked at me with concern. It was the “I hope everything is okay” look. But I couldn’t give him any answers. Wi
Julian’s POV I watched the clock tick as my private investigator, Damien Clarke, stood across from me, his leather briefcase clasped tightly in his hand. Damien was one of the best in the business—discreet, efficient, and ruthless when necessary. I trusted him to uncover what I needed to know. “This woman,” I began, leaning back in my chair, my fingers steepled together. “I want every detail. Where she’s from, who she’s connected to, and why she’s taken such an interest in Lexi’s father. Leave no stone unturned.” Damien nodded, his expression neutral. “Understood, Mr. Blackwood. I’ll report back with everything I find.” “And don’t waste time,” I added sharply. “I want answers yesterday.” “I’ll get to work immediately,” he assured me, his tone steady. I dismissed him with a curt nod, my mind already racing through possibilities. Who was this woman? What was her angle? Whatever it was, I had to know. Ignorance wasn’t an option. Once Damien left, I stood and adjusted my cuffs, hea
Julian’s POV The second boutique was quiet, its refined atmosphere broken only by Kayla’s squeals of delight as she spun in front of the mirrors. I had other plans brewing, though, and Lexi was about to find out. When Kayla darted back into the fitting room for the umpteenth time, I turned to Lexi. Her arms were crossed, and she was watching me with a mix of suspicion and intrigue. Perfect. “I want you to try something,” I said, nodding toward one of the store attendants, who approached with an armful of exquisite dresses. Silks, satins, and perfectly tailored corporate pieces hung from the hangers, each one more stunning than the last. Her brow furrowed. “What’s this for?” I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “For the next few months, it’s going to be business trips back to back. I’ll be attending every major meeting, and you won’t miss a single one as long as I’m present.” Her eyes widened, her mouth opening slightly before she quickly snapped it shut. “You’re serious,” she s
Lexi’s POV When we got back from the boutique, I was exhausted. Kayla, Julian, and I walked into the penthouse carrying all the bags of clothes Julian had insisted on buying. Kayla flopped onto the couch, holding the one bag she refused to let me carry. Julian gave instructions to Martha, then disappeared into his office like he always did. The next morning, the house was busy. Kayla and dad were packing up to leave for their home, and I was helping Kayla pack her things. As I folded her clothes, a heavy feeling settled in my chest. The idea of being alone in this big penthouse felt awful. I hadn’t realized how much I’d gotten used to having Kayla around. “I think that’s everything,” Kayla said, zipping her suitcase. I nodded, forcing a small smile. “It’ll be nice for you to be back home. You’ll feel more comfortable there.” She paused, looking at me closely. “What about you? Are you going to be okay?” “Of course,” I said quickly. It was a lie, but I didn’t want to make he
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
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