_Lexi's POV_ I sat in stunned silence, my mind reeling from the revelation about my mother. Julian's words kept echoing in my head: "I swear to protect you with everything I have, including my own life." I felt a mix of emotions: shock, anger, sadness, and fear. My whole life, I had thought my mother was dead. But now, I know the truth. She was alive, and she wants me dead by all means. Julian's hug was still warm around me, and I felt a sense of comfort in his arms. But I knew I couldn't stay there forever. I had to face the truth and figure out what to do next. I pulled back from Julian and looked up at him. "What does this mean?" I asked, my voice shaking. Julian's expression was grim. "It means your mother is a threat to you, Lexi. “I think she wants Reginald's empire. And she's willing to do whatever it takes to get it." I felt a wave of determination wash over me. I wasn't going to let my mother win. I was going to fight back. But then a thought struck me. "Ju
*Lexi's POV* Vivienne arrived at the penthouse, looking frantic. Julian immediately went to her side, trying to calm her down. "Vivienne, what's wrong?" Julian asked, his voice soothing. Vivienne took a deep breath before speaking. "Etienne... he's changed. He's become a monster. I overheard him on the phone, and I know he's working with your mother, Lexi." I felt a chill run down my spine. "What did you hear?" I asked, my voice shaking. Vivienne hesitated before answering. "I heard him talking about how he's going to bring you down, Lexi. How he's going to make sure you never get what's rightfully yours." Julian's expression turned grim. "I'm not surprised," he said. "I suspected Etienne was up to something when he asked to stay behind during the business trip." Vivienne nodded. "I have to go. I have a feeling Etienne knows I came here to warn you, Lexi." Julian immediately sprang into action. "I'll send two of my men with you. They'll make sure you're safe." Vivienne nodded
_Lexi's POV_I trembled as Etienne pointed the gun at my head. "Tell me where Julian is," he spat, his eyes blazing with anger.I tried to speak, but my voice caught in my throat. Etienne's grip on the gun tightened, and I closed my eyes, preparing for the worst.Just as suddenly, I heard a loud crash, followed by the sound of fists flying. I opened my eyes to see Julian tackling Etienne to the ground.The two men fought viciously, punches and kicks flying. I watched in horror, my heart racing with fear.Finally, Julian managed to pin Etienne to the ground. But just as he did, Etienne tried to shoot Julian in the leg. The bullet missed, and Julian's anger boiled over.With a fierce cry, Julian shot Etienne in the shoulder. Etienne screamed in pain, clutching his wound as he stumbled out of the penthouse."This isn't the last of me!" Etienne shouted, his eyes blazing with hatred. "You'll pay for what you did to my wife, Julian! You'll pay for taking everything from me!"Etienne's words
_Etienne's POV_I dialed Victor Hale's number, my mind racing with anticipation. This conversation could change everything."Victor," I said, trying to sound calm. "We need to meet.""What's this about, Etienne?" Victor's voice was laced with skepticism."I'd rather discuss it in person," I replied.Victor sighed. "Fine. Where and when?""How about the coffee shop on 5th and Main, tonight at midnight?" I suggested."See you then," Victor said, hanging up._Victor's POV_I arrived at the coffee shop, the neon lights illuminating the dark street. Etienne was already there, sitting in the corner, his eyes fixed on me.I walked over to him, my eyes scanning the nearly empty shop. "Etienne," I said, taking a seat.Etienne's face twisted in a snarl. "Victor, thanks for coming.""What's this about?" I asked, my tone impatient.Etienne leaned in, his voice low. "Julian Blackwood. I want him destroyed."I raised an eyebrow. "What's your beef with Julian?"Etienne's eyes flashed with anger. "He
_Lexi's POV_ I paced back and forth in my living room, my mind racing with thoughts. I had to know the truth about my past, and Mr. Thompson was the only one who could give it to me. I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed Mr. Thompson's number. He answered on the first ring. "Lexi, darling," he said, his voice warm. "What's wrong?" "I need to see you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I need to know the truth about my mother." There was a pause on the other end of the line. "Lexi, I...I don't know what to say." "Just tell me the truth," I said, my voice firm. "I'll come to your house tomorrow afternoon. Will you be there?" "Yes, Lexi," Mr. Thompson said, his voice resigned. "I'll be here." I hung up the phone and turned to Julian, who was watching me with a concerned expression. "What's going on?" he asked. "I'm going to see Mr. Thompson tomorrow," I said. "I need to know the truth about my mother." Julian's expression turned serious. "I'm coming with you." I shook
_Lexi's POV_I stood in the big hallway, feeling confused and frustrated. Julian had just told me I couldn't see my mom. "She wants to hurt you, Lexi," he said. "I won't let that happen."I thought about my mom and why she hated me so much. What did I do to make her so angry? I wanted to know the truth._Julian's POV_I walked away from Lexi, feeling worried. I knew she wouldn't like being told what to do, but I had to keep her safe. Her mom was a mean person who wanted to hurt Lexi.I went to my office and poured myself a drink. I needed to calm down and think clearly. I couldn't let my feelings get in the way of keeping Lexi safe._Lexi's POV_I stood in the hallway for a long time, thinking. I couldn't just do nothing. I had to find out the truth about my mom. And I had to do it on my own.I made a decision. I would find out the truth, no matter what. And I would do it without Julian's help._Julian's POV_I sat in my office, thinking about Lexi. I knew she was determined to find o
Lexi’s POV I looked up, seeing Julian walk into the room, and all the pain and helplessness I’d been feeling seemed to melt away. He immediately came over to me, concern etched in his features. He reached out to wipe away my tears, his touch gentle and warm. “What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low and soothing.I closed my eyes, feeling a fresh wave of despair. But there was something else there too, something stronger, something I couldn’t ignore: the intense desire, the raw need I felt for him. I let out a shuddering breath, my voice barely above a whisper. “It’s just... family stuff. Nothing you can help with.”He didn’t look convinced. He knew there was something more, something I wasn’t telling him. But he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he took a step closer to me, his body just centimeters away from mine. I could feel the heat radiating off him, and I wanted nothing more than to throw myself into his arms, to escape into the comfort of his embrace.His hands came up to rest
Lexi’s POV He chuckled, his voice ragged with desire. “Beg me,” he said, his fingers continuing their slow, steady rhythm. “You know what I want to hear.” I writhed beneath him, my body tight with need. I wanted to give in, to give him what he wanted, but I needed it just as much.I whined, the sounds coming out of my mouth needy and desperate. “Please,” I managed to gasp out. “Please, I need you. I want you. I want you so badly it hurts.” He groaned at my words, his hand moving faster, the pressure building until I thought I might explode. He leaned down, his lips next to my ear. “Again,” he growled. “Say it again.”I repeated the words, over and over, until they were the only words I knew. “Please,” I begged, “please, I need you. I want you. I want you so badly. I can’t bear it. Please.” His body was taut above me, his muscles coiled with the effort of holding back. He gave a low growl. “Good girl,” he muttered, his words harsh and gravelly. “So good for me. I’m going to give you w
Elixir’s POV The night stretched endlessly before me, dark and intoxicating. A storm lingered in the air, the scent of rain mixing with the ocean breeze that drifted through the open balcony doors. The world outside my estate was quiet, too quiet, but that only made the pulse of my own thoughts louder, clearer. I had always preferred the night. It was in the darkness that true power thrived, where people’s worst fears came to life, where shadows whispered secrets that daylight tried to bury. The night had always belonged to me, just as much as it had once belonged to Alexa my sister. But Alexa had been weak. Impetuous. Too desperate for vengeance, too obsessed with proving herself. And that desperation had been her downfall. A smirk curled my lips as I shifted the weight in my arms, glancing down at the tiny figure wrapped in a soft white blanket. My daughter stirred, a soft whimper escaping her lips as her small hands reached for something unseen. I watched her, my heart tigh
Lexi’s POVI wasn’t sure why I kept coming back.Maybe it was guilt. Maybe it was curiosity. Or maybe it was because a part of me, despite everything, still wanted to believe Kayla could be saved.But with each visit, that hope faded a little more.The clinic was quiet, the kind of quiet that felt heavy rather than peaceful. It had the sterile scent of disinfectant mixed with something unplaceable—something that made my stomach turn every time I walked through the doors.Kayla’s room was at the end of the hall, tucked away from the others. A nurse nodded at me as I approached, her expression unreadable. I wasn’t family. I wasn’t even a friend. But no one ever questioned why I was here.Maybe they saw the hesitation in my steps, the wariness in my eyes. Maybe they knew that whatever had brought me to Kayla wasn’t simple.I stepped inside, my breath catching in my throat.She was by the window again.She always was.Her hair, once meticulously styled, was now unkempt, strands falling in
Lexi’s pov The night was a blur of toasts, laughter, and stolen glances between Julian and me. Friends and family gathered, congratulating us, offering their blessings. Even Alexander, dressed in the tiniest little tuxedo, was passed around like royalty.And through it all, Julian never left my side.When the night was winding down, and it was just the two of us again, he pulled me into his arms, resting his forehead against mine.“Ready to be my wife?” he asked, his voice low.I smiled, my fingers threading through his hair. “I was ready the moment I fell in love with you.”His kiss was slow, deliberate. Full of promises.Promises I knew he’d keep.The WeddingJulian didn’t just plan a wedding. He orchestrated an event.It was extravagant, breathtaking, and absolutely perfect. Every single detail was meticulously arranged, from the grand venue to the candlelit pathways that led to our vows.The ceremony took place in a private estate overlooking the ocean. White roses lined the aisl
Lexi’s POVThe night Julian proposed, I barely slept. Not because I was restless or uncertain, but because every time I closed my eyes, I replayed the moment over and over again. The way he looked at me. The certainty in his voice. The way his hands trembled just slightly when he slipped the ring onto my finger, as if this was the one thing in his life that truly mattered.I spent the rest of the night lying in his arms, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing, feeling the warmth of his body against mine. It felt like a dream—one of those rare, beautiful ones that you never want to wake up from.But it was real.I was engaged to Julian Blackwood.When morning came, the first thing I saw was the ring. The delicate diamond glinted in the soft sunlight, a quiet reminder of everything that had changed. My heart clenched with something fierce and overwhelming.I turned my head, finding Julian already awake, watching me.“Morning, fiancé,” he murmured, his voice still laced with sle
Julian’s POVI had never been a man of grand gestures. My world had always been one of precision, control, and ruthless efficiency. Sentiment had no place in my life—until Lexi.She changed everything.She softened the edges of a man who had never known tenderness. She made me want things I never thought I could have. A family. A home. A future.And now, I was going to make sure she was mine forever.I had planned every detail of this night with the same meticulous care I applied to everything in my life. Nothing was left to chance. Lexi deserved the perfect moment, and I would give it to her.When the evening arrived, I found her in the bedroom, getting ready. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her earrings, completely unaware of what was coming.“You look breathtaking,” I murmured, stepping behind her.She smiled at me through the mirror. “You’re being suspiciously charming tonight.”I smirked, running my hands down her arms before pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. “May
Julian’s POVThe moment I stepped into our penthouse, I knew Lexi was waiting. The tension in my shoulders eased just slightly at the sight of her sitting on the couch, Alexander cradled in her arms. She looked up as soon as I entered, her gaze scanning my face for answers.She knew.“Julian,” she murmured, her voice softer than I expected. “You’re back.”I walked over, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead before glancing at my son. He was asleep, his tiny chest rising and falling peacefully.“It’s done,” I said simply.Lexi’s expression faltered. “Victor?”I met her eyes. She already knew the answer, but she still wanted to hear it.“He didn’t make it.”She swallowed, nodding slowly. “I figured.” There was no sorrow, not really. Just an understanding. A quiet acceptance. “I guess he was too far gone, huh?”“He made his choice.” My voice was calm, absolute. “And he paid for it.”Lexi sighed, adjusting Alexander in her arms. “It’s just… a shame, that’s all.”“He would’ve never
Julian’s POVI should’ve seen it sooner.The missing shipments. The subtle miscalculations. The way the enemy always seemed one step ahead.And now, the fire. The attack. The taunting video.All of it led back to one man.Victor Hale.I stood in my office, my fingers curling into fists as Henry laid the last piece of evidence on my desk—a bank transaction, large sums funneled into an offshore account.Victor’s account.My closest men stood around me, their faces hard, waiting for my command.Henry exhaled sharply. “He’s been working against you for months, Julian. He didn’t just steal from you. He fed intel to your enemies. He gave them access. He—”“Where is he?” I cut in, my voice like steel.Henry’s eyes darkened. “We tracked him to a private safe house. He thinks he’s covered his tracks.”“He thinks wrong.”I grabbed my gun.Tonight, this endsJulian’s POVThe moment I stepped into Victor’s so-called safe house, I felt nothing but cold fury.He sat there, comfortably swirling a gl
Julian’s POVThe air was thick with tension. I sat in the backseat of my car, fingers tapping against my knee as Henry drove. The city lights blurred past, but my mind was razor-sharp.We had a lead.A warehouse worker had come forward—nervous, fidgety, but alive. He had information, something about missing shipments and seeing people he shouldn’t have.We were on our way to meet him.Henry’s grip on the wheel was tight. “Something about this feels off.”I nodded. It did. Too easy. Too convenient. But I wasn’t about to ignore it.The moment we pulled up to the meeting point—a rundown building near the docks—I knew.We were too late.The smell of blood hit first. Then, the sight.The worker was slumped against the wall, a bullet hole clean through his skull. A message carved into his chest with something sharp.“Too slow.”My jaw clenched. Whoever was behind this wasn’t just covering their tracks—they were taunting me.Henry crouched down, checking the body. “Still warm.”I turned to m
Julian’s POVI sat in my office, fingers steepled, staring at the whiskey in my glass. It was untouched. I wasn’t in the mood for it. Not when my mind was sharp, dissecting every possible angle of this betrayal.A single thief? No. That would’ve been too simple. Too careless.There was something bigger at play.Henry walked in, his usual calm demeanor slightly strained. I knew him well enough to recognize when something didn’t sit right with him.“What did you find?” I asked.He set a file on my desk. “It wasn’t just him.”I already knew that, but hearing it confirmed sent a slow burn through my chest.“Go on,” I said evenly.Henry opened the file, revealing documents, security logs, and numbers that didn’t match up.“We’ve been missing shipments for months,” he said. “Small amounts. A bar here, a bar there. Nothing too obvious. But it adds up.”I flipped through the pages. The calculations were clear—whoever was behind this had been careful. They knew how to move just enough to avoid