Julian’s POV I stood frozen, my eyes locked on Lexi’s as Étienne’s voice cut through the tension. “Excuse me, Julian, Lexi. Our business associates are waiting downstairs for the meeting.” Lexi’s gaze didn’t waver, but I could see the unspoken words hanging in the air. This isn’t over. I’m going to find out what you’re hiding. I forced a smile, trying to compose myself. “Let’s go,” I said, gesturing to the elevator. As we stepped inside, Lexi’s eyes never left mine. I could feel Étienne’s gaze on us, enjoying the suspense. He leaned back against the wall, a sly smile spreading across his face. “Oh, you deserve this, Julian,” he said, his voice low. “And you deserve even worse.” I ignored him, my focus entirely on Lexi. But I could sense Étienne’s malice, his enjoyment of the turmoil he was causing. The meeting was a blur, but Lexi shone. She was confident and poised, answering questions with ease. Étienne praised her, telling her she never failed to impress him. I nodded in agr
_Catharine's POV_ I sat in my darkened study, surrounded by expensive furniture and artwork that my late husband, Reginald, had collected. I looked at his picture on the wall and felt a mix of emotions. Reginald was a rich and powerful man. We met when we were young, and I was swept off my feet by his charm. But as time went on, I realized our marriage was fake. He only cared about leaving a legacy. That's where Lexi came in. Reginald always wanted to leave a lasting legacy, and he thought Lexi was the key. He spent hours with her, teaching her about business and politics. He wanted her to take over his empire one day. But I had other plans. I felt like I lived in Reginald's shadow, and I resented him for it. I wanted power, control, and wealth. When I found out he had changed his will to leave everything to Lexi, I was furious. I remembered the day I found out like it was yesterday. I was snooping through Reginald's papers and saw the will. I felt like I'd been punche
_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
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