Catherines pov Catherine burst through the door of her study, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The firelight from the hearth cast jagged shadows across the room as she grabbed her phone and dialed, her fingers trembling with fury. The line clicked after one ring. “Catherine,” Etienne greeted smoothly, his voice calm. “She’s alive,” Catherine snapped, pacing as her anger spilled over. “That pathetic little girl is alive. How did this happen, Etienne? I thought you said Blackwood was occupied—contained.” A pause. Then the faint drag of a cigarette. “I underestimated his attachment to her. My mistake.” “Mistake?” Her voice sharpened. “Your mistake is the reason my plans are in shambles. Do you have any idea—” She cut herself off, exhaling through her nose. “We’re moving to Plan B. I want you and Victor ready to act immediately.” Etienne’s chuckle grated on her nerves. “Plan B. How wonderfully dramatic. Are you certain this is necessary?” “Do I sound uncertain
Julians pov The cabin was quiet, save for the soft hum of the wind outside and the crackle of the fire in the corner. I stared at the map spread across the table, lines crisscrossing in a chaotic pattern that mirrored my thoughts. Every lead, every movement, every possible hideout for Catherine—none of it felt good enough. She was always one step ahead, and I was running out of patience. Harrison leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. “You’re wearing yourself out, Julian. We’ve been over this. Catherine’s next move will come to us if we just—” “I don’t wait,” I interrupted, my voice sharper than intended. “Not when she’s out there plotting her next attack. Not when Lexi is—” “Safe,” he cut in, meeting my glare head-on. “For now. She’s safe. You put an entire team on her, and she’s at the safest house we’ve got.” It wasn’t enough. Nothing would ever feel like enough until Catherine was in the ground. My hands curled into fists as the images flooded back—Lexi pale, fragil
Julian’s POV The night had a sharpness to it, as though it could cut through you with a single glance. We were closing in on the warehouse, the sounds of the city muted by the thick blanket of darkness surrounding us. I kept my movements deliberate, my focus on the task at hand, but the tension in the air made my shoulders tighten with every step. I glanced back at Lexi—her presence felt like a constant pull, always keeping me tethered to something real, something human. She was quiet tonight, her eyes scanning the shadows, as if anticipating danger around every corner. “Movement inside,” Harrison whispered, his voice low, steady. He gave me the signal. “Victor?” I asked, my voice barely a breath. He didn’t answer, just nodded, signaling for us to proceed. We pressed on, moving swiftly through the dark corridors of the warehouse. The silence felt unnatural, the kind that leaves you wondering if you’re being watched. We reached the side door, and I held up my hand. “On three,” I
Lexis pov Julian stood before me now, his eyes darkening with a hunger that sent shivers down my spine. His hands gently gripped my hips, guiding me back until we fell onto the silk sheets together. His lips found mine with fierce intensity, and all thoughts disappeared save for one: this man, who held every part of me hostage in the palm of his hand, both physically and metaphorically, knew just how to ignite me like a firework, fiery sparks flying through my veins. My body arched against his as he explored my mouth, teasing my tongue with a flick of his own. My heart hammered in my chest as his warm palms caressed the curve of my hip to the swell of my breast. His breath came hot against my neck, his teeth nipping at the tender skin there. "Fucking perfect," he growled, cupping my breasts in his hands and rolling my nipples between his thumbs and forefingers. A moan escaped my lips, low and throaty, resonating around us as he sucked hard on my nipple. My legs tightened around h
Julian pov "Let's wash off and head to bed, hmm?" Julian murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to my temple. I hummed in agreement as he guided me towards the bathroom. Julian adjusted the faucet, creating a perfect temperature waterfall that rained down on us from above. Under the cascade of water, we pressed our bodies together once more. Julian's erection rubbed against my belly, already eager for more. My hands instinctively reached out to encircle Julian's growing shaft, feeling it pulse in my grip. He closed his eyes momentarily, savoring my touch before pulling me beneath him as the water cascaded over us. Julian leaned back, allowing me better access to explore his body. With mischievous intent, I dropped lower, my lips finding their way to the base of his cock before gliding up along its length. My tongue swirled around his engorged head, eliciting a low grunt, from him. I tasted a bead of salty precum on the tip, causing my pussy to throb in anticipation. My mouth opene
Julian’s POV The phone call with my mom left me cold, though I tried not to let it show. Her voice, so fragile and strained, shattered the tough front I’d been holding up for years. “Julian,” she whispered, each word laced with an underlying desperation, “I’m not sure how much longer I can hold on. The doctors… they’ve run out of options. I’m scared.” My chest tightened, a knot forming deep in my throat. I swallowed hard. “Mom, don’t say that. You’ve always been stronger than this. You’ll fight through it, I know you will.” But even as I said the words, I knew they felt hollow. I wanted to believe them, but the truth was, she was fading, and I couldn’t stop it. “I’ll be there soon, okay? I’m coming to you. Just hang in there. Don’t give up on me.” I heard her weak sigh on the other end. “I’ll try, sweetheart… just… come fast, please.” I ended the call, but her words haunted me, hanging in the air long after the line went dead. Lexi must have been listening, because when I turn
Julian’s POV The hum of the jet’s engines filled the cabin as I leaned back in the leather seat, the skyline disappearing behind me. My pilot, Rob, had already assured me we’d be in the city within the hour, but every minute felt like an eternity. I stared out the window, jaw clenched. My mother’s frail voice played on a loop in my mind. The strength she’d once exuded had faded into a shell of the woman I used to know, and I hated myself for being helpless to stop it. I wasn’t used to feeling powerless—it wasn’t who I was. The glass of whiskey in front of me sat untouched. For once, the burn of alcohol wouldn’t help. Nothing would. “Sir,” Carla, my assistant, approached quietly, breaking my thoughts. She was the only one I trusted to travel with me when things got messy. “We’ll land shortly. Do you need me to arrange a car at the hangar?” “No,” I said, shaking my head. “I’ll drive myself. And cancel everything on my schedule for the next two days.” Carla gave a slight nod but he
Lexi's Pov “Lexi, let them work!” Julian’s voice cut through the chaos like a blade. I turned to him, tears streaming down my face. “Julian, he can’t die! He just can’t!” Julian stepped forward, his hands gripping my shoulders as he forced me to meet his eyes. His gaze was steady, unyielding. “He’s not gone, Lexi. Let them do their job.” I froze, my chest heaving with sobs, and finally let the nurse guide me toward the corner of the room. “Clear!” The doctor’s voice rang out as the defibrillator paddles pressed against Dad’s chest. His body jolted, but the flatline remained on the monitor. “Again!” Another jolt. My hands were trembling, my legs threatening to give out beneath me. Kayla was sobbing into her hands, her shoulders shaking uncontrollably. “Come on,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Fight, Dad. Please, fight.” Julian stood behind me, silent but unmoving. His presence was like a wall, solid and unyielding, holding me up when I felt like I might collapse. “St
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