The next three days passed in a blur for Chloe. Her life had become a repetitive triangle—work, the Westbrook Estate, and City General Hospital. Everything happened quickly, but during the calm times, the heaviness of it all still weighed on her. Leo’s investment had pulled through, and for the first time in days, the stock was rising, offering a glimmer of hope that she was doing something right. The board members had loosened their grip on her, their pressure finally easing.But Uncle Henry? Silent. That was the unnerving part. He hadn’t said anything since his veiled threats during their last confrontation. Chloe knew that silence meant he was scheming.Sitting in her office, she focused on the present as Marcus gave her the latest updates. His voice was steady, always calm, always reliable, but today there was a hint of something lighter."You did it, boss," Marcus said, his tone almost proud.Chloe shook her head, smiling slightly. "No, we did it," she corrected. "Thanks, Marcu
Chloe arrived at the restaurant with Marcus by her side, the evening air cool against her skin as they stepped out of the car. She could sense the buzz of the city, the distant hum of traffic, and the faint clatter of dishes from within the restaurant. As Marcus gently guided her inside, she took a deep breath, steadying herself."Ms. Westbrook, welcome." An attendant greeted them the moment they entered. His voice was smooth and polished. "Mr. King is expecting you. This way, please."Chloe nodded, feeling a flutter of nerves. She knew Leo was waiting, but she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.Marcus remained close, leading her further into the restaurant, the subtle sounds of clinking glasses and murmured conversations filling the air. The scent of grilled meats and rich spices wafted around them.As they approached the private dining area, Chloe could feel the eyes of the patrons on her. She wasn’t sure if it was because of who she was, or simply because of her striking entranc
"I try to keep things interesting," Leo replied with a teasing note in his voice. "But enough about me. How are things going with the company? Now that the board’s off your back, at least for the moment."Chloe sighed softly, the tension of the past few weeks catching up with her. "It’s a little less chaotic now, but it’s still a mess. The company’s stable, thanks to your investment, but there’s so much work to be done. And then there’s my family..." Her voice trailed off, and she took another sip of wine, gathering her thoughts.Leo's tone became gentler, and his voice showed real care. "How are your parents and brothers doing?"Chloe hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal. "They’re... stable," she said slowly. "My brothers are recovering, but the doctors are still running tests on all of them. It’s just... a lot to handle."Leo’s gaze never left her. "I can’t imagine what you’re going through, Chloe. Managing the company while your family’s in the hospital... It’s more th
“Leo, what—”Before she could finish, she felt Leo’s hand on hers, firm and protective.“Chloe, get down!”Chloe barely had time to react to Leo’s command before she felt herself being pulled down from her chair. The abrupt motion sent a jolt of fear through her, and her pulse quickened as she crouched low under the table. Her mind raced to make sense of the sudden shift from a peaceful dinner to this terrifying darkness.The restaurant, which had been filled with the pleasant hum of conversation, was now eerily quiet. Chloe’s heightened senses picked up on the sharp tension in the air, the muffled sounds of movement, and distant shouts—things she hadn’t noticed before. Something was very wrong.She felt Leo beside her. "Stay low," he whispered urgently, his hand still on her arm. "Don’t move until I tell you."Chloe swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. “What’s going on?” she asked in a barely audible voice.There was no answer, just the steady grip of Leo’s hand on her
The phone rang twice before a familiar voice answered on the other end. "Boss."Leo leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping restlessly against the steering wheel. "Anton? Give me an update. Now!”Anton’s voice was steady and calm as he replied. "It was them, Leo. The Gagliano family. It wasn’t a random attack, they planned it. Looks like they’ve started making their move against you."Leo’s grip tightened around the phone, his jaw clenched. "Any casualties?""One of our men was injured, but nothing fatal. We managed to get most of the staff and patrons out before things escalated. But this wasn’t just a scare tactic, Leo. They’re coming after your assets."Leo stared out at the darkened streets, his mind calculating. The Gaglianos had always been a thorn in his side, but tonight had crossed a line. Chloe had been caught in the middle of it, and that wasn’t something he could ignore."And Chloe?" Leo’s voice dropped, his tone hard. "Did they know she was there?"There was a pause
The next morning, as Chloe made her way to the office, she relayed the strange call from the night before to Marcus. Though her voice was calm, a shadow of concern lingered.“Marcus,” she began quietly, “I got a call last night. Someone… someone warned me that my movements are being watched.” She felt the weight of the words as they left her lips, the memory of the stranger’s chilling voice still fresh in her mind.Marcus’s brow furrowed instantly, and he glanced over at her. “Do you want me to inform the police? Or should we increase security?”She shook her head, taking a deep breath. “Not yet. I’ll discuss it with my brothers first and see what they think.” She didn’t want to jump to conclusions. But the unease in her chest hadn’t gone away.As they arrived at the office, Chloe gathered herself, intent on focusing her energy on the day ahead. “Marcus,” she said as they exited the car and walked toward the entrance, “could you swing by the research department? I need you to find som
As Chloe settled back in her office, still savouring the satisfaction of her conversation with Natalie, Marcus reappeared, balancing a steaming cup of coffee in one hand and a slim envelope in the other.“Thought you could use this, Ms. Westbrook,” Marcus stated, setting the coffee on her desk with a small smile. "And... there’s something else.” He held out the envelope, his expression shifting to something more formal as his eyes narrowed a bit.Without saying anything first, Chloe reached for the envelope. Marcus knew at nce that Chloe’s curiosity was piqued. “Thank you, Marcus.” She sensed the stiffness in his demeanor and paused, glancing in his direction. “What is it?”He cleared his throat, trying his best to soften his voice. “It’s an invitation. A business gala downtown, happening this Friday.” He paused briefly, gauging her expression. “It’s hosted by The Whitmore Group—one of the city’s top investment firms. I thought you might want to consider going.”Chloe traced her fin
The sun was already dipping below the city skyline as Sofia pulled up to the familiar building, her mind wandering back to the last time she’d been here. It had been over four years, shortly before her accident and the subsequent coma that had taken years from her life. This visit felt overdue and bittersweet.She stepped out of the car, smoothing her dress and heading toward the door. The thought of catching up with her closest friend brought a glimmer of comfort to her otherwise troubled thoughts. No matter what, Sofia had always felt she could confide in her friend without fear of judgment.When the door opened, Jenna, her friend of over a decade, greeted her with a wide smile and a tight hug. “Sofia! It’s been way too long!” Jenna exclaimed excitedly. “I can’t believe I’m finally seeing you again, in the flesh. How are you? Really?”Sofia hugged her back. “I’m here,” she said, managing a small smile. “It feels like I’m piecing everything back together, bit by bit.”They moved i
The days after her confrontation with Leo passed in a haze of confusion and regret for Chloe. She hadn’t meant to push him away with her words. All she wanted was honesty—a glimpse into the shadows he seemed to live in. Yet, she had managed to create a chasm between them.She shook her head as she sat in her office, braille documents under her fingers. It was foolish to keep thinking about him. She didn’t have the luxury to let herself get distracted—not now, not with everything else spiraling around her. Perhaps it was the universe’s way of telling her to focus on herself and the challenges ahead.Still, every so often, her mind would wander, and she would find herself wondering where Leo was. Was he angry? Hurt? Or worse—indifferent?Her frustration simmered as the hours wore on. By the time Marcus helped her into the car that evening, Chloe felt the exhaustion weighing on her, both physically and emotionally.“Rough day?” Marcus asked as he slid into the driver’s seat.“Rough wee
Chloe's gentle breathing created a calm atmosphere in the still living room while Leo tucked the blanket around her shoulders. Her head lay gently on the soft pillow, her face calm in sleep. For the first time in what seemed like days, she appeared genuinely relaxed, causing him to pause before stepping away from her.As soon as he went outside, the calm appearance faded away. The cool evening air touched his skin, but it did not calm the restless energy flowing inside him. His thoughts raced, each one more intense than the previous, as he walked toward the side of the house where Anton was waiting.“Anton,” Leo said, his voice sharp.Anton moved out from the dark corner of the patio, his big body fitting well into the low light. “He’ll be here soon,” he said, his deep voice calm and steady.Leo nodded, his jaw clenched as he folded his arms. “Okay. I would like this completed promptly.”Their tension was clear as the minutes went by, broken only by the soft chirping of crickets. Le
“And yet, you’re still here,” he teased gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face.Chloe’s lips curved into a genuine smile, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to hope—not just for a resolution to her troubles, but for something more.Leo’s hand lingered on Chloe’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. The intensity of the kiss they’d just shared hung in the air between them, thick and electric. Chloe’s breath was uneven as she tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint, self-conscious smile.“Leo,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “I—”Whatever words she had been about to say were cut off as Leo leaned in again, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was as deliberate as it was tender. This time, there was no hesitation, no unspoken tension—only the quiet reassurance of two people finding solace in each other. Chloe’s free hand slid up to rest on his chest, feeling the stead
Leo King sat in his office, scrolling through his phone while sipping his usual black coffee. The sharp taste of the drink combined with the usual flow of emails created a clear difference from the surprising news alert that suddenly appeared on his screen.BREAKING NEWS: WESTBROOK ENTERPRISES INTERIM CEO ACCUSED OF EMBEZZLEMENT.Leo’s heart sank. Chloe. He set the coffee cup down with a soft clink, his jaw tightening as he read further. Every line painted her as a calculating executive funneling funds into offshore accounts. It was a clear attack, and yet the media presented it as gospel truth.Without hesitation, he dialed her number. Chloe picked up after a couple of rings, her tone steady but tired. “Leo.”“Chloe, I just saw the news. What’s going on?”“I don’t know who’s behind this,” she began, her voice measured but tinged with frustration. “Someone planted false evidence. Marcus and Adam are helping me—”“I don’t care what the media says,” Leo interrupted firmly. “I care ab
The mall buzzed with the usual hum of activity: children’s laughter echoing from the play area, the faint clinking of plates from the food court, and the soft strains of background music weaving through the air. Sofia Sawyer strolled through the upscale shopping district, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She carried an aura of determination, masking the simmering bitterness she’d harbored since her last encounter with Chloe.She turned into a designer store, her fingers brushing over racks of meticulously crafted garments. Sofia hardly noticed the clothes—her mind was too busy running through scenarios to regain control of her crumbling image. She needed leverage, an edge against Chloe.“...She thinks she’s untouchable,” a sharp voice cut through Sofia’s thoughts.Sofia turned slightly toward the sound, her curiosity piqued. Near the store’s expansive glass windows stood Nancy Greyson, phone pressed to her ear. Nancy’s body language was as cutting as her tone—shoulder
The sound of tires crunching against gravel echoed through the Westbrook mansion driveway, drawing Chloe’s attention from her seat in the drawing room. The faint creak of the front door followed moments later, and Marcus’s measured footsteps approached.“Miss Chloe,” Marcus said from the doorway, his tone careful. “A delivery has arrived for you. It’s... several large boxes.”Chloe tilted her head slightly. “From whom?” she asked, her fingers instinctively tightening around her cane.Marcus hesitated. “Mr. Dan Sawyer.”The name made her chest tighten, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to remain calm, though her voice sharpened. “What’s in the boxes?”“Baby items,” Marcus replied evenly. “A crib, toys, clothes… a few other things. It looks like he was preparing for the child.”Chloe’s lips pressed into a thin line. Her heart sank, and her anger simmered just beneath the surface. “Return them,” she said coolly. “The truck left already, Miss.”“Then call another delivery service
The next few days passed in a blur of happiness and healing for the Westbrook family. The once somber atmosphere of the mansion lightened with each passing day. Adam had taken to cracking even more jokes, and Francis—despite his grumbles—was slowly warming to the teasing camaraderie. Their father spent long afternoons sitting with their mother, the two of them quietly reconnecting after the long, frightening separation.Chloe, too, felt a change within herself. Though her mother’s recovery was still in its early stages, each visit left her feeling more connected. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel like an outsider.On a crisp Thursday morning, Chloe stood in the foyer of the Westbrook mansion, adjusting her cane and dress as she waited for Adam. Adam’s voice rang out from upstairs, muffled but still audible.“Chloe! If you don’t wait for me, I’m charging you rent for the ride!”Chloe chuckled softly, her grip tightening on her cane. “You’re the one who’s late, Adam.
Adam's words lingered in the air, each sound affecting Chloe and Marcus like a pebble dropped into calm water.“She’s awake. Mom… Mom is awake.”Chloe’s grip tightened on her cane, her lips parting slightly in disbelief. “Oh my God,” she whispered, the weight of the words settling in her chest. “That’s… That’s incredible news.”Adam’s grin spread, a mixture of relief and excitement lighting up his features. “After a month plus,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s finally awake.”Chloe steadied herself, taking a slow breath as her heart raced. “We need to go,” she said, her voice firm with urgency.Adam was already dialing on his phone. He pressed it to his ear, pacing as the call connected. “Francis? Yeah, it’s Adam. Listen, I just got a call from the hospital. Mom’s awake.”A muffled gasp came from the other end. Adam nodded as though Francis could see him. “Yeah, I know. We’re on our way too. Just... don’t try to drive yourself, alright? We’ll pick you up.”As he ended th
The gift store bell jingled softly as Chloe and Adam stepped inside, Marcus trailing a step behind them, his expression as unreadable as ever. The air carried a faint mix of lavender and vanilla from the myriad of candles and potpourri sachets scattered throughout the shop. Chloe tapped her cane lightly on the floor, the sound echoing faintly as her feet felt the polished tiles beneath her.“I don’t know why you insist on dragging me into this,” Chloe said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not like I can help much with picking things out.”“That’s nonsense,” Adam replied, his voice full of mock offense. “You’ve always had impeccable taste. Besides, I need someone to rein me in before I buy something ridiculous.”Marcus’s low murmur cut through. “Before?” It earned a soft chuckle from Chloe.Adam shot Marcus a mock glare. “I’ll have you know, I have exquisite taste. But, for your information, restraint isn’t one of my strengths.”“Exquisite taste?” Chloe tilted her head, her s