Late that night, unable to sleep, Chloe found her way to the Adam’s study whic she uses ones a while. Her thoughts were restless as the weight of her father’s awakening lingered in her mind. The reunion had left her feeling unsettled, like she was still on the outside of a family she longed to be part of. Driven by an inexplicable urge to understand more about her family’s legacy, she decided to lose herself in the work of Westbrook Industries.She reached across her desk, feeling for the laptop’s cool surface and pressed the AI voice-command button she had installed some weeks back. The screen reader activated, reading aloud the lines as she navigated her way through the company’s financial files.“Yearly revenue reports, miscellaneous expenses…quarterly summaries…” Chloe murmured, scrolling through the layers of financial data.The speaker’s monotone filled the otherwise silent office, and she began to lose herself in the figures and the notes tied to each document.But as she dug
The next morning, Chloe was ready and waiting when Marcus arrived to pick her up. She greeted him with a nod, though her thoughts were still tangled with the unsettling encounter in the study the night before.She had lain awake, the stranger’s cryptic warning echoing in her mind, but she hadn’t mentioned it to anyone—not even Marcus.Once settled in the car, she turned to him with a thoughtful expression. “How’s everything progressing with the finance meeting?” she asked.“Smoothly so far,” Marcus replied, his focus on the road as they drove toward Westbrook Industries. “The finance manager has been collecting files, and we’ll meet with her at noon. I think we’re finally close to figuring out just how deep this goes.”Chloe nodded, feeling both relieved and apprehensive. The encounter with her father had left her reeling, and now, with this new information about Henry, she felt like her entire foundation was unstable.Yet the drive to uncover the truth and secure her family’s legacy
True to his word, Leo was there first thing in the morning, waiting for Chloe with a quiet smile and an easy confidence that put her at ease. She thought she would feel nervous, but his presence calmed her and made her feel more stable than she expected.As they headed to the hospital, Chloe felt Leo’s gaze shift to her occasionally. “I’m glad you asked me to come with you,” he said softly. “This is… well, it’s a big day.”"Yes, it is," she answered in a quiet but nervously excited voice. She took a breath, feeling the stress of the upcoming tests settle over her. “My brothers would’ve come, but…” She hesitated, her mind flashing to Adam and Francis, still tethered to their own hospital beds. “They can’t exactly leave the hospital right now,” she finished, a wry smile tugging at her lips.Leo spoke gently, his eyes filled with understanding. “I’m sure they’d be here if they could. You’re lucky to have them, Chloe.”She nodded, turning her head slightly toward him. “Family… it’s compli
"Are you saying that it’s him?” Chloe's voice betrayed a hint of tension that she barely managed to hide as she sat across from Rachel Lewis, the finance manager of Westbrook Industries. The room was silent, except for the soft sound of the air conditioning and the gentle rustling of files piled up on the conference table between them. Chloe leaned forward, her fingers tracing the leather cover of her notebook as she waited.Rachel took a deep breath and spoke seriously while adjusting her glasses. “Yes, Ms. Westbrook. These anomalies all lead back to Henry’s accounts. But…” She hesitated, her voice dropping. “I believe he may not be alone in this.”Chloe's jaw tightened, showing a hint of anger hidden under her calm surface. “And you’re sure?”Rachel nodded. “As sure as I can be. We’ve been tracking these transactions for a while, but with his influence… Well, no one was ever able to bring it to light. I’ve also suspected that there are others in his corner, quietly aiding him.”"Wh
“Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Westbrook. You’ve made quite the impression in recent weeks,” one of the men finally spoke in a tone that felt distant and somewhat casual.His voice was unfamiliar, and Chloe struggled to place it, her thoughts racing as she tried to make sense of the situation.Before she could respond, the man spoke again, his tone more serious this time."You see, it's important that people like us understand our roles, and right now, your role is simply to follow directions." He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in.He turned to face another of his men at the back of the van. "Tie her up," he commanded, then his attention returned to her. "I hope you don't mind. We need to ensure your cooperation."Chloe struggled weakly against the restraints, her breath coming in short gasps as panic took hold. She had never been so vulnerable, not since her accident.The sound of the engine roared around her as the van picked up speed, the vibration beneath Chloe’s feet
Meanwhile across town, Marcus paced at the curb, his heart racing as he watched the van disappear around the corner with Chloe inside. Panic clenched his throat as he fumbled for his phone, his fingers trembling as he scrolled through his contacts.He knew he was supposed to call the police first, but something stopped him, a familiar nagging sensation in his gut telling him that was the wrong move. At least for now.His mind went to a short but important conversation, well, not a conversation since he only had to listen, he was given a number, the instructions clear, 'If Chloe finds herself in any danger, call me first. Immediately.He stopped on Leo’s name, hesitating briefly before pressing the call button. He could still call the cops later. For now, he just needed to get word to Leo.The phone rang only twice before Leo’s steady voice came through. “Marcus?”His heart skipped a beat. Marcus couldn't remember ever feeling such relief upon hearing Leo's voice. He opened his mouth,
The van's tires made a crunching sound on the loose gravel as it slowed down, and the engine's hum turned into a low, deep growl. Chloe’s heart quickened; she could feel the air change. It was damp and cold now, the faint scent of mildew and rust seeping into the confined space. They were stopping, likely at their destination. Her wrists ached from the rough rope tying them, the sharp fibers digging into her skin with every small movement she made to try to loosen them.She exhaled softly, forcing herself to focus. Keep thinking, Chloe. Stay alert.The driver’s voice grumbled from the front. “She keeps moving like that, I’m knocking her out.” He was clearly irritated.Chloe didn’t stop. She moved again, checking for any looseness in the ropes, which earned her a quick reprimand from another man. “Enough already!” His boot came down hard near her feet, in an attempt to scare her.She let out a scoff, masking her rising anxiety with mockery. “Must be a real achievement for you, isn’t i
Leo walked back and forth in his base, unable to keep still. His fists were clenched tightly, and his jaw set. He was like a lion caged in his own fury, his usually cool composure replaced by an edge of barely restrained violence.Every fiber of his being thrummed, his mind set on one mission—finding Chloe.A heavy door swung open behind him, and Anton strode in, followed by five of Leo’s most trusted men.Anton frowned and walked faster when he noticed the rigid stance of his boss. “We came as soon as possible, boss,” he said, halting in front of Leo, the men at his side straightening to attention. “What’s the situation?”Leo took a slow, measured breath, as if forcing himself to keep from shouting. “It’s Chloe,” he said in a low and dangerously calm voice. “She’s been kidnapped.”Anton’s eyes widened, genuine surprise flashing across his face. “Chloe? Westbrook?”Leo’s gaze sharpened as he turned to him, patience slipping. “Which other Chloe do we know about? Of course, it’s Westbro
The next morning, Sofia Sawyer stood in front of the towering Westbrook corporate building. Her designer heels clicked softly against the polished floor as she entered, her pristine appearance an effortless mask for the turmoil beneath.She wasn’t supposed to know about Dan’s visit to Chloe. But she did. Call it stalking but she had actually asked someone to follow Dan for the past few days and report to her.Dan had gone to see her.Sofia’s fists clenched around the strap of her handbag as she thought about it. Chloe Westbrook, the ex-wife who had haunted her relationship from the start. The woman who, despite being blind and divorced, somehow still held a piece of Dan’s heart. It infuriated her.She wasn’t going to let Chloe have any power over her life. Not anymore. Today, she would make sure Chloe understood exactly where things stood.Disguised as a potential client, Sofia had made an appointment under the name Sofia George. As the receptionist directed her to Chloe’s office, Sof
The warm afternoon sunlight filtered through the wide windows of the Westbrook mansion’s sitting room. Chloe sat on the plush armchair, her cane resting nearby, as she sifted through her thoughts about the whirlwind events of the past week.A soft knock interrupted her musings. Before she could respond, Marcus's voice came from the hallway. “Miss Chloe, you have a visitor.”Chloe frowned slightly. “A visitor?”“Yes,” Marcus said, his tone carrying an edge of reluctance. “It’s Dan.”The air seemed to tighten around her. She hadn’t seen her ex-husband since the day he threatened her and invited her for dinner. She had hoped that chapter of her life was firmly closed. “Let him in,” she said finally, keeping her voice calm.Marcus hesitated but complied. A moment later, the sound of familiar footsteps filled the room, and Dan stepped in. His confident stride faltered slightly as he took in Chloe’s composed figure, her hands resting lightly on the armrest.“Chloe,” he began in a soft voic
The following days blurred into a calm routine of hospital visits and cautious optimism. Chloe’s life had become a balancing act, divided between her responsibilities at the company and ensuring her family received the best care possible.Adam was the first to be discharged, but his weakened condition concerned her. She had expected him to celebrate escaping the clinical sterility of the hospital, yet his mood had turned sullen.Marcus, always efficient, arranged for a private nurse and physical therapist to visit daily, ensuring Adam’s recovery continued at home.Yet, even with the best care, the frustration in Adam’s eyes was impossible to miss.“You need to take it slow,” Chloe urged him gently one morning as they sat in the cozy sitting room of the mansion. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft shadows across the room.Adam glared at the untouched breakfast on the table. “I don’t want to take it slow, Chloe. I want to walk properly. I want to feel like myself again.
The ride to the hospital was calm, with the sound of the car engine providing a steady background to Chloe’s thoughts. She had asked Leo to take her there to see her brothers first before driving her home.Sitting beside Leo, she found herself nervously fidgeting with the hem of her shirt.“You’re unusually quiet,” Leo said softly, his voice breaking the silence.Chloe tilted her head in his direction, offering a faint smile. “Just thinking,” she admitted. “About Adam and Francis. I can’t imagine how worried they’ve been.”“They’ll feel better seeing you,” Leo reassured her. “It’ll do them good to know you’re safe.”She nodded, her fingers tightening slightly on the fabric. “Thank you for bringing me here. I couldn’t go home without seeing them first.”The hospital came into sight, its plain outside shining softly in the afternoon light. As they pulled into the driveway, Chloe took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was sure to be an emotional reunion.Inside, the soft beeping o
Morning light filtered softly through the curtains, casting muted shadows across the guest room. Chloe stirred beneath the warm covers, her senses gradually awakening to the faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. The sound of a low, hushed voice caught her attention, drawing her from the edges of sleep.She remained still, her head resting lightly against the pillow, as she strained to catch the words.“...need to find out who it was,” Leo’s voice murmured in a firm but quiet voice. “I don’t care what it takes. They targeted her, and I won’t let it go unanswered.”There was a pause, presumably the other person responding. Leo’s tone softened but held its edge. “Just keep me updated. I want answers soon.”The line clicked off, and Chloe heard the faint rustle of movement. She let her breathing remain slow and even, unsure if she should acknowledge what she’d overheard. Before she could decide, Leo’s voice broke the quiet again.“Chloe?” he said softly, closer now. “You’re awak
The dining room grew quiet again as the remnants of their dinner were cleared away. Chloe sat back in her chair, her fingers tracing the edge of her napkin. Despite the tension of the past few days, this moment of calm felt precious, even fleeting. She exhaled softly, feeling her shoulders relax for the first time since the ordeal began.“Chloe,” Leo began, breaking the silence with a thoughtful tone. “Would you like to take a stroll? Stretch your legs a bit?”She tilted her head, intrigued. “A stroll?”“Just around the mansion,” he said. “It’s quiet this time of night. I can show you the garden, maybe even the library if you’d like.”Her lips quirked into a faint smile. “A guided tour of the Leo King estate? How could I say no?”Leo chuckled as he stood, moving to her side to offer his arm. “Shall we?”Chloe hesitated for a moment before taking his arm. “You’re the one who’s supposed to be resting, you know,” she reminded him in a teasing tone.“I’ll be fine,” he replied smoothly. “
When Chloe woke up, the room was a bit dark and silent. The gentle sound of the air conditioning and the far-off footsteps were all that suggested that there was life in the mansion somewhere. Chloe was now lying in bed, feeling the soft mattress underneath her, which was very different from the chair where she had dozed off.She sat up slowly, disoriented for a moment. Her hands brushed against the soft sheets, and a faint scent of lavender lingered in the air. The faint ache in her muscles from the events of the day before made her sigh softly.“You’re finally awake,” a familiar voice said from somewhere nearby in a warm and teasing tone.Chloe turned her head toward the sound, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Leo,” she said softly. “You’re out of bed. You shouldn’t be up. You should be resting.”“Don’t tell me you’re going to be one of those grumpy nurses who would keep me in bed all day if they could,” he quipped with a faint chuckle in his voice.Chloe couldn’t help but laugh
The room was still and quiet, the only sound you could hear was the soft, rhythmic beeping of the monitors beside Leo’s bed. Shadows from the dim overhead light played across the walls, creating a calm amidst the storm that had torn through the night.Chloe sat slumped in the chair beside him, her head resting on the edge of his bed. Her breathing was soft, her face turned slightly toward him, her fingers still curled around his hand as if even in sleep, she couldn’t let him go.Leo’s eyes fluttered open slowly, his vision hazy and blurred at first. The ache in his chest was a dull throb, a reminder of the bullet that had narrowly missed his heart. He blinked, the fog lifting as his gaze focused on the figure beside him.Chloe.For a moment, he simply watched her. Strands of her hair fell across her face, and her lips were parted slightly in the relaxed stillness of sleep. Despite the exhaustion evident in the dark circles beneath her eyes, there was a softness to her features that
The room was dimly lit, filled with sweat and the smell of cigarette smoke. Signs of earlier chaos were everywhere, with debris scattered around and chairs turned over. The man in charge of the kidnap, a wiry man with a gaunt face and sharp, hawk-like eyes, paced back and forth, his boots thudding heavily against the concrete floor.Before him, three men knelt, their faces bruised, blood trickling down from cuts on their foreheads and lips. Each bore the aftermath of a mission gone disastrously wrong, but they kept their heads bowed, too terrified to meet their leader’s burning gaze.The wiry man suddenly stopped, his eyes narrowing on the closest man. “Just thirty damn minutes. Thirty!” he snarled, his voice echoing sharply against the cold, bare walls. “I told you to watch her, to keep her contained. All you had to do was scare her. Make her sweat a little. That’s it!”He took a step closer, his fists clenched at his sides. “And not only do you mess it up,” he growled, his voice dr