Alexander rose from his seat and walked toward the door, holding it open.“You may leave now,” he said, without looking at them again. “I suggest you focus on salvaging what little reputation you have left, if that’s even possible.”Richard stood slowly. “You’re making a mistake, Alexander.”“No,” Alexander said, his eyes dark and glinting with quiet fury. “You did. Years ago. And now you’re reaping every single consequence.”Eleanor looked as if she might cry, but Richard grasped her hand and walked her out with stiff pride.As the door closed behind them, Alexander let out a slow breath.There were battles Sarah didn’t need to fight anymore. Not when she had him.And he would burn the world before he ever let it come for her again.The soft light filtered in through the tall windows of the Blake Group's executive wing, casting a golden hue over Sarah’s rebranded office.It was minimalist elegance at its best, clean lines, warm earth tones, and a striking orchid centerpiece in the mi
Sarah had grown up with nothing. Raised in a modest town by James and Mary Miller, who had taught her values that weren’t measured by wealth or bloodlines. Then thrust into high society, into marriage with a man she’d barely known, only for him to become her fiercest protector and, over time, her partner in every sense.And now, the company her birth parents had once deemed too powerful to risk for her sake, was under her control.“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” she asked softly.Alexander smiled, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Because I didn’t do it for show, Sarah. I did it because no one gets to look down on you anymore. Not them. Not the board. Not anyone.”There was no pride in his tone, just simple, unwavering loyalty. The kind that made her chest feel tight with a quiet sort of awe.Sarah shook her head, a breathy laugh escaping her. “Sometimes I wonder who really won between the two of us in this marriage.”“You did,” he said without missing a bea
Victoria stormed out of the boutique, her heels clacking violently against the marble as her face contorted with fury.Her palm still tingled from the slap she had delivered, but it was the sting on her own humiliation that seared deepest.She had expected Sarah to shrink away, to crumble beneath the weight of public disgrace.But instead... she had stood tall. Calm. Almost unbothered.That was what enraged Victoria the most.The air outside was cool against her flushed skin, but her anger blazed hotter with every step she took.Her pride had taken a hit she couldn't hide from, and with every replay of the scene in her mind, the slap, Sarah's poised indifference, her hands trembled.She fished out her phone with a swipe of her manicured nails and dialed the only number that made sense right now.It rang twice.“Victoria,” came Gerald’s voice, smooth and low, like smoke curling in the dark. “I assume this isn’t a social call.”“She's seems so powerful,” Victoria snapped. “In front of e
The moment stretched long and quiet.The SUV continued down the lane, tires humming softly against the smooth road, blending into the rhythm of the quiet afternoon traffic.The city skyline rose faintly in the distance, a glass and steel mirage beneath the pale blue sky. Everything looked normal now.Too normal.Sarah looked at Raven. “Should we call Alexander?”Raven shook her head just slightly. “Not yet. Not until I’m sure.”And yet, just as their guards were beginning to lower, just as the tension started to slip into the comfort of normalcy, they missed the pair of black motorcycles that had silently pulled out from a side alley, far behind them… keeping just enough distance to not be noticed yet.Because the real ambush hadn’t passed them by.It was only just getting started.The road stretched ahead like any other Sunday drive, quiet, calm, deceptively peaceful.Sarah leaned back into the leather seat, one hand playing with the bracelet Alexander had clasped around her wrist ju
Just as Sarah predicted, it narrowed quickly, concrete barriers lining both sides, with only enough room for one vehicle to pass.But the SUV was built for this.They cleared the entry.Behind them, the second black SUV crashed into the barrier, unable to squeeze in time. It scraped violently along the concrete wall, slowing its pursuit.The first motorcycle attempted to follow too closely, but a sudden swerve from Raven sent him toppling over the bridge’s edge, disappearing from view.Only one SUV remained now, still close, too close.“We get off this bridge,” Raven said. “I’ll lose them in the tunnels.”But just then, the SUV behind them accelerated. Fast. Too fast.Sarah could see it in the side mirror.“They’re trying to ram us!” she shouted.Raven swore and floored the gas.The SUV bucked forward again, the engine roaring like a beast unleashed.The bulletproof plating rattled as the trailing car clipped their bumper, once, then twice.“Come on, baby,” Raven growled at the wheel.
Sarah grunted as she braced Raven’s weight over her shoulder, her own limbs trembling from the aftershock of the crash.The tunnel echoed with their hurried breaths, the muffled drag of Raven’s boot across the concrete, and the slow, methodical approach of their attackers.Every step felt borrowed.Raven’s arm was slung around her neck, blood soaking through the sleeve of her black jacket. Her leg was badly hurt, possibly fractured. She winced with every movement, but she didn’t make a sound.Her eyes remained sharp, locked on the vehicle even as her lips tightened in pain.They made it to the wrecked SUV, the air still hot and thick with smoke.Sarah helped Raven lean against the hood just as the older woman reached in through the twisted passenger window and pulled something from the glove compartment.Two black pistols.Lightweight. Sleek. Dangerous.Raven turned and pushed one into Sarah’s trembling hand.“Take it,” she said, urgency sharpening her voice. “And listen to me, Sarah.
Sarah’s boots pounded against the cement stairs, the cold tunnel air slicing across her face as she bolted down the narrow exit.Her heart roared in her ears, matching the beat of her footsteps.Gunfire cracked behind her like thunder, each echo reminding her that Raven was still up there, fighting alone. For her.Her breath caught painfully in her chest.I shouldn't have left her...She shook the thought from her head, gripping the pistol tighter in her palm, the cold metal biting into her skin.Raven’s voice echoed in her head like a lifeline: Run, Sarah. Don’t stop. No matter what.Her fingers fumbled over the bracelet on her wrist. She hadn’t even known about the hidden button, hadn’t known that Alexander had embedded a micro GPS tracker in the sapphire clasp, one press away from summoning him no matter where she was.He’d done it in secret. Quietly. Like he always did when it came to her safety.Tears stung the corners of her eyes.She pressed it.Once.Twice.A small vibration c
Alexander turned on his heel, already pulling out his earpiece and barking sharp orders into it.Within seconds, two men fell into step beside him, weapons drawn, the weight of his rage radiating through the night like heat off asphalt.Inside the SUV, Sarah leaned her forehead against the cold window, watching as Alexander disappeared into the shadows once again, her protector, her warrior, her husband.The car sped off, headlights cutting through the city. And all Sarah could do was pray.Come back, both of you. Please.The cold was setting in.Raven’s breath came in ragged bursts, harsh and wet in her throat.The metallic scent of blood, her blood, overwhelmed everything else now, coating her tongue, staining her vision, clinging to her skin.She had lost count of how many bullets had pierced her body.Her left shoulder was blown open, her leg, fractured and useless, trembled under her weight. Every heartbeat was a thunderclap in her ears, every breath a war.But still, she stood.
Alexander turned on his heel, already pulling out his earpiece and barking sharp orders into it.Within seconds, two men fell into step beside him, weapons drawn, the weight of his rage radiating through the night like heat off asphalt.Inside the SUV, Sarah leaned her forehead against the cold window, watching as Alexander disappeared into the shadows once again, her protector, her warrior, her husband.The car sped off, headlights cutting through the city. And all Sarah could do was pray.Come back, both of you. Please.The cold was setting in.Raven’s breath came in ragged bursts, harsh and wet in her throat.The metallic scent of blood, her blood, overwhelmed everything else now, coating her tongue, staining her vision, clinging to her skin.She had lost count of how many bullets had pierced her body.Her left shoulder was blown open, her leg, fractured and useless, trembled under her weight. Every heartbeat was a thunderclap in her ears, every breath a war.But still, she stood.
Sarah’s boots pounded against the cement stairs, the cold tunnel air slicing across her face as she bolted down the narrow exit.Her heart roared in her ears, matching the beat of her footsteps.Gunfire cracked behind her like thunder, each echo reminding her that Raven was still up there, fighting alone. For her.Her breath caught painfully in her chest.I shouldn't have left her...She shook the thought from her head, gripping the pistol tighter in her palm, the cold metal biting into her skin.Raven’s voice echoed in her head like a lifeline: Run, Sarah. Don’t stop. No matter what.Her fingers fumbled over the bracelet on her wrist. She hadn’t even known about the hidden button, hadn’t known that Alexander had embedded a micro GPS tracker in the sapphire clasp, one press away from summoning him no matter where she was.He’d done it in secret. Quietly. Like he always did when it came to her safety.Tears stung the corners of her eyes.She pressed it.Once.Twice.A small vibration c
Sarah grunted as she braced Raven’s weight over her shoulder, her own limbs trembling from the aftershock of the crash.The tunnel echoed with their hurried breaths, the muffled drag of Raven’s boot across the concrete, and the slow, methodical approach of their attackers.Every step felt borrowed.Raven’s arm was slung around her neck, blood soaking through the sleeve of her black jacket. Her leg was badly hurt, possibly fractured. She winced with every movement, but she didn’t make a sound.Her eyes remained sharp, locked on the vehicle even as her lips tightened in pain.They made it to the wrecked SUV, the air still hot and thick with smoke.Sarah helped Raven lean against the hood just as the older woman reached in through the twisted passenger window and pulled something from the glove compartment.Two black pistols.Lightweight. Sleek. Dangerous.Raven turned and pushed one into Sarah’s trembling hand.“Take it,” she said, urgency sharpening her voice. “And listen to me, Sarah.
Just as Sarah predicted, it narrowed quickly, concrete barriers lining both sides, with only enough room for one vehicle to pass.But the SUV was built for this.They cleared the entry.Behind them, the second black SUV crashed into the barrier, unable to squeeze in time. It scraped violently along the concrete wall, slowing its pursuit.The first motorcycle attempted to follow too closely, but a sudden swerve from Raven sent him toppling over the bridge’s edge, disappearing from view.Only one SUV remained now, still close, too close.“We get off this bridge,” Raven said. “I’ll lose them in the tunnels.”But just then, the SUV behind them accelerated. Fast. Too fast.Sarah could see it in the side mirror.“They’re trying to ram us!” she shouted.Raven swore and floored the gas.The SUV bucked forward again, the engine roaring like a beast unleashed.The bulletproof plating rattled as the trailing car clipped their bumper, once, then twice.“Come on, baby,” Raven growled at the wheel.
The moment stretched long and quiet.The SUV continued down the lane, tires humming softly against the smooth road, blending into the rhythm of the quiet afternoon traffic.The city skyline rose faintly in the distance, a glass and steel mirage beneath the pale blue sky. Everything looked normal now.Too normal.Sarah looked at Raven. “Should we call Alexander?”Raven shook her head just slightly. “Not yet. Not until I’m sure.”And yet, just as their guards were beginning to lower, just as the tension started to slip into the comfort of normalcy, they missed the pair of black motorcycles that had silently pulled out from a side alley, far behind them… keeping just enough distance to not be noticed yet.Because the real ambush hadn’t passed them by.It was only just getting started.The road stretched ahead like any other Sunday drive, quiet, calm, deceptively peaceful.Sarah leaned back into the leather seat, one hand playing with the bracelet Alexander had clasped around her wrist ju
Victoria stormed out of the boutique, her heels clacking violently against the marble as her face contorted with fury.Her palm still tingled from the slap she had delivered, but it was the sting on her own humiliation that seared deepest.She had expected Sarah to shrink away, to crumble beneath the weight of public disgrace.But instead... she had stood tall. Calm. Almost unbothered.That was what enraged Victoria the most.The air outside was cool against her flushed skin, but her anger blazed hotter with every step she took.Her pride had taken a hit she couldn't hide from, and with every replay of the scene in her mind, the slap, Sarah's poised indifference, her hands trembled.She fished out her phone with a swipe of her manicured nails and dialed the only number that made sense right now.It rang twice.“Victoria,” came Gerald’s voice, smooth and low, like smoke curling in the dark. “I assume this isn’t a social call.”“She's seems so powerful,” Victoria snapped. “In front of e
Sarah had grown up with nothing. Raised in a modest town by James and Mary Miller, who had taught her values that weren’t measured by wealth or bloodlines. Then thrust into high society, into marriage with a man she’d barely known, only for him to become her fiercest protector and, over time, her partner in every sense.And now, the company her birth parents had once deemed too powerful to risk for her sake, was under her control.“Why didn’t you say anything sooner?” she asked softly.Alexander smiled, then leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Because I didn’t do it for show, Sarah. I did it because no one gets to look down on you anymore. Not them. Not the board. Not anyone.”There was no pride in his tone, just simple, unwavering loyalty. The kind that made her chest feel tight with a quiet sort of awe.Sarah shook her head, a breathy laugh escaping her. “Sometimes I wonder who really won between the two of us in this marriage.”“You did,” he said without missing a bea
Alexander rose from his seat and walked toward the door, holding it open.“You may leave now,” he said, without looking at them again. “I suggest you focus on salvaging what little reputation you have left, if that’s even possible.”Richard stood slowly. “You’re making a mistake, Alexander.”“No,” Alexander said, his eyes dark and glinting with quiet fury. “You did. Years ago. And now you’re reaping every single consequence.”Eleanor looked as if she might cry, but Richard grasped her hand and walked her out with stiff pride.As the door closed behind them, Alexander let out a slow breath.There were battles Sarah didn’t need to fight anymore. Not when she had him.And he would burn the world before he ever let it come for her again.The soft light filtered in through the tall windows of the Blake Group's executive wing, casting a golden hue over Sarah’s rebranded office.It was minimalist elegance at its best, clean lines, warm earth tones, and a striking orchid centerpiece in the mi
Another pause.“I wanted to tell you,” Cecilia added, her voice more serious now, “be careful. Especially with your sister.”Sarah’s heart skipped a beat. “Victoria?”“Yes. I know you don’t trust her because you shouldn’t. But it’s more than just envy now. She’s spiraling, Sarah. She’s bitter. Desperate. She was trying to reach me last night. She didn’t take my silence well.”“She’ll come at you differently now,” Cecilia warned. “Before, it was childish rivalry. But now? Now, she’s humiliated. Exposed. And that makes her dangerous.”Sarah inhaled slowly.Her sister. Or rather, the woman who had been raised in her place. The irony of it all still lingered in her bones.The world had finally seen who she truly was, and now Victoria, once the golden child, was descending deeper into shadows.“Why are you telling me this?” Sarah asked.“Because I’m not her,” Cecilia replied quietly. “I may have hated you for a time. But not anymore. I wanted to win, yes, but I never wanted to destroy you.