The morning air carried a faint chill as Sarah and Alexander stepped out of their suite, freshly dressed for the day.Sarah’s outfit was a delicate blend of sophistication and comfort, while Alexander exuded effortless elegance in his tailored attire, sliding into his wheelchair with practiced ease.“We deserve a feast after last night,” Sarah said, her smile radiant as she smoothed out the creases in her dress.“You mean after you drained me,” Alexander quipped, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.Sarah gasped in mock offense, swatting his arm lightly. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy every moment.”Alexander chuckled, his deep voice rumbling as they made their way to the hotel’s restaurant.As they entered, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting through the air. But as they approached their table, a peculiar silence fell around them.Heads turned, whispers erupted, and eyes lingered a little too long.The once welcoming ambiance of the restaurant now felt charged w
The decision to head back home came with mixed emotions.Paris had been a whirlwind of triumphs, challenges, and revelations, but as Alexander and Sarah made their way through the luxurious hotel lobby, the whispers followed them like a persistent shadow.A woman near the concierge leaned toward her companion, murmuring loudly enough to be overheard. "That’s her, isn’t it? The one who fell. Poor thing. And he couldn’t even help her. What kind of husband is that?”Sarah tensed, gripping Alexander’s arm instinctively.His jaw tightened, but his expression remained stoic as they continued walking.“It’s just noise,” Alexander muttered under his breath, though his sharp eyes scanned the room for anyone who might approach them directly.“They don’t know you,” Sarah said softly, her voice filled with an unspoken reassurance.They reached the elevators, and as the doors closed, muffling the world outside, Sarah exhaled a shaky breath. “Will it ever stop?”Alexander looked at her, his gaze un
The sleek black limousine coasted onto the private tarmac where Alexander Blake’s private jet waited, gleaming in the midday sunlight.The jet stood as a symbol of power and wealth, its polished fuselage reflecting a perfect image of the sky.The chauffeur stepped out first, quickly opening the door for Alexander and Sarah.Alexander slid into his wheelchair with the fluid grace of a man who had long mastered the act, his movements as seamless as if the chair were an extension of his body.Sarah followed, her every step poised yet tired, her delicate fingers adjusting her bag on her shoulder.“Back to home soil,” Alexander murmured, glancing over his shoulder at Sarah as she stepped up beside him. “Ready to leave the Paris buzz behind?”“Absolutely,” she replied, her voice heavy with exhaustion. Then, with a faint smile, she added, “Though I can’t say I’ll miss the whispers and stares.”Alexander chuckled, his smirk hinting at confidence. “We don’t have to miss them. Something tells m
The morning sun poured into the room, casting a golden glow over Alexander and Sarah as they lay tangled in each other’s arms.Sarah stirred first, her lips curling into a soft smile as Alexander’s arm tightened around her waist.“Good morning, Mrs. Blake,” Alexander murmured, his voice still husky with sleep.“Good morning, Mr. Blake,” Sarah replied, playfully tapping his nose. “Ready to face the world today?”He smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Always. Especially with you by my side.”After a few more moments in bed, they reluctantly got out of bed and prepared for the day.Alexander donned a sharp navy suit, and Sarah chose a simple yet professional dress.Over breakfast, their conversation remained light, though Sarah couldn’t shake a faint sense of unease about going to the office.Arriving at the Blake Group headquarters, Alexander and Sarah parted ways. While he headed to his office, she made her way to the design section, where her unease solidified the momen
Moments later, the door swung open, and Gerald strolled in, his presence commanding as always.Dressed impeccably in a tailored charcoal suit, Gerald’s graying hair and piercing blue eyes made him every bit the imposing figure he liked to portray.“Alexander,” Gerald greeted, his tone amiable but his smile sharp. “How are you holding up?”“What do you want, Gerald?” Alexander cut straight to the point, his voice cool. He wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries, not when his mind was preoccupied with Sarah.Gerald’s smile faltered for a brief second before he took a seat across from Alexander’s desk. “Straight to business, I see. Fine. Let’s talk about this contract you’re so stubbornly refusing to approve. You’re holding up progress, Alexander. It’s unlike you.”Alexander leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Progress?” he echoed. “Is that what you call giving away control to a group of opportunists? The changes you proposed are reckless. They put the company at risk.”Ger
The inside of the house was just as Sarah remembered, cozy, warm, and filled with memories of a simpler time.The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the kitchen, and a patchwork quilt lay draped over the couch, a testament to Mary’s handiwork.As Mary busied herself preparing tea and James set the table, Sarah sat down and watched them, a bittersweet feeling swelling in her chest.These were the people who had raised her, loved her unconditionally, and stood by her through every challenge. Yet, the words Elise had hurled at her earlier that day echoed in her mind."You’re the switch daughter, remember? The one who was never supposed to exist."Sarah clenched her hands into fists, trying to push the memory away. She didn’t want to burden her parents with her pain. They had done enough for her already.“So,” James said, breaking the silence as he placed a plate of cookies in front of her, “tell us what’s been keeping you so busy in the city.”Sarah forced a smile. “Just work,” she
Alexander sank back into his chair, his mind swirling with emotions.Part of him wanted to rush to the mountains and bring her home, but another part held him back.What if she didn’t want to be found right now?What if this was her way of seeking space?Still, the thought of her out there alone, hurt, possibly overwhelmed, gnawed at him. He couldn’t leave her like this.Determined, Alexander grabbed his coat and made his way to the elevator in his wheelchair with practiced ease.He had a driver bring the car around, but this wasn’t a trip he planned to make with fanfare.As the car drove onto the high way, Alexander found himself deep in thought. Though urgency burned in his chest, he knew this wasn’t just any visit.The Millers weren’t just the family who had raised Sarah, they were also, in a way, his in laws.He drummed his fingers against his thigh, considering.He couldn’t show up empty handed. Not only would that be disrespectful, but it would also send the wrong message.This
The Miller house was warm and inviting, the scent of roasted vegetables and freshly baked bread filling the air.Alexander handed the basket of gifts to Mrs. Miller, who couldn’t stop beaming.“These are lovely, Alexander,” she said, glancing through the assortment of specialty jams, wines, and hand crafted treats. “You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble!”“It’s the least I could do,” Alexander replied with a polite smile. “I regret not visiting sooner.”James Miller clapped Alexander on the shoulder with a hearty laugh. “Better late than never, son. Come on, dinner’s almost ready.”Mrs. Miller led the way into the dining room, where the table was already set with a spread of hearty dishes.Sarah trailed behind silently, her mind still spinning. Alexander’s sudden arrival and the calm, composed way he fit into her parents’ home was almost surreal.As they sat down to eat, Alexander effortlessly charmed the Millers with his conversation.He asked about their farm, listened attentiv
Sarah tilted her head, her smirk widening. “Are you afraid I’ll leave you in the dust, Mr. Blake?”Alexander let out a low chuckle. “Afraid? No.” His gaze flickered over her, amused and predatory. “But I do love watching you try.”Sarah threw the blankets off, standing up in one smooth motion. “Then let’s go,” she said, heading straight for the door.Alexander raised a brow. “Right now?”She glanced over her shoulder. “You backing out already?”His lips curled into a slow smirk. “Careful, Sparrow. You’re getting cocky.”Sarah shrugged, eyes gleaming with mischief. “You’d be too if you knew you were going to win.”Alexander huffed a quiet laugh and shook his head, pushing himself up from the bed. “Let’s see if you can back up that mouth of yours.”They made their way downstairs, the tension between them a mix of challenge and amusement.The moment they entered the garage, Sarah beelined for the sapphire blue McLaren she had driven earlier.Alexander watched her, amused. “Didn’t even he
Alexander shut his phone off and slipped it back into his pocket, exhaling slowly.His mind was still racing with everything he’d learned, but right now, there was something else he needed to handle, Sarah.She had conveniently feigned feeling under the weather earlier, right after spotting the police officer in the hall.She hadn’t been sick.She had been hiding.Suppressing a smirk, Alexander climbed the stairs, his steps steady and deliberate.He wasn’t angry, if anything, he was impressed.She had managed to outmaneuver him for years without him even realizing it. But that didn’t mean he’d let her off the hook so easily.Reaching their bedroom door, he pushed it open without knocking.Sarah was curled up in bed, the blankets pulled over her, the dim glow of a bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the room.She didn’t react immediately, but he knew she was awake.Alexander leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her.“So,” he said casually, “you’re feeling
Earlier that day, Alexander’s mind was already abuzz with plans as he exited the underground base where Marcus was being held.His phone buzzed in his pocket just as he was sliding into the backseat of his car.Pulling it out, he noticed a message from his head of security.Security Alert: "Sir, we’ve identified something unusual about Mrs. Blake’s activity today. A fuller report is attached."Alexander frowned, quickly opening the attachment.The report detailed Sarah’s unusual behavior throughout the day, speeding through the city in his Sapphire blue McLaren, blowing past red lights, and the most surprising revelation of all: she had been at the underground racing scene years ago.The man had overheard Sarah and Seb's conversation.The next line of the report made his pulse quicken: "Based on her movements and the reactions of Seb, it appears that Mrs. Blake is none other than Sparrow, the underground street racer."For a moment, Alexander stared at his phone, utterly still.The wo
Meanwhile, Sarah, her adrenaline still pumping, smirked to herself as she sped through the city streets.She knew she’d made a statement, and the satisfaction of seeing them topple like dominoes was enough to lighten her mood, at least for the moment.“That’s for thinking you can mess with me,” she muttered under her breath, the wind whipping through her hair.As Sarah sped past yet another red light, she couldn’t help but feel a rebellious thrill coursing through her veins.The city blurred around her, the McLaren roaring like it owned the streets.By the time she reached the Blake residence, her heart was pounding, not from fear but from exhilaration.Pulling into the driveway, she stepped out, her heels clicking on the stone path as guards hurried to retrieve her bags from the car.But her confidence wavered the moment she stepped into the hall.Alexander was home. And not just home, he was seated on one of the couches, his sharp eyes focused on his phone, a stern faced traffic off
Darius tapped his fingers lightly against the leather steering wheel, his gaze momentarily drifting to the horizon before returning to the phone in his hand.The familiar voice on the other end of the line grounded him, carrying both the calm confidence and the gravity of their shared mission.“You’re sure about this approach?” Darius asked, his tone steady yet probing, a hint of concern underlying his words.“Gerald’s empire is a house of cards,” Alexander replied without hesitation. “All we need is Marcus to show us where the foundation lies. Once we hit that weak point, the whole thing will come crashing down. I need to be back in my position before that happens.”A heavy pause followed, one that seemed to speak volumes between them. It was the kind of silence born from years of working together, where words often felt unnecessary.“I trust your instincts, Blake,” Darius said finally, his voice carrying the weight of his faith in Alexander’s judgment. “Just make sure you watch your
He grabbed a nearby chair and sat down across from Marcus, leaning forward. "You're stalling. That's fine. Take your time, but know this, every second you waste, you're digging yourself a deeper grave. So start talking. What’s Gerald’s endgame? Why the sudden attack on me? What else is he planning? The Accident? Why?"Marcus hesitated, his eyes darting to Carter, who stood like a silent enforcer. Then back to Alexander, whose calm exterior only made him more intimidating.Finally, Marcus exhaled shakily. "Fine. You want the truth? Gerald has been running his own empire in the shadows, smuggling, blackmail, taking out anyone who gets in his way. You are the biggest person in his way."Alexander’s jaw clenched, fury simmering just beneath the surface. "And so he had to ambush me at the Millers?"Marcus nodded reluctantly. "He couldn’t risk it no more. And now... now he knows you’re coming after him. He’s already setting things in motion to take you down before you can touch him.""Like
Sarah’s grip on the steering wheel tightened as her thoughts spiraled.Her encounter with Seb had brought back memories she had locked away, memories of the life she lived before Alexander, before the Caldwells, before everything had changed.It was as if the sound of his voice had reignited a part of her she’d been desperately trying to forget.The McLaren roared through the city streets, its powerful engine echoing off the walls of skyscrapers.She was moving fast, too fast, zipping through intersections and leaving streaks of blue in her wake.Red lights flashed above her, but her mind was elsewhere, completely detached from the rules of the road.She hadn’t even realized she was running red lights until a jarring honk snapped her back to reality.Sarah glanced up just in time to see a taxi screeching to a halt inches from the McLaren’s rear bumper.Her heart raced, but she kept going, her thoughts louder than the warning blares of city traffic.The McLaren’s high tech dash flashed
As Seb watched the Sapphire Blue McLaren disappear down the bustling city street, the faint roar of its engine lingering in the air, a familiar mix of emotions surged within him.His jaw tightened, his hands slipping into his pockets as he leaned against a nearby lamppost.The memory of that night, the night Sarah, or rather, Sparrow, had humiliated him in front of the entire underground racing community, played in his mind like a relentless reel.He had been untouchable then, a trust fund heir with an ego as massive as his bank account.No one had dared to challenge him until she appeared, a dark horse with a car that seemed like an extension of her being.She hadn’t just won that race, she’d dismantled his pride, maneuvering through tight corners and dangerous straights with a precision that left him chasing shadows.Seb could still hear the taunts and cheers of the crowd, their disbelief at his defeat and their awe of the enigmatic Sparrow.That night had shaken his world, exposing
Sarah’s world shifted irreversibly when the truth emerged, she was not a Miller by blood but the biological daughter of Eleanor and Richard Caldwell, one of the wealthiest families in the region.Overnight, she went from the quiet comfort of life with the Millers to the suffocating expectations of high society.Eleanor made it clear that her new role as a Caldwell required grace, elegance, and obedience.For Sarah, stepping away from racing felt like giving up a piece of her soul. Under the alias “Sparrow,” she had found freedom and purpose in the underground world, where skill and daring defined her success. But with the Caldwells’ influence bearing down, she was forced to bury that part of herself.The Millers, devastated but understanding, promised to keep her secret. Their support gave Sarah some solace, but the loss of her connection to them and the racetrack weighed heavily on her.Though Sarah had to abandon Sparrow, she refused to let go of her creativity and ambition, Mountai