Klarisse lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting delicate shadows that danced across her room. Despite the late hour, sleep eluded her. She tossed and turned, her mind a whirlwind of memories and emotions.Images of her twin sister, Klara, flashed through her mind. They were children again, sitting under the old oak tree in their backyard. Klara's frail frame was wrapped in a warm blanket, her face pale but lit up with a determined smile."Klarisse," Klara had said, her voice soft yet strong, "we have to promise each other something."Klarisse nodded, her young heart filled with a fierce love for her sister. "Anything, Klara."Klara took her hand, her grip surprisingly firm. "Whatever responsibilities or problems we face, we'll help each other. Always."Klarisse squeezed her sister’s hand, tears welling up in her eyes. "I promise, Klara. I'll never leave you alone."But as the years went by, Klarisse’s desire for indepe
The exclusive Italian restaurant chosen by the Robinson family was nestled in a secluded part of the city, far removed from the bustling crowds. Its facade was elegant, with ivy-covered walls and grand iron gates that hinted at the opulence within. The entrance was guarded by a trio of imposing men, their eyes scanning every passerby with practiced vigilance. Inside, the ambiance was warm and inviting, yet undeniably sophisticated. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floors, and the rich, dark wood furnishings added a touch of elegance. Each table was set with the finest china and silverware, and fresh flowers adorned every corner. The atmosphere was intimate, with soft Italian music playing in the background, creating a serene yet luxurious ambiance. This was no ordinary dining experience; it was a sanctuary for those who lived within the shadows of power and secrecy.Bronson and Angela sat at a private booth in a corner of the restaurant. Heavy security pre
When the main course was served, Bronson raised his glass. “To new beginnings and strengthened alliances.”“To new beginnings,” the others echoed, though the toast felt heavy with the weight of their respective secrets and obligations.The tension around the table, however, was sharper than the silverware as the real reason for the evening revealed itself. It was no longer just a polite dinner—it was a negotiation for power.The atmosphere in the private dining room grew heavier as the servers cleared the main course and began serving desserts. The waitstaff arrived with trays of decadent desserts—tiramisu, panna cotta, and a dark chocolate lava cake paired with a perfectly aged port. A rich tiramisu and delicately plated panna cotta were placed before the guests, but neither family seemed particularly interested in indulging. Instead, the evening was approaching its true purpose—business. Bronson Robinson leaned back in his chair, swirling his glass of wine thoughtfully before placi
The moon hung low in the velvet sky as Alexander slipped out of the Robinson mansion, the weight of his family’s expectations pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had to see her—Maxine. He needed to hear her voice, to feel her reassurance. He couldn’t face the future they had planned for him without knowing where they stood. The small café they used as a meeting spot was dimly lit, tucked away on a quiet street far from the prying eyes of his family. It was late, and the few patrons inside paid little attention to him as he walked toward the back booth. Maxine was already there, her hands wrapped around a cup of tea, her face illuminated by the faint glow of the candle on the table. She looked up as he approached, her warm smile faltering slightly when she saw the tension etched across his features. “Alex,” she said softly, standing as he reached her. He pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly as if she might slip away. “Max,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “
The grandeur of the Robinson-Fowls wedding was the talk of both the legitimate and underworld communities. Held at an exclusive estate on the outskirts of Florence, Italy, the ceremony was a seamless blend of elegance and tension, with an atmosphere heavy with hidden agendas and unspoken alliances. The estate itself was a sprawling villa surrounded by lush vineyards and guarded by a security detail so discreet yet intimidating that no uninvited soul dared approach. The sprawling gardens were transformed into a fairy tale setting. Ivory drapery lined the open-air pavilion, with crystal chandeliers suspended above rows of gold-trimmed chairs. A fountain gurgled softly in the background, its waters shimmering under the midday sun. A symphony orchestra played a hauntingly beautiful melody, a mix of classical compositions and Italian folk songs, setting an air of sophistication. At the center of it all stood the altar, adorned with white roses and lilies, a stark contrast to the darker u
The sunlight filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the master suite, bathing the room in a warm, golden glow. Despite the luxury surrounding them—the pristine marble floors, the designer furniture, and the breathtaking view of the Tuscan countryside—the atmosphere between Alexander and Klarisse was anything but warm.Alexander sat at the edge of the bed, his tie undone and his shirt sleeves rolled up. His posture was tense, his hands clasped together as if trying to hold himself together. Klarisse stood by the window, arms crossed, gazing out at the sprawling vineyards below. Her wedding gown was gone, replaced by a simple satin robe, her hair cascading over her shoulders. The night before had been uneventful; they had shared a room but kept to their respective spaces.After a few moments of silence, Alexander finally spoke, his voice low but resolute. “We should talk about... how this is going to work.” Klarisse turned to face him, her expression neutral, though her hear
“Klara, hold still! You’re ruining the veil!” Klarisse giggled as she adjusted the sheer scarf over her sister’s head. “It’s not a veil, it’s Mom’s old curtain!” Klara protested, her face lighting up with a mischievous grin. She stood in the middle of their childhood bedroom, twirling in an oversized white dress they had found in the attic. It was too big for her, dragging on the floor and slipping off one shoulder, but in their eyes, it was the most beautiful wedding gown in the world. “And you’re supposed to be the prince,” Klarisse said, tying a makeshift bowtie around her neck with a piece of ribbon. “Now, come on, you have to marry me!” Klara clapped her hands together dramatically, pretending to swoon. “Oh, Prince Klarisse! You’ve swept me off my feet!” Klarisse puffed out her chest and extended a hand. “I, Prince Klarisse, vow to be the best husband ever! Now kiss the bride!” The two dissolved into a fit of giggles, collapsing onto the bed in a heap of laughter. Their play
The meeting was set in an opulent villa deep in the Italian countryside, a neutral territory chosen to ensure no single family had the upper hand. The grandeur of the estate, with its frescoed ceilings and marble columns, was a stark contrast to the tension that hummed in the air. This was no mere gathering—it was a summit of power brokers in the mafia world, led by the formidable Valentin Marconi.Klarisse adjusted the cuff of her cream-colored blazer, her expression composed but her mind racing. She and Alexander stood side by side at the entrance of the villa, their parents, Bronson Robinson and Alan Fowls, walking a few paces ahead. Alexander, dressed in a tailored black suit, glanced at her, sensing her unease.“You ready for this?” he asked in a low voice.“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Klarisse replied, her voice steady despite the nerves coiling in her stomach. She added, with a faint smirk, “Try not to embarrass us.”Alexander chuckled dryly. “Funny, I was going to tell you the
The soft hum of the city below provided a muted backdrop to the storm brewing inside the penthouse suite. The space was luxurious yet impersonal, the kind of temporary home suited for a man who never truly settled. Artemis stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the cityscape, hands in his pockets. His broad shoulders remained relaxed, but Alexander knew his brother well enough to recognize the tension in his stance. Alexander, on the other hand, sat stiffly on the plush leather couch, gripping the photos Alan Fowl had given him. His knuckles were white, the edges of the photos slightly bent from the pressure of his grip. He hadn’t spoken since entering the suite, but Artemis knew why he was here. “Go ahead,” Artemis said without turning. “Say what you need to say.” Alexander exhaled sharply, his patience already running thin. “I just came from Alan Fowl.” At that, Artemis turned his head slightly, an amused smirk ghosting his lips. “I see Klarisse’s father has been d
The dimly lit study in Alan Fowl’s private estate was filled with the scent of old books, mahogany, and the faint aroma of cigar smoke from years past. The room, usually a haven for solitude and quiet contemplation, now held an air of urgency. Alexander Robinson sat across from Alan, his sharp gaze locked onto the older man, waiting for him to speak. The tension was palpable, the weight of whatever Alan had uncovered pressing heavily between them. Alan, dressed in his signature tailored suit, poured himself a glass of bourbon before gesturing toward Alexander, offering him a drink. Alexander shook his head, his focus unwavering. “I didn’t ask you here for pleasantries, Alexander,” Alan said, taking a slow sip. “I asked you here because of Artemis.” Alexander leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. “What about him?” Alan exhaled sharply. “I know you and Klarisse have made an effort to bring him back into the fold. I understand your family’s wish to make amends. But you
The sun cast long shadows over the exclusive golf course, the pristine green stretching endlessly under the warm afternoon sky. Valentin Marconi stood on the edge of the course, dressed in a tailored golf outfit, yet his mind was far from the game. He tapped his club against his shoe absently as he watched his business associate take a swing, sending the golf ball flying across the open field. Beside him stood Enrico D’Angelo, the head of another powerful mafia family. Unlike Marconi, Enrico had no interest in golf, but he understood the importance of playing along with the charade. Here, among the wealthiest businessmen and politicians, deals were made under the guise of harmless sportsmanship. Marconi exhaled slowly, eyes narrowed. “Artemis Robinson… he wasn’t supposed to come back.” Enrico took a sip of his whiskey, his eyes sharp beneath the brim of his expensive hat. “Things don’t always go according to plan, Valentin. You should know that by now.” Marconi clenched his jaw. “
Artemis stepped out of his sleek black car, adjusting his cufflinks as he glanced at his watch. *6:59 PM—perfect timing.* He had told Allie he would pick her up at seven, and he had no intention of being late. His nerves were something new to him. He was used to confidence, to having control over every situation, especially when it came to women. But this was different. This wasn’t just a casual date—it was Allie. And for the first time in a long time, he actually cared about making a good impression. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside Klarisse’s café. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air. The café was quieter at this hour, with only a few customers lingering. Allie was behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine. She wore a simple yet flattering navy blue dress, her long brown hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders. When she noticed him, she smirked. “You’re punctual. I’ll give you that.” Artemis chuckled. “I told you
The morning sun cast a golden glow over the Robinson Mansion, illuminating the grand estate in a way that made it feel even more like the powerful empire it was. But inside, the warmth of the morning light was nothing compared to the rare moment of brotherly bonding happening in the study. Artemis Robinson had arrived early, an unusual occurrence for him. He wasn't typically one for family discussions, preferring to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. But today was different. Today, he had something important to talk about. Alexander sat across from him, his arms crossed, an amused smirk playing on his lips. Klarisse was beside him, sipping her morning tea, her expression a mix of curiosity and knowing. “So let me get this straight,” Alexander said, leaning forward. “You came all the way here, first thing in the morning, to ask for *dating advice*?” Artemis scoffed, running a hand through his dark hair. “I wouldn’t call it *asking for advice* exactly. More like… discussing
Artemis sat on the balcony of his hotel suite, the city stretching out before him in a sea of twinkling lights. A glass of whiskey sat untouched on the table beside him, his phone resting in his hand. He had been staring at the screen for the past ten minutes, his thumb hovering over Allie’s contact. Artemis Robinson was not the kind of man who hesitated. In business, in life, and especially in matters of the heart, he had always been decisive. But as he sat in his hotel suite, staring at his phone with Allie’s contact name on the screen, he found himself pausing. It was past ten at night. Would she even pick up? Would she even *want* to hear from him? He exhaled sharply and shook his head. *Since when do I second-guess myself?* He smirked bitterly, realizing that Allie was already affecting him in ways no one else ever had. Why was this so difficult? He had made countless business calls, brokered million-dollar deals, and faced ruthless competitors without breaking a sweat. And
Artemis drove through the city streets, his grip firm on the steering wheel, yet his mind far from the road ahead. The city lights blurred in his vision as Klarisse’s words echoed in his head. *"She was orphaned at a young age... no family to call her own... bounced from one foster home to another..."* His jaw clenched. He had always sensed there was more to Allie than what she let on. She was sharp, independent, and resilient—traits that only came from surviving hardship. But now, knowing the full extent of her past, he understood why he was drawn to her. Because in many ways, she was just like him. The realization settled heavily in his chest as he pulled into the hotel’s parking lot. He turned off the engine but made no move to leave the car. Instead, he leaned back against the headrest, staring blankly at the roof of his vehicle, allowing himself to process everything. For most of his life, Artemis had felt like an outsider. Even before he discovered the truth about his adopt
The Fowl Estate was unusually quiet that afternoon. Klarisse sat on the patio, gently rocking one of the twins in her arms while the other napped inside under the watchful eye of their nanny. A soft breeze rustled the leaves of the garden, offering a sense of peace—something she rarely got these days. With Alexander busy handling a road project and her parents doting over the twins, she finally had a moment to herself. That was until the unexpected guest arrived. Artemis Robinson. Klarisse had just taken a sip of her iced tea when she saw him walking toward her, his signature confident stride making it clear he wasn’t just here for a casual visit. She raised an eyebrow as he approached. “Artemis. Didn’t expect to see you here.” “I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said, stopping just short of the patio. Klarisse smiled knowingly. “You wouldn’t care even if you were.” Artemis chuckled. “Fair point.” He glanced down at the sleeping baby in her arms. “I see the little ones are keepin
Allie was seated at the counter, her fingers quickly flipping through the pages of the café’s accounting books. She was nearly done with her monthly earnings report, a task she had done countless times before, but tonight, she felt more exhausted than usual. Maybe it was because Klarisse wasn’t around as much, or perhaps it was just the weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders. Either way, she was more than ready to call it a night. Then, the doorbell chimed. At first, she didn’t look up, assuming it was just a late customer hoping for a last-minute coffee. But when she finally lifted her gaze, her breath hitched slightly. Artemis. Standing tall in the doorway, dressed in a sharp black suit that made him look effortlessly sophisticated, he exuded confidence. His presence alone shifted the atmosphere of the café, drawing attention without even trying. Allie blinked, momentarily stunned. Klarisse hadn’t mentioned that Artemis would be stopping by. In fact, Klarisse h