The towering Robinson Enterprise building loomed ahead as Alexander parked the car in the underground garage. Klarisse adjusted her blazer nervously, her mind buzzing with their parents’ instructions. She glanced at Alexander, who wore his usual calm mask, though she could see the faint tension in his jawline. As they stepped into the elevator, their silence spoke volumes. Klarisse thought of the weight this deal carried—not just for the Robinsons and Fowls, but for their precarious position as newlyweds navigating this complex web of alliances. When the elevator doors opened on the executive floor, Bronson Robinson and Alan Fowls were already waiting for them, both men dressed impeccably in dark suits that radiated authority. Angela and Kareen stood nearby, their expressions poised but watchful. “You’re both late,” Bronson said curtly, checking his watch. “Traffic,” Alexander replied evenly. Bronson nodded toward the conference room at the end of the hall. “This is an important
The private restaurant was opulent, its walls adorned with golden accents and muted lighting that gave the room a warm, intimate glow. A long table in the center of the room was set with pristine white linens, crystal glasses, and fine china. It was a space designed for exclusivity, and tonight, it hosted the newly solidified alliance between the Robinsons and the Fowls. Klarisse adjusted the hem of her dress as she entered the room with Alexander by her side. The tension from the earlier meeting with Valentin Marconi had faded, replaced by a lightheartedness she rarely associated with gatherings like this. Both families seemed at ease, the weight of their successful negotiation paving the way for a moment of camaraderie. “Here they are,” Bronson said, raising his glass in a welcoming gesture as Alexander and Klarisse joined the table. “The future of our families.” Alan smiled as he stood to pour drinks. “A deal well-negotiated deserves a proper celebration. Let’s toast to our part
The soft rays of morning sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains of the master bedroom, casting a golden glow on the room. Klarisse sat up abruptly, her head pounding and her heart racing. The familiar room around her did little to quell her panic as she realized she was wearing only a silk robe. Her clothes from the previous evening were nowhere in sight. She pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to piece together the scattered fragments of last night’s celebration. The wine, the toasts, the laughter—all vivid and yet blurry at the same time. Her stomach churned with a mix of embarrassment and worry as the glaring question loomed: *How did I end up here, like this? * Her mind raced, but her body remained frozen, her hands clutching the edge of the robe as if it were the only anchor she had in a sea of uncertainty. Then, the door creaked open. Alexander entered, holding a tray of food—toast, scrambled eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee. He was dressed casually, his shirt
As Klarisse sipped her coffee, its warmth spreading through her, her mind wandered to an entirely different line of thought—one that she hadn't allowed herself to entertain until now. She glanced at the tray Alex had brought her, a small gesture of care that was so unlike the circumstances of their union. *Why didn’t he even look at me like that? * Her thoughts were unwelcome, frustrating even, but she couldn’t stop them. She was thankful Alex hadn’t taken advantage of her vulnerability while she was drunk—that much was clear. But deep down, there was another question gnawing at her, one she hated herself for even considering. *Was he not attracted to me at all? * She frowned, picking at the corner of her toast. Alex was her husband, at least in the eyes of their families and the rest of the world. Yet, despite their arrangement, it felt like they were two strangers playing their respective roles, trying not to step on each other’s toes. It wasn’t as though she wanted him to fall
The morning sun spilled through the expansive windows of the Robinson estate, casting a golden glow over the dining room as Alex and Klarisse sat across from each other. A quiet yet awkward tension filled the space, a contrast to the usual strict business-like atmosphere they had grown accustomed to during their family’s endless negotiations and strategies. Bronson Robinson and Alan Fowls had summoned them both just moments earlier, issuing what sounded more like an indulgence than an order: a full day off. “You’ve earned it,” Bronson had said with an uncharacteristically jovial tone. “A little time to yourselves as a couple after securing the Marconi deal. Consider it a reward.” The underlying meaning was clear—another step to solidify the appearance of their union. But Alex could sense it wasn’t entirely about optics. Their fathers had noticed their increasingly synchronized teamwork, perhaps taking it as a sign of genuine marital chemistry. Now, sitting across from Klarisse at
The car sped smoothly down the winding coastal road, the sound of the engine humming softly beneath the gentle crash of waves in the distance. Alex was focused on the drive, his hands steady on the wheel, his gaze fixed ahead. Klarisse, however, sat quietly in the passenger seat, her eyes following the endless stretch of ocean. She stole a glance at Alex, who was at ease behind the wheel. He looked relaxed—more than she had seen him in weeks. His hair caught the sunlight, and the faint smile playing on his lips as he hummed to the soft jazz playing in the car added an air of calm. He had been unusually attentive and kind all morning, and Klarisse couldn’t help but notice.But beneath the quiet warmth of the moment, her mind was a whirlpool of thoughts, circling back to the one name she couldn’t seem to escape: Maxine. She couldn’t ignore the shadow of the woman who held Alex’s heart. Maxine, shy and gentle, had been honest with her during their encounter at the cafe. Klarisse could
As the car came to a gentle stop near the secluded coastal retreat Alex had chosen for the day, Klarisse felt a twinge of excitement mixed with nerves. The day had already been unusual, marked by Alex’s uncharacteristic warmth and attentiveness. But nothing prepared her for what happened next. Alex exited the driver’s side, walking swiftly around the car to open the passenger door for her. Klarisse blinked in surprise as he extended his right hand toward her, his expression alight with a rare, boyish cheer. “Are you ready to have fun?” he asked, his tone filled with playful enthusiasm. Klarisse stared at his outstretched hand for a brief moment, taken aback by the gesture. It was simple, yet it felt deeply symbolic—a crack in the stoic walls they both had built. She slipped her hand into his, the warmth of his touch sending an unexpected flutter through her chest. “I guess I am,” she replied, her voice soft but with a genuine smile forming on her lips. As he helped her out of the
The golden light of the setting sun bathed the two in a serene glow, the rhythmic crashing of waves filling the silence. Klarisse’s thoughts swirled as she glanced at Alex, taking in the soft contours of his profile and the way the breeze tousled his hair. It was just a brief look, one that she thought would go unnoticed. It wasn’t intentional—at least, that’s what she told herself. But something about the way he sat there, his face illuminated by the soft glow of sunset, drew her attention like a magnet. His profile seemed softer in the fading light; the sharp edges of his jawline framed by the golden rays. His lips, slightly curved in a thoughtful smile, carried an unfamiliar warmth, as though he wasn’t weighed down by the burdens of their unusual marriage or the shadow of Maxine. Just one glance, she thought. But as fate would have it, Alex turned his head at that precise moment, his eyes locking onto hers. Klarisse froze, caught in the act. Her cheeks burned as if the sunset it
The Robinson estate felt different without Artemis. Though Alexander had always been the leader, his brother had been his shadow, his right hand—the one who understood him best. Now, Artemis was out there, hunting Luca Marconi, and Alexander had to take control without hesitation. He didn’t have time to dwell on it. With the fall of the Marconi empire, the other families had turned their eyes to him and the Fowls, expecting them to keep their word. Promises had been made—fair shares in business, balanced power, and no unnecessary bloodshed. Alexander sat at the head of a long, polished table in the Bronson Industries boardroom, flanked by Bronson and Alan. Several powerful family heads had gathered, some with lingering doubt, others waiting for direction. “The Marconis are no longer in control,” Alexander said, his voice steady. “But that doesn’t mean chaos should follow. Our families agreed to maintain order, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.” One of the family heads, Gi
The sun had barely risen over the Robinson estate, yet the household was already stirring. The air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of what was about to happen pressing on everyone’s chest. Today, Artemis was leaving. He had made up his mind. Luca Marconi had escaped, and he couldn’t sit still knowing the man who had threatened their family was still out there, free. He needed to hunt him down himself. This wasn’t just business—it was personal. Artemis stood in his room, fastening the last button on his dark navy shirt. His suitcases were packed, his plane ticket ready, and his weapons secured in a private transport arranged through his European allies. He was leaving in less than two hours. A knock came at his door. “Come in.” Alexander stepped inside, his expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Alexander sighed and crossed his arms. “So, you’re really doing this.” Artemis nodded. “I have to.” “I know.” Alexander exhaled, running a hand throu
The Robinson and Fowl families had been waiting for this moment—the opportunity to dismantle the Marconi empire once and for all. The alliance they had built over the years, strengthened by Artemis’ connections in Europe, had finally borne fruit. The European authorities had executed a series of coordinated raids on the Marconi business empire, seizing assets, freezing accounts, and crippling their operations across multiple countries. But despite the victory, Alexander, Artemis, and their families knew better than to celebrate just yet. Because Valentin and Luca Marconi were still out there. Inside the Robinson estate’s private war room, the atmosphere was tense. A massive digital screen displayed real-time updates from their contacts across the globe—news reports of the European raids, intelligence from their allies, and surveillance footage of Marconi properties being seized. Alan Fowl, his expression unreadable, sat with Bronson Robinson at the head of the table. Both patriarc
The park was peaceful, filled with the laughter of children, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the occasional chirping of birds. The sun cast a golden glow over the scenery, making it the perfect place for a family outing. Alexander and Klarisse had decided to take Lucas and Liana out for the day, determined to enjoy a moment of normalcy despite the tensions surrounding them. Their twins were giggling as they ran across the playground, closely watched by their nannies. Alexander and Klarisse sat on a nearby bench, their hands intertwined as they watched their children play. It was one of those rare moments when they could pretend that their world was just like any other family’s—simple, safe, and free from the burdens of power struggles and enemies lurking in the shadows. But they knew better. Alexander had been trained to sense when he was being watched. Years of handling business, both legitimate and underground, had sharpened his instincts. He felt it the moment they arrived at
The morning sun was warm but not overbearing as Artemis and Allie stepped out of the black SUV, blending into the crowd of a busy shopping district. The streets bustled with life—couples on dates, families with children, and groups of friends chattering as they moved from shop to shop. The lively atmosphere was a stark contrast to the intensity of the past few days. Despite their attempt at normalcy, security was still tight. Unseen but ever-present, bodyguards trailed at a respectful distance, stationed strategically around the area. To the untrained eye, Artemis and Allie looked like any other couple enjoying a casual day out, but those in the know understood—*this was a calculated outing*. As they walked side by side, Allie glanced up at Artemis, noting how relaxed he seemed, hands tucked into his pockets, an easy smirk on his face. It was different from the composed and calculating man she had seen at meetings or when discussing business with Alexander. “Are you actually having
As Artemis and Alexander Robinson stepped out of the Marconi estate, a crisp night breeze greeted them, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of expensive cigars and aged whiskey from inside. The other mafia family heads followed, their murmurs a mixture of satisfaction and newfound respect for the Robinsons. The shift in power had been subtle yet undeniable, and despite the Marconis’ attempts to keep control, the tide had turned. The once grand and intimidating estate now felt more like a fragile house of cards, teetering on the brink of collapse. However, there was one thing that remained consistent—*the way the Marconi security watched them leave*. Luca Marconi’s fury had been evident, and while his father, Valentin, had masked his emotions well, it was clear that the Marconis would not accept this loss lightly. The security personnel standing around the estate’s perimeter had their eyes locked on the departing guests, their stances rigid, their fingers hovering dangerously cl
The grand dining hall of the Marconi estate was a spectacle of luxury, with towering chandeliers, gold-accented walls, and a long table set with the finest silverware. However, despite the opulence, there was an underlying tension in the air—one that even the rich aroma of wine and roasted meats couldn’t mask. Artemis and Alexander Robinson sat side by side, their posture relaxed but their minds alert. Across from them sat the Marconi patriarch, *Valentin Marconi*, his son *Luca*, and their closest ally, *Enrico D’Angelo*. A few other heads of the mafia families were present, but notably, their numbers were fewer than expected. Luca smirked, lifting his glass of wine in a mock toast. “To our esteemed guests, the Robinson brothers. You’ve certainly been keeping yourselves busy these past few months.” Alexander returned the gesture with a cool smile, though he didn’t drink. “Busy is a relative term, Luca. But we’re honored to be here tonight.” Artemis remained silent, his sharp eyes
The Robinsons and Fowls arrived back home a week after their supposed vacation, their return strategically planned to maintain the illusion that they had simply taken time away for leisure. The family’s private jets landed under the cover of night, ensuring minimal attention from prying eyes. Inside the Robinson mansion, Klarisse settled into the grand living room, watching the twins, Lucas and Liana, as they played with their toys. Allie sat beside her, casually sipping tea, though her eyes were alert. Neither of them could ignore the tension in the air. Alexander and Artemis had already left for a private meeting in the study, finalizing their strategy for the upcoming dinner with Luca Marconi. The next few days would be critical, and they all knew it. Angela and Kareen, the matriarchs of the Robinson and Fowl families, were also present, ensuring that everything ran smoothly in their absence. Though both women appeared calm, they were far from oblivious to the dangers ahead. An
The moment Artemis received the report from his European team, he knew that Luca Marconi had made his final mistake. Attempting to eliminate the Robinsons and Fowls from the Mafia world wasn’t just an act of aggression—it was an outright declaration of war. Standing in the secured command room of the Mediterranean estate, Artemis read the decrypted message once more, his grip tightening around the tablet. **"Marconi is reaching out to other families. Plans are in motion. If we don’t move fast, he may gain enough allies to strike first."** He exhaled sharply, his mind already racing with countermeasures. Marconi wanted to isolate them, turn the Mafia world against them. But what Luca didn’t understand was that Artemis had been preparing for this possibility long before he even stepped back into the Robinson family. Artemis wasted no time. He immediately reached out to his trusted contacts—powerful figures scattered across the globe. In Russia, the Petrov Syndicate. In Japan, the