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 evening air was crisp, carrying the scent of salt and the faint whisper of waves as Alex and Klarisse made their way back to the car. The glow of the setting sun still lingered, casting a warm hue over their surroundings. Klarisse walked quietly, her mind a storm of thoughts about the kiss they’d shared. It had been... electric. Real. A moment that felt too significant to ignore but too fragile to dissect right now.Without a word, Alex reached out, his fingers brushing against hers before entwining them together. Klarisse glanced up at him, startled, but he was looking ahead, his expression calm, almost serene. For a moment, she wondered if it was a conscious gesture or an instinctive one, but either way, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she allowed herself to savor the warmth of his hand in hers, even as her heart waged a quiet battle between hope and caution.The silence between them was not awkward but rather contemplative. They were both lost in their thoughts, processing the k
Dinner had been pleasant, at least on the surface. Alan and Angela Robinson were full of questions about Alex and Klarisse’s day out together, their curiosity laced with subtle hints about the expectations looming over them. Each query about how they had spent their time felt like a polite but persistent reminder of the ultimate "goal" their families had set for them. Klarisse smiled and nodded through most of the conversation, while Alex deflected with practiced ease, skillfully steering the discussion away from any baby talk.By the time they excused themselves and headed upstairs, Klarisse felt both relieved and on edge. Their bedroom, though spacious and elegant, seemed to grow smaller as they entered. It wasn’t the room itself that felt stifling but the weight of everything unsaid.“You can use the bathroom first,” Klarisse said quickly, her voice softer than usual.Alex nodded, giving her a brief smile before disappearing into the adjoining bathroom. The sound of running water a
The cool air of the night brushed against Klarisse as she stepped out of bed, her bare feet making soft padding sounds against the polished floors. The emptiness on Alex's side of the bed had jolted her awake, and a sinking worry grew in her chest. Where had he gone? She wrapped her robe tightly around her and ventured out into the dimly lit hallways of the Robinson mansion.Her search led her to the family den, where the faint, warm glow of a single lamp cast long shadows on the walls. There, she found Alex, sitting in one of the large leather chairs, a bottle of whiskey in his hand, nearly emptied. His white shirt clung to his form, wrinkled from the hours he’d spent lounging there, and his boxer shorts revealed his relaxed, almost careless state. He looked up sluggishly as she entered, his eyes glassy and unfocused.“There you are, my lovely wife!” Alex slurred, a lopsided smile spreading across his face as he struggled to stand. His movements were slow, uncoordinated, and he stumb
Klarisse stirred weakly under the covers, her body aching with an unusual heaviness. The room felt colder than usual, and even though the morning sun peeked through the curtains, it did little to warm her. Her throat was sore, her head pounding, and she could barely muster the strength to sit up. She hadn’t planned to take the day off from her responsibilities, but it seemed her body had made the decision for her. She was lying there, debating whether she could push herself to get ready, when the bedroom door flew open, startling her. Allie entered in a flurry of worry; her brows furrowed as she approached the bed. "Klarisse!" Allie exclaimed, her voice tinged with both concern and irritation. "Why didn’t you tell me you were feeling this awful? I’ve been texting you all morning!" Before Klarisse could respond, another figure appeared in the doorway. Alex stepped inside, his expression a mix of guilt and discomfort, his hands shoved into the pockets of his slacks. He avoided meetin
One evening, after a particularly exhausting day, Klarisse found herself lying there, half awake, nestled in the crook of Alex’s arm. He was holding her close, his warmth wrapping around her like a blanket. His steady breath against her cheek was oddly soothing, and Klarisse felt her pulse quicken in a way she couldn’t quite explain. The connection between them was shifting, and the idea of denying it felt almost impossible now. Without fully understanding why, Klarisse lifted her head slightly and pressed her lips to his. It was a soft, fleeting kiss, but in that moment, it felt like everything. Alex froze, his body stiffening at the unexpected contact. But when he pulled away slightly to look at her, Klarisse could see the surprise in his eyes, followed by something else—a flicker of desire that she had never seen before. “Klarisse,” Alex murmured, his voice low and unsure. “Are you sure about this?” Klarisse didn’t answer with words. Instead, she let her actions speak. She leane
The gentle warmth of Alex’s touch stirred Klarisse from her slumber. His fingers brushed against her forehead, checking for any lingering fever. Her heart raced, but she kept her breathing steady, her eyes firmly shut as if still caught in the grips of sleep. She wasn’t ready to face him, not yet—not after last night.The silence in the room was deafening. Alex’s movements were careful, deliberate, as if afraid to disturb her. He smoothed the blanket over her and adjusted the pillow under her head with a tenderness that sent a wave of conflicting emotions crashing over her. Klarisse’s mind replayed every moment of the night before—the kisses, the emotions they had both struggled to suppress, and the undeniable connection that had sparked between them.But now, in the stark light of day, she didn’t know how to face it—or him.She heard Alex sigh quietly, his weight shifting on the edge of the bed. He wasn’t rushing her awake. Instead, he seemed content to sit there, his presence a reas
The golden hues of the afternoon sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the master bedroom. Klarisse sat up in bed, her strength returning after days of Alex’s diligent care. She watched him move about the room, folding a spare blanket he had draped over a chair earlier. His movements were calm and deliberate, a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her. Klarisse had made up her mind. If there was ever a time to be honest with Alex, it was now. He had been open with her about Maxine, laying his heart bare despite the awkwardness it might have caused. She owed him the same level of honesty. “Alex,” Klarisse began, her voice soft but steady. Alex looked up, his brows knitting slightly in concern. “What is it? Do you need something?” Klarisse shook her head, clasping her hands together to steady her nerves. “No, I’m fine. I just… I need to tell you something. It’s important.” He hesitated for a moment before nodding, crossing the room to sit on the edge of
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