“Alex!” Klarisse shouted, her voice trembling with desperation. She gently closed her eyes and collapsed, her body giving in to exhaustion and despair.“Boss, what are we going to do with her?” one of the men asked, looking down at Klarisse’s unconscious form.The boss smirked, a sinister gleam in his eyes. “Alex, you have no idea. You chose to save your ex over your wife. What a wonderful scene,” he sneered, relishing the unfolding drama.Alex was stunned, realizing the gravity of his mistake. No one had even mentioned Maxine until he rescued her. “No, something’s wrong,” he mumbled, his mind racing with conflicting emotions.Maxine opened her eyes, her vision blurred with tears. Seeing Alex, she sobbed, “You came, thank you so much.” She reached out and hugged him tightly, her relief palpable.But Alex was torn, his heart heavy with guilt and confusion. He stared into the distance, barely acknowledging Maxine’s embrace. “Klarisse,” he whispered, his voice filled with regret.*******
Allie felt miserable for Klarisse, who had done everything to avoid her fate, but it kept chasing her, forcing her to choose between her family and herself. “Allie, if I go through with this marriage, what about my business? I don’t want you to get tired managing it,” Klarisse stated. Allie chuckled. "Klarisse, you don’t have to worry about me. Besides, you are paying me," she replied with a laugh. Klarisse playfully slapped her arm."Yeah, but you’re still my best friend. I don’t want to see you all haggardly; it’s not good for your beauty. I hate seeing you tired. You’re losing glamor points." she teased. Allie rolled her eyes and shot her a mock death glare, but Klarisse hugged her from behind and kissed her cheek."Eww, gross!" Allie exclaimed."Duh, I’m just so sweet," Klarisse retorted. Their banter was interrupted when a new customer entered the café. Both of their eyes turned to the glass door, now held open by a man dressed in all black. "Wow, he’s cool," Allie commented
“I’m sorry, Mom. I need more time to figure out my decisions in life,” Klarisse mumbled as she parked her car and headed to another branch of her café. She owned multiple branches of Klarisse’s Café around the area.“Good morning, ma’am,” the guard greeted her.She smiled warmly. “Good morning. I’m just going to check some things here.”The guard nodded as she walked inside. The café was bustling with customers, which brought her a sense of pride. It made her happy, but a wave of sadness washed over her as she remembered her twin sister, Klara, was no longer alive to share in her success. The happiness was bittersweet.“Klara, if you were here, I know you’d be happy to see how well the café is doing, I know you’d be proud to see my hard work paying off,” she whispered to herself.Just then, the manager spotted her and called out, “Klarisse! It’s great to see you here.”Klarisse forced a smile and walked over. “Hi, I just wanted to see how everything’s going. It looks busy.”“Really we
It was already dark, and Klarisse was on her way home to their mansion, a knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. She knew she needed to speak with her parents about her decision regarding the arranged marriage. Lost in thought, she spotted a car stopped at the corner ahead, with a man waving urgently as if in need of help.“Who is that?” she mumbled to herself, curiosity piqued. Her initial instinct was to keep driving—strangers on dark roads often meant trouble. But as she approached, the man stepped into the center of the road, forcing her to come to a halt.“Hey! Are you crazy?!” she shouted, feeling a mix of irritation and fear.The man, wearing a cap that partially obscured his face, responded sharply, “I am not crazy, but you are. You’re ignoring someone who needs help.”Klarisse squinted, trying to place where she might have seen him before. “Wait, do I know you?” she asked cautiously. But her curiosity got the better of her.The man looked up, and recognition flickered acros
"Alex, you're here again," a man said, greeting Alex with a friendly bump of fists.Alex smiled, his expression warm. "Of course. Is Maxine home?"The man nodded, a knowing look in his eyes. "Yeah, she's inside."Alex made his way to the small, humble house, knocking gently on the door."Who is it?" a woman's voice called out from within."It's me, aunty," Alex replied, his voice tinged with familiarity and affection.The door opened swiftly, revealing an older woman whose face lit up with excitement. "Alex! What are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, her eyes twinkling."I came by to see Max. Is she here?" Alex asked, a note of urgency in his tone.The woman's expression shifted subtly, a mix of hesitation and concern. "Oh, she's inside her room," she said, stepping aside to let him in."Thank you," Alex said with a nod and made his way to the small, humble house. He gently knocked on Maxine's door before pushing it open.Inside her room, Maxine was sitting at a small wooden de
Klarisse got home, the familiar warmth of her childhood home surrounding her. The maids greeted her with smiles, their presence a comforting routine. “Where are Mom and Dad?” she asked, her voice carrying through the hallway, a mix of weariness and determination.Her parents, Alan and Kareen, heard her voice from the dining room, where they were quietly finishing their meal.“Klarisse, is that you?” Alan called out, hope and anxiety mingling in his tone.Klarisse heard them and walked towards the dining room, feeling a mix of nervousness and resolve. Her parents' faces lit up with joy and relief at the sight of her. As she entered, her mother stood up, a relieved smile spreading across her face. She wrapped Klarisse in a warm, tight hug."You’re finally here," Kareen said, her voice thick with emotion, holding her daughter tightly as if she might vanish again.Klarisse returned the hug, feeling a brief moment of comfort before the weight of her decision settled back on her shoulders.
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
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