Thomas sat in his car outside the office for a moment before heading inside. His encounter with Isabella had left him rattled, and the tension in his chest hadn't eased. He clenched the steering wheel tightly, replaying their conversation in his mind. There was something off about her, something unsettling. After taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the car and made his way to the office. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the building as he entered. The usual hum of activity greeted him, but it felt distant, muffled by the weight of his thoughts. Greg was waiting for him near his office. “She left, but I doubt it’s the last we’ll see of her,” Greg said grimly. Thomas nodded. “We need to keep an eye on this. Let security know she’s not allowed in without my approval.” “Understood,” Greg replied. “Do you think she’s after something specific?” Thomas frowned. “It’s too soon to tell, but I don’t trust her motives. Make sure the team knows to stay alert.” Gre
The next few days passed without any sign of Isabella, and for the first time in a while, Thomas allowed himself a moment to breathe. He had taken every precaution, ensuring that his family and company were protected. Security was on high alert, and the team had strict instructions to report any unusual activity. Thomas sat in his office, reviewing reports, when Greg walked in with an update. “Morning, Thomas,” Greg said, holding a small envelope. “This just came in for you.” Thomas frowned, taking the envelope. It was plain, with no return address. He opened it carefully, pulling out a handwritten note. The message was brief: I’ve decided to leave. You’ve made yourself clear. Best of luck to you and your family. It was signed simply, Isabella.Thomas stared at the note, his jaw tightening. He handed it to Greg, who read it quickly. “Do you think she means it?” Greg asked. Thomas leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the desk. “It’s hard to say. Isabella’s un
The days rolled on, quieter now, yet Thomas couldn't shake the feeling that peace was fragile. Isabella’s note replayed in his mind, each word sharp and deliberate. Her sudden retreat didn’t sit well, but he wanted to believe it was genuine. That morning, the office buzzed with routine energy, a stark contrast to the tension that had dominated in recent weeks. Thomas stood by the window, the city stretched out before him. His reflection in the glass mirrored his unease. “Thomas,” Greg’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You’ve got a moment?” Turning, Thomas waved him in. Greg carried a file, his expression unreadable. “Still nothing from Isabella,” Greg began, setting the file on the desk. “But there’s a small issue we need to discuss. It’s probably unrelated, but I’d rather not dismiss it outright.” Thomas frowned, flipping open the file. Inside were photographs of security footage of a woman entering a building downtown. Her face was obscured by shadows, but the resemblan
The days that followed were calm, a welcome change from the whirlwind Thomas and his family had endured. The quiet felt foreign at first, as if the tension of recent weeks still lingered in the air. Yet, with each passing day, Thomas allowed himself to lean into the stillness. Morning sunlight spilled through the office windows as Thomas sat at his desk, a steaming cup of hot coffee in hand. His schedule was mercifully light, leaving him with time to catch up on work that had been neglected. Greg knocked softly before stepping inside. “Morning, Thomas. Thought I’d check in.” Thomas gestured for him to sit. “Morning. Everything good on your end?” Greg nodded, handing over a file. “Security reports, just routine checks. No issues to note.” Thomas flipped through the pages, scanning the concise updates. He closed the file and set it aside. “Thanks, Greg. Let’s keep the protocols steady for now, but I think we can start scaling back gradually.” “Will do,” Greg said, standing
The air in the house was soft and warm, filled with the quiet hum of everyday life. Thomas sat in his study, the faint scratching of his pen on paper the only sound breaking the stillness. He wasn’t working on contracts or plans tonight. Instead, he was writing a letter a habit he’d taken up recently. There was something grounding about the simplicity of writing by hand, capturing thoughts with ink. He leaned back, reading over the lines. The words felt honest, reflecting the steady gratitude he’d grown to carry each day. Folding the letter, he tucked it into his notebook and set it aside. The clock on the wall showed it was nearing Lily’s bedtime. Thomas rose, stretching as he made his way to the living room. Emma was curled up on the couch, a book in her hands. Her hair was pulled back loosely, and she looked up with a smile when he walked in. “Finished your writing?” she asked, closing her book. Thomas nodded, settling beside her. “For now. How’s your story coming along?”
Thomas stood by the window in the living room, watching the sun climb higher into the sky. The light danced on the glass, and for a moment, he felt a calmness settle deep inside him. Emma appeared, carrying pancake. She handed one to him and leaned against the window frame, gazing outside. “It’s a beautiful day,” she said, her voice gentle. Thomas nodded, taking a sip. “It is. Feels like a good day for something simple.” Emma glanced at him, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Something simple? What did you have in mind?” “Nothing planned,” he admitted. “Maybe just letting the day unfold, spending it with you and Lily.” Emma tilted her head thoughtfully. “I like that idea.” From the hallway, Lily’s voice called out, breaking the quiet. “Mommy, Daddy! Can we have pancakes for breakfast?” Emma chuckled, pushing off the window frame. “Guess that’s how we’ll start.” Thomas followed her to the kitchen, where Lily was already dragging a chair to the counter. Her hair was
The morning came quietly, with the first light spilling through the windows like a gentle invitation. Thomas woke up,for a moment, he stayed in bed, watching Emma as she slept. Her face was peaceful, framed by the soft tangle of her hair. He didn’t want to disturb her. Rising carefully, he dressed and stepped out into the hallway. The house was still and calm. He passed Lily’s room, peeking in to find her sprawled across her bed.Her small snores made him smile. In the living room Thomas sat on the couch savoring the quiet place.These moments had become precious to him, a time to breathe before the day unfolded. Something caught his eye: a picture of three figures standing under a tree, holding hands. A sun and a smiling cloud hovered above them. At the bottom, in wobbly letters, she had written, “My family”. Thomas picked up the drawing, his chest tightening with emotion. This simple piece of art felt like a reflection of everything they’d built together. “Daddy?” Lily’s voi
Chapter 1 Prologue Emma's life has never been easy, Nevertheless, she has always been happy. She may not have everything in life But her mum makes sure she is satisfied with the little they have. Emma has grown up without a father, without a luxurious life, and in a house that is about to fall on them but what she has never lacked in her life was her mother's care. Her mother Mrs. Williams always prepared her for the world. This cruel world is ruthless and also full of dangerous people. She never believes this until she encounters them. Now she must decide whether to follow her mother's advice or not. Her mum's contract papers were stolen. People who invested in the business were on their necks which led to her Mother's illness that required surgery. She has to try so much to raise some money for the surgery but to no avail. A crazy idea has become the solution. Emma Williams: 20-year-old girl with a heart of gold, admirable and humble. Her sweetness is impressive, and her uniqu
The morning came quietly, with the first light spilling through the windows like a gentle invitation. Thomas woke up,for a moment, he stayed in bed, watching Emma as she slept. Her face was peaceful, framed by the soft tangle of her hair. He didn’t want to disturb her. Rising carefully, he dressed and stepped out into the hallway. The house was still and calm. He passed Lily’s room, peeking in to find her sprawled across her bed.Her small snores made him smile. In the living room Thomas sat on the couch savoring the quiet place.These moments had become precious to him, a time to breathe before the day unfolded. Something caught his eye: a picture of three figures standing under a tree, holding hands. A sun and a smiling cloud hovered above them. At the bottom, in wobbly letters, she had written, “My family”. Thomas picked up the drawing, his chest tightening with emotion. This simple piece of art felt like a reflection of everything they’d built together. “Daddy?” Lily’s voi
Thomas stood by the window in the living room, watching the sun climb higher into the sky. The light danced on the glass, and for a moment, he felt a calmness settle deep inside him. Emma appeared, carrying pancake. She handed one to him and leaned against the window frame, gazing outside. “It’s a beautiful day,” she said, her voice gentle. Thomas nodded, taking a sip. “It is. Feels like a good day for something simple.” Emma glanced at him, her lips curving into a soft smile. “Something simple? What did you have in mind?” “Nothing planned,” he admitted. “Maybe just letting the day unfold, spending it with you and Lily.” Emma tilted her head thoughtfully. “I like that idea.” From the hallway, Lily’s voice called out, breaking the quiet. “Mommy, Daddy! Can we have pancakes for breakfast?” Emma chuckled, pushing off the window frame. “Guess that’s how we’ll start.” Thomas followed her to the kitchen, where Lily was already dragging a chair to the counter. Her hair was
The air in the house was soft and warm, filled with the quiet hum of everyday life. Thomas sat in his study, the faint scratching of his pen on paper the only sound breaking the stillness. He wasn’t working on contracts or plans tonight. Instead, he was writing a letter a habit he’d taken up recently. There was something grounding about the simplicity of writing by hand, capturing thoughts with ink. He leaned back, reading over the lines. The words felt honest, reflecting the steady gratitude he’d grown to carry each day. Folding the letter, he tucked it into his notebook and set it aside. The clock on the wall showed it was nearing Lily’s bedtime. Thomas rose, stretching as he made his way to the living room. Emma was curled up on the couch, a book in her hands. Her hair was pulled back loosely, and she looked up with a smile when he walked in. “Finished your writing?” she asked, closing her book. Thomas nodded, settling beside her. “For now. How’s your story coming along?”
The days that followed were calm, a welcome change from the whirlwind Thomas and his family had endured. The quiet felt foreign at first, as if the tension of recent weeks still lingered in the air. Yet, with each passing day, Thomas allowed himself to lean into the stillness. Morning sunlight spilled through the office windows as Thomas sat at his desk, a steaming cup of hot coffee in hand. His schedule was mercifully light, leaving him with time to catch up on work that had been neglected. Greg knocked softly before stepping inside. “Morning, Thomas. Thought I’d check in.” Thomas gestured for him to sit. “Morning. Everything good on your end?” Greg nodded, handing over a file. “Security reports, just routine checks. No issues to note.” Thomas flipped through the pages, scanning the concise updates. He closed the file and set it aside. “Thanks, Greg. Let’s keep the protocols steady for now, but I think we can start scaling back gradually.” “Will do,” Greg said, standing
The days rolled on, quieter now, yet Thomas couldn't shake the feeling that peace was fragile. Isabella’s note replayed in his mind, each word sharp and deliberate. Her sudden retreat didn’t sit well, but he wanted to believe it was genuine. That morning, the office buzzed with routine energy, a stark contrast to the tension that had dominated in recent weeks. Thomas stood by the window, the city stretched out before him. His reflection in the glass mirrored his unease. “Thomas,” Greg’s voice broke through his thoughts. “You’ve got a moment?” Turning, Thomas waved him in. Greg carried a file, his expression unreadable. “Still nothing from Isabella,” Greg began, setting the file on the desk. “But there’s a small issue we need to discuss. It’s probably unrelated, but I’d rather not dismiss it outright.” Thomas frowned, flipping open the file. Inside were photographs of security footage of a woman entering a building downtown. Her face was obscured by shadows, but the resemblan
The next few days passed without any sign of Isabella, and for the first time in a while, Thomas allowed himself a moment to breathe. He had taken every precaution, ensuring that his family and company were protected. Security was on high alert, and the team had strict instructions to report any unusual activity. Thomas sat in his office, reviewing reports, when Greg walked in with an update. “Morning, Thomas,” Greg said, holding a small envelope. “This just came in for you.” Thomas frowned, taking the envelope. It was plain, with no return address. He opened it carefully, pulling out a handwritten note. The message was brief: I’ve decided to leave. You’ve made yourself clear. Best of luck to you and your family. It was signed simply, Isabella.Thomas stared at the note, his jaw tightening. He handed it to Greg, who read it quickly. “Do you think she means it?” Greg asked. Thomas leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the desk. “It’s hard to say. Isabella’s un
Thomas sat in his car outside the office for a moment before heading inside. His encounter with Isabella had left him rattled, and the tension in his chest hadn't eased. He clenched the steering wheel tightly, replaying their conversation in his mind. There was something off about her, something unsettling. After taking a deep breath, he stepped out of the car and made his way to the office. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the building as he entered. The usual hum of activity greeted him, but it felt distant, muffled by the weight of his thoughts. Greg was waiting for him near his office. “She left, but I doubt it’s the last we’ll see of her,” Greg said grimly. Thomas nodded. “We need to keep an eye on this. Let security know she’s not allowed in without my approval.” “Understood,” Greg replied. “Do you think she’s after something specific?” Thomas frowned. “It’s too soon to tell, but I don’t trust her motives. Make sure the team knows to stay alert.” Gre
Thomas woke up early the next morning, the pale light of dawn spilling through the curtains. He lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling, his mind heavy with thoughts about Isabella. The day before had stirred memories he’d long pushed away, but now they refused to leave him. Emma shifted beside him, still asleep, her breathing soft and even. He glanced over at her peaceful face and sighed quietly. He hated the idea of dragging her into something she hadn’t asked for, but there was no way around it.Slipping out of bed carefully, he made his way to the kitchen. The house was quiet as he put on the kettle, the faint hum of the appliance filling the space. He poured himself a cup of coffee and sat at the table, hands wrapped around the warm mug. His thoughts wandered back to Isabella. Why had she resurfaced? What did she want from his family or his company? It didn’t sit right. He had seen her kind before people who created trouble and disappeared, only to return when it suited th
Thomas sat at his desk, the soft hum of his office as background noise. The morning had been busy with meetings, and now the afternoon sun was filtering through the blinds, casting long shadows across the room. His fingers drummed lightly on the edge of his desk as he glanced over the contract in front of him. He had been reviewing the details all morning, ensuring everything was in order before signing. His phone rang, breaking his concentration. He reached for it and answered with his usual professional tone. “Hello, Thomas speaking.”“Hi, Thomas. It’s Greg. I’ve got an update on the contract deal,” Greg’s voice came through, sounding slightly rushed. Thomas sat up straighter. “Go ahead. What’s the news?”“Well, it looks like everything is good on our end,” Greg continued. “We’ve gone over the terms again, and it seems like they’re willing to move forward with the deal. Just waiting on the final signatures.”“Good to hear,” Thomas said, his mind already moving to the next steps.