Elizabeth navigated cautiously through Adrian’s vast mansion, absorbing every detail with a blend of intrigue and discomfort. The lavishness of her environment was astonishing—an expanse of magnificent corridors decorated with art, elaborate chandeliers suspended from lofty ceilings, and the delicate, costly aroma that hung in the atmosphere. This was more than a residence; it served as a bastion of strength and authority, each nook reverberating with the mysteries of its mysterious possessor. Adrian’s estate was stunning, yet its quietness felt oppressive, as if every room contained a tale he wasn’t prepared to share. Although Adrian had fulfilled his promise to allow her to explore, Elizabeth realized he was not granting her complete freedom. She sensed the unnoticed watchfulness of the guards, constantly present yet in the background, along with the cameras subtly positioned throughout the area. She wasn't naive—she understood they would report her every action to Adrian. He grant
Elizabeth rested against the edge of her bedroom window, gazing out at the estate’s property, absorbed in her reflections. The recent days had been a flurry of revelations and hidden truths, and while she had learned about Adrian’s intricate network of power, it resulted in more uncertainties than clarity. Whenever she believed she had figured him out, Adrian would act unpredictably, causing her to lose her equilibrium once more. Today, on the other hand, seemed unique. The typically serene corridors were alive with a sense of unease. Guards hurriedly paced, their expressions tense, and the atmosphere buzzed with the sound of anxious chatter. Elizabeth felt a change in the environment, one that disturbed her. She observed as Adrian’s advisors and several unfamiliar men in sharp suits came, their faces serious as they were led into one of the mansion's conference rooms. Curiosity ate away at her. She had seldom witnessed Adrian amidst such a large crowd, and the seriousness of the mo
The atmosphere was heavy with tension as Mike, Leo, and Ryan assembled around the table cluttered with maps, surveillance images, and notes. They successfully located one of Uncle Nick’s nearest associates—a man called Victor Malone, a past partner of Adrian’s who had recently lost his standing. Thanks to Victor's cautious yet significant information, they gained a new insight into what could be happening behind Adrian's barriers. Mike's fingers drummed on the table in a steady beat while he reviewed Victor's details. They found that Adrian's impact was both extensive and intricate. His connections spanned various sectors, intertwining with both legitimate enterprises and less reputable activities. However, the most surprising detail suggested that Adrian did not kidnap Elizabeth out of spite or as a maneuver against their family. It was increasingly evident that they could have misinterpreted his intentions from the start. "This isn't merely a sick game he's engaged in," Mike whisp
The siblings entered the mansion, the tension evident as their boots reverberated through the expansive, vacant area. For an instant, they surveyed their environment, their gaze adapting to the faint illumination and opulent, though dusty, furnishings. The location didn’t really seem like Adrian’s, but there was no going back now. They were present to seek answers, and they were determined to locate Elizabeth, even if it required dismantling the house. As they stepped further into the living room, a sudden loud scream shattered the silence, halting them immediately. The brothers turned their heads toward the source of the noise. From a dim corridor, an old woman emerged, her expression contorted in fright as she grasped her chest, staring at the trespassers as though they were phantoms. “Who are you?” she yelled, her voice shaking as her eyes grew wide with fear. “What are you doing in my home?” Mike, who despises wasting time, stepped forward, his frown becoming more pronounced.
Elizabeth walked back and forth in her room, her thoughts swirling with doubts and inquiries. Since discovering those documents in the library that unveiled parts of Adrian’s network and ties, she had been eager to confront him. She found herself unable to cease revisiting everything she had absorbed in her thoughts—the specifics that linked Adrian to individuals from her history, and the odd sense of familiarity that had bothered her ever since their encounter. There was an additional aspect to this man, something she felt compelled to comprehend. Summoning her bravery, she ultimately resolved that it was time for clarification. She rushed out of her room, heading down the elegant staircase to Adrian’s study. She discovered him there, just as she anticipated, sitting at his desk surrounded by a heap of papers, his face unreadable. “Adrian, we have to discuss something,” Elizabeth stated, her tone strong and resolute. Adrian glanced upward, his gaze connecting with hers in that sam
Elizabeth was surprised when Adrian arrived at her door that morning with an unforeseen suggestion. “I was thinking we might go out,” he remarked, his voice unexpectedly gentle. "You've been indoors for too long." "A bit of shopping could be beneficial for both of us." Elizabeth looked at him with suspicion, uncertain about his intentions. However, following the intense revelation about her mother, her heart felt burdened, filled with questions she couldn't figure out how to respond to. She had been feeling cornered, with no options available, and the thought of escaping—even briefly—was too enticing to ignore. “Okay,” she answered, maintaining a neutral tone, although a hint of curiosity sparked inside her. Moments later, they found themselves in his glossy black car, the view outside transforming from gentle hills to lively urban roads. Adrian’s chauffeur navigated the traffic skillfully while Elizabeth gazed out the window, taking in the sights and sounds. It seemed odd, nearl
The days after their shopping excursion started to blend together in a new way for Elizabeth. After all she had gone through, she never thought she would feel so comfortable with Adrian. However, she found herself engaged in discussions with a man she used to see as her captor, but now she was starting to consider him as a possible family member. One night, following a late meal, Elizabeth discovered herself strolling down the corridor towards Adrian's office. The glow seeping from beneath the door brought her a feeling of ease, almost like a welcoming gesture. She hesitated for a moment before gently raising her hand and knocking. "Enter," said Adrian in his familiar, composed voice. Pushing the door, she discovered him sitting at his desk, reviewing some papers. Glancing upwards, he appeared pleasantly surprised by her presence. "Did you have trouble sleeping?" he inquired, with a kind smile on his face while motioning towards the chair opposite him. Elizabeth raised her shoulde
Mike, Leo, and Ryan were filled with anticipation as they faced their uncle Nick in the poorly lit room. This was their third consecutive visit within three days, and they had abandoned any attempts at being subtle. They were seeking answers urgently. Nick had been hard to pin down, leading them on a chase while he explored the power he had in his dull life behind bars. But today, Nick's face showed a new expression that the brothers had never seen - a fatigue, a sense of acceptance. He appeared weary, almost beaten, with a look in his eyes hinting that he was ready to open up. "What brings you back here, boys?" Nick spoke with a quiet, disinterested tone, yet his eyes sparkled with interest. He was aware of precisely what they desired. Mike leaned in, his hands tightly closed on the table. "Nick, it's time to stop playing games." We have finished being polite. Either disclose Elizabeth's location to us, or we will leave and ensure you never witness daylight again. Nick laughed, a
Elizabeth's Point of ViewAs the car pulled up in front of the house, a smile spread across my face, lighting up my entire being. I could barely contain the excitement bubbling inside me. After everything—after the surprises, the time spent in Paris, the love from Black, and everything else in between—I was finally going back home.Home.There was something so comforting about returning to the familiar, the place that had once felt so chaotic but now felt like a refuge. I couldn’t wait to see my dad and my brothers again. They’d all been so supportive, and I couldn’t help but wonder what they had planned for my birthday.It felt surreal, knowing that I was about to turn twenty. Two decades of life, with all the ups and downs. But this moment—this was the best birthday I could have ever asked for.I stepped out of the car, holding my puppy gently in my arms, and walked toward the door with a skip in my step. Each footstep brought me closer to the people who mattered most in my life. Th
Elizabeth's Point of View"Everything ready?" Black asked me as I snuggled my new puppy closer to my chest, feeling her little body warm and soft against my skin.It’s been a month now since we left everything behind and went on our little escape to Paris. The memories we made here were unlike any other, and I cherished each moment. The Eiffel Tower, the cafés, the romantic walks under the Parisian sky—it had all felt like a dream. But all good things must come to an end, and now, it was time to go home.“Yeah, everything’s packed,” I replied, walking around the room to double-check that nothing was left behind. I couldn’t help but smile. It was a bittersweet feeling, knowing that this chapter was closing. But I was also eager to get back to my family.Home was waiting, and it was time to reunite with them after everything that had happened. My father had called earlier, telling me that Mr. Black was trying to take me away from him, and it made me laugh. I knew how possessive my dad c
Rose’s Point of ViewThe air felt warmer than usual as Mike’s car hummed softly along the road. My fingers twisted nervously in my lap, the soft fabric of my dress bunching between my fingertips. I glanced at Mike every few moments—his calm expression as he drove, the faint smirk he wore like it was second nature, and the way his strong hands gripped the steering wheel.I didn’t understand him.“Why?”The word slipped out before I could stop myself.Mike glanced at me briefly, his voice soft as he replied, “Why what?”“Why are you being so kind to me?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady. I didn’t dare look at him now; instead, I focused on the houses blurring past outside the window. “You’ve been like this since the first day we met.”For a second, there was silence—just the soft hum of the car and the faint music playing from the radio.Then he said it.“Because I like you, and I want to take you on a date.”His voice was so casual, so matter-of-fact, that for a moment I though
Mike’s Point of ViewI leaned back in my office chair, exhaling a long breath as I scrolled through my phone. My sister Elizabeth’s picture popped up—her smiling face glowing brighter than the Parisian lights in the background. She looked so happy, holding that tiny white puppy in her arms, Mr. Black standing proudly beside her.She looked like Mom.That smile, those eyes—they reminded me of the mother we lost far too soon. I set my phone down with a quiet sigh, my fingers brushing over the stack of papers on my desk. No matter how chaotic life got, seeing Elizabeth happy always brought me a strange kind of peace.“Mr. Mike?”I turned my head toward the soft, almost hesitant voice coming from the door. Rose stood there, her small hands fiddling nervously with the hem of her dress. Her wide eyes peeked up at me shyly, and I couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at my lips.“Yeah, Rose?” I said softly, leaning back in my chair.She hesitated for a second before speaking. “Um, today
Elizabeth’s Point of ViewThe sunset cast streaks of gold and pink across the Parisian skyline as I stood by the balcony, staring at the Eiffel Tower. The view was breathtaking—unreal, almost—but nothing felt as dreamlike as this moment.Behind me, the faint rustle of fabric caught my attention. I turned to see Mr. Black walking toward me, his hands tucked casually into the pockets of his tailored slacks. He had changed into a crisp white shirt, the sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal his strong forearms, and his top two buttons left undone.It wasn’t fair how effortlessly handsome he looked.“You’re staring,” he teased, his lips curving into a slow smile.I blushed and turned back toward the balcony, pretending to focus on the view. “No, I’m not.”“Liar,” he murmured.I felt his presence behind me before he touched me—a soft warmth that sent a shiver down my spine. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me gently against him, and rested his chin on my shoulder. I melted int
Elizabeth’s Point of ViewWarm lips pressed against my cheek, then my nose, and finally my forehead, stirring me awake. I giggled, scrunching my face and swatting lightly at the culprit.“Stop it,” I murmured with a laugh, trying to push Mr. Black’s face away as he hovered over me, peppering me with kisses.“Good morning to you too,” he teased softly, his voice deep and smooth like melted chocolate. “You didn’t complain last night when I was being this affectionate.”I blushed at his words and shoved him playfully. “You’re insufferable.”He grinned that roguish grin that always did something to my heart, sitting back slightly so I could sit up. I stretched, the soft sheets pooling around me as I blinked, trying to take in the elegant room we were in.Paris. We had arrived in Paris.Two hours ago, we stumbled into this hotel room after a long trip, too tired to do much more than crash onto the bed. But now, the light pouring through the balcony windows revealed the beauty I had missed
Alexander's point of View The shots echoed through the building, sharp and final. I didn’t need to be there to know what had happened. Victor Hale was dead, and my boys had finally done what needed to be done. I leaned back in the chair, a slow exhale slipping past my lips.It wasn't exactly. More like relief—the kind of relief that settled deep in your bones after years of carrying a weight too heavy to bear.Adrian sat next to me, his fingers drumming idly on the armrest. He looked calm, but I knew better. Guilt sat heavy on his shoulders, and no amount of time could erase it.“Where’s my little Elizabeth?” Adrian’s voice broke the quiet. He smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes.I let out a low chuckle. “Not so little anymore. She’s off with that man—Mr. Black.”Adrian’s brow furrowed slightly, but the smile returned. “And you’re fine with that?”“She’s in love with him,” I replied simply, a smile tugging at my lips. “He makes her happy. That’s all I care about.”M
Mike’s Point of ViewThere was a kind of satisfaction that came with this moment—a deep, twisted feeling of triumph as we stared at the man who’d torn our family apart. It wasn’t the kind of happiness that lit up your soul; no, this was darker. Sharper. A vengeance that burned in our veins.Victor Hale. The man who’d orchestrated our sister’s suffering, who’d sent our mother into an early grave, all because of jealousy. My mother’s sister Amanda had fallen into his trap years ago, and in her delusion, she’d joined him. But Victor… he was the mastermind. The cancer that ate away at our family until nothing was left but pieces.And tonight, we were finally going to end him.The room stank of sweat, blood, and concrete. Leo was the first to go at him. Every punch he landed echoed against the walls, and Victor grunted with each impact, his face swelling more with every blow. But the bastard… he was still smirking, as if he wanted to die.With every punch, I felt something inside me come
Adrian's Point of ViewThe dim light from the single hanging bulb flickered as I leaned against the chipped wall, staring at Victor Hale. Beaten, bruised, and bound to the chair, he still managed to look smug. His lip was cracked, his face swollen, but his arrogance hadn’t disappeared.“Your biggest nightmares are coming,” I told him, my voice low and cold.Victor let out a short, bitter laugh, his bruised face twisting into a smirk. “They’re finally coming, huh? Took them long enough. Must be a family reunion.”His words grated on me, but I didn’t let it show. Men like Victor thrived on getting under people’s skin. He wanted a reaction, something to latch onto so he could twist it into his favor.“I don’t think you understand what’s coming for you,” I said, pushing off the wall. My boots echoed against the cracked concrete floor as I stepped closer. “You sold my niece, shattered her life, and sent my sister—your precious Amanda—down a road she’ll never come back from. You’re going to