Emma's POVEthan We’d crossed a line tonight, and I wasn’t sure if it was too late to turn back. Damian had finally shown his hand, and now it was clear: this wasn’t just about power or control. This was personal."Ethan, I don’t think we have much time," I said, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me. "Damian’s not just playing games anymore. He’s making his move."Ethan turned to face me, his eyes burning with a mix of fury and resolve. "I know. And we’re going to stop him."I felt my heart beat faster, not in fear, but in determination. For too long, I had been pushed around, controlled by forces I didn’t understand. But no more. I was done being a pawn in someone else’s game. Tonight, I was going to take back control.Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the building. We all turned at the same time, the noise coming from the hallway. I knew instantly that this wasn’t a coincidence. Damian had set something in motion."Stay close," Ethan whispered, his voice calm but
Emma's POVThe drive back to the estate was quiet, the kind of silence that carried the weight of everything left unsaid. I glanced at Ethan from the corner of my eye. He was focused on the road, his jaw set and his knuckles white as they gripped the steering wheel. He hadn’t spoken a word since we left the warehouse, and I couldn’t tell if it was anger, relief, or something else entirely.As we pulled into the long driveway, I saw the faint glow of lights in the house. Something about it felt off. It wasn’t just the tension from the events of the night; it was a new energy, something unfamiliar.Ethan parked the car and stepped out, his movements precise and controlled. I followed, my nerves on edge as we approached the front door.“I’ll check inside first,” Ethan said, his voice low. He unlocked the door and stepped in, his body language alert.I stayed close behind him, my eyes scanning the dimly lit foyer. The house felt different—quieter, but not in a comforting way. It was as th
Emma's POVI stood in the kitchen the morning after the attack, staring at the steaming mug of coffee in my hands. The house was quieter than usual, but not in a peaceful way. It was the kind of silence that followed chaos, filled with tension and the weight of unspoken words.Ethan and Kiera were in the study, hashing out plans to deal with the Syndicate. I wanted to help, but part of me felt out of place, like I didn’t belong in their world of strategy and violence.I took a sip of coffee, trying to focus on anything but the swirling thoughts in my mind, when a knock at the door pulled me from my trance."Emma," Kiera’s voice called out. "Someone’s here for you."I frowned, setting the mug down and walking toward the foyer. My footsteps slowed as I saw who it was.Standing in the doorway, dressed in a sleek black coat and holding a designer handbag, was a woman I hadn’t seen in years. Her sharp green eyes—so much like my own—studied me with a mix of curiosity and coldness."Caroline
Emma’s POVThe limousine glided through the city streets, the soft hum of the engine the only sound breaking the soft silence between Ethan and me. I kept my gaze fixed on the window, watching the blurred lights of New York City. My thoughts were a jumble of frustration, confusion, and fear. “Why are we going to the Ethan estate?” I asked, breaking the heavy silence.Ethan didn’t look at me. His sharp jaw tightened as he adjusted his cufflinks. “Because it’s time you understood the full extent of our arrangement.”My stomach churned. His cryptic answer only deepened my unease. But pressing him further would yield no results. Ethan revealed information on his terms, and I hated that about him.When the car finally pulled into the sprawling estate, I felt a lump in my throat. The Ethan mansion was as imposing as its owner—grand, cold, and intimidating. Two security guards opened the massive doors, revealing the expansive marble-floored foyer.As we stepped inside, a tall, slender woman
Emma’s POVNathan’s smile faded as he stepped closer, his piercing gaze locked onto mine. “Why are you so quiet? than I expected,” he said, his voice smooth but laced with mockery. “Tell me, Emma, how much do you actually know about the man you married?” “I know enough,” I replied, refusing to let him intimidate me. Nathan chuckled, a low sound that made me uneasy. “Do you? Or has my dear brother kept you in the dark like he does everyone else?” “Stop,” Ethan barked, his voice sharp. “This isn’t your business, Nathan.” Nathan turned to him, unfazed. “Isn’t it? You’ve dragged the Ethan name through enough scandals already. Now you’ve married a woman who’s caught Damian’s attention. Do you even understand the mess you’ve created?” “This has nothing to do with the family,” Ethan said through clenched teeth. “Leave her out of it.” Nathan ignored him, his focus returning to me. “Emma, has he told you why Damian hates him so much?” I hesitated, glancing at Ethan, who was now
Emma’s POVThe mention of Delilah’s name had set off a storm neither of them seemed prepared for. I sat quietly, trying to make sense of the bombshell Nathan had just dropped. “Delilah?” Ethan finally said, his voice low but sharp. “You’re sure about this?” Nathan scoffed, crossing his arms. “Of course I’m sure. Do you think I’d come here without solid evidence?” “What evidence?” Ethan demanded, stepping closer to his brother. Nathan reached into his briefcase and pulled out a folder, slamming it onto the table. “This. Emails, bank transfers, conversations she had with Damian. She’s been feeding him information for months.” Ethan grabbed the folder and flipped through its contents, his expression growing darker with each page. I watched as his jaw tightened, his knuckles white as he gripped the papers. “This doesn’t make sense,” Ethan muttered. “Why would she do this? What’s in it for her?” “Revenge,” Nathan said simply. Ethan looked up, his eyes narrowing. “Revenge fo
Emma's POV“Ethan doesn’t deserve your loyalty, but I do.”* I hadn’t told Ethan about the call yet. I wasn’t sure if I should. Damian’s offer was vague but chilling, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The door creaked open behind me. I turned to see Ethan enter, his expression unreadable. “You’ve been quiet all evening,” he said, closing the door behind him. I hesitated. “I’ve been thinking.” “About?” I walked to the desk, running my fingers along its edge. “About everything. Damian, Delilah… us.” Ethan’s gaze hardened. “What about Damian?” I swallowed, unsure how to approach this. “He called me.” Ethan froze, his jaw tightening. “When?” “Earlier tonight,” I admitted. “He said he wanted to make me an offer.” “What kind of offer?” Ethan asked, his voice sharp. “He didn’t say,” I replied. “He just said you don’t deserve my loyalty, but he does.” Ethan slammed his hand on the desk, making me jump. “That bastard.” “I didn’t know if
Emma’s POVEthan estate was unusually quiet, the kind of silence that only seemed to precede chaos. Ethan’s mood had grown colder, more complicated, as the days passed. The leaked documents, the growing pressure from the media, and Damian’s relentless attacks had worn him down. I could see it in the tightness of his jaw, the way he paced endlessly in his study, and the sharpness in his words. “Do you think Damian is done?” I asked Ethan as we sat in the study. He barely looked up from the papers spread across his desk. “Damian’s never done. As long as he thinks there’s a chance to win, he’ll keep coming.” “Then why don’t we end this?” I asked, leaning forward. “Go directly to him and confront him.” Ethan glanced at me, his eyes narrowing. “Because Damian doesn’t play fair. Confronting him on his turf would only make things worse.” “So, what’s the plan?” Ethan leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair. “I’m working on it.” “Working on it?” I repeated, frus
Emma's POV The top floor of the high-rise felt like an arena, and Damian stood in the center, commanding the room with his smug presence. Ethan’s jaw tightened, his every movement deliberate and calculating. Chloe and I stood a few steps behind him, while Martin flanked the group, his sharp eyes scanning for threats. “Let me guess,” Damian began, his tone mocking. “You’re here to make some grand speech about justice, truth, and taking back control.” Ethan didn’t take the bait. “You’ve had plenty of chances to back down, Damian. This is your last one.” “Back down?” Damian scoffed, gesturing dramatically to the panoramic view of the city behind him. “Why would I back down when I’m on the verge of winning? Look around, Ethan. This city, this game—it’s mine now.” “It’s over,” Ethan said firmly. “We’ve got evidence tying you to everything—the bribes, the extortion, the sabotage. Walk away now, and maybe you’ll have a sliver of dignity left.” Damian’s smirk faltered, but only for
Emma's POV Ethan slammed the door to the study, the sound reverberating through the large estate. I stood by the window, arms crossed, waiting for him to speak. His frustration was palpable, but I wasn’t about to back down. “What were you thinking, Emma?” he snapped, his voice low but intense. I turned to face him, meeting his glare with equal fire. “I was thinking that sitting around and waiting wasn’t going to solve anything. I’m tired of being a bystander in my own life.” “You put yourself in danger!” Ethan shot back, pacing the room. “Do you have any idea what could’ve happened if Chloe hadn’t shown up when she did?” “I know exactly what could’ve happened,” I replied, my voice steady. “But if I hadn’t gone, we wouldn’t know half of what Damian is planning.” Ethan stopped pacing, his jaw tight as he stared at me. “You’re too reckless.” “And you’re too controlling,” I countered, taking a step toward him. “This isn’t just your fight, Ethan. It’s mine too. Whether you lik
Emma's POV Damian stood across from me, his gaze sharp and calculating, as if he could read every thought running through my mind. His men flanked him, their expressions impassive, but I could feel the weight of their presence. This wasn’t just a confrontation anymore. It was a battle—a battle for control, for power, for my future.“You’ve been quiet, Emma,” Damian said, his voice smooth, almost too calm. “What’s on your mind?”I crossed my arms over my chest, refusing to let him see the unease creeping under my skin. “I’m thinking about how this ends, Damian. And it’s not going to end the way you want it to.”He chuckled, the sound echoing off the cold concrete walls. “You’ve always been a fighter. But it’s cute how you think you have any control here. I hold all the cards, Emma. And you know it.”I met his gaze without flinching. “You might have the cards, but I’m not the one playing this game anymore. Ethan is.”Damian’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but it was enough
Emma's POV Damian watched me with the kind of twisted satisfaction that made my stomach churn. His smile didn’t reach his eyes, and his hands rested casually in his pockets as if this was all just a game to him. “You’ve got Ethan’s stubbornness,” he said, his tone amused. “But I wonder—does it run deep enough to save you?” “I don’t need saving,” I replied sharply, narrowing my eyes at him. Damian chuckled, the sound echoing in the hollow space. “Oh, Emma. You’re standing in a trap, and you don’t even know it.” “What do you want from me, Damian?” I asked, my voice as firm as I could manage. He stepped closer, the smile fading from his lips. “I told you. I want to send Ethan a message. And you’re going to deliver it for me.” “I’m not your pawn,” I snapped, my fists clenched at my sides. “Everyone is a pawn in someone else’s game,” he said simply. “The question is whether you’re smart enough to realize it.” ---Before I could respond, one of Damian’s men reached out, gri
Emma's POV Emma leaned against the edge of the balcony, the cold metal railing grounding her as she stared at the sprawling city below. Ethan’s estate was perched high above the chaos of the world, a quiet haven that offered a false sense of security. She could still hear the weight of his words echoing in her mind: *“Damian’s declared war, and he’s using you to do it.”* Her grip tightened on the railing as anger bubbled within her. “When does it end?” she whispered to herself. The answer, of course, was clear—it didn’t. Not with Ethan, not with Damian, and certainly not with the secrets swirling around her life like a storm. “Talking to yourself, Mrs. Blackwood?” Ethan’s voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and unyielding. Emma didn’t turn to face him. “I’m trying to figure out what kind of mess I’ve landed in this time.” The faint sound of his footsteps grew louder as he approached, stopping just short of her side. “This isn’t your mess,” he said firmly. “It’s mine, and I’
Emma POV Ethan and Emma was , sharp enough to cut through the stillness. Emma’s hands trembled slightly as she rested them on the edge of the table, trying to steady herself. Ethan stood across from her, his expression unreadable, though his piercing gaze was locked on hers.“You’re upset,” Ethan said, his voice low and controlled, though his calm demeanor was deceptive. Beneath it, Emma could sense the storm brewing.“Upset?” she replied, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. “You think that’s what this is? I’m tired, Ethan. Tired of the secrets, the manipulation, and the lies.”Ethan didn’t flinch. Instead, he leaned against the edge of the desk, his stance casual, but the sharpness in his tone betrayed his composure. “Lies? I’ve told you nothing but the truth.”Emma scoffed, crossing her arms. “Your version of the truth, maybe. You twist everything to suit yourself, Ethan. That’s not honesty.”He straightened, his frame towering over her, and for a moment, his eyes softened.
Ehan’s POVEvelyn’s presence in the estate felt like inviting a fox into the henhouse. She sat in the living room, her sharp eyes darting between Nathan, Kiera, and me as though she were calculating every possible way to escape if things turned sour. She’d finally agreed to help us, but trusting her felt like walking a tightrope. “You’ve had time to think,” I said, sitting across from her. “Now, I need results.” Evelyn crossed her legs and leaned back in her chair, her calm demeanor betraying nothing. “You’ll get results, Ethan, but let’s not forget that this goes both ways. If I hand over Lucas’s secrets, I expect full protection.” “You’ll have it,” I said curtly. “But if you’re withholding anything—” “I’m not,” Evelyn interrupted, her tone sharp. “But Lucas doesn’t operate on trust. He’s built his network like a fortress. It won’t be easy to dismantle.” Nathan scoffed from where he leaned against the wall. “Then it’s a good thing we’re not afraid of a challenge.” Evelyn’
Emma’s POVThe morning after Ethan and Nathan’s high-stakes escape was eerily calm. I woke up to find Ethan already gone, likely holed up in his study. The tension of the past few days lingered in the air, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to get worse. When I entered the study, Ethan was standing by the window, staring out at the sprawling estate grounds. His shoulders were tense, and the folder with “Project Phoenix” was open on the desk beside him. “You’re up early,” I said softly, closing the door behind me. Ethan glanced over his shoulder, his face grim. “Couldn’t sleep.” I approached the desk, glancing at the papers spread across it. “Is it bad?” “It’s worse,” he admitted. “Lucas isn’t just rebuilding Damian’s network. He’s expanding it. If this goes unchecked, everything we’ve fought for will be gone.” I picked up one of the documents, scanning the details. The names of high-profile individuals jumped out at me—politicians, CEOs, people with po
Emma’s POVThe house was still when I awoke. I rolled over, expecting to see Ethan beside me, but the bed was empty, the sheets cold where he should have been. A faint light glowed under the door, suggesting he was up early again. This had become his new routine—late nights and early mornings, no doubt trying to piece together Damian’s lingering mess. Wrapping myself in a robe, I padded quietly down the hallway and toward the study. The door was slightly open and I could hear Ethan’s voice inside. “No, that’s not enough,” he snapped. “If they’re regrouping, we need more intel—something we can use to cut them off completely.” I paused, peering inside. He was on the phone, pacing back and forth, his back to me. “I don’t care how long it takes. Find out who’s funding them now.” I knocked lightly, and he turned, his eyes softening slightly when he saw me. “I’ll call you back,” he muttered into the phone before hanging up. “Who was that?” I asked, stepping into the room. “Jus