Cassie’s POVMy hand hovering just above the doorknob. Something was off, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Emma had always been the strong one between us, but lately, her strength seemed more like a mask. And Ethan? He was the kind of man who could turn a quiet day into chaos with nothing but his presence. I pushed the door open and stepped inside, the faint smell of coffee drifting from the kitchen. “Emma?” I called, setting my bag down by the couch. No answer. I walked through the house, my nerves twisting. Emma wasn’t the type to just disappear without saying something, especially not with all the tension that had been hanging in the air lately. When I reached the living room, my stomach tightened. Her phone was on the table, next to a half-empty cup of tea. The tea was cold. Whatever had pulled her away, it hadn’t been planned. I grabbed her phone, scrolling through the recent calls. The last name that appeared made my skin crawl—Damian. A chill ran down m
Cassie POVThe cold air wrapped around me like a warning as I stepped out of the event. The city buzzed with life, but my thoughts were tangled in the web of secrets that Ethan and Damian had spun around Emma. She was walking briskly ahead, her movements sharp and filled with purpose.“Emma, wait!” I called, quickening my pace to catch up with her.She didn’t stop, didn’t even turn. “Don’t, Cassie. I don’t need another person trying to protect me.”“Is that what you think I’m doing?” I asked, my voice calm as I finally caught up to her. “I’m trying to understand what’s going on. You’re my best friend, Emma. I’m not just going to stand by while you get caught in the crossfire.”Emma stopped, her shoulders stiff as she turned to face me. Her eyes were red, not from tears but from frustration. “I don’t even know what I’m caught in, Cassie. And no one is telling me the truth.”I placed a hand on her arm, trying to steady her. “Then let’s find out together. Whatever Damian and Ethan are hi
Emma’s POVThe card sat on the table in front of me, its weight far heavier than its thin paper. Damian’s message was clear: if I wanted answers, I had to meet him on his terms. But what if I didn’t like what I found out?Cassie paced the room, her frustration spilling into every sharp step. “This is a trap, Emma. You know that, right?”I sighed, rubbing my temples. “I don’t have a choice. Damian’s the only one willing to give me answers, even if they come with a price.”“You don’t trust him,” Cassie said firmly. “And you shouldn’t. Damian doesn’t just give information. He uses it to manipulate people.”I looked at her, my resolve hardening. “I need to know the truth. About Ethan, about why Damian’s so obsessed with me. I can’t keep living in the dark.”Cassie stopped pacing, her expression softening. “Then I’m coming with you.”“No,” I said, shaking my head. “I need to do this alone.”“You can’t trust him, Emma,” she argued. “What if he tries to hurt you?”“I’ll be careful,” I promis
Nathan’s POVI stepped into the black SUV waiting near the alley. Elena was already inside, her fingers flying across her tablet as she pieced together the fragmented files we had taken from Damian’s hidden room.“We don’t have time for this,” I muttered, slamming the door shut. “Damian’s not going to sit back and let us walk away with all that evidence.”Elena glanced up at me, her brow furrowed in concentration. “This isn’t just evidence, Nathan. This is his entire operation. Blackmail material, financial records, deals with his so-called allies. It’s enough to bury him.”I clenched my jaw, my mind already calculating our next move. “And it’s enough to put Emma in even more danger. We need to move fast.”Ethan climbed into the SUV moments later, followed by Emma, who looked pale but determined. She was quiet, her gaze fixed on her hands.“Drive,” Ethan said sharply.The driver didn’t need to be told twice. The car lurched forward, the city’s dim lights flashing past the windows.“Da
Emma's POVEvery passing moment felt like another thread of control unraveling from the web Ethan had spun around me. His cryptic warnings about Damian, the vague promises of truth, and the weight of his secrets—everything felt like a cage I didn’t know how to escape.I sat by the window in the guest room, staring at the garden below. The vibrant colors of the flowers seemed almost mocking in their brightness. This estate was a beautiful prison, and Ethan was the warden who refused to release me.The soft knock at the door startled me. I turned to see Cassie peeking her head in, her expression a mix of worry and determination.“Are you okay?” she asked, stepping inside without waiting for an answer.“I don’t know,” I admitted, hugging my knees to my chest.Cassie closed the door behind her and crossed the room, sitting on the edge of the bed. “This isn’t like you, Emma. You’ve always been strong, even when things fell apart. But now… you look like you’re drowning.”I sighed, resting m
Emma’s POVThe cold air of the night bit at my skin as I stood near the edge of the estate, staring into the dark woods. The wind whispered through the trees, carrying with it a strange feeling of unease. I had been feeling it all day—the weight of everything that had happened, the lies, the secrets, the constant feeling of being trapped in a world that didn’t seem like my own anymore.I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to block out the thoughts that kept spinning in my mind. There was so much I didn’t know. Ethan had told me about Damian, about the past they shared, but it wasn’t enough. Damian was after something, and I was at the center of it all. And I needed to understand why."Emma," I heard Ethan’s voice call out from behind me. I turned to see him standing in the doorway of the house, his figure barely visible in the dim light. "What are you doing out here?"I sighed, feeling the weight of everything pressing on me. "I needed some air," I said, my voice quiet, almost defe
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 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