As she wandered through the house, she stopped in the kitchen to grab an apple before continuing her exploration. She paused to admire the portraits lining the walls. The most they had done to tidy this area was dust the photographs and ensure plastic covers were securely in place over the furniture. Running her hand along a table in the hallway, she admired the decorative pieces and pictures. At the end of the hallway, she turned a corner to discover a tall, intricately designed door adorned with gold embellishments. For a moment, she hesitated, wondering how Alexander would react if he found her wandering the unused part of the mansion. He had begun to trust her more, and she didn't want her curiosity to jeopardize that. Yet, if he was hiding a beast behind a rose under glass, she felt it was essential to know. She pushed open the door and stepped inside, immediately sensing a shift in the atmosphere. This section of the house felt like a museum; however, this room seemed frozen i
Nancy continued, reminiscing about their lives before the 'family business' came to dominate their existence. "We were a proud family raised in nobility, living a life of luxury and having everything we desired. We owned properties, businesses, a yacht, and several sports cars." She shrugged nonchalantly. "I would have given it all up just to have my husband back, to not be left a widow." She raised her arms, as if to express her uncertainty. "I met Alexander's father when we were very young, and we had known each other for nearly our entire lives. Our families collaborated closely, building relationships and partnerships in business. We vacationed together, amassed great wealth, but I suppose we drew the wrong kind of attention," she continued. "They killed him to seize his power. My husband was one of the most formidable men of that time, with politicians and judges eating out of his hand. He could go anywhere, be anyone, and everyone adored him." A small laugh escaped her lips at
"Sometimes," Nancy conceded, "but there's no way our children would have experienced such a fate. Alexander was vibrant and full of life as a boy, and Karla and I were the closest of friends. We knew they would grow up in loving households and eventually fall for each other. It wasn't so much an arranged marriage as it was a certainty that they were meant for one another." Jenny nodded in understanding as Nancy carefully set the photo frame back among the other pictures organized on the mantle. Dressed in a flowing basil-colored gown that swayed gracefully around her ankles, Nancy exuded elegance that beautifully highlighted her figure. "Karla and Rein," Nancy said, her voice trailing as memories washed over her. She stared at the picture as if Jenny didn't exist. "We never found their children. We suspect they were taken for ransom but were likely killed when no one could figure out how to contact someone for the money. We searched tirelessly for years, investing significant time a
When up, the moonlight streams through her room's window, casting a bright glow on the wooden floors and illuminating her white bed sheets. She sits up slowly, reaching for the glass on her bedside table and taking a careful sip of water. Since her conversation with Nancy, she has felt a persistent dizziness and a sense of nausea, emotions she has tried to keep hidden. The possibility of being someone else—someone significant—feels daunting. She recalls the story her family often told her during her childhood: a vague tale about finding her in an unnamed location and saving her from a life filled with horrors. As she grew older, her imagination invented various scenarios. Sometimes, she envisioned herself as a baby in an orphanage, where her mother volunteered and instantly knew she had to take her home. Other times, she fantasized about drifting down a river in a basket or mysteriously appearing on their doorstep. Julius always claimed they had walked downtown and heard her crying f
When their lips finally meet, her eyes flutter shut. For a moment, she is so overwhelmed by the sensation of kissing someone she genuinely desires, lost in the possibilities of choice and attraction, that she cannot move. Alexander stays still, and the fear that he might pull away sends her pressing closer, rising onto her toes to angle her mouth against his. At her show of consent, Alexander's grip deepens, pulling her body flush against his, their hips bumping together. She wraps her arms around his neck, longing to feel closer to him. In one fluid motion, his hands slip beneath her thighs, lifting her up so she can wrap her legs around his waist. As Alexander brushes his tongue against hers and lets out a deep moan, he lifts Jenny effortlessly across the porch, placing her on the counter beside the grill. His hands grip her waist firmly, drawing her closer to him. She can feel his arousal pressing against her core, but instead of feeling sick or fearful, desire pulses within her.
Upon arriving at the carnival, a mixture of popcorn, cotton candy, and gasoline filled the air. Jenny tugged on Alexander's arm, leading him to the ticket stand where he purchased wristbands for both of them, granting access to any ride they wished to enjoy. "Georgina!" someone shouted, suddenly colliding into her. The impact knocked the breath out of her, and when she pulled back, she was greeted by the beaming face of Malia. "You came!" Jenny blinked at her, momentarily surprised before a smile broke out across Malia's face. Though Malia's hair had grown longer, everything else about her felt familiar, evoking memories of the first time Jenny had entered the bar, trying to persuade Malia and Dolf to let her in. "Just kidding," Malia continued, "Alexander told us your real name. I just wanted to keep you on your toes." A laugh bubbled up from Jenny's chest despite her caution. A moment later, Dolf appeared behind Malia, resting his hand on her shoulder. "Jesus, Malia," he said,
Still hearing the distant clamor of people, Jenny surmises she must be close to the carnival. She had been so eager to spend time with her friends after a month that began with considerable stress but had turned remarkably peaceful. Just when she least expected it, Luther had warmed up to her, and they had quickly become close friends. The last few days spent with Alexander had been the most wonderful moments she'd experienced since Richard had been in her life. Alexander made her feel genuinely safe, and with each day, their feelings for one another deepened. Our date! Jenny blinks as she recalls that Alexander had taken her to the carnival on a date. Suddenly, Julius drops his hands to his sides upon realizing she's awake. He had tried to rouse her for several moments, worried that he had struck her too hard with the large rock he found outside next to the off-site bathroom where he'd dragged her. He even attempted to shake her, but nothing had worked. Julius felt an overwhelming
Some time later, Jenny was jolted awake by a harsh slap to her face. As she looked around, confusion swept over her; she didn't recognize her surroundings. Julius was a master at taking her far from anyone who could offer help. She dared not make a sound, unsure of Julius's current mood. It felt like a miracle if she could somehow escape this situation alive. Julius narrowed his gaze at her, a menacing smile creeping onto his lips. "I guess you'll have to tell your boyfriend that you're a whore," he taunted, chuckling to himself as he poured a drink. Jenny's throat felt dry and parched; it seemed like hours since she had anything to drink. Envy washed over her as she watched him sip the cool liquid. "Cat got your tongue, princess?" he jeered, trying to gaslight her. "I'm thirsty," she managed to reply. "Yeah, you are!" He laughed cruelly, delighting in her discomfort. Reluctantly, Julius offered her a small sip. "Not too much now. We wouldn't want you regaining your strength, w
One year later."Thank you for coming," the lawyer said, glancing down at his paperwork while adjusting his predictably dull brown suit. Alexander sat beside Jenny, comforting her with a squeeze of her hand. Both were dressed more formally than necessary for the occasion, as they had a significant event to attend afterward."I understand it's been nearly a year since the passing of Eduardo, Jessica, and Julius Swift. We appreciate your patience while we collaborated with the police and other authorities to settle the estate. We are now prepared to proceed with the distribution."Alexander offered Jenny a reassuring squeeze of her hand and exchanged a supportive glance before she turned her attention back to the lawyer, eager to hear what she stood to inherit from her parents."Eduardo Swift's will stated that his entire estate was to be passed on to his wife, Sharon. However, due to her absence during the initial sorting, the estate was set to enter the public domain. Fortunately, a r
As Alexander finally stepped into the room, he laid eyes on Jenny for the first time in days. Guilt had overwhelmed him, fearing she might not survive the attack. He was both shocked and awed by Jenny's bravery when she pushed him aside and took those bullets with such courage. Never before had he witnessed such an act of selflessness, especially from someone so close to him.Alexander replayed the day's events repeatedly, haunted by the memory of Jenny being shot three times by Jessica, who was supposed to be her sister. But then again, Alexander considered, no one in her adoptive family had truly been family to her, except perhaps her mother.He often wondered if he could have acted differently but always arrived at the same conclusion. Jenny was unpredictable—a trait he admired but which also made it difficult for him to protect her from those who wished her harm, particularly Bloody Sapphire and her adoptive family.He could never grasp their family dynamic. How could they treat h
Consciousness rushes back to Jenny like a tidal wave. It's as if she's awakened in the midst of a snowstorm, or as if her body is engulfed in flames. Every nerve in her body screams, reminding her she's alive. Alive.Once the initial flood of overwhelming sensations subsides, she begins to notice the details in the room. First, she feels a smooth, small hand in hers, then hears the rhythmic beeping of a heart monitor to her right. The scent of antiseptic fills the air, and she suddenly realizes her mouth is incredibly dry."Water?" she croaks, managing to pry her eyes open, finding Malia standing above her, her hand shaking in Jenny's."Oh my god," Malia exclaims, turning and shouting into the hallway. Jenny flinches back into the pillow, unable to catch all of what Malia says, but it results in a swarm of medical professionals entering, all looking perplexed. Jenny feels like joking about the gunshots being a surprise to her, too, but her dry mouth prevents her from speaking properly
"But—" Jenny began as Jessica lifted the gun toward her. She raised her hands in a gesture to halt Jessica. Her plan would fail miserably if Jessica shot her now, something she might actually do. Jenny glanced at Nancy and Luther, the guilt almost overwhelming. If they hadn't met her, they wouldn't be caught in this tragedy. Drawing a deep breath, she steadied herself."Let them go.""What?" Jessica said, her tears momentarily halting as unkempt hair fell across her shoulder. It was nothing like her usually impeccable style."Listen," Jenny urged, closing her eyes. "There's a safe behind that painting. It holds enough money to give you the life you dream of."Jenny had discovered the safe one day while cleaning and had hurried out to keep Alexander from knowing she saw it. She had once watched him access the safe, revealing stacks of cash and gold."If you release them," Jenny continued, sensing Jessica was listening intently. "I'll tell you the code. Alexander shared it with me in ca
Meanwhile, Jenny arrived back at the sprawling log mansion, which served as Alexander's secluded retreat for himself, his most trusted allies, his mother Nancy, and Luther. Her heart tightened with worry at the thought of innocent, defenseless Luther. It was her fault he was caught in this predicament. She needed to act quickly to save that precious boy; otherwise, nothing would ever be the same for anyone involved.She hurriedly stepped out of the car she had commandeered and sprinted along the path toward the mansion's entrance. Gazing up at the moon, she whispered a silent prayer for Luther, recalling the sparkle in his eyes and his sweet, warm smile, before stepping into whatever chaos awaited beyond those doors.A wave of dread washed over her as she entered. The mansion was littered with fallen guards. Moving quietly into the foyer, she navigated around Alexander's fallen crew, careful and respectful of the somber scene.A soft, choked sob emanated from the center of the mansion
"As soon as I'm done with work," Alexander had reassured him, wrapping Luther in a warm embrace. "I'll come right back. You and me, we'll go fishing, okay?"Luther nodded, hugged him tightly, and told him to enjoy his fishing trip. Alexander kissed his head, oblivious to the idea that someone might find Luther there. He reproached himself now for not fortifying security, knowing he had plenty of enemies. What had he said to Jenny about it?"People with a lot of enemies are usually crushed under that weight. People with a lot of enemies sometimes get set on fire."The vision of his home, his son, and his mother in flames filled him with blinding rage and anxiety. He shoved past a few allies in his haste, knowing he'd apologize later, once he knew Luther was safe. Few in the Dark Wolves, apart from Lemuel, Malia, and Dolf, even knew of his son. Rushing past Anton on a stretcher, Alexander couldn't focus on anyone other than Luther.He skidded to a halt in front of his SUV just as his ph
"Yeah," Alexander replies, moving behind the bar in search of a good bottle of whiskey. Lemuel settles onto one of the barstools. Meanwhile, their team continues rolling up bodies and taking them to the incinerator they had discovered—likely used by the Bloody Sapphire for disposing of their unwanted. It's a more discreet option than transporting truckloads of bodies to the river with dawn approaching."He must have caught wind," Alexander speculates, shaking his head as he pours their drinks. Even though the operation went as smoothly as planned, he can't shake the feeling that something is missing. He knows he won't rest until the head of this adversarial group is found and eliminated.Just then, Alexander spots a shadow moving stealthily through an upper area of the tavern he hadn't noticed before. Without a second thought, he raises his gun and fires, certain that none of their men would move with such secrecy. If they had discovered access to a concealed upper floor, they would h
The Bloody Sapphire were taken completely by surprise when Alexander and his team arrived at their location shortly after three in the morning. They had sent two men ahead to release poison gas into the tavern, with Lemuel assisting the team in fitting their sleek gas masks securely before they entered, allowing the gas time to disperse.Inside, nearly every man in the main area of the bar was found slumped over tables or crumpled on the floor. Alexander's team swiftly eliminated them with silenced bullets, avoiding any unnecessary delays. True to his promise, Alexander ensured the women were left unharmed. He noticed them collapsed over the men, some unconscious with a man's hand inappropriately placed.The women were carefully removed from the pile of bodies and moved to the side, where they were handcuffed to a radiator, in case any harbored loyalties to their group. After the situation was controlled, they planned to bring Jenny in to speak with them, hoping they would recognize h
Jenny catches a glimpse of Dolf and Julius still clashing across the room but disregards them as she lunges at her father's legs, knocking him down hard. She hears the sound of his chin hitting the ground along with a muffled curse before scrambling back on top of him. This time, she aims for his eyes, but he raises his forearms to block her fingers. A primal rage surges through her, a tidal wave of anger.As she lashes out, the memories of all he's put her through flood her mind: Julius's assault, the constant surveillance from the bodyguards, his refusal to believe her even when the truth was self-evident, blaming her for her mother's death, and punishing her by sending her to work for the Bloody Sapphire as if it were an appropriate response.Jenny rains down her fists and elbows upon him, aware that she's screaming but feeling disconnected from the sound escaping her throat. She feels like a whirlwind, a tornado, a storm poised to engulf him. She wants him to experience every ounc