Hey, How do you think about the book?
Julian changed into a fitted, dark-grey crew neck T-shirt, the soft fabric molding to his broad shoulders and toned physique. Paired with black lounge pants that hung casually on his hips, the outfit was simple yet refined, embodying his effortlessly commanding presence. He ran a hand through his tousled hair and took a deep breath. The private investigator he had hired to look into his parents’ murder would arrive shortly. He had chosen to keep the investigation quiet—discretion was paramount. He didn’t know who could be trusted, and secrets, he had learned, had a way of being betrayed. The door opened, and Theo entered. “He’s here, waiting in the lounge.” Julian nodded and followed him out. The lounge, nestled in the eastern wing of the villa, was his private sanctuary for handling sensitive matters. The room had witnessed his darkest moments and most critical decisions, and its connection to the hidden garden—the site of his parents’ murder—only added to its somber atmosphere
Marcus's Underground LairMarcus paced the dimly lit room, his anger simmering just below the surface. The hearing bud lay silent, its connection severed. His attempts to reach Alexa had failed, and the silence gnawed at him. With a sharp motion, he swept the bottles off the table, sending them crashing to the floor. "You conniving idiot," he snarled, his voice venomous. "Is this what you’ve been plotting all along?" Turning sharply, he barked, "Nelson! Disconnect the hearing bud and any other links to the lair. Now." Nelson sprang into action, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, sir. Cutting off all connections. The device will be useless now—just a shell with no traceable records." Satisfied, Marcus stormed into another room. Inside, monitors glowed in the darkness as one of his men worked diligently. "I’ve tracked his movements, sir," the man reported without looking up. "No suspicious activity yet, but we’re keeping close tabs." Marcus's lips curled into a grim
Marcus's Underground LairMarcus paced the dimly lit room, his anger simmering just below the surface. The hearing bud lay silent, its connection severed. His attempts to reach Alexa had failed, and the silence gnawed at him. With a sharp motion, he swept the bottles off the table, sending them crashing to the floor. "You conniving idiot," he snarled, his voice venomous. "Is this what you’ve been plotting all along?" Turning sharply, he barked, "Nelson! Disconnect the hearing bud and any other links to the lair. Now." Nelson sprang into action, his fingers flying over the keyboard. "Yes, sir. Cutting off all connections. The device will be useless now—just a shell with no traceable records." Satisfied, Marcus stormed into another room. Inside, monitors glowed in the darkness as one of his men worked diligently. "I’ve tracked his movements, sir," the man reported without looking up. "No suspicious activity yet, but we’re keeping close tabs." Marcus's lips curled into a grim
Alexa's eyes widened in surprise at Julian’s unexpected words. Can he really be her friend? She hadn’t expected kindness from him, especially after everything that had just happened. Her cheeks flushed as she nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Y-yes."A genuine smile spread across Julian's face, and he gently squeezed her hands. "I'm glad," he said, his eyes crinkling with warmth, softening the intensity she had always associated with him.They both stood up, and Julian led her out of the room. With every step, a surprising sense of ease washed over Alexa. She couldn’t believe it—this was Julian, the man who had once intimidated her, now offering his kindness so effortlessly.As they entered the living room, Miss Yvonne looked up from her book, a surprised expression crossing her face. "Alexa, dear, how are you feeling?" Her voice was filled with concern.A grateful smile tugged at Alexa's lips. "I’m feeling better, thank you, Miss Yvonne," she replied, her voice steadier than befor
Theo's jaw tightened as he observed Julian and Alexa from a distance. His boss, usually aloof and exacting, was suddenly warm and accommodating to the new maid. It didn’t make sense. Something about the way Julian looked at her, spoke to her—it unsettled Theo in ways he couldn’t explain.His fingers brushed the edge of his earpiece, his voice sharp and low. "Derrick, meet me in the east corridor. Now."Moments later, Derrick appeared, his expression calm but curious. "Yes, sir?"Theo leaned in slightly, his voice dropping further. "Keep an eye on Alexa," he ordered. "Discreetly. And make sure Julian doesn’t catch wind of it."Derrick’s eyebrows lifted, a flicker of surprise breaking through his composed demeanor. "The maid?" he asked, though he quickly schooled his features and nodded. "Understood."Without another word, Derrick turned on his heel and strode away, leaving Theo alone. His eyes darkened as they tracked back to Julian and Alexa. Who are you really, Alexa? he thought. The
Julian adjusted the crisp collar of his tailored navy suit, the sheen of the Italian fabric catching the morning light streaming through the villa windows. A pristine white shirt complemented the ensemble, with a deep crimson tie adding a bold accent. His polished black Oxford shoes clicked softly on the marble floor as he crossed the room. Theo entered without knocking, as was his custom, holding a leather-bound planner. "Your schedule for today, sir," he began. "You'll be meeting with the investigator again. This time, not here but at a private location, as arranged." Julian nodded, his sharp eyes focused on Theo, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He was replaying fragments of the cryptic words Dr. Patel had shared with him the day before: "The answers you’re looking for aren’t just hers—they might be yours, too." A knock at the door pulled him from his reverie, and Alexa entered, a delicate tray balanced in her hands. Her smile was hesitant, her movements precise as she appr
Alexa walked through the villa hallways, her thoughts swirling as she headed to Miss Yvonne’s room. She still couldn’t wrap her mind around Julian’s recent kindness. He had been cold and distant at first, a man with walls so high she doubted anyone could climb them. But lately, he had surprised her—not just with his words, but with his actions. Why is he being so kind? she wondered. A small, unfamiliar warmth stirred in her chest. It was strange, almost unsettling, to be treated with such consideration. Her thoughts shifted to Marcus, and the warmth quickly dissipated. She shuddered as memories of his cruel words and punishing threats surfaced. Marcus had always used her like a pawn, reminding her that she was expendable, dispensable. The bruises he left weren’t always physical, but they hurt just the same. Alexa clenched her fists. Marcus will find out I’ve failed him. Her chest tightened at the thought. The stolen jewelry hidden in her room and the misplaced hearing aid loomed
The door to Dr. Patel’s office opened, and Alexa walked in with the nurse, her face pale but resolute. She sat down across from the doctor, glancing nervously at Julian. The air felt heavy with anticipation, and her hands clenched tightly in her lap. Dr. Patel cleared his throat, holding a clipboard with her test results. “Alexa, the results are ready. I can explain them here with Julian present, or we can discuss them privately if you prefer.” Alexa hesitated, her pulse quickening. A part of her wanted privacy, but another part sought the stability Julian’s presence brought. “No,” she said, her voice steady but soft. “You can tell me here.” Julian didn’t say a word, but when Alexa’s nerves began to show in the slight tremble of her hands, he reached over and clasped her hand in his. He didn’t even realize he’d done it until she looked down at their entwined fingers. Her wide eyes met his, but neither pulled away. Dr. Patel raised an eyebrow, a faint smile crossing his lips befo
Morning sunlight illuminated the polished surfaces of Julian’s private office, casting a golden glow on the tension that hung in the air. Julian sat at his desk, leaning forward with an intense expression as Mr. Lee, his trusted investigator, stood across from him.“Dante’s movements are peculiar,” Mr. Lee began, placing a file on the desk. “He’s been visiting various inns, hotels, and guesthouses. Quietly, but not without leaving traces.”Julian’s brow furrowed as he flipped through the file. Photographs and reports detailed Dante’s visits, dates and times meticulously noted. “What’s he doing? Could this be related to Alexa? Or the watch?”Mr. Lee nodded slowly. “It might be. From what we’ve gathered, it seems he’s searching for someone. And we believe it’s a woman.” He
Miss Yvonne sat at the edge of her bed, her frail frame leaning heavily against the pillows. Despite her discharge from the hospital, her body felt weak, her movements slow and deliberate. She was home, but her heart weighed her down even more than her illness.Theo had visited her that morning, updating her on the turmoil that had unfolded at the villa. His words painted a picture of chaos—Julian’s wrath, Alexa's situation, and the strange bond between Julian and Alexa. The news had shaken her deeply. She had always known Julian as a man of control and strategy, but this? This was personal, and it was tearing him apart.The thought of Julian suffering silently tugged at her heart, but it was Alexa who worried her the most. The girl seemed lost, burdened with secrets and sorrows too heavy for her young shoulders.With a soft sigh, Miss Yvonne rose, clutching h
Julian stormed into his command center, his face like thunder, his fury palpable in the air. His team of guards and security personnel scrambled to follow his rapid-fire orders. The betrayal had ignited something deep within him, a fire that would not be extinguished until Marcus was found and brought to his knees.“Have you locked down all exit routes?” Julian barked, his sharp gaze sweeping over his team.“Yes, sir,” Theo replied, stepping forward. “All international and local airports have been notified. Marcus’s name has been flagged, and any attempt to board a flight will be immediately reported. We’ve also intercepted multiple bookings under fake identities, all leading back to him. He’s grounded.”Julian’s eyes narrowed. “And yet you still haven’t found his location?”T
Julian’s hands tightened into fists as he paced the length of his study, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. The golden watch, gleaming under the dim light, sat on the desk, an unspoken reminder of the betrayal he hadn’t seen coming. His thoughts churned with fury. Someone was after his watch—an item that held an irreplaceable place in his heart—and it had to be her. He stared grimly at her. His breathing was heavy, his chest heaving with the effort to contain the storm of emotions swirling inside him. Of all the people in the world, why did it have to be her? His gaze flickered back to Alexa, who stood trembling near the door, her face pale and tear-streaked. He wanted to demand answers, to unleash the storm of emotions tearing him apart, but the lump forming in his throat stopped him. She wasn’t just another enemy. She was Alexa—the woman he had come to love, even if he hadn’t admitted it to himself. And that realization made her betrayal cut deeper. “You were sent to stea
Alexa sat on the edge of her bed, her trembling fingers clutching the mini phone Marcus had forced on her. She dialed his number repeatedly, each attempt met with silence. The call wouldn’t connect. Panic gripped her as the reality set in—Marcus must have figured out what was happening and cut her off.Her mind raced. What would he do now? If Marcus knew his plan was unraveling, he wouldn’t hesitate to abandon her, leaving her to face Julian’s wrath alone. She swallowed hard, her chest tightening as she realized she was truly on her own.---Miles away, in a modest apartment, Mia sat beside Roberto, her hands clasped tightly as she stared at the computer screen. Tears streamed down her face, her desperation evident.“I need to find my daughter,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “even if it means going with t
In the dim light of Marcus’s lavish study, a faint red light blinked on the recorder he had discreetly embedded in Alexa’s belongings. As the voices of Julian, Theo, and Alexa played back, Marcus’s face darkened. His jaw tightened with rage as Julian’s accusations thundered through the recording.“Idiota,” Marcus spat, slamming his fist onto the desk. “That girl is a liability now.”One of his men approached cautiously. “Boss, what’s the plan?”Marcus exhaled sharply, his mind racing. “Julian Salvatore is not a man to cross, especially when his guard is up. Block our location— I need to leave. Ensure no one can reach us for the meantime. And prepare the jet. We’re leaving the country tonight.”“Yes, boss.”
The secluded bar was dimly lit, the faint smell of whiskey and tobacco lingering in the air. Julian sat at a corner booth, his posture tense as he swirled the glass of bourbon in his hand. Across from him, Mr. Lee placed a thick folder on the table, his expression grave.“Mr. Salvatore,” Mr. Lee began, his tone cautious. “The information we’ve gathered about Alexa is... troubling.”Julian’s chest tightened. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Go on.”Mr. Lee opened the file, revealing photographs, documents, and transcripts. He pulled out a picture and slid it toward Julian. It showed Alexa being dropped off from a dark car near the villa gates. Her frail figure stumbled as the vehicle sped away.“This was taken the night she returned to your estate,” Mr. Lee explained. “The vehicle
The warm glow of the bedside lamp cast soft shadows across the room, but the weight of unspoken words darkened the space. Alexa sat upright against the pillows, her trembling fingers clutching the edge of the blanket. Across from her, Julian stood, arms crossed, his gaze piercing and unrelenting. For several moments, neither spoke. The silence between them was heavy, almost suffocating. Julian’s jaw tightened as he finally broke the stillness. “Who are you, Alexa?” His voice was steady but laced with an edge of impatience. The question struck Alexa like a physical blow, her heart hammering against her ribs. She had prepared for this moment countless times in her mind, but now, staring into Julian’s penetrating gaze, every rehearsed word dissolved. “I…” she started, her voice faltering. Fear clawed at her throat. She didn’t want to lie anymore—especially not to him. But the shadow of Marcus loomed large in her mind, his threats echoing like a sinister mantra. “Alexa,” Julian s
The stale air in Marcus’s darkened room suffocated Alexa as she stood trembling before him. Her ribs ached from his earlier blows, and her knees threatened to give out beneath her. Marcus’s sharp eyes bore into her, void of mercy."You have three days," he hissed, pacing in front of her like a predator circling its prey. "Three days to finish what you started, or I’ll make sure you don’t leave this world in one piece." Alexa’s breath hitched. She wanted to protest, to plead for a chance to escape his grasp, but Marcus cut her off with a sharp backhand. Her cheek burned as fresh tears spilled from her eyes. "Don’t even think about failing me," he continued, his voice cold and final. "This time, you’ll have no excuses. The golden watch will be in my hands, or you’ll regret ever being born." He motioned to one of his men, who handed her a small, cheap phone. "Morning and night," Marcus barked. "You call me for updates. Don’t forget, Alexa—" He leaned closer, his rancid breath makin