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.”
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
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
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
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
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
In the dimly lit, damp basement beneath the streets of Tokyo's Shinjuku district, the air reeked of blood, sweat and fear.Marcus, a ruthless and cunning loan shark and underground mafia Lord, stood tall, his eyes gleaming with contempt."Do you know what happens to debtors like you?" Marcus's voice dripped with malice as his grip tightened around a man’s neck. "They never live to tell their story. Well, maybe they do... in hell. To others like them."The man's eyes bulged, his face purpling as he struggled to breathe. "P-please... just a little more time... I'll pay, I swear—"Marcus's expression remained impassive, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. With a swift, brutal motion, he delivered a fatal blow, the man's skull shattering beneath his hands. Blood splattered across the concrete floor, a gruesome testament to Marcus's ruthless efficiency.He didn’t flinch but calmly walked out, his boots echoing on the hard floor, and entered his office. Settling into the leather chair
In the heart of Tokyo, the Salvatore Empire rose majestically, its sleek, modern architecture a testament to the unyielding power and wealth that lay within. High walls crowned with electrified fences, rows of surveillance cameras, and an army of skilled guards patrolling the perimeter set it apart. This fortress wasn’t just a residence—it was a statement, a testament to the enigmatic and untouchable reputation of its owner, Julian Salvatore Edelman.Inside the villa, rules were ironclad. Only handpicked male staff were employed, chosen for their loyalty and expertise. One exception stood out: Miss Yvonne, the family's trusted cook, who had served for decades and earned a revered place within the household.As Alexa trailed behind Miss Yvonne, who had escorted her from the gate, she couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine. The leering gazes of the men they passed made her skin crawl, eerily reminiscent of Marcus's menacing henchmen. A nagging question lingered in her mind:
Alexa stood on the master's floor, the highest in the villa, tasked with cleaning its pristine hallway. Her fingers trembled slightly as she approached the door to Julian's room. Miss Yvonne's warning echoed in her mind: "You are to clean up only. Don’t touch anything in the room. It’s not safe for you."“What’s so special about the room anyway?” she muttered under her breath, curiosity tugging at her resolve. Slowly, she pushed open the door, and her breath caught in her throat.The room was immaculate, radiating elegance with its all-white decor. From the curtains to the bedspread, every piece of furniture and design element was a pristine shade of white, accented by soft lighting that gave the space an ethereal glow. The faint aroma of sandalwood and almond lingered in the air, adding a soothing touch to the luxurious surroundings.Her gaze settled on a striking painting of a half-moon cradled in a small hand. The intricate details mesmerized her. It felt oddly familiar, stirring s
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