MICHEAL’ S POV“Cecilia… listen! Just listen,” I urged, trying to soothe her, but she was far too wound up, pacing back and forth like a storm about to break.“Don’t tell me to calm down! I need to deal with Leo. How dare he treat his younger brother like this? Why is he being so cruel to you?” Her voice was sharp with anger, each word carrying the weight of her frustration.A strange warmth filled me, knowing someone was this fiercely on my side. Perhaps I should have held onto her years ago, made her mine when I had the chance.“Cecilia, please… calm down,” I said gently, hoping to steady her.“Don’t tell me to calm down!” she snapped, grabbing her jacket, preparing to storm out. But before she could take another step, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close.She froze, her breath hitching as I held her tight. I leaned down, my lips close to her ear, my voice a soft murmur. “I’m okay. I promise,” I whispered, letting each word linger. “And besides, time heals ever
RACHEL'S POVI insisted the hospital discharge me because I had to go to the police station. First, someone pushed me into the pool, and then I was kidnapped. Now, I can't shake the feeling that something even worse is about to happen. A sense of dread lingers, the air thick with the weight of impending danger. The tension inside me grows as I try to make sense of the chaotic events, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty.As I entered the station, my mind replayed all the horrifying moments I had endured in his place, each memory like a fresh wound reopening.“Oh, you're here to see me too?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.“Also? Was someone else here too?” I asked, a sense of confusion creeping into my voice. He chuckled softly, the sound sending an unsettling chill through the air.“I guess you're unaware. He didn’t inform you? The person who caused your kidnapping?” he said, smiling, but there was something in his expression that made me freeze. He wasn’t joking
RACHEL’S POVI was stunned, frozen in place as Lily’s words echoed in my mind. She knows Someone pushed me? Why is she just telling me now?“What?!” I gasped, my voice sharper than I intended, cutting through the tense silence in the room. Lily’s eyes darted toward the door, her hand quickly gesturing for me to lower my voice. “Tell me,” I demanded, gripping her shoulders, my voice now a trembling whisper. “Who is it?” Her hesitation hung thick in the air. “It’s…” Just as she opened her mouth to reveal the truth, a sudden knock shattered the fragile moment, sending my heart racing. The atmosphere shifted instantly, tension rippling through the room like an electric charge. I felt my grip tighten on Lily’s shoulders as dread crept into my chest. Who was at the door? And did they already know what Lily was about to tell me? "Tell me… who is it?" I insisted, my voice trembling with urgency, completely ignoring the knock. Lily hesitated, her lips parting as if to final
CHAPTER ONELEO’S POV“It was nice doing business with you, Mr. Leonardo, but I must say I cannot just invest in your company for some reasons. I will have to think about it,” Mr. Max Zenin, the largest shareholder of Whites Company, said.“Okay, you have all the time to think about it. I guarantee you it’s worth it,” I replied, crossing my legs. I was dressed in a black Tom Ford suit with Tom Ford Elian shoes, projecting the image of confidence and success.Now you might be wondering who I am, Leonardo Lugard is my name. The owner of L&L Building—the most well-known and biggest mall in Las Vegas— and I am here to get Max Zenin to invest in my company. My physical description? - A tall, fair, dark-haired appearance, coupled with piercing eyes that seemed to hold a world of secrets, gave me an air of mystery and intrigue that drew others to me like moths to a flame. But to my dismay, Mr. Max seemed to have trust issues.“Now, if you will excuse me, I have another meeting to attend,” I
CHAPTER TWOLEO’S POV“Hello, Mr. Leonardo,” Drew greeted, extending his hand for a shake, but I opted to remain seated, ignoring the gesture.“Wow, I guess the media really did cover your personality accurately,” Drew remarked, a smile stretching across his face as he settled into the seat opposite me.“I’m not sure why you decided to come in before the scheduled time, but it appears to be perfect timing. The offer wasn’t for you alone, actually; it’s for both you and Miss Rachel Snow,” Drew explained, his tone even.Just then, the door swung open, and Rachel entered confidently, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Her eyes scanned the room before landing on us, and she wasted no time in addressing me with a “really” look.“Perfect timing, Miss Rachel. Please have a seat,” Drew interjected smoothly, attempting to diffuse the tension.“Oh, this day can’t get any worse. I can’t believe I am bumping into you for the second time in just a day. Are you stalking me?” Rachel reto
CHAPTER THREERACHEL’S POV“What, Rachel? Are you serious?” Cecilia asked for the 100th time. Cecilia, my best friend, had grown up with me. A striking model and influential social media figure, She was also the ambassador for my jewelry line. With her long, flowing ebony hair, piercing blue eyes, and model-like figure, she had seen the news and rushed over to my house to confirm if it was just a rumor or fake. I assured her I was aware and fully supportive of it.“Are you sure you are okay?” she asked again, concern evident in her voice.“Yes, Cecile, I accept this challenge. I’ve got various plans in my head right now. One is to make him accept the challenge. Two is to get to know more about him—specifically his weaknesses and flaws—and use them to my advantage. Lastly, I will get rid of the other couples in the show, and then I will get rid of him too, making me the only person standing. Max Zenin would have no choice but to invest in my company. And that’s it. I’m going to secure
RACHEL’S POV“What did you do?” Leo asked, his tone platonic but I could sense the underlying annoyance in his voice.“I did what I could. If we both act as a married couple for just 100 days, then Max Zenin will either invest in my company or yours at the end of it,” I said, folding my arms defensively. I had hoped he would understand, but his expression told me otherwise.He came outside to meet me where I stood beside my car, the morning light casting a shadow over his furrowed brow. I could see the frustration in his eyes as he approached. Yesterday, I received a message from Drew, where he told me Leo was warning him that the article should be taken down before 8 am, or he would sue. I had no choice but to step in.His jaw clenched, and I could see the tension in his shoulders. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.“I will make sure he enters the show at whatever cost, and I will put my plans in motion,” I thought, steeling myself for the confrontation.“I am not
RACHEL’S POVBelieve it or not, anxiety is coursing through me as I think about appearing on that variety show with Leo. Yet, despite the nerves, I can't help but feel an undercurrent of excitement. This is my chance to manipulate him, to finally gain the upper hand. “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer” – that will be my mantra. I won’t let him reign at the top forever. He needs to know what it's like to be in second place, to feel the sting of being overshadowed. And I, in turn, will relish what it means to stand on the top rung.As the driver sped through the highway, my mind raced even faster. Numerous thoughts swirled within me, a chaotic storm of strategy. Today marks our first interview as the cast of the variety show, and we’re expected to arrive by 9:00 AM. I’ve always prided myself on punctuality, always being the first to arrive. But this time, I silently prayed that Leo wouldn’t beat me there. Being second to him, even in arrival time, would be a small but bit
RACHEL’S POVI was stunned, frozen in place as Lily’s words echoed in my mind. She knows Someone pushed me? Why is she just telling me now?“What?!” I gasped, my voice sharper than I intended, cutting through the tense silence in the room. Lily’s eyes darted toward the door, her hand quickly gesturing for me to lower my voice. “Tell me,” I demanded, gripping her shoulders, my voice now a trembling whisper. “Who is it?” Her hesitation hung thick in the air. “It’s…” Just as she opened her mouth to reveal the truth, a sudden knock shattered the fragile moment, sending my heart racing. The atmosphere shifted instantly, tension rippling through the room like an electric charge. I felt my grip tighten on Lily’s shoulders as dread crept into my chest. Who was at the door? And did they already know what Lily was about to tell me? "Tell me… who is it?" I insisted, my voice trembling with urgency, completely ignoring the knock. Lily hesitated, her lips parting as if to final
RACHEL'S POVI insisted the hospital discharge me because I had to go to the police station. First, someone pushed me into the pool, and then I was kidnapped. Now, I can't shake the feeling that something even worse is about to happen. A sense of dread lingers, the air thick with the weight of impending danger. The tension inside me grows as I try to make sense of the chaotic events, my heart racing with fear and uncertainty.As I entered the station, my mind replayed all the horrifying moments I had endured in his place, each memory like a fresh wound reopening.“Oh, you're here to see me too?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of surprise.“Also? Was someone else here too?” I asked, a sense of confusion creeping into my voice. He chuckled softly, the sound sending an unsettling chill through the air.“I guess you're unaware. He didn’t inform you? The person who caused your kidnapping?” he said, smiling, but there was something in his expression that made me freeze. He wasn’t joking
MICHEAL’ S POV“Cecilia… listen! Just listen,” I urged, trying to soothe her, but she was far too wound up, pacing back and forth like a storm about to break.“Don’t tell me to calm down! I need to deal with Leo. How dare he treat his younger brother like this? Why is he being so cruel to you?” Her voice was sharp with anger, each word carrying the weight of her frustration.A strange warmth filled me, knowing someone was this fiercely on my side. Perhaps I should have held onto her years ago, made her mine when I had the chance.“Cecilia, please… calm down,” I said gently, hoping to steady her.“Don’t tell me to calm down!” she snapped, grabbing her jacket, preparing to storm out. But before she could take another step, I wrapped my arms around her from behind, pulling her close.She froze, her breath hitching as I held her tight. I leaned down, my lips close to her ear, my voice a soft murmur. “I’m okay. I promise,” I whispered, letting each word linger. “And besides, time heals ever
LEO’S POV“What do you mean I’m the cause of everything?” I asked, my voice tense. He grinned mischievously.“You think I’d just tell you? No, that’s a puzzle for you to figure out,” he replied, leaning back with a smug look.I could tell he was playing mind games, trying to throw me off balance. But if I played my cards right, there was a good chance I could get him on my side.“Alright, listen,” I said, keeping my tone steady. “I have an offer for you. Tell me who hired you and the price he promised. I’ll give you triple whatever he’s offering.”He smirked, his expression unreadable.“I’m sorry, but you can’t give me what I want.”He replied, and I chuckled, matching his mischievous grin. “You sure about that? Money? I’ve got plenty. Connections? I have those too. And power? You know well enough that I’m number one on the list of Las Vegas’ most powerful bachelors. As far as I’m concerned, there’s a limit to what your employer can do for you—but his limits are like infinity compa
LEO’S POVWe’ve been enemies for years, and nothing unusual happened. But the moment we started caring for each other, the strange occurrences returned, darker and more unsettling.As I drove to meet Micheal, a plan already forming in my mind, my phone rang. Rachel. Her voice was filled with urgency, and the next words she spoke left me cold."What?!" I shouted, slamming my foot on the brake. My car jerked to a stop, my heart racing as if it might tear through my chest."Dave has never been in prison?" I asked, my voice low, but the disbelief was clear. I clung to the steering wheel, knuckles white. "No," Rachel confirmed, her voice shaky. "There are no records of him in the prison database." That was it. Dave was involved—he had a hand in all of this madness. My pulse quickened, thoughts spinning as I tried to piece it all together."I’m coming. I’ll get back to you," I said, my voice strained. Hanging up, I pressed the gas pedal, my mind now consumed by questions.As I drove, I dia
RACHEL’ S POV I know things have been awkward between us lately. We were at loggerheads just weeks ago, but this variety show brought us closer than I ever expected. "Leo..." I called, and he looked up at me. He was sitting a bit far away but moved closer, settling next to me. "Yes?" he answered, his eyes locking with mine. I have so many questions I want to ask him, especially now, but I don't know how to begin. "Could you hand me my phone?" I asked, stretching out my hand. He passed it to me, and I played a video before handing it back to him. He watched it, and I could tell he remembered. "I think this is where everything between us started," I said. It was a video of the day my dad was hit in that tragic accident. For a long time, I believed Leo was responsible, but over the months, doubt crept in. The video felt too real to dismiss, but part of me started wondering if I had been wrong all along. Maybe, just maybe, I should’ve asked instead of blaming him from the start. B
LEO'S POVAs I stepped further into the abandoned building, my heart raced. In the flickering light, I spotted Rachel, tied to a chair, her eyes wide with fear. Panic surged through me as I noticed a group of men emerging from a dark room, their expressions menacing. What made my blood run cold was the sight of a bomb strapped to her body, wires and a digital timer blinking ominously. My instincts kicked in, and I couldn't think of anything else but getting to her. I rushed toward Rachel, my heart pounding in my chest. “Get away from her!” I shouted, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The men, however, just laughed, their eyes filled with malice. One of them held a remote, taunting me with it. “Step closer, and we’ll set it off,” he sneered. “Leo, don’t!” Rachel pleaded, her voice trembling. But I couldn’t back down. I took another step forward, my resolve unyielding. In an instant, pain exploded in my leg as I felt a sharp sting; I had been shot. I stumbled but kept my focus o
LEO'S POVAs I stepped further into the abandoned building, my heart raced. In the flickering light, I spotted Rachel, tied to a chair, her eyes wide with fear.Panic surged through me as I noticed a group of men emerging from a dark room, their expressions menacing.What made my blood run cold was the sight of a bomb strapped to her body, wires and a digital timer blinking ominously. My instincts kicked in, and I couldn't think of anything else but getting to her.I rushed toward Rachel, my heart pounding in my chest.“Get away from her!” I shouted, adrenaline coursing through my veins. The men, however, just laughed, their eyes filled with malice. One of them held a remote, taunting me with it.“Step closer, and we’ll set it off,” he sneered.“Leo, don’t!” Rachel pleaded, her voice trembling. But I couldn’t back down. I took another step forward.In an instant, pain exploded in my leg as I felt a sharp sting; I had been shot. I stumbled but focused on Rachel, who was looking at me
LEO'S POV “What’s our next step?” I asked the officer, urgency lacing my voice.“Right now, we’re compiling a description of the suspect,” he replied, motioning to the forensic team working on their computers.“We’ll use facial recognition software to see if we can match him against any known criminals in the system.”Just then, Bug burst into the room, his face a mixture of concern and determination. “Leo, I’ve got something,” he said, urgency in his voice.“What is it?” I asked, my heart pounding in anticipation.“My boss once told me that she will put tracking device on all her shoes right Sarah Eli’s murder and I think it is linked to her macbook in the office” Bug said, bringing outa macbook that probably belongs to Rachel.“She said on it for safety reasons.”“Right,” I said, nodding.“She wanted to make sure we could always find her if anything happened again.” Bug continued“We can track her location using that device,” Bug said, pulling out his phone. “If she’s wearing those