CHAPTER 11Alex's POVMy hands clenched around the steering wheel as I drove away from Madam Gray's villa, Alice's face lingering in my mind—the way she'd looked at me tonight, searching for answers I couldn't give her. The memory of her warm gaze and the quiet hurt in her eyes twisted something deep inside me, a reminder of all the reasons I'd sworn to never let anyone close.But then, Alice happened. She walked into my life, turning everything upside down, forcing me to question the walls I'd carefully built around myself.The envelope lay beside me on the passenger seat, its contents burning into my mind. Michael sent it to me saying someone dropped it off and that it was addressed to me, and from the first glimpse of those photos—dozens of pictures of Alice, taken from a distance, in moments she'd never even noticed—I knew who was behind it. The words scrawled on the note felt like a punch to the gut: "Found your Achilles' heel."The message was clear. Marcus had found her.The ma
CHAPTER 11Alex's povThe flight from Toronto to Naples stretched on, but sleep was impossible. The threat still echoed in my mind, pulsing with the steady rhythm of my heartbeat: Alice.Marcus Dared to threaten her life, like she was just another pawn in his endless game. This time, he'd gone too far.Naples greeted me with its deceptive charm, bright and chaotic in the early dawn. But beneath the city's beauty lay a darkness, and Marcus thrived in that underworld. He'd built the largest gambling ring in Italy, trapping desperate souls with debts they could never repay. Those who failed him didn't just disappear; they were sold piece by piece, their bodies scavenged to pay back what they owed. I knew every ruthless detail of his empire, because I'd been his protégé, the weapon he'd shaped to secure his grip over this city.But not anymore. Today, I was here for retribution. And Marcus, of all people, should have known better.I reached Corte dei Leoni, his fortress in the heart of Nap
CHAPTER 12Alice's POVMoving into Alex's mansion was something I'd prepared myself for, at least I thought I had. But nothing could have really prepared me for this.As soon as I stepped inside, I was struck by the sheer elegance of the place. Everything about it felt both grand and impossibly refined—almost like stepping into a world of timeless beauty. The foyer alone was enough to take my breath away: a sprawling marble floor, polished to a shine, reflecting the soft glow of the massive crystal chandelier above. The walls were adorned with intricate moldings and art that looked like it had come straight out of an auction catalog, the kind of pieces you only ever read about.A couple of maids were waiting for me, smiling warmly as they stepped forward. They introduced themselves, and one of them, a kind woman named Helen, took it upon herself to show me around. "Welcome, Miss Alice," she said, her voice gentle. "We're so glad to have you here."She led me through a spacious living
Chapter 13Alice's POVGolden light seeped through the heavy drapes of my room at Gray Manor, casting a soft, early-morning glow that seemed at odds with the silence that filled the vast house. I opened my eyes slowly, momentarily disoriented by the unfamiliar surroundings. Memories of my late arrival the night before trickled back as I glanced around, taking in the elegant yet restrained decor. I was here now, and somehow, that realization brought a strange mix of comfort and tension.I slipped out of bed, my feet brushing against the plush, cool rug beneath me as I made my way to the bathroom. A hot shower helped clear the remnants of sleep from my mind, each drop of water revitalizing me as I mentally prepared for the day. Once dried off, I took my time selecting my outfit—a fitted black pencil skirt paired with a tailored, white silk blouse adorned with small, pearly buttons. I wanted something professional yet understated, a look that reflected the authority my role required with
Chapter 15 Alex's POV The journey back to Canada had been uneventful but long. Every minute of the flight felt like hours as I ran over the events of the past few days, my heart restless with worry about Alice. The last image of her haunted me: her face disappointed face when i made an excuse and rushed out of my mother's villa at the last family dinner we had. I couldn't shake the gnawing feeling that she needed me. I wanted to see her safe, touch her, hear her voice—anything to know that she was okay. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we landed. I barely took in my surroundings as I exited the airport. I boarded a limo and headed home. Once I reached my mansion, Helen, my long-time housekeeper, greeted me with her usual warm smile, taking my luggage with practiced grace. "Welcome back, Mr. Alex," she said, nodding toward the staircase. "Miss Alice is upstairs resting." Relief washed over me. She was here. I bounded up the stairs, eager but careful, trying not to make
Chapter 1 Alice's POV Airports. They’re chaotic, noisy, brimming with people who’d likely rather be anywhere else. Today, though, I found myself seated in one of the plush, quiet lounges of an international airport in London, nursing a bitter black coffee and trying hard not to think about the mess that awaited me back home. I took another sip, letting the bitterness settle, bracing myself for Caroline’s latest updates. My assistant had an uncanny knack for breaking news—especially the kind I dreaded. Right on cue, she looked up from her tablet, wearing that careful expression she reserved for bad news. “Alice,” she began, her voice soft but cautious. “It seems your brother's made headlines again. He’s been accused of... assault, and the company shares have already taken a hit.” I froze mid-sip. “What?” She nodded, glancing back at her screen. “It’s everywhere. The story just broke about an hour ago. The scandal… it’s already intense.” I steadied myself, forcing my pulse to cal
Chapter 16Alice's POVI woke up slowly, feeling unusually comfortable and warm. Blinking, I realized I was back in my room, tucked under the covers. But... how did I get here? Last night, I was watching TV with Alex, and I was sure I'd dozed off on the couch. There were only two possibilities: either I'd somehow sleep-walked back here, or… Alex had carried me.The thought made my face flush with warmth. He must have brought me up here himself, carefully laying me down without waking me. Just imagining him carrying me, his arms wrapped around me while I slept, made my heart race. I was beginning to fall for him—hard. I'd started noticing all these little things about him: his teasing smiles, the way he looked at me, how he managed to be playful and charming yet protective. It was impossible not to.After taking a few moments to collect myself, I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and take a shower. I wanted to look and feel my best, so I chose my favorite scent, letting its subt
Chapter 17Alice's POVThe day at work had started like any other, and I was focused, determined to get through my workload before lunch. But as the morning wore on, I began to notice a shift outside. The sky was darkening, the once-bright light filtering through the windows now muted and gray. I brushed it off, thinking it was just a passing cloud—until I saw Carol rushing toward me, her eyes wide with urgency."Alice, it's about to rain," she said, her voice low, as if she knew what that meant for me.My heart instantly picked up its pace, and I forced a calm smile, hoping she wouldn't see the faint tremble in my hands. "Thanks for letting me know. I'll just… wrap this up quickly."But as I attempted to finish typing, the first low rumble of thunder shook the building. My fingers froze over the keyboard. This wasn't just any rain; it was that heavy August rain, the kind I'd always hoped wouldn't come this early in the season. I hadn't been prepared. And now, the memories I'd pushed