Chapter: Chapter 133THE DEVIL YOU KNOW "Sometimes salvation comes with bruised knuckles and Spanish curses." ~ LAUREN'S POV ~ The world had exploded into chaos, and I couldn't tell up from down. Gunshots echoed through the restaurant like thunder, mixing with shouting in multiple languages and the crash of overturned furniture. Emergency lighting cast everything in hellish red shadows, making the scene look like something from a nightmare. Through the mayhem, a strong hand clamped over my mouth from behind, cutting off my scream before it could escape. Panic shot through me like electricity as whoever had grabbed me began dragging me backward, away from the gunfight. I thrashed against my captor, my heart hammering so hard I thought it might burst. My zip-tied hands were useless, but I kicked and twisted with everything I had, trying to break free. Through the smoke and chaos, I caught a glimpse of Mario diving behind an overturned table, his weapon drawn and returning fire. Vikt
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-23
Chapter: Chapter 132THE HUNTER BECOMES THE HUNTED"Sometimes the prey grows teeth."~ LAUREN'S POV ~The storage room Julian had locked me in reeked of bleach and something metallic that I didn't want to identify. My wrists were raw from struggling against the zip ties binding them behind my back, and my pencil skirt had torn during my attempts to find any weakness in my makeshift prison.But I had found something better than an escape route.I had found a way to turn the tables.For the past hour, I had been forced to listen to voices filtering through the thin walls….Julian's smooth charm taking turns with Viktor's Russian-accented commands. They thought they were allies, but their conversation revealed the truth.They were using each other.Julian wanted Viktor to destroy Alexandro so he could seize Castello Enterprises without competition. Viktor wanted Julian's resources to destroy the Castello name, then planned to get rid of Julian and reclaim his son.Neither man planned to honor their partners
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-23
Chapter: Chapter 131THE DEVIL'S FEAST"Some family dinners end in bloodshed."~ ALEXANDRO'S POV ~The private dining room at The Devil's Table looked like something from a nightmare.Viktor Kuznetsov sat at the head of an elegant mahogany table, casually cutting into a perfectly cooked steak as if the corpse spread out beside his chair was merely a problematic piece of furniture. Blood had pooled beneath the dead man's shattered skull, bleeding into the expensive Persian rug with creative accuracy.Five armed men stood positioned behind Viktor's chair like deadly guardians, their hands resting on hidden weapons, eyes tracking my every movement with hunting focus.But what made my stomach turn was not the everyday violence or the threatening display of force…it was the young brunette sitting frozen beside Viktor, her shirt torn open to expose her breasts, tears streaming down her terrified face as she tried to make herself invisible.She couldn't have been older than twenty-two."Alexandro, my son," Vikt
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-22
Chapter: Chapter 130BLOOD AND VENGEANCE"Some men hunt prey. Others hunt predators."~ ALEXANDRO'S POV ~The fluorescent lights of the federal interrogation room had given me a headache that felt like someone was driving railroad spikes through my skull. Three hours of the same questions, the same accusations, the same pathetic attempts to connect me to crimes I hadn't committed.Agent Hendrick had tried every trick in his playbook—good cop, bad cop, silent treatment, aggressive confrontation. None of it worked because I had been playing this game since before he knew how to properly hold a gun."Your warehouse explosion killed three men," he had said for the hundredth time, leaning across the metal table like closeness would somehow make me confess. "We have evidence suggesting this wasn't an accident.""Then arrest me or let me go," I had replied each time, my voice never changing tone or inflection. "Your evidence is circumstantial at best, and we both know it."The leaked video they had received wa
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-17
Chapter: Chapter 129FEDERAL GAMES AND BROKEN RULES "It's a fine day to kill somebody." ~ ALEXANDRO'S POV ~ {One Hour Earlier} The afternoon sun beat down mercilessly as Mario and I approached the hospital entrance, my mind focused entirely on getting to Lauren. Viktor's threatening phone call still echoed in my head, and every second away from her felt like a lifetime. Then I saw them. Federal agents appeared from unmarked vehicles like predators circling wounded prey, their movements blended and deliberate. The media vultures weren't far behind….news vans screeching to a halt, reporters spilling out with cameras and microphones ready to feast on whatever drama was about to unfold. "M****a," I muttered under my breath, instinctively raising my hand to shield my face from the camera flashes that had already started popping like fireworks. Mario immediately stepped in front of me, his charging frame blocking the worst of the photographers' assault. "Back the fuck up!" he barked, his voice carryi
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-17
Chapter: Chapter 128THE DEVIL'S DINNER TABLE"Your boyfriend can't save you now, princess."~ LAUREN'S POV ~My heart thrashed against my ribcage as I stared at the threatening text from the unknown number, my hands trembling so violently that I nearly dropped my phone."Your boyfriend can't protect you from everyone, princess. Some monsters wear familiar faces. Sweet dreams. - A friend"I was about to text Alexandro when one of my colleagues burst out of Rosette's hospital room, his phone pressed urgently against his ear."….reporters everywhere," he was saying, his voice carrying down the sterile hallway. "News vans are parked outside and Alexandro Castello is here. The feds are with him."My heart stopped.Alexandro was here? And why were there federal agents involved?I whipped around to face Antonio and Luca, desperate for answers, but they looked just as confused as I felt. Their usual stoic expressions had cracked, revealing genuine concern."I'll call the boss," Luca muttered, already reaching fo
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-16
Chapter: Chapter 34CHAPTER 34: RETURN TO REALITYThe helicopter's rotors cut through the morning air as they lifted off from the estate's landing pad. Below them, fallen trees and debris were scattered across the grounds like broken toys. The storm had passed, but its scars remained.Lyra pressed her face to the window, watching the destruction shrink beneath them. In daylight, the hurricane's path looked even more devastating. Power lines draped across roads like dead snakes. Houses with roofs torn clean off. Cars flipped upside down in ditches."The main highway won't be clear for days," Ryker said into his headset, speaking to the pilot. "Take us straight to Manhattan."His hand rested possessively on her thigh, fingers tracing small circles through the fabric of her jeans. The intimate gesture should have comforted her after everything they'd shared during the storm. Instead, it made her skin crawl with unease.Something had shifted between them in those dark hours. The man who'd held her so tend
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-06
Chapter: Chapter 33CHAPTER 33: EYE OF THE STORMThe hurricane hit just after midnight.Lyra woke to the sound of something crashing outside the tree, maybe, or part of the roof. The wind screamed like a living thing, rattling every window in the house with violent force.She sat up in bed, her heart racing. The emergency lighting cast eerie shadows on the walls, and she could hear objects being thrown against the house by the wind.A soft knock came at her door."Lyra?" Ryker's voice was barely audible over the storm. "Are you okay?"She wrapped a robe around herself and opened the door. He stood there fully dressed, his hair damp from checking the windows."The main power's completely out," he said. "The generator's running, but barely. We should stay in the living room- it's the most secure part of the house."Another crash outside made them both flinch."Is it safe?" she asked."Safer than being alone in separate rooms." His eyes met hers. "Unless you'd rather-""No. You're right. We should stick tog
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-06-06
Chapter: Chapter 32CHAPTER 32: CONFRONTING DEMONSLyra was still sitting in Ryker's secret study when she heard the helicopter's blades cutting through the evening air. Her heart battered against her ribs as she looked at the newspaper clippings scattered across the desk, at Olivia's letter still clutched in her trembling hands.She'd made her choice. She wasn't running to Marcus. But that didn't mean she was ready to face Ryker with all these secrets burning between them.The front door slammed shut with enough force to rattle the windows. Heavy footsteps echoed through the marble hallway, moving with deadly purpose toward the stairs."Lyra!" His voice boomed through the house, sharp with barely controlled fury.She should hide the evidence. Lock the door. Pretend she'd never seen any of this. Instead, she sat frozen as his footsteps grew closer, stopping right outside the door she'd left open."So this is where you've been."Lyra turned slowly to find Ryker filling the doorway, his tall frame strict
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-30
Chapter: Chapter 31CHAPTER 31: UNINVITED GUEST 2She looked at Marcus, then back at the phone. "I have to take this.""Be very careful what you say," Marcus warned. "He can read you better than you think."Lyra answered, trying to keep her voice steady. "Hello?""How's your day going?" Ryker's voice was warm, concerned. The voice of a man who missed her."Fine. Quiet. Harrison's been teaching me to bake.""I'm sorry I had to leave so abruptly this morning. After what happened between us...""It's okay," she said quickly, aware of Marcus watching her every expression. "I understand you have work to do."There was a pause. "Is everything all right? You sound different."Her eyes met Marcus's, and she saw him shake his head slightly in warning."I'm just tired.""I should be back tomorrow evening. We need to talk about where we go from here.""Where we go?""This morning changed things between us. You know that." His voice dropped lower, more intimate. "I've been thinking about you all day. About us."The
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-30
Chapter: Chapter 30CHAPTER 30: UNINVITED GUEST 1The helicopter had been gone for three hours when Lyra heard the doorbell ring.She was in the kitchen with Harrison, trying to distract herself by learning to make his famous blueberry scones. Her hands were covered in flour, and she had somehow managed to get butter in her hair."Are you expecting someone?" Harrison asked, wiping his hands on his apron."No." Lyra frowned. "Ryker didn't mention any visitors."Through the kitchen window, she could see a sleek black car in the driveway. Expensive. The kind Ryker's business associates might drive."I'll handle it," Harrison said, but Lyra was already wiping her hands clean."No, it's okay. I'll go."She walked to the front door, her bare feet silent on the marble floor. Through the glass panels, she could see a tall man in a dark suit. Even from behind, she recognized that arrogant posture.When she opened the door, Marcus Kane's smile was charming and practiced….the same manipulative expression he had wor
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-30
Chapter: Chapter 29CHAPTER 29: VULNERABLE The master bedroom felt different in daylight…less intimidating, more intimate.He set her down gently beside the bed, his hands framing her face. "Are you sure?"The question surprised her. She had expected demands, authority, and the controlling man she had grown used to. Instead, she saw delay, a defenselessness that made her heart race for entirely different reasons.“Are you?” she asked His smile was a fragile thing, both sad and beautiful, like the last ray of sunlight before nightfall. “I haven’t been sure of anything since the day you walked into my life.”His hands slid down to her shoulders, his fingers brushing the silk of her pajama top. With a tenderness that made her chest ache, he peeled it away, his lips following the path of his hands. His mouth pressed softly against her collarbone, his breath warm against her skin. “So beautiful,” he murmured, his voice rough with emotion, as if the words were torn from the depths of his soul.She shivered,
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-25
Chapter: Epilogue ONE YEAR LATER: ~SWEET VENICE~ The Venetian night air was thick with expectation as Simon and Gemini returned to their luxurious suite, the soft glow of the city’s lights screening through the curtains. The evening was full of exciting tastes and feelings, but nothing matched the strong desire between them. Gemini's unexpected striptease sparked a passion in Simon, and as they entered the dimly lit room, the tension was clear.The necklace he’d gifted her sparkled around her neck, a subtle reminder of the love they shared, but it was the raw, unspokendesire that dominated the moment.Gemini moved with deliberate grace, her panties and bra the only walls between her and Simon’s hungry gaze. She approached him slowly, her hips swaying to an imaginary rhythm, her eyes locked on his. Simon stood by the window, his breath shallow, his chest rising and falling with anticipation. She reached him, her hands resting on his shoulders, and began a slow, tantalizing lap dance. Her body pr
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-04
Chapter: Chapter 101~DESPERATE MEASURES~Gemini threw herself sideways, wrenching open the car door and tumbling onto the pavement as a deafening crack split the air. More shouting, the sound of running feet, another gunshot. She scrambled away from the car, disoriented, ears ringing.Strong hands grabbed her shoulders—one of the officers, pulled her behind the cruiser for cover. "Stay down," he ordered."My daughter," Gemini gasped. "He has my daughter. Black SUV headed north. My husband—"The officer's radio crackled with static and urgent voices. "All units, be advised that the suspect vehicle is located at the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater. The child is secured and appears unharmed. Suspect in custody."Relief made Gemini's knees buckle. "Maya's safe?""Sounds like it," the officer confirmed, his attention divided between her and the standoff at the Tesla. "We had units already en route to your home. 911 call came in about twenty minutes ago from a neighbor who saw a struggle."Another
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-04
Chapter: Chapter 100~SIN OF THE MOTHER~Ciara's face crumpled. "I didn't know he would... that he would make her lose the baby. He gave her something, told her it was just a drink...""And when she started hemorrhaging? When she was rushed to the hospital?" Maya pressed. "Did you stand up for her then? Did you confront Gustavo?"Tears streamed down Ciara's face. "I couldn't. He threatened to tell George I was stealing from the company. Said he'd make sure I went to prison, that Tiara would be left with nothing.""So you chose yourself over your daughter." Maya's words were quiet but cutting. "Just like you chose George's money over our friendship.""What was I supposed to do?" Ciara cried, her voice rising enough that the guard at the door shifted, alert. "You had everything! Everything I ever wanted! The career, the marriage, the child, the adoration—everyone called you a goddamn goddess! Do you have any idea what it was like living in your shadow?""I never put you in my shadow, Ciara. You chose to st
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-04
Chapter: Chapter 99~BECAUSE I HATE YOU~Two days later, Gemini stood beside her father's hospital bed, watching as the doctors reduced his sedation. Maya and Brandon waited outside—neither ready to face George just yet.Slowly, George's eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition as he focused on Gemini's face."My daughter," he rasped, his voice weak from disuse."Hello, Father," Gemini replied, the formal address deliberate, a signal that things had changed.George's eyes darted around the room. "Where's Gustavo? I need to speak with him immediately.""Gustavo won't be visiting," Gemini said calmly. "He's currently in federal custody, along with Ciara."An alarm flashed across George's face. "What have you done?""What you taught me to do. Protect what's mine." Gemini leaned closer. "I know everything, Father. About Grandfather. About Mother. About what you've done to Saint Tech."George's expression hardened. "You understand nothing. Everything I did, I did to build an empire worthy of t
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-04
Chapter: Chapter 98THE RECKONINGThe Saint Tech boardroom fell silent as the heavy oak doors swung open. Gustavo Montreal, standing at the head of the table mid-sentence, froze when he saw who entered.Gemini Saint walked in first, her posture straight and confident, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that meant business. Behind her came Simon, then Brandon Greyson, and finally Jerome—Gustavo's supposedly crime in partner."I apologize for the interruption," Gemini said, her voice steady and clear as she addressed the board members seated around the massive table. "But I believe this meeting was scheduled to begin at ten, and I wouldn't want to miss it."Ciara Edwards, seated at Gustavo's right, recovered first. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped an impatient rhythm against the polished mahogany. "Gemini, darling, how unexpected. We thought with your... recent delivery, you'd be taking some much-needed rest.""I'm touched by your concern," Gemini replied, the ice in her voice belying her
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-04
Chapter: Chapter 97~THE FINAL THREAT~Gemini's phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and frowned, immediately recognizing Gustavo's number. After everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours—discovering her mother was alive, learning the truth about her father's crimes—the last person she wanted to hear from was Gustavo Montreal.Still, she answered it. Know your enemy, her father had always taught her."What do you want, Gustavo?" Her voice was cold, detached."We need to talk, Gemini." His tone was urgent, almost desperate. "In person. It's important."She let out a bitter laugh. "I have nothing to say to you.""It's about your father," he pressed. "About the board meeting tomorrow. Things you need to know before you make a mistake you can't undo."Gemini hesitated, her mind racing. Was it possible he knew about their plans? About Maya being alive?"Fine," she said finally. "Where and when?""The café at the Riverside Hotel. In an hour.""That's across town. I need m
Dernière mise à jour: 2025-05-04
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