The next morning, Daniel made a decision that surprised even himself as he didn’t wait for the driver, didn’t bother with breakfast, didn’t even give himself time to think more about the issue because what more was there to think all he just knew was that he was in no way he was going to loose the project because of some bunch of people. He simply grabbed his keys, slid into one of his cars, and drove out of the estate while the rest of the world was still yawning awake. The roads stretched out before him in pale silence, washed in the cool blue of dawn. He usually enjoyed that quiet how the city seemed to hold its breath at this hour, as though it belonged only to him but today his mind refused to settle, circling back again and again to the address glowing on his phone" Irene’s address" When the navigation finally guided him to a modest house at the end of a narrow street, Daniel slowed, his eyes narrowing as he studied it. The place was painfully ordinary: a weathered fen
The house was still as, Daniel sat cross-legged on the edge of his dining table, a newspaper open in front of him, one hand holding his usual morning cup of coffee. His hair was still messy from sleep, and he hadn’t bothered changing out of the navy T-shirt and sweatpants he’d thrown on after his shower. The article he was reading had nothing to do with work but everything to do with escaping it. Then, the front door flew open. “Dano!” a familiar voice roared from the hallway. “Dano! Dano!” Daniel sighed, setting his mug down. “I’m right here,” he called out, loud enough for his voice to travel. “God, what now?” he asked himself, Just as Henry his father stormed into the room, nearly tripping over the rug at the doorway. His eyes were wild, his blazer was half-off one shoulder, and in his hand was a white envelope he clutched like a winning lottery ticket. “I told you!” Henry said breathlessly, waving the envelope in the air. “I said it, didn’t I? I told you there was a pos
The door clicked shut with more force than necessary. Daniel Blackwood stormed into his father’s private lounge inside the top floor of the company a room meant for peace, but now crackling with tension. “Father, you can’t be serious he barked at his father who was seated in his usual chair by the tall window, his back straight, and his eyes calm. Daniel didn’t wait for his father's response before throwing another or several questions at him. What the hell was that father why did you do it?” He asked his voice brimming with anger But his father did not even stir or flinch at his son's voice instead he turned his glass of wine slowly on the table, the wine inside barely rippling. Before looking up smiling at his son and giving a response that was totally different from the question he had been asked. “Good evening to you too, son he responded To which daniel threw his hand in the air in annoyance Don’t start with that father don't try to change the subject. You
The old front door creaked open and banged softly against the chipped wall behind it. Irene walked in first, her lips pressed into a tight line. . She didn’t say a word she didn’t need to as her silence screamed louder than anything the boys had ever heard. She still had her hand wrapped firmly around Elias’s wrist, not yanking him forward, but holding him just tight enough to make sure he wouldn’t drift away. Ethan shuffled behind them, his backpack sliding off one shoulder, his shoes scuffing against the floor. The apartment was hot, cramped, and smelled faintly of fried stew. The fan in the corner was doing its best to fight the stale heat, whirring loudly and shaking a little with every turn. One small couch, an old center table, a folded mattress against the wall, a bucket of clean clothes waiting to be folded everything was squeezed tightly into the tiny room. Levi came out from the bedroom just as the door closed behind them. Her scarf had fallen halfway off
Inside the sleek interior of the car, Ethan leaned toward Elias and whispered, “Do you think Mama’s gonna be mad?” Elias gave him a side-eye. “Probably. But maybe less mad if we come with a rich old man.” “I heard that,” Mr. Blackwood’s father said mildly, amusement tugging at his lips. Then they turned sheepishly toward him. “Don’t worry,” he continued. “If she scolds you, I’ll take the blame.” Elias grinned. “Promise?” “Cross my heart.” As the car came to a smooth stop in front of the private underground entrance, a valet rushed over, already bowing slightly when he recognized the man inside. The driver opened the door for Mr. Blackwood’s father, who stepped out and gestured for the boys to follow. “Stay close,” he said, his voice low but authoritative. Ethan grabbed Elias’s hand instinctively as they trailed after the man, wide eyed at the luxury around them. The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a mirrored interior lined with polished gol
“Elias, are you sure this is a good idea?” Ethan asked, tightening the straps of his tiny backpack as they walked side by side. Elias grinned mischievously, hugging his little hoodie closer. “Of course it is. Don’t you want to see where Mama works?” “I do,” Ethan muttered, then glanced around. “But we’re gonna get in so much trouble. You know she’s gonna be mad when she finds out we left after school!” “She won’t be mad if we surprise her,” Elias said confidently. “It’ll make her happy.” Ethan shot him a skeptical look. “You sure about that?” “Very sure.” There was a beat of silence before Ethan mumbled, “Do we even know how to get there?” Elias smirked and patted his chest proudly. “I took it for myself.” “Took what?” “The card. Mama’s card. It has the name of her company on it. BIC Enterprises.” Ethan’s eyes widened. “You stole her business card?” “I didn’t steal it! I borrowed it. I’m gonna give it back.” They reached the sidewalk where a few cabs were parked