LOGINI raised a hand to stop the panic, ruffling Billy’s hair before bending down to pick Gracie up and shower her face with kisses. “Do not panic. I was on my way back when I tripped and fell into the gutter. There was glass in it. I already got it treated, so it is fine. I will just shower and go rest, okay?” “Mom, you have to be careful!” Billy said, looking incredibly worried. “I know, I know. It is my fault,” I replied gently. Rebecca still looked unconvinced, but she chose not to question me in front of everyone. Slowly, the everyone went back to what they were doing. Later that night, just as I was about to fall asleep, my phone rang. I picked it up, carefully patting Billy, who had fallen asleep on my chest, snoring softly with a bit of drool at the corner of his mouth. “Hello?” “Hello? Is this Patricia? This is Bianca. I collected your number earlier at the salon, remember?” “Oh, hi, Bianca. I did not expect you to call so quickly. I assume you have spoken to your sister.”
Chapter Forty— A Last Chance “You will carry that guilt for the rest of your life?” he scoffed, his eyes full of disbelief and mockery. “Fine. Let’s say I believe you. Let’s say you are truly sorry and I forgive you. What does that change? Will the sun suddenly shine brighter? Will I wake up tomorrow with a million dollars? No. I am still stuck here in Murkwood with no future. Your apology changes nothing.” “It does,” I shot back, forcing strength into my voice while ignoring the sharp sting in my knee from the glass shards. “If you accept my apology, everything will change. You will agree to work for me.” Jerry took a step back as if he could not even stand near me anymore. “You are crazy.” “It will change everything because I will make a difference in your life. I will fix the damage I caused and give you a better life. If you work for me and promise you will not betray me, I will change—” “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!” His face turned red, a vein throbbing at the side of his nec
Back in Murkwood, the three men exchanged uneasy glances. None of them seemed sure if they should chase me away or hear what I had to say. One of them leaned toward another and whispered something. The second man shook his head immediately, clearly ready to send me away but before he could speak, I slipped my hand into my bag and pulled out a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills. Their conversation stopped instantly as I placed the money on the table in front of them waiting as their mouths dropped open. “Please,” I said. “I need to see him.” The money seemed to wipe away every doubt they had. All three of them jumped up at the same time, scrambling for the cash and nearly fighting over it before shoving the bills into their pockets. A strange, greedy smile spread across their faces. “Wait here,” one of them said quickly before rushing inside the canteen. I stayed where I was, holding my handbag tightly, only having to wait five minutes before the door suddenly burst open. A t
“May I ask why I owe this pleasure?” Alexander asked, leaning back more comfortably in his chair. “What made you come all the way here to see me?”Rosie took a moment before answering. She looked down at her hands, nervously rubbing the edge of her phone as if the words she wanted to say were difficult to bring out of her lips.As if even speaking them felt forbidden.Alexander, always quick to read people, raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Dawson doesn’t know you’re here, does he?”The moment Malcolm’s name was mentioned, Rosie’s lower lip trembled.She bit down on it before slowly lifting her head to meet Alexander’s eyes. Her lashes were wet now, tears gathering until her eyes looked glassy and red.She sniffled softly, looking heart-breakingly fragile, like a delicate flower that had been caught in a tragic storm. “Sir…” her voice shook. “I need your help.”She paused, swallowing hard, as if she was forcing herself to continue. “My family… needs your help.”Before Alexander could even blin
Sitting on one of the plush couches in the waiting area of Sterling & Co. was a beautiful woman. Her back was perfectly straight, her posture calm and elegant as she smiled politely at anyone who happened to glance her way. There was just something about her. Something warm and inviting that made people want to approach her without even realizing it. It was almost as if a soft halo of kindness surrounded her. Her red hair was neatly gelled back. She wore a simple white dress paired with delicate green jewelry that made the color of her hair stand out even more. The whole look gave her an innocent, gentle appearance. This woman was Rosie Nelson. Even though a small part of her suspected that Alexander Sterling might refuse to see her, none of that worry showed on her face. She kept her calm smile, waiting patiently like someone who had all the time in the world. Then her phone buzzed and she glanced down to see the name Malcolm flash across her phone screen. The smile she had
Just as I was speaking to the men in Murkwood, miles away, in Skyline City, the loud sound of shoes clacking on marble floors echoed through the headquarters of Sterling & Co building. Joseph, Alexander Sterling’s assistant hurried down the company hallway, holding his laptop tightly against his chest. His tie was loose, his hair slightly disheveled, and the dark circles under his eyes made it obvious he hadn’t slept in days. “Move! Out of the way, let me through!” he shouted, shocking employees as he pushed past them without slowing. The boardroom doors burst open. Inside, nearly twenty directors turned simultaneously, their conversations dying instantly at the interruption. At the head of the long table sat Alexander Sterling. Alexander’s face darkened, annoyance flashing in his sharp eyes at the sudden interruption. Joseph didn’t stop. He rushed forward and leaned down, whispering quickly into his boss’s ear. Whatever he said changed everything. Alexander went completely
Gerald’s face drained of colour. “Rebecca, have you lost your mind?!” “Yes!” she shot back, spinning toward him. “I must have been crazy to think you were a good enough man to marry! That was the worst mistake of my life! The only reason I don’t regret it is because I had my precious daughter. Ma
“This is not a funny joke, Pat.” Rebecca almost laughed at first. Those were the wildest words she had ever heard. But when she looked at my face, the smile faded. I wasn’t joking. That made it worse. Pat Allen… successful? Changing her life like it was easy? It didn’t make sense. Maybe I was
I was released the next day. One night in the cell felt like I’d been stuck in a cage for a year. It was dirty, smelly, and so uncomfortable I barely slept. But the moment I stepped out of the station, all of that stopped mattering. Because the first thing I saw… was my family. They were standin
I turned off the stove and fully faced her. “Anna, no one is born knowing everything,” I said gently. “You forgot some things? Fine. You’ll relearn them. That’s not shameful. What’s shameful is giving up on yourself before you even try. Do you think rich kids remember everything either? They get







