A wave of betrayal and disbelief washed over Elena after hearing what Nia Bennett, who was her and Nathan's Aunt, had to say. She hadn’t expected support from the old woman, especially when it involved Nathan; Nia would take his side over her anyways, but nonetheless to hear her against her, against the child she was carrying… It was almost too much. Elena realized she might be more alone in this than she’d initially thought. A part of her understood Nathan and Nia's feelings; after all, she was carrying a Danvers in her belly, a name that represented everything they despised. Even so, the child was still hers, an innocent life that hadn’t yet taken a breath. She couldn’t bring herself to imagine aborting him. Raising her head, Elena met Nia's gaze and then she turned to stare at Nathan with a defiance look and said,“That's not happening.” She protested. She couldn't imagine aborting the baby. It wasn’t just that Elena loved the unborn child, though, in her way, she did. But her
At the Carrington's residence. The morning sun shone through the streets. Liam stood outside his sleek sports car outside the Carrington residence, watching as Ethan carefully helped Mr. Carrington up the steps and into the house. He let out a sigh, turning his thoughts to Aretha who was nowhere to be seen. He hadn’t come to the Carrington residence just to visit; he came here for Aretha because he needed her help. Aretha had known Selena from their college days, and she seemed to know about the person she was. If Liam could get Aretha's help and testify against her in court he would easily win this lawsuit.‘Where is she?’ Liam wondered. He hadn't seen Aretha ever since he arrived and she had told him she would meet him there, yet she was nowhere to be seen. “Easy, Dad,” Ethan murmured, steadying Mr. Carrington with a supportive grip.Liam observed them quietly, relieved that Mr. Carrington was finally out of the hospital. This was a step forward. But he still had to help them d
Aretha took a deep breath, her eyes meeting Liam's with a determined gaze. “I’ll help you,” she said, though a slight hesitation lingered in her tone. She wasn’t entirely comfortable with her decision. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to support Liam; it was just that the idea of going against Selena, her old college friend, left her feeling like a bad person. Aretha had known about Selena’s manipulative ways, but they had never directly affected her, so she had stayed on the sidelines.Though they’d drifted apart after college and rarely spoke now, the thought of siding against Selena brought some guilt. Still, seeing Liam’s hopeful expression, she reminded herself why she’d agreed.Liam’s face lit up, a genuine smile spreading across his features. Relief and gratitude was visible in his eyes, and he gave her a slight nod, clearly grateful for her support.“Thank you, Aretha. This means a lot,” Liam replied, his voice laced with sincerity. A subtle, satisfied smile played at his lips a
The men exchanged glances before one of them leaned back, his hand lingering over the cash and counting it. He looked up at Nathan with a frown. “Yeah, don't worry, we can handle the job easily.” He paused and tossed the stacks of money to the other guy beside him, saying, “But this isn’t enough for us to do the job,” the man said, his voice low but insistent. “We are supposed to take care of two people, not just one. The price you’re offering here? It's only for one.”Nathan’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. His teeth clenched as he shot them a hard glare. “What do you mean, two?” he snapped. He’d only specified one target, so they had made up the second target. It seemed like these guys were trying to milk more money out of him and he wasn't going to let that happen. What did they take him for? A fool?“You greedy bastards!” he spat angrily, his voice dangerously calm. “You’re supposed to handle one person. What the hell do you mean, two people?”The second man, who had been sile
The midday sun beat down on her, as Elena exited the apartment she lived in and walked to her car. She settled into the driver’s seat, feeling the intensity of the heat radiating from the sidewalk outside. She adjusted her sunglasses and took a slow, calming breath, enjoying the cool blast of air conditioning as it began to ease the uncomfortable warmth.Then she inserted the key in the ignition. Turning the key she fully expected the engine to roar to life. But instead, it gave a weak sputter and fell silent. “Oh, come on!” she muttered, frustration in her voice and in her tone as she tried again. This time, the engine barely sputtered before quitting completely, leaving an uneasy silence around her. “This can't be happening right now.” She mumbled, pushing herself back against the car seat as she pulled a strand of hair from her face.She glanced around, almost embarrassed, as if someone might witness her struggle with the aging car. It felt like a cruel reminder of everything she’d
Nathan was seated down, contemplating what he had done, when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, glancing at the screen before bringing it to his ear. The voice on the other end was chilling and unemotional.“It’s done,” the man reported, his tone carrying a finality that made Nathan feel like something had twisted deep inside him, “We took care of her, just like you wanted.”Nathan didn’t respond immediately. His gaze drifted to the dull, worn-down walls of the small apartment, the silence around him feeling suddenly oppressive. He’d thought this would bring him relief, some sense of satisfaction. But instead, his chest felt nothing but heartache, guit, sadness, a sick ache building as he gripped the phone tighter.He swallowed, his expression cold and voice barely above a whisper as he replied. “Are you sure?” he asked, he was feeling bad. Nonetheless he was still hoping that they had truly done their job and took care of Elena, “You made certain she couldn’t survive?”
Liam hurried through the hospital's automatic doors, the sound of his footsteps echoing in the air. His facial expression was a mask of worry. Beside him were Cara, Luke, and Megan, each of them having insisted on accompanying him after hearing about Elena’s accident. But their reasons were different. They weren’t there for Elena, they were there for him in this tough time. Cara and Luke didn’t know Elena at all to care, and Megan, though concerned, had no real affection for Elena due to her cunning and manipulative ways. The only reason Megan might feel a hint of worry now was because Elena was carrying Liam’s child, the baby that was family to her.Nonetheless, their presence was a comfort to Liam, though it did little to ease the anxiety within him. The doctor hadn’t been very clear on Elena’s condition over the phone, and Liam couldn’t get rid of the fear that something terrible had happened. He didn’t want to lose his child, especially not before he’d even had the chance to me
Liam turned to look at Nathan. Their expressions were unreadable as the two men stared at each other. From the hostility in each other's eyes, it was clear they were enemies.Liam turned back around with a sigh. Although he disliked Nathan’s presence intensely, he decided to tolerate it for now. There were more pressing matters at hand than their mutual disdain.Nathan stepped further into the room, closing the door quietly behind him. His gaze lingered on Elena. And a storm of frustration was boiling beneath his calm facade. ‘How the fuck is she still alive?’ he thought bitterly. ‘Those bastards. Useless idiots. I should have done this myself instead of hiring some incompetent fools.’ The sight of Elena still breathing, although shallowly, was infuriating Nathan. All his carefully planned plans, the money he had spent, the risks taken now felt like it was a waste.But the wasted money was the least of Nathan's concerns right now.He feared that if Elena woke up, there was a very rea
After being interrogated by the detectives, Liam was taken to a holding cell, where he was soon visited by his family and the Harringtons.As they gathered around his holding cell, concerned looks were visible on their faces, Liam looked up, his expression calm but deep down he was filled with frustration. "I know this looks bad," he said casually. "But I swear, this isn't me. I’ve been set up."Alvin stepped forward, his brow furrowed deeply. He didn’t doubt his son, not even for a second. He had seen the look of guilt before, and this wasn’t it. And Liam had never given him a reason to doubt him before, he was one of the most honest people he knew.“I know,” Alvin said confidently. “This has their fingerprints all over it. I spoke with the chief and the district attorney. They’re being tight-lipped, but I can see that someone is paying them off. Someone Is trying to drag our name through the mud.” He shook his head slowly, his jaw clenching with restrained anger. "It’s too perfect,
Mr. Simpson stood before the mysterious and ominous figures of the Shadow Council. They were of course, the same figures who had been after the ring and had worked alongside him and Salvatore in their shared goal of destroying the Danvers family.However, after repeated failures with no victories to show for it, Salvatore had decided to withdraw from their plans against Liam Danvers and the whole Danvers family. But unlike Salvatore who gave up easily, Simpson wasn’t ready to give up. Instead, he took Salvatore’s place as the Council’s key ally, driven by a relentless determination to see the Danvers family brought to ruin.And it had worked out. The Shadow Council had been the true power backing the Simpson family all along. They were the real reason the Simpson family was bold enough to start challenging the Danvers family head one. This secretive organization controlled far more than most could imagine, from major global events to influential corporations, even extending their rea
Liam's head snapped up, looking at the detective, and then he retuned his gaze back to the documents. Liam's mind raced, vanguard International? He was involved with this company, and yes he was the face of that company. Only because Mr Edwards had insisted on him so many times that he should be the face of it, even going as far as selling him most of the company shares so he would be the majority shareholder.Mr. Edwards had presented it to him as a solid investment opportunity and he had invested in it. But now Liam had seen it; It was all a part of something much darker. This was a setup. It didn't take long for Liam to realize that Mr Edwards was the one who set him up. But why? He wondered. “Yes, you've been caught, Danvers.” Detective Ricky said, after seeing the look of realization on Liam's face.“This is a mistake, I've been set up.” Liam dropped the fills into the table looking at the detectives.Hearing Liam's words, Detective Carter leaned forward, his eyes showing that
There was a brief pause as the officer listened to his superior, his gaze shifting toward Alvin, and his family.“Yes, sir. Right away.” The officer hung up and cleared his throat. “The Chief will see you in the conference room, Mr. Danvers.”“Lead the way,” Alvin replied casually. The officer led Alvin, Irene and Megan away, the Harringtons exchanged glances but trailed behind as well.The officer led them through the station, past rows of desks where officers pretended to focus on their work, though their eyes tracked every step of the Danvers family. No one dared to whisper now.They were escorted to a large conference room with a long table in the center. Moments later, the Chief of Police arrived. But he wasn't alone, he was accompanied by three others who followed him. A woman and two men, all dressed in sharp, professional attire. Their serious expressions made it clear they weren’t here for pleasantries.The Chief stepped forward, his gaze shifting to Alvin and the rest of the
Liam was brought to the police station, the cold metal of the handcuffs still pressing against his wristsHe could have easily broken free, but he didn’t. He wasn’t guilty, so what reason did he have to run?The ride had been tense, the hum of the police car’s engine the only sound between him and the officers. They didn’t speak, even when he asked them what charges he was facing.But Liam wasn't worried, because this had to be a mistake. He knew he was innocent because he had never been involved in everything illegal before. Little did he know he was actually set up. Not long passed and they arrived at the station. The faint buzz of conversation and the clattering of keyboards echoed throughout the room. Officers moved about with their own purpose, some glancing his way. Liam could hear some whispering about him in surprise.“Liam Danvers, in cuffs? That's new?” One officer murmured to his colleague.“Must be serious if they actually went through with arresting him,” his friend rep
Rachel's head snapped toward her sister, eyes wide with disbelief. "Aretha, what are you doing?" she whispered, her voice sharper than intended. Her fingers gripped her chair, a flicker of jealousy flashing in her gaze. She had silently hoped that if anyone were to marry Liam, it would be her. Hearing Aretha's bold declaration felt like a betrayal. When Mr. Harrington saw that none of his daughters were objecting, he smiled in relief, "I agree to the proposal. And I don't think either of my daughters has any issue with this.” Mr. Harrington then turned his attention to Liam, gauging his reaction. When he saw the young man’s indifferent expression, a wave of nervousness washed over him. He wondered if perhaps Liam wasn’t as fond of the idea as they’d hoped and he was going to refuse. “To be honest,” Mr. Harrington continued, attempting to ease the tension, “I believe it would be in everyone’s best interest if Liam were to marry both of my daughters. They each bring something valuabl
Rachel blinked in surprise taking off guard by the question, her eyes darted toward Aretha before settling back on Megan. But she was too shy to answer that question.Aretha raised an eyebrow, unbothered. Her eyes flickered toward Liam for the briefest moment before she answered smoothly, "I suppose that's for Liam to decide, isn’t it?" Her confidence grew as she recalled the bold move she had made earlier, kissing him. Surely, that had left an impression. He'd see her differently now, perhaps in a more romantic light. She was convinced that in a situation where he'd have to choose between her or her sister, he would choose her.Megan's grin widened as she leaned back, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. “Hmm, fair enough. Or,” she added with a mischievous tilt of her head, "maybe you two wouldn't mind sharing. I mean I wouldn't mind having two sister in-laws."Rachel’s eyes widened, hearing Megan's words, her face flushing a deep red as she quickly glanced down at her lap.Ar
The Danvers Manor Dining Hall at around 8 PM.The grand dining hall was bathed in a soft light from the crystal chandelier above.The long dining table, draped in white linen, held polished silverware and neatly arranged porcelain plates. The faint clinking of cutlery and quiet conversation filled the air as servants moved to and from the table, serving an assortment of fine dishes.Mr. Danvers sat at the head of the table, joyful look on his face. On his left sat Mrs. Danvers, dressed elegantly, just like the rest of the family and guests. The two families appeared at ease, chatting and enjoying the meal as if it were an ordinary gathering, or they had known each other for a long time.Everyone seemed content. Everyone except for Liam. He sat further down the table with Megan, his posture relaxed but his mood far from it. He knew why they were here. This dinner wasn’t just a chance for two families to connect and one another. It was about marriage, his marriage.He glanced at his par
Liam frowned. He wasn’t sure if it was worth trying to argue or convince her otherwise. Honestly, he didn’t want to protest too much and risk disappointing her, she was his mom, after all. And despite everything, a part of him still sought her approval. She was his mom after all, and it wouldn't hurt to fulfill her wish.Before she got far, Irene stopped and turned to face him, her expression a mix of tenderness and authority.“You’re part of this family’s legacy, Liam,” she said, her tone firm but not unkind, she just wanted him to understand for once. “I want you to be happy, of course, but happiness isn’t the only thing that matters. You need someone who can stand by you, someone who fits with what we’re building here. Your father and I have already waited long enough for you to make that decision on your own, but it’s clear you have no intention of doing so.” Her eyes narrowed, her voice gaining a sharper tone to it. “It’s not just about you, Liam. You and Megan both have responsi