LOGIN“Get out,” Raphael’s voice rang through the room, his eyes fixed on the far wall.Ronan didn’t move.He only sat there watching his younger brother throw another fit, just like he used to when they were kids.Back then, Raphael only acted like this when he’d done something stupid and needed attention no one wanted to give him.Clearly, nothing had changed.Because whatever was broken inside him now apparently thought chasing Atlas’s will was a brilliant idea.“You’re still here?” Raphael muttered again. “Thought rich people hated places like this. Walk away, golden boy.”That made Ronan’s jaw tighten, something screaming at him to just pick him by the cloth and toss him across the small roomInstead, he took a step closer.Raphael flinched, but only slightly.But Ronan caught it.And once he confirmed his brother still remembered exactly what he could do to him, he calmly lowered himself into the chair opposite the couch.“I came to talk,” Ronan said evenly. “And you’re going to liste
Ronan followed the man through what was supposed to be the courtyard, his shoes crunching against gravel and broken glass.And the deeper they went into the complex, the worse it looked.Rust crawled over the railings, and water dripped from exposed pipes overhead.Somewhere above, a couple screamed at each other in a language he barely caught before a child burst through the hallway, laughing with a torn football tucked under his arm.Ronan stepped to the side immediately, narrowly missing him.The old man glanced back once, amused by the look on Ronan’s face.“Not what you expected, right?” He asked.Ronan just stared back at him until the man faced forward again and continued towards a narrow staircase.The stairs were cracked, the railings were shaking, and even though Ronan could bet it was going to give out any minute, the old man walked very confidently, not bothering to seek support from the wall with peeling paint and damp patches.But Ronan was extra careful not to apply too
“Sir, these are the last of them.” The stack of folders landed beside his computer with a heavy thud, nearly as tall as the monitor itself.Ronan’s eyes flicked to the pile, a brow going up instantly, then he turned to the employee.“Are you sure?” “Yes, sir. We—” The man stopped abruptly, catching the edge of sarcasm in his own voice. He straightened almost immediately. “Definitely, sir.”Ronan picked up the nearest folder anyway.It was airport clearance forms.Another one.He shut it with a flat snap and dropped it back onto the pile, already regretting every business expansion he’d approved in the last three years.His mind whispering to have listened to Micheal, and just get a manager to run everything under his command.“You can go,” he finally said.The man didn’t waste another second. He gave a stiff nod and hurried out of the office.The moment the door shut, Ronan hit send on the mail he’d been typing and leaned back in his chair, rubbing a hand over his face as exhaustion
Solène shoved the phone into her bag a little harder than necessary and started toward the building before she could change her mind and just go back home.“He told me he wanted to get married to Hannah.” Her Mom’s voice rang loudly in her head.And she just wanted to scream until all the anger was out of her body.God, she hated it. She hated what Atlas did. Hated that he did all that and then just died.She shouldn’t have picked her Mom’s call to begin with. Because all she’d gained from it was her mood getting ruined.She should have just ignored it like she’d been doing.She inhaled deeply as she crossed the parking lot, heels clicking sharply against the pavement as she made for the door, half hoping shopping would help calm her down.“Welcome, ma’am,” the security man at the door greeted warmly with a smile.And immediately, Solène’s expression settled back into something calm. Controlled.She smiled politely. “Thank you.” Then she stepped into the large building.Cold air immed
“I know I haven’t been completely honest with you, Solène. But please…just listen to me.” Solène let out a tired breath, rubbing slowly at the back of her neck like it would somehow help her form a response.Because somehow, this was all she’d been hearing all week, along with every other thing going on with her.Apology, explanation about why things were hidden from her then them asking for understanding after the damage was already done.But for the first time in weeks though, she’d let her mother’s call pass the two-minute mark.Now she sat in the backseat of the car, eyes fixed beyond the tinted window while the phone stayed pressed against her ear.And frankly, since the call began, all she’d done was breathe.“Solène?” Her Mom’s voice came through again. As firm as she remembered, but a little worn down at the edges. “Are you still there?” Solène shut her eyes briefly. “I’m listening.” Vanessa actually paused, and Solene could feel she was a little surprised by her words.The
Solène let the phone ring for a few more seconds, her heart slowing like she didn’t want to take it.Then just before it ended, she lifted the receiver to her ear.“Mr Laurent.” “Mrs Alvarez.” His deep voice came calmly through the line. “I apologize for the delay.” Solène’s back met the chair again, in an attempt to breathe normally. “You said you’d call when you found something.“And I did.” There was a small pause, and Solene remained quiet, listening to the faint sounds on his end.“How bad is it?” She asked quietly.Papers shifting echoed from his end now, then he answered.“That depends entirely on whether the will resurfaces publicly.” Solène shut her eyes briefly, letting it sink in.Because of course.“Tell me plainly.” She finally said. “I’m ready to take anything at this point.” Mr Laurent let out a soft hum. “Plainly? Alright. If Hannah or any other person interested in it discovers you’re in possession of Atlas’s original will and decides to pursue legal action, thei







