Alexander's POV“Soon,” I said. “Maybe tonight, or tomorrow, it depends, but I'll make my first move before I travel in two days.”She nodded quietly, humming. "Good. After you grab the first thread, the whole cloth is undone. Don't believe anyone, and don't let your emotions get the better of you.""I will," I replied resolutely.I moved my head a little to the side, watching Darla as she sipped from her glass. She appeared unmoved, as if whatever we were discussing could not touch her.But I knew better. She loved the precipice, loved watching things go apart and building them anew in her interest."Have you heard from Serena recently?" she asked, her eyes crinkling ever so slightly as though she was looking for an answer in my face.I breathed it out. "A while back," I admitted. And then I leaned in close, curious. "What about you? Heard from her?"Darla shook her head in an instant. "No. I haven't heard from or seen Serena for years now."That surprised me a bit. "Why?" I asked. "
Alexander's POVI leaned back a little and looked at her. “Where exactly is this company situated?” I asked.“Sunderland,” she said without hesitation.My eyes went up instantly. “Sunderland?”She nodded. “Yes. Sunderland is the hub of great industries these days. You’d be surprised. Diamond company is even headquartered there too.”That caught my attention. “Diamond company…” I muttered under my breath before looking at her again. “Vincent has been trying to get a deal with the Diamond company. According to him, they’re about to give it to him.” I narrowed my eyes. “Tell me, this deal you’re talking about, is it also with Diamond?”She shook her head quickly. “No. Diamond is powerful, no doubt. But it’s not the only powerful company in Sunderland. The deal I’m talking about is with Novatech.”“Novatech?” I repeated.“Yes,” she said, leaning forward a little. “Another powerful company. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to tell if Diamond is stronger than Novatech because of the competition
Alexander's POVThe place was quiet, just the way I wanted. A small, private area tucked away from prying eyes.Across from me sat Darla. Mid-forties, sharp eyes, the kind of woman who always seemed to know more than she said. She has been like an elder sister to me ever since I was little, but she's a friend. One of the few friends my dad never knew I had. She leaned forward. “So,” she said, her voice calm but direct, “what’s your next move now? Are you going to keep playing your father’s games and hide under his shadow, or, are you finally going to do something else entirely?”I didn’t even need to think about it. “I’d rather forfeit every bit of wealth I have with him and be free than keep being his puppet.”Darla’s lips curved into a knowing smile. Then she laughed softly, shaking her head. “I knew this day would come. Sooner or later, Alexander Calloway would step out of his father’s shadow.”I smirked faintly. “I’m glad I took your advice seven years ago. The secret investment,
Serena's POVElla stepped fully into the room, her hair still damp from where the wine had soaked it earlier. She looked calmer now. No fire, just a heavy exhale as her shoulders slumped.“I’m sorry for my unruly attitude,” she said, her voice low but steady. “It wasn’t… ladylike of me.”I tilted my head and gave a small smile. “It’s alright. Honestly, I’ve seen worse. And between you and me, you had every reason to react the way you did.”Sam stepped forward, glancing at all three of us in turn. “Well, ladies, I’ll leave you to your, whatever this is. I have to attend to my throat.”I frowned. “Your throat?”Before I could raise an objection, he walked out of the living room, hitting the heavy door.Sophia and I looked at each other, the unasked questions painting our faces."What is wrong with his throat?" I asked sincerely.Ella's lips trembled as if she was about to laugh. "Nothing. He's going out to smoke.""Oh," Sophia said in disbelief. "And how do you endure that?"Ella shrug
Serena's POVPristine’s voice was calm, like the word bitch didn't get to her. “Who exactly are you calling a bitch?”Ella’s lips curved in a slow, mocking smile. “You, obviously. Who else here fits the title so perfectly?”I could practically feel the air snap between them. My instincts told me exactly what was about to happen, and it wasn’t going to be pretty. I took two careful steps back, my eyes darting toward the door in case I needed a quick exit.But I also wanted to see the fight play out between the both of them. I would love nothing more than to see Ella beat the hell out of Pristine, that's if Sam doesn't interfere.“Ladies,” Sam stepped in, lifting his hands like a referee before a boxing match. “I believe this is a misunderstanding. Let’s just-He really didn't get to finish his statement.Without me even blinking, Pristine lifted her glass just like someone would do when raising a toast and emptied the whole content onto Ella's face!The red wine splashed in an arc ont
Serena's POVThe blonde didn’t wait for Damien to invite her in. She stepped past him like she owned the place.Damien didn’t move to stop her, but I caught the faint flicker of irritation in his eyes. His shoulders stiffened, and the vein in his temple twitched."Where do I sit?" she asked Sam, not even glancing at Damien's direction.Sam pointed to the other side of the living room, grinning as if this was some inside joke that only he knew about.I stayed rooted to the spot, my gaze shifting back and forth between Damien and the woman.It wasn't just that she was pretty, It was the air of confidence she radiated, as though she once was the center of his universe and might be again if she wanted.The thought made my stomach twist in ways I didn't care to recognize.Sophia drew closer, her breath interrupting my line of thought. "Who is she?"I swallowed hard. "His ex-girlfriend, I think."Pristine's eyebrows shot up, and she glanced at the blonde lady. There was electricity in the a