•Edward POV•The car slowed to a stop in front of a towering skyscraper, sleek and bold in its design. Its glass panels shimmered under the morning sun, reflecting the sky like a mirror. The name Echo Eleven was spelled out in polished silver at the top, catching the light and standing tall like a crown over the city. The building had a silent kind of power, clean lines, modern edges, and a kind of calm confidence that said everything important happened inside.From the window, I could see it better. The pictures I saw online hadn’t done it justice. It looked even more royal up close, like something built for people who never heard the word ‘no’. It made you straighten your back just standing near it.Eric pulled into the driveway and parked. He stepped out first, phone already pressed to his ear. I followed, stepping into the soft morning breeze that kissed my face and cleared my thoughts a little. I walked to meet him, hands tucked in my pockets, eyes scanning the building again as
•Juliet POV•I turned over to the other side of the bed, facing the door as I tried once again to close my eyes. But even when I managed to shut them, I found myself opening them back almost immediately. I had been like that for hours now, I just couldn’t sleep.Everything that had been happening lately kept replaying in my head, dragging up memories I never wanted to face again. I felt Edward’s arms move behind me, brushing against the empty space between us before wrapping gently around my waist. He pulled me close in a soft, comforting cuddle.I gave a thin-lipped smile and finally let my eyes close, but just then, the sharp ringing of Edward’s phone broke through the silence. It buzzed loudly on the nightstand, making both of us stir. Edward reached for it and stood up from the bed.I turned over to face him, watching as he picked up the phone and silenced it.“Who called?” I asked from the bed, my voice still laced with sleep.He glanced at me with a small smile. “No one. I just
•Juliet POV•Inside the car was silent as Edward drove down the road. I rested my back on the chair with my eyes closed. The image of the first time I saw James kept replaying in my mind, stirring up regret and anger all over again.I took in a deep breath and exhaled softly, sniffling as I opened my eyes and turned toward the window, resting my hand against it and staring out as the city blurred past.“How are you feeling now, honey?” Edward asked in a soft tone, like he didn’t want to break the silence.“I’m fine,” I mumbled, but even as the word left my mouth, it carried the ache that filled my chest. I didn’t think I’d ever be okay, not until I saw James behind bars and my company standing strong again. Not until I could finally look out the window and smile without fear that James was still out there.Edward didn’t ask further and I assumed he knew I was lying, every time he asked me that, I always did.My phone beeped. I reached into my bag, pulled it out, and saw notifications
•Juliet POV•“Years ago, when I started Jace Perfume, all I had was myself, my unborn child, a broken heart, and a dream. I was supported by my best friend… and Dora. Who is no longer with us.”My voice caught slightly, but I pushed through. “Everything was finally going well. From a small shop to becoming a company. And then I decided to open my first branch in New York.”I hesitated. “I didn’t know what that decision would cost me, but I wanted to try.”As I continued speaking, my gaze drifted and caught movement near the door. Vera rushed in. I watched her quietly for a moment, then turned back to the camera.“That was when I met James,” I said. “He was one of the top customers then and was doing so much to get my attention. I thought he was a good person. But his intent was never good. He tricked me into giving him the names of my designers. He bribed and threatened them into working for him.”I tightened my hands on my lap. “And when I filed a lawsuit against him… he kidnapped my
•Juliet POV•Mila took one last sip from her cup before climbing down from the chair. She padded over to meet Vera, who was already standing by the door with Jace.I stood up and walked over to Jace. He let go of Vera’s hand and rushed toward me. I crouched to his level and gently brushed my hand through his curly hair, tucking some of it behind his ear.“Be a good boy for Mommy, okay?” I said softly.“Okay, Mommy,” he replied with a small nod.I pulled him close, wrapping him in a quick hug and kissing the top of his forehead.“I love you so much, my baby,” I mumbled, touching his cheek. He giggled and did the same to mine before turning to follow Vera.Edward who was still seated and eating, turned toward us with a smile. “And Daddy loves you more, kiddo,” he mumbled through a mouthful of food.Jace chuckled and waved, trailing behind Vera and Mila as they stepped out the door.I returned to my seat and took a sip from my tea. Pouring myself another, I glanced up as Eric walked in,
•Juliet POV•I took in a deep breath and exhaled softly as I sat in the car, thinking of the livestream tomorrow. My mind roamed around the fact that it would be worldwide and that James and his father would definitely see it.The thought prickled my pulse. Fear crept in slowly, tightening my chest. I closed my eyes, trying to breathe, but it felt like I couldn’t. I didn’t want to think about what was going to happen after tomorrow.“My love, I know you’re worried about everything,” Edward said, his voice pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to look at him. His eyes were already on me, soft and steady. “Don’t worry, everything will be alright.”I smiled faintly, looking away from him and out the window, watching the city blur past. “I want to believe that,” I whispered, “but I can’t just let go of the fact that James is dangerous. Tomorrow, I won’t just be exposing him, I’ll be exposing his empire, his father… their pride.”“So what’s the worst that could happen?” Edward asked, his