Inside the dimly lit holding room, Nathan sat on the single metal chair, his hands clasped calmly on the table in front of him. His expression hadn’t changed much since he’d walked in steady, controlled, unbothered. The door creaked open, and an inspector stepped in. Mid-40s, heavyset, face twisted in irritation. He dropped a thick file on the table with a thud. “You want to tell me what you were thinking?” the inspector asked, pacing around the room. “A man is dead. Fake materials from your company killed him.” Nathan didn’t flinch. “I don’t know anything about that.” The inspector slammed his hand down on the metal surface, the sharp sound echoing through the room. “Confess!” Nathan raised a brow, cool as ever. “This isn’t how you speak to people like me. I’ve said what I know. Respect yourself.” “You think your money can save you?” the inspector spat. “I’ll make sure you’re punished. You’ll remember everything, whether you were involved or not.” Nathan tilted his head slight
The kitchen buzzed with quiet activity as the morning sun warmed the countertops. Maya stood at the stove flipping pancakes while Sophie sliced up some fruit. The radio played softly in the background, filling the silence with upbeat music. “You sure you're good for work today?” Maya asked gently, glancing at Sophie over her shoulder. Sophie nodded as she popped a grape in her mouth. “Yeah. I actually feel okay. Being around you guys helped more than I thought.” Maya smiled and reached over to ruffle Sophie’s hair. “Good. But don’t push yourself, okay?” “I won’t.” Maya turned back to the stove. “I can’t wait for Marcus to go back to school, honestly. That guy has way too much time on his hands now.” Sophie giggled. “He cleaned the whole living room like three times yesterday.” “I know, right?” Maya rolled her eyes playfully. “Let him be someone else’s responsibility for a bit.” They both laughed just as Marcus strolled into the kitchen, already dressed in a hoodie and jeans, t
The group sat together, talking about random things. Jason shared a stupid story about the time he mistook expired mayonnaise for vanilla pudding. Ariel teased him mercilessly, while Maya kept refilling cups with juice and passing out small bowls of the snacks they brought. Sophie didn’t say much, but she was smiling and for Maya and Marcus, that was enough. They even put on a short, silly TikTok dance challenge, with Ariel dragging Maya into doing it and Sophie laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach. Jason stood back like he was too cool to join but ended up doing the worst dance of them all. Even Nathan cracked a smile. As the sky outside began to dim, the laughter settled into a quiet calm. Jason stood up first. “Alright. I think we should head out. You need rest.” Nathan nodded. “Yeah. We’ll check in tomorrow.” Ariel hugged Sophie gently. “If you need anything and I mean anything you call me. Or send smoke signals. Or whisper my name three times in a mirror.” “I’ll ke
Sophie’s heart was pounding.When she heard her mother’s voice screaming from the living room. “You think you can touch my husband and get away with it?! He told me everything, Sophie. You little witch!” Sophie turned, stunned. “Mom… he tried to touch me! He cornered me in the kitchen, I defended myself......” Before she could finish, a loud slap echoed through the house. Her cheek stung instantly. “You're always lying! Always causing problems in this house!” her mother screamed, grabbing Sophie by the hair and yanking her down. Sophie stumbled to the floor as the blows kept coming slaps, kicks. Her mother was blinded by rage and lies. “I gave up everything for that man, and you want to destroy it?!” she yelled, throwing a towel at Sophie. Sophie crawled back, shielding her face. “I’m your daughter! Why won’t you believe me?!” But her words didn’t reach. Breathing heavily, with tears streaming down her face, Sophie scrambled to her feet. She ran to her room, her body aching, h
Later that night.... Nathan dropped Sophie off first. She stumbled out of the car, turned dramatically, and gave them both a slurred royal wave. “Goodniiiiight, my loyal subjects,” she said, giggling. Nathan chuckled. “Go inside before you fall asleep on the lawn.” She winked and whispered, “You guys better not kiss without me seeing,” before blowing a kiss and disappearing into her building. Maya burst out laughing, covering her face. “She’s so dramatic.” Nathan turned to her. “Your turn, Miss Secretary.” On the ride to her place, Maya got quieter sleepy, a little tipsy, but peaceful. When they pulled up, she stretched and fumbled for the door handle. “Thanks for tonight,” she mumbled, eyes half closed. “It was... really nice.” Nathan watched her carefully. “Get inside safe.” She nodded and walked up the steps, swaying a little. When she finally got in and closed the door, Nathan let out a breath and told the driver, “Let’s go.” -------- At the penthouse.... As soon as J
As the music faded and everyone caught their breath, Sophie clapped her hands, her eyes lit up. “Okay, okay hear me out. Let’s play Truth or Dare!” Jason raised a brow, smirking. “Seriously, Sophie? Are you still twelve?” Sophie scoffed. “Says the guy who still laughs at everything ” Nathan arched a brow, clearly amused, but Sophie immediately covered her mouth. “Oh my God, I'm so so sorry sir! I forgot you’re my boss!” Jason chuckled. “Relax. Tonight I’m just Jason not CEO Jason.” Nathan grinned. “well , CEO Jason would have roasted you back.” Everyone laughed, and Maya shook her head. “Honestly? I’m in. This sounds fun.” Nathan gave a mock sigh. “Alright, alright. Let’s do it before Sophie accidentally gets herself fired.” Sophie gave him a playful side-eye. “Thank you, sir. Very generous of you.” Jason grabbed a nearby bottle from the table and spun it on the low coffee table in front of them. It landed on Nathan. Jason rubbed his hands together, eyes gleaming.