The Black Monarch was more than just a pub. It was a place where the elite came to indulge, escape, and hide behind the illusion of sophistication. Beneath its warm, sophisticated lighting, deals were struck over expensive whiskey, but tonight, it served a different purpose.
A luxurious black Mercedes-Maybach pulled up outside the grand entrance. The doormen immediately straightened, recognizing the significance of the arrival. The polished exterior reflected the streetlights, a silent display of wealth and power. Rupert Langley stepped out first. At first glance, he didn’t fit the image of a man who ruled the underworld. There was no exaggerated arrogance, no overt ruthlessness. Instead, he carried an effortless grace...calm, composed and almost too still. As he entered, his sharp gaze swept across the lavish interior. He moved with confidence, his presence never demanding attention yet impossible to ignore.<The silence in the penthouse where they were staying in Cameron City was heavier than words.Eve sat by the window, staring blankly at the darkened skyline. She hadn’t spoken much since the burial, not since Freya’s cruel words had ripped apart the illusion she had unknowingly clung to. Alex had tried to talk to her, had tried to reach out, but she couldn't bring herself to respond.She wasn’t angry.Not truly.She understood why Alex had kept the truth from her—perhaps he thought he was protecting her, shielding her from pain.But the pain had come anyway.The ache in her chest was constant, a silent weight pressing down on her. No matter how much she tried to rationalize it, the fact remained—she couldn’t give him a child. She had spent nights dreaming of the family they would build together, picturing a future filled with laughter and the sound of small footsteps echoing through their home.But those dreams had been shattered.Now, every moment with Alex felt like walking on thin i
Cameron City...The cemetery was shrouded in an overcast gloom, as though the heavens themselves mourned the passing of Samuel Croft. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying with it the hushed whispers of the gathered mourners.Ellie stood at the forefront, her veil barely concealing the exhaustion lining her delicate features. She had arranged everything, ensuring that Samuel was given the dignified burial he deserved—even though no body was laid to rest. The weight of grief pressed upon her, making every breath feel heavier.Beside her stood Perry, his small hand tightly gripping Eve's. He hadn’t said much since the news, but his silence was even more heartbreaking. Having grown up without a father, he had never truly anticipated fatherly affection. But deep down, he had wished—wished for the day he would finally meet his father. And when that day came, fate had been cruel. He had been given a father, only to have him taken away far too soon.Eve stood quietly, her face
Ellie’s hands trembled as she clutched the remote, her breath caught in her throat. The news anchor’s voice felt distant, drowned out by the deafening rush of blood in her ears.“Breaking news: A private jet bound for Cameron City has crashed into the ocean. The aircraft, confirmed to belong to businessman Samuel Croft, lost contact with air traffic control before impact. Authorities have begun search and rescue operations, though no survivors have been found—”The remote slipped from her fingers, clattering onto the floor.Her body went numb.This… this had to be a mistake.No. It couldn’t be true.“Mom?” Perry’s voice trembled with shock, disbelief overwhelming him.When Ellie turned to look at him, his face was pale, his usually bright eyes wide with fear.“Is this real?” His voice cracked. “Tell me this isn’t real, Mom…”Ellie couldn’t answer. She could barely breathe.Samuel had called her just last night. He had promised—“I’ll be home soon, Ellie. Wait for me.”He had promised.
The sharp ring of Alex’s cellphone shattered the silence of his office. He had been reviewing documents, his focus unwavering—until the insistent vibration accompanied the unknown international number flashing on the screen. His brows furrowed. Overseas? Who would be calling him directly?Pressing the answer button, he brought the phone to his ear."Mr. Harris."The voice on the other end was familiar—Roman, Samuel Croft’s trusted assistant. But something was off. There was an urgency in his tone, strained and unsteady, sending a ripple of unease through Alex’s chest."What's the matter?" Alex asked, his grip on the phone tightening.Roman exhaled sharply. "It’s about Mr. Croft… There’s been an accident. His private jet went down over the ocean while en route to Cameron City."A cold weight settled in Alex’s stomach. "When?""A few hours ago. We lost contact mid-flight. Aviation authorities confirmed the jet crashed into the sea. Search and rescue teams have been deployed, but… no sig
Alex’s investigation into Victor had finally come to light, brought to him by Earl before he agreed to the dinner.Victor Hensley was a shadow that moved without a sound—a man with an impeccable reputation, yet whose origins were shrouded in silence.A name that had suddenly become relevant in Alex’s world. A powerful businessman from Ashbourne State, the CEO of Titanium Crest Corporation—one of the top real estate companies in the country. His proposal to collaborate on Galaxy Empire Group’s new project in Finnland seemed legitimate, almost too perfect.Yet, there was something about him that didn’t sit right.He was composed, refined, and exuded an effortless charm that put people at ease. But beneath that carefully crafted facade, there was a lingering sense that he was more than he let on.Victor's sudden arrival in Summerville was a move no one had anticipated. He made his presence known without force, slipping into their lives with the ease of a man who knew exactly what he was
The moment the door shut behind them, Alex’s grip tightened on Eve’s wrist, dragging her deeper into the breakroom. She was taken aback, her heart racing at his sudden intensity.The air in the private suite was charged with tension. His hand remained wrapped around her wrist—firm yet not painful. His dark eyes burned into hers, turbulent and stormy—a mixture of fury and jealousy."Honey, what’s wrong?" she asked nervously.But he didn’t give her a chance to speak further.His lips crashed against hers, hard and unyielding. There was no hesitation, no patience—just raw, consuming need.Eve gasped, the heat of his mouth stealing her breath, his grip tightening as if daring her to push him away.But she never would. Because Alex was her world.And when he kissed her like this—like she was the very air he breathed—she could only surrender.Between heated, devouring kisses, his voice came out low and rough, vibrating against her lips.“You let him touch you.” His teeth scraped her bottom