ALEX'S POV."Why haven't he been picking my calls?" I muttered as I tried Arlan's number again. "What could be going on?"There was something unsettling about what was going on and I just couldn't figure it out. It's been two days and unlike Mary, she haven't shown her sly face here. Not like I miss her or something, I just didn't feel good about it.I stared at my phone, everything felt like it was moving too fast, like I was being pulled along with no control. One thing after another, barely enough time to process before something new crashed into me.I let out a breath, running a hand through my hair. The TV was on in the background, news droning on about something I wasn’t paying attention to until a new caught my attention.“Cartier’s lead designer, Matilda Hawthorne, has passed away due to childbirth complications.”I turned to the screen, my stomach tightening.The news anchor continued, “Hawthorne, known for her visionary work with Cartier’s Collection, tragically lost her lif
EVAN'S POV.Lying in bed, I stared up at the ceiling, my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn’t believe I had just agreed to do this. Sneak into Mom’s room? Take Dad’s medication? "What if she caught me in the act? What would be my excuse?" Thoughts like this ran through my mind.I swallowed hard, gripping my blanket tightly. "But Dad needs those meds… and Ian promised to take me to him." I reminded myself.I turned to my side, squeezing my eyes shut. Maybe if I just went to sleep, this would all go away.But no matter how much I tried, sleep wouldn’t come. Ian’s words kept playing in my head. "Your dad might not get better without them."I took a deep breath and sat up. I had to do this. I had to be brave. Slowly, I slid out of bed, my legs feeling like jelly as I stood up."Okay, Evan. Just act normal, everything would be fine."Taking small, quiet steps, I made my way to Mom’s room. My hands were clammy, and my throat felt dry. 'What if she could see right through me?'I reached he
MARY'S POV.I dialed Dominic’s number again, drumming my fingers against the desk. This time, he picked up."Oh, see who finally decides to put on his phone." I said sarcastically."What is it this time?" He asked me impatiently. "Can we get this done with as soon as possible? I'm so exhausted."“How was your meeting with Ian?” I asked, keeping my tone light.He sighed. “You need to stop prying into my business, Mary.”My lips curled into a smile. “Oh, really? So you’re finally growing a spine?” I laughed softly, savoring the tension. “You think I don’t know what you're trying to do? You have no idea how deep you’re in. You really want to betray me, knowing I’ve got you cornered?”“I’m just trying to survive, alright?” he shot back. “And I’m done being your puppet.”I could hear the anger in his voice, and it only made me more curious. "I figured that out already. But hey, You should think about your parents.""Take their names off your filthy mouth."Ignoring his rants, "I’m willing
IAN’S POVI stormed into my office, slamming the door shut behind me. My head was pounding, my heart racing. The meeting had been a disaster. The way they all looked at me—doubtful, disappointed, like I was already a sinking ship.Her voice echoed in my mind. "If you're unable to provide a satisfactory answer, be ready to resign."I let out a bitter laugh, running a hand through my hair. Resign? After everything I've done? She wanted me gone, wanted to strip me of everything, and the worst part? The board was actually considering it."I swear, I will kill you, Mary." I vowed. "I'll make you wish you didn't challenge me in the first place."I grabbed my smashed phone from the desk, my hands trembling with rage. I had to get control back. I had to move fast. I ripped the SIM card out, shoved it into another phone, and scrolled through my contacts until I found the name I needed... Dominic.He picked up on the third ring. "Where are you?""Ian?" His voice was cautious. "We are not meetin
MARY'S POV.The meeting had gone on for what felt like an eternity. Every passing second just added to the growing frustration and tension in the room but I was enjoying each moment.I could feel the eyes of the board members on Ian as they exchanged disapproving glances. Ian was in trouble and he knew it. He was losing their support and has no major shareholder backing him up. He looked like a small fish in an ocean, looking lost and confused."Ian, this is unacceptable," one of the directors finally spoke up. "Underperforming across the board, and now the product leak? This is a disaster."Ian shifted uncomfortably in his seat, a nervous twitch in his jaw. "I... I understand," he stammered, "and I promise I’ll handle it. I’ll give everyone an explanation, just give me time. I've got the legal team on this already."He met my gaze then, instead, I rolled my eyes, just enough for him to catch it.I wasn’t about to let him squirm his way out of this one. "If I may," I said, cutting thr
IAN'S POVI stared at my phone, tapping my fingers against the table. No response from Arlan. Not even a single word or message. It was past noon, and I was expecting to have heard some news or reactions by now."Maybe I shouldn’t have sent them to him, Maybe it was bad idea after all." I said looking worried. "That weakling." I cussed. "I thought he was all crazy about Saraya."Then again, there is Dominic who had reached out to me earlier. "I guess that is enough to bring down Mary seeing how he made effort to reach out. He must have something to offer but then I can't trust that cunning son of a bitch." I said to myself.Peter rushed in, looking troubled. From his facial expression, I could tell all is not well."Don't tell me you bought another bad news to fuel my bad mood?" I asked.Peter shivered. "I'm sorry but I think you should know that the wellington just released some products similar to what we intend launching next week." He revealed.I laughed hysterically. "Are you out
ARLAN'S POV."You haven't had anything since morning, have something to drink sir." Bridget stretched a bottle of water towards me.I took it from her and wrapped my hands tightly around the bottle. "Thank you." I muttered."She will be fine." She said.There was something optimistic about Bridget words that torn my heart, maybe it from knowing Matilda wouldn't be fine not after my decision or my conscience pricking me.I felt uncomfortable. "You should go back," I suggested. "I don't know how long I will be staying here for, I shouldn't keep you here.""I know you want to be left alone but I'm sorry I can't do as you've asked right now. I think you need someone beside you. There is nothing much to do at home, so I would just sit over there." She said pointing to a seat at a corner. "You can just pretend I'm not here.""Thank you." I muttered as another round of tears rolled down my cheeks.Bridget walked away and took her seat but not without turning her back against me. She must hav
ALEX'S POV."Are the documents ready?" I asked Arlan the moment he stepped in."Yes, here they are." He replied before pulling them out from his briefcase.I carefully went through them one after the other, satisfied. I nodded. "Great job, Arlan.""Don't mention."I sighed. "All that is left is to sign the transfer paperwork to another hospital and serve her a copy then I can tell Saraya everything about Mary and Dominic.""You're still recovering and the transfer is going to take some days, are you sure you will be able to sulk it in with Mary visiting you everyday?" Arlan asked."I have no choice though I won't deny how much I'm holding back not to wriggle her neck from her body. Especially when he touches me, I feel like exploding." I confessed.Arlan sighed, taking a seat across from me. “I must admit, we are playing a dangerous game, Alex. One misstep and this could blow off to our faces.”I scoffed. “I’m done playing games.” My fingers tapped impatiently against the documents. “
DOMINIC'S POVI settled into my seat, buckling the belt as the plane began boarding. People shuffled past, stowing their bags, murmuring to each other, but I wasn’t really paying attention.All I could think about was Saraya.More specifically, the way she looked when she told me what I’d done.'You tried to kiss me.' Her words echoed in my head.I rubbed a hand down my face. "Damn it."I didn’t even remember doing it, but the second she said it, I could feel it. Like my body had stored the memory my brain refused to hold onto.I could picture it too easily. Her lips inches from mine. That brief moment of hesitation. The way her breath might’ve hitched and the disgust on her face enough to have avoided my kiss.I shook my head. "Stop." I cautioned myself.I exhaled, staring at the seat in front of me. It didn’t happen. It didn’t matter how it would’ve felt. It didn’t matter what might have happened if I hadn’t been drunk out of my mind.I leaned my head back, closing my eyes for a seco