Elijah’s POVAs we sat in that cafe which was barely illuminated, we began to feel the situation’s intensity heightening. Troy’s plan to bribe Henry’s men felt like a desperate move. But more than that, I felt like he could just be fooling us again. “Are you sure about this?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at Troy.He nodded, looking more resolute than I’d ever seen him. “It’s our best shot. Trust me.”Just as we were about to delve deeper into the plan, Troy’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and went pale. “It’s my mother,” he said, answering the call. “Mother?”I could hear her frantic, terrified voice on the other end. “Troy! Help me, come quick!”His face drained of color, and he stood up abruptly. “We need to go. Now.”Sophia and I exchanged a quick, concerned glance, then followed Troy out of the café. We drove as fast as we could to his house, my thoughts spinning with all the worst-case scenarios.When we arrived, Brenda was sitting on the front steps, clutching the side of
Henry’s POVI watched the gentle sway of the yacht from where I sat inside, the faint creak of the vessel almost soothing against my frazzled nerves. The only light in the small cabin came from the smoldering end of my cigarette, the embers casting a dull orange glow that danced across the wooden walls.My fingers drummed restlessly against the polished mahogany table, the rhythmic taps barely masking the anxiety that gnawed at my insides.“Julia, I'm so sorry,” I whispered into the void, my voice barely audible over the lapping waves outside. “I can’t be with you now, but I have to plan this well so we can both be free.”I drew in a deep breath, the smoke filling my lungs as if it might somehow clear away the weight of the situation. I knew every day that passed without being able to help her made it harder. The walls of this yacht felt like a cage of their own, despite its opulence. The comfort of the surroundings did little to ease the turmoil inside me.Just as I was about to tak
Henry’s POVI closed my eyes, trying to push away the haze of my current predicament, as I recalled various incidents in my childhood when I had to protect Julia. In my mind, I could picture the house where we both grew up. Julia was only eight years old then, a tiny figure dwarfed by the expanse of our family’s opulent home. I remembered walking into the living room just as she stood frozen beside the shards of a broken vase.The vase, an heirloom of sorts, lay in jagged pieces on the marble floor. The room was eerily silent, save for the ticking of the grandfather clock.Our mother’s footsteps echoed from the hallway, each step growing louder, more menacing. I could hear the tension in her stride, the anger crackling like static in the air. Julia’s face was a mask of fear, her small hands trembling as she tried to gather the pieces, each fragment a reminder of her mistake. I knew the punishment would be harsh, and my heart ached at the thought of her suffering.I stepped forward, u
Elijah’s POVI froze as Sophia’s scream pierced the afternoon heat, blending with the thundering sound of a gunshot. The shot missed Sophia but struck the window, causing the glass to explode into a shower of shards. “Sophia! No!” I yelled as I sprang into action, yanking Sophia to safety upon seeing the gun leveled at her, readying for another shot.Inside, chaos erupted as more heads turned. I could hear the sound of shouting voices and scurrying footsteps. “Run!” I shouted, grabbing Sophia and leading her away from the building. She stumbled but managed to keep up as we sprinted down the overgrown path. The sound of gunshots echoed behind us, sharp and jarring. Branches clawed at our clothes as we tore through the underbrush. I glanced back to see flashes of gunfire streaking through the dense foliage, and my pulse quickened. Every instinct screamed at me to keep moving, to get us out of there before we became sure targets.As we neared the car, a man suddenly emerged from behi
Daniel’s POVI hadn't slept well the past few nights. Every time I closed my eyes, the image of Sophia's face, tinged with that faint sadness, kept appearing in my head. The text she sent—"It's fine, just busy lately"—felt like a dismissal, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had messed things up beyond repair. It had been three days since our encounter at her place, and I was desperate to make things right.Today, I was at the development site, pacing around the place as if that would make time pass faster. We’re supposed to have a meeting here today, and I really hope she shows up and things get back to normal between us. When Sophia finally walked through the gate, my heart skipped a beat. Her presence triggered an electric charge inside me. I tried to calm my nerves, but seeing her standing there, with her hair falling perfectly over her shoulders and that confident stride of hers, made it hard to concentrate.“Hi, Daniel,” she said, offering a polite but reserved smile.“H
Sophia’s POVI felt like I was on top of the world as I walked through the swanky hotel, my eyes ogling at the sleek presentation boards and interactive displays sprinkled all over the main function hall. Being part of the International Architecture and Design Conference in New York was certainly a dream come true for me!Everywhere I looked, the room was bustling with innovative ideas and creative energy from professionals all over the world.I eagerly mingled with other attendees, soaking in the wealth of knowledge and fresh perspectives. Each session offered something new, and I found myself inspired by the groundbreaking projects and cutting-edge techniques being discussed.It’s a shame Trevis couldn’t make it at the last minute, I thought sadly. He would have loved everything here! I do hope he feels better soon. During one of the sessions, a coordinator unexpectedly approached me with a request that both flattered and unnerved me. “Ms. Sophia Bennett? One of our panelists can't
Sophia’s POVI checked my reflection in the mirror, feeling giddy with excitement. Yet I felt on edge at the same time. It had been ages since I'd dressed up like this. The deep emerald gown hugged my figure perfectly, accentuating my curves and making my green eyes pop. Tonight was the gala night for the conference, and I wanted to make a good impression.A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I walked over, my heart racing a little faster than usual. When I opened the door, my breath caught in my throat. There stood Elijah, looking as handsome and dashing as ever in his perfectly tailored suit. His eyes widened as he took in my appearance, and I could see genuine admiration in his gaze.“Sophia,” he blurted out, his voice full of awe. “You look absolutely gorgeous.”I felt a blush creep up my cheeks, suddenly self-conscious under his intense stare. “Thank you, Elijah,” I replied softly, trying to calm my racing heart.For a moment, we just stood there, taking in the sight of
Sophia’s POVI stirred my tea latte absentmindedly, watching the foam swirl into intricate patterns. The coffee shop was pretty busy, but I hardly noticed it. I was too lost in my own dreamy world. Kayla sat across from me, sipping her cappuccino and eyeing me curiously. “So, how was the design and architecture conference?” Kayla asked, leaning in with genuine interest.“It was amazing,” I said with a huge smile, my enthusiasm shining through. “I learned so much and can't wait to apply some of the techniques at work. The speakers were incredibly inspiring.”Kayla nodded, a hint of regret in her eyes. “I was supposed to go too, but there were so many things I needed to attend to at Raven Media. I couldn't get away.”“That's a shame,” I replied, taking a sip of my drink. “You would have loved it.”Kayla studied me for a moment, a playful smirk forming on her lips. “You seem... different. Happier, maybe? There's something about you today, like you're glowing or radiating.”I felt a war
Elijah’s POVWe weaved through the cracked streets, deeper into a part of the city that felt like time had forgotten it. Boarded-up windows, rusted signage, buildings collapsing in on themselves. This was the kind of place where ghosts lingered, and today, we were chasing one of them."We’re close," Joe muttered from the front seat, his eyes scanning the GPS on his phone. "This is the last possible location that fits Hugo's hideouts."Antoine sat beside me in the back, silent but focused. His jaw was tight, hands clenched. I still didn’t know if I fully trusted him, but I couldn’t deny this: he was here, risking his neck like the rest of us. And right now, I’d take any edge we could get.I have to find Grandpa George. For Sophia.When we pulled up to the burned-out remains of what once looked like a chapel, a chill shot down my spine. The stone structure still stood, half-charred, the wooden beams above blackened and skeletal. Nature had tried to reclaim it—vines curling around scorch
Elijah’s POV“Sophia…”Her name was the only thing in my mind as I stormed through the decaying hallway, boots slamming against rotting wood, gun drawn. My pulse thundered in my ears. The floor creaked beneath every step, but I didn’t slow down. I couldn’t.Joe and his men fanned out behind me, covering corners, checking every room.We were running out of time.Then—A scream.My heart nearly stopped. It was her.I charged forward, slamming my shoulder into the door at the end of the hall. It burst open—and I saw red.Morgana was on the ground, gasping for air as Hugo’s hand squeezed her throat, and across the room, Sophia was trying to drag herself toward them, her face pale and streaked with tears.“NO!” I shouted, and without hesitation, I raised my gun.Hugo turned just as I fired.The bullet tore through his shoulder. He howled, stumbling back and releasing Morgana, who crumpled to the floor, coughing violently.I crossed the room in three strides and tackled Hugo before he could
Sophia’s POVThe first thing I felt was cold.A biting chill that wrapped around my arms and legs like a second set of restraints. Then came the pressure—tight, scratchy ropes cutting into my wrists. My head pounded like a drum, fog thick behind my eyes. Everything smelled like mildew and dust.My eyes struggled to make sense of the shadows.The room was dim, lit only by a weak bulb overhead that flickered like it couldn’t decide if it wanted to stay on. I was on a metal chair, hands tied behind my back, ankles secured to the legs. The air tasted stale and old, like the walls had been sealed off from the world for decades.Panic bloomed in my chest.My brother Chris. What had become of him?I jerked forward, straining against the ropes. “Chris!” I called, my voice hoarse and raw. “Where is he?!”I noticed some movement in the darkness. A shadow stirred in the corner of the room. I froze as a figure stepped out into the light. Tall. Gray-streaked beard. Sunken eyes like old coals. A d
Sophia’s POV“This is insane,” Elijah muttered, rubbing a hand over his face. “We’re relying on Antoine to lead us to Hugo. Does no one else see how crazy that is?”Joe, who had been checking messages on his phone, barely looked up. “We don’t have another choice.”I watched Elijah pace the room, his frustration clear. He wasn’t wrong, but I knew that if there was even the smallest chance of finding Grandpa George, we had to take it.Joe sighed and turned to Antoine. “You sure you can make him bite?”Antoine shrugged. “I know Hugo. He’s a cockroach—he won’t go down without a fight. But if he thinks his last hiding spot is compromised, he’ll make a move. That’s when we strike.”Elijah muttered something under his breath, but I didn’t catch it. Joe’s phone buzzed. As he studied the screen, he said, “We got something. Two possible locations.”Elijah straightened. “Then let’s move.”They all hurried out, and I had the sudden, overwhelming urge to call Elijah back—to make sure he’d pick up
Sophia’s POVMy mother sat on the couch, clutching Grandma Evelyn’s hands, trying to calm her down. My father stood near the window, staring out into the darkness, his face pale and unreadable.Chris and Connor were huddled over a laptop at the dining table, analyzing security footage.Joe was already there, speaking into his phone, barking orders to his contacts.But no one had any answers yet.And Grandpa George was still missing.I turned to my grandmother, kneeling in front of her. “Grandma—did you see anything? Anyone suspicious? A car, a stranger?”Her red-rimmed eyes filled with fresh tears as she shook her head. “No… nothing. I don’t know how this happened.” Her voice broke. “George was just in his study… and then he was gone.”Elijah placed a hand on my shoulder, grounding me, but I could feel the rage simmering beneath his calm exterior. He wasn’t just worried—he was furiousJust then, Chris snapped his fingers at the screen. “We’ve got something.”Connor turned the laptop t
Sophia’s POVWe had been trying to track down both Antoine and Hugo, but they had vanished like ghosts.No leads. No sightings. Nothing.Lucas had called me earlier, still searching, still digging. Even Elijah and his contacts have been working doubly hard. But so far, they’d come up empty too. It was frustrating—knowing the danger was out there, lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.But tonight…Tonight, we weren’t going to think about it.Tonight, we were here to celebrate.After all, Lila and Adrian’s joint concert was finally happening. This was their moment, their dream unfolding before them.And for the first time in what felt like forever, we were all together, enjoying something good.Kayla was everywhere at once, her headset on, clipboard in hand, barking last-minute instructions into her earpiece. She was stressed, frantic… but glowing. Even though there could have been other people to take care of all this from her company, she wanted to be in charge, to personal
Emily’s POV“Walk away, Hugo,” Antoine said sharply, stepping in front of us as if to shield us from the strange man.The name triggered a memory.Chris had mentioned it just yesterday—Hugo Tournier. Suddenly, I remembered. It’s the name Sophia and Elijah had been trying to track down. The man who had supposedly changed Sophia’s life forever.And now he’s here. Why?!My hands instinctively balled up as my heart slammed against my ribs. Could this really be the same man?Hugo’s expression darkened with satisfaction as he took another step, exuding an air of quiet arrogance.“Well, well,” he drawled, his voice smooth but laced with something sinister. “You’re not as fun outside of prison, Antoine.”Phoebe’s grip on my wrist tightened. “Emily, let’s go,” she muttered under her breath.I wanted to. Every instinct screamed at me to turn and leave. But I couldn’t—not yet.Hugo came forward, his eyes staring straight at me. He gave a low chuckle, mocking. “It’s interesting to meet Sabrina Ba
Emily’s POVI refused to flinch. Even as Antoine stood in front of me, blocking my way, I forced my body to stay still, to stay firm.I squared my shoulders, my fingers curling into fists at my sides. “Move.”Antoine didn’t budge. His gaze shifted between me and Phoebe, like he wasn’t sure if I’d actually listen or turn and run.“I’m not here to fight,” he said, his voice calm. “I just want to talk.”Phoebe’s grip on my arm tightened, and her anger was immediate, sharp.“Oh, hell no,” she snapped. “What are you even doing here? Haven’t you caused enough trouble?”I inhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm. I wasn’t going to let him see me feeling nervous or affected by him. Antoine exhaled, his face unreadable. “I just wanted to talk.”Phoebe laughed coldly. “Talk? You took Jared, Antoine. Without permission. Do you have any idea what you put us through?”“I know,” he admitted. “I made a mistake.”Phoebe scoffed. “A mistake?”I stepped forward, my gaze hardening. “Please, Antoine.
Emily’s POV“You look like you’re waiting for someone to burst through that door and drag you back into hiding.”Phoebe’s voice was light, teasing, but I still flinched. We were sitting in a cafe near Emily’s house, trying to relax and simply enjoy our time together. But it was still challenging for me. I forced a smile, stirring my coffee even though I wasn’t planning to drink it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”Phoebe snorted, popping another bite of pastry into her mouth. “Em, I’ve known you since birth. That’s your I’m on edge but pretending I’m fine face.”I sighed, rubbing my temple. “I just… I don’t know. It feels too good to be true. Jared is finally warming up to me. I have you here. I should be happy. I am happy.”“But?” Phoebe pressed.“But I keep waiting for something to go wrong.”She gave me a knowing look. “Because that’s all you’ve known for years.”I nodded, staring down at the swirl of foam in my untouched coffee. “I don’t know how to turn it off.”Before