LOGINMiss Davies paused for a brief moment, her smile turning a little more reserved as she looked around the courtyard to ensure no other parents were hovering nearby. She stepped slightly closer, keeping her voice low and professional. "Mr. Vane, before you leave, there is a small matter I felt I should bring to your attention directly," she said softly.Julian’s dark eyes narrowed slightly, his sharp instincts instantly activating. "What is it?" "Earlier this afternoon, during dismissal prep, young Toby Irvine’s nanny approached me," Miss Davies explained carefully. "She was asking several detailed questions about Leo and your family. She explicitly stated that her employer, Madam Victoria Aldridge, was very keen on setting up a formal playdate between Toby and Leo at their estate."Julian’s jaw tightened, a cold, dangerous flicker passing through his dark eyes. Victoria Aldridge. The woman who had cornered him this morning with a fake, sweet smile while her sister Cynthia tried to
The heavy glass doors of Carnegie Shipping’s executive floor rattled slightly as Julian Vane walked out of the main conference room. His dark blazer was unbuttoned, his silk tie loosened just a fraction at his collar, and a faint line of exhaustion was carved between his eyebrows.Taking over an entire rival shipping empire was no easy task. Because he had insisted that Elena stay home and rest after the intense ordeal with Mark, Julian had taken the entire workload onto his own shoulders. Running Vane Enterprises was already a massive, full-time job. Managing the chaotic transition of Carnegie Shipping on top of it was pushing even his stamina to its absolute limits.Marcus walked half a step behind him, holding an iPad and a stack of urgent legal folders. "The legal team has cleared the remaining transport contracts, Mr. Vane," Marcus reported smoothly. "However, the head of logistics at the eastern port is requesting your signature before five o'clock." "I’ll sign it when we ge
Cynthia stormed through the grand glass doors of the luxury spa, her high heels clicking violently against the tiled floor. Her face was bright red with anger, and she gripped her designer handbag so tightly her knuckles turned white.She bypassed the polite reception desk and walked straight into the private, dimly lit relaxation lounge. Victoria was lying on a plush velvet massage table, her eyes closed with two cucumber slices resting over them. A quiet, peaceful melody played from the speakers in the room.Cynthia marched right up to the table and snatched the cucumber slices off her sister’s face, throwing them onto a nearby tray."Get up, Victoria!" Cynthia snapped, her voice trembling with rage. "Get up right now!"Victoria gasped, blinking rapidly in the sudden bright light. She sat up quickly, looking completely startled. "Cynthia! What is wrong with you? I was in the middle of a wonderful facial treatment!""Catherine Vane is what is wrong!" Cynthia hissed, pacing back and f
The black luxury car pulled up near a high-end commercial street lined with luxury boutiques. Victoria adjusted her expensive coat and looked over at her sister."I will drop you off here, Cynthia," Victoria said, smoothing her hair. "I think I will go spend my morning at the luxury spa down the road. You can call the driver to pick me up whenever you are finished with your meeting.""That is a good idea," Cynthia replied, her voice cold and completely focused. "Go relax at the spa, Victoria. This conversation with Catherine Vane requires my full attention. I do not need any distractions."Victoria nodded, stepping out of the car. Cynthia watched her walk toward the grand glass doors of the spa before she turned to the driver. "Take me to the old Vane estate. Drive quickly."Ten minutes later, the car stopped in front of a pair of massive, towering iron gates. The Vane estate was legendary in the city. The grounds were enormous, filled with perfectly trimmed green gardens and ancient
"Okay, okay, I’m going!" Victoria said, quickly smoothing down her hair and adjusting her expensive coat. She stepped out of the car and walked gracefully across the pavement toward the boys.Cynthia sat back in the dark interior of the car, her sharp eyes fixed on the scene. She watched every single movement through the tinted glass window.Victoria walked up to the two boys, a very beautiful, sweet smile on her face. "Good morning, Mr Vane. Hello, Leo."Leo looked up, his big eyes blinking. "Hello, Toby’s mommy! Look at my rocket backpack! My dad Julian bought it for me!"Julian turned his head at the sound of Victoria's voice. His dark eyes instantly became polite but completely distant, like ice. He stood up straight, his hands slipping easily into his trouser pockets. "Good morning," Julian said, his deep voice smooth and perfectly formal. "You must be Toby's mother." "Yes, I am Victoria," she said, her voice turning soft and slightly breathy. She offered her hand, and Julian
In the dressing room, Victoria was kneeling down in front of her four-year-old son, Toby. She fixed the collar of his neat grey school blazer while he was happily swinging his legs, holding a small toy airplane in his hands. "Now, Toby, listen to me very carefully," Victoria said. Her voice was quiet, but her eyes were very serious. "When you get to school today, I want you to find Leo Vane. Do you understand?" Toby nodded quickly, his soft curls bouncing. "Yes, Mommy! Leo is my best friend! We built a giant Lego tower yesterday. He has a blue train at his house." "That is wonderful," Victoria said, forcing a sweet smile onto her face. She patted his cheek. "I want you to play with him every single day. If he wants to play with the blocks, you play with the blocks. If he wants to use the swings, you help him on the swings. Be the best friend he has ever had. Can you do that for me?" "Yes! I can do that!" Toby cheered, making his toy airplane fly through the air. "I love playing wi
Elena’s POVThe gates of Lady Catherine’s estate opened slowly and Chloe drove the car through, and I felt a tiny bit of air return to my lungs. The driveway was lined with tall, thick trees that blocked the view from the road. No cameras could see us here. No one would be able to shout at us from
Elena’s POV"I’m going to the store," I told Julian as he stood in the foyer, adjusting his expensive watch."I’ll have the security team pull the cars around," he said. He didn't even look up. He said it like it was a rule."No," I said firmly. "No guards. No black SUVs. I just want to go to the m
Elena’s POVThe house was a hive of activity that morning. Men in black suits were moving everywhere, checking radios and looking at the gates. I held Leo’s hand so tight my knuckles turned white. He was unusually quiet, clutching his teddy bear and staring at the floor. I could feel his small hea
The fire was small at first. It climbed the silk curtains like a glowing orange snake. Elena stood by the open window, her heart hitting her ribs like a hammer. The room was getting hot. The sweet smell of her expensive perfume was being replaced by the thick, biting scent of smoke."Go," she whis







