LOGINThe 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
The front door opened with a soft click, and the heavy sound of Julian’s footsteps echoed into the grand foyer. He carried his sleek black leather briefcase in one hand, his dark suit jacket draped neatly over his other arm. The moment he stepped fully into the apartment, his entire expression softened."Daddy! Daddy! You're home!"A loud, happy screech echoed from the living room. Leo came tearing down the hallway in his favorite bright green dinosaur pajamas. His bare feet made fast slapping sounds against the polished hardwood floor as he sprinted at maximum speed.Julian dropped his briefcase onto the entryway bench just in time. He knelt down on the floor, opening his arms wide. Leo threw his small body forward, launching himself directly into Julian’s chest with a giant hug. Julian let out a low chuckle, his strong arms wrapping securely around the little boy, lifting him slightly off the ground."Whoa there, buddy," Julian said, his deep voice rich with affection. "Did you ha
The courtyard of the academy was bustling with activity as the afternoon dismissal bell rang. Sleek luxury vehicles were lined up along the stone driveway, and neatly dressed parents stood in small groups, waiting for their children.Elena and Chloe walked side by side down the paved path toward the kindergarten building as Chloe looked around the beautiful grounds, her eyes wide with appreciation.As they approached the main glass doors of the classroom wing, the school principal, a strict-looking man, noticed Elena. He immediately stopped his conversation with a wealthy-looking couple, turned toward Elena, and offered a deep, respectful bow of his head."Good afternoon, Ms. Elena," He said, his voice smooth and incredibly polite. "I trust young Leo had another wonderful day with us. If there is absolutely anything you or Mr. Vane need regarding his schedule, please let my office know directly."Elena gave him a polite, warm smile. "Thank you. I appreciate it.""Have a lovely afterno
The next morning, the smell of freshly toasted bread and sweet strawberries filled the bright kitchen. Leo was already sitting at the kitchen island, his little legs swinging back and forth from the high stool. He was wearing his navy blue school uniform again, looking much more comfortable in it today.Julian stood by the stove, carefully flipping golden pancakes with a spatula. Elena watched them from the dining table, a warm cup of coffee resting between her hands. She couldn’t help but smile at how natural it looked, the powerful billionaire playing chef for a four year old boy.Julian slid two fluffy pancakes onto a small blue plate and set it down in front of Leo. He didn't immediately go back to the stove. Instead, he leaned against the counter, wiped his hands on a towel, and looked at the little boy with a serious but very gentle expression."Leo," Julian said, his deep voice carrying a hint of a smile. "I have some important news to share with you."Leo stopped chewing his
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
ELENA’s POV The sun was shining through the windows of the big bedroom. I was sitting up in bed, drinking the tea Julian had made for me. I felt much better than I did during the night. The pain in my stomach was gone, but my heart still felt heavy. I kept thinking about Mark. I wondered where he
ELENA’s POV The tablet felt heavy in my hands, like a piece of lead. The screen was bright, showing a grainy but clear video feed from the security cameras at the house I used to call home. I stared at the screen, my breath catching in my throat.There was Mark. He wasn't crying. He wasn't callin







