Stanley's POV The night air is cool, but it does nothing to soothe the rage burning inside me. My fists clench at my sides as I stride toward the little lab house, my guards making sure no one is following.I don’t know why I even feel nervous. I already know what I’m about to hear, but a small part of me is still clinging to the possibility that maybe—just maybe—I was wrong.Mrs. Eliot is sitting behind her desk when I step into her office. She looks up, takes one glance at my face, and shakes her head."Sit down, Stanley.""I’m not here to sit," I snap. "I’m here for answers."She exhales slowly, folding her hands on the desk. "I know. But you’re not going to like the answer."My stomach tightens. "Just say it.""The DNA doesn’t match," she says, her voice firm but laced with sympathy. "You are not Aurora’s father."For a moment, my entire world tilts.I force out a breath, clenching my jaw so tight it hurts.She keeps talking, her voice softer now. "Stanley, I think it’s ti
Flora's POV Aurora suckles quietly, her tiny fingers grasping at my shirt, unaware of the storm brewing in my mind. I shift slightly in my chair, adjusting her weight against me as I glance at my mother, who sits across from me with that unreadable expression on her face.Her words from earlier linger like an ominous cloud."Stanley’s days might be numbered."I swallow hard before asking, "Mom, what did you mean by that?"She exhales deeply, folding her hands in her lap. "It’s the dirtiness of politics, Flora. Once you’re in once you’re wrapped up in it,it’s finished. You either play the game, or the game plays you."A shiver runs down my spine. "But there has to be a way out. Right? The senator hired me as his personal assistant, but that doesn’t mean I have to be part of whatever corruption they’re into."My mother shakes her head. "You’re already in, Flora. Even if you think you’re just standing at the edge, you’re not. You’re part of their world now."I tighten my hold on Aur
Stanley's POV I watch as Jessica walks back into the room, her expression unreadable, but I know better. That was an important call. The way she left abruptly, the way she kept her voice low she’s hiding something.She catches me staring and tilts her head. "What?"I don’t look away. "Who was that?"She shrugs, walking toward the mirror to adjust her earrings. "No one important. Just business."I narrow my eyes. "Business? At this hour?"Jessica rolls her eyes. "Yes, Stanley. Business doesn’t have a curfew."Before I can push further, my phone rings. My chest tightens as I glance at the screen an unknown number. But I know it’s not just any random call. I answer, pressing the phone to my ear."Mr. Lockwood?"I recognize the voice immediately—one of the officers from the local precinct."We received a report of gunfire at Mrs. Flora Lockwood’s residence. A bullet went through her window. No casualties, but we’re investigating. Just thought you should know."My grip tightens ar
Jessica’s POVI lean against the leather seat of my car, tapping my manicured nails on my phone as I wait for Michael. My lips curl into a smirk. He thinks he's using me, but he has no idea who he's dealing with.A few minutes later, he arrives at the dimly lit parking lot, his bike screeching to a stop. He swings his leg over and walks toward me, his usual cocky swagger on full display. I roll my eyes but keep my expression neutral as I step out of the car, a thick envelope in my hand."Finally," he says, reaching for the money.I pull back slightly, just to toy with him. "You did what I asked?"He smirks. "Of course. I scared the hell out of her, and now she’s got a bunch of guards around her house. Guess who probably sent them?"I raise a brow. "Stanley?"He nods. "Who else? I saw them myself, all suited up like some high-level security team."I narrow my eyes, pretending to process the information, but in reality, I expected this. Stanley’s still holding onto his obsession wit
Senator Jones’ POVI lean back in my chair, a smug grin on my face as I swirl the whiskey in my glass. The office is dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the cigar burning slowly between my fingers. The phone is pressed against my ear, and on the other end, the boss chuckles."You should’ve seen the look on Stanley’s face," I say, exhaling a puff of smoke. "He bought it completely. He actually believes Flora is shacking up with some secret lover."The boss laughs a deep, rich sound that holds the weight of power. "Good. That fool has always been easy to manipulate. His ego won’t let him think clearly when it comes to her.""Exactly," I say, taking a sip of my whiskey. "It’s all working perfectly. His anger keeps him distracted. He’s so consumed with proving Flora is unworthy that he won’t see what’s really happening right under his nose."The boss hums in satisfaction before his tone shifts. "Now, about Jessica…"I raise an eyebrow. "What about her?""She’s been play
Stanley's POV I'm fast asleep in my bed when I'm jolted awake by the sound of a plate breaking. It's loud and close, and I quickly throw off the covers and rush out of my room to see what's happening.As I enter the hallway, I see Jessica standing in the foyer, surrounded by shattered glass and ceramic. She's holding a vase, and with a swift motion, she throws it to the ground, shattering it into a hundred pieces.The maids are standing nearby, looking frazzled and scared. They're holding new vases, and I realize that Jessica must have ordered them to replace the old ones.Just then, my mother comes downstairs, her face pale with shock. "Jessica, what are you doing?" she demands, her voice shrill with anger.But Jessica just scoffs, a look of disdain on her face. She pretends like she can't hear my mother, and instead turns to me."Stanley, these vases are outdated," she says, her voice dripping with condescension. "They need to be changed."I take a deep breath, trying to c
Flora’s POVMy footsteps echo against the cold concrete as I climb the last set of stairs leading to the rooftop. My heart pounds with every step, and my fingers grip the rail tightly, as if letting go would send me spiraling into the unknown.When I push open the heavy metal door, the crisp night air greets me, sending a shiver down my spine. The city sprawls beneath me, lights flickering like a million secrets waiting to be uncovered.I step out cautiously, my eyes scanning every corner. There’s no one here.The rooftop is eerily quiet, except for the distant hum of traffic and the occasional gust of wind. The paranoia settles in my bones—I shouldn’t be here. This feels like a setup.I wrap my arms around myself, glancing over my shoulder, expecting someone to emerge from the shadows. But nothing happens.Then, my phone vibrates in my hand.The sharp buzz startles me, and I nearly drop it. My breath hitches as I glance at the screen. Unknown Number.I don’t answer.My hands are
Jessica’s POVI walk down the grand staircase, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor. A slow, satisfied smile stretches across my lips. Everything is going exactly as I planned. Stanley might think he has things under control, but he doesn’t. I do.Just as I reach the bottom step, I hear the door open. Chloe walks in, her expression immediately darkening when she sees me.“What are you still doing here?” she demands, dropping her bag on the nearest table.I chuckle, tilting my head as I cross my arms. “Oh, Chloe, sweetheart,” I mock, enjoying the way her jaw clenches. “I’m here to stay. That’s a fact.”Her eyes narrow, her hands balling into fists. “You’re delusional if you think Stanley will let you stay in this house.”I arch a brow. “Stanley?” I scoff. “Stanley needs me.”Chloe is about to fire back when my phone rings. I glance at the screen, and a smirk tugs at my lips. Michael.I meet Chloe’s glare with a smirk of my own. “You should start getting used to seei
Flora’s POVAs soon as I step through the door, the scent of lavender and fresh soup greets me,home. My mother’s already waiting in the living room, perched at the edge of the couch with Aurora’s favorite stuffed bunny in hand. She looks up as I drop my keys on the console."How did it go?" she asks gently, her voice laced with concern.I take a breath, forcing the calm that’s been threatening to snap. "It went well," I say, lowering myself onto the armrest of the sofa. "We both signed. It’s done now."She studies my face closely. “Are you okay?”I nod. “I have to be, Mom. For Aurora. For myself. Falling apart isn’t an option anymore.”Her hand reaches out and rests over mine, warm and grounding. “You’re stronger than you think, Flora. But even strong women are allowed to cry.”Not today, I want to say. Not now. Not until I’m alone.She straightens a bit and offers a small smile. “Aurora’s birthday is next week, don’t forget.”“I haven’t,” I say. “I’ll start planning soon. She dese
Stanley’s POVI sit on the edge of the bed, elbows resting on my knees, staring at nothing.The silence in this room feels heavier than usual.I keep replaying the scene over and over in my head,Flora sitting across from me earlier today, calmly picking up the pen, signing the divorce papers, and walking away like it meant nothing. No last words. No second glances. Not even a flicker of emotion.Just… gone.After everything we’ve been through,our history, our daughter, I paused on that. Aurora isn't my daughter yet she signed those papers like she was closing a business deal. Clinical. Unbothered.Cold.I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to suppress the ache growing behind my eyes. When did she become like that? That woman who used to light up when I walked into a room now looks at me like I’m a stranger. Worse,like I’m invisible.And the scary part?I can’t even blame her fully anymore. Not afte
Flora’s POVThe phone vibrates on the table beside me, and for a moment, I just stare at it. I’m not in the mood for more calls, more drama, more unexpected twists. But when I see the caller ID—Lawyer Peter—I sigh and pick it up.“Hello?”“Mrs. Davis—sorry, I mean Ms. Flora,” he corrects himself quickly. “Just calling to inform you the divorce papers have been finalized. Both your signatures are required now. Can we arrange a meeting today?”I glance at the clock. It’s only just past noon. My chest tightens. It feels so… final. Even though I’ve been expecting this.“Okay,” I say quietly. “Give me a moment.”I hang up and dial Stanley. He picks on the third ring.“We need to meet,” I say, skipping past the pleasantries. “Peter called. The papers are ready.”He’s silent for a beat. “Where?”“His office.”“I’ll be there.”He hangs up.No arguments. No hesitation. No emotion.I close my eyes and take a deep breath.Maybe it’s better this way.The meeting room is too quiet. Peter’s des
Jessica’s POVMy fingers tap rhythmically on the countertop, the screen of my phone lighting up with the time. 11:03 AM. The meeting should have started three minutes ago, but I’m still here, sipping a lukewarm espresso and pacing like a general before war.My phone rings, sharp and loud, dragging me out of my thoughts. I glance at the caller ID—Delilah, the event planner.I press answer, already annoyed.“Jessica,” she begins quickly, “the team’s been waiting. You’re the one who fixed the meeting time, and—”“Pause.” I cut her off, voice smooth but firm. “I have something important to take care of.”I don’t wait for a reply before ending the call.The moment I hang up, I snatch my purse, slip on my sunglasses, and head for the car. Screw the meeting. It can wait. Michael is more important right now. Much more.I slide behind the wheel, engine growling to life. The gates swing open, and I speed out of the compound without a second glance.Fifteen minutes later, I pull into the
Senator Jones’ POVThe soft hum of jazz floats through my study as I pour myself a glass of whiskey. It’s late, but I’ve never been much of a sleeper. Too many things always need watching, controlling. Especially now.My phone vibrates against the oak desk. I see the caller ID and smile faintly before answering.“Boss,” I say smoothly, settling into the leather armchair.“Jones,” he replies, his voice sharp and cold as ever. “How’s Flora coping at the company? Is she giving you trouble?”I swirl the amber liquid in my glass, taking a moment before responding. “She almost did,” I admit. “She had that fire in her eyes a few days back. Looked like she was ready to tear the whole place down.”The boss chuckles darkly. “I told you she’s a wild one.”“True,” I say. “But I brought her back to her senses. Just a little nudge to remind her of her place, and she snapped right back in line.”“Good. I don’t want her rebellious. I want her useful,” the boss says. There’s a pause, then he contin
Flora’s POVI sit in the car, watching the city lights blur past through the window, and for a moment,I can’t breathe.Did I just do that?Did I really sit through a dinner with Stanley and Jessica like it didn’t break every nerve in my body? Did I smile? Stay calm? Keep my voice even?I did.And I didn’t just survive it… I owned it.I blink, looking down at my hands, still slightly trembling, but steady enough to clench the edge of my dress. I feel raw inside, like I’ve been skinned emotionally, but on the outside,I looked untouched. That has to count for something.I glance to the other seat where the nanny holds Aurora gently. She’s fast asleep, cheeks flushed from the night, her tiny hand curled around the edge of her bunny plushie. So peaceful. So soft.I swallow the lump in my throat.The nanny offers me a small, knowing smile. “She didn’t even stir. Must’ve been a long day.”“Yeah,” I say, voice hoarse. “For both of us.”I lean forward, tapping the glass. “Let’s go. I just
Flora’s POVIt’s almost time to leave, but my heart won’t stop racing.I pace the living room twice, clutching my handbag like it might fly away if I let go. Aurora’s dressed already,hair done in a sweet puff, her tiny hands playing with the butterfly clips in her curls.I turn to Mama. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I feel like this is a mistake.”She walks over and touches my shoulder gently. “It’s not a mistake, Flora. You’re just anxious. Breathe, alright? Maybe this dinner is a good thing.”I glance toward the window. It’s already getting dark.“Be positive,” she adds. “Whatever happens tonight, just stay calm. Don’t let anyone rattle you.”I nod slowly, then my phone rings, interrupting the moment.Unknown number.I hesitate, then swipe to answer. “Hello?”“Miss Flora,” a familiar voice says, low and firm. It’s the agent. “You’ll be accompanied to your meeting tonight. My men are waiting outside your house.”“What?” I blink. “How did you even—?”But the line goes dead.I
Flora's POVI stare at the file on my desk like it might reach out and bite me. My heart’s been beating too fast since I saw his name,Stanley Davis,boldly written under the “eliminate” column. It doesn’t make sense. Nothing makes sense anymore.I pace the floor of my office, my heels clicking too loudly against the tiles. I want to scream, throw something, demand answers,but I don’t even know who to direct my anger to. Senator Jones? Mr. Rivera? The agent who dropped this bombshell on my desk and vanished like smoke?God, I want to go to the senator’s house. I want to grab him by the collar and ask what twisted game he’s playing. But I can’t. I think of my mom. I think of Aurora—her little giggles, the way she wraps her tiny fingers around mine like I’m her entire world.If I make the wrong move, if I provoke the wrong man… they’ll pay the price.I sit down slowly, running my fingers through my braids, trying to breathe through the chaos. I keep glancing at the door, hoping the age
Jessica’s POVThe hospital smells like antiseptic and quiet desperation. I walk briskly through the corridor, not making eye contact with anyone. I’m not here for small talk or polite nods. I’m here to get things done. Ruthlessly.I reach the doctor’s office and knock once before stepping in without waiting for a response. Dr. Franklin looks up from his desk, startled.“Miss—” he starts, standing as if unsure whether to greet me or brace himself.I cut him off with a smile. “Sit down, doctor. I won’t take much of your time.”His nervous energy is almost amusing. I close the door behind me and walk to his desk slowly, deliberately, like I own this hospital. In many ways, I do,money talks, and mine never stutters.“I need a favor,” I say, placing my purse on the edge of his desk. “Stanley’s mother… I want her drug regimen changed.”His brows knit together. “Changed?”“Yes,” I reply smoothly. “Swap it with something… a little more effective at finishing the job. Something that will sl