MasukRUSTOVThe night air was cold yet soothing—frigid enough to cause the champagne bubbles to quiver in their flutes, gentle enough to deceive the gullible into thinking they were secure. The reception lights twinkled like golden fireflies amidst the city's deep darkness. Giggles. Melody. Flashing lights from cameras.A Flawless disguise.I remained at the fringe of the assembly, observing her.Sin.Perched as if she ruled the entire universe, Majesty dozing in her lap, her fingers casually running through her daughter’s hair while her gaze darted around — perpetually alert, perpetually conscious. That woman… she possessed her mother’s passion. Her mother's backbone. The curse from her mother.I had spent years anticipating this moment, the very moment I'd stand shoulder to shoulder and look straight into her eyes.Mikhail danced close to his bride, while Steel remained nearby, talking with Knox. None of them saw me. Not at this time.“Chief,” my guy murmured from behind me. "Are you cer
MELISSAThere are just three things in this world that can trigger an instant migraine for me: outstanding bills, individuals who claim “I’ll be there in five minutes” while still in the shower, and weddings where Sin is part of the planning.What's on the agenda for today? I possessed all three.It was the wedding day of Mikhail and Angela—stunning, classy, and costly enough to purchase a small island. Everything appeared as if it had been taken straight from a magazine layout: crystal chandeliers, white roses, champagne fountains, and a string quartet that had been practicing since dawn.What truly had me at the back of the church muttering curses quietly was not the decoration.It was Majesty.Four years old, tiara resting proudly on her curly hair, pink tutu billowing like an instrument of chaos. She proclaimed herself Flower Queen (not girl, never girl) and was presently directing the real bridesmaids as if they were her employees.“Majesty, dear,” I shouted, kneeling down. “Darl
ANGELAThe morning began flawlessly. Which, in my existence, consistently signified that the universe was ready to strike me in the throat.Sunlight streamed through my office blinds, the aroma of fresh espresso wafted in the air, and my wedding file—indeed, a physical file—was organized on my desk with color-coded tabs: guest list, seating arrangement, catering, dress fittings, and contingency plans in case Sin interferes.I was in the midst of reviewing contracts for one of Mikhail’s subsidiaries when my assistant knocked.“Ms. Rivera,” she whispered gently, glancing in. “A woman is here to meet you.” States that it’s critical.”I scowled. "Did she give a name?"She paused briefly. “Officer Maria Calloway.”And just like that, my coffee became flavourless.I compelled a grin. "Have her come in."Calloway didn’t enter rooms—she took them over. Consistently sharp, consistently collected, always displaying that subtle smile suggesting she was accustomed to deceit. Her fitted dark suit
MIKHAILI should’ve realized something was wrong the instant Sin requested a “private family meeting.”Sin avoids “private family gatherings.” She conducts ambushes, interrogations, and sometimes brunch with a touch of sarcasm. Yet this? Everyone was extraordinarily silent.We were at one of her secure residences—her “discreet spots” as she refers to them. It’s a transparent-walled stronghold by the water, accompanied by a silence that weighs on your ears. Adrian leaned against the window, arms crossed, with tension throughout his body. The twins—Jasson and Jaden—were seated next to each other on the couch, their eyes flickering among everyone as if observing a ticking bomb. Boyce and Cara were seated at the room's far end, and I swear, even the atmosphere around them seemed dense.Catalina positioned herself alongside Melissa besides me, her hand intertwined with mine. I wasn't sure if it was for solace or control. Steel held Majesty in his arms while Keith and Knox sat quietly besid
STEELI had just entered the conference room when the atmosphere changed. The sort of change you sense just before a thunderstorm, heavy and bitter, like the space itself understood an eruption was imminent.My executives—six men and one woman—were in the midst of discussing quarterly forecasts when the glass doors swung open and Detective Maria Calloway entered.She simply walked in. Didn’t even hesitate. She simply marched in with that self-satisfied expression and badge shining under the fluorescent lights, her ponytail so taut it could break. Two uniformed officers stood behind her, accompanied by two men in plain suits, each clutching a folder filled with numerous papers.Knox, positioned to my left, halted in the middle of his sentence.Maria grinned like a feline that just discovered a bird's nest."Ah, look at that." The powerful Moretti Enterprises. “I notice you’re still standing.”All fell silent.I reclined gently, crossing my arms. “Detective,” I remarked, my tone compos
JASSONTwo days had passed since the shot was fired. Two days have passed since Majesty’s cry pierced the air like a siren, since Keith fell to the ground bleeding, since Sin remained motionless, pale and trembling, gazing at the gun still smoking in her daughter’s small hand.It has been two days since Nyla went missing.However, I found her.I always find them.She was hidden away in a low-cost motel on the outskirts of town, completely devoid of life. She wasn't anticipating my arrival. It was evident from the way her eyes grew larger when she opened the door and found me there.“Jasson?” she murmured, gripping the hem of her robe. “What are you—”“Put your clothes on,” I interrupted her, entering without waiting for an invitation. "We need to talk."Her face became stern, yet she refrained from disagreeing. She walked through the room slowly and intentionally, as if challenging me to become impatient. I did not. Not as of now.Once she settled on the bed, arms folded and chin rais







