LOGIN*****BLACKWOOD MANOR. The evening at Blackwood Manor was unusually quiet. Roxanne stood in the spacious living room, her phone pressed against her ear."I understand," she said softly. "So you'll be staying for a few more days?" There was a brief pause as Adrian spoke from the other end. Roxanne's lips curved into a faint smile."Alright. Just take care of yourself." She ended the call and lowered her phone. She had barely taken a breath when she heard footsteps approaching. Margaret appeared from the hallway, her expression immediately suspicious."What were you and Adrian talking about?" Roxanne turned toward her."Adrian called to let me know that he'll be staying for a few more days." Margaret's brows furrowed."He'll be staying for a few more days?""Yes.""And he told you?""Yes," Roxanne nodded."How convenient," Margaret scoffed. Roxanne frowned slightly."What do you mean?""I am his mother, Roxanne. His mother. And yet, he couldn't even bother
*****THE NEXT MORNING The morning began with another meeting. Seraphina sat at the head of the long conference table, laptop open, posture perfect, expression unreadable. Across from her, Adrian sat in silence, dark eyes fixed on the screen as the lead engineer stood beside the latest geological reports. The atmosphere was noticeably more serious than the previous day."We completed additional testing early this morning," the engineer said carefully. Seraphina's gaze sharpened. "And?" He hesitated. "The situation is more complicated than we initially believed." Adrian leaned forward. "How complicated?""The unstable soil extends farther beneath the property than the original survey indicated. We cannot simply reinforce the existing foundation." Seraphina's brows drew together. "Then what do you recommend?""Additional geological testing. A complete foundation assessment. Only then can construction proceed safely.""How long?" The engineer's pause was answer en
BLACKWOOD PROPERTY; LATE AFTERNOON The journey from Manhattan had taken nearly four hours. By the time the convoy arrived at the proposed development site, the afternoon sun was already beginning its slow descent toward the horizon. Seraphina stepped out of the black SUV, adjusting the lapel of her blazer as she surveyed the enormous stretch of land before her. The property was beautiful. Expansive green hills stretched into the distance, bordered by a dense line of trees. It was almost perfect. Almost. Adrian stepped out of the vehicle behind her."Impressive, isn't it?" Seraphina glanced at him."The location is." A faint smile tugged at his lips."You don't sound convinced.""I'm an investor, Mr. Blackwood. I'm not supposed to be easily convinced." He chuckled quietly."Fair enough." The architects and engineers from both companies joined them. For the next hour, they walked around the property, examining the proposed construction areas while
BLACKWOOD MANOR; 7 PM Adrian stepped into the house. It had been a long day. Seraphina Vale had occupied his thoughts more than she should have. Adrian frowned at himself. It was a business meeting. Nothing more."You're late." Adrian looked up. Margaret sat comfortably on one of the sofas in the sitting room, a cup of tea resting in her hand. She had left work earlier than Adrian. Roxanne sat nearby with her laptop open, her attention divided between the screen and whatever conversation she had been having with Margaret. Roxanne looked up first. A smile touched her lips."You're home." Adrian's expression softened slightly. He walked further into the room, loosening his tie. Margaret raised an eyebrow."I assume the meeting is going well.""It is.""With Mrs. Vale, I assume." Adrian paused for only a second before looking at his mother."Yes." Roxanne closed her laptop halfway."How did it go?" Adrian walked toward the sofa and sat down o
WESTBRIDGE ACADEMY; LATE AFTERNOON The basketball court was almost empty. The final bell had rung hours ago, and most of the students had already disappeared beyond the school gates. The loud chatter that usually filled the grounds had faded, leaving behind an unusual calm. Aurora leaned against her broom and glanced at her wristwatch. Two hours. She had spent two entire hours cleaning the basketball court with Sandra. It had been exhausting and incredibly annoying. Mostly because Sandra had complained about almost everything. The broom was too heavy. The court was too dirty. The punishment was unfair. Aurora rolled her eyes at the memory. As if anyone forced you to start a fight. Finally, Coach Hayes clapped his hands from where he had been supervising them. "That's enough. You two can go." Sandra immediately dropped the cleaning cloth onto one of the benches. "Finally." She grabbed her bag and stormed away without sparing Aurora a single glance. Aurora
AURELIA CAPITAL; 10:15 A.M. Seraphina stood in front of the mirror in her office, adjusting the sleeve of her black tailored suit. Everything about her appearance was deliberate. Elegant, professional, untouchable. Behind her, Vivienne sat on the edge of the sofa, watching her with narrowed eyes."You're awfully quiet." Seraphina glanced at her reflection."I'm concentrating.""On the meeting?""On everything." Vivienne stood and walked toward her."You're meeting Adrian Blackwood." She paused."Again." Seraphina turned. Vivienne gave her a knowing look."You know what I mean." Seraphina picked up her handbag."I've spent twelve years preparing for this.""And that's exactly why I'm worried.""Why?""Because you've prepared for revenge. You haven't prepared for what happens if seeing him again and again brings back things you thought you'd buried.""It won't." Seraphina's expression hardened. Vivienne didn't argue. Instead, she picked up the folder from







