LOGINThe boardroom at Laurent Global was heavy with tension. The long mahogany table was covered with reports, charts, and half-empty coffee cups. Ten men and three women sat around it, their faces grim. Victor Laurent sat at the head, his fingers drumming restlessly on the polished wood. Adrian stood by the window, arms crossed, staring out at the city skyline as if the answers were written there.One of the senior executives cleared his throat. “Our market value has dropped another twelve percent this week. Three major investors have pulled out completely. They cited ‘instability in family leadership’ as the reason.”Another director added, “The wedding scandal is still trending. Videos from that day are everywhere. Partnerships we were close to finalizing have been put on hold or canceled. Two suppliers in Asia have already switched to Hale Corporation. They don’t want to be associated with us right now.”Victor’s face turned red. He slammed his hand on the table. “We were number one! N
I stepped out of the meeting room in Singapore with a quiet smile on my face. The deal was done. After three long days of presentations, factory visits, and late-night negotiations, the supplier had agreed to exclusive rights for Lumina. Their organic dyes and rare natural fibers were exactly what I needed for the next collection. The contract gave us priority for the next two years at a price that still left good profit margins. I shook hands with the owner one last time.“Thank you for trusting us,” I said. “This partnership will be good for both sides.”He smiled warmly. “We believe in your vision, Miss Voss. Your brand stands for something real. We are happy to grow together.”I left the building feeling lighter than I had in weeks. The trip had been worth it. Lumina was expanding again, this time with materials that would make our products truly unique. I called Emma immediately as I walked to the car.“The deal is signed,” I told her. “Everything went better than expected. I’ll
Emma kept her face calm and professional even though her heart was racing. She had recognized Adrian’s mother the moment she stepped into the studio. The older woman carried herself with the same cold authority Emma remembered from the mansion. For the sake of the watching staff, Emma refused to show any discomfort. Leading by bad example was not how Lumina operated.“Good morning,” Emma said politely, extending her hand. “I’m Emma, the manager. How may I help you today?”Adrian’s mother shook her hand briefly, her grip firm. “I saw your collection online. I’m interested in a particular design, the midnight blue scarf with the silver thread pattern. Do you have it in stock?”Emma nodded without hesitation. “Yes, we do. It’s one of our signature pieces. The silver threading is hand-stitched and uses sustainable metallic fibers. How many would you like to purchase?”They moved to a quiet meeting corner. Emma spread out sample books and fabric swatches on the table. Adrian’s mother sat w
I couldn’t sit still.After we got home safely, I waited until the twins were settled before I called Emma. She had stayed behind at the school to speak with the police. My hands were still shaking when I dialed her number.“Emma,” I said the moment she picked up. “What did the police say? Who was that man following us? Did he tell them who sent him?”Emma’s voice was calm, but I could hear the worry underneath. “He didn’t speak much. He asked to make one phone call. The officers let him, but they stayed close. He didn’t say who he was calling. They’re still questioning him now. They think he might be connected to someone powerful. They promised to update us as soon as they know more.”I closed my eyes. My gut was screaming one name. Adrian. It had to be him. No one else would go to this length. But I couldn’t be sure. Not yet.“I’m going to be extra careful from now on,” I told her. “We can’t take any chances with the kids.”I hung up and stared at the phone for a long moment. Then I
Adrian was in his study when his phone rang. He answered quickly, expecting another update on the search for Marcus. Instead, the voice on the other end belonged to one of his most trusted men planted inside Nathan’s company. “Sir,” the man said, his voice low and urgent. “Something strange just happened. Nathan Hale called out the name ‘Serena’ to a woman in a car. He shouted it as the car was pulling away. I couldn’t see her face clearly because of the dark tinted windows, but it was definitely her he was calling to.” Adrian froze. The glass in his hand stopped halfway to his lips. Surprise flashed across his face, quickly replaced by sharp focus. He set the glass down slowly. “Serena?” he repeated, his voice low. “Are you sure that’s the name he used?” “Yes, sir. Clear as day. He tried to correct himself right after, but I heard it. The car left the building a few minutes ago. It looked like a private driver.” Adrian’s mind raced. Serena. The name he had not heard in years. Th
The next morning felt almost normal. I woke up to the sound of the twins laughing in the living room. Emma was already helping them get ready for school, packing their small lunch boxes and tying Lila’s hair into neat ponytails. I stood at the doorway watching them for a moment. Elias was trying to put on his shoes the wrong way, and Lila was giggling at him. My heart felt full. “Mommy!” Elias ran to me and hugged my legs. “Can we get ice cream after school?” I smiled and ruffled his hair. “Only if you’re good today. Now go finish getting ready.” Emma looked at me and smiled. “I’ll take them to school. Clara is waiting for you in the living room. She seems excited about today.” I nodded. “Thank you, Emma.” She waved it off like she always did and led the twins out. I watched them leave from the window, waving until the car disappeared. Then I turned to Clara. She was dressed in a simple but neat outfit I had given her last night. She looked nervous but happy. “Ready?” I asked.
The unknown number flashed on my screen. My heart jumped the moment I answered.“Hello?”A calm but urgent woman’s voice came through. “Miss Elena Voss? This is Sunshine Academy. Your daughter Lila suddenly passed out in class. She’s breathing but unresponsive. We’ve called an ambulance. They’re ta
Three years had passed since that naming ceremony.I stood on the balcony of my penthouse in Singapore, watching the city lights sparkle below. The warm evening breeze brushed my face. Elias and Lila were inside, already in their pajamas, arguing playfully over which story to read before bed. Their
Clara’s cheek burned from the force of the slap. She stayed on the floor for a second, hand pressed to her face, before dropping fully to her knees. Her heart hammered against her ribs. “Miss Lia, please,” she said quickly, voice low and steady despite the fear. “I was only there because a friend
Clara stood frozen in Adrian’s study, the tray still in her hands. The door had clicked shut behind her only moments ago. Adrian sat behind his massive desk, papers scattered before him, but his eyes lifted and fixed on her with that cold intensity.“Put it on the table,” he said, voice low.She







