MasukAt nine in the morning, William Montgomery entered the luxurious restaurant in downtown Chicago with an aura that commanded the room.Daniel was already waiting at a corner table with a smile that was warm but full of calculation."Mr. Montgomery," Daniel greeted while standing and extending his hand. "Thank you for taking the time."William shook with a firm grip—his eyes sharp and wary."Mr. Blackwood. Your proposal was intriguing enough to make me curious."They sat facing each other like two chess players studying each other's opening moves.Daniel knew exactly why he was here.Not to discuss technology or market projections.But to buy influence over the man who could pressure Adrian Lawson—the lawyer who was targeting Alina.A waiter came. They ordered—William ordered an egg white omelet with asparagus, Daniel the same.Then the meeting began."Let's get straight to the point," William said while placing a napkin in his lap. "You're proposing a strategic partnership for a joint
While Daniel fought against Adrian in Chicago, in the dark and quiet mansion, Alina lay in bed with her eyes open staring at the ceiling.Mrs. Helen sat in a chair beside the bed, half asleep with her head leaning against the wall.It was almost midnight.Alina wasn't sleeping. She couldn't sleep even though her body was tired and her mind was empty.Junior's words still echoed in her head like a painful mantra."I hate you.""I hope you leave forever."Alina looked at her wrist wrapped in white bandages—the result of last night's failed suicide attempt.She didn't regret that Mrs. Helen had saved her.But she also didn't feel relieved to still be alive.Alina just felt empty.Like a doll that was still breathing but not really living.Her bedroom door opened very slowly—almost inaudibly.Alina didn't react. She didn't care who entered. Didn't care what would happen.But Mrs. Helen woke with a quick movement, almost falling from her chair."M-Mrs. Clarissa?"Clarissa stood at the door
Adrian didn't flinch. He stared at Daniel sharply."I have testimony from her father. Evidence of systematic isolation. Concerns about a pregnant woman being cut off from proper independent medical care. Pattern of coercion and intimidation toward anyone who tried to help her."Adrian paused, letting the words settle."I filed a petition for emergency wellness check because there are reasonable grounds to believe that Alina is in a potentially harmful situation."Daniel listened with an unchanged expression—calm, controlled, almost serene.When Adrian finished, Daniel walked closer—but not in an aggressive way. More like an executive approaching a meeting table."Mr. Lawson," he said in a voice that was low but perfectly clear. "I appreciate that you believe you're doing the right thing. Truly. But you're operating based on incomplete information from parties who don't fully understand the complexity of our situation."He stopped, letting that statement hang in the air before continui
Daniel arrived at the client company's office building with Marcus and the legal team behind him.They walked into the luxurious lobby with confident steps—Daniel's posture upright, black suit neat, an aura of power following his every movement.Today's meeting was with Hartwell Industries—a medium-sized technology company seeking a strategic partnership to expand into the Asian market.Not Blackwood Enterprises' biggest client, but significant enough to build a profitable business relationship.And more importantly—William Montgomery had a minority stake in Hartwell.Daniel had researched thoroughly before coming. This was a golden opportunity to build an indirect connection with Montgomery Industries while demonstrating Blackwood's undeniable value.The receptionist guided them to the conference room on the fifteenth floor.The door opened to reveal a spacious room with a long table, large windows facing downtown Chicago, and three people already seated waiting.Daniel recognized tw
Daniel arrived in Chicago in the morning after a flight that kept him from sleeping.His mind was full of Junior, Alina, and Adrian Lawson threatening from behind the scenes.Marcus was already waiting in the hotel lobby with a tablet in hand and a tightly controlled professional expression."Good morning, Sir," he greeted while following Daniel into the elevator. "Your first meeting is scheduled for ten a.m. You have two hours to prepare."Daniel nodded without speaking. His eyes were red from lack of sleep but his focus was sharp.In the hotel suite, Daniel opened his laptop and began checking emails while Marcus prepared documents for the meeting."Sir," Marcus called carefully after several minutes of silence. "There's an update on the investigation into Adrian Lawson and Mrs. Alina's relationship at Lincoln High."Daniel raised his head and looked sharply. "What is it?"Marcus opened the tablet and read the report in a careful voice."The investigation team has interviewed severa
Clarissa arrived at Margaret's penthouse around nine in the evening.Margaret greeted her in the living room with a glass of wine in hand and a thin smile on her lips."Clarissa," Margaret greeted while sitting on the sofa with elegant posture. "I heard there was a big problem last night. Daniel hit Junior?"Clarissa sat across from her with a fabricated traumatized expression."Yes," she answered with a slightly trembling voice. "He completely lost control. Woke Junior from sleep, yelled at him, then slapped his cheek. Junior cried hysterically. He was terrified."Margaret shook her head with an incredulous expression. Worry appeared on her face. Daniel had never lost control with his son, let alone raised a hand."All because of that damn Alina," Margaret said in a tone full of hatred. "That woman has driven Daniel crazy. He even hit his own child just to defend that useless wife."Clarissa nodded with a thin smile. "Exactly. Daniel is too obsessed with Alina to the point he forgets
Day five since Alina was allowed to see Junior.Five days with the same routine. Measured. Controlled.In the morning—Alina went to Junior’s room when he woke up. Helped him get ready. Straightened his uniform. Walked him to the dining table where Clarissa already waited with a smile that was far t
Alina helped Junior put on his school uniform—the neat navy blue blazer, the small tie she fastened with hands that knew every movement by heart.The past year doing this. The same morning ritual.And now, every moment felt precious. Borrowed. Like it could be taken away at any time."Done," Alina
Alina sat on the floor, back leaning against the bedroom door.It had been two hours since Daniel yelled at Junior in the playroom. His voice had carried all the way up here—loud, angry, merciless. Alina hadn't caught every word, but the tone was clear enough.Junior was being scolded. Because of h
Alina and Junior sat in each other's embrace for a few moments—silent, just feeling each other's presence.Then Junior pulled back slightly. Looking at Alina with an expression too serious for a six-year-old."Mama," he said softly. "Junior promises to be a good child."Alina frowned, stroking Juni







