로그인STONE SHIPPING INDUSTRIES ~ NEW YORK CITY Valentina was seated at the head of the conference table, wearing an expensive cream suit. A smug smile spread across her face when she saw Amelia. “Well, well. Look who finally decided to return to work.”Amelia ignored the remark and walked towards the head of the table. “Get out of my chair, Valentina.”Valentina raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”“You heard me. Get out of my chair.”A few board members exchanged uncomfortable looks. Valentina, however, remained seated. “I’m afraid you’re confused, Amelia. This is no longer your personal kingdom. We’re holding an important meeting to discuss the future of Stone Shipping, and I happen to be the person being considered for the position of chief executive.”Amelia stopped beside her. “Being considered doesn’t mean you’ve been appointed. Now get out of my chair before I lose my patience.”Valentina slowly stood, laughing under her breath. “Still as arrogant as ever. I suppose prison didn’t teach
The knife trembled in Gabriella’s hand as she backed away from the two police officers. “STAY THE FUCK BACK!”Both officers stopped, keeping their eyes on the blade. Gabriella’s chest rose and fell rapidly. Tears streamed down her cheeks, and her trembling fingers struggled to maintain their grip.Alejandro stood in front of Sofia, one arm stretched protectively across her. “Put the knife down, Gabriella,” he ordered coldly.She laughed bitterly. “Now you’re worried about me? After everything you’ve done?”“I’m not going to repeat myself.”“Why? So you can send me back to that miserable guest room while your precious Sofia enjoys my bedroom?” She pointed the knife toward them. “You’ve taken my marriage, my home, my friends and my dignity. What else do you want?”Sofia folded her arms, looking at her with open disgust. “Can you stop acting like the whole world owes you something? You’re standing there with a knife because Alejandro doesn’t want you anymore. Have you completely lost you
Amelia’s jaw tightened, but she refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing her lose control.“You really do enjoy hearing yourself talk, don’t you? Don’t mistake a problem for a defeat. I have a board to deal with, a company to protect, and a sister who clearly needs reminding of her place. None of that changes the fact that Leo is my son.”“Then deal with your problems first. We can discuss Leo when you’re in a better position.”“There’s nothing to discuss. You don’t get to decide when I’m allowed to speak to my child.”“Good luck with your board meeting, Amelia. You’ll need it. And while you’re busy trying to save your company, don’t forget about my offer. Delay the launch of your three ships if you really want to speak to Leo.”Amelia let out an irritated laugh. “You’re still going on about those ships? Damien, do you ever get tired of embarrassing yourself?”“There’s another option, of course.”“What option?”“Come back to me.”Amelia went quiet for a moment, certain she had he
“Damien, I knew prison had made me miss a few things, but I never expected to return and discover that you had become this shameless.”“It’s a reasonable request.”“Reasonable?” Amelia let out a humourless laugh. “You want me to interfere with my company’s operations because you’re frightened of the competition. Why don’t you just admit that Stone Shipping’s success scares you? It would save us both the embarrassment of pretending this is some brilliant business strategy.”“Two weeks, Amelia. That’s all I’m asking.”“And I’m asking to speak to my son. Yet somehow, you’re the one making demands.” Her voice sharpened. “Leo is not a bargaining chip, Damien. He’s my child, not a business contract you can hold hostage until I give you what you want.”“If you want to speak to him, you know what you have to do.”Amelia’s fingers tightened around the phone. “Listen carefully, because I’m only going to say this once. I will not sabotage my company to protect yours. If Blackwood Industries can’
Alexander’s breath brushed Catalina’s ear, sending a shiver down her spine. She could have stepped away, but instead, she tilted her head and caught the front of his shirt in her fingers, pulling him closer.“Show me,” she whispered. “I’m tired of pretty promises tonight.”A slow smile spread across his face. He pressed a kiss beneath her ear, lingering long enough to make her grip tighten on his shirt. “Careful what you ask for, Mrs. Reyes.”“Stop talking and prove you mean it.” Alexander laughed softly before guiding her backward until she reached the bedroom door. He slipped inside with her and shut it behind them. The quiet click of the lock made Catalina’s heart race. His hands settled at her waist, drawing her against him, while his gaze moved over her face as if he were giving her one last chance to change her mind.She didn’t.“You’ve been driving me crazy all day,” he murmured, brushing his lips against hers. “Watching you handle Katherina at that table, I could barely conc
AMELIA STONE MANSION ~ NEW YORK CITY The black SUV turned through the tall iron gates of Amelia Stone’s mansion and rolled down the familiar driveway. Amelia sat in the back seat, staring out at the beautiful gardens, the marble fountain, and the grand entrance she hadn’t seen in six months. Ariana glanced at her and smiled. “We’re home, Amelia.”Amelia nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. “Six months in prison. Do you know how many times I dreamed about this place? I even started missing the ridiculous fountain. I used to complain about the sound of the water, but now I would gladly listen to it all day.”“You can complain about it again tomorrow,” Ariana teased. “Today, just enjoy being home.”Before Amelia could reply, the SUV stopped in front of the mansion. The driver hurried out to open her door, while Ariana stepped out on the other side. Amelia climbed out slowly, then looked toward the entrance and stopped in surprise. A large white banner stretched across the front o
THE FAVINO ESTATE — LATE MORNINGThe house felt different after Marisa left.Amelia noticed it first.The servants moved softly, avoiding eye contact. Phones were kept on silent. Even the sunlight pouring through the tall windows felt restrained, like it didn’t want to interrupt whatever storm was
KATHERINA APARTMENT ~ NEW YORKRyan’s voice dropped, turning cold. “Good. I’ll send you a secure line. Nobody can know we’re working together. Not Damien. Not the board. No one.”Katherina smirked and leaned back in her chair.“Please. Damien has so many problems piled on his head, he wouldn’t noti
BLACKWOOD INDUSTRIES~NEW YORK Vivian was signing documents when Mia burst into the office without knockingHer voice shook. “Vivian… he’s here.”Vivian didn’t even look up. “Who? Ryan again? Security knows what to do.”Mia shook her head fast, eyes huge. “No. Harrison Cole.”Vivian stopped moving
DANIEL’S PENTHOUSE – MORNINGDaniel paced the living room, holding a half-filled glass of Martell. His voice was sharp, bitter.“Lucas, do you know what that woman did? That so-called mother of my kids?”Lucas looked up from the couch, raising an eyebrow. “You mean Katherina your baby mama? What ha







