로그인Alejandro lunged forward, but the officers were already moving. One grabbed Gabriella’s wrist while the other caught her arm, trying to wrestle the knife from her hand. Gabriella fought back, screaming and twisting so violently that both men struggled to keep her under control. “Let go of me!” she screamed. “Don’t touch me!”“Ma’am, drop the knife!” one of the officers ordered.But Gabriella refused to listen. In the struggle, the blade suddenly plunged into her lower abdomen. She let out a sharp, agonizing scream. Her fingers immediately loosened, and the knife slipped from her hand, hitting the floor before spinning to a stop.For a moment, nobody moved. Gabriella slowly looked down, her eyes widening as she noticed the blood spreading across the front of her clothes. “Oh, God…”Her knees gave way. “Gabriella!” Alejandro shouted, rushing towards her.The officers caught her before she could hit the floor and carefully lowered her down. Gabriella pressed one trembling hand against he
STONE 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
“Two days ago. Daniel and I were talking about the party, and we realized—why wait? We love each other. We have a son together. We want to be a family. So we’re doing it now.” Ariana twisted her hands together. “Are you mad?”“Mad? Are you kidding?” Amelia rushed forward and hugged her best friend
Alejandro stood on the sidewalk outside Amelia’s towering apartment building. The crisp New York morning air did nothing to clear the fog in his head. His duffel bag felt like a brick in his hand, heavy with the few clothes he’d grabbed in a rush.Suddenly, cameras clicked around him. Paparazzi app
Alexander swallowed hard, trying to hold his ground. “This isn’t fair—”Vivian’s eyes glistened as she stepped closer, her voice low and shaky but filled with desire.“Fair?” she whispered. “I’ve been patient, Alex. I’ve stayed quiet while you buried yourself in guilt over her. It’s been three day
MANHATTAN FAMILY COURT ~The courtroom was quiet, except for the soft hum of the air conditioner.Katherina sat at the long wooden table, her hands trembling as she stared at the papers in front of her. Jessica sat beside her, pretending to dab her tears with a tissue. Across the room, little Mira







