MasukGabriella stood in the middle of the lobby, her phone clutched in her hands. Her face was pale. Her heart was pounding.Sofia grabbed her arm. "Gabriella, snap out of it! He's going to be here any minute. You need to pull yourself together."Gabriella's voice was barely a whisper. "I can't do this. I can't face him. He's going to know. He's going to see right through me."Sofia shook her firmly. "Listen to me. You are Gabriella Guerra. You have been lying to people your whole life. You are a master manipulator. You can do this."Gabriella took a shaky breath. "You're right. You're right. I can do this. I just need to think."Sofia nodded. "Okay. So what's the plan? What are you going to tell him?"Gabriella's mind raced. "I'll tell him I'm feeling sick. I'll tell him I don't feel well enough to go to the clinic today. That'll buy me some time."Sofia nodded. "Good. That's good. And then what?"Gabriella's eyes narrowed with determination. "And then I find a doctor who will fake the re
Ariana turned to Mrs. Houston, tears filling her eyes.“Please, Mrs. Houston, you have to believe me. I’m a good mother. I would never put my children in danger. I had no idea what my nanny was doing. If I had known about that party, I would have stopped it.”Mrs. Houston’s face remained serious. “I understand what you’re saying, Mrs.Flores , but the evidence against you is serious. Your nanny had a party with drugs and alcohol while your children were in the house. You were unreachable for hours, and right now, we have no proof that you didn’t know what was happening.”She paused before adding, “My job is to protect your children.”Ariana shook her head, tears running down her cheeks.“But I didn’t do anything wrong. You can’t take my children away because of something I didn’t even know about!”Daniel suddenly gave a cold laugh.“Maybe you should stop acting like you’re some perfect mother, Ariana. Everyone can see the truth about you now.”Ariana froze.Slowly, she turned to him.
Ariana quickly pulled her hand away from Marco and marched up the porch.“That’s none of your business!” she snapped. “What the hell is going on? Why are there police officers at my house?”The stern-looking woman stepped forward.She wore a neat blazer and held a folder tightly against her chest. Her face was serious.“Mrs. Flores, I’m Mrs. Houston from Child Protective Services.”Ariana’s anger immediately turned into confusion.“Child Protective Services?”“Yes.”“Why are you here?”Mrs. Houston opened her folder and glanced at her notes.“We received several complaints from your neighbors.”Ariana frowned. “Complaints about what?”Mrs. Houston looked directly at her.“We were told there was a large party at this house last night.”Ariana’s heart skipped. “What?”“A frat party,” Mrs. Houston continued. “And according to the complaints, your two-year-old son and your nephew were inside the house while the party was happening.”Ariana’s face went pale. “That’s not possible.”Mrs. Hou
SURROGACY AGENCY – MEETING ROOM – 11:00 AMGabriella sat at a small table, waiting. Sofia sat beside her, looking uncomfortable.The door opened. A young woman walked in. She was tall and slender with olive skin and dark eyes. She was beautiful. Her hair was long and dark. Her smile was shy.Maria.Gabriella studied her like she was inspecting a piece of merchandise."Hello," Maria said softly. "I'm Maria."Gabriella didn't smile. "Sit down."Maria sat down nervously.Gabriella leaned forward and studied Maria carefully. “So, Maria. Tell me about yourself.”Maria sat up straight, trying not to look nervous.“I’m from Spain. I came to America two years ago. I work as a waitress, and I send money back home to help my family.”Gabriella nodded slowly.“I see. And you’re willing to carry a baby for me?”Maria nodded.“Yes. I want to help. I know how much having a family means to people, and if I can help someone have a child, I’m willing to do it.”Gabriella gave a small laugh. “That’s s
SOHO CLUB ~ NEW YORK CITY “Do it,” he said against her breast. “Come on my fingers.”She did. Her whole body tightened. She moaned loud, not caring who might hear outside. Her inner walls clenched around his fingers as the orgasm rolled through her. Marco kept moving his hand, drawing it out until she was shaking.When she could breathe again he pulled his fingers free and kissed her mouth. She tasted herself on his tongue.“I need you inside me,” she said. “Right now.”Marco didn’t argue. He unbuckled his belt, shoved his jeans and boxers down just enough. His cock sprang free, thick and hard. Ariana reached down and wrapped her hand around him. He hissed.“Fuck, your hand feels good.”She stroked him a few times, then guided him to her entrance. Marco looked her in the eyes.“You sure?”“I’ve never been more sure. Fuck me.”He pushed in slow at first. She was tight after so long without anyone. The stretch burned in the best way. Ariana’s mouth fell open. Marco kept going until
THE SURROGACY AGENCY ~ NEW YORK CITY Gabriella shook her head. "No."Sofia's jaw dropped. "What? Why not?"Gabriella's voice was cold. "She's a medical student. She's going to be too busy. She won't have time to take care of herself properly. The baby needs a surrogate who can dedicate herself fully to the process. Next."Mrs. Sterling looked like she was about to have a breakdown. "Mrs. Guerra, those are all of our candidates. Every single one of them."Gabriella's eyes narrowed. "That's it? That's all you have? Five women?"Mrs. Sterling nodded nervously. "They're the best of the best. We've screened hundreds of candidates to find these five."Gabriella laughed bitterly. "Hundreds? And this is what you came up with? A horse-faced yoga instructor and a weak-chinned model?"Sofia buried her face in her hands. "Oh my God, Gabriella."Gabriella stood up, her heels clicking against the marble floor. "This is unacceptable. I need a surrogate who is perfect. Flawless. Someone who will c
ALEXANDER MANSION~ NEW YORKAlexander Blackwood stormed through the marble halls of his mansion, his anger practically vibrating through his steps. The maids and staff froze as he passed, their whispers trailing behind him. He reached the Master bedroom, flinging the door open.“Vivian!” he shoute
BLACKWOOD INDUSTRIES ~ NEW YORK Katherina slipped Nicholas Hale’s card into her folder and closed it.Control. That was the word. And that was what she needed to hold on to.She straightened her blazer, smoothed her face, and returned to her desk as if nothing had happened. As if the air in the ro
Marisa jabbed a finger at Amelia. “Yes. You.”The room went quiet.Alejandro tensed. “Mother, don’t.”“No,” Marisa said, her voice cold. “You don’t get to shield her. Let me speak.”She stepped closer to Amelia. “You show up here… and suddenly the Guerras strike. You have ties to the Blackwoods. To
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







