SLAP!A sharp smack cut through the music. Ryan stumbled back, holding his face in shock.Amelia’s heart dropped. The alcohol in her system seemed to vanish in a blink as her eyes looked to the man standing there.Damien.His eyes burned with fury as he grabbed Ryan by the collar. “How dare you touch her.”Ryan’s head snapped to the side, his cheek burning. He straightened slowly, disbelief flashing across his face.“Damien?” he spat, wiping his lip. “What the hell is your problem?”Damien’s grip tightened on his collar, dragging him close. His voice was cold and deadly “My problem is you thinking you can lay your filthy hands on her.”Amelia’s heart pounded. She stepped forward, eyes flicking between them. “Damien stop. You’re making a scene.”Ryan yanked free, shoving Damien’s hand off. “Don’t act like she’s yours. She’s engaged last I checked, not to you.”That only lit Damien’s temper hotter. His jaw clenched, his eyes dark. “You think you’re man enough to even say her name? You’
Amelia pushed the door open with a smile. “Hey, baby girl,” she said as she stepped into Ariana’s apartment. “How’s my favorite person doing today?”Ariana looked up from the couch where she was scrolling through her phone. “I’m good, been chilling. Work’s been smooth. No drama so far.”“That’s what I like to hear,” Amelia said, dropping her bag onto the chair. “We’re going shopping later, don’t forget. And tonight? We’ve got that nightclub thing.”Ariana raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Hold up. You? In a nightclub? Damn, Amelia, I never pegged you for a club girl.”Amelia crossed her arms, pretending to be offended. “What’s that supposed to mean?”“I mean,” Ariana laughed, “you’re all business meetings, tailored suits, and champagne dinners. I thought the wild side skipped you.”Amelia grinned, tossing her hair back. “Please. The more I make money, the more I spend it. I work hard, I play harder. And tonight? I want to dance like there’s no tomorrow.”Ariana chuckled, shaking her head.
Damien stormed into his father’s study without knocking, his jaw clenched. Alexander Blackwood was seated at the long mahogany table, calmly sipping coffee and reading the morning paper.“Papa,” Damien snapped, “have you heard the news? Don’t tell me you haven’t, because my lovely wife made sure the entire world did. She announced she’s having twins. Twins!”Alexander chuckled, setting his paper down. “Ah, yes. Quite the headline. Congratulations, my boy.”Damien’s face darkened. “Don’t congratulate me. Every time I think I’m two steps ahead of Katherina, something happens that ties me back to her.”Alexander laughed, the sound slow and mocking. It made Damien’s jaw tighten.“Oh, my dear son,” Alexander said between bites of his eggs. “That only means you and Katherina are bound for eternity. Fate clearly enjoys playing tricks.”Damien’s fists curled at his sides. “That’s not funny, Father.”Alexander smirked, raising his fork before taking another bite. “I wasn’t joking.”“Fate?” Dam
Miguel finally set Amelia down, both of them still breathing hard, water dripping from their skin. She leaned against the glass door, her legs wobbly beneath her.“Miguel, look at me,” she laughed breathlessly, brushing soaked hair out of her face. “You ruined my makeup, my hair, my shirt and we’re already late.”He smirked, reaching out to steady her. “Worth every second, mi amor. You’re glowing now… maybe Leo’s teachers will think you planned this look.”Amelia gave him a playful shove. “Planned? Showing up with wet hair and swollen lips? I’ll look like a complete mess.”Miguel stepped closer, his grin softening as he cupped her cheek. “You’ll look like the most beautiful woman in the room. Always.”Her irritation melted, and for a moment she just stared into his eyes, her chest tightening. “You know… sometimes I hate that you can say things like that and make me forget I’m mad at you.”He kissed her forehead gently. “Then I’ll keep saying them. Every day.”A sharp knock came on the
Miguel walked into the penthouse, and before he could take off his coat, little Leo ran straight into his arms.“Hey, champ!” Miguel said, scooping him up easily. “How are you doing? Did you miss me?”“Yes, Uncle Miguel! Where have you been?” Leo asked, wrapping his small arms around Miguel’s neck.Miguel smiled and kissed the boy’s forehead. “I’ve been working hard, mi rey. Making more money so I can buy you plenty of new shirts and toys.”Leo giggled. “That’s sweet.”From across the room, Amelia called out, already holding Leo’s little suit. “Leo, come down from Miguel’s arms. We need to get you ready for your kindergarten graduation.”“But Mama…” Leo pouted. “I just wanna talk to Uncle Miguel for a little bit.” He reached up and tugged gently at Miguel’s beard. “You look rough, Uncle Miguel. Where have you been? You didn’t even come to my spelling bee.”Miguel’s smile faltered. “I’m so sorry, Leo, I…”“Leo.” Amelia’s tone cut through sharply. “Get down right now.”Leo leaned closer
Dimitri was slumped in a steel chair, wrists bound tight with wire. His shirt was soaked with blood from the gunshot, sticking to his chest, but his grin hadn’t faded. His lips were cracked, his breathing rough, yet his eyes carried a mocking glint that refused to die.Miguel exhaled a slow stream of smoke, his voice low and steady.“You really think I’m playing with you, Dimitri? I told you before two devils can’t rule the same empire.”He stepped closer, letting the smoke drift into Dimitri’s face.“Now you’re going to tell me where the tape is.”Dimitri coughed, blood flecking his lips. Still, that damn grin stayed.“And if I don’t? What then? You gonna shoot me again? Tear me apart with your little army?”Miguel smirked faintly, flicking ash onto the concrete.“Shoot you? No. That’s too merciful. See those hooks above your head? That chain?” He leaned down, his face inches from Dimitri’s. “Men have screamed their last breaths in this room. And I’ll make sure you’re louder than all