As the morning slowly went by, Erica Sullivan sat in the quiet corner of the bank, reviewing some documents. Just then, her phone buzzed, displaying an unknown number. Annoyed, she ignored it and continued with her work.Moments later, a message notification appeared on her screen. Curiosity got the better of her, and she opened it. Her blood ran cold as she saw a recent picture of herself sitting exactly where she was now. Her heart pounded, and the unknown number called again. With trembling hands, she answered."Who is this?" she demanded, trying to keep her voice steady.The voice on the other end was chillingly calm. "Hello, Erica Sullivan. Age 34, born in Brookfield. Daughter of Thomas and Linda Sullivan, sister to Claire Sullivan, mother of little Jamie."Erica's breath hitched. "What do you want from me?""You've been a bad girl, Erica, lying about someone innocent. Now, since you like playing games with people's lives, let's play a game ourselves."She felt a surge of fear and
Scowling at her cousin, Maria rolled her tongue around her teeth, her patience hanging by a thread. She didn't reply but took a deep breath and continued walking toward the elevator. Jason’s threats hung like a dark cloud above her head, but she couldn't let them deter her, and she entered the elevator and pressed the button for the lobby.Minutes later, Maria entered the lobby, her heart pounding with confusion. As soon as Erica saw her, she rushed forward, dropping to her knees and resting her head on the cold tiles. Tears and snot ran down her nose, her body trembling."Maria," Erica sobbed, her voice barely audible. "I lied. Kia... I mean, I lied on your husband's name... he deposited the full amount. I didn't register it in the system. I... I'm so sorry."Dumbfounded, Maria felt her frustration grow, a surge of anger coursing through her veins. "Why would you do this, Erica? Why would you want to ruin Kia's reputation? What were you thinking?"Squeezing her eyes shut, Erica's so
Looking down at Erica, Rene sighed and then asked, "It's you... What are you doing here?"Lost for words, Erica stared hard, unable to look away and unwilling to answer until she managed to find her voice, which refused to cooperate with her, betraying her nervous state. "Uhm, I am sorry for lying on your name!"Silently, Rene’s eyes locked onto Erica, his gaze sharp and unwavering. He could see the fear etched on her face, her earlier bravado now replaced with anxiety. He waited for her to find her voice, his patience thin but his demeanor controlled.“Sorry?” Rene’s voice was low as he staring into her eyes, his tone making it clear he wasn't in the mood for evasive answers.Erica’s mouth opened and closed as she tried to speak, but no words came out initially. Her hands were trembling, and she fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, clearly struggling to regain her composure as she thought, 'It can't be a coincidence. The call... You... Someone threatened my entire family for me to conf
Drowning in the quiet of his office, Carlo Rossi sat there, nursing a glass of whiskey. The dim lighting cast shadows on the wall and his face as the old man stared into his drink, his mind lost in thoughts of the past and the responsibilities that came with his name.The sudden sound of the door slamming open broke his reverie. Jason stormed in, his face flushed with anger, his eyes wild with frustration. Carlo looked up, his brow furrowing at the intrusion."Grandfather, you won't believe what just happened in the lobby!" Jason's voice was a mix of rage and nervousness.Glaring at his grandson, Carlo sighed, placing his glass down on the desk before clasping his hands together, "Calm down, Jason. What is it now?"Jason took a deep breath, his chest heaving. "It's Maria! She accused me in front of all the employees! She humiliated me, Grandfather! And Kia... he had the nerve to threaten me!"Seeing that his grandson was actually serious, Carlo's eyes narrowed, a flash of anger crossi
With a weak smile, Maria took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, and placed her hand in Rene's."Let's go," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.Together, they walked down the long hallway towards Carlo Rossi's study. The silence between them was heavy with unspoken words and uncertainties.As they approached the study, the grand double doors loomed large, and Rene squeezed Maria's hand reassuringly before opening the door.They entered to find Carlo sitting behind his desk, his stern gaze fixed on them while Jason stood nearby, arms crossed, a smug expression on his face."Sit," Carlo commanded, his voice cold and authoritative.Staring down at the black couch, Maria and Rene obediently took seats in front of the desk, their hands still clasped together, and Carlo's eyes narrowed at the sight."Maria, Kia," Carlo began, his tone icy. "I've heard disturbing reports about your behavior today. Maria, you created a scene in the lobby and made serious accusations against Jas
The following morning, the first light of dawn was just beginning to filter through the heavy curtains of Maria and Rene's room. The peaceful silence was abruptly shattered by loud, relentless banging on the door.Rene, already half awake, gently turned to Maria, who had finally fallen asleep after a long, emotionally draining night of crying. She was curled up under the covers, her breathing even and calm. Not wanting to disturb her, Rene quietly got out of bed, wincing slightly as he stood. The noise continued, echoing through the room.With a deep breath, Rene walked over to the door and carefully opened it. His groggy eyes were met with a sight that jolted him fully awake. Standing in the doorway was Josh Sullivan, his face a storm of fury. Without a word of warning, Josh's fist shot out, connecting with Rene’s face in a brutal punch.The force of the blow sent Rene staggering back into the room, a sharp pain exploding across his nose. He barely had time to register what had happ
Groaning as his blurry vision cleared, Rene rubbed the back of his neck and then looked around, frowning at the familiarity of the room. He was back in his room at the safe house, and knowing that his father was behind his kidnap, he scowled and then woke from the bed. Just then his eyes caught a sight of Rome sitting on the balcony, and he sighed, approaching the glass door, and pushing it open.Calmly he walked over to Rome, drew out a chair, and sat, staring hard at his father. "You kidnapped me."Gazing at the bloodstain on his son's nose, Rome's brows furrowed and he calmly said, "Say the word.""What?" Rene mumbled and then he saw that his father was staring at his nose.Realizing what Rome meant, Rene drew a deep breath, leaning back as he stared at the sky before exhaling with a smile."I should, shouldn't I?" Rene mumbled, his smile faltering a bit. "After everything they have done, I should... But I can't.""Rene," Rome's voice raised slightly.Silent settled between the t
Looking away from his mother to stare at his buzzing phone, Gunnar stared at the name, "Boss Kia," on his phone before picking up the phone.Gunnar picked up the phone, taking a deep breath before answering. "Hey, Boss. What’s up? How did it go?""Let's meet up. I will send you the address." Gunnar’s brow furrowed as he listened to Rene’s voice on the other end."What's going on?"“Just meet me at the address I’m sending you... We need to discuss something important.”“Got it... I’ll head over there now."After ending the call, Gunnar looked up at Ruby and then stood from the couch. He approached her and kissed her on the cheek, saying, "Ma, I will be back."When she nodded with a faint beam, he returned a smile and then walked off, staring at his screen when his phone buzzed again.The music in Pub 200 was calm when Gunnar walked in a few minutes later. For a moment, he gazed around and then noticed Rene sitting at the far end of the bar, seated at a booth in a dimly lit corner. As
A hush swept over the ballroom, heads turned. Glasses paused mid-air. Even the chandelier light seemed to bend its attention toward the entrance.She stood there... Catherina Ford.Grace was too small a word.She didn’t walk in, she arrived... poised like she owned the ground beneath her heels. Her dress was a deep emerald silk, folding around her like liquid elegance. Hair up in a classic twist, neck adorned with a single strand of pearls that looked like they'd been fished from the private vaults of royalty. Not a wrinkle in her brow, not a misplaced gesture. Only presence.And it was majestic.Mr. Rossi’s jaw dropped open, actually dropped, hanging loose like a broken hinge before he caught himself with a little cough and a half-step forward.“My God,” he muttered. “Is that-?”Gunnar turned toward the entrance as well, brow lifting in curiosity.Rossi's voice was low but urgent. “Gunnar… please tell me you invited her. We’re not… we’re not close enough to the Fords.”But Gunnar onl
The Rossi convoy pulled into the circular drive of the Grand Meridian, the most opulent skyscraper in the city... glass and steel stretching into the stars. Paparazzi flashes crackled beyond the velvet ropes, their lights bouncing off the tinted windows of the luxury cars. Valets and security formed tight lines, working in sharp, clean choreography.The first wave of family emerged... Mr. Rossi leading with Madam Rossi at his side, flanked by Jason, Antonio, Layla, Bianca, Princess, and the others.Then Maria and Rene stepped out next. He stayed by her side, arm tucked beneath hers, smile faint but present, expression unreadable beneath the golden lights of the entrance.The guards nodded. The family entered.But Alejandro didn’t.He stood off to the side, just beyond the corner of the building where the cameras couldn’t see, leaning against his Jaguar, one leg crossed over the other, a cigarette burning low between his fingers.His tuxedo was only half-buttoned, hair tousled like he'
Maria stood near the window, phone pressed to her ear, her back straight, voice low. She wore a floor-length gown of deep emerald, sleeveless with a high collar and a low, scooped back that exposed the elegant arch of her spine. The silk flowed like water over her body, and her earrings... a cute glimmer of green stones... brought the whole look together with effortless grace.She ended the call with a sigh just as the bathroom door behind her opened.Rene stepped out, adjusting the cufflinks on his crisp white shirt. But it was the suit that caught the room.He wore a midnight black tuxedo, tailored to precision... sharp lapels trimmed in a sheen of satin, shoulders squared, waist nipped, the cut hugging his frame like it had been made by hands that knew him well. Beneath the jacket, the subtle gleam of a black silk vest peeked through, layered over a charcoal-gray shirt with the top buttons undone just enough to be daring, but not vulgar. A small silver pin was fixed on his lapel, a
The evening of the party had arrived.Beyond the grand windows of the Rossi estate, the sky bled into twilight, a deep indigo shroud setting the stage for the storm that loomed unseen. The Rossi residence shimmered with golden light, and distant voices echoed in the halls.The party.The celebration no one could stop.In the master bedroom on the top floor, the world was quieter... thicker with tension.Madam Rossi stood before the ornate mirror, a dark sapphire gown hugging her figure like silk. Her hands were at her sides, clenched and still. The diamonds at her ears glinted like ice, and the sharp bones of her face gave her a statue-like elegance. Yet the furrow between her brows betrayed her.Behind her, Mr. Rossi was finishing the final touches. He moved with an eerie calm, slipping the delicate chain of her necklace into place around her neck. His fingers were steady as always. Precise. Cold.“Your hands haven’t aged,” she murmured, watching his reflection. “Even after all these
The dining room was uncomfortably quiet without Maria and Rene.Jason sat at the head of the long table, his hand around a half-filled glass of wine, his eyes dull and unblinking. Layla sat beside him, unusually still, her perfectly styled hair tucked behind one ear, a forced smile frozen on her lips. Juan and Antonio were seated opposite each other, eating calmly but watching everyone else with barely disguised suspicion.No one spoke unless necessary. Only the soft clinking of silverware and the occasional shifting of chairs filled the room. A storm brewed behind every glance, every twitch of a brow, every sip of water. It was the kind of quiet that could split open at the slightest provocation.Abruptly, Layla’s phone buzzed sharply against the table, slicing through the silence. She flinched. Glancing down at the screen, her stomach turned."Dad."She cleared her throat gently, offering a courteous smile to the table.“Excuse me,” she said, her voice smooth, though her fingers gri
Rene tilted his head slightly, the faintest curve of a smile teasing at the corner of his lips. He gave a soft, contemplative hmm, as though the matter were merely an intellectual exercise. The silence dragged, intentionally, until even Madam Rossi’s fork stilled halfway to her mouth.“I must say,” Rene began, voice light, polite, dangerously unbothered, “you make a compelling case, sir. Betrayal, dishonor, public shame… It’s almost Shakespearean.” He set his water glass down with an elegant clink. “But there’s just one problem.”Mr. Rossi’s eyes narrowed to slits.“I didn’t betray anyone,” Rene said, voice sharpening beneath the charm. “I didn’t cheat. I didn’t lie. And I certainly didn’t ask to be used as some sacrificial pawn in your public relations game.”Jason scoffed quietly, just loud enough to be heard. “You act like you’re above the family, like none of this matters to you.”Rene turned his gaze slowly, lazily, toward Jason. “Oh, it matters. Just not the way you want it to.”
The early morning light spilled through the sheer curtains, casting pale gold streaks across the floorboards. Rene stood shirtless before the mirror, the soft scratch of gauze brushing against his ribs as he wrapped the bruises with practiced ease.The muscles in his shoulders twitched slightly at every pull, his face set in quiet concentration. The wound, though shallow, was enough to remind him of the night before... of passion, of pain, and of the call that followed.He barely flinched as he secured the bandage with a strip of medical tape, the sting long dulled. The quiet was broken by a knock on the door.Maria stirred from the bed, tangled in the sheets. Her voice was groggy, but steady. “I’ll get it.”She padded across the room, pulling his shirt over her shoulders, and cracked the door open. One of the younger maids stood there, neatly dressed with her hands clasped in front of her. She dipped into a polite bow.“Good morning, Miss Maria. Your grandfather requests your presenc
Suddenly, Rene rose from the bed, reaching for his belt and unbuckling it. He tossed it aside, then pulled his T-shirt over his head, throwing it across the room as well. His jeans followed quickly after, and when he threw them all aside, his boxer was the only piece left.Rene stared at her for another moment, his eyes flickering down her body. Then, he smiled faintly, a little selflessly, “What now?" Staring down at him, Maria’s breath hitched. Her eyes moved over the bruises on his ribs, the faint marks across his skin. Her hand reached out instinctively, trembling slightly as it hovered near his side.But Rene stepped forward, catching her wrist in his hand and gently lowering it. His touch was warm, patient, but there was finality in it.“Don’t look at me like that,” he murmured, his voice low with a hint of pleading. “Not today.”Maria opened her mouth to protest, but he silenced her with a kiss, soft at first. His lips brushed hers like a question, not a demand. She exhaled ag
Staring ahead, Gunnar reclined on the leather couch in his private office, one ankle resting casually atop his knee, a tumbler of untouched whiskey in one hand. The room was dim, bathed in the warm golden hue of late afternoon light. The only sound was the faint ticking of the antique clock mounted above the fireplace.Across from him, Rene sat stiffly, one arm draped over the couch’s backrest, the other nursing his ribs with deliberate restraint. A thin bruise was forming along his jawline, still fresh from his father’s rage. He wore it like an afterthought, uninterested in pity."Will you tell me who did that?" Gunnar asked, lowering his gaze to the cut."No," Rene said casually.Just then, Gunnar’s phone buzzed on the table between them.He glanced down at the screen, then back at Rene. “Your grandfather-in-law is calling.”Rene smirked faintly, though his eyes remained dull. “Answer it.”Gunnar hesitated only a moment, then tapped the screen. “Okay, boss.”He placed the phone on s