~AN ICON~The news of Victoria Greyson’s passing spread like wildfire through New York. It was a somber day for both the Saint and Greyson families. At her grandmother’s estate, Gemini sat motionless in the grand living room, her hands resting on her lap. People flowed in and out of the house, offering their condolences, but to her, their words felt hollow. "What did they really know about my grandmother?" she thought bitterly, her gaze distant. Her eyes followed her Uncle Brandon as he moved through the crowd, forcing himself to smile while shaking hands with guests. He was doing his best to be strong, but Gemini could see through it. His mother was gone. His sister—Gemini’s mother—had been taken from him years ago. And now, he was all alone. “Gemini, sweetheart,” Aunt Vivian spoke softly, placing a warm, concerned hand on Gemini’s back. “Why don’t you go upstairs and rest for a while?”Vivian watched her husband niece carefully. Gemini hadn’t spoken much since the guests s
~SHADOWS AND SECRET ~Gustavo’s grip on Jerome’s collar tightened, his knuckles turning white. “I mean it, Jerome—stay the hell out of my business.”Jerome merely smirked, completely unfazed by Gustavo’s aggression. He was about to make a snide remark when a familiar voice interrupted them. “What the hell is going on here?”Both men turned to see Ciara standing at the entrance of the dimly lit hallway, her arms crossed over her chest. Jerome straightened his jacket and flashed her a sly smile. “Ah, Mrs. Saint, always a pleasure.” He dipped his head mockingly before brushing past Gustavo, leaving without another word. Ciara watched him go before turning her sharp glare to Gustavo. “What are you doing?” she hissed. “Do you have any idea how reckless you’re being? The last thing we need is unnecessary attention.”Gustavo exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “He’s a snake, Ciara. You shouldn’t trust him.”Ciara rolled her eyes. “And you think I don’t know that?” She ste
~A BREWING STORM~Gemini made her way toward her father’s study, her footsteps slow and measured. She hadn’t expected him to call her—it had only been a week since her grandmother was laid to rest, and she was still drowning in the weight of it all. Her days were consumed with managing the galleries her grandmother had left for her. It was Victoria Greyson’s final gift, her last will.Uncle Brandon had inherited the estate, along with most of her grandmother’s businesses—even the ones that had originally belonged to Gemini’s mother. It stung, but she knew her grandmother had done it to protect what was left of Maya’s legacy.Still, none of it felt real. A part of her refused to accept that Victoria Greyson was truly gone. She paused at the top of the stairs, her attention shifting to the sharp voice cutting through the silence. “That’s all you people are—useless, good-for-nothing leeches!” Tiara. Gemini frowned, her grip tightening on the railing as she turned toward the k
~TAKING THE BAIT~Saint picked up his glass of whisky, taking a slow sip, his cold eyes fixed on Lilac as she sat across from him. He had called her here, requesting a meeting under the guise of business. If possible, he hoped to strike a deal—after all, she was the biggest art collector in town. And he needed her.“I didn’t expect this meeting, Mr. Saint,” Lilac said smoothly, her polite smile betraying none of the wariness she felt inside. She was surprised, to say the least, when the mighty George Saint himself had requested to see her.And now here she was, sitting face-to-face with the man who had once been Maya’s husband.“There’s a first time for everything, isn’t there?” he replied, matching her politeness with a thin, practiced smile of his own. He set his glass of whiskey down carefully on the polished table between them. “Business has a way of bringing people together.”“I see,” Lilac murmured, dragging the words out, clearly unconvinced. But she was here now, and curio
~AN END TO IT ALL~Gustavo stared at Lilac Sheinkaih as she stepped out of Saint's mansion. A slow, satisfied smile curled his lips. He knew exactly how desperate Saint was to get his hands on Gemini's inheritance.The old man was grasping at whatever power he had left. And if Saint managed to take control of those galleries, everything would eventually fall right into Gustavo’s hands—once he took over Saint Technologies.He glanced back at Tiara, who sat behind him, her hands twisted in her lap. She was nervous, chewing her bottom lip as if it might save her from the storm she was willingly stepping into.“What were you saying again?” Gustavo asked casually as if they hadn’t just been discussing something life-altering. His tone was cold, disinterested.Tiara took a shaky breath. She had promised herself she would move on, that she wouldn't keep chasing him for something he couldn't give her. But she still needed to tell him. He deserved to know her final decision.“I’m keeping the
~ENDGAME~Lilac sat in her car, her eyes fixed on Saint Mansion before they drifted back to the steering wheel. Maya had been in love with this monster. How could he want to take everything from his daughter? Lilac thought, shaking her head. She knew she’d played her part well in there, making them believe she wanted the same thing. But now, she needed to inform Brandon. Gemini might be in danger. And so were the galleries. Starting the engine, she drove out of the compound, her thoughts heavy as she headed back to her office. On the way, her mind replayed the last conversation she'd had with Maya. Maya had been terrified that Saint would hurt Gemini. But Gemini was okay. Married to a great guy—someone who loved her and protected her fiercely. And soon, she would become a mother. Lilac pulled into her office driveway. The two-story building loomed quietly in front of her. She’d opened a small office here in Manhattan, knowing she would be staying for a while before eve
~A GROWING THREAT~Simon stepped out of the hospital’s grand entrance, the weight of the day pressing against his shoulders. His name was etched in bold letters across the sleek glass facade—Sinclair Medical Center—a reminder of the empire he’d built. But right now, none of it mattered. He loosened his tie slightly, exhaling as he made his way to his car. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he started the engine and pulled out of the lot, navigating the busy streets with ease. A few blocks later, he spotted a small roadside flower stand tucked between a café and a bookstore. A hint of memories tugged at him—Gemini loved fresh flowers. She once told him that nothing brightened a room quite like them. Smiling to himself, he parked and stepped out, his sharp suit standing in contrast to the casual bustle of the street. “Good evening, sir,” the elderly florist greeted warmly. “What can I get for you?” “Something elegant,” Simon said, scanning the vibrant display. His eyes landed o
~A DARK STORM OF TRUTH~Brandon arrived at Saint Mansion not long after his call with Lilac. Stepping into the driveway, he paused, his eyes locked on the grand estate that once belonged to his sister. Memories flooded his mind. He could almost see Maya standing at the door, waiting to see him off whenever he visited. Her laughter, her warmth—everything about her still lingered in the very walls of this house. But now, there was only silence. The rain poured steadily, tapping against the sleek black car as Brandon finally stepped out. His jaw tightened as he made his way to the entrance, his footsteps heavy with purpose. A maid hurried forward to greet him. He barely spared her a glance as he scanned the dimly lit foyer. Something felt… off. The house was too quiet. Brandon turned to the maid, his voice sharp. “Where’s Nanny Laura?” The older woman hesitated. She fidgeted with the hem of her apron, avoiding his gaze. Brandon’s patience was already thin. “I asked yo
ONE YEAR LATER: ~SWEET VENICE~ The Venetian night air was thick with expectation as Simon and Gemini returned to their luxurious suite, the soft glow of the city’s lights screening through the curtains. The evening was full of exciting tastes and feelings, but nothing matched the strong desire between them. Gemini's unexpected striptease sparked a passion in Simon, and as they entered the dimly lit room, the tension was clear.The necklace he’d gifted her sparkled around her neck, a subtle reminder of the love they shared, but it was the raw, unspokendesire that dominated the moment.Gemini moved with deliberate grace, her panties and bra the only walls between her and Simon’s hungry gaze. She approached him slowly, her hips swaying to an imaginary rhythm, her eyes locked on his. Simon stood by the window, his breath shallow, his chest rising and falling with anticipation. She reached him, her hands resting on his shoulders, and began a slow, tantalizing lap dance. Her body pr
~DESPERATE MEASURES~Gemini threw herself sideways, wrenching open the car door and tumbling onto the pavement as a deafening crack split the air. More shouting, the sound of running feet, another gunshot. She scrambled away from the car, disoriented, ears ringing.Strong hands grabbed her shoulders—one of the officers, pulled her behind the cruiser for cover. "Stay down," he ordered."My daughter," Gemini gasped. "He has my daughter. Black SUV headed north. My husband—"The officer's radio crackled with static and urgent voices. "All units, be advised that the suspect vehicle is located at the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater. The child is secured and appears unharmed. Suspect in custody."Relief made Gemini's knees buckle. "Maya's safe?""Sounds like it," the officer confirmed, his attention divided between her and the standoff at the Tesla. "We had units already en route to your home. 911 call came in about twenty minutes ago from a neighbor who saw a struggle."Another
~SIN OF THE MOTHER~Ciara's face crumpled. "I didn't know he would... that he would make her lose the baby. He gave her something, told her it was just a drink...""And when she started hemorrhaging? When she was rushed to the hospital?" Maya pressed. "Did you stand up for her then? Did you confront Gustavo?"Tears streamed down Ciara's face. "I couldn't. He threatened to tell George I was stealing from the company. Said he'd make sure I went to prison, that Tiara would be left with nothing.""So you chose yourself over your daughter." Maya's words were quiet but cutting. "Just like you chose George's money over our friendship.""What was I supposed to do?" Ciara cried, her voice rising enough that the guard at the door shifted, alert. "You had everything! Everything I ever wanted! The career, the marriage, the child, the adoration—everyone called you a goddamn goddess! Do you have any idea what it was like living in your shadow?""I never put you in my shadow, Ciara. You chose to st
~BECAUSE I HATE YOU~Two days later, Gemini stood beside her father's hospital bed, watching as the doctors reduced his sedation. Maya and Brandon waited outside—neither ready to face George just yet.Slowly, George's eyes fluttered open, confusion giving way to recognition as he focused on Gemini's face."My daughter," he rasped, his voice weak from disuse."Hello, Father," Gemini replied, the formal address deliberate, a signal that things had changed.George's eyes darted around the room. "Where's Gustavo? I need to speak with him immediately.""Gustavo won't be visiting," Gemini said calmly. "He's currently in federal custody, along with Ciara."An alarm flashed across George's face. "What have you done?""What you taught me to do. Protect what's mine." Gemini leaned closer. "I know everything, Father. About Grandfather. About Mother. About what you've done to Saint Tech."George's expression hardened. "You understand nothing. Everything I did, I did to build an empire worthy of t
THE RECKONINGThe Saint Tech boardroom fell silent as the heavy oak doors swung open. Gustavo Montreal, standing at the head of the table mid-sentence, froze when he saw who entered.Gemini Saint walked in first, her posture straight and confident, dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit that meant business. Behind her came Simon, then Brandon Greyson, and finally Jerome—Gustavo's supposedly crime in partner."I apologize for the interruption," Gemini said, her voice steady and clear as she addressed the board members seated around the massive table. "But I believe this meeting was scheduled to begin at ten, and I wouldn't want to miss it."Ciara Edwards, seated at Gustavo's right, recovered first. Her perfectly manicured nails tapped an impatient rhythm against the polished mahogany. "Gemini, darling, how unexpected. We thought with your... recent delivery, you'd be taking some much-needed rest.""I'm touched by your concern," Gemini replied, the ice in her voice belying her
~THE FINAL THREAT~Gemini's phone buzzed on the nightstand. She glanced at the screen and frowned, immediately recognizing Gustavo's number. After everything that had happened in the past twenty-four hours—discovering her mother was alive, learning the truth about her father's crimes—the last person she wanted to hear from was Gustavo Montreal.Still, she answered it. Know your enemy, her father had always taught her."What do you want, Gustavo?" Her voice was cold, detached."We need to talk, Gemini." His tone was urgent, almost desperate. "In person. It's important."She let out a bitter laugh. "I have nothing to say to you.""It's about your father," he pressed. "About the board meeting tomorrow. Things you need to know before you make a mistake you can't undo."Gemini hesitated, her mind racing. Was it possible he knew about their plans? About Maya being alive?"Fine," she said finally. "Where and when?""The café at the Riverside Hotel. In an hour.""That's across town. I need m
FAMILY RESTOREDGemini sat in the rocking chair by the window, cradling baby Maya as the first light of dawn filtered through the blinds. She hadn't slept—how could she, with her world turned upside down once again? Her mother was alive. The mother she had mourned for five years, whose grave she had visited on birthdays and anniversaries, bringing flowers and tears and whispered confidences.A soft knock at the door made her look up. Her mother—Maya, not a ghost, not a memory, but flesh and blood—stood in the doorway, hesitant."May I come in?" she asked quietly.Gemini nodded, unable to find words. Maya crossed the room and knelt beside the rocking chair, her eyes fixed on her grandchild's sleeping face."She's beautiful," Maya whispered. "She has your nose. And Simon's eyes.""I named her after you," Gemini said, her voice barely audible. "I wanted her to have something of the grandmother she would never know."Tears filled Maya's eyes. "I'm so sorry, Gemini. More than you can eve
~SEEING YOU AGAIN~Penelope sat beside Gemini's hospital bed, gently rocking baby Maya in her arms. "You're sure about this?" she asked for the third time. "Going to Brandon's place instead of home?"Gemini nodded, wincing slightly as she carefully buttoned her blouse. "I can't go back to the penthouse right now. Not with all the press camped outside. And not with..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence."Not with Lauren gone," Penelope completed softly.Tears welled in Gemini's eyes. Sweet, kind Lauren. The nanny who had been more like a mother. Found dead….another victim of whatever sinister plot was unfolding around them."I just can't believe she's gone," Gemini whispered. "And for Ciara to suggest that Simon—" Her voice broke."Hey," Penelope said firmly, "nobody with half a brain believes Simon had anything to do with any of this. The man worships the ground you walk on."A soft knock at the door interrupted them. Gemini hastily wiped her eyes as the door opened to re
~WEBS OF DECEIT~The hospital room was quiet save for the gentle beeping of monitors and the soft cooing sounds baby Maya made in her sleep. Gemini sat propped up against pillows, her eyes red-rimmed from crying, staring out the window at the Manhattan skyline.Three days. Three days since she'd given birth without Simon by her side. Three days of reporters camped outside the hospital. Three days of unanswered questions and growing fear.A soft knock at the door broke her reverie."Come in," Gemini called, expecting Penelope or one of the nurses.Instead, Ciara Saint glided in, impeccably dressed in a designer pantsuit, her blonde hair swept into a perfect chignon. A too-bright smile was plastered across her face, and she carried an ostentatious bouquet of lilies."Darling!" Ciara exclaimed, as if they were the closest of friends. "How are you feeling? And is this the little princess?"Gemini instinctively shifted her body to shield Maya's bassinet. "What are you doing here, Ciara?"