LOGINArden’s POV I sat in the dim-lit room, anchored to the sofa. A cigarette rested between my fingers, its smoke curling lazily around my face as I waited patiently for the mole to be brought to me. Soon, the door burst open. The mole was shoved into the room and thrown onto the floor. "Spare me, Boss!" he pleaded frantically. "Spare you? What a joke," I replied coldly. "I’m sorry, Boss! I was in desperate need of money—that's why I did it. Please, I’m sorry!" He kept pleading, his voice cracking. "How much were you paid?" I asked. "Two hundred grand," he replied. I let out a cold, sharp laugh. "You sold Laurke out for two hundred grand, you bastard?" "You know what to do," I said to Jason. The man nodded. "No, Boss! Please, I’m begging you!" he screamed as he was dragged away. Anyone who dares to betray me will face the ultimate consequence: death. A few minutes later, Jason returned. "Everything is done, sir. The situation is stable and the project ca
Arden's POV After I saw the mail, I rushed into Brianna’s room. She looked startled when she saw merush in.“What’s wrong? Are you fine?” she asked.“I have to go. Tell your assistant to come over,” I replied.“Oh, okay. Are you sure you’re fine?” she persisted.“Yes, I am,” I said, placing a kiss on her forehead, and left.I called my assistant back. “Yes, sir?” he said.“Get the private jet ready. When we get on board, you’ll explain everything to me,” I said.“Yes, sir. I will.”Thirty minutes later, I got onto the private jet. Jason brought his tab to me as he began to explain the situation.“What you are trying to say is that Derrick brought his men to disrupt the overseas project?” I queried.“Yes, sir. Although no one died, two people were severely injured, and the people involved are seeking an explanation from us, sir. I didn’t want to disturb you and tried to handle the situation, but things started to spiral out of my control. I have told them to stop for a while
Tatum's POV "What are you doing here?" Arden asked Dayton. I slowly opened my eyes as I heard the voice and was shocked to see Dayton "None of your business," Dayton replied, walking past him with his walking stick. Mike joined them shortly after."How did you know she was here?" Arden asked."I got a call from Doctor Jose," Dayton replied. Then, looking at me, he asked, "How are you doing now?""I’m fine, just a little bit weak," I replied."Umm... I heard what happened to Liam. I’m really sorry, and I will try to give you an explanation," Dayton said."Grandpa, you don’t owe me an explanation. The person who does wouldn’t give me one, so just focus on your health," I said.Dayton glared at Arden. Arden walked out of the room, looking annoyed. Shortly after, Amelia walked in. Shock flickered across her face as she saw Dayton."Grandpa! What are you doing here?" she asked."I heard what happened to Liam and Tarun, so I came to check up on them," Dayton replied."Arden ca
Tatum’s POV I arrived at the hospital still reeling from shock,or perhaps it was pure, unadulterated rage. Liam had already been rushed into the ER. I had texted Amelia on the way, and I was slumped in a chair right outside the operating theater, The sound of my racing heart was all I could hear when she finally appeared. . "Tate, calm down. Liam will be fine; he’s strong," she said, though her own voice cracked. I collapsed into her arms, sobbing as she patted my back. My entire body wouldn't stop shaking. I looked down at my shirt and saw Liam’s blood staining the fabric. My mind went blank, flashing back to the sight of his broken body lying in that horrific pool of red. That crazy bitch. I swore then and there: if anything happened to Liam, I would kill everyone involved. Even if I died in the process, I would haunt them until they knew no peace. Amelia kept trying to soothe me, but how could I be calm? Liam’s life was hanging by a thread, and as his older sister
NIGHT The drive to Arden’s mansion felt endless. Liam was asleep on my lap in the back seat, his tiny fingers curled into my dress as if he was afraid even in his dreams. The driver’s eyes stayed fixed on the road, silent, careful — as though even breathing too loudly might shatter whatever fragile control I had left. But my mind wasn’t here. It was stuck on Arden’s face earlier. That look. That warning. It could have been anyone but him. He doesn’t get to threaten me. He doesn’t get to control me. Not after trying to dismiss me like a cheap transaction in that restaurant. I swallowed hard. “We’re here, ma’am,” the driver said gently. Already? It felt like we had just left. He honked to signal the gate. Nothing. He stepped out, spoke with the guards, then returned. “Any problem?” I asked, though I already knew. “The guard said he was instructed not to open the gate until Mr. Arden comes back.” Of course. Petty. Arrogant. Calculating. I told
ARDEN’S POV I ignored her screaming the entire drive until I finally pulled over in front of a restaurant. She was fierce. Loud. Annoying. Definitely not my type. I had actually felt relieved when she said she wasn’t interested in the marriage either. That should have made things easier. Then Brianna showed up and ruined everything. That woman had a temper. Sharp. Explosive. Just like Brianna. Why does fate keep throwing women like this into my life? After Tatum left, I spent almost an hour calming Brianna down before she finally stormed out of the restaurant. Peace never lasts. NEXT DAY TATUM’S RESIDENCE I was still furious about what that witch said yesterday. That was the only reason I even involved myself in that stupid mess. I was almost free from this arranged marriage. Almost. Now I was more tangled than ever. I flopped onto my bed and groaned. “I’m so doomed,” I half-yelled, tugging at my hair. “What was I thinking when I said those words?”







