All Chapters of The Face of Revenge: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Chapter 21: A Seat at the TableElise's POVI stepped forward. "We need to talk," I said. "It's about the Laurents."Rigo's eyes widened briefly, flicking between me and Isla, then landing on Luke, who was already halfway up the stairs. "Oh," he said, his voice trailing off as if something had just clicked. He rubbed the back of his neck, unease written in his posture, but he didn't make a move. "I see."Before I could speak, Luke's voice broke the silence, low and unwavering. "I've got nothing to do with the Laurents anymore." His words landed between us like a door slamming shut. Without waiting for any response, he turned and ascended the stairs, his movements deliberate and final. His figure disappeared into the shadows of the upper floor.Isla stepped forward, her

Chapter 23: Lines in the SandElise's POVThe sun was still low in the sky as Isla and I settled into the familiar corner booth of the café. The same place we'd met when she first arrived. The warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries filled the air, but it didn't quite reach me today. My mind was elsewhere, replaying everything that had happened yesterday.I took a long sip of my coffee, my fingers tapping against the porcelain cup. Yesterday felt like a lifetime ago. I'd told Rigo my story—the truth about the Laurents and how they orchestrated my parents' deaths. The words came easier than I expected. I had planned on keeping everything locked inside, but something about the way Rigo listened made me feel like maybe he could help.Rigo had committed to passing the information on to Luke when he returned, but he also told us to keep our distance for now, advised us to lay low. He'd said we should meet again the same time today at a p

Chapter 25: Where We StartElise's POVWe moved from the café to a quieter place—a tree-covered park near the edge of the city. One of those semi-forgotten pockets where the air smelled faintly of damp leaves and the ground was scattered with cigarette butts and fallen bougainvillea petals. It was discreet, quiet. No one really came here unless they were trying to disappear for a while.I sat on the low stone ledge by the dried-up fountain, watching Isla pace while Luke leaned against a bench post like he had all the time in the world."I didn't tell you this to convince you," I said, voice even, low. "You asked for the truth. That was mine."Luke's eyes were unreadable. His fingers rested on the edge of his coat pocket like he was trying to resist reaching for a cigarette or maybe something worse—another cutting remark."So what?" he finally said, shrugging one shoulder. "You're saying the Laurents didn't just take you in after

Chapter 27: Unspoken InvitationsAdrian's POV:I lean back in my chair, the stale air of the office mixing with the faint scent of expensive cologne from a half-empty bottle on my desk. Another day in the maze of Laurent family business—papers, memos, fake smiles, and hidden agendas. I'd love to be anywhere else, but apparently, the world keeps spinning even when I'm not paying attention."Mr. Laurent," a voice interrupts my reverie, and I don't have to look up to know it's my secretary. He's too eager for his own good, still under the delusion that we're doing something important here. He's harmless, though, and keeps to his role."Yes, what is it?" I ask, my tone flat, without even a hint of interest.He steps into the office, his clipboard in hand, practically bouncing on his heels. "I've gathered the documents you requested, Mr. Laurent. It's taking you a bit longer to familiarize yourself with everything. Are we starting any projects

Chapter 29: Smoke and MirrorsAdrian's POV"You're going to strangle yourself," Elise said, stepping closer.I stilled, hands mid-knot, as she reached up and took over. Her fingers were careful but confident, brushing the collar of my shirt, grazing my throat."I can do it," I muttered."You can, sure," she murmured. "But it would look like a war crime."I didn't answer. Not because she wasn't right, but because her hands were too close—too warm. Each time her fingers tugged the silk of my tie, my breath snagged.She glanced down at the tie she was knotting, brows lightly furrowed. "Why aren't you used to this? Isn't business your whole life? Corporate dress code and all?"I shrugged. "I do it my way. Which usually means… not wearing one."Elise let out a soft chuckle. "That explains why your top two buttons are always undone."That made me pause. My gaze met hers. "You noticed that?"