Semua Bab Second Chance At Rebirth: Beneath The Ashes: Bab 101 - Bab 110

Christine’s POV“Why are you stalking me?” I snapped again. My heart was still pounding from the near-miss with the SUV, my nerves fraying too. Zane stood there, unfazed, his hands sliding into the pockets of his dark jeans with a casual ease that only fueled my irritation as he took a step forward and that infuriating smirk curved his lips, his dark eyes glinting with something between amusement.“Stalking?” he drawled, his voice was low and teasing, like he was savoring my reaction. “You didn’t even thank me, Christine. I just saved your life, and here you are, snapping like some rabid dog.”I crossed my arms as I glared at him. The wind tugged at my hair, whipping strands across my face, and I didn’t bother to push them away. “Thank you? For what? Showing up out of nowhere like some creepy guardian angel? What are you even doing here, Zane?”He tilted his head, his smirk softening into something almost genuine. “Just passing by,” he said, shrugging one shoulder. “Lucky for you, I w

Christine’s POVI thought this vacation would be fun and relaxing at least. A few days on a private island in the Maldives, away from the pressure of the board, away from the whispers still trailing the Chicago incident. A break from everything but yet, nothing changed and nothing seemed new either. The supposed fun is not turning out that way at all and I am starting to regret why I joined them. Something’s wrong. And I’m starting to think this trip was never meant to be a vacation. It was supposed to but the strange feeling I was getting was convincing enough about grandfather Fredrick. He arrived just after dinner, and from the moment he stepped onto the terrace, I felt it. It was the way he looked at me, too focused. Like he was measuring something in his head and that intensified how uncomfortable I felt. And now? It’s worse.At breakfast, while everyone was buzzing about snorkeling and spa appointments, he sat next to me like it was a coincidence. But nothing is ever a coincid

Lisa’s POVThe pain on my cheek still burned, a hot, pulsing reminder of Christine’s hand cracking across my face. I sat there on the wicker chair, the shattered remains of my wine glass glinting on the porch floor. Still feeling the heat radiating from where she’d struck me. The pain was sharp, but it was nothing compared to the fury boiling in my chest right now. Christine thought she could intimidate me, silence me with a slap and a few hissed threats. She was wrong. I wasn’t some weak little pawn she could shove around. If she wanted a war, I’d give her one. I’d dig up every dirty secret she had, every skeleton she’d buried, and I’d use them to bury her.I stood, brushing the creases from my sundress, my jaw tight as I stepped over the broken glass, walking away. My mind was racing and thinking positive ways of plotting against her. Christine had secrets, I knew she did. That fire at the Chicago branch, the way she dodged Grandfather Fredrick’s questions with that fake smile… she

Christine’s POVI sat at a small wrought-iron chair, the warm breeze tugging at the hem of my sundress. Sipping through the coconut juice. I’d been nursing it for the better part of an hour as I maintained my performance, relaxed, happy, utterly at ease. It was exhausting though.Shortly, Grandmother Elenor emerged from the restaurant’s glass doors as she approached me. Her hair was swept into a loose bun, and her eyes locked onto me while she got closer. My stomach tightened, but I flashed a bright smile, tilting my head as if I hadn’t a care in the world. She didn’t return it. She looked worried.She lowered herself into the chair across from me. “Christine, my child.” she said, her voice tender, cutting through the hum of chatter around us. “We need to talk.”I raised an eyebrow, keeping my expression light, playful even. “About what, Grandma? The lobster special? I hear it’s divine.” I leaned back, crossing one leg over the other.Her eyes narrowed, unamused. “I overheard Francis

Christine’s POVI’m to meet with Ashley at the rooftop bar. It was a hidden gem, perched high above the city’s restless pulse. I stepped out of the elevator, the cool night air brushing against my skin. The bar was quiet, just as I’d hoped, with a scattering of low tables and cushioned chairs. A few patrons murmured at the far end, too engrossed in their own worlds to notice us. This was the kind of place where secrets could be traded without fear of eavesdropping ears.Ashley was already there, seated at a corner table near the glass railing. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, and she wore a tailored blazer over a cream blouse, looking every bit the professional I needed her to be. She glanced up as I approached, her eyes catching the light. I offered a small, reassuring smile as I slid into the chair opposite her, setting my purse on the table.“Is everything set?” I asked, keeping my voice low and the soft jazz drifting from the speakers ensured no one could overhear.As