جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 190

FAVINO PENTHOUSE - DAY ONEGabriella stepped into the massive penthouse, her eyes wide as she took in the floor-to-ceiling windows, the expensive furniture, the artwork on the walls. This was everything she’d ever dreamed of. Everything she’d schemed for.The doorman set her suitcases down in the foyer and quietly left.Amelia stood with her arms crossed, dressed in a perfectly tailored black pantsuit, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She looked like she was attending a business meeting, not welcoming an unwanted guest into her home.“Let me make something very clear,” Amelia said, her voice like ice. “This is MY home. Not yours. The only reason you’re here is because a judge made a stupid decision. But don’t mistake a court order for a welcome.”Gabriella smiled sweetly, one hand on her pregnant belly. “I understand this must be difficult for you—”“Don’t.” Amelia held up her hand. “Don’t pretend to care about my feelings. We both know why you’re here. You want Alejandro.

FAVINO PENTHOUSE ~ NEW YORK “She’s not my mistress. I never wanted—”“I don’t want to hear it.” Amelia closed her laptop and finally looked at him. “I don’t want to hear your excuses or your explanations or your protests of innocence. Two DNA tests say you’re the father. That’s all that matters.”“You don’t believe me.”“I don’t know what to believe anymore.” She stood up. “What I know is that there’s a pregnant woman living in our home. A woman who claims you’re the father of her child. And whether you remember sleeping with her or not, whether you were drugged or not, the result is the same. There’s a baby coming.”“I swear to you, Amelia. I don’t remember—”“Stop.” She held up her hand. “Just stop. I can’t do this right now. I have a son who’s asking questions I don’t know how to answer. I have a business that’s falling apart because of this scandal. I have a house guest I despise. And I have a husband who may or may not have betrayed me but definitely brought this disaster i

“Two days ago. Daniel and I were talking about the party, and we realized—why wait? We love each other. We have a son together. We want to be a family. So we’re doing it now.” Ariana twisted her hands together. “Are you mad?”“Mad? Are you kidding?” Amelia rushed forward and hugged her best friend carefully, mindful of the dress. “I’m so happy for you! But also a little hurt you didn’t tell me sooner so I could help you plan—”“It all happened so fast. Alexander’s assistant handled most of it. We got the marriage license rushed through Daniel knows people. We have an officiant coming. It’s going to be simple. Quick. Just part of the party.” Ariana pulled back, her eyes shining with tears. “But I wanted you to be here. You’re my best friend. You’re my sister. I need you standing beside me.”“Of course I’ll be there. Try and stop me.” Amelia wiped away a tear. “Where’s the baby?”“With Daniel’s mother in the nursery they set up. She’s watching him until the ceremony.” Ariana took a sh

ST. AUGUSTINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL — 3:15 PMJessica Martinez stood in the school office, smiling too brightly at the front desk secretary.She was fifty-three, with badly dyed blonde hair, heavy makeup, and nervous energy she couldn’t quite hide.“I’m here to pick up Isabella and Sofia Rodriguez,” she said sweetly.The secretary looked up. “And you are?”“Jessica Martinez. Their aunt. Their mother called this morning to add me.”The secretary typed for a moment.“Yes, you’re listed under emergency contacts.” She turned the screen slightly. “Just sign here.”Jessica signed quickly, her hand trembling just a little.Five minutes later, two three year-old girls walked into the office, backpacks bouncing behind them.“Where’s Abuela?” Isabella asked right away, looking around.“Your grandmother isn’t feeling well today, sweetheart,” Jessica said, forcing a wide smile. “I’m your Aunt Jessica. You remember me, don’t you?”The girls exchanged a look. They remembered an aunt from years ago.But

BLACKWOOD MANSION – 9:00 PMThe mansion looked nothing like home. It looked like a command center.Security guards rushed back and forth. Computer screens covered the walls. Maps, camera feeds, phone records everything flashing at once.Damien walked in fast, jaw tight.Daniel was standing near the center of the room, phone in hand. Ariana stood beside him, pale but holding herself together.“Brother,” Damien said, stepping forward and offering his hand.Daniel shook it firmly. “Thank you for coming.”Damien nodded once. “I told you. The girls are innocent. This isn’t about you and me.” His voice hardened. “This is about family.”He looked around. “What do we have?”Marcus Webb, the head of security, turned from the main screen. He tapped a button and a large map lit up the wall.“We’ve tracked Jessica’s movements for the past year,” Marcus said. “She’s been using fake names. Moving from one cheap motel to another across the state.”Pictures flashed on the screen grainy security foota