Chapter 71

Vanessa’s POVThe afternoon sun felt warm on my skin as I stepped out of the high-end boutique on Fifth Avenue with shopping bags swinging from both of my hands. The new designer dress, matching heels, and that ridiculously expensive handbag had cost a small fortune. The kind money I didn’t technically have, but Daniel’s transfer had come through yesterday, and I intended to enjoy every cent. After all, he owed me for the humiliation he’d caused. I adjusted my dress with a feeling of a rush of satisfaction. Life had been a mess lately down from that con artist boyfriend who had cleaned me out and vanished into the thin air but I was bouncing back with new clothes, fresh makeup, and the promise of crashing at Daniel’s penthouse soon enough. He could pretend to be done with me, but men like him always came around when I turned on the tears.I adjusted my oversized sunglasses and flipped my hair over my shoulder, with a satisfied smile playing on my lips.New clothes and designer shoes a

Chapter 72

Lila’s POVThe private restaurant felt like a scene straight out of those addictive movie romances I secretly devoured late at night with soft golden lighting, a breathtaking view of the glittering city skyline, and a table set for two with crystal glasses and flickering candles. The evening breeze carried the faint scent of roses and expensive champagne. Everything about tonight seemed perfect. And for the most part, it was.Marcus had been surprisingly charming. We had shared an exquisite five-course meal of a really nice steak, buttery lobster, and delicious desserts that melted on the tongue. Conversation flowed easily between us freely. He asked about my dreams beyond the club, listened when I spoke about wanting more than just dancing under bright lights, and made me laugh with dry, witty remarks about his own high-pressure world of deals and power plays. Now, we were on our second glass of champagne, the golden liquid bubbling softly as we sat in comfortable silence for a mome

Chapter 73

Vanessa’s POVThe black car came to a stop in front of my apartment building, the engine purring out quietly. Victor Crane didn’t say a word as I clutched my shopping bags with trembling hands and stepped out onto the sidewalk. The moment my heels touched the pavement, the tinted window rolled down just enough for me to see Crane’s cold, calculating eyes one last time.“Remember what I said, Vanessa,” he spoke quietly, his voice carrying the weight of death. “If you refuse to pick up my calls or try to run, I will find you. And when I do, I won’t be this polite. I’ll kill you and make sure your body disappears. Do not test me.”The window rolled back up with a soft mechanical sound as the car pulled away smoothly, disappearing around the corner. I stood frozen on the sidewalk for a while, my heart beating so violently I thought it might burst through my chest. My throat still burned from where his fingers had squeezed earlier.I rushed inside the building, barely acknowledging the door

Chapter 74

Lila’s POVI was curled up on the massive bed in my guest room, the soft silk sheets cool against my skin as the afternoon light shined through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The penthouse was quiet except for the distant hum of the city far below. My phone screen glowed brightly in my hands, a secret smile playing on my lips as I typed back to Marcus.Marcus: I'm still thinking about the way you looked in that black dress last night. You have no idea what you do to me, firecracker. When can I see you again? I want to take you somewhere private this time… just us.Me: Private sounds dangerous. You’re already trouble, Marcus. I haven’t decided if I like that yet.Marcus: You like it. I can tell by the way you smiled when I hugged you. Let me spoil you properly next time. No guards. Just you and me.My heart raced fast as I read his words. The thrill was addictive – the kind of dangerous excitement when one is caught between two powerful men. One safe and steady, while the other is sha

Chapter 75

Daniel’s POVI had been gone since dawn, chasing down a last-minute business deal that required my personal signature. The entire morning had been long with endless meetings, numbers, and cold calculations, but my mind kept drifting back to her. Serena. The woman who had somehow managed to crawl under my skin and stay there.When I finally returned, the penthouse smelled of fresh food and feminine laughter. I stepped into the open kitchen area and froze.Serena was there.She stood near the island, laughing at something Lila had just said, her head thrown back slightly, her eyes sparkling with genuine joy. She wore a simple white top and soft shorts that hugged her curves in the most sexy way. Her hair was loose, falling over her shoulder. She looked radiant. Alive. And I realized with a sharp reminder that I hadn’t seen her since I left early this morning. I just stood there, completely lost for a moment, drinking her in like a man dying of thirst. This was the moment he realized

Chapter 76

Daniel’s POVThe study was quiet except for the low sound of my laptop and the occasional click of the mouse as I reviewed quarterly reports. Numbers blurred on the screen, but my mind kept drifting back to Serena and the way she had teased me before leaving to go see Lila made it really hard. My phone started ringing. Once. Twice. Three times. Then it wouldn’t stop as it rang continuously. I grunted in frustration with my jaw clenched. Without checking the caller ID, I snatched it up and answered sharply.“What?”A sugary, familiar voice sounded through the line. “Danny… baby. Finally, I’ve been trying to reach you.”Vanessa.I hadn’t bothered to look at the screen. My grip tightened on the phone. Of all the people who could ruin my evening, she topped the list.“What do you want, Vanessa?” I asked, my voice cold and impatient as she let out a dramatic sigh, the kind she always used when she wanted something. “I miss you, Danny. You’ve been so cold lately. After everything we shar