Chapter: Chapter 67DesdemonaThe aroma of roasted garlic, rosemary, and seared ribeye filled the house, making the tension vibrating through the dining room a bit warm.Etienne had spent the entire afternoon playing chef. He looked remarkably relaxed which I had not expected as his father and brother were around. He sat at the head of the long table, with Molly in her booster chair to his right and me to his left.Sadly my mother, Myra’s mom and our dearest father, David couldn't make it. My mom said she was busy on a vacation and she refuses to be part of family drama. Myra's mom told me to never bother her again and David, let's just say he had better things to do.Across from me sat Etienne’s father, looking unusually quiet, his sharp eyes scanning the room, moving from face to face and repeating. Next to him was Jules, who looked thoroughly miserable. Probably still nursing a bruised ego from missing the big meeting, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.Further down the table sat Kevin, looking e
Última actualización: 2026-07-10
Chapter: Chapter 66DesdemonaThe next morning, the sunlight filtered softly through the kitchen windows.. Etienne stood at the stove, humming lightly under his breath as he flipped pancakes. He looked entirely at peace in his t-shirt and sweatpants.Molly swung her legs back and forth from her high stool at the kitchen island, her eyes glued to the stack of fluffy pancakes growing on the plate.I poured myself a cup of coffee and walked over, sliding onto the stool next to her. I caught Etienne’s eye, and he turned off the burner, wiping his hands on a dishtowel before coming over to stand right beside us. He slid a plate of pancakes in front of Molly, but instead of moving away, he pulled up a chair close to her side."Molly, sweetie," I started, reaching over to gently smooth down a stray curl on her head. "Before we eat, Etienne and I want to talk to you about something really important."Molly looked up from her plate, her eyes darting between the two of us.Etienne took a slow breath, his eyes shin
Última actualización: 2026-07-10
Chapter: Chapter 65DesdemonaThe bedroom door creaked open just an inch, letting a sliver of hallway light cut through the shadows of Molly’s room.Etienne stepped inside first, his movements so cautious it was as if he were walking on eggshells. I followed closely behind, my heart still fluttering with a mix of leftover adrenaline and overwhelming relief.We stopped beside the small bed. Molly was completely knocked out, buried beneath a pink duvet with her favorite plush bear tucked securely under her arm. A faint, rhythmic snore escaped her lips.Etienne stood frozen, staring down at her. In the dim light, I watched the realization wash over him all over again. His jaw softened, and his shoulders completely dropped. Slowly, he reached out, his large hand gently brushing a stray curl away from her forehead. He was so careful, treating her like the most fragile, precious thing in the world."Look at her," he whispered, his voice strained with emotion. "She has my nose. How did I not see that before?""
Última actualización: 2026-07-09
Chapter: Chapter 64The meeting had gone even better than I’d expected.Okay, let’s be honest, I’d planned for it to go exactly that way, but I was still thoroughly impressed with myself. I had called David earlier to ask for another illegal favor, mostly because that seemed to be his area of expertise these days. His sole job was to ensure Jules didn't make it to the meeting. That way, his father, who was presiding over it, would see firsthand how irresponsible Jules was and finally stop bothering with him.It was a massive success.After the meeting wrapped, I walked straight into the old man's office. My head was held high, but my heart was thumping violently against my ribs.“Sir?”“Yes, Desdemona. Do you have something for me?” he asked, his tone agitated.“About that.” I took a deep, steadying breath. “I will no longer be trying to pit your kids against each other.”He leaned back in his leather chair, rubbing his temples thoughtfully. “And why is that?”“It’s exhausting.”“Give me the real reason,
Última actualización: 2026-07-09
Chapter: Chapter 63EttieneDes had left the house early for her meeting with the board.She had asked me to join in, after all, I was supposed to be there but I had gently refused and avoided giving her any reasons. So I feigned illness as an excuse.I had grown tired of the entire thing. The company, my brother, my dad…..i just wanted it to end.I understood corporate war so well and god knows if i were young the hunger would still be there but now….i sigh. I don't want it. That leaves me with the question, what is it that I want?Molly stirred beside me pulling me out of my depressing thoughts. I turned my attention to her.“Hey there,princess."She laughs. “Dont call me that.”I lift her into my laps. “What do you want me to call you, then?”“Queen.” she says.“My queen.” I repeat with a head bow.She giggles while lifting my head. “I can't be your queen. You're my dad.” she continues laughing.My stomach twists and falls. I study her face calmly. “If your mom hears you say that she might kill me, d
Última actualización: 2026-07-06
Chapter: Chapter 62DesdemonaEttiene was still asleep. My daughter had been dropped off by her wonderful homeroom teacher, for whom I was incredibly grateful. Molly had eaten a quick snack, showered, and insisted on going to bed with Ettiene. Seeing the two of them curled up in bed together made my heart ache with a mixture of warmth and fear, forcing me to quietly step out of the room.Kevin had texted to let me know they were home safe, he had gone back to his apartment together with Aaron. And for some reason, Josh had texted me too, letting me know he’d be staying with Myra for a couple of days.I curled up on the couch, a notepad and pen in hand, though I hadn’t written a single word. Days were moving too fast, and I was running out of time. Ettiene’s sickening father never ceased to remind me that the clock was ticking. He hadn't given up on his sadistic craving to watch me pit his sons against each other.I sighed, running a frustrated hand through my hair just as the doorbell rang. Groaning, I f
Última actualización: 2026-07-04
Chapter: Chapter 21EmilliaThe silence in our bedroom was heavy and suffocating. My muscles were tense and my face was burning up from rage. My husband was keeping secrets from me. Of course I expected some secrecy to some extent but this…this is just absurd.I sat at the vanity, aggressively brushing out my hair, staring at my own reflection. Every time I closed my eyes, I heard the click of the gun or his words repeating in my head. “Trust me, it’s for your own good.”I mimic out loud in his tone.The click of the master bedroom door turning made my posture instantly stiffen.In the mirror, I watched Gregory walk in. He had changed out of his tactical gear and into a charcoal cashmere sweater, his sleeves rolled up to his forearms. He looked relaxed and that infuriated me even more. I should use the gun he gave me on him. Yes, that would make me very happy and give me deep satisfaction.He didn't say a word. He just walked up behind me, gently taking the brush from my hand. His fingers brushed agains
Última actualización: 2026-07-13
Chapter: Chapter 20GregoryI didn't need to turn around to know who had just walked into the range. The heavy, uncoordinated footsteps and the obnoxious scent of expensive cologne gave him away instantly.Sebastian.My brother leaned against the doorframe, a half-empty glass of scotch in his hand despite it being barely nine in the morning. His eyes were bloodshot, his dark hair a messy fringe over his forehead, but a malicious, mocking smile was plastered across his face as he looked at Emillia holding the smoking firearm."Well, well, well," Sebastian drawled, his voice dripping with amusement. "I see they've decided to give you some of their toys. Tell me Emillia,on a scale of one to ten how well can you aim now?"Emillia didn't flinch. Instead, her posture stiffened, her eyes narrowing into slits as she turned her body toward him, the gun still held firmly in her hand. She raised the gun and aimed it directly at Sebastian."Careful, Sebastian," Lucious warned from the corner, his hand casually drif
Última actualización: 2026-06-14
Chapter: Chapter 19EmilliaThe morning sun had barely managed to pierce the heavy, gray clouds when Gregory woke me. He kissed my forehead before rolling out of bed with a few words I couldn't make out.I opened my eyes,blinking several times to adjust to the light.“I hate you.”He chuckles.” I know you don't mean that.”“You could have woken me up yesterday.” I whine as the image of me turning to my side when I was beneath him replayed in my head.“You were tired.”“I fell asleep during sex!” I shriek. “During a make out session.” He corrected.I groan and roll out of bed.Gregory didn't say a word as he placed a set of dark clothes on the bed. A black long-sleeved shirt and cargo pants.“Practice?” He hums in reply. “Get ready and meet me downstairs.”When we walked down to the estate’s private underground shooting range, Lucious was already there. He was standing near a stainless-steel counter, setting down several boxes of ammunition."Morning, Emillia," Lucious said, his voice light as always.
Última actualización: 2026-06-14
Chapter: Chapter 18EmilliaMy hands were shaking, my palms raw and smelling faintly of sulfur and gun oil. I had spent the last three hours in the basement with Lucious, taking apart that black pistol until my fingers moved automatically, memorizing the weight of the firing pin, the spring, the slide.I wanted control. I wanted the power to ensure that the next time someone shot at a car I was in, I wouldn't be the one waking up in a hospital bed.When I pushed open the door to our suite, the words I was about to say to Gregory died in my throat.The room was dimly lit. Gregory was leaning forward, his face dark and intense, while Francesca, the head housekeeper, was on her knees on the floor, her face wet with tears. The atmosphere in the room was so thick with tension that it had me suffocating.They both snapped their heads toward me the moment the hinges groaned and I stepped in.Francesca scrambled to her feet instantly, wiping her face with the back of her sleeve, her professional composure slamm
Última actualización: 2026-06-12
Chapter: Chapter 17Gregory I left Emillia in the armory after laying out guns he had to practice assembling. I walked down the quiet, dimly lit corridor toward the estate’s private study, my mind shifting away from my wife to Francesca. The door to the study opened before I could touch the handle. Lucious stepped out, holding a thin, single sheet of paper. His green eyes were completely stripped of their usual humor. "You found it," I stated, my tone flat. "It wasn't easy," Lucious replied, handing me the paper as we walked into the privacy of the room. "Francesca’s file has been systematically scrubbed within the Densmore system. Father kept her background completely off the books. But I managed to dig up her original employment medical records and the old syndicate ledger from thirty one years ago." I scanned the document, my eyes skipping past the standard blood work until they landed on a single handwritten note at the bottom, stamped by a private syndicate doctor who had been dead for a decad
Última actualización: 2026-06-12
Chapter: Chapter 16EmilliaAfter a week of me pestering my husband about my training,he finally gave in convinced I was healed enough.Gregory guided me toward a pair of heavy, iron reinforced double doors at the far end of the basement corridor. He pressed his palm against a digital scanner. A soft beep echoed, followed by the heavy, mechanical click of the locks disengaging.When the doors swung open, the scent of expensive leather was instantly replaced by the sharp, metallic tang of gun oil and cold steel. An armory.In the center of the room stood a long wooden table, entirely bare except for a…gun.“We're starting with shooting?”Gregory stepped away from me, walking around the table."If you want to live in my world, Emillia, you don't get to rely on weak punches," he said, picking up the weapon and laying his eyes unto mine with an intensity. "You need to understand how to use weapons. Every single one you can get your hand on. You need to be ready to pull the trigger without hesitation."I swa
Última actualización: 2026-06-11
Chapter: Chapter 54Elias“If you don't want to tell me, just say so,” I snapped, crossing my arms and glaring at the counter. “No need to exchange secret looks like that. Geez.”"Elias," William called sternly. "Drop the attitude.""I'm not having an attitude," I muttered, though I didn't look at him. "I'm just pointing out that I cleared your entire afternoon, handled your work, and drove across the city, only to find you having a cozy little nap while your ex treats me like a stray dog."Arthur let out a soft chuckle from the stove, setting down his spoon. "I treat stray dogs much better than I treat you, Elias. And also, you get paid to do that. Except the last part, you should have saved on the gas""Arthur, stop poking him," William sighed, resting his forehead in his hand. He turned his head slightly to look at me. "Barret went to Arthur's eastern office as you already know. He was asking questions about my personal life. He's looking for proof that... that my marriage to your mother isn't what it
Última actualización: 2026-07-21
Chapter: Chapter 53EliasI was feeling a lot of different emotions, but happiness was definitely not one of them.It had been more than seven hours since William left the office. He hadn't picked up my calls, and he hadn't returned a single text message. For some unknown reason, I was beyond furious.An hour past the end of the workday, I marched straight to Arthur’s apartment building because I knew that was his initial destination. If I found William there, I’d be twice as mad and I actively refused to ask myself why I even cared that much.I rang the doorbell and stood in the hallway, forcing myself to stop tapping my foot against the floor.The door opened a few minutes later. No, exactly seven minutes later.“I know you were watching me through the peephole and you enjoyed keeping me waiting,” I snapped the second Arthur opened the door.He smiled, looking too relaxed. “Good to see you again… um…”“Elias. And I know you remember that,” I snapped, brushing right past his shoulder and walking into th
Última actualización: 2026-07-20
Chapter: Chapter 52WilliamI was at Arthur’s apartment. He was pouring a drink, completely unbothered by the fact that I was actively spiraling into a panic attack.“So you can come to my place,” he said as he finished pouring. I didn't say anything. He poured a second glass, came around the kitchen island, and offered it to me.“I can’t drink. I need to go back to the office. I still have work.”He raised an eyebrow, stretching his hand out even further. I let out a heavy sigh and took the glass.“Is this how you always receive your guests?” I asked, my eyes scanning from his white shirt down to his legs, where he was wearing nothing but a pair of briefs.“I wasn’t expecting company,” he said with a chuckle, leading the way over to the seating area.I waited for him to get comfortable before sitting on the exact opposite end of the sofa. He laughed at my defensiveness but made no attempt to move any closer.“What did Barret do?” I demanded.“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Can’t you even ask how I’m doing? That’s very
Última actualización: 2026-07-19
Chapter: Chapter 51EliasTwo weeks. That was how long I’d been working with William. We attended meetings, I brought him coffee, I ran him through his day, and he absolutely refused to tell me a single thing about the moments we didn't spend together.Two weeks without a single problem.Until his brother, Barret, came back to work, of course.William let out an irritated sigh the moment Barret walked through the door. “You are supposed to go straight to your own office or HR, Barret. Not come to mine.”“I already cleared everything with HR,” Barret said, flashing a smug smile. “Our departments work hand in hand, so I thought I’d stop by for a quick brief.”“Go get that from your own assistant.”Barret’s head turned slowly to where I was standing by the door.“I’m not your assistant, so I’m not briefing you,” I said before he could even open his mouth.He snorted. “I wouldn’t want a brief from you anyway. You’re sloppy and…”“Elias is good at his job,” William cut in. “If he needed any judgment, I’d be t
Última actualización: 2026-07-18
Chapter: Chapter 50William“What are you doing, Arthur?” I gritted out as soon as Elias excused himself to go to the bathroom.Arthur slowly looked up at me, then shifted his gaze toward the direction Elias had disappeared. “What do you mean, dear William?”“Don’t you dare give me that act!” I snapped.His eyes drifted lazily from my face down to my chest.“Arthur…” I warned, dragging his name for a bit too long.“So, you got married,” he said and his voice made it very clear he was not interested in my marriage. “We haven’t talked since then.”I shook my head. “Don’t do this. Not here, at least.”“Then where? You’ve refused to see me since the wedding.”“I’m here, aren’t I?”“Yeah. Because this is business. This is the only way I can get you to talk to me.”“Listen,” I said, leaning in closer across the table. “This project is important to my company, and whatever happened between us…”“I swear, if you say it didn’t mean a thing, I am going to kill you right here.”I let out a heavy, defeated sigh. “
Última actualización: 2026-07-17
Chapter: Chapter 49WilliamThe door clicked shut, and the silence of my office settled uncomfortably over me.I looked down at the mug of coffee he had left on my desk. I picked it up, took one more tiny sip just to confirm it still tastes like it was made of contempt, yes, still did, and walked over to my private bathroom to dump it down the sink.He’s going to be the death of me, I thought, leaning against the marble counter and staring at my reflection in the mirror.My chest felt tight. Having Elias in my home was something I’d learned to brace myself for, I knew how to handle him behind closed doors.But having him here… I sigh, placing my arms on the counter and leaning forward. It won't be easy with him here at the office. I can’t push him too hard and I can't allow him to get to me .I went back to my desk and forced myself to work. But every time the elevator down the hall dinged, or a shadow passed my frosted glass door, my eyes snapped up.At exactly 12:45 PM, the door opened.Elias walked in
Última actualización: 2026-07-16
Chapter: chapter 135AriaMecael held me until I stopped crying sniveling. Still,I held onto him because I did not want him to go away.I cried because at the end of it all everything had worked out. Not all of it was perfect but it was in place.Like last month the business made a loss but it did not collapse. It stayed and this month I'm certain it will all be better.Just like our lives,bits by bit,it was all falling into place.For the last three months, everything had happened so fast and I couldn't help myself from worrying that it will all fall apart.We had bought a larger apartment where we had room for the kids to run around. Thick walls for mecael and I and a larger kitchen and office for Phoebe.Alex had finally admitted to his feelings. Though he was thrown into a turmoil when Liz proposed out of nowhere,he got after it soon enough and said yes. They had a church wedding which obviously came as a surprise to all of us.None of the boys have visited Heloriet ever since he was taken away. We rec
Última actualización: 2024-01-20
Chapter: Chapter 134Aria"Mom." I yelled as I made my way into the station.Mecael met me halfway. "Babe." I felt his gaze travel past me. "They have gone to get Greg from the airport." He nodded in understanding."Lorei…she."I step past him and charged towards my mother who was screaming about Heloriet being mad.I grabbed her biceps and forced her to stand still facing me. "What do you think you're doing,mother!"Her hands held onto my arms and she shook me frantically. "Aria…Aria..tell them,tell them how he tortured me. How he ran that…that business and forced the drugs down me. Tell them everything."My eyes burned with tears and I could not understand the reason behind them.Maybe it was the fury of watching her act like this. Or the extent of truth her words held.Perhaps it was none of those but the fact that ay the back of my mind I wanted to see her drop dead.It was the feeling of me having to betray the woman who carried me for none months and also took part in my upbringing.But why should
Última actualización: 2024-01-20
Chapter: Chapter 133Aria"How is he?" I asked pacing in the hall. At the same time Mecael asked about the ones who were in the hospital"I don't know. The doctors haven't come out yet." "He's okay,I guess."I stop moving. "You guess?""He keeps on repeating that he did not push them. It's day three,Aria,your mom is not awake and so is the doctor."I sigh and sit. "Can I be honest with you? I feel nothing about this situation. In real sense I feel like they both deserve it. Except for the doctor,he doesn't."He hums from the other side. "I get you babe.""Is Alex with you?""He's supposed to be there by now,also Greg and Lionne are on their way. They are almost landing if I'm not wrong."The door opens. "I'll call you later.""Bye babe. Be safe.""Doctor.""Aria? She is awake.""The man?""His chances of survival are pretty low. But we'll keep you updated.""Then how is she? Can I go in and see her?"He nodded and followed me inside."That's the only thing she's been saying. 'Ill do it. Don't kill me.' S
Última actualización: 2024-01-19
Chapter: Chapter 132Aria"James,Aurora stop running around,you'll fall." I called after them as I picked up the toys they had left all over."Kiiiids." They did not stop. I sigh and place the box of toys down.The front door opens and Phoebe walks on with lots of bag."I'm not against your spending but please limit it.""Hey babe." She pokes her head around. "Aurora,James.""Auntie!" That was Aurora. She came running so fast that I feared she would slip and fall."I told you to not run." I say breaking James speed."Na-na." "Come to me baby." She picks him from me.Looking around. "Where's your husband?"I playfully hit her arm. "He's not my husband. But he's gone to meet with some people,work related."She laughs and guides the kids to the kitchen."Nothing for me?""You have your own money. Spend it before you die."I go to reply but my phone vibrates from the coffee table.She stops moving." Oh you have friends now?""Shut it,Phoebe."A new number. "Hello.""Did I ever tell you I majored in performi
Última actualización: 2024-01-17
Chapter: Chapter 131HelorietMy heart thudded painfully against my chest. Sweat droplets trickled down my face,behind my neck all the way down to my back.I swallowed hard,an action that was painful as well. The temperature in the room seemed to be cold but at the same time I was so hot that I was literally burning up.My knees were on the floor and I remained there,not wanting to tempt Lorei because I was too aware of what she was capabilities.She let out a loud sigh and removed her gloves. She licked up a pair of scissors that was lying on top of the drawer.Snipping it towards me,she said, "Do you want to know what I'm going to do with this?"No. No I did not.Her words scared me but what crepped me out even more was what she was going to do. Stabbing him to death? That would be painful. But he might survive if she happens to stab the less delicate parts,his thigh,for example.I shivered and pushed the thought further away as possible.If I think positive then everything else will be positive. My s
Última actualización: 2024-01-15
Chapter: Chapter 130Lorei"Hello babe." I greet while sipping my wine."What?" He grumbled from the other side."I'm just checking on you.""I'm not yet dead so I assume you are not done with me."I gasp faking my surprise. "Who says I want to see you six feet under. I want you alive,so alive so that you won't be able to take any more of living.""I've already seen what you have succedes at doing,if that is what you want to confirm."A chuckle escapes my mouth. "I know you've seen it. I mean,I went out of my way to ensure they aired it,I did all that for you.""Geez,thanks.""You're welcome." I place the glass down and get to my feet. I swing slowly to where the other man was seated,tied up on a chair."Are you asleep,Heloriet?""What? No,I am tired.""Don't care." I tap on the man,waking him up. "I have someone who I am sure you'd love to hear from.""Unfortunately,I have no one.""Really? Think again, Heloriet. Think carefully." I speak slowly allowing him to soak in every word and get the weight of it
Última actualización: 2024-01-13
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