LOGINCassian deepened the kiss slightly, savoring the taste of her lips before pulling back, his breath warm against her skin. Hailey's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze as a mischievous smile spread across his face.
He glanced at her hands still resting above her head, noticing the band she often played with. "You always keep this in your hands, don't you?" he murmured, his voice teasing as he gently took the band from her fingers. She usually wears a hair band on her wrist, which she
"Why did you think I would help you?" Mandisa asked coldly, her eyes never leaving Cassian's. He stood across from her, his expression unreadable, but there was a heavy tension in the air."And why can't you help us?" Cassian replied, his voice calm but firm.Mandisa raised an eyebrow. "Give me one reason to change my mind. And don't start with how you're different from the rest of the Mafia scum like Zuri, because, at the end of the day, you all live by the same rules, in the same world."Cassian sighed deeply, knowing this wouldn't be easy. He stared at the woman in front of him—the wife of Zuri, the leader of the African Mafia. It had taken nearly eight to nine months of planning and maneuvering just to get this meeting with her."We may be from the same world, but that doesn't mean we can't tell right from wrong. Your husband helped Adam Steve not too long ago—the same man who nearly destroyed my wife's soul. He didn't leave any stone untu
At the Mansion:As soon as they stepped inside, their laughter was cut short. Standing in the living room, with his arms crossed and a hard glare fixed on them, was none other than Cassian.Hailey froze, her eyes widening. Caleb gulped, knowing exactly what was coming."Cassian, when you come?" Hailey asked in a sheepish tone while sticking to Caleb. Cassian didn't reply just glared hard at him. "Whenever you two are together disaster happens," Cassian exclaimed in a stern tone.Hailey and Caleb exchanged nervous glances before slowly stepping forward with matching puppy faces."It wasn't as bad as it sounds," Caleb tried to explain, scratching the back of his head awkwardly."Yeah, just a minor... misunderstanding," Hailey added, nodding vigorously.Cassian's glare didn't soften. He looked at both of them for a long moment before letting out a deep sigh. "You two are impossible."Hailey grinned sheepishly, ste
"When are you heading back?" Alex asked, standing next to Cassian in the hospital corridor. Both of them were gazing out at the garden, where Hailey was meeting with hospital people."Tonight," Cassian replied simply."I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow," Alex added.They were at Albert's hospital, where Cassian had just handed over the transfer papers to both Alex and Hailey. Cassian informed her that he needed to leave urgently for London. Hailey accepted it without much fuss, knowing his responsibilities. She had already planned to stay in New Zealand for a while to oversee the renovation of Albert's mansion, aiming to restore it to its original state. The process would take around two months.Alex also had to leave soon. Hailey reassured them both that she would be fine. After all, this was her homeland—where she had spent her childhood and much of her adulthood. There were plenty of people she was close to who could offer support if needed.
"Shall we visit Dad's grave?" Alex asked from behind. Hailey nodded silently, and the trio left for the cemetery. When they arrived, Hailey stepped out of the car with a heavy heart. Agony filled her chest, and her hand clenched tightly, a hiss escaping her lips.Without a word, Cassian took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze as they walked inside, with Alex following closely behind.They approached Albert's grave. A soft sob escaped Hailey's mouth, but she held herself together and gently placed a bouquet on his grave. Kneeling before it, she whispered, "Dad." Her voice trembled as she continued, "What a fortunate daughter I am. For years, I thought you hated me. I was so angry at you for what I believed you did wrong, but in the end, I found out you were trying to save me. You were gone before I could realize that."Tears flowed freely down her face. "You know, you were the best father any girl could ever want. You fulfilled all my wishes, even the ones
"Killing us will only cause you more trouble. You don't have power like we do," Aaron said angrily.Hailey smirked, sitting casually on the arm of the sofa with her legs folded. "Power like you? No, you're right. I don't have power like you," she paused, a playful grin on her face, "because I'm much more powerful than you."Aaron scoffed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "And how's that?"Hailey leaned forward slightly, her smirk widening. "Being the sister of the French Mafia Leader alone puts me above you. But..." she trailed off, letting the tension hang."Sister?" Rosina asked in a confused tone, her brows furrowed."Oh, how silly of me," Hailey said with mock surprise, slapping her forehead dramatically. "I haven't even introduced my brother properly." She pointed toward the entrance with a flourish. "Ladies and gentlemen, let's welcome the French Mafia Leader, Alexander Adrian... or better yet, Damien Alexander Adrian/Andreev."Rosina
Suddenly, a sound came from above—the unmistakable click of heels on marble. Hailey froze, her body stiffening as her senses heightened. The sound grew louder, closer, until a voice, laced with cold indifference, drifted down from the top of the stairs."Who's there?" Rosina's voice was sharp, laced with irritation as if she were being interrupted. Hailey remained silent, not moving, her back still towards the stairs. "Who dares to enter without—"Hailey turned slowly, her expression calm, though the fury in her eyes was unmistakable. Rosina's breath hitched when she saw her, her usual composed mask faltering for a fraction of a second as shock rippled across her features. But just as quickly, Rosina recovered, the cool mask of arrogance slipping back into place as she descended the stairs."Hailey," Rosina greeted with a tight smile, though her eyes flashed with poorly concealed anger. "What a... surprise. Why are you here?"Hailey's lips twi
They stepped into the hall and found Alex and Caleb already ready."Shall we leave?" Alex asked, his gaze landing on them."Yup!" Hailey exclaimed, her excitement palpable as they all four made their way out of the penthouse."Angry Bird, you're looking like a golden witch!"
Hailey got up with a bright idea in mind: she wanted to make a special breakfast for Alex since it was his first time visiting her penthouse. Cassian was still asleep, so she quietly slipped out of bed and headed to the kitchen. Luckily, she had everything she needed to prepare a nice spread. She
Cassian's fury was palpable, his voice thunderous as he paced in front of Hailey. "You told Lucas you were going to your friend's place! Then why the hell did I find you in that pub? Did you lie to him?" he barked, his words dripping with anger.Hailey shook her head frantically, her voice
As they opened various gifts, including jewelry and decorative pieces, Hailey suddenly paused, frowning as she held up a small box. "Car keys?" she exclaimed, trying to spot a name on the box."Why are you looking for a name when the person responsible is right there?" Caleb teased, pointi







