Clara's face curled into something almost dark—unrecognizable."Yes, I do. You don't know what it feels like to be in love that much, have it consume and destroy you. Benedict was the dream, was the future, and then that woman came around and took all of it back."Her lip curled up and curled with contempt."She does not deserve him. She shouldn't even draw the same oxygen as he did."Morales clenched his fists. "And if you do this? So what? They will hunt you. You will have to run for all eternity."Clara moved closer, her voice becoming a snake venom whisper. "That's why you are here, Brother. To protect me. To clear up my mistakes. That's what family does, isn't it?" Clara spoke, her voice dripping with cold resolution.Morales swallowed hard at the sight of her. His little sister-he had no one, really-increasingly sinking into the night."Clara, I'm scared to death of you. I don't want to lose you. For Christ's sake, please … let go of Benedict," he implored, begging her as if sta
Ramos squinted. He digested the picture unfolding before him. His stomach writhed in knots, but not at what he saw here. Rather, it was because of what was inside of him: a searing feeling of betrayal that churned up through his core. He trusted Morales, treated him like a brother. Now, though, his former brother stood before him—a man with blood on his conscience, guilty because he'd torn his oath of protection apart to kill another person.It was then that Ramos' voice pierced the heavy stillness, cold and impassive. "Morales," he said, as if his words carried with them the sentence of an executioner. "You are placed under arrest for having aided and abetted Clara Thompson in her escape and for concealing her whereabouts.Morales didn't blink, didn't budge. His head stayed bent forward, his eyes fixed on Clara's lifeless body as if he could resurrect her with one look. His fingers still grasped the gun, quivering as if they couldn't let go of the cold metal even in the face of inevi
The echoes of Clara Thompson's last breath still lingered in the air like an etching memory. It had occurred on Saben's birthday—what was supposed to be a day of joy had turned into a night of chaos, fear, and ultimately, closure. Now, in the aftermath, Benedict and Sabrina sat in the quiet of their home, finally undergoing the weight of the past. Benedict stood in the window of their estate, his beautiful home. He looked out the window into the garden where he had once heard the shrill, ringing laughter of children echoing through the halls. Hours ago, Saben blew out the candles on his birthday cake amidst the balloons and smiling faces. And then Clara had appeared. Uninvited. Unwanted. And now she's dead. The woman who had tormented him for years, tearing apart everything he held dear, was finally gone. The End. It should have felt wrong-grief-stricken, even. But all he felt was relief. He breathed slowly, running his hand through his hair. "She's gone," he whispered to himself. "F
The house was finally silent. After all the ruckus of the evening, Benedict and Sabrina had tucked Saben into bed, safe and sound. They watched him for a while, the small chest heaving and falling steadily, an innocent face with no mark left by the terrors of the night.Sabrina stroked his hair softly, whispering in a low tone, "Sleep well, my love."Once they were convinced that he slept soundly, they went out of his room, shutting the door gently.When they went back to their bedroom, Sabrina sighed."I am going to take a shower my love Benedict," she whispered, massaging her temples.Benedict sat on the edge of the bed and picked up a book from his nightstand. "Okay dear Sabrina," he said, opening it.She stood there, watching him for a moment, his face calmer than it had been in months. The weight of Clara's existence had been upon him for so long, but now, it was finally gone.She walked across the bathroom to the shower, closing the door behind her. Warm water cascaded over her
Sabrina's kitty jerked back in white hot need-and then she flung her head backward in ecstasy as Benedict lapped deep inside, licking all around her lips and slit so that he could get a taste for every inch of her.Sabrina stroked her hand through his thick brown hair. She loved him so much, loved what he was doing to her. She was gasping for pleasure, as she stroked one of her thick nipples under his tongue.She wanted to watch every second of the puss licking, but it was nearing too much to handle after fantasies of this particular moment on that plane. Breathless and hot, Sabrina lay back, riding wave upon wave of bliss, knowing that Benedict would be raising his eyes to look at her as she did so. He had told her often that he loved seeing her respond to him and that he always wanted to make sure that he was turning her on as much as he could.Eyes closed in ecstasy, Sabrina felt Benedict's hand reaching up her writhing body. Two strong fingers pushed gently against her lips and sh
Sunbeams creep across the curtains in the bedroom. Warmth and comfort fill the room scents even as the lingering trace of passion pours through from the night before hangs heavy in the air.Sabrina shifted as her body ached, being decadently delicious for the intensity of last night. As she moved, she felt the warmth of Benedict beside her, his strong arm draped possessively around her waist. Her lips curled into a small smile. She swiveled slowly, her eyes to meet his as he stirs awake. His gaze, heavy with satisfaction, locked onto hers, and for that moment neither of them uttered a word-only enjoying their momentary silence, the rare time of peace in the midst of all that was happening around them. "Good morning," he whispered, his voice still husky with sleep. She smoothed her finger over the slight roughness of his stubble on his jawline. "Morning," she whispered back. Benedict pulled her closer until her bare skin was flush against his, and his hold was tightening. "Last night…,
"Ohhh, yes, Daddy," she whispered, her eyes closing as, rousing from her sleep-induced stupor, her hips caught the rhythm of my hand and began meeting it. Her velvet interior stroking against my rough hands made my cock begin to throb almost painfully, and I watched her face intently, the bliss I saw spreading over her face making me even hotter."I want to take you wherever, however, and whenever I want to, baby girl," I whispered, licking the spot I'd so roughly bitten just a moment before."At work. at home. out to dinner. in the car. I want to screw you into insensibility every time, make you crave me to the point of not knowing anything else but your lust for me. I want to plant my seed deep within that belly of yours, watch our child thicken your waist, your breasts swell with milk."She let out a wail, grasping my wrist as she arched up under me, thrumming towards her approaching orgasm. My teeth scraped her skin, and I fastened hungrily to her rigid nipple, biting gently.I wa
Sabrina sat in her atelier in the bright, sunny room, where the soft hum of the sewing machine filled the air as she delicately tried to work out all the fine details on her wedding dress. The silk shimmered under the golden rays of morning light as her hands ran across the texture, bringing a tranquil air into her heart.This dress had been a dream, a symbol of love and commitment, but for too long it had stayed incomplete in the whirlwind of chaos. Betrayal. Threats. Pain. The past had almost stolen this moment from her. But now, with Clara gone, the shadows that once loomed over their lives had finally lifted.It was time for happiness.Sabrina gazed up into the giant mirror in front of her, catching a glimpse of herself within it. That's beautiful, she thought finally. Elegant and simple, just like she's always wanted it: a wedding dress not just for the wedding but for a new beginning.She looked up to see Benedict leaning on the frame, arms crossed over his chest. A smirk was pl
The following day.Tension hung heavy in the boardroom.Eliana remained seated in one of the chairs by the very long, polished mahogany table, her clenched fingers tightened together in a small fist. Nathaniel Harper stretched out in front of her, an exasperating blend of relaxation and restraint.They had been here on the first day of something that neither of them had wanted but had to tolerate nonetheless.Sabrina Ultra and Harper Global directors sat in chairs surrounding them, patiently waiting.Eliana pulled her shoulders back. She was not going to let him have the upper hand.Nathaniel's smile broadened. "Shall we begin, Princess?"Her jaw hardened. "Let me clarify something for you, Harper. We are not friends. We are not friends. We are not friends." She slowly emphasized the final word, her rage blazing from her eyes so that Nathaniel's smile creased further.Nathaniel's smile spread wider. "Whatever it is that lets you sleep better at night."Eliana ignored him and turned to
Eliana stepped out of her car and walked through the grand door of the Thompson compound, a sense of exhaustion over her shoulders. The meeting had tested all of her patience and control, and now she found herself confronted by another battle—the one within the house.She had barely walked into the living room when she heard her father's voice."Tell me I misheard, Eliana."Her head lifted to see her parents, Sabrina and Benedict, along with her eldest brother, Saben, waiting for her. Their faces were unreadable, but their stiff postures and the tension in the air told her everything she needed to know.Her mother was the first to speak, her sharp brown eyes narrowing. "You’re collaborating with Nathaniel Harper?"Eliana breathed in deeply. "I wouldn't say it was a collaboration. More of… a business arrangement."Benedict emitted a rough laugh, his head shaking. "A business arrangement? With him? Of all people?"Saben moved forward, his face grim. "Are you crazy, Eliana?"Eliana gritt
The instant Eliana entered the Sabrina Ultra boardroom the following morning, she felt the burden of the glares. Some were hopeful, some were cautious, and some, such as the in-your-face Jonathan Fields-one of the longest-serving board members-were downright hostile. She had scarcely sat down at the head of the table when he had his mouth going, speaking in a condescending tone."Miss Thompson, I'm not going to sugarcoat anything.". Your fellow board members have serious concerns about whether you have what it takes to head this company."Eliana restrained a sigh. Of course. Here we go. She put aside her tablet, putting her hands together on the table. "And what are those concerns, Mr. Fields?"Jonathan snorted. "Experience. You've never run a company in your life. You've never negotiated high-stakes deals or managed corporate disasters. Why in the world would you think you can occupy that seat?"Eliana smiled coolly. "Because my mother does. And if the woman who constructed this empi
The high-ceilinged conference room of Sabrina Ultra was heavy with tension. The firm's strongest board members occupied the gleaming, mahogany table, their eyes keen and critical as they examined the young woman before them.Eliana Hope Thompson.Daughter of Benedict Thompson and Sabrina Auburn, heiress to one of the largest luxury brands in the nation.But was she really up to it?That was the question hanging over all of us like a sword in the air waiting to descend.Sabrina was quietly tall and statuesque, standing beside her daughter, whose anger, like the swirling tongues of fire, raged left and right, backward and forward, across her face. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are today at the turning point for Sabrina Ultra. You all know I have been the head of this company for many decades, and I have taken it to what it stands now. Today is the day, however, to bring in the future. The future of the company—the future leader—is my daughter, Eliana Hope Thompson."Murmurs spread among boa
Eliana sat cramped in the back of the family's luxury vehicle, her arms crossed as she stared out the window. Lights from the city whizzed by, but her mind was taken up with the one thing—Nathaniel Harper.That egotistical, condescending asshole.He believed she was fragile. He believed she would break beneath the strain.She gripped her fists.Let him believe that. For when the moment arrived, she would show him—and everyone else—otherwise.As the vehicle arrived at the Thompson Estate, Benedict stepped out first, his stance stiff. Saben got out next, looking at his sister before heaving a sigh."Eliana," he grumbled, shaking his head. "I recognize that expression. Don't be foolish."She got out, her heels clicking on the ground. "Define foolish.""Taking on Nathaniel Harper without a clear plan," Saben retorted. "He's not some entitled rich kid pretending to be a businessman. He's merciless, and he doesn't lose."Eliana smiled. "Neither do I."Benedict spun round, his face impassiv
Saben paced a vexed hand through his hair. "This is no laughing matter, Eliana! I'm warning you, stay away from him. Don't let your defenses down. Don't trust him."Eliana's eyes flashed with mutiny. "I never said I trusted him. But I'm not going to hide from him either.""You should," Saben bit out. "For your own safety."She didn't know what to say before someone else interjected."Well, well. Talking about me behind my back already?"Both of the kids spun around.There, leaning against a marble column, was Nathaniel Harper.They were crinkled with amusement, furrowed at the edges, a broad smile spreading from his mouth. "I didn't know I'd impressed you that much Eliana."Saben bristled immediately, standing watch over Eliana. "What in the devil are you still doing hanging around here?"Nathaniel took a slow drink of his whiskey."I was leaving, but someone called out my name. Figured I'd stay for a little while."Eliana stood around Saben, planted firmly in front of Nathaniel. "You'
At the same time, Nathaniel Harper was not your average businessman—he was the son of Theodore Harper, one of the erstwhile board members of BMX Estates, who had been charged with money laundering by no less a person than Benedict Thompson himself.That scandal had threatened to bankrupt BMX Estates back in the old days. Whereas Benedict had defended the company tooth and nail, the Harper clan had been gaining strength behind the scenes, benefiting from the pandemonium.The acrimony between the Harpers and the Thompsons was more than professional—it was personal.Nathaniel sipped his whiskey slowly, observing Eliana across the ballroom. She had the same spark as her father, the same resolve as her mother.Interesting.He smiled to himself.So this is the girl they are counting on to lead Sabrina Ultra?She was young, too young. Regardless of how poised she seemed in that instant, Nathaniel knew business was ruthless—a war where only the fittest remained.And if she believed she could
The mood was still tense as Nathaniel Harper melted into the crowd, his departure leaving behind a lingering sense of unease. The party went on, but to the Thompson family, the evening had turned dark. Saben looked at his sister, his face stern."True, Eliana. All of my business ventures in BMX—some of them have failed due to him." His tone was clipped, laced with irritation."Nathaniel Harper is merciless. He does not just want to win—he wants to destroy his competition. Eliana, You have to be careful. And whatever you do, don't be taken in by the way he appears."Eliana crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not easily distracted, Saben."Saben grinned. "You should. Because men like him? They don't play fair."Sabrina, who had remained silently present, spoke at last, her tone level but unyielding."The Harper family is an eyesore, yes." She shook her head, sighing. "But that's competition, my dear. That's business. But you must have your principles and be humble. No matter how ruthl
18 years later. Sabrina Auburn Thompson leaned against the balcony railing of their large estate, observing the sun set below the horizon. The golden colors of the sunset caught the reflection from the large gardens where her adult children had as toddlers played with abandon.Sabrina sighed in satisfaction, her back against the warmth of Benedict's body. He encircled Sabrina's shoulders with his arms and bit gently at her hair."What do you think about, my love Sabrina?" he asked in his deep, comforting voice.Sabrina smiled, leaning back against him. "Just thinking how fast time passes… One minute, we were rocking them to sleep, and now… they're all grown up."Benedict laughed. "And they're both great. We must've done something right."Actually, their kids had turned out to be great young adults.Saben Thompson, 26, had become the CEO of BMX Estates, the billion-dollar real estate empire that had been in their family for generations. Intelligent, ambitious, and charming, he had inhe