Mildred’s phone buzzed with a message. She glanced at it, her brow furrowing. “It’s from Bianca,” she said. “She’s in trouble. Carlos caught her trying to escape with files. She managed to send the documents to Gerald, but she’s still in his clutches.”Victoria gasped. “We can’t leave her behind!”“We won’t,” Gerald said, gripping the steering wheel. “But first, we secure you and the files. Bianca knew the risks and trusted us to use what she found. If we don’t, her efforts will have been in vain.”The car sped through the dimly lit streets, the tension inside as palpable as the stakes they faced. Victoria leaned her head back, her mind spinning with possibilities and fears.After what felt like an eternity, they arrived at a secluded building on the outskirts of the city. Gerald parked the car and ushered the women inside. The safe house was modest but secure, equipped with multiple locks and reinforced windows.“Stay here,” Gerald said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’m go
Nelson pushed open the heavy oak door to his bedroom, the dim lighting casting deep shadows against the walls. His gaze landed on Bianca, bound to the bed just as he had commanded. Her wrists were cuffed to the ornate bedposts, her breathing heavy, chest rising and falling with both exhaustion and defiance.She turned her head at the sound of his entrance, dark eyes burning with a mixture of rage and something else—something that made his blood heat despite the fury simmering inside him.“Untie me,” she demanded, voice sharp despite her vulnerable position.Nelson chuckled darkly, stepping closer, his presence filling the room like a looming storm. “You have some nerve giving orders when you’re the one tied up, Bianca.”She yanked against the restraints, her body arching as she tested their strength, but the metal held firm. “Do you think this will make me talk? Make me beg?” she hissed. “You underestimate me, Nelson.”He sat on the edge of the bed, eyes raking over her form, his jaw
Nelson stormed down the grand staircase, his mind racing. The scent of Bianca still clung to his skin, a stark contrast to the cold dread creeping into his chest. He had spent years building his empire, ensuring he was untouchable. So why the hell were the police here?Carlos trailed behind him, stiff with tension. He knew better than to speak unless spoken to, especially when Nelson was in a volatile state.At the bottom of the staircase, two uniformed officers stood waiting, their faces impassive. A third man, dressed in a sharp suit, was clearly the one in charge. He studied Nelson with cool, assessing eyes.“Mr. Brown,” the man said, flashing a badge. “Detective Harris, Organized Crime Unit. We have a few questions for you.”Nelson forced a smirk, masking the irritation surging beneath his skin. “Detective, what an unexpected visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?”“We received an anonymous tip about your involvement in illegal financial activities—money laundering, blackmail, brib
Nelson set his glass down, his fingers drumming against the polished wood of his desk. Cherish will always be Victoria’s weakness. No matter what Victoria had planned, when it came to her daughter, she was nothing more than a terrified mother willing to do anything to protect her child.And Nelson was about to exploit that weakness.A response came through almost immediately."Consider it done."He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. The moment Cherish was in his hands, Victoria would have no choice but to bow. She thought she could betray him? Thought she could run back to Gerald and destroy everything he had planned for both of them?Not on his watch.A sharp knock on the door made him turn. “Come in.”Carlos entered again, his expression tight. “Boss… we have our eyes on Mildred.”Nelson pinched the bridge of his nose. “Where is she?” He looked up at Carlos with an irritated glare. “I want her caught.”Carlos hesitated. “We're working on it boss.”Nelson’s jaw clenched. “I d
Mildred moved swiftly through the alleyways, her breath coming in short gasps. The sharp sting of a fresh wound on her arm reminded her just how close she had come to being caught. Nelson’s men had been relentless, but she had been smarter.She had seen the man tailing her the moment she left the safe house. At first, she pretended not to notice, walking at an even pace, blending into the crowd. But when she made a sudden turn into a less crowded street, the footsteps behind her quickened. That was when she knew—she had to run.The first attacker came at her from the left. Mildred ducked, spun on her heel, and drove her elbow into his ribs. He grunted in pain, but she had no time to celebrate. The second man lunged forward, a knife glinting in the moonlight.Pain shot through her arm as the blade nicked her, but adrenaline fueled her movements. She kicked the knife out of his hand, delivering a sharp punch to his jaw before dashing into the shadows.Now, she was safe—at least for the
Becca’s nails dug into her palms as she stood in Nelson’s study, her heart pounding against her ribs. Cherish clung to her side, her small fingers trembling in Becca’s grasp. The little girl had been brave—silent, obedient—but Becca could feel the fear rolling off her in waves.She had just listened to Nelson’s conversation with Victoria. The threats, the manipulation, the sick amusement in his voice as he dangled Cherish’s safety like a prize.It made her stomach turn.“Nelson, you need to stop this,” she said, keeping her voice steady.Nelson turned from his desk, swirling a glass of whiskey in his hand, his expression unreadable. “Stop what, Becca?”“Let her go,” she said, glancing down at Cherish. “She’s a child, Nelson. This isn’t a game.”His lips curled into a smirk. “Everything is a game, sweetheart. And right now, I’m winning.”Becca took a step forward, lowering her voice. “Victoria won’t just hand herself over. She’s not the same woman you controlled before.”Nelson’s jaw t
Victoria clenched her fists, her heart hammering against her ribs as the weight of the plan settled on her shoulders. She had to be careful—one wrong move, and Nelson would see right through her.Gerald and Mildred exchanged another glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. They were worried about her. About how much she was risking. But there was no time for hesitation.Mildred winced as she stood, pain flickering across her face. “We don’t have much time. If Nelson suspects anything, he’ll disappear, and we may never find Cherish again.”Victoria’s throat tightened. She couldn’t let that happen.She exhaled sharply and reached for her phone. “I’ll call him.”Gerald’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. “Are you sure?”No.But she had no choice.She nodded, pulling away and dialing Nelson’s number. The line rang once before he answered.“Well, well,” Nelson’s voice dripped with amusement. “I was beginning to think you didn’t care about your daughter, Victoria.”Her stomach
GVictoria followed Nelson up the winding staircase, her heart slamming against her ribs with each step. She knew she was walking straight into a trap, but she had no choice. She had to see Cherish. She had to get her out of here.Nelson led her down a dimly lit hallway, stopping in front of a door. He turned the knob and gestured for her to enter.Victoria hesitated. Something felt off."Go on," Nelson murmured. "Your daughter's waiting."Her breath hitched as she stepped inside, but the moment she did, a cold realization gripped her.The room was empty.No Cherish. No bed. Just four walls, a large, lavish bed in the center, and Nelson standing behind her, locking the door with a soft click.Victoria spun around, fury flashing in her eyes. "Where is she?"Nelson’s lips curled into a smirk as he stalked toward her. “Safe. For now.”Her pulse pounded. “You lied to me.”Nelson shrugged, his gaze dark and unreadable. “I told you that you’d see her soon. And you will—once I’m sure you’re s
The air inside the courtroom was thick with tension. Every seat was filled, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Reporters sat at the back, cameras ready to capture the moment.Victoria’s heart pounded as she scanned the room in search of Gerald. She hadn't seen or spoken with him ever since that day he left.Mildred. Bianca. Becca.They were all seated around her, to give moral support.And then—her eyes landed on Gerald, sitting way behind in the courtroom, he looked so unkempt with overgrown beard.My heart, went out to him. But for now we were all here to witness the downfall of Nelson Brown.This was it.The end of Nelson Brown.At the defendant’s table, Nelson sat motionless, his jaw clenched. His once-powerful presence had diminished—no longer the untouchable crime lord he once was. He had lost weight, his face was gaunt, and his expensive suit did nothing to hide the desperation in his eyes.But it wasn’t over yet.The prosecution was just getting started.The attorne
Nelson Brown sat in the small, dimly lit common area of the prison, staring at the old television bolted to the wall.His hands tightened into fists as the news anchor repeated the words."Sources say this footage directly contradicts previous statements given by officials tied to the case, raising questions about a possible cover-up. Nelson Brown, currently serving time for—"The cup in Nelson’s hand shattered against the floor.The entire room fell silent.The other inmates knew better than to speak when Nelson was angry.A guard approached cautiously. “Brown. You good?”Nelson slowly turned his head, his expression terrifyingly calm. “Phone call. Now.”The guard hesitated—then nodded, leading him to the secured phone.Nelson punched in the number with controlled precision.It rang once. Twice.Julian picked up."You have something to tell me?" Nelson’s voice was low, lethal.Julian kept his tone neutral. “You saw the news.”“I did. And I want to know who the hell betrayed me.”Juli
Victoria opened the door just enough for Julian to slip inside.The room was dark except for the faint glow of the bedside lamp. She glanced toward the bed—Gerald and Cherish still fast asleep.She turned to Julian. “You said we need to talk.”Julian studied her, his expression unreadable. “Yeah,” He exhaled sharply, his grip tightening on the door handle. “Nelson wants you dead. All of you. Including your daughter.” Her breath hitched. “Why are you telling me this?”"Because I can't bring myself to follow through with his orders." Julian answered."Then help me stop him." Victoria pleaded.A bitter chuckle escaped his lips. “You think it’s that simple?” He took a step closer, lowering his voice. “You don’t understand the kind of man Nelson is. The kind of power he still has.”“I understand just fine,” Victoria shot back. “But I also know you hesitated.”Julian’s eyes flickered.“If you were really as far gone as Nelson thinks you are,” she continued, “we wouldn’t be having this conv
Victoria’s breath hitched.The weight of Gerald’s words settled over her like a suffocating blanket. The cameras. The interrogation room. The truth recorded in grainy, inescapable footage.She gripped the sheets beneath her, her heart pounding so hard it threatened to crack her ribs.“Victoria?” Gerald’s voice was steady, but his eyes were sharp, searching her face. “You okay?”No. She wasn’t.Because if they got access to those tapes, Nelson’s threat would be undeniable. It would be proof—hard evidence that he was still pulling strings from behind bars.But it wouldn’t be all it revealed.Her body stiffened at the memory, shame crawling up her spine like a cold, unwelcome touch.The way Nelson had backed her into a corner. The way she had let herself get lost, let herself fall.She couldn’t let Gerald see that.“I—I don’t know if that’s the best idea,” she stammered, forcing herself to look away. “Even if we get the footage, who’s to say it won’t get buried? Nelson has people in his
The car ride to the daycare was filled with tense silence. Gerald gripped the steering wheel so tightly his knuckles turned white, his jaw clenched in unspoken frustration. Becca sat in the backseat with Victoria, her hand resting over Victoria’s in quiet reassurance.Victoria barely noticed.Her thoughts were consumed by one name.Nelson.She knew him too well. This wasn’t a coincidence. It wasn’t bad luck. It was him.Her heart pounded as she thought of Cherish, of what could have happened if they had been home.Gerald suddenly slammed his palm against the wheel, breaking the silence."This doesn't make sense!" he burst out. "Why would someone do this? Who the hell would want to burn our home down?"Victoria pressed her lips together, looking out the window. She wanted to tell him. She needed to tell him. But how?Would he even believe her?Nelson was behind bars. To Gerald, he was already dealt with, out of their lives. But Victoria knew he still had power. She had felt his influen
Victoria’s phone buzzed against the table, cutting through the low hum of the café. She glanced at the screen—Becca.Frowning, she picked up. "Hey, Becca, what’s—""Victoria! Where are you?" Becca’s voice was frantic, breathless."Why?" she questioned."Your apartment—it's on fire!" Becca screamed with terror in her voice.Victoria’s heart slammed against her ribs. "What?""I-I don’t know how it happened, but it’s bad! The whole building is up in flames—firefighters just arrived, but it’s spreading fast!"The world tilted.Victoria's fingers clenched around the phone, her breath hitching in disbelief."Is Cherish with you?" Becca asked with panic."She’s at daycare," Victoria quickly reassured her. "She’s safe. And Gerald's here with me."But nothing felt safe anymore.Victoria shot up from her seat, nearly knocking over her coffee. Gerald looked at her in alarm. "What’s wrong?"She could barely get the words out. "Our apartment… it's on fire."Gerald’s face went pale. "What?""We hav
Victoria sat in the quiet café, her fingers tapping anxiously against the wooden table as she stared at her phone. The moment Mildred left, she knew what she had to do. No more hiding. No more lying. Gerald deserved the truth, even if it shattered everything they were trying to rebuild.She took a deep breath and dialed his number.It rang twice before he answered. “Hey, sweetheart.” His voice was warm, familiar, and it sent a pang of guilt through her.“Gerald,” she said, her voice steady but tense. “Can you meet me at the café? I need to talk to you.”A pause. Then, “Is everything okay?”Victoria hesitated. “Just come. Please.”Another pause. Then, “I’ll be there in twenty.”She hung up and exhaled, trying to prepare herself for what she was about to do.No more games, Victoria. Just the truth.Twenty minutes later, Gerald walked through the door. He spotted her immediately, his expression unreadable as he approached. Dressed in his usual crisp button-down and dark slacks, he looked
Victoria sat in the corner of a quiet café, her fingers absently stirring the cappuccino in front of her. She had barely taken a sip, her mind too restless, her stomach too unsettled.The weight of last night’s dream lingered, thick and suffocating, and she knew she couldn’t keep it bottled up any longer. That's why she had called Mildred, and set up a meeting here.She needed advice, and maybe Mildred could give her. She was the only one out of her friends fully involved int the mess Nelson created.A few minutes later, the door swung open, and Mildred stepped inside, her sharp eyes scanning the café before landing on Victoria. She approached with that same effortless confidence, sliding into the chair across from her.“You sounded urgent on the phone,” Mildred said, raising a brow. “What’s going on?”Victoria hesitated. Now that she was here, she wasn’t sure where to start.Mildred leaned back, crossing her arms. “Does this have to do with Nelson?”Victoria let out a slow breath. “I
Nelson sat on the edge of his narrow cot, elbows resting on his knees, fingers interlocked. The dim fluorescent light buzzed above, casting sharp shadows across the cold, gray walls of his cell.His recent meeting with Victoria still haunted him. How could she say those words to her? Has she forgotten who he was?"You’re done. You’re nothing."His jaw clenched. His hands balled into fists.She thought she had won.She thought she could walk away, rebuild her perfect little life, and leave him to rot in this cage."You lose."The hell he did.A slow, dark smile curved his lips as an idea formed in his mind.Nelson stood, cracking his neck before stepping toward the cell bars. He spotted one of the new inmates—scrawny, nervous, desperate. The type who’d do anything for protection.Perfect."Hey, kid," Nelson murmured, leaning against the bars. The young man looked up, wary."You want to make yourself useful?" Nelson continued, his voice smooth, deceptively calm. "Do me a little favor, a