Novels by Ifyquinn

CHAPTER 10After the SirensThe alarm was still screaming non stop, drawing more attention. Helena knelt with shame on the carpet, her knees sinking into the thick fibers as if the floor itself was swallowing her pride, her name, and everything about her. Her hands trembled on her head unconsciously.The red light flashed again and again, painting her expensive jewellery in the colour of danger, something she never dreamt of.“I… I told you…” she sobbed weakly, unable to believe she was the one in such situation, her voice cracking. “This is a mistake… Lucas Reed as I said earlier is my son-in-law…”The lead security guard, who ordinary would have obeyed her orders, didn’t even look at her anymore. He was already speaking into his radio, getting confirmations.“Control, this is Unit Three speaking. We have three detained for attempted forced access to a secured penthouse. Requesting identity verification and resident confirmation right away.”Beatrice was crying openly now, something

Chapter 9: Keys and AlarmsHelena that was shocked and frozen stood for only a second. Then, her face changed into a look of pure, mean amusement. She threw her head back and laughed, very loud, cackling sound that was sounding against the polished walls.“Oh, honey!” she gasped, wiping a fake tear from her eye as she looked at Ciara. “You poor, dumb little thing! He tricked you! Look at him!” She jabbed a thumb toward Julian, who was standing perfectly still, his face unreadable. “He’s a loser my daughter just kicked to the curb! He doesn’t have two pennies to rub together! He probably works here as a janitor and stole a master key to impress you!”She shook her head, her laughter fading into a smug sneer. “He can’t afford a broom closet in this place, let alone this apartment.” She raised out her chest, smoothing her expensive silk blouse. “This penthouse,” she announced loudly to the hallway, “was bought by my new son-in-law, Lucas! For him and my Vivian! As their wedding home! He’

Chapter 8: The Uninvited GuestsThe screech echoed in the fancy hallway. Helena's two friends, Beatrice and Cynthia, just stared. Their eyes were wide as plates, looking from Julian to Iris and back to Julian.Iris elt her face get hot. She tried to let go of Julian’s hand, but he held it firmly. His hand was warm and steady.“Helena,” Julian said. His voice was calm, like he was talking about the weather. “This is a surprise.”“A surprise?!” Helena spat, taking a step closer. She smelled like strong perfume and anger. “I asked you a question! What are you doing here? And who is she?” She pointed her finger at Iris like it was a weapon.Julian didn’t want to talk. He felt tired just looking at her. “I have nothing to say to you. I’m leaving.” He tried to step toward the open elevator, pulling Iris gently with him.“Stop right there!” Helena snapped, moving to block their way. She planted her hands on her hips. “Did I say you could go? You think you can just walk away from me?”Julian

Chapter 7: The Same Hotel The car ride was quiet. Iris stared out the window at the blur of buildings, her mind a jumbled mess. She was sitting in a super fancy car with a man she just met, going to see a house he owned. This was crazy. But after the cemetery, and the drugs, and losing her home… crazy felt normal now.Julian drove smoothly, his eyes on the road. He didn’t talk, which was good because Iris didn’t know what to say. Thank you? Again? Yell at him because his company ruined hers? It was all too confusing.Soon, they pulled up to the fanciest hotel Iris had ever seen. It was called The Orion, and it looked like a giant glass castle. Valets in sharp suits rushed to open doors for people. Her heart sank. This was his ‘vacant property’? A hotel?“This… this is a hotel,” she said, her voice small.“The penthouse is on the top floor,” Julian said simply, getting out. “It’s private. Come on.”He said it like it was no big deal. A penthouse! Iris felt her old jeans and wrinkled s

Chapter 6: A Debt UnseenJulian stared at her, confused. She didn’t look or act like someone with no home. Her skin was fair, her features delicate, and she carried herself with a quiet grace that spoke of good upbringing. She was clearly educated, refined. This wasn't adding up.Seeing the doubt on his face, Iris let out a bitter sigh. The embarrassment of her situation washed over her, but she was too tired to lie.“I used to be someone,” she confessed, her voice quiet. “I was the CEO of a company. Lumina Tech.” She said the name with a mix of pride and pain. “We were preparing for our IPO. We were so close. But then… we failed. The investors pulled all their money out. I lost everything. The company, my savings… even my apartment.”Julian’s mind that was always sharp and analytical, immediately began to connect the dots. Lumina Tech. The name was familiar. He had personally fast-tracked Vivian’s company, Crestwave, through the exclusive VIP channel to ensure its successful public l

Chapter 5: An Unlikely ShelterA cold smirk touched Alex’s lips. A gun? These fools had no idea who they were dealing with. The rage and pain from Vivian’s betrayal and the humiliation he had been swallowing for years? They all needed an outlet. He needed to pour out these negative feeling. These men were just unlucky enough to be in his way at this time.The leader, seeing that Julian won't budge, and with a cold smile on his face, he wondered what fucking audacity Julian must have to be smirking at this critical moment! He tightened his finger on the gun, ready to pull the trigger when Julian moved immediately. It was so fast that at one monet, Julian was tanning opposite them, but in the next, he is in front of the man, his foot connecting with the man’s wrist with a sickening crack. The gun clattered to the wet pavement. Before the man could even cry out, Julian grabbed him by his jacket, lifted him with a strength that surprised even himself, and slammed his body into his two co