Victor’s gaze lingered on Emma for a moment longer, the weight of everything that had just happened slowly washing over him. He’d finally broken free from Maria’s grasp, from Grandpa Ben’s manipulation. It felt like he’d shed the chains that had bound him for years.But the storm wasn’t over. They both knew it.Emma’s voice broke the silence, gentle but firm. “Victor, Maria’s not going to let this go. Neither will Grandpa Ben. You need to be ready.”Victor’s eyes darkened, his resolve hardening even more. “I know,” he said, his voice low. “But I’m not afraid of them anymore. Let them come. I’m done running.”Emma nodded, her eyes full of admiration. “Good. Because they’re going to push back, and they’re going to push hard. We have to be ready to hit back even harder.”Victor’s grip on her hand tightened, his jaw clenching. “I’m not backing down this time. They’ve underestimated me for too long.”Emma smiled, her gaze steady. “That’s what I love about you. You never give up, even when

Maria's Deadly PlanMaria stormed out of the room, her heels clicking violently against the marble floors as her mind raced. Her heart pounded with rage, her breaths coming in sharp bursts. Emma. It was *always* Emma. The woman had taken everything from her, her power, her influence over Victor, and now, she was about to lose her standing with the board. She couldn’t let that happen. She *wouldn’t* let that happen.As she reached the private office she used on occasion, Maria slammed the door behind her, the force rattling the frame. She leaned against the door for a moment, her chest heaving with fury. How had it all come to this? Everything had been so perfect. Victor had been under her control, Grandpa Ben was the most feared man in the industry, and the company was thriving. But now, it was all slipping away. And there was only one person to blame: *Emma*.“She took everything from me,” Maria muttered under her breath, her fists clenched. “She’s the reason this is all falling apar

Emma’s pulse quickened as she watched the driver step out of the car. A chill ran down her spine, her instincts screaming danger, but her body refused to respond. She felt glued to her seat, her breath hitching in her throat. The air in the car, once warm and comforting, now seemed oppressive. Her voice wavered as she tried to keep calm, but the growing dread was impossible to hide."What’s going on, Maria?" Emma’s words were barely above a whisper. Maria, sitting beside her, turned slowly with a cruel smile. There was something unsettling in her expression, her lips curling as if she’d been waiting for this moment all along. Her eyes glinted with a malice Emma had never seen before. "Oh, Emma," Maria began, her tone dripping with condescension, "always so naive." She leaned in closer, her voice now a venomous whisper. "This was never about Grandpa Ben."Emma’s stomach churned. She suddenly felt dizzy, her heart hammering against her chest. “Not about Grandpa Ben?” What did that mea

“Get up,” one of the men barked. He was tall, built like a wall, his eyes dark and emotionless. Emma struggled but couldn’t make her body move. Her voice came out in a whisper, barely holding back the panic. “Where are you taking me?”“Nowhere you need to know,” the man growled, pulling her roughly to her feet. His grip was like iron, and she gasped in pain, but she refused to show any weakness. Her mind raced. I need to stay calm. I need to think.He shoved her forward, his breath hot on her neck. “Welcome to your new home, princess. Don’t get too comfortable.”Her knees buckled, but she forced herself to stay upright. “What do you want from me?”The man snorted, throwing a look over to his partner, a lanky figure leaning against the doorframe, watching her with a bored expression. “What do you think? Victor’s gonna come running the second he knows we’ve got you. And when he does...” He trailed off, his smile twisting into something sinister.Emma’s heart pounded harder. They’re us

I'm here for youVictor’s grip tightened around the kidnapper’s throat, rage coursing through him as he fought to keep his composure. “Where is she?” he demanded again, his voice low and lethal.The man’s eyes widened in fear, but he chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying the game. “You think you can intimidate me? You’re too late, Victor. You’ve already lost.”Just as Victor was about to unleash his fury, he noticed a flicker of movement from the corner of his eye. Emma stirred slightly in her chair, and panic surged through him. He couldn’t waste another moment.“Enough of this,” Victor growled, his tone brokering no argument. He shoved the kidnapper back, releasing him just enough to get a clearer view of Emma. “You’re going to tell me where she is or”“Or what?” The kidnapper sneered, but his bravado was faltering. Victor’s eyes blazed with intensity, a primal determination igniting within him.“I’ll make sure you regret ever crossing me,” Victor replied, his voice steady. “Now, are yo