San Francisco was proving to be a jagged, unforgiving cage for Tommy Blake. He was a man accustomed to being a big fish in the small pond of Northwood Crest, but here, he was nothing more than a nuisance to be swatted away. He had tried to approach the Hale Group building three more times since his initial humiliation, and each time, the result was the same: cold-eyed security guards, they didn’t even let him step close to the premises. They didn't just ask him to leave; they hauled him by the collar and dumped him onto the hot pavement blocks away.By the third time, humiliation burned hotter than anger.His meager loan money was evaporating with terrifying speed. Between the overpriced motel and the cost of city life, he was drowning. He sat on the edge of his saggy mattress, head in his hands, teeth gnawing at his knuckles as he spiraled into desperation. He needed a ticket in—a key that Levi couldn't throw away.And then it hit him.He pulled his phone from his pocket and scrolled

Claire took a cab to the address Harley had sent—Silver Leaf Heights. The driver accepted the trip with visible enthusiasm. As they passed the primary security checkpoint, it felt as though she had left San Francisco entirely and entered a sovereign nation of gold and marble.She rolled down the window, awe stealing her breath. The streets were silent and pristine, the roads wide and smooth, flanked by tall, carefully pruned trees swaying gently in the wind. One mansion after another came into view—some hidden behind towering gates, others standing boldly exposed—but every single house radiated wealth.“Never been to Silver Leaf Heights before, huh?” the driver asked, glancing at her through the rear-view mirror.Claire snapped out of her daze. “No,” she replied softly.The man chuckled. “Home of the elites. We call them the Victorians around here. You don’t get in here without a personal invite or a pre-cleared name at the gate. Meaning the only reason we were allowed in is because t

After leaving the Hale mansion, Claire returned to the store, carrying her humiliation with her. She had braced herself for whispers, mockery, or at least curious stares—but none came. The moment Levi Hale’s name became attached to her, even indirectly, her coworkers kept their distance. If nothing else, the fact that a purchase had been made on her referral meant she might actually know him, and that alone was enough to make everyone cautious.Still, the anger burned in her chest. She needed someone—anyone—to vent to.Tommy.The thought came instantly.She rushed into one of the fitting rooms and dialed his number. He answered almost immediately.“What?” he said coldly.“Where are you? Come meet me at the mall right now,” Claire snapped.He scoffed. “You must be out of your mind if you think I’d do that. Let me guess—you need my help.”“I have information that will blow your mind,—”“Claire, I don’t want to hear it,” he cut in. “When I needed help, I called you. And what did you do?

Leo Hale was rushed into the emergency wing of Hale Hospital with a speed that sent shockwaves through the entire facility. Sirens screamed through the private entrance reserved only for the Hales family, doctors and nurses already waiting as the stretcher was wheeled in. The moment they recognized the patient, the atmosphere shifted—this wasn’t just any emergency.This was Leonard “Leo” Hale.The doors to the intensive care unit opened slammed shut, sealing him away as orders were barked in sharp, urgent tones. Machines were prepared, gloves snapped on, and within seconds Leo disappeared behind white walls and flashing lights.Outside, the world slowed to a painful crawl.Alex and Levi sat side by side in the waiting area, neither of them speaking. The silence between them was thick, suffocating, broken only by the distant beeping of hospital monitors and the echo of hurried footsteps passing by. Levi’s jaw was clenched so tightly it ached, his hands locked together as if letting go

Two days later, San Francisco International Airport buzzed with its usual rhythm—rolling suitcases, echoing announcements, reunions unfolding in hugs and laughter. A plane had just landed, and passengers streamed through the arrival gates, weary yet relieved.Among them was a woman who drew attention without trying.She walked with an easy confidence, a suitcase and bag trailing behind her, phone loosely held in one hand. Simple jeans hugged her frame, paired with a fitted crop top, a leather jacket slung casually over her shoulders, and white sneakers that spoke of comfort over show. Her blonde hair fell effortlessly around her face, catching the light as she moved. Heads turned—men openly, women unconsciously. She didn’t notice. Or maybe she did and had long learned not to care.As she stepped fully into the arrival hall, eyes scanning the sea of faces and placards, a familiar voice cut through the noise.“Els! Els!”She froze for half a second, then lifted her head. Her face broke