Kendrick sat on the low concrete barrier near the bridge, elbows on his knees, the river moving under him like it didn’t care who lived or died above it. The city lights flickered on one by one, reflections breaking apart in the water. He turned his phone over in his hand once, then powered it off completely when he saw that he was getting a lot of calls from his team and slipped it into his jacket pocket. He really wanted to be alone right now with his thoughts. For the first time in days, there was silence. No advisors, no news alerts, and no angry shareholders. No names of the dead scrolling through his mind like a debt he could never repay. He closed his eyes but the faces all came rushing back. He couldn't get rid of it. Whenever he closes his eyes, he sees the bodies and the faces they made when they were dying. It was really painful to look at. Men he had shaken hands with, women who had trusted his clinics, his warehouses, his name. Workers who had shown up because they beli

They got home but no one said anything to themselves. They weren't happy. They were particularly said that Bernard had walked out free. “Was I the only one who saw Bernard whisper something to Clinton?” Zara asked. “What has that got to do with us? Lizzy asked. “Because Clinton looked our way and smiled. It was a good smile if you're all wondering. Just as they wanted to say anything more, Paul came. “I don't know if it's the right time but I think the police are outside this door.” “What?” They all said in unison. “What are they doing here?” Adrian asked, coming out from his body. “If you ask me, then who will I ask?” Paul asked as they heard a knock. “That's them.” Lizzy went to open the door. “Good evening officers. How do I help you two?” She asked. “Good evening ma. We're here to take Kendrick Hale into custody. Can you bring him out?” Lizzy thought she heard wrong. “I'm sorry officers but I think I didn't get what you were saying but It's fine,” she said, giving a li

Is anything the matter sir? Where are we going?” Kendrick asked the officer, following him as he went.“You have a visitor. Come on,”Kendrick paused.“Um… sir, can you tell whoever has come that I'm not available and that they should leave?”“Come on Hale. Come out and meet the person. They have been coming to see you for two months and you have decided not to see anyone. This person has said that she wouldn't leave till she sees you. So wear your big man pants and come out. It's your choice.”Zara waited for Kendrick to come but there was a delay.“So, he won't see me today as well. That brat.” She sighed, standing up when the door opened. She turned to see Kendrick. “So you finally decided to show up. How can you be so inconsiderate? And what happened to your face? Did you get into a fight?” she said, trying to touch Kendrick's cheek but he removed his face.“It’s nothing and I'm sorry, I just needed to be alone for a moment. Why have you come to see me? Don't you have a boyfriend?

The luncheon was held in a private garden overlooking the city. White canopies, polished silver, soft music. CEOs, politicians, foundation heads. People who smiled with their mouths and measured with their eyes. Bernard moved among them like he belonged everywhere.“Bernard,” a senator said, shaking his hand. “Tough situation with your nephew.”Bernard sighed, just enough. “Family tragedies hurt the most, don't they?.”“And yet,” the senator added carefully, “you’ve been remarkably steady.”Bernard met his gaze. “When chaos rises, someone has to stand still; if not, it will all collapse.”The senator nodded, impressed.“Bernard Hale, the man with the brains. It's good to see you here.” A man joined them.“If you'll excuse me Hale, Mr Mitchell,” the senator said, leaving the two men alone.“I can see how happy you are my friend,” Mr Mitchell said, making Bernard smile.“Of course my friend. Why wouldn't I be happy? You know how long I've always wanted this,”“Absolutely. It is somethin

He refused to let this place take anything more from him, not even dignity.The gate buzzed. Metal scraped against metal. Then, for the first time in half a year, the doors opened outward instead of closing behind him.He stepped outside. The sunlight hit him so suddenly he stopped walking. It wasn’t just bright, it was alive, warm, and he loved the feel of it on his face. He squinted, lifting his hand as if touching the light might make it vanish. For a moment, he simply stood there, breathing, letting the sun rest on his face like a quiet Apology.“I forgot,” he murmured to himself. “This is what it feels like.”The sun in prison had always been filtered through bars, through wire, through schedules and permission. This was different. This sun belonged to no one.“Kendrick.” He turned.Zara stood a few steps away, leaning against a dark sedan. Her hair was pulled back, her face thinner than he remembered, but her eyes, those hadn’t changed. They softened the moment they met him.F