Adrian stood calmly he didn’t move, he couldn’t take his eyes away from Derek Laurent as the man knelt on the cold floor, clutching his broken hand to his chest. Tears and sweat mixed on Derek’s face, his shoulders shaking with ugly, heaving sobs. The once-arrogant cousin who had mocked Sophia now looked like a broken animal, with his forehead pressed to the ground in total submission.“Please…” Derek whimpered, voice hoarse. “I’ll do anything. Just don’t destroy me. I beg you…”He began crawling forward on his knees, one hand reaching desperately toward Adrian’s shoe, fingers trembling as if touching the hem of his trousers might grant him mercy.A sharp, brutal kick from behind sent Derek sprawling forward with a cry of pain. Marcus stood over him like a shadow, eyes cold with contempt, he hated disgusting perople like this man before them.”“What makes you think you are worthy to touch him, you animal?” Marcus snarled, voice low and dangerous. “Stay on the ground where you belong.

Adrian stepped back into the suite quietly, the door clicking shut behind him. He had changed into something simple … a plain black T-shirt that stretched across his broad shoulders and a pair of gray sweatpants. The fabric clung to his body from the light workout he’d done to burn off the tension from the meeting. For the first time, Sophia saw his arms clearly, it looked very strong and veined, and powerfully defined, the muscles shifting under his skin as he moved.She gulped.Her eyes widened slightly before she quickly looked away, fanning her suddenly warm face with her hand. Oh my God.Adrian walked straight into the open kitchen area and began pulling out ingredients. “Are you hungry again?” he asked casually, his back to her as he started chopping vegetables easily, like he had done that a lot of times. Which seemed impossible because when did he even have time for that.Sophia sat at the island counter, trying desperately to ignore how attractive he looked right now. The w

Victoria sat frozen on the bench, Mr. Ridley’s sweaty hand still resting heavily on her knee. Her stomach churned with disgust, but desperation clawed louder inside her chest.She forced herself to nod.“Yes,” she whispered, voice barely audible. Then, louder, as if saying it again would make it real, “Yes, Mr. Ridley. I… I agree.”A disgusting, triumphant smile spread across his fleshy face. He lifted her hand with his thick fingers and brought it to his lips. The kiss was wet, slimy, and lingered far too long. His tongue brushed against her skin. Victoria fought the urge to vomit.“Smart girl,” he murmured against her knuckles. “You’ll learn to enjoy it. I’ll pick you up at eight tonight. Wear something nice.”He finally released her hand and stood up, adjusting his belt with satisfaction before walking away.Victoria remained seated for a long time, staring at the spot on her hand where his lips had touched. She felt dirty. Cheap. Broken.Later that afternoon, she forced herself in

Sophia was leaning against the headboard, with her legs tucked under her, happily eating dumplings from a steaming bowl. Her cheeks were slightly puffed as she chewed, looking impossibly cute with a tiny bit of sauce on the corner of her lip. She hummed happily, scrolling through her phone with one hand.A new message popped up.Madame Élise Duchamp: My dear Sophia, how are you feeling? I heard you had quite the scare. If you’re better by Tuesday, I would love for you to join me for a private food tasting. It’s very exclusive … only a few people. I’d like to introduce you to some important contacts. You may bring your boyfriend, of course.Sophia read the last word and choked.She spat out the half-chewed dumpling, eyes wide, coughing violently as her face turned bright red.Boyfriend?Adrian… her boyfriend?She stared at the message, heart racing. He had been treating her so well … cooking for her, protecting her, staying by her side even when she was weak and vulnerable. She hadn’t

“Sir… Sir!!”The heavy oak door to Marcus Sterling’s private office burst open. Phillip, his long-time assistant, stumbled in, face pale as death, sweat pouring down his temples.Marcus Sterling looked up from his desk with a thunderous expression. “What is going on, you fool? Why are you shouting like a madman in my office?”Phillip’s hands were shaking so badly the tablet nearly slipped from his grip. “Sir… we’re in trouble. Serious trouble.”Marcus slammed his fist on the table. “Speak clearly!”Phillip swallowed hard and turned the tablet toward his boss. With trembling fingers, he opened the live security feed and financial dashboard.A massive, glowing red “X” had been painted across the side of their flagship headquarters building overnight …it was very bold, mocking, and impossible to miss. Below it, red digital numbers flashed in real time.Power Capacity: 49.7%Marcus Sterling stared at the screen for three full seconds.Then his face turned an alarming shade of purple.“Fif