Ivy's father adjusted the cuff of his tailored suit. His wife sat upright beside him, her handbag resting neatly on her lap. Ivy stood near the center of the sitting room, her eyes softening momentarily when they met Derrick's"Great timing, Derrick," she said, smoothing an imaginary crease from her fitted blazer. "We're all heading to the Lorenzo Group now." Her father nodded subtly. "There are documents I need to sign and reports I need to review," she continued. "I'm sure it won't take long, as we were there just yesterday for the board meeting. Then we'll all proceed to see Pa Lorenzo. He's expected back today." "Luckily, he won't return to meet his dear wife missing," Moses' mother chipped in just then, winking at Derrick. "The doctors have cleared him," Ivy's father said. "He'd be coming back when we want. And that should be after Ma Lorenzo returns." "True," Ivy said, nodding. "We'd get to see her in the hospital where she was admitted after we leave Pa Lorenzo. If she's

Derrick's faint smile lingered only a second after he spoke. Across the screen, the sunlight behind Rowan glinted off the ocean like scattered diamonds across the rolling side. A gentle breeze lifted the brim of his hat slightly before it settled again. "Not looking bad too, Derrick," he replied as he leaned back in his beach chair. Then he slowly rubbed his palms together as though warming them. "So, how are you enjoying your stay in New York, my boy?" he asked in a relaxed voice. Derrick leaned back in the leather seat, one ankle resting over the opposite knee. "Why did you arrange a marriage for me just within a week of my arrival in the city?" Dominic blinked once. Rowan threw his head back and laughed. Then he shook his head slightly. "You never change," he said, still smiling. "Always straight to the heart of the damn matter." He coughed slightly, adjusting the position of his summer hat. "Well, I simply thought that you would appreciate having a cool lady around you."

"No," Christopher replied. "You're wrong again. I asked that the bomb explosion be delayed because I didn't want the explosion anymore." Vincent was now more confused than ever. Christopher chuckled. "Don't tell me you thought I let them go because of Dominic's fancy threat. Ah, that's too naive to think." He paused, then added in a lowered tone. "Mrs. Lorenzo happens to be the backbone of the Lorenzo Group. Her capture and death would lead to its crumble. Now, that was what I wanted." Vincent watched his father's posture–straight and unyielding. "But...you never told me that, father. You only asked me to kidnap Ma Lorenzo so I could get the money Moses owed me." "Well, now you know," Christopher replied evenly. "Reports and statistics indicate that the Lorenzo Group would reach our heights in just a few years time. And that is what I intend to stop by any means possible."There was not a trace of arrogance in his tone.Vincent crossed his arms."And how do you think the Group wo

"Grandma," Ivy breathed softly as she walked into the room. Ma Lorenzo turned from the window at the sound of the voice. Something fragile flickered across her face. Ivy closed the distance between them and gently wrapped her arms around the old woman. Ma Lorenzo held her tightly. "I'm fine," she murmured into Ivy's hair. "Glad to be alive and standing." Ivy let out a shaky breath. "We were really scared, ma. You can't believe how dead frightened I was last night. I couldn't even sleep." Ma Lorenzo pulled back gently, brushing Ivy's cheek with her thumb before her gaze slowly shifted to Derrick. "He stood by you all through the night, didn't he now?" she asked, her face gradually parting into a smile. Ivy's lips parted to reply immediately, but she paused, giving no reply. She watched instead as her Grandma extended her hand toward Derrick. Derrick stepped forward without hesitation and gently took her hand. The grip of her wrinkled hand was warm despite the faint tremor bene

"You thief!" The bartender's voice exploded across the bar. Before Moses could react to this accusation, a heavy fist slammed into his shoulder. It knocked him sideways off the stool, and pain tore through his injured ribs as he cracked against the edge of the counter. "What the hell?!" Moses groaned. "You think I'm stupid?" the bartender roared. "Well, I'm not. No man walks in here, downs just a shot, and suddenly starts 'pacing himself'!" Heads turned, and the music lowered slightly. The bartender stormed around from behind the rectangular counter, his massive frame pushing through the swinging door. "You want a drink, but you ain't got money." Moses struggled upright. "Why would you say that?" "That's because I've seen your type!" the man barked. "You drink and dodge!" Moses was getting heated up already. "I'm not a thief." The bartender grabbed Moses by the front of his shirt and violently yanked him forward. Moses winced in great pain. "Pay me," the bartender growled i