Oliver's POVThe private jet glided smoothly through the clear blue skies as it made its landing onto the runway of the private airport. Inside the luxurious cabin, Alexandra sat comfortably in a plush leather seat, her eyes fixed on the window as the Italian countryside transformed into familiar surroundings.After a long stay in Italy, Alex was finally returning home with her newborn child. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions as she navigated the rollercoaster of motherhood, aided by her mother and the faithful bodyguards who had accompanied her on this journey.As the plane touched down, the engines roared to a halt, and the door of the cabin opened. Alex emerged, adorned in a stylish yet understated outfit befitting her status as a billionaire's wife. Her mother, a wise and affectionate woman, followed closely behind, carrying the precious bundle in her arms.Stepping out, she felt a rush of emotions. She hadn't seen her home for what felt like an eternity, and the
Narrator's POVTears streamed down Alexandra's face as she clutched her mother's hand, her voice trembling.I can't believe this is happening, mom. We have to do everything we can to bring our baby home."Adrian, determined to do whatever it took to ensure his child's safe return, paced back and forth in the room. Suddenly, his phone buzzed with an incoming call.With apprehension etched on his face, Adrian answered the call. The voice on the other end was cold and demanding; it was no other person than their sworn enemy, Penelope Castle.Adrian, listen carefully. If you ever want to see your baby again, you will bring fifty million dollars to the abandoned warehouse by midnight tomorrow."Adrian clenched his jaw, his eyes flashing with determination. "I want proof that my baby is alive and well before I hand over that kind of money."There was a brief pause, and then she responded, "You will receive a photo of your baby in a few hours. Be ready to deliver the money as instructed. If y
Keep your friends close, sleep with your enemies if you can. It’s not the original quote, of course, but it would sure as hell have been if I had invented the quote.If anybody understood the quote completely, it would have to be my parents. You don’t see people receiving dinner invites from their biggest rivals with such enthusiasm like they do. They chatter excitedly in the back of the limo about how much fun tonight’s dinner party, organized by the Sinclairs, founding family of one of the biggest real estate agencies in the country.The corset on my red dress has been fastened to its tightest by my mother. The sheer sleeves were off my shoulders and loose, making me even more aware of the transition from fall to winter.Something about the night felt out of the ordinary. It may have been based on the fact that my parents had always turned down invitations from the Sinclairs until that evening, and things were new for me, but I knew that wasn’t it. It was the look of worry my mother
I sucked in a deep breath. Of course I had forgotten to tighten my corset back in place after loosening it up.The tension in my body dissipated as he helped me tighten it, but not as tight as my mom had done it earlier. I wouldn’t struggle to breathe while sitting down now.“Th-thank you,” I mumbled, finally turning to face him.He analyzed my face for a moment, my self-consciousness suddenly hitting an all-time high. Being stared at by an insanely attractive man would do that to you.Booming applause pulled us apart as his mother, Marie Sinclair stepped on to the podium.I found my way back to my parents, quelling the rising unease in my stomach. I could slap myself for reacting like a teenager to her high school crush.Adrian Sinclair was the son of the Sinclairs. I was Alexandra Bennett. Everybody knew our families had a long-running feud, even though they never openly acknowledged it.“Good evening to every single person present this evening…”“Alexandra,” my mom called, drawing
“Tell me everything this instant. Leave absolutely nothing out.” I threw my purse on a couch, folding my arms as I watched, waited for my parents to justify my engagement to Adrian freaking Sinclair. “Your grandfather, the founder of our agency, didn’t build the company with the purest hands.” Dad sighed. “He has links with illegal gangs and a notorious record of embezzlement—” “Grandpa? Embezzlement? Come on.” I scoffed, forgetting that the old and frail man who talked to walls was once young and smart. “It’s true. We thought it was a long-buried secret until one of the workers at the agency decamped and went off to SC. She sold out the information along with documents containing proof, which your father kept for some reason.” Mom and I shot dad similar annoyed looks. “So, you’re saying the Sinclairs are in possession of documents that could ruin Liss?” I raised an eyebrow. “Precisely.” Dad nodded. “How did my marriage to their son get into the mix?” “As long as you, the heir
The house was empty, save for Irene, the housekeeper. She hummed as she busied herself with embroidery, something she did in her free time. There were fifteen minutes left until 1 p.m. and I was still debating with myself on whether to go on the lunch date or not. I hadn’t sent a response to his texts since the night before.Rosemill restaurant was an hour away on a good day. Even if I left in that moment, I wouldn’t make it before he would give up on waiting and leave. If I told him I was on my way, though, he could wait.I sighed and sent a text of confirmation.Me: I’ll be right there.I stood up and informed Irene of my destination, something I had gotten used to doing almost every time I went out alone. I didn’t change out of my white jumpsuit. It was decent enough. I put on a pair of silver heels and stood in front of the mirror, assessing my looks.I brushed my chestnut, shoulder-length hair until I decided it was okay. I used a bit of foundation and concealer to hide my light
Alexandra's pov 'Who are you?' I completely Ignored Adrian who was hovering around me as I texted the stranger, feeling my heart pounding in my chest, my breath growing raspier by the second. Okay I know I said I was beginning to hate Grandpa, but there was still this part of me that loved him greatly. I was neglected as a child by my parents who were workaholics, always striving to beat the Sinclairs and build an empire which was capable of taking them down, thus I was always with Grandpa. He would play with me and even go through all the trouble of picking me up from school, visiting with gifts- I even preferred living with him than my parents and would always run there when my parents yelled at me or when they forgot my birthday, you know, they were jerks. And it seems like they would never change. I was shaking as I waited for a reply. Grandpa was sick and had been responding to treatment from a nurse named Aisha. If someone had really infiltrated the mansion, he was in t
Alexandra's pov The sound of him hanging up echoed in the car for a few seconds before I finally let the phone slowly slide down my ear, staring into space. Penelope. That name sounded so familiar yet so foreign in my ears. It's like I've heard about it before. But had it really been my name? The same sick feeling rose up in my stomach and before I could stop myself, I pushed my car door wide open and threw my head out, puking so hard my stomach hurt and tears grew in my eyes. As I was wiping my lips, I turned on my ignition and began speeding to my grandpa's place. Mum was yet to call, so I called back and the fake, high pitched laughter of those fake bitches she called her friends caused me to roll my eyes. "Oh sweetheart. Is something wrong?" "We literally spoke a few minutes ago." I reminded her, growing angry by the second. She wasn't even taking this seriously. I badly wanted to lash out at her, but she could hang up on me and I didn't want that because I really neede