CIARA'S POVI stood next to the door, eavesdropping, my ears alert to every sound that was going on in the sitting room. I knew that I was supposed to be in bed, but I couldn't resist the urge to do what I was doing.Since I saw the FCC officials, my mind had known no rest. And that was why I was where I was, trying to fill in my worrisome mind with the details I was gathering from the sitting room.When I heard the name “Daniels Rochester”, my heart seemed to stop it's blood pumping for a few seconds. There was no stopping it; the truth was going to reveal itself in a few days. My head felt bigger as goosebumps filled my flesh. My knees buckled and I held onto the doorpost for support.What was I going to do? There was one thing I was afraid of, and that was Tristian's reaction and decision. I was there when he had decided to cut ties with his friends, and till this day, he had maintained his stance. I was also there when he had decided to go independent, away from his parents afflue

CIARA'S POV I stood up, placing my ear on the door because I still heard noises in the kitchen. Although the arrangement between Daniels, Julian and I was never to call each other using our normal phones, I had called Daniels regardless. I wanted to find out what was going on at the motel because of what I had heard, and when he didn't reply, it hit me.Was it really true? My heart began to pound within, I felt uneasy, sweat trailed down the back of my neck.They must have been arrested already.Those men I saw back then at Tristan Maison were capable of tracing this to me, I should have escaped instead of waiting for the day to unravel.The memories of me on a orange prison suit flooded my mind.The urge to escape was stronger than ever now. But where was I going to run to? Tristian knew everything about me, my house and my barbershop included. Where was I running to?At that same moment, footsteps bounded onto the stairs and the door opened. I sat on the bed, pretending I was just

ADRIAN'S POVI ate slowly, the food in my mouth absolutely tasteless. It was there in the back of my mind, and no matter how I tried to push it away, it resurfaced, staring at me in the face, laughing at my stupidity.When Mr Ravenford had come into my office yesterday wielding a smile, I knew instantly that something wasn't right. Yes, he was my uncle, but he rarely smiled during working hours. Seeing him in my office, smiling and tapping his fingers on my table was surprising. That was when I knew and concluded immediately that indeed, something was wrong somewhere.After asking me how I was, he had gone ahead to ask how my wife and Nancy were doing to which I replied satisfactorily. Then with another charming smile, he informed me of the meeting that I was going to have with the board concerning the huge sums that were missing from my department on a daily basis.That was when I froze. Even after he left, telling me to make sure my credit records were made available the next day,

ADRIAN'S POVI stared at Mr Ravenford in the head chair, and for the first time, I wanted to point out that we were related by blood. I wanted to tell him to save me from this embarrassment that was coming, but he sat still in his chair, watching the proceedings go on without saying a word. “Now Mr Adrian, we're going to start by reviewing some of the financial records from the past year. We've noticed some discrepancies in the company's accounts, especially in the transactions handled by your department. Can you kindly tell us your role and responsibility in managing these accounts?”It was Mr Clemente, the assistant head of the board that was in charge of the questioning, his bald head and beard reflecting how strict he was already. I didn't need to be told that it was going to be a tough session, and I tried to tell myself that I was ready even though I knew deep down that I wasn't.I was perspiring and my heart was thumping wildly in my chest. My hand was very clammy, and my head

KAYLA'S POVI stared at the man before me, allowing the blue sapphire of his eyes to keep me warm. His jawline was firm, and even though I knew that I wasn't probably in the best frame of mind, I knew that he was very handsome. It didn't matter if I had drunk just a little bit too much, he looked good, and I had to admire that.I found it difficult to choose what was the most beautiful thing about him, if it was his eyes or his name.Tristian Ravenford. It sounded like strength, it sounded like comfort, and I knew at that moment that if he decided to touch me, I wasn't going to object. Coming into the bar, I was craving that strength and that comfort, and if he could offer it, I was willing to grasp it with wide, open arms. “You look exhausted, Kayla. Work related?”I nodded, knowing that if I made an effort to speak, it was going to come out as a croak. His baritone not only made me curious and intrigued, it made me wonder what other exciting parts his body possessed. “Oh, I apo