*David*The conference room was already buzzing with tension as I walked inside, a palpable energy prickling my skin and making me suddenly nervous. I had summoned a select group of individuals—employees, stakeholders, and trusted family members—to gather at this crucial meeting, aimed at facing the looming threat of the Reynolds' hostile takeover.Among those present were my sister and her husband who had returned to the country after several months away, just in time to be present for the board meeting, and their presence provided within me a sense of solidarity and reassurance. It had been a long time since I last saw them, but having them now here, supporting me, meant more to me than they probably knew.My mother, on the other hand, wasn't invited. I made sure the meeting was as confidential and secretive as possible since I didn't want her meddling into things and making them harder than they already were. Her penchant for turning any situation into a chaotic ordeal was the

*Grace*Caught off guard, my mind raced to comprehend why David's mother would be lingering in my building's entrance, claiming we needed to talk. I didn't even try to guess how she got my address. I assumed something like this was a piece of cake for someone like Margaret Anderson.Her imposing figure and her piercing blue eyes were fixed on me, making my blood run cold as I took a few more steps towards my building. Dressed immaculately in a tailored black suit, Margaret exuded an air of authority that was impossible to ignore.The cold air stung my cheeks and my heart beat erratically with anticipation and fear. The world seemed to pause around me, a silence enveloping the space between us. The distant hum of the city outside only served to heighten the tension that crackled in the air, and I had to clear my throat to utter a coherent sentence without looking like a scared kitten."Mrs. Anderson... I-I didn't expect to see you here," I stammered anyway, failing to hide my inse

*David*Coming into an agreement with William put me in a very good mood. I still wasn't completely confident he'd keep his word, but his lawyer did contact my office as he said he would, and the process to buy Sarah's shares back was already on-going.Now, I felt like I could finally breathe. There was still a lot to fix in my life–Sarah being the top priority–but I had also neglected Grace these past few days while I tried to solve the huge bomb my daughter had dropped on my lap.I felt guilt when I got Grace's message asking how I was doing. I should have reached out to her, at least told her I was okay. I said I was going to call her, but I hadn't, and I could see why she would be worried.As soon as I could, I made sure to reply to her text, telling her I'd call when things were solved, and now that they seemed to be, I was planning something for her. Something that would show her how much I appreciated her support and patience throughout this whole mess.The fact that Grac

*Grace*Needless to say that the following days after Margaret came to my building to threaten me were awful. Especially after I read David's answer to my text message. I didn't reply to him, of course–too scared to do anything and have Margaret on my doorstep again quicker than a thunder.For the thousandth time that week, I found myself rambling through my mind, trying to decide what to do. I spent the next few days as if my relationship with David was over. Because that's what it was, right? There was no way I could continue fighting for this love when everyone around us seemed to want to break us apart.I was being weak, I knew that. I could almost hear David's voice telling me to be brave, that our love was worth fighting for… My mother's words replayed in my mind over and over as I tried to convince myself that I should just ignore Margaret and live my life as I pleased.What would happen if I did that though? I would be lying if I said I didn't consider the implications be

*Grace*David’s tongue danced with mine, making me moan against his mouth as he pinned me to the wall of my living room. "I missed you so much," I repeated against his mouth, my fingers instinctively threading through his hair."Me too. I couldn't sleep without you all these days," he replied hungrily, his arms pulling me closer, his gaze so intense that made my knees weak. His mouth found the curve of my neck and he began to place soft kisses against my skin, making me unconsciously tilt my head, granting him better access.David slid his hands up the sides of my body, softly grazing over my curves as his lips continued their path down my neck. When his fingers slipped under my shirt, finding me completely comfortable and loose without a bra, I flinched under his touch, preparing myself for his next move. He groaned against my skin, his tongue continuing to caress my neck as he took each breast in his hands, kneading them gently and brushing his thumbs across their sensitive