The date was going so well, and Mia wouldn't stop talking about how much she missed it, how she missed Oliver and his unfunny jokes. "Ice cream for dessert? Really?" Oliver teased, watching her with a glint in his eyes as though she was all that mattered to him."I feel like I can taste it in your blood or when I kiss you." Mia couldn't hold back the chortle that escaped her throat as she dug her spoon into the ice cream plate and brought the spoon to his mouth. "Try it and tell me why you wouldn't want this goodness every time."Oliver couldn't remember the last time he had ice cream or even thought about him. He complied and took the spoonful from her. "If nostalgia was a taste.""You're so adorable, you know that, right?" Mia teased again. Oliver made a funny face as his brows crooked. He was the last thing to call adorable, but he liked it when she said it.He nodded and smiled before getting off his seat, "Nature calls. It's all Mr Ice Cream's fault.""What? It was a spoon!"Oli

"He frequents this bar. Most of his meetings are held in the VIP sessions here. I know he wouldn't be at the office since he thinks it has been compromised. You understand what to do, right?" Lydia asked the man who stood blankly next to her.She'd been told that he was fit for the job, but frankly, he didn't look like it. He was skinny and sickly, not to mention, he wouldn't let go of the bottle of whiskey in his hands and the cigarettes held between his lips.They were both standing outside the bar. "Yes, I understand." His response was slow and unconvincing, setting Lydia on the edge. She'd given him the advance, and all that was left was for him to get working."You'd get the rest of the pay when you're done," Age rolled her eyes. "Ditch the fucking whiskey. It's not like you have a condition where whiskey is all you need to survive.""This?" He lifted the bottle. "This is none of your business, Lady. Now, excuse me, let me do my job." The man brushed past her. "He's here already

Lydia's mansion.Her room was dimly lit and quiet, almost void of life except for her. Even Lydia couldn't tell if her presence counted her as a person. She'd lost everything iota of humanity since the death of her husband and was blinded by the need to avenge him.Oliver Lionheart. The name seemed to ceaselessly ring in her head, haunting her at the back of her mind. He was the biggest threat yet. Even Viktor Grey had nothing on her. She'd shut him up like a child the moment he moved a muscle.He'd been quiet since the last time they met, just as she wanted it. Oliver was different from Viktor, really different. He was meticulous and calculating, so she tried to always stay one step ahead of him, just like today.Lydia waited for the right time to put the call through to him. It was late already, and she'd had Oliver's hacker killed. There was no way he could track the call. It was no easy task, but her men got it done. Hopefully, that proved a point to him that she's not to be trifl

"Clark canceled the deal," Marv relayed to Oliver. "The email came in a while ago from his secretary. He says it's too risky to venture into."Oliver remained silent, simmering in his seat. He'd expected that much since the video hit the broadcast stations, and his men were doing everything they could to slow down the rate.Clark was one of those at the top, which made it easier for him to have access to things like that, along with several other business people. That deal was worth everything. He'd spent months making plans on it; getting to Clark at the beginning wasn't an easy featNow, all of that was gone because of a random deranged lady? Oliver felt bile rise in his throat as he tried to contain his anger. "Fuck this!" He yelled out loud, kicking the table before him. Marv jolted.Lydia was becoming more than a pain in the ass. She was a full-fledged discomfort, and living in the same town as her felt as though Oliver was walking on nails. "What do we do now, Boss?" Marv aske

Her father was buried today, and he died by her hands. Her facade had faltered, and Cat had turned into a crying mess, barely conscious of anything around her aside from the deep-seated hate harbored for Lydia and how she'd do anything to have her head.The funeral service was still ongoing, with so many of her father's acquaintances giving their condolences. All of these Cat would accept, except for the man who walked in with his daughter. Viktor Grey himself.Cat got up immediately and met them at the door. She didn't spare Elina a glance. All that rage and anger that blossomed in her veins was directed at Viktor. He was the one who pulled them into this mess anyway."Have you come to gloak!?" She asked, "I need you to get out of here!" Cat's voice came out shakier than she wanted it to. She couldn't shake off the heavy feeling in her chest as guilt ate away at her."No, what?" Viktor asked in disbelief. "Your father was-""Was…" Cat repeated as she tasted the word. "Was. Was. Was!