Maverick drove home with a heavy heart, the weight of his futile attempts to reach Kendrick pressing down on him. He entered the Rogers household, greeted by the familiar sounds of family life, his mother, Katherine, leaning in the kitchen, and his sister, Peace, sitting at the dining table, lost in thought.“Hey, Mom,” Maverick called, trying to muster a cheerful tone.Katherine turned, her face brightening. “Maverick! How did it go?” Her eyes sparkled with hope, but Maverick’s silence told her everything she needed to know.He sighed, dropping into a chair. “I couldn’t get through to him, Mom. He’s changed too much. It’s like I’m trying to reach a ghost.”Katherine’s expression fell, worry creasing her forehead. “We need him, Maverick. Without his help, we’re lost. What if we lose the house?”“I know,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “I tried everything. He’s surrounded by a fortress of guards. He’s not the same Kendrick we knew.”Peace, who had been listening quietly, lo
Kendrick stood at the entrance of the party, the hum of laughter and clinking glasses washing over him. He adjusted his cuffs, his instincts honed from years of going round his world of wealth and power. The grandeur of the venue contrasted sharply with the turmoil that brewed inside him, memories of his family resurfacing with every glance at the opulence surrounding him.As he moved through the crowd, a cadre of guards flanked him, unseen but ever-present shadows. Their eyes scanned the room, alert for any threats, both real and imagined. Kendrick felt their vigilance, a necessary burden that had become second nature. Yet beneath that armor of confidence, an unsettling thought lingered: what if tonight was different? What if the ghosts of his past had come to claim him?In the corner of the lavish hall, Peace paced nervously in her bedroom. The walls felt like they were locking in, her heart racing with each passing second. Christy’s call had left her on edge; she imagined her fr
Christy’s heart raced as she stood between Kendrick and Twain, the atmosphere crackling with tension. She had come to this party with a plan, a desperate hope to bridge a gap for Peace and Kendrick. But now, caught in a line of accusations, her intentions felt lost.“Twain, please, let me explain!” she pleaded, trying to maintain her composure despite the storm brewing inside her. She could see Kendrick’s eyes scanning the crowd, his guards ready for anything.“Explain what?” Twain shot back, his expression a mix of anger and hurt. “That you’re running back to your old flame? I thought you were better than this, Christy!”“No, you don’t understand,” she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. “I came to help Peace! She’s worried about Kendrick, and I thought… I thought I could get through to him.”“Get through to him?” Twain echoed incredulously. “Or get through to him?” He thrust his chin in Kendrick’s direction, his voice rising with every word. “You think this is just about
Christy’s heart raced as she stood between Kendrick and Twain, the atmosphere crackling with tension. She had come to this party with a plan, a desperate hope to bridge a gap for Peace and Kendrick. But now, caught in a line of accusations, her intentions felt lost. “Twain, please, let me explain!” she pleaded, trying to maintain her composure despite the storm brewing inside her. She could see Kendrick’s eyes scanning the crowd, his guards ready for anything. “Explain what?” Twain shot back, his expression a mix of anger and hurt. “That you’re running back to your old flame? I thought you were better than this, Christy!” “No, you don’t understand,” she insisted, desperation creeping into her voice. “I came to help Peace! She’s worried about Kendrick, and I thought… I thought I could get through to him.” “Get through to him?” Twain echoed incredulously. “Or get through to him?” He thrust his chin in Kendrick’s direction, his voice rising with every word. “You think this is just
Kendrick pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen. Jordan’s name flashed in bold letters, a reminder of the responsibilities waiting for him outside this emotional turmoil. With a sigh, he swiped to answer.“Hey,Boss Kendrick. Are you still at the party?” Jordan’s voice was brisk, businesslike, cutting through the haze of his earlier thoughts.“Yeah, but I’m… well, things have taken a turn,” Kendrick admitted, trying to keep his voice steady.“What do you mean? Is there a problem with the event?” Jordan pressed.“Not the event itself, but…” Kendrick hesitated. “I’m dealing with some personal stuff. A lady called Christy is here, and I think she's ready to complicate everything.”Jordan paused, sensing the weight of Kendrick’s words. “You mean the ex? I thought you were over that.”“I thought I was too,” Kendrick replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “But seeing her again has opened old wounds. It’s not just about us; it’s about the politics and how it all intertwines.”“Look, Ken
Kendrick leaned against the bar, swirling his champagne flute as he surveyed the crowd. The party was meant to celebrate his rise in Texas politics, yet it felt more like a battlefield. As whispers of his success filled the room, he was acutely aware of the undercurrents of tension threatening to undermine everything he had worked for.In the chaos, one figure stood out: Christy. He barely knew her, just a friend of a friend who had surfaced in discussions about Peace. But now, here she was, embroiled in the mess that had erupted around him, and Kendrick couldn’t shake the feeling that her presence was more than coincidental.He watched her from a distance, her eyes darting around as if searching for someone. Their interactions had been minimal, yet now she seemed to carry a weight he didn’t fully understand. A flicker of something...concern, perhaps, crossed her face when she spotted him. Kendrick's focus sharpened, his instincts on high alert.Suddenly, she made her way toward him,
Kendrick pushed through the crowd, his mind still wrestling with Christy’s words. The air was thick with celebration, but he felt the weight of impending disaster pressing down on him. As he neared the exit, he glanced back at Christy and Twain, the tension between them palpable. He turned his attention back to the party, steeling himself for what lay ahead.Suddenly, a commotion erupted from the far end of the hall. A group of disheveled party-goers had gathered, their shouts rising above the music. Kendrick’s instincts kicked in, and he felt the familiar pulse of adrenaline as he headed toward the chaos.“Stay close,” he ordered his guards, who moved in formation beside him.As they approached, Kendrick recognized a few familiar faces—people he had recently cut ties with, their resentment palpable. They were shouting accusations, waving their arms like they were trying to stir the crowd against him.“Scandalous! Corruption!” one man shouted, his voice dripping with contempt. “Kendri
Kendrick stepped into the inner chamber, a space adorned with polished marble and elegant chandeliers that hung from the ceiling like constellations of crystal stars. The atmosphere was one of opulence, designed to reflect his standing in Texas politics. Here, amidst the muted whispers of staff and the soft clinking of glasses, he felt a sense of control that had briefly slipped from him in the chaos outside.The room was expansive, with deep mahogany furniture and plush seating that invited conversation but also demanded respect. Kendrick’s gaze fell on the walls lined with accolades, framed articles, photos with dignitaries, and awards that testified to his influence and success. He felt a surge of pride, but also a nagging anxiety about the unrest he had just quelled.As he adjusted his cufflinks, a low rumble outside drew his attention. The unmistakable roar of a luxury engine heralded the arrival of his fiancée, Bridget. She always made an entrance worthy of the occasion, and ton