"Is history about to repeat itself?" He secretly hoped that would not be the case. "Is everything alright sir?" The driver asked, looking at the Old Man through the rear view mirror."Everything is fine. Concentrate on the road." The Old Man answered. He turned his face and gazed through the window, his mind drifting away with different thoughts.***Ethan appeared from the staircase with a file bag in his hand, greeted by the laughter of Paul and Rachel who were oblivious to their boss's arrival."Care to let me in on the joke?" Ethan asked as he got closer to them, making the duo lose composure."Nothing boss, just regular work stuff." Paul came to the rescue."Regular work stuff huh?" Ethan asked with an eyebrow raised."Anyways, give this to the finance team and tell them to tailor the budget to fit the readjustment that I've made." Ethan said, pointing the file bag in his hand to Rachel. "At once sir." Rachel said, standing up immediately and collecting the file bag from her bo
"You're late." The distorted voice echoed from one of the SUVs, sending a huge wave of fear down Alex's body, so much so he began to shake a little bit."I...I know... I'm sor...sorry." Alex stammered. "I had to get here by foot." He added in his defense.The door of the SUVs and 4 men in total came out, all dressed in complete black mercenary clothes, with their faces covered, save for their eyes."You know how precious we take our time." One of the men stepped forward and spoke. His voice distorted due to the mic attached to his throat."I apologize, what I have to show you will make it worth your time, I promise." Alex said, reaching his hand into his pocket.The sudden movement, made the men bring out their guns and cocked it pointing at Alex."Hey hey it's just my phone, it's just my phone." Alex shouted in fear, his two hands in the air"Slowly." The man in front commanded, their guns still aimed at Alex."Okay...okay." Alex obeyed and slowly dipped his hand into his pocket and
He had to think of something, and he had to think fast!Time was running out and he knew the longer he delayed the more difficult it would be to succeed.***Gerald gym is a sleek blend of luxury and cutting-edge technology. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. The walls are adorned with motivational art and mirrors that create an illusion of infinite space.State-of-the-art equipment, from smart treadmills to high-tech resistance machines, is arranged in meticulous rows, each piece polished to perfection. In one corner, a custom-designed Pilates reformer and a set of handcrafted wooden kettlebells await, blending functionality with elegance.A spacious yoga area, complete with plush mats and ambient lighting, invites moments of calm and flexibility training. Nearby, a juice bar stocked with fresh, organic refreshments provides the perfect post-workout boost. The gym exudes an atmosphere of determination and dis
"I'll have my driver drop you off." Jason added. "Now leave." He ordered.With complete shock and confusion, the young lady picked her clothes from the floor, put them on and headed for the door.Jason's sudden switch still remained a mystery to her. "Was it something she said?" She wondered as she took a final look back at him before exiting the door finally.Once she was out of the room finally, Jason slammed his hand on the pillow beside him."How dare her!" He said to himself. "Putting my name in the same sentence with that glorified peasant." He added, his eyebrows furrowed in a frown.Heaving a sigh, he stood up from the bed and headed into the shower. He wasn't going to let anyone ruin this mood. After all, he knew exactly how to bring Ethan down.***As the day of the commencement of the Monument Project drew nearer, tension filled the air as each house positioned itself mainly against Ethan and Sandra but also against each other.***"Yes thank you for coming." Ethan greeted,
Sandra held her gaze steadily. "Risk can lead to great rewards, but also great losses. It's a fine line to walk." The air between them thickened as the tension grew. She wasn't going to back down from whenever Denera was playing at."True," Denera conceded, her tone velvety smooth. "But those who master the art of balance often find themselves in positions of unparalleled power."Sandra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "And do you consider yourself a master of balance, Denera?"A slow smile spread across her lips. "I prefer to think of myself as a connoisseur of opportunity. Speaking of which, I couldn't help but notice the moves you've made, concerning the Monument project. Quite the undertaking.""Thank you. It's been a long time in the making.""Yes, and such endeavors often attract... interest from various parties. Some might see it as a threat to their own ambitions."Sandra eyes narrowed slightly, the underlying meaning clear. "Are you suggesting I should be concerned?"
"Do you know who sent them?" Ethan asked, looking at Sandra and the driver."It was Denera." Sandra answered."Denera Lockwood?" Ethan asked to be sure."Without a doubt." Sandra replied."How can you be sure she's the one? It could have been anyone else." Ethan laid out his reluctancy to believe what Sandra said."Trust me Ethan, she's the one behind this." Sandra said, her eyes locked into Earth's own as if communicating with him in another plane."Very well then, we all need to be more careful" Ethan said after a while. "It's obvious the other Houses will go to any length to make sure we're off the project and that it's given to them instead." He added."There's no going back. We proceed as planned Ethan." Sandra said.Ethan gave her surprised look. Wasn't she the one who was almost a victim of an attack and kidnap? How can she be unfazed and ready to fire on?"If the Houses sense weakness from us, it will give them the drive to attack us more. We can't afford to show fear." Sandra
Sandra sighed, she couldn't turn him away now anyway, "very well, tell him I'll be down soon." She said, taking her gaze back to the full length mirror, making minor adjustment to her dressing."Yes ma'am." The maid bowed and walked out.***Packed just outside the Walton mansion, was Ethan's G-WAGON. Seated at the driver's seat was none other than Paul and seating behind the passenger's seat was Ethan."Women and taking forever to get dressed." Ethan muttered to himself, as he checked the Rolex watch on his left hand.As soon as he finished making the statement, the gate of the mansion opened as Sandra walked out majestically, fully dressed and prepared for the day's event.Paul got down from the vehicle and opened the door for her to get in."You look really good." Ethan complimented as soon as Sandra settled into the seat beside him.His eyes feasting all over her, struggling hard to take them off.Paul entered the car and kick-started the ignition. "Shall we sir?" He asked"Yes Pa
"Your attention is highly needed sir. It's your sister. Something had happened." The man who barged in poured out, without giving his boss a chance to say his mind."What is it? Is she alright?" Jason asked as he removed the earbuds from his ear and placed them into their case."Yes sir. It's about what she may have done." The man answered, a sense of urgency in his voice."Spill it!" Jason's voice went higher than normal."It can't be said sir." The man answered, with a slight bow."What in God's name does that mean?" Jason was beginning to get frustrated."You have to see it sir. I'm here to take you to see her." The man answered."Very well, let's go." Jason gave in and headed out with the man.***"What the fuck Denera?" Jason yelled as he entered his entered his sister's room."Oh please spare me the judgement and backlash Jason." Denera fired back, sitting on her bed."Judgement and backlash?" Jason scoffed. "You made a direct attempt at Sandra!" Jason yelled, the veins on his h
The warmth of a quiet morning bathed Rhys and Denera in soft golden light as they sat together on a wide sofa in their tastefully decorated living room. The chaos that had consumed their lives for months felt like a distant memory. Denera rested her head on Rhys’s chest, his arm draped protectively around her. Their hands were intertwined, fingers lightly brushing against each other—a silent vow to never let go. "I still can’t believe we’re here," Denera murmured, her voice carrying a blend of disbelief and gratitude. Rhys tilted her chin up, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "We fought for this, Denera. We’ve been through hell, but we came out stronger. I don’t just love you—I’m in awe of you." She smiled, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "And I’m in awe of us. Let’s promise to never let anything or anyone come between us again." Rhys leaned down and kissed her gently. "Not a chance. We’re unbreakable now." The two sat in silence for a moment, basking in the tranquility
The morning sun bathed the city in a golden hue as a soft breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers. A week has passed and normalcy has somewhat returned. It was a perfect day, fitting for an event of such grandeur. The wedding of Paul and Rachel-the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. The venue was a masterpiece: one of the most magnificent halls in the city, renowned for its towering crystal chandeliers and intricately carved marble pillars. From the outside, the building glistened with a mix of modern architectural elegance and timeless charm. Inside, the hall was transformed into a dreamland. A canopy of white roses and orchids draped across the ceiling, interspersed with tiny, twinkling lights that mimicked a starry night. Golden chairs lined the aisle, their backs adorned with silk ribbons and floral arrangements. At the center, a raised platform housed an altar framed by cascading vines and glittering drapery. Guests began to arrive, dress
The dim light of Alex’s makeshift room flickered, casting shadows on the cracked walls and the scattered remnants of his old life. He sat on the edge of a wooden crate, methodically strapping his gear into place. His breaths were steady, but his eyes burned with purpose. Tonight was the night. This was what he had been training for—the moment he would finally free Laurel and eliminate Jason. Alex picked up his blade, its polished steel glinting in the faint light. He ran his fingers over the edge, testing its sharpness. A small scar on his knuckle caught his eye—a reminder of all the battles he’d fought leading up to this. He glanced at the photo of Laurel taped to the wall, her smile a beacon of hope amidst his darkened world. “This is it,” he muttered to himself. “For you, Laurel.”With his weapons secured and resolve hardened, Alex stood, pulling his hood over his head. He left the room without a glance back, the door creaking shut behind him.---The screen went black, the t
The sound of tires crunching over the gravel driveway broke the stillness of the evening as Rhys and Denera pulled up to Gerald’s sprawling mansion. The mansion stood like a fortress, its grand columns illuminated by golden lights that cast long shadows across the well-manicured grounds. As their sleek black car came to a halt, the doors swung open, and the pair stepped out, their presence commanding the attention of everyone nearby.Rhys adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit, his sharp features set in a calm but deadly expression. Beside him, Denera exuded quiet confidence, her heels clicking against the pavement as she moved. She wore a crimson trench coat, her eyes glinting with a dangerous mix of fury and satisfaction.The heavy front doors of the mansion creaked open, and Gerald emerged with his ever-present smirk plastered on his face. He was flanked by a small squad of armed guards, their weapons gleaming under the lights. Gerald was impeccably dressed, his dark green sui
The Anderson mansion was eerily quiet, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the scene of destruction. Ethan and Paul stood amidst the chaos, their eyes fixed on the lifeless bodies of Jackson and Sebastian sprawled across the bloodied garden. The heavy scent of iron lingered in the air, mixing with the faint rustle of leaves. Ethan’s chest heaved as he struggled to steady his breath, his shirt torn and stained with sweat and blood.Paul glanced at Ethan, concern etched on his face. "You good?" he asked, his voice low but steady.Ethan nodded, though exhaustion weighed on every inch of his body. He pulled out his phone, his hands trembling slightly, and dialed Sandra’s number. The ringing seemed to stretch on forever until her voice finally came through.“Ethan…” Sandra’s voice was weak, barely a whisper. Ethan’s stomach tightened. “Sandra, what happened? Are you okay?” he demanded, his tone laced with panic.There was a pause, and then she spoke again, her words strained. “Sebas
The Walton Mansion stood as a fortress of elegance, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, its high walls and elaborate architecture a testament to wealth and power. But tonight, the serenity of the estate was shattered. The elite strike team, led by Kiara, moved like shadows through the sprawling grounds, their movements silent yet deliberate.A muffled cry broke the stillness as one of the outer guards was taken down swiftly. Kiara stood in the shadows, her piercing gaze fixed on the mansion ahead. Her dark combat attire blended seamlessly with the night, and a wicked smile played on her lips. **This would be a night the Waltons would never forget.**“Move in,” she ordered, her voice low but commanding. Her team obeyed without hesitation, their precision and ruthlessness evident in every step. Inside the mansion, alarms blared as guards scrambled to defend their employer’s home. Shots were fired, echoing through the grand hallways, but the elite team was unrelenting. They moved w
The garden lay in eerie silence after the brutal fight between Ethan and Jackson. The once-pristine space was a battlefield, littered with trampled flowers and streaks of blood. Ethan leaned against the marble fountain, his chest heaving as he wiped sweat and blood from his face. His body screamed in protest with every movement, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.The cool night breeze did little to calm the storm within him. He glanced at Jackson’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breathing. **One battle down, but this war is far from over.**The sound of measured footsteps shattered the silence.Ethan’s eyes snapped open, his body tensing as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Sebastian. Dressed in a dark suit, the Tree House leader carried himself with the air of a predator who had finally cornered his prey. His piercing gaze fell on Jackson’s corpse, and his expression twis
The Anderson mansion loomed like a fortress under the moonlight, its pristine marble façade glinting ominously. The sprawling gardens surrounding it were immaculately kept, their beauty now cloaked in shadows as the night deepened. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, but the tension hanging in the air was palpable.Jackson stepped out of the black SUV parked just beyond the gates, his heavy boots crunching against the gravel. He adjusted his leather gloves, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin that promised violence. The security guards at the gates eyed him warily, but he had been granted access. The intercom buzzed before one of the guards spoke, “You’ve been cleared to enter. Proceed to the garden.”Jackson raised an eyebrow, intrigued.” So, Ethan knew I was coming. Typical. The man had a flair for theatrics, after all.” Jackson strode confidently through the gates, his hand brushing against the hilt of the blade strapped to his side. The adrenaline surged in his vein
The grand hall of the Tree Symbol House was bathed in the warm, flickering glow of the fireplace, but the heat from the flames was nothing compared to the tension simmering in the room. Sebastian sat at the head of the long mahogany table, his sharp features etched with anticipation. Around him, the inner circle of the Tree Symbol House sat silently, their faces illuminated by the massive flat-screen television mounted on the wall. Kiara, Sebastian’s second-in-command, leaned back in her chair, her sharp, calculating eyes fixed on the news broadcast. Jackson, the most aggressive of the enforcers, stood near the window, arms crossed, his reflection distorted against the glass as he waited for orders like a loaded weapon. The rest of the members sat quietly, their unease palpable in the dimly lit room.The anchor on the television wore a neutral expression, but her words carried the weight of a bombshell. “Breaking news tonight: The court has found Ethan Anderson innocent of all cha