Another round of shocked gasps filled the air, the family members trading bewildered glances. Leafer, Nimah's elder sister, rose from her seat as she narrowed her gaze, her finger pointing accusingly at Nimah. "Wait, which Nicholas are you talking about, Nee?" she demanded, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism. "Nicholas Loughty of the Royal group, or Nicholas, the manager of KMT markets?" Nimah chuckled, her expression nonchalant. "I'm actually referring to India's husband, Nicholas," she stated matter-of-factly. "He and I have been... intimate. And here I am, carrying his baby in my womb. A dream come true, if you ask me." The room erupted into a cacophony of shocked exclamations, the family members struggling to comprehend the Nimah's words. Xavier, his face flushed with a mix of anger and disbelief, rose from his seat again, his gaze fixed on Nimah. "Do you realize what you're saying, Nimah?" he questioned, his voice tight with barely contained fury.
India sat at the cafe table, her fingers drumming lightly against the smooth, wooden surface as she glanced down at her wristwatch. Ten minutes had passed since she'd arrived, and there was still no sign of Malakai. Tucking an errant strand of her dark hair behind her ear, India scanned the bustling cafe, her gaze settling on the entrance as Malakai's familiar car finally pulled up. Malakai alighted from the vehicle, slowly making his way across the crowded patio. India felt a small smile tug at the corners of her lips as he approached, and when they met, she welcomed him with a warm embrace. "I'm so glad you could make it," Malakai said, his voice soft, as they pulled apart. India's face was alight with a bright smile, her hazel eyes twinkling. "Of course. I wouldn't miss this for the world." She laughed. "Haha, well, thank you for coming in such a short notice," Malakai said again as he gestured to the empty chair across from her, "Please, have a seat my la
Malakai's eyes flashed with a mixture of confusion and hurt. He just didn't want to agree. "I don't understand. We've been working towards this for so long. The plan was foolproof. Why would you refuse to work with me now?" India offered him a small, sympathetic smile. "I know, and I appreciate all the work you've put into it. But my mind is made up. If you don't mind, I really should be going now." She rose from her chair, smoothing her hands over her skirt once more. Malakai nodded slowly, his expression resigned. "I see. Well, I respect your decision, India. I wish you all the best." India inclined her head. "Thank you, Malakai. And I'm sorry I have to leave so soon, but I have somewhere I need to be." "Oh, so soon. Where are you going though?" Malakai asked, his brows furrowing once more. "I need to get to the hospital as soon as possible," India replied, her voice soft. "Hospital? Are you sick?" "Oh no... I'm actually going to visit Alexande
India gripped the steering wheel tightly as she navigated the winding road. Her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of what had happened at home, how she just ended things with Malakai and Alexander, and the anticipation of seeing him was building with each passing mile. Maybe this time around, he'd be able to talk or say something. Suddenly, a familiar beeping from her phone disrupted the hum of the engine. India's brow furrowed as she glanced down, her eyes landing on the message notification that had just popped up. It was from the unknown number again. Her heart skipped a beat, as she clicked on the message and she read the ominous words: "You did a great job with Nimah. While I am very not satisfied with what you did, I am willing to reward you. Are you ready to know who killed your grandfather?" India's fingers trembled as she stared at the screen, her breath catching in her throat. She knew she should ignore the message, continue on to the hospital. But the curiosity that h
India rushed through the hospital's lobby, her footsteps echoing against the floors as she made her way to the front desk. Her heart pounded with anticipation. Just as she reached the counter, a familiar face caught her eye. "Dr. Sinclair!" India called out, her voice laced with relief. The physician turned and greeted India with a warm smile. "Lady Avendano, I'm so glad you're here," Dr. Sinclair said, gesturing for India to follow her. "I was hoping to speak with you." India fell into step beside the doctor, her gaze fixed on the woman's face, searching for any sign of good news. "How is Alexander doing? Is he awake? Can I see him? Even if not talk to him, it's my right you know it." Dr. Sinclair nodded, her expression reassuring. "Calm down, Lady Avendano. You have nothing to worry about, at all... your cousin has made remarkable progress. He's been asking for you, actually. If you'll come with me, I'll take you to his room." India's breath caught in her
India's heart sank, her mind racing as she tried to make sense of this new revelation. The thought made her stomach churn with a mixture of betrayal and fury. She glanced out the window, noting that the day was waning, the sky slowly shifting to a deeper shade of blue. Turning back to Alexander, she reached out and grasped his hand, her gaze soft and reassuring. "I'm going to stay with you tonight," she said, her voice firm. "I want to be here, to make sure you're safe. He knows you're alive now, he might wanna try something stupid." Alexander smiled, his eyes brightening with relief. "Thank you, India. I'm glad you're here." The next morning, India rose early. She had slept fitfully, her dreams plagued by visions of her cousin in peril and Malakai's betrayal. As she dressed, she glanced back at Alexander, who was still soundly asleep. "I'll be back soon," she whispered, pausing to press a kiss to his forehead before slipping out of the room.
Nicholas sat in his lounge, staring pensively out the window as he munched on the fresh fruit arranged on the table before him. The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the glass, illuminating the worry etched on his brow. He had much to contemplate. While Nicholas was munching on the fruits, Ryan, strode into the room. Ryan's expression was unreadable as he placed a manila file on the table in front of Nicholas. "I have some news," he said simply, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl and taking a bite. Nicholas looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Good news or bad news? All I've been hearing you guys tell me since I came back is bad news, I don't want anymore." he asked cautiously. Ryan shrugged noncommittally. "That depends on how you look at it, I don't know if it's good or bad," he replied, chewing contemplatively. Feeling a growing sense of unease, Nicholas sat up straighter. "Well, what is it then?" he pressed. With a heavy sigh, Ryan met Nichola
As Nicholas and Ryan got back to the mansion, Nicholas turned to Ryan, his expression grim. "Ryan, make research on every possible place Malakai could be at the moment and the kinds of appointments he have. You need to be quick with it," he said, his voice laced with urgency. Ryan nodded, already moving towards the study. "I'll get started on it right away," he assured, his footsteps echoing down the hall. An hour later, Ryan returned, a triumphant gleam in his eye. "I think I've found something," he announced, handing Nicholas a sheet of paper. "What is it?" Nicholas asked, his gaze scanning the document. "The last call Malakai made was to a man named Alvonso, he also made a call last night to the same man," Ryan explained. "They agreed to meet at a place called 'Dark Centre.' I don't know where that is, do you?" Nicholas felt a chill run down his spine. "Dark Centre," he murmured, his expression darkening. "Yes. I know it well. Malakai has used it as a