Kendra’s heart raced as she read the final piece of the puzzle. The information Charles had uncovered painted a much darker picture than she could have ever imagined. It wasn't just Dalia’s obsession with her, her desire for revenge, or her connection to her mafia father, Rowan Dante. No, this went deeper much deeper. Dalia’s escape had been part of a much larger, more insidious plan.Her son, Albert.Albert, the boy she had with Robert. He was just as cruel as his mother or probably worse. But now, it all made sense. Albert wasn't just any child. He was the heir to a legacy far more dangerous than Kendra had ever known. "Dalia asked him for help." Kendra murmured aloud, disbelief in her voice. "She asked Dante to bring Albert to his empire... to groom him."Charles, his face set in grim lines, nodded. "It was always the plan. Dante's empire isn't something you simply leave behind. His daughter, Dalia, may have taken her own path, but her son was always the future. Albert was the k
Albert’s heart beat in a steady rhythm, each thump feeling like a drumbeat in his chest as he stood there in the heart of his grandfather’s empire. Rowan Dante's mansion was a monument to power. Dark, opulent, and intimidating. Every inch of the vast estate, from the towering marble columns to the polished hardwood floors, reeked of authority and dominance. It was a world Albert had always dreamed of inhabiting, and now that he was finally a part of it, a wave of satisfaction washed over him.Dalia stood by his side, her posture regal, her eyes gleaming with cold satisfaction. Albert has heard stories of his grandfather, not from Dalia but from the public. He had heard about the man who had built an empire, whose name struck fear into the hearts of the powerful and influential. She had never fully explained why he had been absent from their lives, but Albert didn't care. He didn't need the details. All that mattered was that his grandfather was here now, and with him came the promise
Rowan Dante, once a titan of the criminal underworld, had spent decades forging his empire in the shadows. From arms dealing to narcotics, his reach extended across cities and nations. But age had begun to dull his edge, and with no heir to pass his empire onto, Rowan feared his life's work might collapse into chaos. This looming fear changed when Albert, his long-lost grandson, reentered his life.Albert, a young man with sharp intelligence and an unrelenting hunger for power, had been shaped by hardship. He had grown up far from the luxury of his grandfather's world, instead forging his own path in the shadows. When they reunited, it wasn't just blood that bound them, it was a shared hatred for the Wyatt family, a dynasty that represented everything they despised.The Wyatts, once led by Dean Wyatt, were the epitome of wealth and entitlement. Charles Wyatt his son, now controlled the vast empire built on legitimate businesses, real estate, and political influence. They held San Dieg
Nathalie Spencer sat at her desk, the soft hum of her computer filling the quiet lull of the office. She had just finished a long meeting and was focused on an overdue report when her boss, Miles Tyler, sauntered over, leaning against the edge of her desk with his usual air of confidence.She barely looked up at first, assuming he was there to discuss work. "Something I can help you with?" she asked, tapping away at her keyboard.Miles’s voice was calm, almost teasing. "Actually, I think it’s time to call in that favor you owe me."Her fingers froze mid-typing, her breath catching slightly. That favor. The one she'd half-forgotten. Months ago, when she asked him for a leave even when she knew the company was at a tight schedule, Miles had generously granted her request. She’d thanked him profusely at the time, but he told her he was doing it for a favor and one day he'd come to collect. But she never imagined he’d actually hold her to it.She leaned back in her chair, crossing her a
Nathalie Spencer stood in front of her mirror on Saturday evening, nervously fussing over her dress. She’d spent hours debating what to wear, knowing fully well that her boss, Miles Tyler, had high expectations for just about everything, including appearances. She wasn't about to risk him thinking she hadn't put any effort into this dinner, even if the entire situation still left her feeling conflicted.She’d settled on a sleek black cocktail dress, simple yet elegant, paired with silver heels and a matching clutch. Her makeup was subtle but flattering, with a touch of red lipstick that added just enough boldness to make her feel confident. Nathalie glanced at her reflection, adjusting a stray curl of her hair, and took a deep breath.This wasn't just any dinner; this was with Miles, the man who commanded attention in every room he entered. She could already imagine the sharp look in his eyes if she showed up looking anything less than her best.At precisely seven o’clock, a knock at
Derrick adjusted his glasses for the tenth time in as many minutes, staring at the dining table he’d painstakingly set up. His apartment looked nothing like the lavish spaces Karina was used to, but he’d done his best to create something special. Candles flickered on the table, casting a warm glow over the dishes he’d spent hours preparing. A bouquet of roses sat in the center, and soft jazz played from his the speakers in the background.Still, doubt gnawed at him. Would it be enough?Karina wasn't just beautiful, she was dazzling. She came from wealth and elegance, with a life full of high-end restaurants, designer clothes, and trips to exotic places. Derrick, on the other hand, was the guy who spent his days in a front of computers and his evenings immersed in obscure coding projects. When Karina started dating him, he’d been equal parts thrilled and terrified.Tonight, though, felt like a test. She’d insisted on a simple, quiet dinner, saying she wanted to spend time with him, not
Albert stood in the dimly lit study, the room filled with the scent of old leather and the faint hum of the city outside. He stared at the window, lost in thought. His mind was consumed by one thing revenge. Theodore had humiliated him, and now it was time for payback. But the plan had to be perfect, something that would make Theodore feel it, make him regret ever crossing Albert. His hand clenched around a glass of whiskey, his eyes narrowing as he muttered to himself."Karina," he said softly, the name slipping off his tongue like a snake's hiss. "She’s the key. I'll take her, make him watch as she suffers. He’ll come crawling to me then."His unrequited love for Karina had turned into hate, he hated the fact that Karina was with some low life. He might not have been so hurt had Karina found someone better than Derrick. Derrick was handsome he'd give him that but he doesn't believe he was the right person for her. Of course he didn't tell his grandfather about his feelings for Ka
Ivan could hardly believe his reflection as he stood in front of Chloe's front door. His pulse thudded in his ears, and the bottle of wine in his hand felt heavier than it should. He had spent the entire day obsessing over tonight, trying to comprehend how the biggest crush of his life actress Chloe had suddenly invited him to her home for dinner.For years, Chloe had been a figure out of reach, her name gracing headlines and her face lighting up movie screens. They had been friends for long even before Chloe became so popular. He had always wished they could be more than friends but that seemed out of reach. He had always secretly wished he could be part of her world.And yet, here he was, his finger hesitating over the doorbell as doubts crept in. What if she’s just being polite? What if tonight’s a fluke? Or she just wanted to thank him for helping her put Max and Summer in their place? His thoughts were interrupted when the door opened suddenly, revealing Chloe standing there, r