After carefully scoping out the area, Eric settled on a smaller, more secure hotel for him and Emily. As they stepped into the lobby, he felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that they would be safe there.Eric nodded confidently, gesturing towards the lobby."This place is much safer, Emily. No dangerous individuals can get in here."Emily's eyes widened with gratitude as she glanced around, taking in the reassuring atmosphere."Thank you, Eric. I don't know what I would do without you guiding us to safety."Eric smiled warmly, his eyes reflecting his determination to protect her."I couldn't leave you alone, Emily. I need to protect you, no matter what," he told her, meaning every word.As they settled into their room, Emily couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort knowing that Eric was by her side, his presence a reassuring safety.Emily voiced her curiosity, turning to Eric with a hopeful expression."So, how long are we staying here, Eric? Is it just for tonight?" She in
As Eric and Emily made their way to the breakfast cafe inside the hotel, they were greeted by the hustle and bustle of a movie crew setting up nearby. Excited murmurs filled the air as people gathered around to catch a glimpse of the popular actors and actresses on set.Among the crowd, Claudia Michaelson stood out, her presence commanding attention as she prepared to take on her role as the main lead of the movie. But as Claudia glanced over towards the cafe, her attention was drawn to a sight that filled her with a mix of frustration and jealousy."What's this? Eric and Emily Walter... together? How dare they enjoy themselves while I'm here working so hard!" Claudia was dumming.Her eyes narrowed as she watched Eric and Emily, their laughter and smiles seemingly mocking her from afar. She couldn't understand how Eric, someone she considered beneath her, could find happiness with someone like Emily."This can't be happening. Eric doesn't deserve to be happy, especially not with he
Confusion and wonder l churned within Eric as Emily stormed away, her hurt and anger evident in the air. Claudia's revelation about their past marriage had been the cause of it all.Leaving him dealing with a lot of indescribable emotions. Does Emily have feelings for me? he pondered, his already filled with uncertainty.With confusion still stirring within him, Eric made his way out of the hotel, because he had plans for himself in that late morning.Could it be that Emily was starting to admire him beyond friendship? Why was she hurt? He was only a fake boyfriend to her. A fake boyfriend who had done the most to protect her.Upon reaching the golf gathering, Eric made a conscious decision to shed his Mr. Radcliffe persona, opting instead to blend in as common Eric. However, his poor outfit and down to earth aura made him stood opposite the opposite of the extravagance that surrounded him.Only the elites were gathered there and he wasn't even invited. His outfit made him stand o
As Eric basked in the astonished silence of the crowd after his perfect shot, a shadow fell over him. It was Silas Deane, a prominent man known for his skill on the golf course, stepped forward, his eyes glinting with jealousy and contempt."You got lucky with that shot," Silas sneered, his tone dripping with disdain. "But let's see if you can keep it up. I challenge you to a game of golf. Winner stays, loser eats grass like an animal. And we know who looks like the animal here."Eric's jaw clenched at the insult, but boldness burned in his eyes. "You're on," he replied, his voice firm and unwavering.The crowd murmured with anticipation as Eric and Silas squared off on the green, the tension between them was thick in the air."I'll enjoy watching you make a fool of yourself," Silas taunted, his confidence fueled by the cheers of the onlookers.A smirk tugged at Eric's lips as he raised an eyebrow. "We'll see about that," he retorted, his tone laced with quiet determination.With the
As more challengers stepped forward, eager to test their luck against Eric, the air was filled with anticipation. Each opponent sought to prove their superiority, but one by one, they fell to Eric's expert strokes and unshakable focus. It was as if Eric had been playing golf for years, effortlessly outmaneuvering his them with each swing of the club.Amidst the murmurs of admiration and awe, some of the guests began to take notice of Eric's remarkable talent. "Have you been playing golf for a long time?" they asked, their curiosity piqued by his exceptional skill.Eric simply shook his head with a modest smile. "Just using my instincts," he replied, his tone casual yet confident.With his shoulders held high, Eric approached Mr. Greg Johansson, Calvin's elder brother, the man who wanted Calvin dead and gone.It was Eric who had gone there in the favor of Calvin."I know about your father's intentions," Eric began, his voice low yet steady. "He wants to pass the company over to Calv
The roar of the plane's engines filled the air as it taxied to a stop on the tarmac. The door opened, and a a man emerged, tall and imposing, clad in a crisp military uniform. General Alexander Hargraves had arrived.Waiting at the airport entrance was Mason, his elder brother. As he watched Alexander descend the stairs, flanked by a group of equally powerful-looking men, Mason couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was his half brother his brother who had gone into the military, because Mason ensured his father didn't give Alexander any part of the company.As Alexander approached, Mason hopped out of his car and approached him with a grin. "Good to see you, Alex," he said with a mocking salute, his tone laced with sarcasm. He couldn't resist a chuckle at the sight of his brother's stern expression.Alexander's jaw clenched at the familiar nickname, his gaze hardening as he looked at Mason. Despite being only two years younger, Mason had always treated him with disdai
With a deadly glare and jaw clenched tight, Alexander Hargraves strode forward, his large and intimidating body was enough to cause fear.The head of the Walter family recoiled slightly, his eyes wide with fear as he beheld the furious general."Who... who are you?" Mr. Walter stammered, his voice barely a whisper as he struggled to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.Alexander's lip curled in disdain as he locked eyes with Mr. Walter, his gaze ablaze with fury. "So you're Mr. Walter, the man who conspired with Radcliffe to put my father in jail," he snarled, his words dripping with venom.The Walter family stood frozen in stunned silence, their eyes darting between Alexander and the jeD of their family, utter disbelief on their faces.Mr. Walter blinked in confusion, his brow furrowing in disbelief. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he protested weakly, his voice trembling with fear.But before Mr. Walter could utter another word, Alexander's fist shot out like l
As Eric and Emily rushed into the hospital, the tense atmosphere greeted them like a heavy fog. Emily's family huddled together, their faces filled with worry and sorrow."Why did you bring him here?" Emily's mother's voice trembled with anguish as she looked accusingly at Eric, her eyes red and swollen from tears.Emily's brows furrowed in confusion as she turned to her mother."What do you mean? Eric has been helpful to me," she protested, her voice containing frustration.But her mother shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks as she spoke. "You shouldn't have brought Eric here. He's incapable of doing anything. We need someone as powerful as Mr. Radcliffe to fight for us," she sobbed, her words accompanied by heart-wrenching sobs.Eric's jaw tightened at the mention of Mr. Radcliffe, his gaze flickering with concern and understanding. Emily's mother's words were like a dagger to his heart, a reminder of his own limitations as Eric, in the eyes of those around him. When in
Eight months later…Eric’s phone was ringing and he was in the middle of an important meeting, discussing a new business venture with key stakeholders. His phone's vibration on the polished oak table drew everyone's attention. Glancing at the screen, he saw the hospital's number and felt his heart leap into his throat."Excuse me, I have to take this," Eric said, his voice tight with barely contained excitement. He hurried out of the conference room, his footsteps echoing down the hallway."Mr. Radcliffe, your wife is in labor. You need to come to the hospital immediately," the nurse's voice was calm but insistent.Eric didn't need to be told twice. He dashed to his car, barely registering the concerned looks from his colleagues as he sped out of the parking lot. His mind raced faster than the car, thoughts of Emily and their unborn child filling his every moment. The city blurred past him as he moved through the morning traffic, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly.Arriving
Eric and Mason fought fiercely on the ground, their bodies a blur of desperate, primal motion. Each punch and shove reverberated through the room, their grunts and growls of exertion echoing off the walls. Mason was furious, fueled by a dark, vengeful rage, but Eric's was driven by something far more powerful: the need to protect Emily.As they struggled, Claudia stood nearby, her gun trained on Emily. Emily’s wide, terrified eyes darted between the two men fighting and the woman holding the gun. Every muscle in her body was taut with fear.“You think you can just take my life and ruin everything, Eric?” Mason spat, shoving Eric hard enough to knock him back a few feet. Eric stumbled but quickly regained his footing, charging back at Mason with renewed fury.“Let her go, Mason!” Eric shouted, his voice hoarse. He managed to land a solid punch on Mason’s jaw, causing him to stagger.Claudia’s hands trembled slightly as she kept her gun pointed at Emily. “Eric, just stop! This doesn’t
Eric gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles white, as he followed Mason's cryptic directions through the darkening landscape. The sun had already set, and shadows loomed large on the sides of the road. His phone, on speaker, rested in the holder on the dashboard, Mason's sinister voice crackling through the static."Turn left at the next junction," Mason instructed. "Drive another mile, then take the dirt road on your right."Eric glanced in his rearview mirror. The police, in unmarked cars, maintained a safe distance, careful not to alert anyone to their presence. They were his silent backup, his safety net.As nightfall blanketed the surroundings, Eric's anxiety grew. He navigated the twists and turns, the dirt road growing rougher as he approached the abandoned house. His headlights cast eerie shadows on the dilapidated structure ahead.Eric parked the car and stepped out, his phone still pressed to his ear. Mason's voice guided him, directing him toward the entrance."Walk strai
Eric sat in the police station, his mind a whirlwind of fear and frustration. Detectives and officers buzzed around him, discussing strategies and leads, but all Eric could think about was Emily. The clock was ticking, and each passing second felt like a century.Suddenly, his phone vibrated in his pocket, jolting him from his thoughts. The number on the screen was unknown. With a sinking feeling, he stepped outside the station to take the call, seeking a moment of privacy amidst the chaos."Hello?" Eric answered, his voice tense."Eric Radcliffe," a cold, mocking voice replied. "Or should I say, Mr. Radcliffe? It's been a while."Eric's grip tightened on the phone. "Mason," he spat. "What the hell do you want?"Mason's sinister laugh echoed through the line. "Straight to the point, as always. I have Emily. And if you ever want to see her and your precious baby alive again, you'll do exactly as I say."Eric's heart pounded in his chest, a mix of rage and terror coursing through him. "
Mason Hargraves navigated the winding, overgrown path leading to the abandoned house, his footsteps crunching on the gravel. He pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside, greeted by the musty smell of decay. Claudia was waiting for him in the living room, her arms crossed and a satisfied smirk playing on her lips."Mason," she greeted, her voice dripping with malice. "Everything's going according to plan.""Good," Mason replied, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Let's get this over with."Claudia led him to the basement door, her heels clicking on the wooden floor. She unlocked it and motioned for Mason to follow her down the narrow, dark stairs. At the bottom, a single flickering bulb cast eerie shadows on the concrete walls. Emily was huddled in a corner, her wrists bound, her face streaked with tears.Mason approached her slowly, his eyes narrowing as he took in her disheveled appearance. "Emily," he said softly, almost tenderly, though his words were laced with venom. "I never
Eric stood in his spacious office, the sunlight streaming in through the floor-to-ceiling windows showing a warm glow over the room. He was meticulously arranging documents for an upcoming meeting with his staff and overseas collaborators. The stakes were high, and the presentation needed to be flawless. Yet, despite the impending meeting, a soft smile played on Eric's lips as he thought about Emily, his fiancée.Slipping his phone from his pocket, he decided to call her. He wanted to hear her voice, a sweet reassurance amidst the chaos of his day. He dialed her number and waited, the smile still lingering.The phone rang, but there was no answer. He frowned slightly, dialing again. Still nothing. A hint of worry started to creep in. Emily usually answered his calls, especially since she knew how busy his schedule could get. Just then, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. It was one of the bodyguards assigned to Emily."Mr. Radcliffe," the guard's voice was tense. "We have a situ
Emily sat in her room, staring at her phone in disbelief. She had just received a call from a friendly, excited voice claiming that she had won a lottery she didn't even remember entering. The caller had given her detailed instructions on where to go to claim her prize, and despite her initial skepticism, the excitement of the potential win clouded her judgment."Is this for real?" she murmured to herself, glancing around her room as if seeking confirmation from the empty walls. She replayed the conversation in her mind."Congratulations, Ms. Walters! You've won our grand prize lottery!" the voice had chirped. "All you need to do is come to 23 Maple Street to collect your winnings."Emily had hesitated. "I don't remember entering any lottery."The voice laughed lightly. "It's a special promotion, ma'am. Sometimes people get entered automatically through their regular purchases. We're so excited for you!""But... I didn't get any notification before this," Emily had said, still unsure.
Eric had planned every detail meticulously. He had arranged for a beautiful rooftop garden to be decorated with fairy lights, delicate flowers, and an elegant dining setup. The location was stunning, with a panoramic view of the city skyline. It was the perfect place for a surprise, and Eric wanted everything to be flawless."Emily," Eric said with a casual smile, "I've heard about this new diner in town. How about we check it out tonight?"Emily, always up for trying new things, agreed enthusiastically. "Sure, that sounds fun. I could use a night out."Eric drove them to the rooftop location, keeping his nerves in check as they pulled up to the beautifully lit entrance. As they stepped out of the car, the ambiance was magical. The twinkling lights and the soft music playing in the background created a romantic atmosphere."This place is beautiful, Eric," Emily remarked, looking around in awe. "I didn't know about this spot."Eric just smiled, taking her hand and leading her inside.
Mason Hargraves sat hunched over a workbench in the basement of an old, decrepit warehouse. The space was filled with the acrid smell of oil and dust, the faint sound of dripping water echoing in the background. A single, flickering light bulb hung overhead, casting eerie shadows across the concrete floor. The table before him was cluttered with an assortment of weapons and tools, each one meticulously arranged and gleaming under the sparse light.Mason picked up a long, serrated combat knife, his fingers running along the blade's edge with a chilling sense of purpose. His eyes, cold and calculating, reflected the light as he stared at the weapon. "Eric Radcliffe," he muttered under his breath, a twisted smile forming on his lips. "You think you’re untouchable, don’t you? Surviving death, coming back as if nothing happened. But tonight, your luck runs out."He placed the knife back on the table and reached for a handgun, checking the chamber with methodical precision. "Claudia, poor