Elijah leaned over the conference table, spreading a map of the area as he glanced at Doug.“Lando’s informed me that The Architect’s forces will strike at the meeting spot, likely as soon as we arrive.”Doug’s face remained impassive, but there was a flicker of tension in his eyes. “And you plan to walk right into that?”Elijah’s lips curved in a determined smile. “No, we’re going to turn their own ambush against them. They think we’re showing up unprepared.” He tapped a point on the map, his voice low. “But our men will already be positioned here and here.”Doug nodded, a satisfied glint in his eye. “They’ll never see it coming.”As they reviewed the plan, Sophia’s quiet voice broke through their focus. “You’re talking about a setup, aren’t you?” She stood in the doorway, her gaze sharp and unyielding. “This is about The Architect, isn’t it?”Elijah straightened, his expression softening slightly as he moved toward her. “Sophia, you need to rest. This is something Doug and I can han
The night was still as Elijah faced the masked figure. The Architect’s gaze pierced through the shadows, and Elijah’s fists tightened. This moment was years in the making, and the taunting presence before him only fueled his determination.The Architect chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. “You really don’t know how deep your family’s sins run, do you?”Elijah stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. “Spare me the riddles. If you think you can frighten me with stories, you’re mistaken.”“Oh, I’m not here to frighten you, Elijah,” the Architect replied, amusement flickering in his tone. “I’m here to dismantle you, piece by piece. Just as I helped dismantle the Nortons years ago.”Elijah’s eyes sharpened. “Helped? What are you trying to say?”The Architect tilted his head, his gaze intent. “It was all orchestrated, Elijah—the fall of your family, the betrayal you never saw coming.” He leaned in, his voice lowering to a dark whisper. “You think your parents’ downfall was an accident? No
Elijah and Sophia moved swiftly through Arthur Palace, rallying their closest allies.There was no time for hesitation; David, The Architect, had woven his influence deep into Evendore’s elite, and they would need every ounce of support to dismantle it.Doug approached, his expression tense but determined."Marshal, Lando Yale and a few others have confirmed their support. They’re willing to stand with us against The Architect’s forces."Elijah nodded, clasping Doug’s shoulder. "Good. Tell them to prepare for what’s coming. We’ll need them ready for anything David throws our way."Sophia, standing close by, took Elijah’s hand, her gaze unwavering. “If we’re going to do this, we’ll do it together. Evendore’s future depends on it.”Elijah’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” He turned back to Doug. “Coordinate with Lando and his men. Make sure everyone knows what’s at stake.”Sophia stepped forward, taking a breath. “And my family… they need to unders
Elijah stood in the dimly lit hall, his gaze fixed on the entrance where he knew David, the Architect, would make his appearance.The tension hung thick in the air, the quiet moments before a storm that had been brewing for years.He adjusted his stance, calm but ready, every muscle braced for what lay ahead.The doors opened, and David strode in, his expression calm, almost amused."So," he said, his voice echoing off the walls, "we’ve finally come to this."Elijah’s eyes narrowed. "The game you started all those years ago—it ends tonight."David chuckled, the sound low and taunting."You speak with such finality, Elijah. But do you really think you’ve outmaneuvered me? Everything you’ve done, every alliance, every move… I saw it coming. I allowed it."Elijah held his ground, his voice steady. "And here you are, alone, without any of your puppets to back you up. Maybe your control wasn’t as absolute as you thought."David’s expression darkened. "I was the one who shaped Evendore! I d
Two days after the shocking incident, Elijah and Sophia finalized their honeymoon plans. The destination had been decided: a secluded island, far from the noise and power games of Evendore. Sophia was thrilled, her eyes lighting up as she read through the itinerary, while Elijah observed her with a small, reserved smile."So," Sophia said, folding the itinerary and looking up at him, "an island getaway, huh? Just us, no interruptions?" Her tone held a mix of excitement and disbelief.Elijah nodded, a touch of amusement in his eyes. "Just us. Away from it all."She reached across the table, her fingers brushing his. "I can’t believe it. After everything… it’s really happening."Elijah’s expression softened. "You deserve this, Sophia. We both do."Her eyes shone as she squeezed his hand. "It’s just… well, it feels surreal. And for once, I want to leave all the complications behind. No more shadows from the past, no more questions… Just us and the future."Elijah gave a slight nod, hidin
Elijah and Sophia spent their days immersed in each other’s company, exploring the winding paths of the island and savoring every moment together.It was a new world for them—one where there was no need to look over their shoulders, no reason to hold back.Late in the afternoon, they walked along the beach, their hands intertwined as they gazed out at the endless horizon.Elijah glanced over at Sophia, his usual guarded expression softened.“You know,” he began, his voice low, “I never thought I’d have a moment like this. With someone like you.”Sophia looked up, smiling. “And what’s that supposed
Sophia walked along the villa’s quiet path, enjoying the peaceful breeze, while Elijah had stepped away momentarily to handle a call.She hadn’t gone far from their suite when a voice called her name.“Sophia.”Startled, she turned to see Olivia, standing just beyond the pathway’s dim light, her face twisted with a mix of rage and cold determination.“Olivia?” Sophia’s voice trembled with surprise, her confusion laced with unease. “What… what are you doing here?”Olivia stepped closer, her eyes flashing with something fierce. “I came for answers, Sophia. And to warn you about the man you think you know.”Sophia took a hesitant step back, her heart pounding. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”“Of course, you don’t,” Olivia sneered, inching closer.“Elijah—or James, as he was with me—has been lying to you. Did he ever tell you about the promises he made to me? The plans we had together?” Her voice was like ice.Sophia’s hands clenched into fists. “Elijah and I don’t keep secrets,
The silence in the room was thick, an unspoken tension settling between them as they returned to their suite.Sophia’s mind spun with Olivia’s accusations, the words replaying in fragments, twisting her understanding of Elijah’s past.Elijah noticed the shift in her gaze, the uncertainty that shadowed her usually bright expression. He took her hands gently, guiding her to sit down beside him.“Sophia,” he began, his voice soft but steady, “I know Olivia’s words… they were painful to hear. There are things in my past that I haven’t fully told you. I never wanted you to be burdened by them.”Sophia studied his face, seeing the traces of pain he h