Elijah adjusted his collar and checked his watch, his expression tense as he waited in a quiet corner of a dimly lit restaurant.When Lando Yale entered, his usually casual demeanor was replaced with one of quiet intensity. He moved with a purpose, his sharp eyes darting around to ensure privacy.“Elijah,” he greeted with a curt nod, slipping into the seat across from him.“Lando. Thanks for coming on short notice,” Elijah replied, leaning forward.“There’s been a change of plans. Duke West and William Winter are coming for your business operations—and Sophia’s, too.”Lando’s face darkened.“Those two don’t know when to quit. They’ve been poking around my operations for weeks now. But Sophia? I thought she was safe under your watch.”“She is,” Elijah said firmly, his gaze unwavering.“But Duke West is moving faster than anticipated. They’re gathering allies, and their influence is spreading through some… unexpected channels. We need to solidify our defenses, and we need to do it toget
The hotel room was quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioning filling the silence as Elijah entered, responding to Olivia’s message.She stood by the window, her silhouette framed by the city lights outside.Her gaze was distant until she noticed him; then, her face softened, a warm smile breaking through her usual guarded expression.“James,” she murmured, stepping closer, her voice low and warm. “I was starting to think you wouldn’t come. It’s been hard to get any time alone with you.”Elijah returned her smile, carefully calculated but smooth, allowing the charm she expected from him to seep into his tone.“Time’s been unpredictable lately,”
Elijah moved quickly, adjusting his shirt and straightening his sleeves as he prepared to leave.Olivia, still reclining on the bed, looked up at him, her expression slipping from warmth to confusion.“James… you’re leaving?” she asked, her voice soft but tinted with disappointment.He paused briefly, giving her a gentle, reassuring smile. “I have to go. Something unexpected came up, but I’ll make it up to you. Promise.”Olivia’s eyes searched his face, a flicker of frustration showing through her smile.“I hope so, James. It’s starting to feel like I barely get to see you anymore,” she whispered, letting her hand linger on his arm.Elijah gave her hand a slight squeeze before stepping back. “I’ll be back soon.”With that, he left the room, heading out to meet Sophia, his mind already shifting to the next steps he needed to take.The streets blurred as he navigated his way back to Arthur Palace, tension building in his chest.Sophia had never called him this urgently before, and he wa
Elijah’s gaze flickered slightly as he stood, trying to steady his voice.“There were… women at the mission site,” he managed, though his tone faltered, sounding uncharacteristically uncertain.Sophia’s eyes narrowed, and the glint of hurt flashed through them.“The Elijah I know never stammers when he talks,” she whispered, her voice trembling as her eyes filled with tears.She took a step back, her hand rising to cover her mouth, as if to contain her heartbreak.“Are you really just going to leave it at that?”As she turned, Elijah felt his heart twist painfully.In a swift movement, he was on his knees in front of her, reaching for her hands.“Sophia… please, don’t walk away.”His voice softened, full of sincerity.“Trust me when I tell you that my heart is only yours. I’m not one of those men who would ever cheat on his wife. Can you believe that? Can you believe in me?”Sophia froze, surprised to see him kneeling, and without hesitation, she knelt down in front of him, her arms c
Elijah lay beside Sophia, the quiet night folding around them like a soft blanket, creating a world that felt like theirs alone.Sophia nestled into him, her cheek resting on his shoulder, one hand splayed over his heart, fingers tracing gentle circles across his chest.The steady rhythm of her breathing filled the silence, a comforting presence that spoke more than any words.“Elijah,” she whispered, looking up at him with a gentle smile, her fingers brushing the line of his jaw, as though tracing his features into her memory.“This is where I want to be, always. Just like this.”He wrapped his arms around her a little tighter, pressing a kiss to her forehead.“That’s exactly what I want too,” he murmured, his voice low and warm.“No matter what happens around us, Sophia, this—” he squeezed her closer, his voice soft but steady “—this will always be ours.”She sighed, a soft sound of contentment lighting her eyes with warmth.“I know you mean that,” she whispered, her fingers driftin
Elijah’s jaw clenched as he re-read Doug’s message: “Lando was right. Someone from the Donald family has been feeding out every bit of Sophia’s business information.”Determined, he messaged Doug back. “I want a full investigation on everyone in that family. If someone’s feeding Duke West intel, I need to know exactly who.”Elijah took a steadying breath, looking over at Sophia as she began to stir.He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before slipping out of bed, intent on handling this without bringing her further distress....That afternoon, Sophia was on her way to her cabin in the office when she overheard hushed voices in one of the nearby sitting rooms.She paused, recognizing the tones of her uncle Hague and her cousin Reno.“Duke West has promised us much more once Sophia’s position weakens,” Hague was saying in a low tone, a bitter edge to his voice.“It’s about time we reclaim some control.”“She’s too strong now,” Reno replied, his voice equally venomous.“With her influe
Olivia watched Elijah closely, her gaze lingering on his every move. The man she knew as James was beginning to feel different—secretive, like he was constantly keeping something just out of her reach.“James,” she began, her tone soft but tinged with curiosity, “I feel like I barely see you anymore. You’re always… somewhere else.”Elijah, maintaining his calm composure, smiled faintly.“Business is demanding, Olivia. You know that better than anyone.” He met her gaze, his voice steady, but he noticed the flicker of doubt in her eyes.Olivia’s expression remained thoughtful, and she took a small step closer.“It’s not just business, though, is it? Sometimes it seems like you know things that don’t even concern you. Things that I wouldn’t expect you to be involved in.”Elijah let out a soft chuckle, trying to ease the tension.“Curiosity is a dangerous quality, Olivia,” he murmured, his tone light but firm.“Some things are better left unsaid, don’t you think?”She didn’t look convince
Elijah stood under the dim glow of the streetlight, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure.Shrouded in a dark coat, Mary Shaw moved toward him with hesitant steps. Her eyes darted around the quiet, empty street, and Elijah could see the tension in her every movement.“Mary,” he greeted, his voice low.“You’re taking quite a risk meeting me like this.”Mary cast him a wary look.“If Duke West even suspects I’m here, it’ll be more than just a risk,” she muttered, her voice tight with anxiety. She glanced over her shoulder, ensuring the area remained clear.“Then why come?” Elijah challenged, folding his arms. “What’s changed?”Mary took a shaky breath, her gaze hardening.“Duke is spiraling. His ambitions have become dangerous. He’s planning to take over all criminal operations in Evendore, starting with the allies and rivals he no longer trusts.”Her voice dropped to a near-whisper. “That includes you and Lando Yale.”Elijah’s expression barely shifted, though his mind raced.“And y