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
Sophia sat on the edge of the bed, her face pale and her hands tightly clasped together.When Elijah walked in, she didn’t look up; instead, her voice broke the silence."Elijah… why does it feel like I'm losing everything?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but he heard every word.He took a step toward her, concern creasing his brow. “Sophia, what’s wrong?” “What’s wrong?” she echoed, finally looking up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.“Everything is wrong, Elijah. I thought… I thought I had a family, a husband, someone I could rely on.”She shook her head, trying to keep her composure.“But my family, they treat me like a pawn in their games. And you… you’re never here.”The pain in her words sliced through him, and he took her hands gently, his grip firm but careful.“Sophia, I know I haven’t been able to be around as much as I should. But it’s not because I don’t want to be with you. I’m trying to protect you from things you can’t even imagine.”She searched his face,
Elijah’s gaze narrowed as he watched Duke West speak with Sophia, every instinct in him flaring with urgency.Steeling himself, he crossed the room with calculated strides, forcing a disarming smile as he reached her side.“Sophia,” he said, slipping an arm around her shoulders, “sorry to keep you waiting.”Sophia’s eyes flashed with confusion, but she didn’t pull away.Duke West’s expression remained unbothered, though a flicker of irritation flashed across his gaze.“Mr. Hamesworth,” Duke West greeted with an icy smile. “Didn’t realize you were here tonight. Olivia Winter isn't around for another surprise.”Elijah met Duke’s gaze head-on. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied smoothly, tightening his grip on Sophia. “And it looks like I arrived just in time.”Sophia glanced between the two men, suspicion creeping into her expression. “Umm… can we talk?”Elijah’s nod was curt. “Of course.”He guided her through the crowded room and into a quieter corridor.Once they were alo
Elijah leaned back in his chair, gazing across the dimly lit hotel suite at Olivia.She looked at him with equal parts hurt and fascination, her eyes searching his as though trying to piece together a puzzle.“Elijah, or... James,” she started slowly, “I need to know what you’re hiding, the real reason you’re here. If you expect me to trust you, I have to know. After all, you might guess already that I know a lot, Mr. Norton.”Taking a deep breath, Elijah softened his expression. “Olivia, what I’m going to tell you can’t leave this room,” he said firmly, his tone laced with enough sincerity to draw her closer. “I came here under the name James for protection, to get close to people who might betray everything I stand for.”She studied him, doubt flickering in her eyes. “And you’re saying Duke West and even my family are involved in that?”Elijah held her gaze, feigning hesitation. “You may think you know your family, Olivia, but they’re more entangled in dangerous schemes than you can
Elijah stood in the courtyard of Arthur Palace, directing his men to take defensive positions.The night was eerily quiet, the calm before the storm. He caught sight of Doug, his right-hand man, signaling for him to come closer.“Doug, I need you to protect Sophia,” Elijah ordered, his voice low but firm.“This assault is only going to get worse, and Duke West won’t spare anyone in his way.”Doug nodded, his eyes hard with determination.“Understood, Marshal. I’ll make sure she’s safe, no matter what.”Just then, footsteps echoed through the hall, and Sophia appeared, her expression a mixture of anger and worry.She moved toward Elijah, ignoring the soldiers bustling around her.“Elijah, I need answers now,” she demanded, her voice shaking slightly.“What’s going on? Why are we preparing for what looks like… a war?”Elijah’s shoulders tensed, and he met her gaze, knowing he owed her the truth—at least part of it.“Sophia, you deserve to know,” he began.“I’ve been in an ongoing battle