“Uncle Conrad,” Dylan called as he accompanied Butler Conrad in the kitchen.
“Yes, Dylan,” Conrad answered, his voice calm.
“Don’t you think it’s wrong not to tell my parents about good Grandpa? My mother will be so mad at me once she finds out,” the boy said, his tiny legs swinging as he sat on the stool.
“They’ll find out about him soon. You don’t want to spoil the surprise, do you?” Butler Conrad asked, and Dylan sighed.
“I don’t know. Strange things are happening lately. Mom, Dad, Grandma, and everyone are so busy. I haven’t seen Aunt Jojo since she left that night. A bad grandpa plans to hurt my parents, and my birthday is coming up. School’s started, and I haven’t gone yet.” Dylan paused to catch his breath.
“I just hope they’re okay and everything gets back to normal.”
“Stop worrying, kiddo,” Butler Conrad said softly, glancing over his shoulder. “You’ll see them soon enough.”
“Alright, if you say so,” Dylan nodded.
___
‘If that motherfucker turns out to be an enemy, we’ll all be dead.’ Valentino’s words echoed in Jaxon’s head, making him punch the bag in front of him harder.
He had been training nonstop to distract himself from the fact that everyone’s life was in danger if Silence was an enemy.
Cassius was being held captive by Silence. Though Aurora tried to hide her worry, it was clear to him. Jolene barely spoke to him anymore because of the torment she had endured over the years and in prison.
If Paisley hadn’t saved her, she would have been dead. The worst part was that he had been the one who called the cops on her that night.
“Jaxon!” A familiar voice snapped him back to reality, and he abruptly stopped, his breath ragged, sweat dripping down his body.
Her soft hand landed on his shoulder, and he looked up to see Jolene’s worried expression.
“You should stop, or you’ll exhaust yourself. I’ve been calling you for a while. Are you alright?” she asked, and Jaxon averted his gaze.
“I’m fine,” he said, his voice hoarse.
“You don’t look fine. Have you eaten?” she asked.
“Stop worrying about me.” When he realized how cold his voice sounded, he scolded himself inwardly. He expected her to snap back or leave, but instead, she did the opposite.
“Can I stay with you? I’m free for a while and would like to spend it with you,” she said boldly, a sign of how comfortable she was around him now.
“Jojo,” he said softly, turning to face her. “D… do you hate me?”
Jolene blinked several times, her eyes filled with confusion. “Why would I?”
“Even if you had really betrayed me, I shouldn’t have abandoned you,” Jaxon muttered.
“I thought we already talked about this,” she said with a pout, then smiled. “I’m cool with it. I understand why you did what you did. I’m not mad at anyone. I’m just glad I’m with you all now. For the first time in years, I feel free.”
Jaxon sighed. “But still-”
Jolene silenced him by pressing her lips against his. Jaxon’s eyes widened in surprise. She pulled away and smiled.
“I love you, Mr. Jaxon,” she confessed, and Jaxon felt every nerve in his body ignite. She wasn’t just cute… she was unbelievably sexy.
He crashed his lips against hers, nibbling gently. A soft, sweet moan escaped her lips, spinning his head with desire. He held her waist and plunged his tongue into her mouth, rolling it against hers.
“I love you too, Jojo,” Jaxon confessed after breaking the kiss.
Jolene chuckled as he kissed her again, this time harder and more passionately.
___
A car halted before a tall building that seemed to touch the sky. Its structure and aura were a testament to power and fame. Reporters swarmed around with cameras in hand, creating a chaotic scene.
The door swung open, and a poised figure emerged, commanding attention. Her tall, slender body was wrapped in a red dress.
Tatiana sighed as the cold air hit her skin. She hadn’t been here in years. Maximus had been the president of NeroSpark Corporation. Her grandfather, Yara’s father, had built this company with his own sweat.
Yara was supposed to be the successor, but her illness took her away. Now, the company was in the wrong hands.
And Tatiana was going to take it back.
Cameras flashed furiously as she advanced toward the building. Each step she took carried power and elegance. Questions swirled in the air.
“It’s Tatiana King!”
“She’s here!”
“Tatiana, what’s the news all about?”
“Did your father really kill your stepmother and fake your sister’s death?”
“Mrs. King, a word please!”
Tatiana ignored the barrage of questions. The evidence was already online-what more was there to say? Her nerves had been on fire ever since Cassius’s disappearance.
As she stepped into the building, several men waited for her. Her bodyguards stood tall and strong, surrounding her protectively.
Tatiana removed her black sunglasses, her gaze locking on Maximus’s assistant, Oliver, who approached with a cold expression.
“You’re not welcome here, Tatiana King. I’d advise you to leave,” Oliver said, trying to mask the fear in his voice.
“Not welcome here?” Tatiana sighed as she walked toward him. “Do you really think you have the authority to say that? You should start begging me because I’m about to make your life miserable.”
Oliver scoffed. “Don’t act like you own this place. President Maximus runs NeroSpark, and the scandal doesn’t change that.”
“President? Maximus was never supposed to be here. This company belongs to me and my sisters, so take whatever belongs to you and get out,” she said.
“Don’t make me laugh. Maximus became the rightful owner after his wife’s death.”
“Did my mother transfer the company to him?”
“She left no will.”
“Wrong. She did.” Tatiana smirked as Yara’s lawyer stepped forward. Oliver frowned, recognizing the man.
He remembered when Maximus had asked if Yara had left a will, and this man had said no.
“How did-”
“Yara saw the darkness in her husband but still loved him. She feared what the future would bring, so she transferred all her wealth to her three daughters. Every single asset that belonged to Yara… now belongs to Tatiana and her sisters.”
The employees watching whispered to each other in confusion.
Oliver stepped back in shock. Maximus wasn’t here to defend himself; he was busy hiding from bounty hunters who were after him.
“This… This doesn’t make sense.”
Tatiana raised her head high, her voice filled with authority. “Mr. Oliver, you’ve helped Maximus commit many despicable acts. The police have evidence. You should meet them outside.”
She smiled and walked past him. Oliver spun around, panic washing over him, yet he tried to threaten her. “There’s no way the shareholders will accept you here, Tatiana. They’ll kick you out.”
Tatiana stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “And what makes you think I need them?”
Oliver frowned.
Tatiana reached the top floor of the building, her expression fierce as she headed to the boardroom where the shareholders awaited her.
Yara’s lawyer had handed Tatiana the will, giving her access to the company’s platform. That was how she assembled the shareholders.
As she entered, their gazes flashed with curiosity and irritation. When they heard Tatiana was coming to take over, they thought it was a joke. They had seen the news about Maximus and were working to contain the scandal.
Tatiana smirked. Who cares?
These so-called shareholders were all Maximus’s accomplices. They were part of his corrupt empire.
Tatiana sat down, her eyes blazing with anger.
“You are all fired.” she spat.