pte

expect

an

memory of him-the way he held me, how he kissed me, how he took what he wanted with such raw intensity. It was supposed

m sink, staring at the little white test in m

heartbeat hammering in my ears. The reali

hat could I do? My life-already complicated and chaotic-was about to change.

the bathroom, my mind a mess of thoughts. I needed to tal

club. She wasn't just my boss; she was the closest thing I had to a mother. She had her own troubles

, tapping a pen against a notebook. She looked up when I stepped ins

irl?" Reah asked, her

purse on the floor and slid into the chair across from her. M

let out a slow breath, as if she was preparing hers

t. I'm not ready for this, Reah. I can't-" I stop

oment, she spoke again, her tone quieter now, almost like she was

what to think about him. We didn'

ng I couldn't quite read. "Shantex, you need to listen to me, because this is

What do you mean? What

deciding how much to reveal. "Alex

The man was a legend, the ruthless boss of the Lucas crime empire. The stories s

r?" I whispered, the words barely

pire is huge, I mean it. The power, the money, the connections... all of it. Alex is part of that world, whether he want

ld passion with was the heir to a criminal empire. Suddenly, my situation didn't feel

eans, baby girl. This isn't just about you anymore. It's about that kid inside

dn't just let this go. I couldn't ignore what had happened, what this meant. For me.

y heart was already racing, but now there was something new inside me-determination. "I'm going t

yes that warned me. "Just be careful, Shantex. You're

rld I knew was small. And

r with the weight of my father's presence. Estavon sat in his high-backed chair like a king o

stinct coldness. "The name Lucas carries weight, for the empire I laid do

r. "I didn't ask for it, Dad. I never wanted this. The 'empire' th

e growled. "You think anything out there in the world will ever give you peace? You think anyone will see you as anyth

elow, the city lay spread, the lights glittering like a false promise. "I didn't choose

Lucas. Every decision you make will affect the family, the business, all I have worked

your lifetime controlling everything about everyone surrounding you. You have made them walk to

ike a predator in calculation, giving me the shivers. "Soon enough, you'll see, Alex," he said, softer now but with

of the estate's staff, stepped inside. He had a calm, unreadable express

sharp with curiosity, but he said nothing. I nodded to

ing study, though it still left a bad taste in my mouth. The gist of whoeve

foyer, I came to a

ould attract attention just by being there. Her hairstyle was up and her makeup was minimal but tight. The look of that old jacket told

econd to recov

tation, maybe even a flicker of doubt. But it was gone as quick

ws knitting together. "W

rs, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Nice place. I guess I shoul

my tone firmer now,

yes with me, her expression hardening.