Jeffery stood by the window of his Manhattan penthouse, staring out at the blinding skyline, yet all he could think about was Daisy. The silence in the mansion had grown heavier since she left. It didn't matter that everything around him screamed luxury his world had tilted the moment she walked out with nothing but quiet grace and a packed suitcase.
Downstairs, the housekeeper cleared her throat gently. "Sir, there's someone here to see you. "I'm not expecting—" he paused when he heard the clicking of heels. Sharp. Intentional.
"Jeffery," Nicole's voice sliced through the air like glass. He turned slowly. She stood there in her designer coat, a million-dollar bag hanging from her wrist like a trophy. Her presence, once intoxicating, now only made his chest tighten.
"What are you doing here?"
She laughed softly, brushing a strand of her raven hair behind her ear. "Don't be so cold. I'm back in New York. And I heard you're single again."
"I'm not. Not really."
"Then where's she? Daisy, right? I don't see her in this big mansion of yours. Looks like she came to her senses."
"Leave, Nicole."
She stepped closer, voice velvet-sweet. "Jeffery, I forgave you. I'm not here to fight. I'm here because we were powerful together. And deep down… you know we still are."
But Jeffery didn't respond. His eyes didn't flicker. His silence said everything.
Nicole smiled tightly. "Don't worry. I'm not giving up. Not this time."
Daisy sat by the window of her serene condominium. It was quieter but it felt safer. A fresh start. Leo had arranged everything, made sure she had the keys, furniture, and even stocked her fridge. She hadn't asked him to, but that was Leo always silently watching over those he cared about.
She exhaled deeply, her phone buzzing.
Daisy stared at the message, her fingers frozen over the screen. Alicia asked her if she was fine. She didn't respond she just sighed
She rose and walked to the mirror, staring at her reflection. I'm not running again," she whispered.
Back at the mansion…
"Sir, shall I prepare the guest room for Miss Nicole?" the housekeeper asked cautiously.
Jeffery's jaw tightened. No. She's not staying here."But she asked for her things to be delivered. "I don't care what she asked. If anything of hers enters this house, you're fired." There was a pause. She's dangerous," he muttered. And yet… part of him knew Nicole wasn't just back for him. She was here for war.And Daisy was the target.