When Love Breaks by Jack

Then, with a nonchalant stretch, he gulped down the last of his coffee, slammed the mug on the table, and declared, “Well, Ms. Webster, you’d better keep that backdoor open for me. If things go south, I’m coming back to crash with you.”

“Uncle!” Off to the side, Ike, who was sipping on his hot chocolate, gave him a reproachful look, pouting, “Don’t you have work today?”

Gregory’s face softened momentarily before shooting Ike a sharp glance, “Little brat, tired of me already?”

Ike huffed, “When you’re here, Jane’s all yours!”

And with that, Gregory was effectively chased out.

After seeing Gregory into the elevator, the little tyke clambered up to me, planting a wet kiss on my cheek, “Jane, who do you love more, me or Uncle?”

I couldn’t help but laugh, “I love you, of course.”

But I love your uncle more. I thought.

…

The night was serene, and the top-tier RiverCity Club basked in its tranquility amidst a bustling neighborhood. Membership was exclusive, and a card could set you back a sum in the six figures.

was on the tab. And

alone drew a stark line between the classes, leaving

as one of the club’s waitresses, nodding in approval yet double-checking, “You remember what you’re

“I do.”

face was calm, yet there was a chill

to become

liking, you’ll want for nothing. But fail, and well, you know the stakes.” The woman’s hands trembled slightly by her side, aware she had

in a single-parent home, her mom was all she had, battling heart disease without the funds

her mom’s condition

but money didn’t grow on trees Alaric approached her

was to seduce the man rumored to shake RiverCity with a

allure to a man of such

Alaric seemed confident, urging her

knocked and entered the

one was subdued. Without seeing faces, she

mere presence, so commanding and sharp, made it clear

barely acknowledging her, “Just

“Okay.”

Steven

so did Bryant,