***Joe's POV***

"Don Rodriguez has proposed an alliance" Carl said barging into my study.

"Took him long enough" I smirked. "I always knew I could win him over"

Carl patted my shoulder.

"You're one proud man, Joe, meanwhile I bumped into Miranda on my way here, she says you won't speak to her."

I sighed.

"And?"

"And? She's your fiancee, you can't keep doing this, you used to obsess over her. What happened? Ever since Megan..."

"Don't mention that name here, Carl."

He shook his head.

"You're indeed proud, ever since she left you've not truly been happy, you finally got all you wanted, Megan out of the way, The empire and Miranda in your life but yet you look so down."

I sighed, maybe he was right. Ever since Megan left I've been filled with nothing but emptiness and regrets.

I thought I hated her, thought I didn't care but each time I kept finding myself secretly searching for her, but her whereabouts were unknown, I felt so empty without and yet I couldn't bring myself to admit it.

"Cut the crap, Carl and go back to work"

He shook his head walking out. Deep down I knew he was right but I was too scared to admit it, I treated Megan too harshly back then so how then was I supposed to admit I was worried about her.

I wondered if she were alright now or if she had ended up in any trouble, I searched all over town, no dead body were identified as her, which meant she was still alive but her whereabouts still unknown.

Her supposed family didn't care much about her whereabouts which was odd, Miranda had told me when we were teens that Megan was the most loved child, while she was the least favored and that Megan had always taken that chance to bully her but now thinking about everything, I feel like I was decieved.

I had mistreated her and treated her poorly when she was always the least favored child.

I missed her so much.

***Megan's POV***

The veil draped over my face fluttered slightly as the jet descended, the lights of the runway slicing through the dark sky like blades. I adjusted the thin black fabric, tucking it securely behind my ear as I gazed out of the tinted window. We were here. Back in the States. Back where everything had begun... and ended.

My fingers rested calmly on my lap, black leather gloves shielding the tremble that threatened to surface. But I didn't shake. Because I wasn't that woman anymore.

The desperate girl who once ran into the night, heart bleeding and soul in shreds, was long gone. She had died six years ago. Megan, he one who begged to be loved, who waited for Joe in cold dinner tables and empty bedrooms had vanished.

Now, only one remained. The fearless Boss Lady.

The engines whirred to a low hum as the private jet touched down with practiced ease. A smooth landing, no turbulence. Just like the life I had created over the years, calculated, guarded, without chaos. Or so I told myself.

As soon as the door opened, the crew scurried to position, lining up respectfully, heads bowed. But none dared step forward first.

Kai Slayer did.

He emerged, tall, lean, dangerously composed. He had no tie on, a dark gray suit, and sleeves rolled halfway, tattoo peeking from his forearm. His presence demanded silence, and he knew it. He was no longer just my boss. He was the king of the underground, and every bit as feared as his name promised.

He descended the stairs slowly, scanning the area like he always did, eyes cold, every sense alert.

Then, behind him, two tiny figures appeared at the doorway, little curls, green eyes just liie Joe's, solemn expressions.

My boys.

Ethan's grip on the rail was firm, like he understood the weight of where we were.

Cole blinked against the wind, his hand seeking mine without looking.

I stepped down behind them.

One after the other, I moved, every stride deliberate, every blink rehearsed. The veil shielded half my face, but I didn't need it to hide.

I wore silence like armor now.

My hand swept slightly to the side, an instinct more than thought. I positioned myself between the boys and the world.

At the bottom of the stairs, a black SUV idled, doors swung wide open.

I didn't hesitate.

Kai opened the door wider and stood aside, watching as I ushered the boys in.

"Thanks, Kai," I murmured, keeping my eyes ahead.

His gaze was unreadable. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I didn't fly across the world to play it safe," I replied. "Joe is still breathing, isn't he?"

A smile ghosted his lips. "Yeah. Unfortunately."

Ethan stared out the window, Cole leaned against my side and dozed off. Kai spoke only once, to ask if I wanted the longer route or the discreet one.

"Straight home," I said.

Home.

It felt strange calling it that.

*****

My mansion rose like a glass tower, clean and silent. The moment we entered, security systems clicked into place, automated locks blinking green. No one would get in without my permission.

Inside, the space was warm, with dark wooden floors. It was elegant, safe, and most importantly, child-friendly. But behind the luxury, there were guns in drawers, panic buttons under tables, cameras in mirrors. I had designed it that way. Just in case.

Ethan ran straight for the window, pressing his small palms to the glass.

"Mommy! We can see the whole world from here!" he yelled.

"Is there food?" Cole asked, my foodie baby.

I couldn't help the small smirk. "There's everything."

I watched them a moment longer before turning to Kai, who stood by the entrance with a brown envelope in his hand.

He extended it toward me. "Everything's in there-papers, IDs, school records, clean backgrounds."

I took the envelope, flipping it once in my gloved hand before gripping it tight.

"Perfect," I said.

*****

I stood by the window hours later, alone, holding a half-full glass of whiskey.

My reflection stared back at me. My face was flawless, makeup barely moved, lips red like blood and eyes lined with the same coldness I had built into my bones.

I wanted to look like everything they said I couldn't become. Powerful. Beautiful. Untouchable. And most importantly, Feared.

Six years ago, I had been crawling in the dirt of Joe's indifference, heart in shreds, begging to be enough.

Now, I was Lady M.

No one dared speak unless I allowed them. No man could reduce me again. Not Joe. Not anyone.

I took another sip.

My heart almost skipped.

"Mama!"

Ethan's voice rang through the space, footsteps racing toward me.

I turned just in time to catch them, both of them, in their matching pajamas, wide smiles on their sleepy faces. Cole clung to my leg like a cat, and Ethan looked up at me expectantly.

"Come read us bedtime stories," Cole said, tugging at the hem of my dress.

"Of course, honey," I said, stroking his hair. "Let's go."

But Ethan didn't move.

"Mom..." he started, hesitating.

I paused.

"Yes, baby?"

He stared at the floor for a second, then back at me. "Is our dad here?"

Everything stopped.

My heart froze. The much dreaded questions were back.

"What dad?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral.

"Well..." Ethan looked unsure. "You always told us our dad was far, far away. And now we're so far away too. So... is he here?"

For a split second, I forgot how to lie.

I crouched down to meet them, brushing Cole's hair back gently, looking between their eyes-those same green eyes I used to love on a man who shattered me.

I couldn't tell them.

So I smiled.

"Why don't we go have some late-night snacks first," I said. "Then we can talk about this tomorrow, okay?"

Cole lit up instantly. "Yay! Snacks!" he shouted, already running toward their room.

Ethan lingered, still staring at me like he knew I was hiding something. But then, he followed his brother without another word.

I rose slowly, placing the half-empty glass on the table, and exhaled quietly.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'd decide whether the truth was worth it.

***Megan's POV***

"Ethan, Cole, darling, come over here" I called out to my boys who were all dressed up.

"Momma, where are we going again?" Ethan shrugged.

"Darling, we're going to somewhere fun, where you'd get to meet new friends."

"You mean school?"

"Yes, school" I said grabbing his cheeks, he pouted his lips. I turned to find Cole folding his arms and standing at a corner.

"Cole, honey, what's wrong?"

He shook his head.

"Nervous?"

"Well... a little, meeting new friends is fun but I'm sad."

"Why?" I said adjusting his collar. "Don't be so sad, okay, your new friends would love to meet and you don't want them seeing a sad face do you?"

He shook his head.

"Good, now let's put on a bright smile..."

"And go conquer the world!" They shouted in unison, lifting their little hands in triumph.

"That's right!"

They had on their new school uniform and were looking sharp as ever. Backpack all packed and ready for a fresh start.

I ushered them into the waiting car, Kai had offered to get me some guards but I didn't want the attention in this new town, besides the boys hated the crowd.

Just a driver and a caretaker were enough due to my very busy schedule combining as a mom, being Lady M. and my new business Raven Vogue.

For today I was driving my kids to their new school by myself.

I made my way to Moore academy and I must say, Kai really outdid himself.

"Woah.." Cole was the first to react, I smiled lightly.

"Uncle Kai really gives his all out for you boys doesn't he?"

"Momma, this school is too big!" Ethan gasped, his tiny face pressed to the car window.

Cole nodded slowly, eyes wide. "It looks like a castle."

I smiled, getting out of the car while holding their hands as we walked past the gates. "It's not a castle, my love, but it's a place where you'll learn and grow. Remember what we said? New friends, new smiles."

We were greeted warmly by one of the teachers, a kind woman with glasses who crouched to their level. "Welcome, Ethan and Cole! We're so happy to have you here."

The boys gave shy nods. Ethan hid a grin while Cole clung tightly to my hand. I bent down and kissed their foreheads.

"You'll be fine, okay? Mommy has to go to work now, but I'll check on you later. Be brave."

Ethan puffed his little chest. "I'll protect Cole."

Cole frowned. "I don't need protection."

I chuckled, ruffling their hair. "Both of you protect each other. That's how it should be."

After handing them over to their class teacher, I lingered a moment longer, watching them settle into their seats. They looked so small, yet I knew they carried my whole world in them.

Taking a deep breath, I left the school. My heart tugged, but I reminded myself this was the start of something beautiful.

I pulled out my phone and dialled Kai's number.

"Meg" his voice rang out. "Settled the boys in?"

"Yea... they seem to love it here, thanks Kai, for all you do."

"Come-on, it's nothing, they're just like sons to me you know."

I cleared my throat.

"So, about the caretaker you would be getting for the boys, I'd like to interview her myself."

"That's alright, you should come over to the warehouse by 9 then. You could meet her there."

"What? A caretaker who knows about my identity?"

"Don't worry about that, you'll know why when you see her."

"Alright, if you say so, got to go now, got some business to handle."

"Ciao"

*****

***Narrator's POV***

The day went by quickly at Moore Academy. Children played, laughed, and scribbled in their new books. By the closing bell, the halls were filled with chatter as parents and caretakers came to collect their little ones.

Ethan and Cole waited quietly on a bench near the fountain. Their driver had been delayed in traffic, so the twins swung their little legs and hummed a song they both made up.

Just then, a tall, older man in an elegant suit walked through the yard. His face carried the marks of age, wisdom, and power. It was Don Julian. Joe's father.

He had come to speak with the school board about a charity project. But as he passed by the fountain, his steps slowed. His keen eyes softened when they landed on the two boys sitting together.

Ethan spotted him first and whispered to his brother, "Look, Cole. That grandpa looks really rich."

Cole blinked. "And scary."

Don Julian couldn't help but chuckle. Something about the twins pulled him closer. He walked up and stopped before them.

"Hello, boys," his deep voice rumbled kindly. "Why are you sitting here all alone?"

Ethan tilted his head. "We're waiting for our Mom."

Cole, more cautious, studied him. "Who are you?"

Don Julian's lips curved into a rare smile. "Just an old man passing by. But I must say, you two look very... familiar."

The twins glanced at each other, clueless but curious.

"You talk like a boss," Ethan said innocently.

Don Julian raised a brow, surprised at the boy's straightforwardness. "And what makes you think that?"

"Because everyone around here looks busy, but you walk like you own the place," Ethan replied, grinning.

Cole tugged at his brother's sleeve. "Don't be rude." Then, looking up at Don Julian, he added softly, "Sorry, sir."

The old man chuckled, the sound deep and genuine. "No need to apologize. Your brother is very observant."

He crouched down so he was closer to their level, his eyes studying their faces. The brown hair, those green eyes, so familiar it made him uneasy.

"What are your names?" he asked gently.

"I'm Ethan," said the bolder one, pointing proudly to his chest. "And this is Cole. He doesn't talk much."

Cole frowned. "I do talk."

Don Julian smiled at their playful bickering. "Ethan and Cole... strong names. How old are you?"

"Five," they said together, their voices almost identical.

He nodded slowly, his thoughts racing, though his face remained calm. Five years old. That would mean...

The caretaker finally hurried over, bowing quickly when she saw him. "Sir Julian, my apologies. Their driver is almost here."

Don Julian straightened, giving her a polite nod. Then he turned back to the boys, his expression softening once more. "Be good, Ethan and Cole. And remember..." He tapped a finger lightly to Ethan's chest, then Cole's. "Courage and kindness will take you far."

Both boys smiled, though they didn't fully understand.

As he walked away, something lingered in Don Julian's heart. Maybe he was just an old man but he definitely wasn't clueless, those boys reminded him of a younger Joe.

**Megan's POV**

As usual, I slipped into my disguise for mafia-related business: a black catsuit and thigh-high stiletto boots, pulling on my black veil.

I descended the mini stairs in the back of the children's room-stairs no one would ever suspect led anywhere serious. I punched an invisible button on the high end of the wall, and an underground route opened. Below, an underground garage was filled with all types of bikes from around the world. I stepped into my favorite one, which I called the Ravenclaw, sleek and black like a predator at night, just like me.

I zoomed off in one go, the engine roaring behind me.

An hour later, I arrived at the warehouse, and of course, Kai's bike, Viper, was already parked in the garage, indicating he was inside.

I pushed open the large warehouse doors and almost caught Kai's men off guard. The ones on alert had already pulled out their pistols, pointing them at the open door.

I stepped in proudly, and they lowered their weapons when they realized it was just me.

"Hold fire!" Anton, Kai's right-hand man, hissed as he stepped down from the stairs. "Welcome, Lady M."

I walked into the building, glaring at each man as they bowed their heads. They feared and revered me, and I, in turn, enjoyed their respect, even if I never showed it.

"Next time," I glared, "think before you aim. I'd hate to stain my boots with your brain matter."

"Apologies, boss."

"No disrespect," the men muttered.

Anton stepped forward, bowing his head slightly. "Forgive the boys, Lady M. We weren't expecting company."

"Apology accepted. Back to work," I motioned to the men, then turned to Anton. "Where's the boss?"

"In his office."

I nodded and climbed the stairs that led to Kai's office while the men returned to their tasks, Anton barking orders at them.

After ringing Kai's doorbell once, the doors opened immediately. I walked in, my eyes landing on the lady who was sitting with her back to the door. My mind raced through many reasons why Kai would bring the caretaker into the warehouse, but I trusted his judgment.

He rose to his feet when he saw me.

"M, you arrived just in time. Meet the caretaker."

The lady stood and turned to face me, and my eyes widened under the veil in shock. The caretaker was none other than Katie, my helper back at Joe's place.

I held back a gasp and smirked at Kai. "You always leave me astonished each time, boss."

"It's a trademark," he smirked back.

"Katie, meet your new boss."

"Hi, lady..."

I sighed and took off my veil. "Hi, Katie."

"Ms!" She sprinted toward me but then held back. I smirked and opened my arms wide; she ran into my embrace, then stepped back, staring at me in amazement.

"I can't believe this, Ms. Meg."

"That's right."

"You look so... different, and gorgeous yet so... fierce," she whispered. "I'm so happy you're alive."

"Why, did Joe publish that I was dead?"

She shook her head, closing her mouth in shock. "Wow."

"Come on, let's sit and catch up; it's been so long." My eyes felt teary, but I tried my best to hold back the tears.

Kai excused himself like a gentleman, hinting that he would be back in an hour to discuss business.

******

An hour later, Katie and I were laughing and drinking wine when Kai finally walked in.

"Time for business, ladies," he said, addressing us as he took a seat and pulled out some documents.

"So, Katie, you'll be starting a new job as Ethan and Cole's caretaker, and you'll need to move in with Meg here at her place. You must remain discreet about this job; no one must know you're working with her."

Katie mimed locking her lips. "My lips are sealed."

"They have to be, or you know what my men can do," Kai chuckled, but I knew that wasn't a joke. Kai didn't play around when it came to Ethan and Cole. Even though we trusted Katie, he wouldn't spare her if she betrayed us. I shook my head at him, signaling that he shouldn't joke like that.

"So, Katie, any questions?"

"Yes... when can I see my little ones?"

We both chuckled.

"You can start work now if you're ready, or tomorrow, and then you can meet them."

"I'm ready; my things are packed."

I smiled and turned to Kai. "Can you have Anton prepare us a ride? I'll drive."

He nodded and punched his keys on the desktop in front of him.

When I rode my bike here, it was with the intention of rejecting whoever Kai had prepared. No matter how much I trusted him, I couldn't allow a stranger who knew about both my private and mafia life to take care of my kids. That would be putting them in danger. But with Katie, I felt assured and safe for the first time in a long while. I finally had someone from my past who shared my experiences and truly understood what I had gone through.

It felt surreal to see her again; I had searched everywhere for her as soon as I landed, and somehow, Kai found her right away.

While catching up, she admitted she had left weeks after I did. Joe had surprisingly searched all over for me. He had turned into an even fiercer beast, becoming more reckless than ever. Then he engaged Miranda, only to cheat on her like the jerk he had always been.

It was no surprise he did that to her; after all, she was one of his many women.

What annoyed me was that he used my departure as an excuse to become even more reckless, hurting those around him.

I hated him even more.

As Katie and I made our way back home through a normal route, I couldn't help but wonder why he suddenly cared. I guess the saying goes, "You never know the value of what you had until you lose it," whatever that means.

What Katie didn't know was that the kids were his. I couldn't let anyone know about their true paternity- not now, nor ever. I never wanted Joe or anyone related to him in their lives.

I was going to protect them at any cost.