***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.

****Megan's POV****

I couldn't let anyone know about their true paternity.

Who was I kidding?

Ethan and Cole's striking resemblance to Joe gave them away right on the spot.

Katie and I had just gotten home quite late into the night, and the boys-who wouldn't go to bed until they saw me-were right at the door with the butler.

"Momma?" they chorused, running into my arms.

"Sweethearts!" I exclaimed, trying to lift both of them with great difficulty. "Ooh, I... I can't do it."

They giggled as I pretended to be exhausted by their weight.

"Momma, where have you been?" Cole asked, still laughing.

"Well," I said, pretending to think. "Momma went to work, but I promise I won't be this late again. In the meantime, babies, meet Katie-your caretaker."

I turned to Katie, whose mouth hung open subconsciously. I knew what she was thinking, and her guess was right.

"Hi, lovelies." Katie immediately smiled, waving at the boys. "My name's Katie, and I'll be taking care of your needs from now on when Momma gets busy."

Ethan squinted his eyes, then turned to me.

"Momma, why do we need a caretaker? Don't you like taking care of us anymore?"

"Oh, honey," I crouched to their level. "I do love taking care of my babies, but work can get really tedious sometimes, and I don't want to leave you both unattended. And... Ms. Katie here-I trust her to be with you."

"Hmmm," Cole said, stroking his chin, which almost made me chuckle. "So that means... she's going to be staying with us now?"

I nodded.

"Will you tell us bedtime stories like Momma does?" he asked, turning to Katie.

She smiled. "Of course! I could even play hide and seek with you two."

"Woah! We really love hide and seek," Ethan chimed in. "Though Cole gets scared of the dark often."

"Hey! I'm not scared-don't listen to Ethan."

"Okay," Katie said, raising her hand playfully. "Let's play on the weekend and see who gets scared of the dark. Cool?"

"Cool!" Ethan and Cole shouted, giving her a high five.

I shook my head, sneaking off to my room and leaving the boys with Katie to continue their playful argument-I could still hear their fading voices from the staircase.

"Uhm, are we to call you Auntie Katie or just Katie?" Ethan's inquisitive voice rang out, and I almost snorted.

Back in my room, I fell straight onto the bed with a heavy sigh of relief.

Today had been a really long day-from Ethan and Cole's school to a meeting with the Fernandezes, then some business I had to handle at the warehouse.

Fernandez had heard about Lady M's arrival in the States and wanted to welcome me personally. He was one of the state's most ruthless bosses downtown, and I had earned his respect.

I dialed Kai's number, and he picked up immediately.

"Hey, boss," I said.

"Meg. How are things going? Do the boys like Katie already?"

"I think so..."

"Okay, you don't sound happy. What's wrong?"

"I don't know, Kai. The boys... they make me worry."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"They look so much like Joe. With me being back in the States, and after what Katie told me about Joe, I fear he's going to come after the kids if he finds out. I can't even make up a lie because they look so much like the jerk."

Kai sighed.

"And you really think I'd let Joe take them just because they're his? Believe me, Meg, I'll never let Joe into their lives-as long as you don't let him in."

"What? I'd be crazy if I did, but then..."

"Stop worrying, Megan. If he figures out they're his-which he won't, because I won't let him-I'll protect them and you. Now stop worrying and go get some rest."

I sighed.

"It's hard to, but... goodnight. And, erm, Kai?"

"Yes?"

"Don't you think we should postpone the grand opening of Raven Vogue? With Lady M in town and me suddenly appearing out of nowhere, someone might piece things together and-"

"And there's nothing they can do about it," he interrupted. "You're Lady M, after all. Dealing with them is what we're here to do-while living a normal life."

The line went dead.

Kai was right. I was here to get revenge on all those who had wronged me, and I needed to be fierce-no matter what.

---

By morning, when I woke up, it was already late, and I panicked, calling out for the boys.

But when I went downstairs, I found them with Katie. The kids were already at the breakfast table, all dressed up and ready for school.

"Wow," I couldn't help but exclaim.

"Momma, good morning!" they chorused, flashing their cute smiles.

"My babies, I'm so sorry... I overslept."

"Don't be sorry," Ethan said cheerfully. "Auntie Katie told us not to disturb you, and she got us all ready for school!"

"Yeah!" Cole added, punching the air.

"Aww, Katie..."

"Good morning, ma'am. Your breakfast is ready," she said with a smile, pulling out a chair for me.

Honestly, it gave me a bit of nostalgia-sitting around a big table with Katie's bright smile waiting on me like an old friend.

If Joe hadn't screwed things up, then maybe... never mind. Screw that.

"Are you both ready for school already?" I asked.

"Yup," Ethan mumbled, his mouth full. "We're dressed."

"I see." I gave Katie a thumbs up, mouthing good job. She winked.

"Alright, boys. Let me get dressed, then I'll drop you off."

They nodded, getting off their seats. Katie's eyes lingered on me.

"What?" I asked, blushing slightly.

"They're his, aren't they?"

"What are you talking about?" I laughed it off, feigning ignorance.

She shrugged. "It's fine if you don't want me to know. I'll just feign ignorance."

I sighed. "Fine. It's obvious anyway. Yes, they're his."

Her mouth fell open. "How...?"

"I found out after I left. Trust me, it wasn't easy coming back here, knowing they're his entire replica."

She nodded slowly. "This is... well, expected, but still shocking. Does Joe know about them?"

"No, he doesn't-and I can't let him find out I have kids, talk less of seeing the boys."