I knew it, I know you

Sleep well

Chris POV

I paced around my luxurious penthouse, the city lights casting long shadows across the room. My mind was a whirlwind of anger and jealousy. The images of Albert and Gracie together, smiling and holding hands, were plastered all over the internet. Each photo, each headline, was a slap in the face.

How dare? How dare he think he can just walk into my life and take what's mine?

Albert had a natural charm and ease that had made him a successful model without even trying.

I always felt like I was living in Albert's shadow. While I had to fight for every role, and every bit of recognition, Albert seemed to glide effortlessly from one success to another.

Like before. Like when we were friends... or more. It was just a casual thing. But Albert was always caring, cute, strong, and a popular theater kid. A jerk. A stupid jerk.

That man and Gracie together. My Gracie, with him. It makes my blood boil.

I had thrown the first punch. Albert hadn't hit back; he had just stayed on the floor of the cafeteria. Everyone laughed at him. He thought that he could get me. Albert was in love with me then. He was that weak boy you can play with. It was all his fault.

And now, seeing Albert with Gracie was the final straw.

A cruel smile spread on my face as a plan began to form in my mind. I picked up my phone and dialed a number.

-Jackson, it's Chris, - I said when the person on the other end picked up. - I need you to dig up everything you can on Albert Christian and Gracie Abrams. I want dirt, and I want it fast. Don't forget to pick my suit.

If there was something to be found, Jackson would find it.

-And Jackson, make sure you find something good. I want to ruin them. I don't care how dirty you have to get.

I hung up the phone and poured myself a drink, my mind racing with possibilities.

But that was just the beginning. I knew that to truly break them, I had to hit them where it hurt the most. Gracie's career was soaring, and Albert was becoming more influential in the fashion world. If I could sabotage their professional lives, the fallout would be devastating.

My mind flicked through my connections, thinking of people I could manipulate or bribe. I influenced the media, friends in high places, and had enough money to buy almost anyone. I would use every resource at my disposal to destroy Albert and Gracie, to make them regret ever crossing me. And the best part is that no one can stop me.

I picked up my phone again and dialed.

-James, it's Chris, - I said when the editor answered. -I have a story for you, and it's a big one. Exclusive. But I need you to handle it delicately, and I need it to look like it's coming from a reliable source.

I outlined my plan, giving just enough details to pique James's interest without revealing too much. By the time I hung up, I felt a surge of satisfaction. This was going to work. I would ruin Albert's reputation, making him a pariah in the industry. And Gracie, sweet, innocent Gracie, would be caught in the crossfire, her career tainted by association.

I took a sip of his drink, savoring the taste of victory. I knew it wouldn't be easy, and I knew it might take time. But I am patient. I had waited this long, and I could wait a little longer. I own her. She is mine. Her career is mine, everything she has is mine.

I will watch them fall, watch them suffer, and I will be there to revel in their downfall.

Enjoy your time in the spotlight. Because soon, it will all come crashing down.

I smile widened as I remembered the secret I had kept for years, the one thing that could destroy Albert's career in an instant.

And then there's Gracie. So sweet, so naïve. What if the world knew she was involved with a man like Albert? Her fans would turn on her in an instant. They will be angry about the lie.

I took another sip of my drink, feeling the familiar rush of control and power. This was my world, and I wouldn't let anyone take it from him.

Sleep well, Albert. Your nightmare is just beginning.