Chapter 25 "Annette Lombardo Found Alive." Photos leaked of me pale in a hospital bed, IV stuck in my arm, nurses tending to me. Except it wasn't me. That was Edwardo's bluff. He planted the story, spread the lie, kept enemies guessing where I really was. In truth, I was tucked away in one of our safe estates, ribs aching, throat raw from saltwater, guarded like a queen in exile. Vince refused to leave, bruised, bandaged, still teasing me like the bastard he was. "Don't smirk too much, Annette. You look like a villain in one of those old films." I smirked harder. "Good. Let them fear me." Three days later, the lawyers and accountants confirmed it. Every last holding, every property, every cent the Andersons once held was legally mine. The media lost its mind. "Anderson Fortune Now Controlled by Lombardo Heiress." "Heiress Too Young, Too Reckless, Too Dangerous?" The pundits debated my worth like I was some stock to be traded. And that's when I decided enough. I called the press myself. I stood in front of cameras, my voice cold and sharp. "I don't inherit," I said, looking straight into the lens like I was staring down the whole damn world. "I reclaim what was always mine." And for the first time, they all shut up. While Rufus? They strapped Rufus to a hospital bed, cameras caught it all. The once golden heir of the Andersons, reduced to a shaking wreck, screaming my name until his throat gave out. The news ran it on loop like some twisted horror film. "Once Golden Heir, Now Fallen Prince." I went once. Quiet, no entourage, no announcement. Just me behind the glass, watching the shell of the man who once swore he loved me. His hair matted, eyes wild, voice hoarse as he screamed, "Annette! Annette! Come back to me!" I didn't go inside. I didn't speak. I just watched, my hand cold against the glass. This is not victory, I thought. This is pity. Then I turned and walked away, his voice still echoing after me like a ghost that refused to die. Peace came slowly. Rivals circled, but Edwardo, sharp as ever, started cutting deals, drawing lines in blood and ink to settle truces that would last. For the first time in years, I felt the air ease in my lungs. It was a late evening when Vince came to me. No flowers, no theatrics, just us sitting on the balcony with the city lights flickering beneath us. "1 'Annette," he said, voice steady but soft, "I've fought beside you, bled for you, nearly drowned 2/2 100.0% 11:44 am with you. This time... I'm asking to stay. For good." I stared at him, his hand holding mine, no ring yet, just warmth and promise. "This time," he whispered, "I will never let go." I laughed, shaking my head because he was terrible at speeches. "You know, for a Lombardo, that was weak." "Say yes before I change my mind, woman." "Yes," I said, smiling for real, for once. "Yes, Vincenzo Lombardo." The media went wild. Heiress Lombardo Marries Vincenzo Lombardo, Adopted Son of Edwardo. Cameras flashing, headlines screaming, everyone waiting for me to stumble. I didn't stumble. My gown was scarlet silk, sharp enough to wound with just a look. Vince in black, dangerous, even smiling. Peter, the best man, smirked at me before we walked out. "Careful, queen," he whispered, fixing my veil. "One bad step and the world will see your panties." "Shut up, Peter," I muttered, but I laughed. The ceremony was short, brutal, and beautiful. Paparazzi caught me and Vince walking out hand in hand, fire in our eyes, empire under our feet. Defiant. Untouchable. Peter clapped us both on the back. "Finally tied the noose, huh boss?" "It's a ring, not a noose, Vince growled. Peter grinned at me. "Depends who's wearing it. The queen just upgraded to empress." I actually laughed so hard champagne almost spilled down my dress. - Years later. Lombardo villa. Sea breeze. Children's laughter filling the garden. Our children. Mine. Alive. Whole. A sound the Andersons will never know again. Vince poured us wine, sat beside me on the terrace, his arm heavy across my shoulders. "We did it, Bella," he murmured, watching the kids chase each other in the sun. I leaned into him. "No, Vince. I did it. You just refused to let me die." He smirked. "Details." Peter strolled past with sunglasses, files under his arm, still working, still too cocky. He saluted me with his drink. "Queen, your empire is stable. Don't burn down any more estates, okay?" I rolled my eyes. "Get out of my sight before I make you babysit." The kids laughed louder. Wine tasted sweeter. My heart, finally, was still. The world kept gossiping. They still speculated about me, the legend, the villain, the survivor. Let them. I leaned back in Vince's arms, kids screaming joy in the garden, empire secure. I won. And I lived. E.N.D Dear Hushand I Don't Love Yaii Anumaral In "Someone Loved is Never Lost" by CrushReel, readers are immersed in a captivating CEO drama that explores the intricacies of love, loss, and redemption. Set against the backdrop of corporate power struggles and personal relationships, this ongoing novel delves deep into the lives of its characters as they navigate the complexities of both the boardroom and the heart. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and resilience intertwine with complex character dynamics, making for a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. CrushReel's unique storytelling style brings a fresh perspective to the CEO genre, offering a blend of emotional depth and strategic intrigue that sets this novel apart from others in its category. What makes "Someone Loved is Never Lost" special is its ability to seamlessly blend high-stakes corporate drama with heartfelt human connections, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels. Available to read at CrushReel, this novel promises a literary experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating each new chapter.