Victoria Hartmann Pov - Chapter One :
Being the eldest daughter of the famous Hartmann Company is both a blessing and a curse.
A blessing, because after my father Hector, I'm the one who runs the entire empire. And because I would do absolutely anything for my little sister Valeria and her daughter Luna.
A curse, because when things collapse... it's on me to fix them. To save us. To drag this family back to where we belong.
And that's how I ended up on my knees in front of our three major associates and investors-Paul Gadwin, Henry Salver, and Lucas Belkors-begging them to spare my father.
"I... I beg you. Please give us more time. Don't hurt my father..."
My voice broke as tears slid down my face. I had never felt so humiliated in my life.
I glanced toward Dad. He wasn't kneeling-he was collapsed on the floor beside the large decorative mirror in the office, fighting a severe stress attack. In the mirror, I saw myself: tall, short blond hair, blue eyes now filled with fear and despair.
"I'm begging you for mercy," I added, lowering myself even further. "I know we lost a lot this time, but I'll get your money back. I will. Just give me more time."
Dad's breathing worsened. I crawled to him and pulled him into my arms, crying harder. People saw him as strong, but he was fragile-almost as sensitive as Valeria. That's why I kept the company's downfall hidden from my sister. She already had enough to carry as a single mother. I couldn't burden her more.
Paul's face softened slightly, the only human expression among the three.
"He needs to go to the emergency ."
"Yes..." I swallowed hard. "I'm taking him now. But please-give us time to pay you back."
Henry scoffed, annoyed. "You have three months. If you don't bring the money-"
Lucas cut him off, his voice dark as a dagger.
"We take one of your family's lives."
My blood froze. They weren't bluffing. All three were tied to the mafia, and killing one of us-even from a powerful family-would be effortless for them.
I tightened my hold on my father, whispering desperately,
"I promise... everything will be okay in three months. I swear it."
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(Victoria's POV) :
The ambulance Sabrina sent arrived fast, and within minutes we reached Beaufort Hospital.
Sabrina rushed toward me the second the doors opened.
She wasn't just my best friend - she was my sister in every way that mattered. Petite, with long brown hair and soft doe eyes, Sabrina was the sweetest human being I knew.
She immediately checked my father's vitals.
"It's his second attack this month," she said, anxiety tightening her voice. "Dr. Adrian will take care of him. He's one of our best cardiologists, specialized in stress-induced cardiac and panic-related episodes."
"Thank you, Sabrina," I whispered. "I owe you so much."
She smiled warmly - her little dahlia and whiskey dimples making her look impossibly cute despite the situation.
A nurse guided us quickly into an examination room.
And then he walked in.
Dr. Adrian Kreutz.
Tall, broad shoulders, long dirty-blond hair tied loosely behind his head, and intense brown eyes that scanned the room with calm control. He looked like someone sculpted to intimidate and protect at the same time.
"Place him on the bed - slowly," he instructed, voice deep and steady.
We lifted my father carefully onto the hospital bed.
Adrian moved toward him with professional precision. He checked Dad's pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rhythm. His fingers moved confidently along my father's chest as he listened to his heart through his stethoscope. He asked questions - sharp, fast, focused.
"How long did the episode last?"
"Any loss of consciousness?"
"Recent headaches? Chest pressure? Fatigue?"
My voice trembled as I answered everything.
After a moment, he took a step back, his expression serious.
"There are several possible causes for repeated attacks in such a short interval," he said. "But I can't confirm anything without more tests - blood work, cardiac imaging, a stress test, possibly an MRI."
That wasn't enough.
I needed answers now.
"What do you think it is?" I asked, stepping closer. "Please, Doctor... I need to know."
He hesitated - not coldly, but because he knew the truth could hurt.
"There are three main possibilities," he finally said.
My breath caught.
"One: severe chronic stress leading to dangerous arrhythmia."
"Two: early stages of coronary artery disease."
"Three: neurological complications linked to prolonged panic attacks. But we need further examinations before assuming anything."
The words stabbed through me.
My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto the floor, the weight of everything crushing me - the company, the mafia threat, and now my father's health.
Sabrina rushed to me, hugging me tightly.
"Victoria, breathe," she whispered. "We don't know anything for certain. Please don't panic. We're here with you. Adrian is one of the best - your father is safe with him. I won't let you go through this alone."
I held onto her, shaking, tears falling uncontrollably.
Three months.
Three months to save him.
Three months to save us.
And now... I wasn't sure if I could save myself.