Chapter: 25TerraThe guards gave only cursory acknowledgment of my departure on foot, long accustomed to my moonlit ramblings when sleep proved evasive.For once Nathan's overprotectiveness played in my favour - he rarely sent escorts to trail my steps anymore, trusting the estate's security and my own combat expertise. As long as I returned before first light, I would attract no suspicion.The brisk autumn air helped clear the jumbled anxiety and anger churning through me as I slipped through the shadowy woods with directionless urgency. Crunching leaves and hooting owls soothed my restless spirit. Out here surrounded only by towering pines standing silent witness, the suffocating estate politics and posturing retreated some. I could breathe.But wandering aimlessly brought me no true peace. My feet carried me along the winding trail out of the forest toward town before I fully registered where I was headed.Passing the sleepy village outskirts, I made straight for the one place my soul most l
Last Updated: 2024-10-20
Chapter: 24Terra"How about some fresh air, Alpha? A change of scenery could lift your spirits," I suggested gently.Nathan straightened from his slumped position in the chair by his father's bedside, alertness returning to his exhausted features. He scrubbed a hand roughly over his face before giving me a grim nod."You're right, of course. I've been cooped up here for too long. Will you sit with him a bit? I don't like leaving him unattended for long."I clasped Nathan's shoulder and offered an encouraging smile. "Of course. Take a decent walk to clear your head. Your father is resting well - I'll watch over him."Nathan's answering look held a world of unspoken gratitude. He had scarcely left the former Alpha's side since we brought him stabilised but still frail back to the estate from the city hospital. The ordeal had clearly taken an immense toll on Nathan's own health. But his stubborn devotion as guardian remained tireless.After Nathan departed with the last few instructions on medicati
Last Updated: 2024-10-20
Chapter: 23But late one afternoon, Nathan reluctantly agreed to take a brief walk outside at my urging. The fresh air would restore his own depleted energy, and I could slip away for a few hours knowing the former Alpha rested stable and secure.I hastily scribbled a vague note about following up on a supply request since full transparency about my destination remained impossible for now.Nathan's hard-won trust felt too fragile to test with the truth. The knot of deception in my gut twisted sharply, but I forced myself out the door. I would unravel that tangled web later - right now my boys needed me.I took the winding forest backroads, windows down and hair whipping wildly around my face. The cool pine-scented breeze helped settle my frenzied thoughts as I neared the secluded valley town I now called home.Too soon the charming log cabin tucked against a hillside emerged into view, plumes of fragrant smoke already wafting cheerfully from the chimney. My heart swelled at the welcoming sight. I
Last Updated: 2024-10-20
Chapter: 22.TerraAs the steady beep of the heart monitor filled the quiet hospital room, I let out a long breath. The former Alpha's condition had finally stabilised after days of touch-and-go uncertainty. Modern medicine had worked its magic under my and Collins' attentive care.Nathan kept vigil at his father's bedside, features softening almost imperceptibly in relief. No words were needed to express our shared hopes kindled anew. For now, the ever-present shadows had receded.I slipped outside to update Derek and Lianna, the estate's leadership needing assurance their beloved former leader was on the mend. Their stoic relief echoed my own churning emotions. Sleep could wait a bit longer.With the crisis tempering for now, my thoughts turned to the three bright souls I had missed dearly through this ordeal - my rambunctious boys. Collins' steady updates and photos had lifted my spirits, but nothing could replace holding them close.I decided I had earned a quick ride home to see my family.
Last Updated: 2024-10-20
Chapter: 21NathanDawn's fragile light filtered into my quarters, At odds with the grim mood fogging my mind. I sat slumped at my desk, papers strewn half-finished. Thoughts kept drifting to my father's declining health, despite my best efforts to bury myself in Alpha duties.His condition plagued my steps like a shadow as I went through the motions of leadership. Reviewing land disputes and reports from allied packs now seemed meaningless formalities. Father's time grew short, and I was powerless to stop fate's cruel hand.A knock interrupted my brooding. I straightened as Derek entered, his assessing gaze missing nothing."You're looking rough, Alpha. Everything alright?"I forced a dismissive wave. "Nothing, some fresh air and exercise won't cure it."Derek's raised brow showed he saw through my deflection. But he simply briefed me on the day's tasks and packed matters requiring attention before departing. I envied his stoic focus. My thoughts roiled like stormy seas.As we walked to breakfas
Last Updated: 2024-10-20
Chapter: He Was Going Through a LotTerraFor the past days Lily has been taking me out, catching on old times.Like yesterday we went out today too.The setting sun cast an ethereal golden glow across the sky as Lilly and I strolled slowly back into town after our fun-filled day together.Despite the autumn evening chill setting in, warmth blossomed in my chest. Spending these precious hours with my dearest friend again after so long apart felt like a gift.Lilly chattered away happily, filling me in on the latest happenings around town and her family. I was content to simply listen, interjecting now and then with a laugh or question. Being around her lively, upbeat spirit never failed to lift my own mood.As we ambled down the quiet lamp-lit streets, our conversation drifted to reminiscing about carefree childhood adventures we once shared.Like the summer we were convinced we could fly, so we climbed up on the barn roof with makeshift feathered wings tied on. Thank the goddess our foolish eight-year-old selves only e
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Their Domineering Son-in-law
I blinked behind my glasses, stunned and confused. "Did I...do something wrong? If so, I'm sorry..." "No need to apologize," Helen cut in, frost edging her cultured voice. "You've done nothing wrong, Tristan. Except be complacent." I frowned, feeling cold dread creeping through my veins. "What do you mean?" Vivian released a short, harsh sigh, as if disgusted by my ignorance. "Must we spell it out? This marriage clearly isn't working anymore. You lack ambition. I've simply outgrown you at this point. I'm doing what's necessary and best for myself by letting you go." Her icy words slammed into me like a physical attack. I stared at her lovely face I had once adored so much, now cold and remote, trying to make sense of what she was saying. Letting me go? Was she saying... Linda held out a crisp legal envelope to me. Hands shaking, I accepted it from her polished nails. The contents confirmed my worst fears - divorce papers, all drawn up and ready for my signature. My eyes scanned the conditions outlined within. The terms were heavily skewed in Vivian's favor. "This...says I would get nothing," I murmured in stunned disbelief. "No alimony, no remaining rights to shared assets or property..." "Naturally," Linda replied coolly, inspecting her manicure. "You contributed absolutely nothing of value to this marriage financially. Therefore, you should leave with what you brought to it - nothing."
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Chapter: the heirBack stiff as forged iron beneath her glittering gown, she scanned the crowd until she located Pine smoking a thin cigar in a far corner, watching her react to the news with undisguised amusement.Very well then. He wished to manipulate and provoke her? She would show him that particular game worked both ways. Approaching him slowly, she plucked the cigar from his fingers and brought it delicately to her own mouth, holding his smoldering gaze all the while. She took one long, slow drag, tilting her head back to exhale a graceful plume of fragrant smoke. When she handed back the cigar, Pine’s eyes had gone molten. Excellent. His hungry reaction galvanized her confidence. No matter who currently had the upper hand, she possessed weapons of her own in this duel with the billionaire power broker. Stepping nearer, Vivian traced one fingernail lightly down the lapel of his tailored suit. “I believe we have some negotiations yet to conclude tonight, you and I,” she purred silkily. Pine i
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Chapter: The Devil's BargainVivian storms out of the failed boardroom coup, still reeling but determined to regain control. Shemeets with her leadership team and remaining loyal department heads to stabilize operations andstem the bleeding from the PR crisis fallout. Implementing austerity measures and tapping emergency reserves keeps the company solvent fornow, but Vivian needs a bold move to secure Hayes Cosmetics' future. She sets her sights oncourting billionaire investor Russell Pine - whose recent hostile takeover of a struggling Avalontech firm grabbed headlines. Vivian pours through every scrap of information on the reclusive financier. She learns Pine has apenchant for beautiful women and enjoys mingling with Avalon's celebrity socialites when notsequestered doing shadowy deals. Vivian has her assistant book her a breathtaking designergown for the upcoming Emerald Gala event she knows he will be attending a few weeks out.She will insinuate herself into his good graces using every all
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Chapter: Ashes of EmpireThe click of my heels echoed hollowly across the gleaming floors of the Hayes Cosmetics headquarters. The familiar sound used to fill me with purpose and pride. Now it only served as a mocking reminder of ambitions collapsing around me. I swept past the offices and cubicles where my employees dutifully kept their eyes averted. The Board meeting disaster had eroded what little confidence remained in my leadership after the catastrophic loss of the Hamilton deal. My kingdom was crumbling swiftly into ashes before I could grasp at solutions.And now the latest tidings of my public humiliation had arrived to grind salt deeper into barely scabbed wounds - Tristan had left Avalon behind entirely after our bitter divorce. Likely he assumed the airing of our dirty laundry had sufficiently ruined my prospects here as petty recompense. Part of me hoped the news meant he would simply fade into obscurity without the wealth and connections my family name had afforded him for so long. But an insi
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Chapter: Destiny's ForgeThe amber liquid burned a fiery trail down my throat, but did nothing to warm the cold dread creeping through me. I gazed out the rain streaked window of my grandfather's study, tumbler dangling from my fingers. Somewhere out there in the darkened city, forces were aligning silently against me. I couldn't shake Alex's ominous words upon returning to the estate, his usual unflappable demeanor shaken. He had come directly from a covert meeting with the notorious gatekeeper Naomi, proxy to the shadowy titans who secretly ruled Avalon. Her message was unambiguous - the coming days would push me to my limits under trials by fire. For good or utter ruin.Behind me, grandfather brooded in his leather chair before the crackling hearth, face etched with hard lines by the dancing flames. Our empire navigated treacherous straits indeed. But still he refused to speak first, ceding the opening move to me in this newest round of appointments and power plays. The game of thrones intensified among A
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Chapter: Trial by FireThe rain came down hard on the windshield of the black town car as it drove through the dark slippery streets of downtown Avalon. In the backseat Naomi watched the blurred neon signs and headlights through the streaked glass, lost in thought. She was thinking back to the meeting just an hour ago in her office at the Pinetech Industries headquarters. Two young men had come to make her an offer, cousins of the current heir to the Sterling empire named Tristan. Their names were Brady and Blaine. Ambitious. Ruthless. They sat down in the leather chairs across from Naomi's desk and looked her straight in the eyes when they spoke. "One hundred million dollars offshore to block Tristan's latest power play," Brady had said. "Untraceable. Enough to set you and your family up in luxury for life."Naomi considered the offer. A bold maneuver. Sloppy execution but the initiative showed promise. Family in-fighting of this magnitude spelled instability in the Sterling ranks. And that could disrupt
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Chapter: A trial?The mellow burn spreading through Blaine's limbs raised his tolerance for such necessary unpleasantness a few degrees at least. Let Brady play elastic with any ethical boundaries tonight. He was only here to look receptive and lend the encounter a veneer of legitimacy anyway. And perhaps supply theOdd timely scrupulous protest to make their ultimately damning revelations seem more organically fed and hard won. Yes, Brady could damn well be the unhinged attack dog blindsiding Tristan's pretty ponies tonight. Blaine would stick to subtly poisoning the trough instead. Their mark was too shrewd to confront so openly without inciting suspicion anyway.Before his scattered thoughts could chase themselves in any more useless circles, footsteps echoing down the hallway heralded the arrival of a liveried house servant. Blaine's heart rate instantly redlined. Time to set the stage then."Sirs, your car has arrived to convey you to the Pinetech Tower for your urgent 7 PM appointment," the stuff
Last Updated: 2024-01-21
Chapter: TwentyArthur's POV After what the maid said since she didn't whisper it to my ears but out loud to our hearing, and also the gossip spread from people who were closer to our hearing range to people spread out in the hall; Gasps and murmurs spread like wildfire through the congregation.The maid's words hung in the air in silence, with whispers, and fearful expressions written all over their faces. "Antonnia, the young lady, has fallen gravely ill.""Julianne," I caught her on time before she kissed the ground like I said earlier. She turned to stare at my grip on her hand while I tightened it."You have to calm down and not injure yourself. Let's go see her together." I whispered, steadying her in case she tried to slip away from my hold, thereby causing herself danger.My face, once radiant with joy, now clouded with concern. But I swiftly composed myself, my expression turning resolute. For her, to reassure me. I appreciated her strength, but my mind reeled with worry.Antonnia, daughter
Last Updated: 2024-11-25
Chapter: NineteenJulianne's POV Arthur's eyes locked onto mine, his face inches from mine. I felt that familiar spark like heard ago at Adrien's mating ceremony, right in the hall when I was carrying trays of juice, but anger flared within me.How could I forget what he did? He took my innocence and left me vulnerable to my pack's ridicule. They shunned me, called me weak; they called me dirty and a hypocrite. He disgraced and humiliated me in front of the whole pack members, he made Adrien hate and lose his trust in meI was forced to flee l, alone, as there was nowhere to go since Adrien chased me out of the pack and scared. And when I finally tracked Arthur to his pack, what did I find? He wrapped around another woman, his lips on hers.The rejection stung. He sent me away, declared me unwanted, an omega, unworthy.Now, as Arthur's hands reached for me, I pushed him away."Don't, don't you dare touch me, Arthur," I warned, my voice firm.Arthur's eyes narrowed. "Julianne, what's wrong?"Everything
Last Updated: 2024-11-25
Chapter: EighteenJulianne POV As I stepped into Arthur's house, a sea of hostile faces greeted me. His concubines emerged from the shadows, their eyes flashing with resentment.Jasmine, in particular, glared at me with venom. Her eyes seemed to bore into my soul."What brings you here?" Stella sneered, her voice dripping with malice."Arthur's decisions are getting more ridiculous by the day because I don't understand the meaning of this cheap thing here." Angel chimed in, her tone laced with disdain.Laramie snorted. "He's lost his mind, favoring you over us, not is so dumb and stupid of him to behave in that manner."Avery's voice was barely above a whisper, but her words cut deep. "You're just a temporary distraction. He'll tire of you soon. I am not trying to break your heart so early, baby girl. He is going to tire of you soon, and when he does, he is going to bring someone else, and you will get pained."I stood tall, refusing to let their hatred intimidate me. They can go to hell for all I car
Last Updated: 2024-11-25
Chapter: SeventeenArthur's POVAs soon as Adrien left Julianne's quarter, she warned Antonia not to step foot outside the house or else she wouldn't see Arthur ever again."I will take you to a faraway land where Arthur can't reach and where you can't see him, so be a good girl and don't dare mommy by disobeying her, okay?" Julianne's smiled kissing her forehead."Yes, Mommy, do be quick; I am hungry." Antonnia whined, taking a step back into the house with the only impression of telling Julianne she would keep to her promise."Don't worry, I won't stay long where I am off to, I will be back before you know it." Julianne stood upright, Antonnia nodded and with one last stare at her mother, she banged the door.****I saw Julianne run past the side of the field where I stood watching the guard's train; I became curious and trailed her to Jeremy's office.She opened the door without knocking while I stood outside Jeremy's office, listening in on his conversation with Julianne.Julianne's voice was urgent
Last Updated: 2024-11-25
Chapter: SixteenJulianne's POV I returned to the quarters after the unspeakable behavior with Arthur. Hide demands to be the Alpha of the pack. And she already told me that she loves spending time with Arthur, he plays with her I was preparing dinner, lost in thought, of what transpired today in Arthur's room, when I noticed Antonnia slipping out of the room.At first, I thought nothing of it, but then a nagging feeling crept in. She might be heading to Arthur's place again. My heart sank.I quickly wiped my hands and called out, "And where do you think you are going, young lady?"She played deaf and dumb the first time and continue heading towards the head.My fury multiplied, and without thinking, I yelled out. "Antonia, you heard me where do you think you are going?" She froze in the doorway, turning back with a forced smile. "Yes, Mommy?"I narrowed my eyes. "Don't even dare start now, Antonnia. I asked you a question; it is best if you reply to me rather than playing your usual 'deaf and dumb
Last Updated: 2024-11-25
Chapter: FifteenArthur's POVI slammed my fist on the table, frustration boiling inside me. "How could she?" I muttered to myself. I had humbled myself and said please, and still, Julianne refused me. Her rejection stung."How could she refuse me even though with the pleading? Didn't she know it took me a lot of nerve to do so, and she just behaved like some kind of ..." I sighed, palming my face in my arms.I thought I had done everything right. I opened up, showed her my vulnerable side, and begged her to give me a chance, to give me a chance to show her in this merciless being called Arthur, there's still a chance to love someone, to care for them no matter who or what they are. But no, she still said no; she fucking said no to my face and walked off like it meant nothing to her like I did not say it.And what again did she say to Jeremy? "Kindly do me a favor, darling; I know you have a hand in all these silly changes of character in your brother; stop telling him what to do and let him feel rem
Last Updated: 2024-11-25
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