LOGINIvonne’s POVThe air in the building immediately turned ice cold the moment we stepped into the main offices. And no, it was not from the undoubtedly ultra expensive air conditioners.It was from all the eyes glaring at me.I could feel every single eye on me. They were all sharp, judgmental, and anything but welcoming. Every person we passed stopped what they were doing just long enough to greet Lincoln and glare at me. I could hear some Some whispering about me while Some didn’t even bother pretending to hide their sneers. Their gazes trailed over me with open disgust, like I was some kind of stain that didn’t belong in this pristine place.But I kept my chin up and pretended not to notice. It wasn’t an easy task at all. The women behind the reception desk muttered something to each other and smirked when I glanced their way. One of the men by the glass doors actually looked me up and down before shaking his head in disappointment. My pulse thudded in my ears, but I forced mys
Ivonne’s POV Soon after, Denise convinced me to wear the outfit. “You absolutely have to wear this suit,” she’d insisted after Lora brought it over.Denise thrusted it into my hands before I could even say good morning. “It’s sharp, elegant, and screams power. Exactly what you need to look like.” I’d raised an eyebrow at her then. “Denise, it’s a meeting, not a coronation.” She’d ignored me completely, holding up the white suit to my reflection. “Look at this cut. The color brings out your skin tone perfectly, and the jewelry—oh, don’t even start with me—it’s from his family collection, right? Then it’s perfect.” I’d frowned at the mention of the jewelry. The Archibald family heirlooms weren’t just accessories. They carried weight, history, and a bit of arrogance in every gleaming piece. Still, Denise had that determined look in her eyes that told me resistance was futile. “Fine,” I’d sighed. “But you’re coming to the office later. I’ll need you to gather as much info as possibl
Ivonne’s POV The soft hum of the car engine filled the silence as I sat beside Lincoln, my hands folded neatly on my lap, eyes fixed on the blur of the city outside the tinted window. He hadn’t said much since we left the manor—just the occasional clipped instruction to the driver—and honestly, I was fine with that. I had enough on my mind already. After what had happened earlier… I still couldn’t shake it off. My mind drifted back to earlier that morning—back to them. After Solenne and Viera had walked away, their mocking laughter still echoing faintly in my ears, I just stood there in the same spot for what felt like forever. My hands had been clenched so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, but I barely noticed the sting. I was too shocked—too furious—to feel anything properly. How dare they talk to me like that? Threaten me so openly in my house? It took me a few seconds to snap out of it, to remind myself that standing there like a stunned idiot wasn’t going
Lincoln’s POVMother... That was the name I saw flashing on my phone screen. I immediately froze and every cell in my body shrank in horror.This was the reflex action my body had unconsciously developed any time I heard or saw the mere mention of my mother's name. I exhaled heavily, my jaw tightening as I forced my body to relax.I had already anticipated this.Aside from the last few days, She’d been calling me nonstop ever since Grandfather died, as if suddenly she remembered she had a son. I didn’t bother answering then, and I wasn’t about to start now. I really hope she'd just give up already and leave me alone.She’d made her choice years ago, when she took the money, walked away, and sold her motherly rights for money and a yatch for she and whichever sugar baby was on her arm now. Years ago, my Grandfather had paid her generously to stay out of my life and she agreed. Best gift he ever gave me, if you asked me.She was allowed to reach out to me when she wanted and she'd
Lincoln’s POV I closed the file halfway and stared at the city lights again, my jaw tightening. That’s why Alison made sense. She didn’t hide her nature. She didn’t pretend to be sweet or selfless. She was greedy, yes — shallow, ambitious, and loud — but she didn’t lie about it. At least I knew where I stood with her. So I knew how to handle her. But with Ivonne, I had given everything. I wasn't cautious or suspicious until it was too late. I rubbed the bridge of my nose, trying to shake the heaviness in my chest. But something else still bothered me. I flipped through the documents again. Financial reports. Property transfer papers. Education certificates. Medical summaries. But— Where the hell was the DNA report? I frowned, scanning the folder again. “No, no, no. I told Alex specifically to run a genetic check…” I pulled out the cover sheet where Alex had listed everything he’d found — but under the DNA section, it was blank. Nothing. No result. No note.
Lincoln's pov Her delighted squeal returned, louder this time. “Lincoln! Oh my god, you won’t regret it! This will give me even more influence in the company, especially over that stupid little ex wife of yours.” “It's Ivonne,” I corrected sharply before realizing my mistake.Alisons breath hitched at my defensive tone and she went quiet for a bit, Then her voice got colder. “Ok, I'm going to pretend that i didnt just hear you sound protective of her , especially not after everything she's done, not after everything she has taken from you. Don’t act like you dont actually want her to pay for her crimes too.” I didn’t respond. She was right. I had only gotten defensive out of habit, but I aslo wanted Ivonne punished for what she has done. “Speaking of that witch,” Alison said slyly, “what’s your plan for your little miss Ivonne at the office today?” I smiled faintly, though there was no warmth in it. “Don’t worry about that, i have something special prepared.” “Oh, come on,” sh







