CHAPTER 71.Cry on my Shoulder, we're in this together!His words caught in his throat as he glanced at her outfit. Rushing towards her, his eyes widened in horror. “Wh-wh-what happened here? What happened to your dress?”A torrent of tears streamed down Ivy's cheeks as she stood there, unable to explain what had just happened to her dress.Leon’s eyes swept from Ivy down to Hailey, and he saw the ink still plastered on her hand. The realization hit him like a lightning bolt: it was Hailey who had intentionally ruined the outfit.Leon's eyes widened in horror as he took in the sight of Ivy's ruined dress. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The beautiful design, the intricate details—all ruined by a splatter of blue ink. A wave of anger washed over him as he turned to Hailey, his eyes blazing.“Hailey, what did you do?” he demanded angrily. “How could you do this to Ivy? You just sabotaged everyone—the whole fashion show!”Hailey's face was red with anger, her eyes flashing with de
CHAPTER 72.I trained him better than that.As they stepped off the runway, the crowd gasped in surprise. But when they recognized Ivy and Leon walking toward them, they erupted into applause. The stained dresses were a hit, and Ivy and Leon exchanged smiles as they made their way down the runway.Once off the runway, Ivy turned to Leon, her eyes shimmering with tears. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling. "Thank you for saving me, for saving the show."Leon returned her smile, warmth radiating from his eyes. "We make a good team, Ivy," he replied. "We always have. This is as important to you as it is to me."For a moment, Ivy forgot their crazy past and pulled him into a tight hug, her face lighting up with a radiant smile.A few minutes later, the host called her out to finalize the deal and sign the last papers with Damian. She quickly slipped off her heels and headed straight outside. As she walked the runway, she glanced around, hoping to spot him in the crowd."What a silly
CHAPTER 73.He is still lost.On the night of the launch, Ivy finished taking pictures with the models and junior designers who had helped bring everything together. She headed straight to her office to pack up her things.Letting out a deep sigh of exasperation, she reached for her phone to call her driver when Leon opened the door."You don't need to do that. I'll drive you home after our dinner," he said excitedly.Ivy sighed. "I'm very sorry, Leon, but I can't go to dinner tonight. Damian didn’t attend the launch; I need to—""Find him, right?" he scoffed. "Is he a kid who would get lost? He’s Damian Forbes; he can’t get lost because everything he wears has trackers. What would you even do if he were lost?""I would do everything I can to find him!" she fired back. "He hasn’t been seen since this morning when some men escorted him out of the coffee shop due to an emergency. Since then, no one has seen him."Leon laughed. "Did my aunt say she can’t find her grandson? Is that what sh
CHAPTER 74.You’re powerless.The following morning, around 5:00 AM, Ivy was already in the sitting room. She paced back and forth, repeatedly dialing Damian's number, hoping he would finally answer. It had been twenty-four hours since he had gone missing, and he still wasn’t picking up his phone.Meanwhile, Lucas stood on the balcony of the neighboring building. Perched on the rooftop, he was a bit distant from the main building where Ivy and the others stayed. He paced nervously, his mind racing with fear and worry about how Damian was coping with the bloodletting he was enduring. Lucas was the only one in the family who knew that Madam Victoria was subjecting Damian to this horrific treatment.He couldn't fathom how she could hurt her own son in such a desperate attempt to cure his illness.As he walked, a faint cry for help reached his ears. He stopped and listened intently as the cry grew louder and more desperate. Lucas's heart raced as he recognized the voice—it was Damian's. Bu
CHAPTER 75.Please ma'am…..Let him go! Ivy froze in shock. “What are you trying to say?”“All I'm saying is that you’ve been manipulative, and he was tired of it. Maybe he traveled to clear his head for a while. Give him some days, and who knows, he might come back.”Ivy scoffed. “Is that what you think?” She rolled her eyes in frustration. “You don’t even know your son well. Damian hates traveling! He would never go away unless it’s for work. He despises flying and only boards a plane when absolutely necessary!”Her anger blazed as she schooled Madam Victoria on Damian's preferences. "You don't even know your own son! Damian only travels for work, and even then, he’s reluctant. You're his grandmother! How can you not know these things and still suggest he went on vacation?”Madam Victoria’s expression remained unfazed, her eyes glinting with a knowing light that made Ivy’s blood boil. “Oh, but that’s where you’re wrong, my dear. I know my grandson very well. He’s a grown man who can
The man smirked. “I'm sorry, sir, but you have no authority over what happens in here, so I'd advise that you leave, or I will be forced to ask them to drag you down the stairs.”Tears welled in Lucas's eyes, his shoulders slumped, and his voice quivered as he spoke. “Let him go! He might just die from the pain. Please, I'm begging!”The man's lips parted into a deep smile. He said, “This is my job, and I hope you'll let me do it without any drama. Please, Mr. Lucas, take your leave, or I'd love to help you do that by all means possible.”With that, he walked back inside the room and slammed the door even before Lucas could follow him in. Lucas hit the door and began to scream. “Open up the fucking door! Let him go! I said let him go!”After a few minutes, Damian started to scream again in agony while Lucas was still outside. He slid down the door, hunched over, shoulders trembling with silent sobs as he kept hearing Damian scream for someone to come save him.Lucas made his way back
CHAPTER.Washington DC….This is your stop! I heaved a deep sigh of relief as the plane landed at the airport. I was back to all that I hated being around. I hated the city and the game being played, but not the people.It had been weeks since Vlad left me in Italy. I just hoped his mother was fine and recovering well enough.In the past weeks, I called him, and he said that the surgery was a success, but he still needed to stay with her for the time being. He assured me that he would be back in the next two days, and I didn’t tell him I was back in Washington, D.C. either. I wanted to surprise him and stay at his house, which was just a few steps away from mine.After a long ride, the car finally pulled up on the street, and the driver helped me take my luggage into Vlad's hallway.“Thank you, sir,” I said gratefully as I made my way to his door.As I stood in front of Vlad's door, I couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement. I was finally going to surprise him, and I couldn't wa
CHAPTER.I slowly sipped my wine, my legs crossed as I fixed my eyes on the television. I heard the press secretary telling the public about the campaign shift, but that wasn't my concern anymore.I just wanted to take my father out of Washington, D.C. He might have been a criminal in his past life, but staying in a cage for over a decade is enough punishment for his crimes. I wouldn't let my mom touch a hair on his head again.My phone rang, and when I picked it up, it was my dad. “What is it, Dad?” I asked.“Everything is wrong, Taylor. I have been locked in here for over two hours now, and all I could watch is the news. I should be on a plane now. What is happening?”I sighed. “The president has refused to give you any pardon, so I'm sorry, but you'll have to stay in there until your cases are filed again.”For the next few minutes, there was a sudden silence, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in his mind. He might be my father, but he still needed to answer to the l
IVYI followed the directions to the office they had arranged for me. It wasn’t large, but it was cosy—well-furnished and equipped with everything I might need during my stay to oversee operations. Despite their efforts, I wasn’t impressed. I doubted anything associated with Leon could ever win my approval.My lack of enthusiasm stemmed from the fact that this office was provided by Leon and Hailey. I scrutinised the room for a moment before scoffing, “They can put in their best effort, but it will never be enough for me.”Meanwhile, I sensed Leon and Hailey waiting outside, anxious for my reaction. Hailey nudged Leon, who seemed lost in thought, preoccupied with his ex-girlfriend. “What’s going on, Leon?” she asked in a low voice, her frustration evident.“Hey, keep your voice down,” Leon cautioned. “We need to maintain the act until she leaves.”Hailey scoffed. “What do you mean? I can’t work with that woman! You know I can’t stand her!”Leon took her hand, fixing his gaze on her.
IVY.The following day, as soon as it was 7 AM, I was already dressed and almost ready for my visit to F&K Financials. My eyes widened with anticipation as I looked at my reflection in the mirror; my pulse quickened. Nothing else mattered right now. I couldn’t stop smiling—my whole face radiated excitement.When Casper woke up, I could swear he rolled his eyes, clearly frustrated by how early I was up. Well, I wouldn’t blame him. He was born with a silver spoon and could never imagine what it meant to grow up in New York, struggling on the streets of Seattle without parents. Just when I thought things were looking up, I met a boyfriend who turned out to be a serial cheater and abusive jerk. I doubted he ever knew the feeling of fulfilling a long-held dream.“Didn’t you check your email yesterday? I sent you your schedule for the week,” he grumbled as he climbed out of bed.“Of course I did.” I didn’t bother to look his way.“Your first stop is F&K. You’re their major shareholder, over
IVYI smiled, savoring the way I was getting on his last nerves. “Just get me wine,” I said, watching Leon scramble away. He was desperate to catch Hailey before she did something reckless. Well I didn't care if he caught up with her,I just need him to get me my wine. When I heard the door swing open , I knew I was in for some entertainment. I took a sip of my drink, feeling confident. I could only imagine the chaos I was stirring between them.Soon, the door opened, and one of the staff members brought in a bottle of wine and glasses. “Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted politely. I accepted the drink, my eyes gleaming with satisfaction as I leaned back in my chair, feeling like the queen of the office. Well I was…I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Leon and Hailey were having. Manipulating their emotions was almost too easy, and it thrilled me to think of the discord I had sown but if only they knew this is just the beginning of whatever I was planning. When they
CHAPTER.CASPER It’s barely been twenty-four hours, and the whole coast has been cleared. Leon made sure to take down all those photos and sweep away the negative narrative hovering over my name. As I scroll through the internet, my lips curl into a proud smile at how cleverly he handled it.At least now I won’t be running around like a headless chicken, answering the constituents of Parliament about why I broke such vague family rules. And as for Xavier? I’ll be sure to give him a taste of his own medicine. Did he really think he could get away with that?But for now, I choose not to focus my energy on him. My parents’ death anniversary is just a few hours away, and the whole province will be mourning their past king and queen. This will be the first time I attend the anniversary for the world to see. In previous years, the royal family mourned privately, but that changed three years ago when my grandmother decided to open it to the public. Since then, I haven’t been able to attend.
CASPER. “Of course not!” I quickly defended myself with a sharp wave of my hand.How could she label me as impotent? That was cruel, especially for a man like me. Back in high school, I remember a girl from my hostel getting pregnant, but she ended up having an abortion before she even told me. I also go for regular check-ups, so I know I’m capable of fathering children with any woman I choose.Well, I don’t care if she still doesn’t believe me; maybe she can find one of her friends to bet on how good of a man I am.“You’re potent. Then why are you using a donor?” she asked, throwing the most bitter question my way—one that always made me turn away in insecurity.Maybe I should just admit that I’m paranoid sometimes. Or should I confess that I have my own issues? If I reveal my flaws and traumas, who knows if she might change her mind about wanting to have a baby with me? I’ve been with her for weeks, trying to understand her, but opening up like this would give my brothers leverage
I smiled, savoring the way I was getting on his last nerves. “Just get me wine,” I said, watching Leon scramble away. He was desperate to catch Hailey before she did something reckless like calling her parents.Leon had made a deal with her parents' company, and they only agreed because of their relationship. I could already picture him rushing to the rooftop, where Hailey usually went to smoke and clear her head.When I heard the door swing open, I knew I was in for some entertainment. I took a sip of my drink, feeling confident. I could only imagine the chaos I was stirring between them.Soon, the door opened, and one of the staff members brought in a bottle of wine and glasses. “Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted politely. I accepted the drink, my eyes gleaming with satisfaction as I leaned back in my chair, feeling like the queen of the office.I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Leon and Hailey were having. Manipulating their emotions was almost too easy, and it t
“I don't know; it's all over the news outlets in Monaco. You're the trending topic right now, and it's that bad,” Leon continued.Casper's eyes widened in horror as he rushed outside with Leon. From his reaction, I could tell it was serious, but my mind couldn't help but wonder who had leaked those photos to the press. Casper had boldly claimed that there was no access to phones in that part of the palace. It had always been a sanctuary, keeping the royal family away from media scrutiny. But clearly, that was no longer the case—someone was trying to sabotage him.If only he had let me speak first, he would have heard the bad news from me. I wasn’t trying to be the bearer of bad news, but I had intended to tell him before that jerk snatched the opportunity away.I let out a disappointed sigh. I knew I had been cold toward him these past few days, but I didn’t want him to endure the media's scrutiny in such a negative light. I picked up the file he had meant to show me before Leon inte
# Ivy's POVI smiled, savoring the way I was getting on his last nerves. “Just get me wine,” I said, watching Leon scramble away. He was desperate to catch Hailey before she did something reckless like calling her parents.Leon had made a deal with her parents' company, and they only agreed because of their relationship. I could already picture him rushing to the rooftop, where Hailey usually went to smoke and clear her head.When I heard the door swing open, I knew I was in for some entertainment. I took a sip of my drink, feeling confident. I could only imagine the chaos I was stirring between them.Soon, the door opened, and one of the staff members brought in a bottle of wine and glasses. “Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted politely. I accepted the drink, my eyes gleaming with satisfaction as I leaned back in my chair, feeling like the queen of the office.I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Leon and Hailey were having. Manipulating their emotions was almost too ea
I smiled, savoring the way I was getting on his last nerves. “Just get me wine,” I said, watching Leon scramble away. He was desperate to catch Hailey before she did something reckless. Well I didn't care if he caught up with her,I just need him to get me my wine. When I heard the door swing open , I knew I was in for some entertainment. I took a sip of my drink, feeling confident. I could only imagine the chaos I was stirring between them.Soon, the door opened, and one of the staff members brought in a bottle of wine and glasses. “Good morning, ma’am,” she greeted politely. I accepted the drink, my eyes gleaming with satisfaction as I leaned back in my chair, feeling like the queen of the office. Well I was…I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of conversation Leon and Hailey were having. Manipulating their emotions was almost too easy, and it thrilled me to think of the discord I had sown but if only they knew this is just the beginning of whatever I was planning. When they retu