Share

CHAPTER 056.

Author: Jane_CA
last update Last Updated: 2024-09-29 23:18:38
CHAPTER 56

IVY

The hall was buzzing with energy when I stepped out in one of our exclusive designs. I watched as models strutted down the runway, their camera lights flashing like stars. A few minutes ago, I had checked the blogs, and the reviews were overwhelmingly positive. I felt I had truly won over the hearts of the Monaco citizens.

A wide grin spread across my face, sparkling with joy. This was my moment, and I couldn't stop smiling as I watched the models walk the runway, captivating the audience with stunning outfits. It was a testament to the hard work I had invested in each piece.

As I navigated through the crowded hall, the clicking of cameras and murmurs of admiration grew louder. The audience was entranced by the intricate details and craftsmanship of my designs, their awe evident in their expressions.

The hall was filled with Monaco's elite—fashionistas, influencers, and dignitaries, all dressed to impress. I spotted the Duchess of Monaco, radiant in a custom-made go
Locked Chapter
Continue to read this book on the APP

Related chapters

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER.057.

    CHAPTER 57 IVY The corners of my eyes crinkled with a radiant smile. I couldn't believe that the Queen herself appreciated my talents in this way. It was my first time meeting her, and she was so kind and encouraging. I couldn't wait to deliver her outfits. “Thank you, ma'am,” I said, a wide grin spreading across my lips. “I really appreciate that you took the time out of your busy schedule to grace my event.” She smiled warmly before the guards escorted her outside. I stood frozen in place, still starstruck that I had just met her. Despite being in her late eighties, she looked beautiful and strong, moving with agility and speaking with crystal clarity. Happiness washed over me like a gentle wave, soothing my worries and fears. I felt like I was floating on a cloud, weightless and free as a bird. Not caring that I was in public, I spun in circles, my arms outstretched to embrace the sheer joy of the moment. Suddenly, someone lightly tapped my shoulder, jolting me from my thought

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER 58

    CHAPTER 58 IVY. I hurried back up the stairs to the storeroom where I had asked my assistant to keep the Queen's fabric. I would be sending it to her quarters tomorrow morning, and then I planned to have some tea with her. I know I'm not supposed to be this excited, but I am. That’s a royal tea, if you ask me! I plan to make the most of this opportunity; I want to take a photo of her in the outfit and get a shout-out to post on social media. I’m sure that will be excellent for PR. A few minutes later, the elevator beeped, and I stepped out gracefully, heading straight for the storeroom. However, as I pushed the door open, I saw Leon inside. I was slightly confused and surprised to find him there, but I didn’t feel the need to say much—after all, it was his company, and he had the right to be anywhere he wanted. But honestly, just wandering around like that seemed a bit pathetic! I should feel some sympathy for him, but I swear I have none left. “Congratulations,” he mumbled lou

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER 59

    CHAPTER 59 CASPER She hesitated for a moment before nodding. “That sounds like an adventure. I’ve never done that before.” I smirked, squeezing her hand gently. We both stepped out of the car and headed straight into the room. It surprised me that she had never been drunk before. It seemed her last relationship hadn’t been all that great. I would have loved to ask her about it, but I didn’t want to put her in an uncomfortable position. Besides, it was his loss. I had her now, and that was all that mattered. She was adding some extra flair to my personal and political life. After her fashion launch debut, my name had skyrocketed back to the top of the polls. I hadn’t paid for that, but who was I to say no? She was doing such a fantastic job that sometimes I forgot she was just my surrogate and not my real wife. About twenty minutes later, we had both changed into casual outfits, and I had set the table with the best wines in town, waiting for her to join me. The launch had been a

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER 60

    CHAPTER 60 IVY Casper must have noticed the expression on my face when I finally realized I was drunk. Even in my inebriated state, one thing was clear: I wanted him. He looked at me and remarked, “Your makeup is smudged.” I blushed and tried to move again, but this time, I fell directly into his lap. He wrapped his arms around my waist, and for a moment, our eyes locked. The room fell silent, and I could barely breathe. All I could hear was our muffled breathing. Each time our skin brushed against each other, a cold chill ran down my spine, and my heart fluttered like it had found delicate wings. “You know,” he said, raising his hand to wipe away a bead of sweat forming on my forehead, “you look even better without makeup.” His words made me blush even more. “Do you observe every woman this way?” I asked suddenly, surprised by my own question. It must have been the liquor. Without answering, he leaned down and cupped my chin in his hand. He kissed me deeply, his tongue explorin

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER 61.Jog

    Ivy's eyes widened in surprise as she heard Damian's voice outside her room. "Why is he here?" she mouthed to Leon, her voice barely audible. She quickly turned to Leon, her eyes wide with panic. "He has never come into my room before!" she whispered urgently. "Are you sure he didn't see you come in here?" she asked, her voice trembling. Leon nodded frantically, his eyes darting around the room. "No, I'm not sure. No one saw me come in here, I swear!" he whispered back, his voice laced with panic. "I need to hide somewhere; I can't let him see me here!" he added, his eyes scanning the room wildly for an escape route. "Ivy?!" Damian called out again from outside the door when he didn't hear any reply. "Are you in there? Is everything alright?" "Oh yes. Just a minute, I'm coming!" Ivy replied. Her face contorted in a mixture of fear and frustration. "Where are you going to hide?" she whispered, her eyes darting around the room. "There's nowhere to hide in here!" she exclaimed, he

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER.62.Emergency.

    After a few minutes, Damian stopped in front of a coffee bookstore. Breathing heavily, he said, “Let’s stop right here and have a cup of hot coffee. This is my favorite spot, and he makes the best coffee!” Ivy nodded in agreement. “Of course, let’s grab a cup here!” she said. Deep down, she was happy they were taking a break; she wasn't sure she could jog back to the house, but she was certain she might pass out any minute if she didn't get some rest. However, when they entered the coffee shop, she spotted a man in his late sixties. He had a bald head and used a stick to aid his movements, even though he appeared quite capable. Once he saw Damian, he quickly greeted him and offered them a special space where he served their coffee. As they sat sipping their drinks, Damian couldn't help but tease Ivy about her jogging skills. "I didn't know you were such a slowpoke!" he said with a grin. Ivy's face turned bright red as she laughed. "Hey, I'm just pacing myself!" she protested. “I’m

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER 63. She knows.

    Ivy's heart raced with fear as she took a few steps back, her eyes fixed on the glass that was being lowered. She involuntarily shivered as she watched the glass descend gradually, only for it to reveal Lucas. Heaving a deep sigh of relief, she questioned, “Lucas, why are you here?” “Uh, uh,” he tried to think of a convincing excuse. “I was just passing by and decided to pick you up since you were waiting for a cab,” he lied. Looking around, Ivy hesitantly entered the car. She wasn't convinced by his excuse, but that wasn't any of her problems now. She just wanted to rush back to work since her fashion launch was less than forty-eight hours away. Revving the engine to life, Lucas hit the road, his mind swirling with thoughts. He wasn't sure Ivy really believed the lame excuses he had just given her, but he was willing to get his act together and not let her know he had been with them the entire time they were jogging. “So, where did Damian go? You both left together, but you're co

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30
  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    CHAPTER 64.Fashion launch.

    Leon’s eyes swept over her beautiful dress, and his lips curved into a deep smile. “You look stunning!” he admitted. “That dress really looks good on you, Ivy!” he admired, not trying to hide how much he adored her in that dress. Ivy rolled her eyes and responded, “Thank you, but that doesn't answer my question: what the hell were you doing at my door? You're supposed to be at your company already. You're the CEO!” He sighed. “I was waiting for you. I tried calling you, but your phone wasn’t reachable. Then my aunt told me that you jogged out with Damian.” “And why would you be waiting for me instead of going over to put things in order?” "I was waiting for you because I wanted to make sure you were okay after your jog," Leon said, his eyes still admiring her dress. "And I have to say, you look absolutely breathtaking. How can I concentrate on work without you being there?” Ivy raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "You were worried about me? That's sweet, but I think you

    Last Updated : 2024-09-30

Latest chapter

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    113

    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, overseein

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    112

    “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

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    111

    The door swung open, and my attorney stepped inside, a stack of files in hand. “Hello, Mr. Casper,” he greeted.I sat up straight. “Are you finished?” I asked eagerly. He nodded and placed the files on my table.I picked them up for a quick glance. “So now all she needs to do is sign, and the incoming fashion line from Sky Investments will belong solely to her, right?”“Yes, sir,” he confirmed. “Every ounce of revenue will go to her, and she will oversee everything while Sky Investments funds her debut.”A proud smile spread across my face. “That’s great. Thank you!”Once my attorney left, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I began reading through the files, knowing Ivy would be thrilled. At the very least, this could serve as a small incentive for not being completely honest with her. She hadn’t spoken to me in two days.She was avoiding me as if I had a plague.I missed holding her hand and our late-night conversations. It was unusual for me to try so hard to impress someone, but I co

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    110

    For a moment, I felt lost. I stood in absolute silence, too stunned to speak. How was she able to recognize me? And what was the big deal about meeting me in a random boutique? Before I could utter a word, the young lady quickly whipped out her iPhone and snapped a quick selfie with me. “I’m sorry for disturbing you,” she politely apologized. “You can go on with your shopping.” In the next moment, she was out of my sight—actually, out of the boutique. She looked so excited and happy. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a thing in Monaco. “Good day, ma’am! Welcome to Kleist Boutiques!” the receptionist chimed, her warm smile accentuating her perfectly contoured cheeks. “We're delighted to have you here. How may I assist you today? What kind of wear are you looking for? I promise you, we have all the top brands, and you’ll love it.” I scanned the lavish lobby, taking in the sleek marble floors and crystal chandeliers as I entered the private VIP section. “Wow, this place is s

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    109

    For a moment, I felt lost. I stood in absolute silence, too stunned to speak. How was she able to recognize me? And what was the big deal about meeting me in a random boutique? Before I could utter a word, the young lady quickly whipped out her iPhone and snapped a quick selfie with me. “I’m sorry for disturbing you,” she politely apologized. “You can go on with your shopping.” In the next moment, she was out of my sight—actually, out of the boutique. She looked so excited and happy. I couldn't help but wonder if this was a thing in Monaco. “Good day, ma’am! Welcome to Kleist Boutiques!” the receptionist chimed, her warm smile accentuating her perfectly contoured cheeks. “We're delighted to have you here. How may I assist you today? What kind of wear are you looking for? I promise you, we have all the top brands, and you’ll love it.” I scanned the lavish lobby, taking in the sleek marble floors and crystal chandeliers as I entered the private VIP section. “Wow, this place is s

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    108

    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.

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    107

    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

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    106

    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

  • A surrogate for my ex's uncle    105

    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.

DMCA.com Protection Status