Some minutes later, Madam Victoria was seated on the plush couch in her living room. A soft knock came at the door before it slightly opened, and Lucas made his way inside."Good morning, ma'am," he greeted. "You asked for me, ma'am?""Yes, I did ask for you, Lucas!" She smiled before turning to the maids in the room. "Can I have a minute with Lucas, please?"Lucas's interest piqued as he watched the others leave, leaving just him with Victoria. Knowing her, he sensed he was in for a rude awakening since she had decided to clear the room.She stood up from the couch and slowly set her cup of coffee down.Madam Victoria's smile was deceiving as she gestured for Lucas to approach her. As he drew nearer, she suddenly turned and slapped him twice, her rings stinging his cheeks. Lucas's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing to comprehend what had just happened."What happened last night, Lucas?" she demanded. Lucas's eyes darted around the room, ensuring they were indeed alone before resp
Lucas's eyes widened in shock when he heard "bloodletting." He screamed, “No ma'am, you can't do that! You can't do that!” “We can find another way to deal with it. I'm sure there is another way! I'm very sure there's some other way to deal with it!” Madam Victoria remained adamant. “Lucas, that is final. It's been three decades, and nothing has changed. I have to save him from himself. This is the last option, Lucas. It can only be bloodletting.” Lucas's eyes widened in horror as he heard Madam Victoria's words. "No, ma'am! You can't do that!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with urgency. "Bloodletting is barbaric! It's outdated and inhumane. You can't subject Mr. Damian to that!" Madam Victoria's expression remained resolute, her eyes cold and unyielding. "I've made up my mind, Lucas. This is the only way to save Damian from himself. Do you expect me to serve the board and the members of the table an insane leader?” Lucas took a step forward, his hands clasped together in a plea
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
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
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
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
However, some hours later, the event was in full swing, and the hall was filled to the brim with dignitaries, celebrities, and other fashion icons who were invited to grace the occasion. Ivy stood in front of the hall where all of her designs were displayed on mannequins. She had a wide grin on her face as she looked at each one of them. She had endured sleepless nights and meticulous hard work to make it all possible. Looking around, she didn’t notice anyone in there; she quickly danced around the room, twirling and spinning with pure delight. It was less than ten minutes before she walked out and strutted down the runway before the models began to walk. Suddenly, the sound of the door opening snapped her from her dance. Once she looked and noticed Hailey, her smile faded almost immediately. Hailey walked up to her with a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Congratulations, Ivy!” she said. Ivy's eyes widened in shock as Hailey approached her, a small smile still
Ivy's heart raced as she pulled the doorknob again and again, but it wouldn't budge. She was trapped. Panic set in as she screamed for someone to help her, but her voice was muffled by the thick door. She banged on the door with her fists, pleading for someone to hear her. "Help! Someone, please help me! I'm stuck in here!" she cried, her voice growing hoarse from screaming as she continued to bang on the door. But no one came. The hall was eerily silent, and Ivy was left alone, trapped and helpless. She slid down to the floor, her back against the door, and buried her face in her hands. "Why is this happening to me?" she sobbed, feeling like she was in a nightmare. "I was supposed to be celebrating my fashion show, not trapped in a locked room." As she sat there, she thought about Hailey's strange behavior earlier. Had she planned this? Was she behind the locked door, or was it a coincidence? Maybe it was just a mistake, and no one knew she was in there. Ivy's mind raced with ques
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