As I delved deeper into the investigation report, a bombshell dropped. Mr. Adler was the illegitimate child of Alexander Stone, the CEO of Stonewell Construction Enterprise, a long-standing rival of the A.D. Corporation. I was in disbelief. How could my father-in-law trust someone with such ties to their rival?
My thoughts started racing as I put the pieces together. Mr. Adler had gone missing just before the chaos and breach in the company. Could he be the one responsible? I had always felt a twinge of unease around him, and now, my suspicions were only growing stronger.
He is Tiffany's older brother. Was Tiffany aware of this fact? Could this be the reason why Mr. Adler allowed Tiffany to cause a disturbance at my previous workplace? The report only indicated that Mr. Adler was investigating his real father.
I leaned back in my chair and began to contemplate the information at hand. Perhaps, I needed to delve deeper into this matter and gather more information
Laia's POV As I sat beside my father's bed, grasping his hand in mine, the reality of the situation hit me with full force. The words Uncle Thomas and Az were exchanging faded into the background as I struggled to process what was happening. My heart was filled with pain and regret as tears streamed down my face. Az approached me, pulling me into a comforting embrace. "I know it's tough, but you need to be strong. Your father can hear you crying, and he wouldn't want to see you like this. I can tell he loves you, even though I've only known him for a little while," he whispered, trying to hold back his own tears. “What should I do? He’s the only family I have,” I asked in a low voice, trying to stop myself from crying. “I’m here for you. No matter what happens. I’ll always be here for you. Let’s not make it hard for your father anymore. Alright?” he said, trembling even though he tried to compose himself in front of me.
In the days following the funeral, Laia retreated into herself, her eyes filled with a sadness that tore my heart. She was quiet, barely spoke, and often retreated to our bedroom to lie down in silence. I tried everything I could to make her feel better, but nothing seemed to lift her spirits. Seeing her like this was unbearable for me, and I felt a sense of helplessness wash over me.On the other hand, the weight of the responsibility of taking over my father-in-law's company was still too much to bear. It seemed as though every minute of every day was consumed with trying to figure out how to keep the business afloat.The problem was compounded by the sudden disappearance of the company's secretary, who was an essential part of the business operations. I was at a loss for what to do, and the stress was becoming unbearable. I wished that there was someone I could turn to for help, but I didn't know where to start looking. The weight of the burden was almost too much t
Even with the collaboration I had with Carlo and John, I still struggled with the public's doubts about my abilities. The Public Relations Department had been working tirelessly to manage the news about our company. The workload was too much for me to handle on my own without a secretary, so I had to post a job opening for the position.With the project launch on hold until I could find a reliable secretary to represent me in case of scheduling conflicts, Carlo assisted me in reviewing the list of applicants. As he scanned through the resumes, he murmured, "Eric?""Eric?" I asked, furrowing my eyebrows in confusion as Carlo placed a resume of a familiar person on top of my desk. "Eric Martinez? Why? What's wrong?""He sent his intent to apply for the position of your secretary," Carlo replied, chuckling as he tapped Eric’s resume on my table.Double-checking the list of applicants, I was surprised to see Eric's name on it."I wonder if he kno
Eric's eyes held a hint of confusion as Carlo led him to the couch, while I settled back into my own chair. "I never expected to see you here," he said, still processing the information. "I tried my best to stay out of the spotlight," I replied, flashing a smile. " I'll clarify everything after the interview. For the time being, please act as if you don't know us." Despite the perplexity in his expression, he nodded his agreement, and we carried on with the interview. During the interview, Eric displayed his in-depth knowledge of stocks and analysis of data, impressing me with his quick wit and ability to understand the necessary actions to be taken in certain situations. "I can see that you have a good understanding of the market, Eric," I said, nodding approvingly. "Tell me, how do you keep up with the constantly changing trends?" "I subscribe to financial news websites and newsletters to stay up to date," Eric replied confidently. "I also make sure to analyze past market perfo
Nina led me down the quiet corridor towards Laia’s room, while my parents were processing the papers needed to be processed. As we walked, I couldn't help but notice the small, white bundle she held in her arms. The sight of it made my heart sink—it could only be one thing. My hands shook with anticipation as Nina gently handed me the bundle, the soft white blanket warm against my skin. I knew what was inside, but I couldn't bring myself to open it just yet.Tears welled up in my eyes as I clutched the bundle to my chest, my whole body was trembling. The weight of it seemed so small, so insignificant compared to the immense grief I felt. I couldn't believe that our baby was gone forever, that we would never get to hold him or watch him grow. The sense of loss was almost unbearable.Nina gave me a sad smile before gesturing for the nurse to leave the room. “We'll leave you alone for a moment,” Nina said softly.I sank into a nearby chair,
Laia and I sat alone in the empty nursery, surrounded by the remnants of what was supposed to be our child's life. The walls were painted a soft blue, the crib neatly made with a plush teddy bear sitting atop it. But the room remained silent, empty, and devoid of the cries and laughter that should have filled it. It hadn’t been that long since Laia and my parents started to set up this room. My heart ached with the pain of loss, as I thought back to the moment when we had to say goodbye to our beloved son.After the death of our baby, the hospital room felt suffocatingly silent without the sound of our child's cries. Laia lay in bed, recovering from the trauma of her untimely childbirth, the loss of our son and the injuries she acquired from the car accident, while I sat beside her, feeling helpless and lost.Our families and friends had come to offer their condolences and support, but their presence did little to ease the heaviness in my heart. The emptiness of
My parents had to go because Laia requested some alone time after Lucas’ death. I didn't push to have anyone else around us because I respected her wishes. Yet hearing her sob in silence crushes my heart to bits. I gave my all to make her feel better, but it never seemed to be enough. Both of us were suffering from the loss of our child, and I was unsure of how to make her eyes sparkle once again. I regretted not being present for her more. I tried to ignore the anguish and sorrow I felt within by spending most of my days at the office. When Laia finally broke the silence once more, her remarks threw me off guard. When she retreated from my embrace, she muttered, "Az... let's dissolve our marriage." Dread and despair mixed as I quavered, dropping to my knees while trying to reach for her hand. "I apologize for not spending more time with you at times like this; please do not abandon me," I begged. It felt like a massive rock was crushing me, and I had no idea how to convince her to
The next morning, I woke up early, still weighed down by grief and exhaustion from the previous days. Because I needed to be with my wife during this difficult time, I decided to work from home.I carefully stood up and went to the kitchen to brew a cup of coffee and went back to the room. I placed my coffee on the nightstand as I set up the table beside the bed, then set up my laptop and the papers that I needed to review on it.Laia remained sound asleep on the bed, her breathing steady and slow. For a brief moment, I sat on the edge of the bed, sipping my coffee and feeling a wave of peace as I watched her chest rise and fall. My wife's presence kept me from being productive and focused on the task at hand. I want to roll over again and cuddle with her.I shook my head, trying to concentrate on the task at hand as I went through my emails, responding to urgent messages and making a list of tasks that needed to be completed. But my thoughts kept going back to Lucas and the investiga
After Carlo and Sienna's exquisite wedding, Laia and I discovered ourselves in a serene corner of the resort's garden. The waning sun cast a gentle, warm glow over the surroundings as we distanced ourselves from the jubilant celebrations. The air carried the delightful scent of flowers, and in the distance, we could hear the soothing waves caressing the coast.We trekked together, our fingers entwined, and contentment surged through us. The brisk ocean breeze and the subtle saline sea aroma, nearly eclipsed by the flower's fragrance, stirred up cherished memories. With a grin, I inquired, "Recall our first New Year together?" as we settled on a nearby bench."That day was full of joy, shared with our friends and families," she chuckled. "I believe it's also the very same day when their relationship took off.""Who? Carlo and Sienna? How did you find out?" I asked, perplexed since I hadn't told her yet how I discovered Sienna's pregnancy two years ago, during her
Shortly after waking up, Daniel Adler quickly started sharing the truth with a detailed account of events. He came forward with additional evidence, determined to bring justice to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Dominique's death, my son's tragic fate, and the traumatic suffering my wife endured throughout the kidnapping ordeal.He revealed that after my father-in-law's hospitalization, he investigated Mr. Stone's company as part of his mission. Unfortunately, his independent efforts led to his discovery and capture by the Black Panthers. In a twist of fate, the day he first saw Laia in the same room where he was held captive was the beginning of his ruse. He feigned allegiance to their cause, providing them with intricate details about Mr. Dominique's assets and the contractual agreements we had in place.Mr. Stone, recognizing Daniel's potential, offered him a lifeline, allowing him to work within their organization. The day he and Laia disappeared was part of a scripted act, with
The twilight deepened as I paced back and forth in a silent and dimly lit corridor in front of the operating room. Daniel Adler's operation took hours due to the tricky position of the bullet inside his body, while Mr. Stone was already in the recovery room, surrounded by law enforcers who took turns keeping an eye on him."I have to go home now and check on my wife and Anika," Carlo said as he walked near me. "You should relax yourself a bit.""Carlo is right," Eric interjected, his voice a comforting anchor amid my turmoil. He urged me gently with a supportive tap on my back. "You should take a well-deserved break and entrust the rest to me. Go and be with your wife," he suggested understandingly.I muttered, glimpsing at the operating door, "But—""I'll stay here and keep you updated. Here's your phone, so go ahead and check your wife now," Eric insisted.Carlo then pulled my arm and said, "Let's go! The exit is also that way."Despite my excitement, I felt conflicted about seeing
We carefully scheduled our corporate celebration to occur precisely one week after the highly successful launch of Harmony Assist. The timing was deliberate, as we wanted to ensure that the project gained ample attention and coverage from the media all across the globe. The response to Harmony Assist had exceeded our expectations, and it had become the focal point of many news outlets and tech publications.The project had captured attention, not just for its innovative features but also for the rapid pace at which we had developed it. Our exceptional team of engineers and designers had worked tirelessly, sometimes through the night, to make Harmony Assist a reality. The result was a revolutionary product, transforming not just technology but also the quality of life.The media frenzy around Harmony Assist was so intense that it momentarily eclipsed other news stories, including the ongoing litigation against Mr. Stone, the former CEO of Stonewell Construction Enterprise. This legal b
I found myself in profound silence, staring at the room's ceiling. The pristine white expanse seemed to reflect my inner turmoil, a cruel reminder of the revelation about Olivia Harrington that had shaken me to my core. I sat at my desk, feeling overwhelmed. I forced deep breaths to steady my racing heart. Each beat resonated in my ears, echoing the emotions welling up inside. At the same time, my head throbbed with anguish, and tears blurred my vision. Each fleeting moment stretched endlessly, and the surroundings dissolved into obscurity as I grappled with the surge of intense emotions. It was as if the weight of the entire universe rested on my shoulders, and all I could do was hold my breath, adrift in the chaos of my thoughts and feelings. After I regained some composure, taking a deep, shuddering breath, I reached for the company phone. I summoned Carlo and Eric to my office, maintaining a steady tone despite my inner restlessness. They promptly arrived to discuss further enha
Following the downfall of my father-in-law's prominent business and my wife's kidnapping, the Black Panthers maintained a low profile. A confidential investigation revealed Mr. Stone's abstention from further actions, emphasizing their exclusive objective of eradicating the AD corporation from the corporate landscape. To steer clear of direct rivalry with his enterprise, I channeled my newly established venture into pioneering technological advancements, ensuring their covert development beyond the scope of Mr. Stone's scrutiny.During the initial weeks of rekindling my friendship with Tiffany, Mr. Stone grew suspicious to the extent that he had me surveilled by Black Panthers personnel. Unbeknownst to him, these individuals were spies working for Red Phyton under John's direct and discreet supervision.Mr. Moretti had surreptitiously penetrated the rival faction, skillfully breaching their sanctuary without alerting their senior leadership. Shortly after I managed to assuage Mr. Ston
I froze, my heart pounding as though it might burst from my chest. My hands trembled as I grasped my champagne glass, my fingers slick with moisture. It couldn't be her, I reasoned. My mind is scrambling to rationalize the absurdity of the situation. Laia had been missing for a year despite our best attempts, and the agony of not knowing her fate had been a continuous weight on my shoulders.However, the deeper hole kept opening up inside me as she moved nearer, and the facial features became apparent clearly. It was her. The same hazel eyes that once sparkled with frivolity and comfort are scanning the space in a vain attempt to locate someone. The edges of her lips curled up in a gentle smile that carried the power to dispel all anxiety.I put my champagne glass back on the table and started walking in the crowd, looking at them with mixed feelings of hope and anxiety inside me. Time seemed to have stopped, and I felt neither the piercing eyes nor the whispers behind my back. It was
As the night wore on, Sienna and Carlo prepared a makeshift bed in their living room for me. They insisted I stay the night since it was already late, and they couldn't let me go alone in my current state of mind. However, the events of the day had taken a toll on them. Anika, who had been relatively calm during dinner, began to cry, and Sienna had to tend to her. Carlo reluctantly left my side to help her soothe the baby.The frantic cries of Anika filled the apartment, echoing through the living room where I lay. But then, as Carlo and Sienna's efforts to calm her continued, a deafening silence enveloped the room. It was in this silence that my mood turned for the worst. I was overwhelmed with misery, despair, desire, wrath, and self-blame.I tossed and turned on the improvised bed, thoughts consumed by the day's events, the hunt for Laia, and the inquiry into the accidents. The heaviness of the universe seemed to settle on my shoulders, and I couldn't escape the feeling that I was
After more than half a year of attempts to find the perpetrator who caused both my father-in-law's and my wife's car accidents, the investigators finally caught him. The bittersweet relief clashed with my agony and rage, followed by self-blame as I lowered the phone, placing it slowly on the bed. "Was that the investigators?" Carlo inquired as soon as I hung up the call. "Yeah, they finally caught him," I replied. "It took them a while," he grumbled in disappointment. I clamped my jaws as I felt increasingly frustrated, then flopped onto the bed with desperation. A deep sigh escaped from my mouth as I yearned for a moment of relief. I tried to seek comfort in my mind, but my inner turmoil prevented it. Restlessness surged through me. I couldn't resist the urge to shift and turn on the mattress. It felt like a storm of thoughts and emotions was swirling within me, making any chance for rest seem like a fantasy. "Man, I know how anxious you are right now, but we need to sleep so we