The question hung in the stillness of his office, unheard. But no matter how much he pushed Clara away, she stayed. Always: there to help, there to support, there with reasons to stay. Benedict had to admit it would drive him mad sometimes, how relentless she was, and yet, at times strangely comforting. He couldn't even try to deny how very present she was, the person he'd come to count on, though never wanted to.Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, Sabrina Auburn was rocking the fashion world. Sabrina Ultra had become a household name in Paris and had spread rapidly to the United States. The brand was said to be a beacon of modern luxury, sophistication combined with bold and innovative designs. Sabrina herself became a celebrity in her own right, a woman admired not just for her talent but also for her resilience and grace.She was living the dream that only a while ago would have been unimaginable and which she could only now have dared to think of-from nothing to empire.
The grand ballroom of the St. Laurent Hotel pulsed with opulence. The crystal chandeliers cast an elegant, soft glow over a well-heeled crowd, humming conversations meshing with the softer notes of a live string quartet. Tonight was to be Investors' Night, gathering the business and fashion icons under one roof.Sabrina Auburn got out of the car wearing a black, made-to-order gown that molded onto her body. With each movement, her diamond earrings twinkled, reflecting the air of sophistication she possessed. She walked calmly, but inside, she was doing a hundred miles per minute. This was another milestone in Sabrina Ultra's road, and she was there to seal more deals to drive her brand further into the global market.She was bringing her assistant and confidante, Penelope along. "You are breathtaking, Sabrina," said Penelope with a smile. "If they weren't frightened of your work enough as it is, they would be knocked off their shoes tonight."Sabrina laughed low in her throat. "Let's
The words struck Benedict like a thunderclap, making him silent for a moment. She spoke in a voice trembling with anger and pain as she continued speaking with her arms folded tightly across her chest, as if trying to protect herself from the burden of confession."Our baby died long ago," she said, her tone icy but laced with pain.Benedict's eyes opened wide as if all the air had been sucked from the room. His chest tightened. "What are you saying, Sabrina?" he managed to choke out.Her voice grew cold as she remembered the painful memory. "The moment I left that house and saw you with her—having sex in our bedroom—something inside me broke. I was pregnant, Benedict, but you didn't even notice. I was carrying your child, and that night… I lost everything."Benedict took a step back, as if the words had actually hit him.The words struck Benedict like a thunderclap, making him silent for a moment. She spoke in a voice trembling with anger and pain as she continued speaking with her a
Benedict's heart sank as Sabrina's words hit him like a freight train. He reached out, his voice pleading, desperate for any ounce of hope. "Sabrina, please. I need to know the truth. Are you sure? Are you really telling me our child is gone forever?Sabrina halted where she was, her back still turned on him, but stiffness crept into her body at his words. She inhaled sharply, steadying herself, that pain so raw even years after it.I am not lying, Benedict," she said in a low but very filled tone by the years of brokenness within her. "Our child is dead. The moment I walked out, you shattered everything: my heart, our future, and yes, our baby, too.His words felt like acid in his chest. He stood there, trying to wrap his head around the reality of it all, as if the world was crumbling in on itself around him."I never wanted this Sabrina," he rasped, moving closer, his eyes filled with anguish that would not be held back. "I never wanted to lose you. I never wanted to lose our child
Sabrina stood by the wall, her eyes fixed on Benedict as the conversation weighed in the air between them. Confusion, anguish, and remorse twisted his face—something she wanted to see and couldn't find peace over because of the weight of her past with him. He had been the reason that reshaped her life; the scars of betrayal were something she carried over the years. Now that she stood on the other side of it all, having watched him crushed by the consequences of his actions, her heart felt a fulfillment it had never known before. I’m sorry, my little Saben, she thought quietly to herself, her gaze softening as she remembered the life she had built with her son. But this is for your dad. He needs to feel what he's done. The lies, the betrayals. Sabrina's fingers curled hard around the rim of her glass, her mind snaring on her own feelings. She would not drag Saben into this sick dance with Benedict. Her son was her life, and he would never know the ache of the past. But Benedict? He ha
Benedict sat in his office, the weight of Sabrina's words pressing heavily on his chest. With every revelation-be it his wife's pregnancy and then the tragic loss of their child-the pain didn't seem to move in any other direction in his mind; he had an ache he couldn't escape.Holding onto this pain, he took his phone and called a number he knew better than any other. His mother, Teresa, answered after the first ring."Benedict," she greeted warmly. "It's late. What's wrong?"There was a long pause before Benedict finally spoke, his voice heavy with emotion. "Mother, I… I saw Sabrina tonight."Teresa's tone shifted instantly, a mix of curiosity and concern. "Sabrina? Where? How is she?""At the St. Laurent Hotel," Benedict said. "She was there for an investor's meeting. She looked… strong, confident. But…" His voice broke as he tried to find the words."But what, Benedict?" Teresa pushed, her anxiety increasing.Benedict shook out his breath shakily, his heart weighted with grief and
"Actions really do speak louder than words, Benedict. It's always hard to remember that sometimes the hardest truths are the ones we need to face. Being honest is not just about speaking your mind; it is to feel it in your bones and let that lead your actions. And let her see that you have changed, not for her but for yourself."Benedict clenched his fists, determination settling. "I'll start with honesty. But that's not an end. I'll take up a fight for myself-even if it takes forever to prove myself worthy enough."Teresa looked on at him with a pinch of pride and concern. "Then don't waste any further time, Benedict. There is no pause in the clock for any of us."As Benedict stood there, preparing to leave, the spark of purpose flickered back into him. For the first time in years, he had a direction—a chance, however slim, to make things right. And he wasn't going to let it slip away.She went inside in her beautiful Parisian abode, composure unwrapping the moment the door creaked s
Benedict sat alone in his office, the heavy burden of his decisions weighing him down. His mind was a tornado of emotions that all came from the chance meeting with Sabrina at the event of the investor. Every word she uttered, every look she flung at him felt like an open wound that would never heal. But there was even more to what caused the stir in his being: the possibility that he might have a son—his child. A feeling of regret, and longing, and hope began to stir within him.He had vowed within himself to do whatever it took to make things right, but first, he needed to know the truth. Was that child hers? Was it really his?The thought of Sabrina's son haunted him. He knew he could not change what was done; perhaps he might still be able to redeem himself, prove himself as the man she once believed in. But before any of that, he had to know where Sabrina was, and if that child was his.Tucking the restlessness in his heart, he picked up the phone and dialed his mother's number.
Eliana fought the phone back, gasping. "I'll take care of it Saben."Saben threw up his hands. "Fine. But if he tries to manipulate you again, don't say I didn't warn you Eliana."She pressed answer and switched the call to speaker."Eliana," Nathaniel's voice slurred, smooth as silk."I'm busy, Harper," Eliana said brusquely."Oh, I'm sure you are Eliana. That little press conference of yours? Masterful. Wonderful, really."Eliana arched an eyebrow. "Glad you saw it. Sucking up now, huh?"Nathaniel laughed. "On your life, I am not. I am from the Archangel, calling to congratulate you."Eliana snapped back at him. "Excuse me?""You did it flawlessly, Princess. I have to admit, I didn't think you would." "Pull out the Firenze Luxe play so hastily.""That's because you have the maddening habit of underestimating me," Eliana snarled."Never," Nathaniel said. "I just like seeing how far you'll take yourself when you're angry."Eliana's jaws snapped together. "Well, I hope you're enjoying
Nathaniel leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his smug expression still planted firmly as if he had just received a prize. "Oh, relax, Saben. It's just business."Saben ground his teeth together, his fists clenched. "You arrogant son of a—"Eliana stepped between them, her hand on Saben's chest. "Not here. Not now."Her voice was icy, but fury burned inside her just as hot. She swung to Nathaniel, cold steel eyes. "You invaded my launch presentation." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.Nathaniel feigned a gasp. "Already blaming? And where I believed we were throwing a party."Eliana gritted her teeth. "You condescending, manipulative—""Flattery will get you nowhere, Princess."Saben advanced threateningly. "Say that again, Harper, and I swear I'll—"Nathaniel raised a hand in mock deference. "Violence? Already? You're losing your touch, Saben."Eliana snapped. "Stop it!"The venom in her tone froze both men.She turned all her fury on Nathaniel. "Do you even know what you'v
The air was nothing less than awe inspiring. It was the grand ballroom with crystal chandeliers, glittering black and gold trim, a resplendent stage in its very center. Filled with journalists, corporate executives, and VIP investors, their talk merged into an urbane hum of anticipation.Eliana remained in the background, arms crossed over one another, watching everything with bird-like intensity. A week of hard work, sleepless nights, and diligent prep had led to this day. The Sabrina Ultra World-Wide Launch finally came. She watched as she saw Nathaniel Harper near the corridor, oiling a coterie of financiers, smile never wavering on his lips."Needless to say, he is having fun," she whispered through gritted teeth."Still suspicious of him?" Saben appeared at her side, sipping his champagne.Eliana’s eyes didn’t waver from Nathaniel. "I don’t trust him. I’m certain he’s up to something."Saben scoffed. "Of course he is. That’s Nathaniel Harper we’re talking about. The man probably
Nathaniel parked himself back in his leather chair, riding the whiskey that was swirling in his glass while the Manhattan lights gleamed off the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office. The ringing of his phone on the desk brought with it the name on the screen—William Harper.He smiled. On time.Engaging the answering button, he brought the phone to his ear. "Father."A deep, commanding voice rang over the line. "I hope you've made progress."Nathaniel chuckled, drinking slowly from his glass. "Headway? Oh, you mean getting infuriating Eliana Thompson so worked up she'll burn alive? Well, I'd say I'm doing superbly."There was a pause before William went on. "Don't get too cocky, Nathaniel. This is not a joke son. The Thompsons have been in our hair longer than anyone can remember. If you don't take them down, they'll be taking us down."Nathaniel's smile faltered. His father was always a tough businessman, but there was something different in his voice tonight—desperation.
Saben reclined against the soft couch, arms crossed. He wore an unreadable face, but a characteristic tension in his jaws betrayed his irritation. Next to him sat Eliana with her hands in her lap, her fingers quivering with indignation. She was angry. No, worse!Nathaniel Harper had crossed the line—once again.Their parents, Benedict Thompson and Sabrina Auburn, flanked them on either side, their expressions a mix of concern and chilly anger. But the true powers to be had in the room were their grandmothers: Wendy Taylor, the tough-as-nails businesswoman who had built her own empire from scratch; Teresa Thompson, whose lightning-fast thinking and strategic brilliance had taken their family businesses to dizzying new heights; and Leila Auburn, the elegant and calculating matriarch who had seen and survived every kind of business rivalry under the sun.They had all just returned from a month's yacht cruise, anticipating a serene homecoming—only to find themselves welcomed back by yet a
"And you wasted precious time!" Eliana lost it. "You don't make executive choices without me!" Nathaniel shrugged. "You were too slow. I acted."Eliana's face turned red. "Too slow? Do you even listen to yourself? This isn't all about you, Harper! This is about an entire company, employees, deadlines, distributors! You think you can just waltz in here and play God?"Nathaniel's jaw tightened very slightly. "I don't play, Eliana. I win.""Fine. At what cost?" Saben snapped. "Because from my point of view, you're nothing but a self-centered, manipulative—""Enough," Eliana interrupted him, holding up a hand. She turned to look at Nathaniel again, her voice cold now. "Fix it. Whatever you did, fix it. Now."Nathaniel relaxed once more, looking at her. "No."Eliana's eyes grew wide. "Excuse me?"Nathaniel's smile returned, his voice infuriatingly serene. "I told you no. The changes are already implemented, and believe me, they're better. You'll thank me later."Eliana let out a laugh tha
Eliana stormed into Nathaniel's office, her heels snapping ungentlely on the marble floor. She was hot with blood, anger radiating off of her in waves. She slapped a folder onto his desk, making him glance up from behind his papers with an infuriatingly calm face.Nathaniel raised a brow. "Good morning to you, too, Princess."Eliana pointed a finger at the folder. "Explain. Now."Nathaniel reclined in his seat, looking disinterestedly at the folder and then at her glare. "You'll have to be clearer, sweetheart. I ruin plenty of things on purpose or accidentally."Her face tightened. "Don't try to act dumb with me, Harper. You specifically held back the shipment of our primary material, and now the production has fallen behind. Do you understand what that is?!Nathaniel smiled. "That you'll need to count on me even more?"Eliana growled almost. "That we're going to miss deadlines, lose credibility, and cost a small fortune in penalties!"Nathaniel let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, Eliana. S
Eliana's phone beeped on her desk, and she checked the message. Her heart beat rapidly as she read it: Nathaniel Harper had negotiated a exclusive contract with one of their providers for Sabrina Ultra. She felt her anger rising."Are you serious Nathaniel?" she snarled, slamming her hand against the desk. "This is not possible!She stormed into the factory office, her heels clicking in the silence. Nathaniel looked up, surprised. Fury raged inside her, contained almost as she left a thick folder on the desk before Nathaniel Harper.Nathaniel did not even flinch. Nathaniel had not even flinched it rather his back relaxed against his chair. Neatly coiled arms over his chest and still wore that damn same irritating smile on his face. "Well, well. You look disturbed, Princess."Eliana's nails dug into her palms. "You signed an exclusive agreement with our vendors?"Nathaniel nodded his head, playing dumb. "Oh, that? It's business, sweetheart."Her blood pressure came racing up. "Don't yo
Eliana had managed crises for years. Delays in the supply chain, faulty products, high-pressure investor meetings—she'd mastered them all with cold efficiency.Nothing, however, pushed her patience to its limits like Nathaniel Harper.She stood in the middle of the factory floor, arms folded, as employees scrambled around her, checking the five hundred faulty units that had brought the whole schedule into disarray.Nathaniel, naturally, by her side with his telltale smirk, observing everything as if this was his own soap opera."Gotta say, Princess," Nathaniel said, leaning in with a tilt of his head. "I didn't think your business had such a huge screw-up. I thought you had a tight ship."Eliana gritted her teeth. "I do have a tight ship. But even the best operations have hiccups."Nathaniel whistled. "Interesting. Because if this occurred in my firm, heads would already be rolling by now."She glared at him. "We don't fix things by firing people willy-nilly. Unlike some companies, we