“James? That perverted man, what is he doing here?” Sirena thought to herself.“Well, there he is. So, what do you think? Handsome, right?” Elda asked with excitement.Sirena felt her heartbeat quicken. The man who had just turned his gaze was none other than James—the irritating bed partner who always managed to get on her nerves.James was the last person Sirena expected to see in this place, especially looking so formal and respected.She struggled to suppress her shock, though it remained internal. “That perverted man,” she thought irritably.Elda, oblivious to Sirena’s surprise, became even more enthusiastic. “Well? Isn’t he handsome?” she asked again, nudging Sirena’s arm.Sirena forced herself to maintain a calm demeanor in front of Elda, masking her sudden annoyance.“Uh… yeah, I guess,” she replied curtly, trying to redirect her focus and resisting the urge to stare at James too long.“Then let’s head inside and join the seminar,” Elda said, pulling Sirena’s arm, despite her
Sirena stared at her reflection in the mirror. She had applied light makeup and styled her hair as beautifully as possible, wearing a mocha-colored dress that contrasted perfectly with her fair skin. Tonight, she would have dinner with James, as he had requested.She let out a soft sigh, trying to calm the nervous flutter in her chest that refused to subside. She knew it was just a dinner, but an unshakable sense of anxiety always crept in whenever she was around James. His piercing gaze had a way of seeing deeper into her than anyone else ever could.After adjusting a stray strand of hair near her temple, she picked up a small clutch and stepped out of her room. Tonight, she resolved to keep her emotions in check, even though deep in her heart, she knew there was something different about being with James.As she left her room, Brianna's voice called out, "Oh, Siren, there's a car waiting in front of the house. They said they're here to pick you up. Are you going somewhere?""Yes, Mo
A waiter arrived and poured the finest wine into their stemmed glasses."Let's toast," James said, raising his glass.Siren hesitated momentarily but followed James's lead, raising her glass. Their eyes met briefly, and Siren could feel the intensity in James's gaze, as though he wanted to close the distance between them."To your success and everything we’ll go through together," James said with conviction, his eyes never leaving Siren.Siren simply nodded and gave a faint smile before sipping the chilled, rich wine. As the atmosphere grew calmer, Siren found a small glimmer of hope to confront her doubts. Though her emotions were still mixed, the moment gave her a semblance of peace.James set his glass back on the table and smiled, satisfied with the softening atmosphere. "I’d like to do this more often with you," he said, hinting at his desire to deepen their connection."Alright," Siren replied.“Oh, I have something for you,” James said, pulling a small square box from his jacke
On her way to class, Sirena kept overhearing female students talking about James, who had visited the campus yesterday. James had suddenly become a campus celebrity with a swarm of admirers. She couldn’t imagine what would happen if they knew she had once been James’s bedmate.As Sirena approached her classroom, she caught snippets of a conversation between Claudya and her friends.“Are you serious? Your parents know Mr. James's family?” Ana asked.“Of course,” Claudya replied with a broad smile. “And apparently, James is single right now. Hmm... isn’t this the perfect opportunity for me?” she chuckled.“Wow, if you and James got together, you’d be the perfect match,” said Glade.“Totally! He’s handsome, and you’re gorgeous. You two would be a power couple,” Cherry added.“Absolutely,” Ana agreed.Sirena listened to their conversation about James and Claudya. Although she didn’t care, her heart felt strangely unsettled and irritated.She tried to maintain her composure despite their e
“Siren!” Elda ran towards Siren, who was sitting under her favorite tree on campus, wearing earphones and listening to calming music.“Siren!” Elda tapped her shoulder.Siren was momentarily startled when her shoulder was tapped. She quickly removed her earphones and turned, finding Elda crouching next to her, her face full of energy."Elda, what's up?" Siren asked with a faint smile. She was used to Elda's always cheerful energy."I have good news, Siren! You won't believe it!" Elda said, grinning, her eyes sparkling with excitement.Siren raised an eyebrow, curious. "What? Tell me!"Elda took a deep breath, ready to share the news that seemed so important to her.“Ronald, he’s back at campus after taking a year off.”Thud!Siren was utterly shocked to hear that. Yes, who doesn’t know? Everyone on campus knew that Ronald was Siren’s ex. They met when Siren first started college, and Ronald was her senior."Ah, so he’s back after such a long break?" Siren asked.Elda nodded enthusiast
“Siren!” Ronald called out as the class had ended and all the students were leaving the room one by one.Siren, still sitting in the classroom, turned toward Ronald with a cold gaze.“Do you have to look at me like that? This is our first meeting after everything that happened,” Ronald said, looking irritated.“What do you want? I don’t have much time,” Siren replied, still with a cold tone.“I’m sorry for what happened to your family, especially the death of your late father,” Ronald said.“Oh, yeah. Thanks,” Siren answered, standing up from her seat while grabbing her bag.“Excuse me, I’m leaving,” Siren said as Ronald blocked her way.“You’re being so cold to me. Do you really have to act like that?” Ronald asked.“Because I have no reason to be friendly with you,” Siren answered, walking away, leaving Ronald feeling frustrated.“Damn! She’s still so arrogant, even after losing everything!” Ronald grumbled.Siren stepped out of the classroom with mixed feelings. Every corner of the
"So, what do you want to watch?" James asked as he and Sirena arrived at the cinema. "Hm... I want to watch a horror movie," Sirena answered confidently. "Not scared? Oh, or is it so you can cling to me out of fear?" James teased. "Keep dreaming. That will never happen," Sirena replied with absolute certainty. "Alright, we'll see about that," James said with a smirk. "Wait here, I'll get the tickets." James smiled as he walked toward the ticket counter, occasionally glancing back at Sirena, who was enthusiastically scanning the movie listings. He could sense her excitement about this outing. "Does she really need to look that excited? Such a cute little tiger," James thought to himself with a small smile. While selecting the tickets, James couldn't help but imagine how funny it would be if Sirena ended up getting scared and clinging to him, despite her earlier confident denial. Meanwhile, Sirena stood casually, looking around the cinema area. She couldn't remember the last tim
Without letting go of her hand, James led Sirena out of the cinema area and started looking for a sushi restaurant in the mall. As they walked, Sirena felt a surprising sense of comfort with James's demeanor. They resembled an ordinary couple. She glanced at James briefly—always captivating and handsome. Her heart suddenly raced, prompting her to quickly avert her gaze from him.Eventually, they found a quiet restaurant and went inside. After sitting down, James picked up the menu and handed it to Sirena. “Order whatever you like,” he said with a smile. Sirena smiled faintly. “Alright then, I won’t hold back. Be prepared for a hefty bill,” she joked, making James chuckle. “Are you doubting my wealth?” James teased. Sirena shrugged nonchalantly. “Aren’t I the perfect match for you?” James continued with a playful grin. “I’ve got plenty of money, which I know you like. If you’re with me, you get the money and me. A buy-one-get-one deal.” James smirked proudly while Sirena chuckled
James' return from the dead after a plane crash and his rise as the CEO of the massive Scout family corporation have become the talk of the town. Adding to the sensation, the news of his stepmother, Hanah, and stepbrother, Aladric, being arrested has spread like wildfire, fueling the hunger of journalists eager for a scoop. The shocking revelation of James Scout being alive and back in power has stunned many.The news went viral, shaking the public. Even James' biological father, who had always remained silent, could only apologize in shame. He realized that he had utterly failed to protect his own family.As the world reeled from James Scout's return, the headquarters of Scout Corporation was flooded with reporters, all desperate to get a statement from the rightful heir. Cameras and microphones were thrust at anyone entering or exiting the building, while speculation on how James survived the plane crash spread rapidly.At the Scout family residence, James’ biological father, Leonar
As expected, today James confidently arrived with David and Vaul, his assistants, at the giant corporation owned by the Scout family. According to David, there was a meeting scheduled today with shareholders and the company's elite executives to appoint the new CEO.James, who was presumed dead, reappeared with irrefutable evidence of Aladric and his mother's crimes. Now, as the largest shareholder, James was set to take his rightful place as the company's director. His arrival was bound to shock everyone.As James stepped into the grand headquarters of Scout Corporation, the atmosphere inside was tense. Executives and shareholders had already gathered in the main conference room, awaiting the crucial moment—the appointment of the new CEO.David and Vaul followed closely behind James, their expressions unreadable, but their eyes sharp, as if prepared for any resistance."Everything is ready, sir," David whispered as they neared the entrance to the large meeting room.James nodded slig
"I'm home, Sweety." James entered the mansion at night, though it was not too late.He walked toward the dining area and noticed that the dinner remained untouched, even though dinnertime had long passed."Where is Siren? Has she not had dinner yet?" James asked one of the maids present."Madam is still in her room, Sir. She hasn’t come down at all," the maid replied, making James feel uneasy.James let out a slow sigh before climbing the stairs to their bedroom. Worry started creeping into his mind. Siren never skipped dinner.Reaching the door, James knocked gently. "Sweety, are you inside?"No response…James frowned before finally opening the door and stepping in. The bedroom lights were dim, and Siren sat at the edge of the bed, hugging her knees. Her eyes stared blankly at the window.James approached her and crouched down in front of her. "Hey, what's wrong?" he asked softly.Siren didn't answer immediately. It took her a few seconds before she finally whispered, "I'm just… tir
James narrowed his eyes. "What is he up to?"David placed his phone on the table, displaying a report. "There are signs of sabotage in one of our related projects. Several suppliers have suddenly withdrawn, and there are rumors that someone is trying to buy shares in companies affiliated with us."Romano growled. "Damn it, he's wasting no time."James gave a faint smile, completely unfazed. "Then let's give him a surprise."Romano's eyes narrowed. "What’s your plan?"James leaned back in his chair, exuding confidence. "If Leonard wants to play dirty, we’ll make sure he realizes he picked the wrong opponent."Romano smirked. "I like the way you think, James. But you know Leonard isn't someone who goes down easily."James met his gaze sharply. "Which is exactly why we need to act fast."David crossed his arms. "Do you have a strategy?"James picked up his phone, typed something, then looked at them. "First, we identify the suppliers who backed out and secure alternatives before the proj
On the other side, James, along with David and Romano, attended a major business meeting. The tender at stake was highly sought after by many entrepreneurs. James had already promised Romano that he would secure the contract.The meeting room was filled with prominent business figures, each with their own agenda and ambitions. James sat calmly in his seat, his expression unreadable as the tender committee representatives began presenting the highly contested project.Romano sat beside him, appearing relaxed, but his eyes were sharp and calculating. Meanwhile, David, seated across from them, seemed more at ease, occasionally glancing around the room to assess their competitors."James," Romano whispered. "We must ensure our proposal is the best. I don't want to lose this project."James nodded without turning his head. "Don't worry, Mr. Romano. I've prepared everything."The presentation session began. One by one, the participants took turns presenting their plans. James observed atten
"Good morning, Sister-in-law!" David entered the mansion with a bright expression."Oh? What brings you here so early?" Sirena asked, frowning."What else? I'm here to greet the newlyweds," he chuckled, making Sirena roll her eyes."Sit down, have breakfast," Sirena said, already seated at the dining table."Well, if you insist, I won’t say no," he laughed, taking a seat across from her."Ck... Always taking advantage of opportunities," James commented as he appeared, dressed neatly."Of course," David grinned as he flipped his plate over."You're all dressed up, James? Are you going somewhere?" Sirena asked, observing her husband."Yes, Sweety. I have a meeting and need to meet with some investors," James replied, sitting beside her."Will it take long?" Sirena asked, not wanting him to leave.James smiled slightly, sensing the reluctance in her voice. "I'll try to be back as soon as possible. Just a few hours, Sweety."Sirena sighed softly, stirring her food absentmindedly with her
"Ah, looks like my persuasion worked this time," James teased as Sirena opened her bedroom door, stepping out with a clearly annoyed expression."It better be good," Sirena muttered, walking ahead and leaving James behind."Of course. When have my dishes ever been bad?" James chuckled, following her.Sirena shot him a glare over her shoulder, eyes filled with doubt. "You're way too confident."James feigned offense. "Oh, Sweety! Do you still doubt my culinary skills? That really hurts my pride as a man."Sirena scoffed and crossed her arms. "We'll see. If it’s not good, you’re washing dishes for a whole week."James let out a low chuckle. "Deal. But if it is good, you owe me a reward."Sirena narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What kind of reward?"James leaned in slightly, whispering in a playful tone, "Three rounds tonight. How about that?"Sirena’s face instantly turned red. "JAMES!" she shrieked, shoving him away.James just laughed in satisfaction. "Alright, alright. Let’s start co
"You're lying, aren't you? You must be lying to me, James," Jeslyn said, completely unwilling to accept James' statement."Why would I lie to you, Jes? There's no point in doing that," James replied."James, from the very beginning, our agreement was about my marriage to you!" Jeslyn snapped, her eyes brimming with anger."There was never such an agreement, Jeslyn!" James said, his frustration evident. Meanwhile, Sirena remained silent, but her gaze was filled with anger toward James, as if accusing him of being a liar. That alone made him feel pressured.Jeslyn stared at James, her eyes burning with fury and disappointment. "So, you're just going to throw me away? After everything we've been through?"James sighed, trying to suppress his frustration. "Jeslyn, I never promised to marry you. If you or your father assumed that, it was never my agreement."Jeslyn let out a bitter chuckle, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "So, this was all just business to you? What am I to you,
"Welcome to my mansion," James said as he opened the massive door to his grand estate."Wow, so this is where you've been living all this time?" Sirena asked in awe."That's right. I bought this place because it's comfortable. Even though it's on the outskirts of the city, the view is breathtaking," James replied.Sirena stepped inside, her eyes immediately captivated by the mansion's magnificent interior. Tall walls adorned with classic carvings, a grand crystal chandelier casting shimmering light across the room, and elegantly arranged furniture created an air of luxury."You're right, this place is truly beautiful," she whispered, admiring every corner.James smiled slightly as he closed the door behind them. "I want you to feel comfortable here. From now on, this is your home too."Sirena turned to him, sensing something in his tone that made her feel... safe.Vaul, James' personal assistant, appeared from the hallway and gave a slight bow. "Welcome, Madam. The master bedroom has