Sirena had just arrived at one of the upscale restaurants. A waiter escorted her to the private room where Mr. Elliot awaited."Here you are, Miss," the waiter said, opening the door to the private room. Sirena stepped inside to find a distinguished man of mature age seated within.As Sirena entered, Mr. Elliot rose from his seat and greeted her warmly. His demeanor was courteous, and he carried himself with the gravitas of experience."Welcome, Miss Sirena. Thank you for taking the time to meet me," he said in a calm and cordial tone.Sirena returned his smile with a slight nod. Though she tried to remain composed, the prospect of meeting someone of Mr. Elliot's reputation and stature made her slightly nervous."Thank you for inviting me, Mr. Elliot," she replied, striving to maintain her composure.Mr. Elliot gestured for Sirena to sit. "I trust your journey here was pleasant?"They began conversing in a formal but amicable atmosphere. Mr. Elliot displayed a genuine interest in gett
"What are you doing here? Stop bothering me!" Elliot shouted."Too bad, but I have to put an end to your vile activities. That woman is my girlfriend. She belongs to me. And do you know? Anyone who touches what belongs to James meets a gruesome end," James said, his sharp gaze piercing through Elliot."Oh, the drugs set to arrive at the port, warehouse number 13, at 4 PM? What if I make them disappear? Or report them to the police?" James smirked, his tone laden with menace.Elliot turned pale, realizing that James knew one of his darkest secrets. "You don’t have any proof of that, James!" he retorted, his voice trembling."Really?" James sneered, stepping closer to Elliot, whose unease was now evident. "I have plenty of ways to ensure evidence surfaces, Elliot. Just one phone call, and your life could become a nightmare."Elliot stood frozen, cornered. He knew well that James never made empty threats. James was infamous in the underworld for never sparing anyone who dared to touch wh
“Eat as much as you like,” James said, placing a piece of grilled shrimp and sliced salmon in front of her. The aroma was tantalizing.“I noticed earlier you were enjoying the seafood before you fainted,” James remarked, earning a nod from Sirena.“By the way… thank you for saving me,” Sirena said.“Is a simple ‘thank you’ all I get?” James raised an eyebrow.“Then, what do you want?” Sirena asked.“Hmm… let me think,” James replied, pretending to ponder.“What?” Sirena pressed, growing impatient.“Accompany me to a party the day after tomorrow. Since you’re my girlfriend, you need to play the role well there,” James said.“Fake girlfriend,” Sirena corrected.James smirked slightly, his gaze unreadable as it lingered on Sirena. “Fake girlfriend, huh? But at least you can pretend, right?”Sirena sighed and turned her face away. “I never agreed to be a fake girlfriend with all these demands.”James chuckled softly, drawing her attention back to him. “But you’re enjoying this role, aren’
Sirena applied her makeup naturally, enhancing certain features with slightly bolder touches. Once satisfied with her appearance, she stood up and admired herself in the mirror. She was dressed in a sleeveless red dress that perfectly complemented her elegant aura, while her softly curled hair cascaded over her shoulders.Sirena examined her reflection carefully, ensuring every detail was flawless. Her natural yet captivating makeup accentuated her fresh and graceful look, with a delicate focus on her eyes that made her gaze sharper and more mysterious. The sleeveless red dress highlighted her elegance and confidence, while her loose, softly wavy hair added a glamorous touch, making her appearance refined yet understated.She took a deep breath, ready to face the evening’s party with quiet confidence and charm. Leaving her room, she headed toward the exit."Are you going out, Siren?" asked Briana."Yes, Mom. I have an invitation to a party," Sirena replied."Who are you going with—?"
“Wow, it’s such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Sirena,” David said warmly.Sirena didn’t reply, offering only a small smile as she sipped her champagne.“May I call you just Sirena, without the ‘Miss’?” David asked, his smile widening.“Sure, do as you please. Now, if you’ll excuse me,” Sirena replied, turning to leave.“Wait! I haven’t even finished talking. Why are you so cold?” David asked, trailing after her.Sirena glanced around, searching for James, but he was nowhere in sight.“Are you looking for someone? Oh, you came with my cousin, didn’t you? Are you looking for James?” David asked, his words making Sirena feel increasingly uncomfortable.She stopped momentarily, taking a deep breath before turning to face him. Her expression remained calm, though inside, she was unsettled.“Yes, I’m looking for James. Do you know where he is?” Sirena replied flatly, eager to end the conversation.David smirked slightly, his eyes brimming with undisguised curiosity. “Oh, I think he’s bu
James followed Sirena's gaze and smiled faintly, as if he had just realized the source of the unease radiating from the woman before him.“She’s my sister, Siren. We were discussing something important, nothing more.”Sirena frowned, momentarily taken aback by his explanation. But her pride wouldn’t allow her to trust him so easily. “Really? Sorry, but that’s none of my business,” she replied flatly, though a small sense of relief stirred inside her, one she refused to show.James stepped closer, his eyes locking on hers with intent. “Then why are you acting like this? Do you really want to go home, or is there something else bothering you?”Avoiding his gaze, Sirena felt uncomfortable under the weight of James’s intensity. “I just want to be alone. That’s all.”James wasn’t ready to back down. He gently yet firmly took her hand, stopping her from leaving. “If you want to go home, I’ll take you. But don’t leave feeling like this, Siren. Talk to me. What’s really going on?” His voice c
James had just arrived home. He walked toward the pantry and approached the showcase filled with various premium wines and whiskies. Picking up a glass, he opened the fridge to take some ice cubes and poured whiskey into the glass.He settled onto one of the minibar stools, his thoughts wandering back to the party a few hours ago.“You actually showed up,” said Hannah, approaching James. “So the rumor is true, huh? You and the daughter of a failing company owner.”James excused himself from the people he had been chatting with and walked away. He knew Hannah had said that to spread unpleasant rumors about him and Sirena.“Leaving already? Feeling ashamed?” Hannah taunted.James turned to face the glamorous woman—his stepmother, the same woman who had killed his mother and shattered his mental state in the past.“What do you want?” James asked, his voice laced with disdain.Hannah smiled thinly, her expression smug, which only deepened James’s disgust. She stepped closer, her presence d
“Is this everything?” Sirena murmured as she inspected the items she had packed into her backpack.After much deliberation, Sirena had finally decided to join the study tour to a destination on the outskirts of the city—a cool mountain area with a villa.She carefully zipped up her backpack, double-checking to ensure everything she needed was inside. Deep down, she still felt hesitant about going, particularly because of the uncomfortable atmosphere on campus. However, Elda had managed to convince her that this trip would be a good opportunity pa t-stress.“It’ll be fun, I promise. Besides, we can share a room, so you don’t have to worry about the others,” Elda had reassured her with a calming smile.Sirena took a deep breath and stepped out of her room with her backpack slung over her shoulders. Thoughts of the cool mountain air and the villa’s peaceful vibe helped her relax a little. She hoped this trip would bring her some joy, though deep down, she prepared herself for any eventua
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