"Why are both of you here?" Sirena asked, frowning as she looked at them."We came as representatives of the late James Scout, one of the largest shareholders here," Harry said with a wide smile."It's been a while, Sirena Reverie," Harry greeted, now standing in front of Sirena, who had risen from her seat."Yes, Uncle," Sirena replied. "If you’re here as representatives of James Scout, please, have a seat.""Thank you," David smiled, though for some reason, his smile seemed to carry some meaning.Sirena's secretary walked over to David and Harry, handing them a tablet that displayed the documents for today’s meeting discussion.Sirena quietly glanced at Harry and David. She didn’t know why Uncle Harry and David had come, using James’ name. What was their real reason? Sirena thought Vaul might be the one to represent James’ side, but these two? Harry could probably be trusted by James because of their closeness, but David? James' cousin, who always had conflicts with him whenever the
"Why?" Luke asked as Sirena walked toward his executive chair.Luke was currently in the Director's office, waiting for Sirena's arrival."It's nothing, Uncle."The secretary approached Sirena's desk and handed her a tablet. "Here are the reports from the recent meeting, Miss Siren," she said."Thanks. You may leave, Alice." Alice nodded politely and left the room, leaving Luke and Sirena alone."Uncle, do you know anything about this auction?" Sirena asked, handing him the invitation card David had given her earlier.Luke took the card and read it intently. "An auction hosted by the Romano Cartel family. They are one of the most prominent businessmen and also the largest mafia syndicate widely known by many. However, the Romano Cartel has never been caught because of their strong influence on the government," Luke explained."They usually hold auctions like this. The items up for auction are not ordinary; they are rare treasures, often one-of-a-kind in the world. Many top business fi
“How much longer until we reach the dock?” Sirena asked, ensuring the situation remained under control.“We’ll arrive in fifteen minutes, Miss Sirena,” the driver replied politely. “Mr. David apologizes for not being able to greet you personally.”Sirena let out a small sigh. Of course, David chose to act as a courteous host, though Sirena knew there was something bigger behind this invitation.Her eyes returned to the window, watching the vehicles pass by. The hum of engines blended with her swirling thoughts, digging through the possibilities of what she would face tonight. What exactly was David's purpose in inviting her? Was it a trap or simply a show of power?“Be ready for anything, Siren,” she whispered to herself, anchoring determination in her heart.The car finally approached the dock, shimmering under the lights of luxury yachts. The sound of gentle waves harmonized with the night’s atmosphere. Sirena took a deep breath, making sure she was prepared for the dangerous game t
“James…?”The man looked at Sirena with a blank expression.“Who are you?” he asked coldly. “How did you get into this room?”His voice was icy. Sirena’s heart ached, yet longed to hear his voice again.“Is this real? Am I hallucinating?” Sirena thought, frozen in place, unable to speak or move.“Why are you just standing there? If you're looking for a client, don't come here. Get out now!” he ordered.The man before her looked completely different from the warm and teasing James she knew. This version was harsh, with an almost contemptuous gaze directed at Sirena.“I… I—” Sirena’s voice caught in her throat.“Get out!” the man ordered harshly. “Leave now, or I'll throw you out myself!”Sirena swallowed hard, her gaze turning bleak as tears rolled down her cheeks.“Are you deaf? I said get out!” he snapped.Sirena flinched at his harsh tone, realizing this was neither a dream nor a hallucination. This was real—James was standing right in front of her.Irritated that the woman remained
"Are you hungry?" James asked Sirena, who stood near the window, gazing at the vast, close-up view of the sea."Yeah, I haven’t eaten anything," Sirena replied."Then wait a moment. I'll order us some food," James said as he walked toward the phone mounted on the wall.James quickly picked up the receiver and spoke to the room service staff. "Can you send up two full dinner sets? One with medium-rare steak and the other... a seafood platter," he ordered, glancing at Sirena. "You like seafood, right?"Sirena nodded slightly, her face still showing traces of emotions that hadn't entirely faded. "Yes, I like seafood."James offered a faint smile and continued his order. "Oh, and don't forget two fresh orange juices and your finest wine." Once done, he returned the phone to its cradle."We have a few minutes before the food arrives," he said, walking closer. "Why don't you sit down?"Sirena kept her gaze fixed on the dark, gently rippling sea under the starry sky. "I like it here; the vie
"Siren?" called James. Siren was sitting pensively at the edge of the bed."This is your room card. You're in the wrong room. David is waiting for you outside; he'll take you to your room," James said, handing her the card.Siren turned to look at James. "Can't I just sleep here?"James was taken aback by her boldness. Normally, she would avoid him at all costs."Sleep here? With me?" James asked, seeking confirmation.Siren's face instantly flushed with embarrassment. She couldn’t believe she had blurted that out. Turning her head away, she tried to hide her blush. But she didn't want to be away from James. She was afraid that if she left, the reality of him being gone and all of this being a mere illusion would hit her."Um... I mean—" Siren bit her lower lip, struggling to find the right words."Actually, it's fine if you want to stay. I'll have David use your room for now. They might do room checks to make sure all guests are in their assigned cabins," James explained.Siren hesit
"Are you done with your shower? Come on, let's have breakfast," James invited, already sitting comfortably in his chair with a variety of breakfast dishes spread out on the table."Um... yeah," Siren replied, feeling awkward and embarrassed. She desperately wanted to disappear at that very moment and avoid looking at James. She couldn't stop thinking about her actions last night, which surely must have shocked him. Even she was stunned at herself, acting so impulsively."What's wrong? Why are you just standing there?" James asked. "Come here and eat a lot. I know you're hungry and tired after last night's... surprising activity."Siren's face turned bright red at James's teasing, making her even more embarrassed."Um... yeah," she answered, walking over to the chair in front of James. Without looking at him, Siren began to eat quickly, stuffing her mouth until her cheeks were puffed out with food.James laughed, having watched her fondly the whole time."Wh-why are you laughing?" Sire
"So, James is hiding a woman in his room?" Jeslyn asked."That's right, Miss. A mysterious woman. She seems quite special to James, and David is helping him. I think those two from the Scout family are planning something dangerous," reported the man who served as Jeslyn's spy."Hm... Planning something? Do they think they can go against Romano Castel?" she said firmly.Jeslyn leaned gracefully against her chair, her gaze sharp and calculating. "Who is this woman? Can you find out more about her?" she asked while tapping her fingers on the armrest.The spy obediently nodded. "I will dig deeper, Miss. But from what I’ve seen, the woman is quite close to James. In fact, James seems very protective of her."Jeslyn narrowed her eyes, uneasiness creeping into her heart. "Protective, you say? That means... she’s important to him."The spy nodded again. "Exactly, Miss. And it seems David is also involved in protecting her. They’re being extremely cautious, keeping a close watch on her every m
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