"Where are they?" Arsila asked coldly, addressing the frail woman who had come to meet her behind the prison bars.Ester slightly lowered the glasses perched on the bridge of her nose, gazing at Arsila with pity. "They didn't come," she replied briefly."YOU MUST HAVE FORBIDDEN ME FROM SEEING THEM, RIGHT?!" Arsila shouted angrily.Ester took a deep breath. This wasn't the first time Arsila had spoken harshly or acted rudely toward her. Ester never got angry; the fire shouldn't be met with fire for her. Ester would always be the one to cool the situation. "Keanu himself refused. He's the one who's not ready to meet you," Ester said honestly.Arsila sneered contemptuously. "You've poisoned their minds, Ester! I regret ever trusting you with them!"Ester didn't understand why Arsila hated how she had dedicated herself to caring for and raising Keanu and Karletta since they were babies."I'm struggling to connect with my own children. They often reject me and remember you more! I gave bir
A correctional officer informed that Arsila had attempted suicide, her body covered in blood against one of the prison bars. The woman was raging, screaming Keanu and Karletta's names repeatedly while crying. According to one of the supervisors, Arsila once wrote a letter about her innermost thoughts, where she penned a small sentence about how she wanted to be the perfect mother for Keanu.Arsila had once been troubled, wondering whether she should abandon Karletta or continue to raise her. She experienced inner turmoil over her grudge against Shena for taking her husband in the past. However, when she saw Karletta, who was just a baby then, a sense of pity washed over her. Arsila treated the daughter of her husband and Shena as her child.Arsila also wanted to be the perfect mother for Keanu and celebrate everything about her biological son. But another sentence revealed that Arsila still blamed Catherine and Svarga for what had happened to her.Arsila was never aware of all her mis
Jarvey tried to recall, as there were many sensitive confessions Keanu had made to Svarga at that time. Keanu admitted his guilt as the son of a criminal, but he pleaded for forgiveness for being born from the wrong womb."Keanu just wanted to be forgiven... he apologized for being the son of a man who once hurt your mother's feelings in the past," Jarvey said, causing Charlotte to freeze like the ice cream she was devouring.Jarvey began the story: On the afternoon before Arsila's arrest, Keanu sat down with Svarga to make a confession that weighed heavily on his conscience. Keanu nearly broke down in tears before speaking, his body trembling, and sweat dripped from his forehead despite the cool weather that day.Keanu shared things that had tormented him as a child ever since Arsila's return. Keanu and Karletta, who longed for their parents' love, had been blinded by the sad stories Arsila had told them. They were angry after Arsila claimed that the Chandra and Oweis families were r
"Keanu is not a bad person, Charlotte. He's just caught between his admiration for you and his desire to be a good friend, but also his wish to be his mother's favorite."Charlotte could not hold back her tears when she saw the handwriting of the elderly woman who had been their caregiver since Keanu and Karletta were children."He never aspired to attend a prestigious university or become one of the students in the circles of powerful people, though he was well aware of his own situation. His initial goal was indeed to make you suffer, as his mother wished, but your kindness made him realize something—that not everyone judges others based on status and class.""Keanu is very grateful to you and your parents because, in the end, he didn't lose himself by following his mother's desires. However, he is also too ashamed to apologize to you for Karletta's mistakes. He was blinded by his own affection for his sister; you must understand that, right? I don't want you to forgive his behavior
Ester lay weak, sitting while clutching the wooden cane that had helped her stand upright all this time. Her lips curved into a smile, and her eyes appeared serene as if asleep, but Karletta realized something was wrong with the woman.The plate adorned with a vegetable omelette fell, shattering the freshly cooked food. The sound also drew Keanu's attention. Karletta cried uncontrollably when she realized Ester was no longer breathing.Keanu knelt before the woman, trying to stay calm despite his heart pounding wildly. Ester's body had grown cold, her joints limp. Keanu lifted her and placed her in the car, then carried Karletta, who was still crying and weak to stand.They headed to the hospital, which wasn't too far from home. They needed to check Ester's condition because she had been fine earlier, but suddenly, she had stopped breathing. They needed to make sure what had caused her to pass away so unexpectedly, without any signs. Worried something might have happened before Ester
"Your mother will be sentenced to death, Keanu," said Jarvey, then he took the letter back from Keanu's hands."Ester already knew about this; she had anticipated that your mother would bear a heavy punishment that would take her life."Jarvey patted Keanu's shoulder twice and said goodbye, "I'm leaving." He got into his car, started the engine, and drove off. The man glanced at Keanu through the rearview mirror, feeling sorry for him as he stood there, frozen in place.Jarvey put on his AirPods and then pressed a button to call someone. "I've met with Keanu. I don't know if he'll return to Louvre or not; he already said he wouldn't get involved, but he's read the trial letter ... I think he might change his mind," he said to the person on the phone.***Life has indeed returned to normal. Charlotte is back at work and will be in a long-distance relationship for two weeks with Jarvey, who is now in the Netherlands. The woman is going about her usual activities—working and overseeing t
"Karletta...." Keanu called his sister. Since Ester's funeral four days ago, Karletta had spent most of her time working, watching movies, listening to music, or walking around the neighborhood. She had become quieter, only speaking when necessary, and her interactions with Keanu had decreased. It felt as though she had lost the will to live."Why? Are you going to ask me again whether we'll return to Louvre for Mom or not?" Karletta guessed.Keanu nodded. "I'm just making sure of your answer.""I've already told you, I'm not going back. I don't care what happens to her there... Besides, she's not my mother, right? I don't think I should meet her."Keanu sighed, sitting beside Karletta, then handed her a box of chocolates with pieces of strawberry and almond. "She's our mother. She gave birth to me, even though she didn't give birth to you. We come from the same father.""Keanu, even if Dad were still alive, I think my decision would stay the same. I never knew what my biological moth
Two hours ago, Keanu arrived at Glass Glory Entertainment—Svarga's company. One of Svarga's secretaries had provided refreshments for the man who had just travelled from the Netherlands to the Louvre. While sitting in Svarga's private lounge, Keanu spent most of his time wandering around the room. He noticed a lot of framed photos from when Svarga was younger.Numerous awards were also displayed, recognizing the company's significant contributions to business development. However, Keanu's attention was drawn to a photograph featuring a young man and a woman. He believed the man to be a young Svarga, while the woman's identity remained unknown, though she bore a striking resemblance to Karletta."Good morning…" Svarga's voice at the doorway pulled Keanu's focus in that direction.Keanu slightly bowed and extended his hand to greet the man."Have you had breakfast? I apologize for keeping you waiting so long. I was in an internal company meeting, as we are nearing the new semester befor
After three days of being hospitalized, Keanu was allowed to go home. The doctor also provided several therapy schedules to ensure he received optimal care until his shoulder was fully healed.As for the house gifted to him, Charlotte and Jarvey gave Keanu a house in Les Halles and another to Karletta in Louvre so she could be closer to Glass Glory for her work.On Charlotte’s advice, Devon accepted Keanu as his business partner. He had known Keanu for a long time and recognized his integrity and outstanding intelligence.“My heart is pounding,” said Karletta as she helped Keanu button up his jacket.“Why?”“Tomorrow is my first day as a grade A trainee at Glass Glory. I thought Mrs. Catherine would put me in grade C with the other newcomers. I didn’t expect her to assess my performance and all the awards I’ve received,” Karletta said.“That means you’ll debut faster, right?” Keanu asked.“Exactly, which is why my heart is racing. But what makes it beat the fastest is… Mrs. Catherine
Svarga visited Keanu after Easton mentioned that Keanu was awake and ready for visitors. Svarga's smile made Keanu lower his head, and he felt embarrassed in his presence."I thought you'd be asleep again," Svarga said. "How are you feeling now? Did Easton mess with your head after talking to him?"Keanu nodded. "A little. He almost confused me."Svarga didn't press further. "Charlotte and Jarvey will visit you this afternoon. They had to go to the police station to settle some matters from last night.""Will Emily be imprisoned?" Keanu asked, lifting his head slightly."With all the evidence you provided, it's inevitable. Emily and her family will face punishment in the Netherlands, not in this country," Svarga replied.Keanu sighed with relief. "I thought they might use their power to cover up their crimes.""It's not simple, son. You have given us a lot of information, much of which we don't even know. The evidence you presented shows there were many flaws they were trying to hide,
Keanu slowly opened his eyes. He had just woken up after eight hours, his first time regaining consciousness since the operation. His gaze immediately shifted toward the window, where he saw Devon and Karletta talking with their arms crossed.Keanu smiled softly, straightening his body, which felt sore and painfully stiff. The sound of the creaking bed drew Devon and Karletta's attention toward him. They both rushed to his side, their faces beaming with relief because Keanu was finally awake."Hey," Karletta greeted as she wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye.Devon adjusted the bed's headrest to a 45-degree angle to make Keanu more comfortable. "Should I call the doctor?""No need. I'm fine," Keanu replied. "I just want something to drink."Karletta quickly grabbed a water bottle and handed it to her older brother. "I've heard everything. How are you feeling now? I've been avoiding a lot of people outside asking about your condition. Thankfully, Mrs. Catherine has been watchi
"HEY!" Jarvey shouted a bit loudly. "YOU'RE AWAKE?!""Annoying...." Keanu replied, then shifted his aching body. "Ah, this is such a hassle." The man slowly opened his eyes and looked at his shoulder wrapped in thick bandages.Charlotte stood tall, her eyes shining with tears streaming down her face. She pressed the emergency button, and shortly after, a doctor and a nurse entered the room."KEANU IS AWAKE!" Charlotte shouted excitedly, then she and Jarvey were asked to leave the room at the doctor’s request.Outside, Catherine, observing them all along, smiled with satisfaction, relieved that Keanu had finally opened his eyes after hours of sleeping post-surgery."Mama, you were right! Keanu is so strong. Look, he's awake now!" Charlotte exclaimed.Catherine hugged Charlotte back, tears in her eyes, too, eager for the doctor to let them see Keanu.After 15 minutes of examination, the doctor permitted them to enter but on the condition that they be quiet, as the effects of the anesthe
Emily and her parents were taken into custody by the police, and their case will be forwarded to a Dutch court. Today, they are being held in detention and waiting to be collected. They have been stripped out of these clothes and put into detention uniforms, each in an isolated cell — comparatively more comfortable than those where other detainees are lodged.Lucius instructed some colleagues to stand guard until the Dutch legal team arrived for mediation. "I have to go and check on the other guests. Some people being questioned have confessed that they were paid by Emily to support their engagement event and to prepare the plans they had in place if the event had gone successfully."Lucius then said they were all still planning on setting Noah up to ruin his career as well, and he wanted Lucius there in case something went south with being able to pin a significant failing of Noah's that goes right back around through him onto Emily’s parents.“Liam, you take him, and the rest of us
Everyone screamed hysterically, including Charlotte, who instinctively shouted and hugged the person protecting her."KEANU!" Charlotte's voice trembled violently, one hand pressed against the blood gushing from Keanu's shoulder.Charlotte cried almost hysterically, calling out for anyone who would help. People rushed over to her; some hurriedly called for an ambulance while Lucius moved Keanu's body to a chair, using the thick fabric of his coat to cover the bleeding.The Chandra family guards restrained Emily, preventing her from escaping, and blocked access to ensure none of her accomplices could flee. About ten minutes later, the ambulance arrived, and Keanu was quickly rushed to the hospital.Charlotte, overwhelmed with emotion, held back sobs as she glared at Emily, her blood-stained hand pointing at her without saying a word, making Emily utterly terrified.Charlotte's gaze then shifted to Emily's parents, filled with an unbearable grudge, before she spoke, "I will make your da
Emily was terrified, and so were her parents. The couple accompanying Emily knelt before Catherine, begging for forgiveness like sinners fearing the gates of hell. Their actions, however, only raised questions among everyone present—what were they hiding that caused them to be so afraid?But Emily's reaction was different. She refused to beg Catherine for mercy like her parents had done. "You think you can do anything to me? I’m already engaged to Jarvey. Now ask my fiancé whom he will choose."Jarvey pulled Charlotte close, holding her hand tightly and showing everyone his answer. His actions naturally stoked Emily's fury even more."Fine, you're challenging me, huh? Then I’ll make your parents pay for everything!" Emily screamed in frustration. She grabbed Havella by the hair and dragged her away, prompting Noah to rush after his wife.Emily’s actions shocked many, including the media crew that Catherine had allowed to cover Emily’s event.The onlookers were horrified as they watche
All eyes were on the figure in the red dress, flaunting her beautiful curves. She wore matching red gloves that only covered her palms, and a black fascinator adorned her straight, flowing hair. Charlotte embodied the definition of luxurious beauty in the eyes of the wealthy elite. She smiled kindly at those who recognized her, while some deliberately hid, not wanting to be labelled as traitors for attending and supporting Jarvey’s wedding to another woman."Miss Charlotte, it's a pleasure to meet you," a man greeted her. He was the event moderator and a businessman whose company had Svarga as an investor."Hi, Karlos. Nice to see you, too. I guess you successfully united the couple today. Where are they?" Charlotte asked, her eyes scanning for Jarvey and Emily.Karlos didn’t answer. Sweat dripped down his body, his face pale. Soon after, Jarvey came running down from the second floor, tears streaming down his face upon seeing Charlotte. He rushed toward her and embraced her tightly.
Charlotte stood in front of the mirror, spending hours in this boutique, clearly excited despite her incredibly chaotic emotions. She could remain calm because Keanu and Devon were with her, offering comfort without hesitation.“Hey?” Devon greeted her as he entered the dressing room after the boutique staff called for him, allowing him to see Charlotte.For a moment, Devon was stunned by seeing the woman in a knee-length red dress. Charlotte had purposely chosen a bolder colour as a symbol of defiance against her heartbreak.“Devon, what do you think? Is my appearance enough? Do I look beautiful? I feel like the stitching around the waist makes me look a bit thinner,” Charlotte rambled.Devon exhaled and shook his head, feeling satisfied with Charlotte’s appearance. The undeniable aura of wealth radiated from her; Charlotte always looked luxurious in whatever she wore.“You’re beautiful,” Devon said, a simple sentence that never seemed to satisfy Charlotte.“Ah, I’m not sure.”“You’r