"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
Svarga led Liam out of the room, giving Charlotte and Keanu a chance to speak privately. While Keanu disliked the situation, it differed for Charlotte, who was on the verge of tears.The woman stepped closer to Keanu; her eyes focused on the man with pitch-black irises. "Did you come alone? Where's Karletta?""She's at home," Keanu replied."Why didn't you bring her?""She didn't want to come here."" You are lying, aren't you?"Keanu raised an eyebrow and tilted his head. "And if I am lying, do you have the right to be mad?""Of course! Karletta should be here. You must have stopped her, right?!" Charlotte's voice rose.Keanu yawned, as he always did, looking down on his conversation partner, especially if that person was Charlotte. "She's my sister. I know her far better than you do. You don't even know her at all, and she doesn't want to get to know you either."Charlotte fell silent; Keanu's words were always sharp, sometimes hitting her right in the consciousness. "You could've p
Keanu got into the taxi that had stopped before the bus stop, leaving Liam without another word after Keanu's final remark. Liam was sure there was something Keanu was hiding behind, so he had been adamant about not wanting to return to the Louvre.Liam opened his phone and walked toward his private car, parked not far from Louvre Park. While trying to call someone, he stopped by a bakery, picked up a chocolate drink, and got into his car.The number Liam wanted to call was proving difficult to reach. He pressed down on the gas, speeding toward his destination. However, when he arrived, he was greeted by an ambulance and a crowd of people standing in the house's yard. Liam dashed, his face turning pale, fearing something had happened. The sound of a woman sobbing echoed from the porch, repeatedly calling out her husband's name."DHIRA!" Liam shouted, looking around for anyone besides the medics and police. "What happened? Where's Easton?"Dhira was sobbing uncontrollably, her face red
Keanu and Charlotte held hands as they chased after Lucius, who had disappeared after Keanu had managed to knock him down earlier. Just moments before, when Charlotte had just arrived at the apartment, Lucius suddenly attacked her.It all happened so fast that Charlotte couldn't even fight back. The man had transformed into a predator, driven by ego and lust. Even though Charlotte repeatedly called for help and tried to make Lucius snap out of it, the silver-haired man didn't listen."Are you tired?" Keanu asked, releasing his grip on Charlotte's hand.She shook her head, her breath ragged but still determined to chase Lucius. "We have to catch him.""You should wait at the apartment. I'll go after Lucius," Keanu said.Again, Charlotte shook her head. "He's an employee at my house, he almost physically hurt me, and he even tried to rape me. He's not like the Lucius I know.""He's not the Lucius, you know," Keanu replied.Charlotte frowned. "What do you mean? I've known him for years—"
"I never expected... Lucius, do something like this for our family. Have we not been good enough to him all this time? Or maybe we made some mistake that made him hold such a grudge against us?" Svarga wondered aloud.Catherine shook her head, unsure of her husband's suspicion. "Lucius has been so loyal to us. He's worked for us since he was young and has rarely made any mistakes. It's unbelievable that he would harm us in this way."Charlotte, meantime, was sitting in the room's corner, cuddling up to herself with a blanket while she stared vacantly up at the seemingly impending rainy night sky. She had just called Jarvey, crying as she recounted everything that had happened that night. Jarvey promised to fly in from the Netherlands tomorrow to be with her."Sweetheart, what would you like to eat? It would help if you were hungry," Catherine asked."Where's Keanu?" Charlotte asked instead."He's with the police.""He's not guilty. He saved me," Charlotte said."You're right, dear, bu
Alexander used Lucius' facilities, even sneaking into the Oweis family home as if he were the honest Lucius. He observed everyone's movements in the house, studied the cases at hand, and positioned himself as someone with considerable influence there."Lucius, your friend has passed away," Svarga said.Alexander remained composed and followed all the procedures well because Lucius was caught on CCTV at the hotel where the incident occurred. Alexander was a little afraid that the police would suspect or recognize him as Alexander. However, all his fears disappeared when he accidentally found a recording of a phone call from Karletta to Lucius at night. In that call, Karletta asked for help, her voice trembling, with the sound of objects crashing in the background and ending with Karletta's scream.Alexander used this recording as evidence, indirectly strengthening the case that Karletta was not guilty. When she was declared innocent, Alexander asked Svarga and Catherine for permission
"KEANU!" Charlotte shouted just as he was about to step out the door. Keanu turned around, slightly stepping back as Charlotte tried to grab his wrist."What is it?" Keanu asked."I'm sorry... I misunderstood you," Charlotte said sincerely."Ah, don’t worry about it. Just stop being so stubborn. Try to look at problems from more than just your perspective, and you’ll understand that not everything is easy for you to know," Keanu replied, then turned back around."Where are you going?" Charlotte asked."To Jarvey’s apartment, of course. He’s already permitted me to stay there. So, you better stay at your parents' house. Sorry for kicking you out." Keanu didn’t say anything more, turning and quickly leaving Charlotte behind.Keanu could never stand being near Charlotte. He had to forget that he once had unique feelings for her. Charlotte was too beautiful to look at simply; her smooth skin made many people want to be close to her. Keanu, in particular, never hated Charlotte—he didn’t wa
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