Rick felt like his world was crashing down on him at that very moment. His chest tightened, and his breaths grew shallow as he sat there, his hand finding its way to his head. He pulled at his hair, as if he wanted every single strand to be removed from his head. Sensing his distress, Gina gasped and immediately removed his hand from his head. "What's wrong with you? If something is troubling you, then please tell me. That's what partners do," she said, her voice filled with concern.Rick looked at Gina and scoffed, "Partner?" he asked bitterly and chuckled. "I was gone for more than four hours, and you didn't even bother to give me a call to know about my whereabouts. Instead, you were enjoying yourself.""I-I was going to call you," Gina stuttered, her eyes filling with tears.Rick stood up and started ascending the stairs. "Rick, I love you so much, and I'm so sorry," Gina called out after him.Rick turned back to look at her. "You can go back to your movie," he said flatly, before
Madison stormed to where Serena stood " You bitch, you framed me " Serena only smiled and looked at Amanda " You found the thief, what are you going to do now?" Amanda immediately called the security guard while the crowds kept taking pictures and videos. "Stop taking videos, stop it!!!" Madison yelled, trying to grab the crowd's phones, but they only mocked her more. "Is the necklace so expensive that the great Madison Archer couldn't afford it and decided to steal?" someone from the crowd said while the others laughed.Madison pointed her finger at the crowd and turned around, saying, "I promise you all, I will make you pay for talking to me this way." Someone from the crowd yelled back, "Keep your filthy threat to yourself, you thief."Just then, three security men arrived and grabbed Madison. She struggled to break free, yelling, "What are you doing? Let go of me! How dare you!! Do you know who I am?" " Yes, you are nothing but a thief " The crowds yelled and burst out in a fit
The chief of the police stood in front of Rick, holding out a pen and a document that required Rick's signature. "Your signature is required here," he declared in a firm tone. Rick accepted the pen and signed the document, returning it to the chief of police."Go fetch Madison Archer," the chief of police ordered one of his officers, who promptly left the room. A few minutes later, the officer returned with a disheveled and tear-stained Madison in tow. As soon as Madison saw Rick, she rushed towards him and enveloped him in a tight embrace, tears streaming down her face."What took you so long?" she cried, her voice trembling with emotion. Madison pulled away from the hug and Rick took a moment to observe her. Her left cheek was swollen and bore an evident five-finger mark that would take at least a week to heal. Rick gently touched Madison's cheek and she winced in pain. "Who did this to you?" Rick asked, his face contorted with anger."One of the inmates slapped me so hard. It's bee
Archer mansion.Rick parked the car .Madison hastily came out from the car, making her way to the mansion . "Madison, I'm talking to you," Rick called out, striding to catch up with her.Madison pushed open the door and was met with her mother's worried expression. "Mom!" Madison exclaimed, rushing into her arms for a hug."Oh, my baby. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you," Rachel said, tenderly stroking Madison's hair. Rick entered the room with a scowl."I'm talking to you, Madison. What did you and Serene talked about?" he demanded.Madison pulled away from her mother's embrace and met Rick's gaze. "I told you, I don't want to talk about it," she replied firmly.Rick furrowed his brow with suspicion. "Are you absolutely certain that you did not pilfer the necklace?" Madison gasped, disbelief in her voice. ""What on earth are you insinuating? Why would I steal a necklace that I could easily afford? Your ex-wife set me up, and you witnessed her at the station, correct?" Rick's expr
SUNDAY.Archer Mansion. Rick strolled into the dining room. Madison, Gina, and Rachel were already seated, enjoying their breakfast."Good morning," Rick greeted as he took his seat. A maid appeared and served him promptly. Rick wasted no time in picking up his spoon and digging into his meal.Gina's gaze shifted towards Rick, her facial features conveying a sense of gravity. "Will you pardon your ex-wife for her actions against Madison?." Gina inquired, her tone solemn."Can I not enjoy my meal without any interruptions?" Rick retorted."Gina makes a valid point. Will you simply let Serena off the hook for what she did to me?" Madison joined in, her words laced with hurt. Rick halted mid-bite, setting down his spoon with a clatter."What exactly do you suggest I do, then?" Rick inquired, his voice now tinged with frustration....Madison's gaze pierced Rick, a mixture of bewilderment and fury etched on her face. "Is that all you have to say?" she demanded, her voice already rising i
Archers Mansion.Madison's excitement was palpable as she rushed down the grand staircase, her smile beaming from ear to ear. Rachel and Gina were cozily settled in the living room, engrossed in a movie, when Madison's elated scream pierced through the air. Rachel sprang up from her seat, worried, while Gina remained glued to the screen, still caught up in the movie's plot.Madison finally arrived in the living room, her face still lit up with joy,and Rachel enquired, "Is everything alright? You seem very happy.". "Yes, Mom, I think I have the answers to Rick's problem," she announced, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. Gina, still engrossed in the movie, showed less interest in Madison's idea."That's fantastic news, Madison! What's the solution?" Rachel inquired, eagerly awaiting Madison's response. Madison glanced around the room before saying, "Where's Rick? He needs to be here for this."Just then, Rick walked into the room, his face full of curiosity, wondering what had caused
"We could profit more if Rick marries May Stanford. Why are you taking Gina's side?" Madison remarked as soon as Rick had left the room."I'm not taking Gina's side. While we search for May Stanford and try to make her fall for your brother, we need to keep Gina on our good side. Remember, she has connections. Once we have May Stanford, we can discard Gina," Rachel whispered conspiratorially to Madison.The LUX hotel.As Rick stepped out of the car, he rushed into the bar with panic rising inside him. He scanned the room, hoping to find Ethan safe and sound.Rick and Ethan had been friends since their college days, and despite Rick being a senior, it didn't affect their strong bond. "Rick!" His name rang out across the room. Rick turned, spotting a figure waving at him. A closer look revealed it to be Ethan. Rick proceeded towards him with a scowl etched on his face. Ethan had called him in a state of distress, yet what Rick saw before him painted a completely different picture. Ethan
The air was thick with tension as Serena's silence hung in the air for a few seconds before she finally spoke, her voice tinged with confusion . "Do I know you?" Ethan's smile faltered for a moment, his heart sinking as he realized that Serena couldn't seem to remember him. He tried to hide his disappointment behind a fake smile, knowing that it had been quite some time since they had last seen each other. Ethan's mind raced as he tried to think of a way to jog Serena's memory. Finally, he spoke. "We were paired together for a physics practical, and after that, we became friends" He paused momentarily before adding, "study buddies, I suppose. We also made a deal that you would always help me with my physics practical, and in return, I would get you chocolate." Ethan's voice trailed off, hoping that his words would trigger some memory in Serena's mind. He waited with bated breath for her response, his heart beating fast with anticipation...Serena squinted her eyes, trying to recolle
Rick returned to the mansion, his sweat-drenched clothes clinging to his body, evidence of the intense morning jog he had just finished. As he climbed the stairs to his room, the cool, refreshing air still invigorated him, lingering in his lungs. Although the run had temporarily eased the turmoil brewing inside him, Rick knew the calm was fleeting. Now, Rick yearned for a soothing, warm bath to unwind, followed by a nice nap. Rick grabbed the doorknob and pushed open the door, his gaze fell on Gina, sitting at his dressing table, her reflection staring back at him from the mirror like a haunting specter. Her carefree humming and the soft strokes of her hairbrush seemed to mock him. His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, and his face reddened with rage as he slammed the door behind him. "Why are you here?!" Rick thundered, his voice like a crack of lightning, shaking the room with its intensity. His eyes blazing with fury. But Gina didn't flinch, not even a little bit. She cont
Stanford corporation.Serena reached for a file from Anita's outstretched hand, her eyes scanning the contents as she asked, " Have DS Enterprise sent the contract?" "Unfortunately, it hasn't been sent yet." Anita hesitated before continuing, "I can follow up with them immediately."Frowning Serena muttered" How much longer do I have to wait for the contract" Serena looked intently at Anita and added ."Inform them that if the contract isn't drafted and sent to me within the next 15 minutes, we will consider it null and void." She tapped her pen on the desk, emphasizing the deadline."Okay, ma'am" Anita nodded, her fingers flying across her notebook as she jotted the message down . " some companies have sent representatives to submit their proposals for the advertising contract" Anita added ." Please direct them to the management floor. Mr. Bill is handling the project." Serena instructed " And what's my schedule for today?".Anita looked up, her eyes locking onto Serena's as she g
Jude let out a nervous chuckle. "You can't be serious. It's too early to make such a joke," he said, shaking his head ."I'm serious," replied Gina ."Collaborating with Demsel Agency has been your dream. And now that you have the opportunity, you are refusing. What's wrong with you?" Jude asked, the frustration evident in his tone."Collaborating with Demsel Agency was my dream, but it's not anymore," Gina explained. "Jennifer would probably be interested in the collaboration. You can give her my spot.""Demsel Agency doesn't need Jennifer, they need you!" Jude insisted, turning to Melody. "Why are you so quiet? Talk some sense into her," he urged, hoping for support ."Gina," Melody began to speak, but Gina swiftly cut her off."My mind is already made up. Have a nice day," Gina tersely stated before leaving the office, leaving Jude and Melody staring after her in disbelief. Jude's face darkened, his expression twisted in ire. "Nice day," Jude repeated sarcastically. "My day has
Stanford mansion. "Do you have to leave?" Serena asked, a pout forming on her lips. Ella nodded, her eyes locking onto Serena's "Your dad is back, so you won't be alone. Plus, going to my office from here every day is so stressful. And don't forget, Michael is arriving from Australia tomorrow." "Ahh Michael!! . He still have a crush on me, doesn't he?" She wagged her eyebrows playfully.Michael is Ella's younger brother, who had a crush on Serena since he was four years old. Ella chuckled, her lips curling into a smile, "You need to ask him that yourself." As they finished packing, Serena zipped the luggage shut and placed it on the floor with a soft thud. "I'll miss you terribly," "I will miss you, too. When is Marcus returning?" Ella asked. "This week, I think. Dad said he has to take care of a few things before coming back." With a final glance around the room, Ella grabbed her handbag and turned to Serena "Okay, I'm ready to leave." Serena softly clapped her hand
"Stop it, Rick!" Gina's cry echoed through the stairs as Rick continued to drag her down.They reached the bottom step and without hesitation, Rick violently pushed Gina down. She fell to the ground, her left knee taking the brunt of the impact."Ouch!" Gina exclaimed as she looked up at Rick. "Why are you doing this to me?""Pack your things and leave my house, it's over between us," Rick said coldly."Over?" Gina repeated, wiping away her tears and trying to stand despite the pain in her knee. She limped closer to Rick, staring into his hazel eyes. "Is our relationship just a joke to you? Something you can end whenever you please?"She swallowed the lump in her throat and continued, "Just yesterday you were telling me how much you loved me, and now you're saying it's over. Please, Rick, come back to your senses.""I'm perfectly in my right mind, Gina," Rick retorted. "Since you came back into my life, it's been nothing but misfortune. I even divorced Serena because of you, but what
Serena's office door creaked open as Rick barged in, with Anita trailing behind, attempting to dissuade him from entering.Looking up from her desk, Serena fixed her gaze on Rick and then turned to Anita. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I tried to stop him," Anita said in a panicked voice before rushing out to call security."Serena, please, I just want to speak with you. Please, just hear me out," Rick pleaded. "I don't think we have anything to speak about," Serena replied coolly. Just then, two security guards strode in, flanking Anita, and immediately seized Rick."Throw him out and make sure he never sets foot here again," Serena ordered. The guards began dragging Rick out, but he resisted, desperately pleading for Serena to listen to him."Just give me 10 minutes of your time. That's all I ask for!" Rick yelled. "Hold on," Serena commanded. The guards halted in their tracks. "Let him go. All of you, leave," Serena ordered. The guards released Rick and bowed to Serena before exiting the offic
"Stanford corporation has experienced remarkable growth, currently operating over 10 luxurious hotels across the globe, prestigious malls, and widely respected fashion industries. We are excited to announce our expansion into the dynamic fields of technology and cosmetics with the launch of Stanford Tech and Cosmetics.As we strive to push the limits and foster innovation, we understand the value of collaboration and supporting emerging talent. It gives me great pleasure to announce that we are extending opportunities to four upcoming advertising companies to demonstrate their creativity and expertise." The room erupted in applause.Serena beamed and added, "All you need to do is submit your proposal. We will carefully review each submission and select four companies whose proposal meet our criteria for excellence." Adrenaline surged through Rick's veins like a raging river as the sudden revelation struck him like a bolt of lightning. Waves of emotion crashed over him, and a deep se
Ella furrowed her brows as she and Serena observed Rick walking towards them. "Why is he coming over here?" she wondered out loud.Serena let out a chuckle. "To insult me. What else?" she replied with a wry smile. "I'm definitely going to give him a piece of my mind today," Ella declared, glaring in Rick's direction. Sensing her friend's determination, Serena handed her phone to Ella. "Call Marcus to find out where they are. I'll take care of Rick.""Are you sure?" Ella asked, concern evident on her face. Serena nodded confidently. "I have everything under control.""Okay, if you say so," Ella muttered, feeling a bit uneasy, and walked off to call Marcus.Serena's eyes flicked back to Rick as he made his way over to her. His outstretched hand reached for hers as he said, "Let's talk." However, as soon as his fingers brushed against hers, Serena recoiled as if a bee had stung her. "Don't touch me," she snapped, her voice firm."Alright, let's find a quiet spot to talk," Rick suggested.
Stanford Mansion. "Please double-check the venue and ensure that everything is arranged properly," Serena instructed Anita over the phone before ending the call. At that moment, Ella entered Serena's room, followed by a line of maids carrying various designer dresses. "You took care of everything to make sure it's perfect, but you forgot to shop for your dress," Ella remarked as she guided Serena, who was standing, to sit on the bed. "But don't worry, I've got you covered." Serena, with a slightly flustered expression, confessed, "I've been so swamped that it completely slipped my mind." Ella, with a reassuring touch, cradled Serena's chin in her hands saying "That's why I'm here" she smiled. " We need to make sure we explore all the options to find the perfect one for you." As Ella maintained her comforting touch, Serena's eyes wandered over the assortment of exquisite designer dresses before returning back to Ella, questioning, "Do we really have to try them all? Can't we j