Chapter 79While she waits for Estefan, he was still at the office wrapping up his day. He leaned back in his chair, eyes focused on the last report his assistant had delivered.The day had been productive, and he was in high spirits throughout the day. He checked his watch; he realized it was time to head home. Before he left, he asked his assistant for an update about Michael’s activities in the past two days.“Mr. Salvatore,” the assistant began, flipping through his notes. “Michael has been working overtime since receiving the notice of your upcoming inspection. His team is putting in extra hours to ensure everything is prepared for your visit.”Estefan smirked, nodding as he listened; his eyes lit up with amusement. “Good. Let’s see if he can hold up under the pressure. Continue to keep an eye on him.”The assistant, sensing the quiet satisfaction in Estefan’s tone, nodded and handed Estefan the finalized reports on Michael befo
Chapter 80“You would do great, Kaitlyn. But whatever decision you make, I’ll support you.” Estefan reached for her hand again, giving her a small smile.Kaitlyn's heart skipped a beat at his words; she was getting more comfortable with his presence, which was surprisingly strange.Then, in a quiet tone, she thanked him. “Thank you,” then she hesitated before she proceeded again. “You know Melissa also works with Eminence magazine too, right?” She asked, staring at his face to read his reaction.“I know, and that shouldn’t be a problem for you.”“Only concern about Melissa; she shouldn’t cause more trouble because I won’t stand and let her...”Estefan’s phone buzzed, interrupting their discussion. He glanced at it briefly, then stood up.“I need to make a quick call. I’ll be right back. Will continue from where we stop, I promised.” He flashed her a small smile, making her heart flutter before he excused himself to the study.As Estefan stepped out to take his call, Kaitlyn leaned ba
Chapter 81Kaitlyn BedroomKaitlyn dialed her number, and after a few rings, Sarah’s familiar voice came through.“Hey, Kait! What’s up?” Sarah chirped.Kaitlyn smiled at the sound of her best friend’s voice. “Hey, Sarah. I’ve got a lot to tell you.”“Oooh, spill!” Sarah urged, clearly excited.Kaitlyn told her everything; about the Eminence Magazine offer, change in Estefan’s recent behaviors, and how he had kissed her on the forehead again that morning. As she recounted the events, her voice wavered with uncertainty.Sarah listened carefully before bursting into laughter. “Wait, wait… hold up. He kissed you on the forehead? Twice? In a day?”“Yes!” Kaitlyn exclaimed, feeling her cheeks heat up again. “And he called me Cara Mia. I don’t know how to feel about all of this. It’s like he’s being... sweet. But that’s not part of our contract. I don’t know what he’s doing.”“Do you know what that means?! He is calling you his beloved, Kaitlyn, and you are saying you don’t know what he is
Chapter 82Salvatore’s Subsidiary Group Under Michael’s ControlThe day had finally arrived. Michael paced through the halls, his sharp eyes watching as employees moved in delivering their duties. Each department was putting the final touches on their presentations, ensuring everything was perfect for Estefan’s inspection. The atmosphere was filled with anxiety.“Are the team heads ready for their presentation?” Michael asked, masking the anxiety firing at his gut.“Yes, sir,” replied Jessica, his assistant, who had been coordinating with all departments. “They are ready to have you, sir.”Michael nodded with a clenched jaw as he walked with Jessica in the other direction.He was anxious, thinking of the last-minute checks and adjustments they had made in the past few days. Everyone had been working overtime, pushing themselves to the limit to ensure the visit would be flawless. He glanced at the clock. It was 10:45 a.m., and the president was expected to arrive in just at noon with h
Chapter 83Back at Salvatore’s headquarters, Estefan had just finished a virtual meeting with international investors. The conference room was filled with excitement; his team was pleased with how the meeting had gone. As Estefan made his way to his office, his assistant, Anna, followed him closely, her clipboard in hand. Her expression was professional but with a hint of concern."Sir," she said carefully, “your inspection at the subsidiary group is scheduled for noon, which is in about two hours. I wanted to remind you.”Estefan didn’t stop walking, only nodding as he strode past her. “Noted.”As he walked back to his office, Anna was stunned at how her boss was handling the issue about the subsidiary inspection; he had personally scheduled this meeting suddenly last Friday.A few minutes later, Anna followed him into his office with her clipboard in hand and a cup of his favorite coffee, which she placed on his table before she went over the rest of his schedule with him. “The driv
Chapter 84Eminence StudioHailey stood frozen at the door, her heart racing as she stared at the man before her; Gregor Hollis, the director’s personal assistant. She blinked rapidly before clearing her throat.“Mr. Gregor, please, come in,” Hailey said in a slight trembling voice as she stepped aside to let him in. The sight of him standing so tall and composed calms her uneasiness and at the same time made her anxious.Melissa, who had been fuming just moments earlier, quickly composed herself. Her shock at seeing Gregor melted into a forced smile, though her eyes betrayed her annoyance. She instantly dismissed those in the room except Hailey. “Gregor, what a surprise,” she said, trying to sound pleasant, but the edge to her tone was palpable.Gregor gave her a brief smile, his face unreadable. “Melissa,” he greeted, his voice as calm and professional as ever taking away the tension in the room. “I’m here on behalf of the director. He wanted me to ensure everything is running smoot
Chapter 85The inspection at the subsidiary group began promptly after the team arrived. Though Estefan’s absence affected the team, Michael maintained his professionalism, ensuring that the inspection process went as smoothly as planned. The welcome team lined up at the entrance, greeting each member of the inspection committee with polite smiles and firm handshakes.“This way, please,” Michael gestured, his assistant by his side holding a tablet, already keyed into the day’s agenda, taking the lead, guiding the six-member inspection team through the building. The team, consisting of four men and two women, were all dressed in sharp, tailored suits and moved in silence, their sharp eyes taking in every detail. Their notepads in hand as they noted observations, occasionally pausing to ask questions.The inspection team followed him through the corridors, nodding appreciatively as Michael gave a brief introduction to each department. As they reached the Marketing Division, Michael’s as
Chapter 86Eminence StudioMelissa’s shoot was in full blast. The camera clicked, flashes went off, and everyone in the room was moving in sync. This time, unlike two days ago, Melissa was flawless. Her poses were sharp, her expressions perfectly tailored to the brand’s needs—no forgotten lines or missed angles. The director watched from behind the camera with a pleased expression. There were a few minor corrections, but overall, the shoot was a success.The crew, while still wary of Melissa’s infamous temper, was visibly relieved. After the disaster two days ago, today felt like a reprieve.Melissa, however, couldn’t enjoy it. Her mind was elsewhere. The frustration about the mysterious new face of the special edition was clouding her thoughts even as she performed.However, Hailey’s mind was far from calm. She had been working non-stop, her nerves frazzled as she hunted for any scrap of information about the special edition’s new face. During a quick break, she spotted one of the di
Chapter 117Melissa sat across from Michael cold and with a rigid posture, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. She had waited long enough, and now it was time to lay her cards on the table. In a calm yet resolute manner, she uttered those words that would change everything between them.“I want a divorce, Michael.” Her wavering eyes were locked onto his, as she declared. “And I don’t expect you to fight this.” She waved a hand at him.Michael sat motionless as he blinked, trying to process what she had just said, slowly letting her words sink in. Divorce? They had their issues, sure, but he hadn’t expected this. Not now, though their relationship was heading in that direction, but he wasn’t expecting this so abruptly.Melissa continued; her voice was strangely calm, as if she had rehearsed the lines many times before. "I don’t want anything from you. No money, no property—nothing. I can take care of myself." She exhaled sharply, as if relieved to get it off her chest.He tried to
Chapter 116Michael and Melissa Apartment Melissa’s heart raced as she watched Michael, waiting for his response. The room seemed to grow colder; the sound from the television was barely audible at the moment amidst the tension between them. She had put everything on the line with her question, and now she needed the truth, no matter how painful it might be.Michael leaned back on the couch, rubbing his face with both hands. His mind was spinning as his heart conflicted. He wanted to be honest with Melissa, but even he wasn’t entirely sure of the answer. How could he explain the complicated feelings he still harbored for Kaitlyn while trying to build something real with Melissa?Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Michael spoke. “Melissa, I can’t lie to you,” he began, his eyes meeting hers with regret and frustration. “I’m trying to move on. I really am. But Kaitlyn... she was such a big part of my life. It’s hard to just... erase that.”Melissa felt her heart sink. Though sh
Chapter 115“There’s something I’ve been meaning to say for a while now,” Melissa began, her voice shaking slightly. “I know things between us haven’t been... easy.”Michael set down his wine glass, turning to face her, fully curious at what was bothering her so much that she was struggling to say. “What do you mean?” he asked. He had been through enough drama lately, and the last thing he needed was more, at least not today.Melissa looked away, her fingers tapping nervously on her knees. She wasn’t sure how to begin or if she should even say it, but she knew she had to. “I think,” she started, “we’ve been avoiding the real issues between us. The truth is... ever since Kaitlyn...” She hesitated as she saw the tension and anger in Michael’s eyes at the mention of her name.Michael interrupted her with a sharp tone. “This again? Melissa, for God’s sake, how many times are you going to bring up Kaitlyn? She’s not the problem. We are.”Melissa bristled at his words, feeling her frustrati
Chapter 114Estefan Penthouse Kaitlyn stirred awake as the early morning light flowed through the curtains, giving a warm glow over Estefan's bedroom. Her mind was still foggy, but as she blinked herself awake, the events of the previous night came flooding back. She had once again found herself in Estefan’s arms and in his bed, after their return from the glamorous launching gala. The intensity of their connection, the way their lips found each other, how their bodies intertwined, and the emotions that followed were still fresh in her mind. She buried her face deeper into the blanket, feeling embarrassed yet excited as the memories replayed in her mind.After lying still for a while, Kaitlyn decided she needed to get up. Slowly, she tried to inch her way out of the bed, careful not to disturb Estefan. But just as she was about to slip out, she felt his arm tighten around her waist, pulling her closer. She frozen, thinking he might wake up, but when his grip loosened slightly, she re
Chapter 113The crowd’s whispers filled the grand hall as Estefan and Kaitlyn made their way toward the stage. Their striking entrance had left an indelible mark on the room. All eyes were on the power couple as they walked magnetically full of radiant and effortless grace that demanded attention.Kaitlyn tried to steady her nerves, aware of the scrutinizing gaze of the audience. Though she was used to being the center of attention, the significance of tonight, coupled with Estefan’s bold move to escort her publicly, had made her emotions swell. He hadn’t told her he was going to walk her.She couldn’t deny the comfort she felt as she felt his warm hand resting lightly on her back, guiding her forward. She had been avoiding him lately since the passionate night they shared together and couldn’t believe he would be there for her tonight.Estefan leaned in as they approached the stage and said in a low and intimate whisper. “You’re doing great, Mi Reina. This is your night, and I wouldn
Chapter 112The next morning at the hospital, Melissa was lying in bed; she hadn’t sustained any physical injuries from the accident, but the shock of the impact was still taking a toll on her. Both Michael and Melissa shared a private room in the hospital because of Melissa's status as a high-class model; the tension between her and Michael was still there. Vanessa sat beside her, too focused on slicing the fruit she had brought with her earlier; she was trying to distract herself from an uncomfortable situation in the room.Michael, meanwhile, was seated on his bed; his arm was bandaged and there were a few visible bruises on the side of his head. His friends had come to check on him immediately; they had received the news. They chatted together, but Michael’s mind was elsewhere. His eyes darting between Melissa and the door, nervous about the potential fallout of last night’s crash, and more so, the aftermath of his encounter with Kaitlyn from the night before was still much there.
Chapter 111As Melissa stood outside the hotel, grumbling under her breath, she tapped her foot impatiently, glaring at the valet. Her frustration was bubbling over, and she let it all out on Michael as soon as they got in the car."I can’t believe you’re still chasing after Kaitlyn like some love-struck puppy, even after she’s married," she spat in anger. "You’re pathetic, Michael. She doesn’t want you, and she never will. You’re nothing but a puppet, her puppet!"Michael kept his eyes on the road, one hand gripping the steering wheel, the other propped on the window, supporting his head. His mind was far from Melissa’s insults. He was deep in thought, replaying the evening’s events in his head. The last time he had a confrontation with Kaitlyn, Estefan had scheduled an emergency inspection at the subsidiary division he was managing and didn’t later show up as he had scheduled, which he believes was a clear message of warning. Michael had brushed it off then, but tonight... tonight,
Chapter 110Before anyone could dwell too much on the unease, the lights dimmed as the moderator returned to the stage, signaling the next phase of the evening. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the grand toast to the future of Salvatore Group. Please raise your glasses as we celebrate the legacy and the bright future ahead.”Glasses clinked all around, and Estefan’s arm tightened around Kaitlyn’s waist as they stood together, lifting their glasses in unison with the room. The atmosphere shifted to one of celebration, and Kaitlyn allowed herself to relax a little, the earlier confrontation fading as she focused on the positive energy around them.Adrian was occasionally stealing glances at Estefan and Kaitlyn, his mind still processing everything. He hadn’t missed the brief tension that had unfolded earlier when they returned from wherever they had been. His sharp eyes moved toward Melissa, who was seated with Michael now, her face set in a smug, satisfied expression. She had clear
Chapter 109Kaitlyn squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated by Melissa’s malicious smirk. “Steal your husband?” she said slowly; her voice was firm and clear. “Let me make one thing very clear, Melissa; I don’t want Michael. I never did, and I never will. So, don’t make this about me trying to take something that isn’t even worth having.”A huge blow was given to Melissa's face as her smirk faded at Kaitlyn’s words. Melissa narrowed her eyes dangerously as she opened her mouth to retort, but Kaitlyn wasn’t finished.“You might want to ask yourself why your husband has been lurking around me instead of standing by your side tonight,” Kaitlyn added coldly. “I didn’t seek him out. He’s the one who can’t seem to let go of the past.”Michael flinched, caught in the crossfire, but he still didn’t speak. His guilt was written all over his face, and Melissa saw it. She knew Kaitlyn would never approach Michael first, but she couldn’t admit that to Kaitlyn.“Oh, please,” Melissa snee