Chapter 87Chinese Restaurant Melissa sat at a table in the far corner of a Chinese restaurant, her fingers tapping impatiently on her phone screen as she waited for Vanessa to arrive. She had spent the entire drive there fighting in her frustration looking for a way to let it all out. Her mind had been going back to the events at the studio.It was supposed to be her moment, her time to shine. Instead, the director was making moves to bring in someone new for the special season edition; a position she had worked tirelessly for. It felt like a slap in the face.Vanessa arrived a few minutes later, her heels clicking against the floor as she approached the table. She slipped into the chair across from Melissa, immediately sensing her friend’s was in a bad mood.“Hey, you look like you had a rough day and are ready to tear someone apart,” Vanessa said with a nervous chuckle, eyeing the tense expression on Melissa’s face. She slides into the seat across from Melissa before waving at the
Chapter 88Estefan PenthouseLater that evening, Kaitlyn sat in the plush armchair as she scrolled through her phone when her phone buzzed with an email notification. She clicked on it, her eyes lit up and her lips curling into a soft smile. It was the draft of the confirmation mail, sent by Estefan’s assistant, Anna. The final details of the contract with Eminence Magazine had been adjusted as per her discussion with Estefan the previous day, and everything looked perfect.She glanced over at Estefan, who was sitting on the couch, going through some work on his laptop. She hesitated for a moment not wanting to disturb him, but then spoke up.“Estefan?” she called warmly, catching his attention.“Hmm?” He looked up from his laptop, his eyes warm as they met hers.“I just wanted to say... thank you,” Kaitlyn said, setting her phone down. “I received the email from your assistant; I really appreciate it.”Estefan smiled. “Good. I’m glad everything’s in order. Is the contract to your lik
Chapter 89Estefan’s gaze stayed on Kaitlyn; the soft glow from the chandelier above them created a delicate shadow over her face. Her lips were so close, just inches away, and the air between them felt thick, charged with an intensity he hadn’t felt in years. His heart was pounding, and he had been dreaming of this moment for far too long. How would her lips taste? Would she melt into him like he imagined, or would she pull away?He leaned in, closer, almost there—when her phone buzzed loudly, breaking the fragile electric current that had been built between them. Estefan cursed under his breath.Kaitlyn jumped slightly, her eyes moving down to her phone as Sarah’s name flashed across the screen. She muttered something, her voice barely audible, but Estefan caught it. “I—I should take this,” she stammered, grateful for the interruption. The intense pull of the moment had left her breathless, and she needed an excuse—any excuse—to get away from the confusing emotions racing through he
Chapter 90Michael and Melissa’s Apartment Michael stumbled through the front door, his mind clouded by the events of the day. He had just returned from the dinner with the executives who had come for the inspection, but he could barely remember what was discussed. All he could think about was how Estefan seemed to mark his grip on Kaitlyn’s life, and it infuriated him that she was slipping beyond his reach.He dropped his briefcase and suit jacket on the sofa, adjusting his tie as he unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. His head was pounding with frustration, which didn’t stop his thoughts from flowing like a rushing wind. Without a second thought, he walked over to the bar and poured himself a strong drink, then wandered to the kitchen to toss a few ice cubes into his glass.Back in the living room, he sank into the couch, resting his back against the cushions as he stared blankly at the ceiling. He was angry—angry at himself, at Estefan, at everything. Why couldn’t he shak
Chapter 91Subsidiary GroupMichael stood at the head of the table in the conference room, scanning through the faces of the department heads seated before him. Their faces were a little tense, wondering why he had summoned them first thing in the morning. Michael felt a sense of accomplishment following the successful inspection, and these were the people who had helped him pull through the rigorous inspection, and they deserved his recognition.“First, let me say thank you,” Michael began, in a warm tone, trying to tease the frown and hard look some of them had on. “I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication each of you and your teams have shown always, and especially over the past week. It was indeed remarkable. The inspection went smoothly because of your efforts, and we’re one step closer to securing a strong future for this company.”They nodded, some smiling in relief, others exchanging small smiles, and few murmurs could be heard. Michael could feel their collective exhal
Chapter 92Eminence MagazineThe excitement within Greyor was bubbling as he typed furiously at his computer. He had just received the confirmation email from Kaitlyn, officially accepting their offer, and the news couldn’t have come at a better time. The magazine’s director, Lorenzo Fabbri, was eagerly awaiting this, and Gregor wasted no time rushing to deliver the message in person after he had acknowledged the mail.Lorenzo is a man with a great personality, with his meticulous attention to detail, a great sense of style, and a reputation in the fashion industry. Lorenzo was in the middle of reviewing the latest issue when Gregor knocked on his office door.“Come in,” Lorenzo called, not taking his eyes off the magazine spread in front of him.Gregor stepped in with an enthusiastic smile. “Sir, we’ve got great news! Kaitlyn has confirmed; she’s officially accepted our offer!”Lorenzo’s eyes finally lifted from the pages, his dark eyebrows arching with interest. “Is that so?” he ask
Chapter 93Melissa stood rooted to the ground, her mind reeling as she watched Kaitlyn approach her and walk past her; she could feel her confidence with every step. Melissa’s lips parted, almost ready to demand an explanation, what was Kaitlyn doing here? But she didn’t have the chance.Kaitlyn didn’t even glance in her direction. Instead, she strode past with her head held high, a smirk barely visible at the corners of her mouth, and her manager, Audrey, at her side. The dismissiveness was unmistakable.It was as if Melissa didn’t even exist.Melissa's eyes narrowed as she turned back, watching Kaitlyn make her way to the front of the building. A black car pulled up just as they reached the entrance. A bodyguard stepped forward, opening the door and slapping Melissa in the face about Kaitlyn's new status. With a final flick of her hair, Kaitlyn disappeared into the car, leaving Melissa standing there, seething.“What the hell just happened?” Melissa muttered under her breath, glanci
Chapter 94“Is it true? Did you make Kaitlyn Devers the face of the special edition?” A furious Melissa who had badged into the director’s office unannounced asked.Lorenzo Fabbri’s sharp gaze met Melissa’s as she stood at the entrance of his office breathlessly and fuming in anger. Though he had been surprised at her sudden intrusion, he still maintained his calmness as he always did.Gregor, who was still seated across the director in his office engrossed in a discussion before Melissa'sMelissa's intrusion, glanced between the two, sensing the storm that was about to break.“Melissa, calm down,” Lorenzo said in a warning yet calm voice, as if trying to diffuse the tension.“Calm down?” Melissa’s said, her voice sharp and incredulous. “You made Kaitlyn Devers the face of the special edition, and you want me to calm down?”Lorenzo’s narrowed his eyes, leaning back in his chair while folding his hands on the desk in front of him. “I see you’ve heard.” He nodded, confirming Melissa'sMel
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