Vanessa opened her purse and took out a paper towel and handed it over to Lily to wipe her face.Meanwhile, Davis stood up from his chair and took his leave. He was glad that this was a VIP section. If not, he would have been extremely embarrassed when he finds other customers staring at him.He gave Lily and Vanessa one last hard glance before leaving fully."Are you Okay?" Vanessa asked."Yes. I am." Lily responded.Vanessa's eyes moved downward to her shirt, it was already stained."Your clothe is stained. Go see if you can wash it off at the restroom." Vanessa suggested."Okay." Lily replied, making her way out of the VIP room."I'll wait for you outside." Vanessa added behind her.Vanessa went ahead to pay for the wine and everything. She stood outside waiting for Lily, Few minutes later, she came out and they both settled down inside the car and Diego drove out of the Restaurants parking Lot."Seems like you succeeded in removing the stain." Vanessa said."Yes." Lily nodded."Th
Leila walked into the house and met Camille seated in the living room, watching a show on the television."Hey. You're back already?" Camille asked, tearing her gaze away from the Television, to look at Leila."Yes, I am," Leila replied with a smile as she made her way towards her room, climbing the staircase."Are you free? Let's go shopping!" Camille's voice echoed from downstairs."Give me some minutes," Leila called back.Entering her room, Leila went ahead to freshen up, before dressing up in a blue dress."Should I call Riccardo?" she pondered silently."No, he's busy," she decided, pushing aside the urge to reach out to him. She didn't want to disturb him during his work hours.Heading back downstairs, Leila found Camille waiting for her, dressed in a stunning white gown with a black handbag dangling from her arm and six-inch heels adding to her elegance."You're ready?" Leila asked, impressed by Camille's impeccable sense of style."Yes, I am," Camille replied with a smile."A
Leila's sharp gaze pierced through Monica as she approached, her demeanor poised and confident despite the unexpected encounter."Mrs. Monica." Leila called out, her tone firm yet composed.Monica turned towards her, her expression neutral as she acknowledged Leila's presence. "Miss Leila." she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of formality."Shall we?" Leila gestured towards the seating area in the company's lobby.Monica gave a slight nod, taking the lead as they made their way to the resting area. Leila discreetly signaled her receptionist to continue with her duties. She faced Monica fully as she settled down on the comfortable chairs.Leila couldn't help but access her appearance. With her calm demeanor and refined features. She excuded an air of Authority. Leila estimated her to be around fifty years old."What brings you here?" Leila cut straight to the chase.Monica offered a polite smile before responding."News surely spreads like wildfire. Your company is stationed in
Leila sat in the living room, as she anxiously waited for Lucas's return. It was already late, and he was yet to arrive from work. Her attempts to reach him on phone were futile. Each call went unanswered, leaving a growing sense of worry within her.As the minutes passed by, Leila's worry grew. She knew that Lucas had his bodyguards with him. But still she couldn't help it. Picking up her phone, about to dial his number again, the sound of engines pulled her attention. With a sigh of relief, she went to open the door.Lucas's black car pulled into the driveway and Leila eagerly watched as he alighted from the car. Without hesitation, she ran towards him and enveloped him in a tight hug."You're late." she pouted, her voice laced with a hint of playfulness."Am I?" Lucas teased, his arms wrapping around her in return.Leila playfully swatted his chest. "Yes, you are. What took you so long?" she asked, her concern evident."I had a lot of work to do." Lucas replied, his tone softening
After microwaving the meal, Leila balanced the tray carefully in her hands and made her way to Lucas's room. The sound of running water greeted her ears as she pushed open the door, indicating that Lucas was still in the shower."He's still having his bath." She muttered to herself as she set the tray down on the table. Taking a seat on the chair beside it, she patiently waited for him to finish.A few minutes later, Lucas stepped out of the bathroom, dressed casually in loose black pants and a matching vest that showcased his toned physique. Leila couldn't help but admire the sight, her gaze lingering on his abs before quickly diverting as he caught her staring."Are you going to keep staring at me all day?" Lucas teased, a playful glint in his eyes. Leila's cheeks flushed crimson as she mumbled a response."I brought you dinner," she managed to say, avoiding his gaze.Lucas chuckled softly, sensing her discomfort. Taking a seat beside her at the table, he focused on his meal while L
Vanessa stood in front of her mirror, brushing her black hair. She looked at her face and saw her big, dark eyes. Her eyelashes were thick and pretty. Her nose was small and slightly turned up, making her look gentle.Her lips were full and pink. Her skin was smooth and had a warm glow. As she brushed her hair, her eyes looked deep in thought. She seemed lost in her own world.Her mind suddenly drifted back to her kids. She wondered if she had done well in convincing them to leave Riccardo and whoever they wanted to search for as their Dad.Her kids were growing up fast now. They've never once asked her about their them, but as they grow older they seemed to have gotten more curious.She wondered if they grew up and asked her about their Dad, what she was going to tell them.That they dirvoced? That he's Dead? Or that they are better off without him?Those questions swirled in her mind, but no answer came. After brushing her hair, she wore a blue Pants, white vest inner-wear and a bl
"What?" Tiffany asked in surprise"Why? Don't you understand English?" Vanessa retorted."But, This has nothing to do with my choice of outfit." Tiffany said, her brows pulled together in a frown."If you say that, then I guess you still have a lot to learn." Vanessa replied, adjusting her jacket."I'm Busy. We'll schedule this meeting for another day." She added, walking off.Tiffany huffed in frustration. Vanessa stopped in her tracks and turned to face her."Don't waste my time next time." She said, then walked off without turning to look back again. Lily and Diego followed behind her, leaving Tiffany alone in the lobby.She stared at Vanessa's retreating figure, and a wave of embrassmemt washed over her. She also couldn't deny the fact that Vanessa had changed so much, unlike before.With a sigh, she picked up her handbag and the file she came with, before walking off. Her father would be mad at her if he finds out that her way of dressing disrupted the deal.Vanessa walked into h
"When is the party?" Vanessa asked."Tomorrow by Six PM." Lily informed."What's the time. I want to pick my kids up from school today.""We still have two more hours before their closing time." Lily said."Let's visit one of the best Restaurants in town.""Then after that, we'll go to the grocery store to get more baking ingredients.""What is tomorrow's date?" Vanessa asked."16th. Why?" "It's Mr. Gonzalez's birthday tomorrow." She clapped her hands, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes."How do you know that?" Lily raised her browsVanessa shrugged."I'll give him a gift that he'll never forget." She smirked."Okay. Now, I'm getting scared." Lily whispered to Diego who shrugged in response, his eyes still focused on the road before him.***Riccardo walked into Lucas's office and met him staring out of his window."Lucas." He called, settling down on the couch in the office."Riccardo, you're here." Lucas muttered, turning away from the window.He went ahead to sit beside him."
FEW MINUTES LATERVanessa grabbed her bag and cast one last glance at Riccardo. His face was unreadable, his dark eyes steady as he stood by the doorway."I'm leaving," she said, adjusting her bag on her shoulder."I’ll come back to pick Emily later," she added firmly."Sure," Riccardo replied, his voice calm and steady. "Stay safe."Vanessa gave a small nod, muttered, “I will,” and headed out the door.Outside, the cool evening air greeted her. Diego stood near the car, his posture straight as ever. The moment he saw her, he moved quickly to open the car door."Thank you," she said, stepping inside. The faint scent of leather filled the air as she settled into her seat.Diego climbed into the driver’s seat and glanced at her in the rearview mirror. "Where’s Emily?" he asked."She’s staying at Riccardo’s for now. I’ll pick her up later," Vanessa replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear as she looked out the window.Diego nodded silently. After a moment, he asked, “Where to?”
Vanessa pushed open the door to the guest room. The bright overhead bulb illuminated the space, making the white walls appear even more pristine. She expected to see Emily fast asleep, curled up under the neatly folded comforter. Instead, Emily sat cross-legged on the bed, her phone in her hands, scrolling leisurely.Vanessa paused in the doorway, tilting her head. “Why did you say you needed a nap if you’re not even sleeping?”Emily looked up, a playful smile on her lips. “I realized you both needed to talk. So, I gave you privacy.”Vanessa blinked, taken aback by the bluntness of her response. She stepped further into the room, closing the door gently behind her. “Wow,” she said after a moment. “That’s... unexpected.”Emily shrugged, setting her phone aside. “It wasn’t a big deal. You both looked like you had things to say.”Vanessa sat down at the edge of the bed, her movements slow as she processed Emily’s words. “Well, thank you. That was thoughtful of you.”“No problem.” Emily’s
Vanessa glanced around the house as Riccardo led Emily toward the living room. She had only been here once before, and that was under far different circumstances, desperate and frantic, begging him to help find her missing kids and Emily. The house still felt foreign, despite its warm lighting and elegant decor. The scent of polished wood and faint cologne lingered in the air, a reminder of Riccardo’s presence everywhere.She followed them into the spacious living room. The walls were lined with tall bookshelves, the shelves neatly filled, and a large painting hung above the stone fireplace. Vanessa took a hesitant seat on the soft gray couch, her posture stiff. Emily, on the other hand, settled in comfortably, running her fingers over the plush throw pillows.“Ms. Rodriguez, this house is so beautiful,” Emily said, turning her head to glance at Vanessa with wide, admiring eyes.“Yes, it is,” Vanessa replied simply, her gaze briefly flickering to Riccardo, who was pouring tea from a s
Two hours later, Vanessa leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples as she glanced at the time on her laptop screen. It had been a long day, and the weight of it was beginning to settle in. She was just about to shut her laptop when a soft knock came at her door."Ms. Rodriguez, are you done for today?" Emily’s voice came through as she peeked in.Vanessa glanced up with a small smile. "Yes, dear. I’m just about to wrap up."Before she could finish, the door opened wider, and Lily walked in with Emily now standing beside her, both carrying the faint energy of people eager to leave for the day. Vanessa clicked her laptop shut and rose from her swivel chair, picking up her jacket from the back of it. She took a moment to stretch, rolling her shoulders as she approached them.But as she moved, her mind drifted back to Riccardo. She’d been curt with him earlier, perhaps too curt. A twinge of guilt poked at her chest.Was I too harsh? she wondered. He had helped her find her children, a
The restaurant buzzed with quiet conversation, and the ambient lighting made everything feel intimate yet professional. Vanessa stepped inside, her tailored navy-blue dress exuding confidence. Her sharp heels clicked against the polished floor as a hostess guided her to the reserved table.Mr. Kenwood stood when she approached, offering a polite smile. “Ms. Rodriguez, always a pleasure.”Vanessa extended her hand. “Mr. Kenwood, thank you for meeting me.”He gestured to her chair, and she sat gracefully. A waiter appeared, pouring wine into their glasses and presenting the menus.“You’ve been keeping quite busy, I hear,” Kenwood said, sitting across from her.Vanessa nodded, her fingers resting lightly on the menu. “That’s one way to put it. Expansion doesn’t happen without a bit of chaos.”“Chaos is an understatement in your case.” He chuckled. “I’ve seen your numbers. Impressive growth, but it comes with risks, doesn’t it?”Vanessa met his gaze, her tone steady. “It does. But calcula
Diego brought the car to a gentle stop in front of the company building. Vanessa stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking softly against the pavement. Lily followed closely behind, carrying a tablet and a folder, while Emily trailed them with an eager smile. Diego nodded and drove off to park the car in the designated lot.The glass facade of the building gleamed under the morning sunlight, and Emily tilted her head up to admire it.“This place is stunning,” Emily said quietly, taking in the sleek design and bustling energy of the entrance. It was her third visit here, but she still felt a sense of awe.Vanessa smiled at her enthusiasm. “Ready to get to work?” she asked as they walked through the rotating glass doors.Inside, the lobby buzzed with activity. Employees moved with purpose, their voices mingling with the faint hum of computers and phones.Vanessa glanced at Lily as they headed for the elevator. “Lily, what’s my schedule for today?”Before Lily could respond, Emily piped
Vanessa woke to the warm rays of sunlight streaming across her bed. She blinked a few times, her vision clearing as the golden light bathed the room in a soft glow. Stretching her arms over her head, she let out a long sigh and swung her legs over the edge of the bed.Padding across the cool wooden floor, she made her way to the large window. She pulled the curtains open fully, letting the sunlight flood in. The view of the busy city stretched out below, alive with the early morning hum of cars and distant chatter. Vanessa stood for a moment, taking it in, before turning toward the bathroom to start her day.The scent of lavender soap filled the air as she finished her shower. She wrapped herself in a soft towel and stepped out, her skin still damp and cool from the water. Dressing in comfortable jeans and a light sweater, she tied her hair into a loose bun before heading to the kitchen.The kitchen smelled faintly of coffee from the day before, and Vanessa immediately set to work. Th
Vanessa adjusted her coat as she walked out of the hotel room. Emily followed closely, her steps quick to match Vanessa's pace, while Lily and Diego trailed behind. The morning air was crisp, and the sound of their shoes echoed in the quiet hallway.Emily had been staying with them ever since her school closed for the year. Her parents were constantly traveling, leaving her alone in their large house. So, when Vanessa suggested Emily come along to her company, she jumped at the chance.Outside, Diego opened the door to a sleek black van parked in front of the hotel. Vanessa helped Emily climb in before settling into her seat. Lily slid in beside her, while Diego took the driver’s seat. The van purred to life as Diego drove out of the parking lot, blending into the light traffic of the morning.Emily turned to Vanessa, her voice hesitant. “Ms. Rodriguez, are you sure this is a good idea?”Vanessa glanced at her and smiled softly. “Trust me, it won’t be bad at all,” she said reassuringl
Vanessa pushed her chair back slightly and turned to her kids. “Emma, Ethan, how’s the food?”Ethan, with his mouth full of bread, gave her a thumbs up, while Emma nodded enthusiastically. “Grandma’s food is the best!” she declared, grinning at their grandmother, who beamed with pride.Vanessa chuckled softly, shaking her head. The warmth in the room was almost enough to make her forget her troubles. Almost.Her mother sat down, smoothing her apron as she did. “Vanessa, are you staying long this time?”Vanessa hesitated, her fork hovering over her plate. “No. I have a lot things to take care of." She replied with a small sigh.Her mother studied her for a moment, her sharp eyes catching the tension in her daughter’s posture. “If there’s anything you need to talk about, you know I’m here,” she said gently.Vanessa forced a smile, nodding. “I know, Mom Thank you for being here."Ethan piped up, breaking the somber moment. “Can we go to the beach tomorrow, Mommy? Please?”Vanessa ruffled