A week passed without incident. Both Ava and Alexander were in Charleston for business.
Ava was overseeing a project when Aunt Mona suddenly appeared, visibly distressed. Her eyes were red from crying as she clutched Ava’s hands desperately.
"Ava, I beg you! You know Mr. Vanderbilt, don’t you? He has connections. Please, help me—Jared has been detained. If he goes to jail, his life will be ruined!"
Ava tensed at the mention of Jared. Her cousin had never brought anything but trouble. Yet, seeing Aunt Mona so desperate, she couldn't turn away completely. She sighed, rubbing her temples.
"I’ll try," she said, reluctant but unable to ignore her uncle and aunt’s kindness in the past.
Aunt Mona’s grip tightened as she wiped away fresh tears. "Jared only came back for a visit, and now this… If something happens to him, I won’t be able to go on living!"
Ava exhaled sharply. "Aunt, crying won’t solve anything. I’ll see what I can do, but Jared assau
The night stretched over the city in a quiet hush, the skyline dotted with the glow of distant skyscrapers. At a private high-rise hotel, Alexander had just finished showering. Dressed in a loose silk robe, he stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, skimming through the last of the documents on his tablet. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast soft shadows over the elegant furnishings of the suite, giving the space a warm yet distant ambiance.A persistent knock at the door broke the silence. Lynne.Alexander’s jaw tightened. He ignored it at first, but her voice floated in through the heavy wooden door."Alexander, you don’t seem in a good mood tonight. Do you need me to keep you company?"Her tone was laced with careful seduction, but it only deepened his frown. With an air of finality, he set his tablet aside and walked toward the door, pulling it open.Lynne’s face lit up, her delicate features painted with hope as she instinctively clung to
Alfonso’s health had been deteriorating, and yet after spending several days in the hospital, he decided to return to the Morales estate without informing anyone. Araminta had insisted he remain hospitalized for at least a week, especially since Valentina was in the ward upstairs and Josh was occupied with work at the company. Yet, despite their protests, Alfonso quietly left.As he stepped into the grand yet eerily silent Morales estate, his brows knitted in confusion. The place was unsettlingly quiet—none of the servants were in sight. He didn’t recall giving them leave. A feeling of unease settled in his chest as he ascended the grand staircase, following the faint sound of voices from his bedroom.Pausing outside the door, he recognized Araminta’s voice, sharp and conspiratorial."That old fool has liver cancer and won’t last more than a year. The doctor said at most twelve months. Once he’s gone, the company w
(From here, Serena will be referred to as Ava or Miss Alvarez, as Alexander recognizes her as “Ava Alvarez,” the designer.)Ava stood quietly in the corner, her posture still and her gaze lowered. Shadows clung to the delicate contours of her face, and despite her natural beauty, an air of exhaustion dulled her usual radiance. She looked fragile, like a fractured gem left in the dark, waiting to be forgotten.Alexander’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, recalling the previous day when he had seen her standing outside in Charleston. The sunlight had bathed her in a soft glow, making it seem as if she would dissolve into the light at any second and vanish. Now, here she was again—silent, distant, detached.The elevator reached the top floor, and Alexander stepped out first. He didn’t expect her to follow, but the faint sound of footsteps behind him confirmed that she had. When he reached his door, he finally broke the silence."Is there something you need?" His voice was quiet, laced
As soon as Alexander got into the car, his phone rang. It was Victoria."Alexander, I’ve been waiting for twenty minutes. Where are you?"He glanced at his watch. "The meeting just ended. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.""You’re still so devoted to work," she huffed, her voice carrying a hint of grievance. "How can you bear to let me stand here waiting?""Find a place to sit," he replied, rubbing his temple, his tone flat and devoid of emotion.Victoria fell silent for a moment, then her voice softened, tinged with something unspoken. "Alexander, you’ve changed. You weren’t like this before."He exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I’ll be there soon. The restaurant is already reserved."Her mood seemed to brighten. "Okay, I’ll wait for you."After hanging up, Alexander sat motionless in his seat, staring blankly ahead. Jonathan, sitting in the front, caught his expression in the rearview mirror but remained silent, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.Twenty minutes la
After speaking with the doctor at the hospital, Ava left, her body heavy with exhaustion. The city lights blurred past her as she drove back to the hotel, her hands gripping the wheel tighter than necessary to keep herself awake.As she stepped out of the top-floor elevator, the elevator beside her chimed softly before opening. Alexander stepped out.He was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, the crisp lines accentuating his tall frame. With effortless precision, he adjusted his cufflinks, his expression unreadable. Unlike usual, Jonathan was not with him—he had returned alone.Ava blinked against the fatigue weighing down her eyelids and instinctively greeted him."Mr. Vanderbilt."The doors of both elevators slid shut simultaneously, the faint mechanical hum echoing in the otherwise silent corridor. The floor was eerily quiet, amplifying the subtle sounds—the soft click of Alexander’s polished shoes against the marble, the faint rustling of fabric as he moved.He strode towar
Meanwhile, Araminta, Josh, and Kenny were panicking. The looming threat of Alfonso waking up and bringing in lawyers had them on edge. If that happened, their entire family would be in ruins."Josh, find a way to get close to Serena," Araminta suggested, her voice low and urgent. "Alexander has neglected her for years. She must be feeling lonely. If you can satisfy her, she’ll be more likely to listen to you."Josh knew he had to act fast. If Alfonso regained control, their downfall would be inevitable. His mind drifted to Ava—her delicate features, that quiet yet composed demeanor. He remembered seeing her buy those pills at the hospital. She must be pretending to be innocent while playing around in private.A wicked thought formed. If he planned it right, she’d be his by the end of the night.---Ava had just finished a meeting when she received a call from the construction team. Something had gone wrong at the site, and they needed her there immediately.When she arrived, a sense of
Alexander turned his head, his gaze settling on the drunken figure slumped over at the bar entrance. He recognized the man—Stephen, the same supervisor he had seen belittling Liam Norton at Darby Construction. Now, barely able to stand, Stephen was being propped up by a group of friends while spewing drunken complaints."I still can’t believe that bastard Liam got my position... and all because of Ava!" Stephen slurred, his voice thick with bitterness. "She probably... pulled some strings for him. Who the hell does she think she is? That kid will pay for this. Mark my words!"Alexander’s expression remained unreadable, but his lips curled in a cold smirk. So, Ava was looking out for her so-called husband, even going so far as to secure his job. It had nothing to do with him, of course. He had no reason to care. Without another glance, Alexander turned and disappeared into the dimly lit bar.Stephen, still ranting, took a wobbly step forward, his voice growing louder. The upscale bar th
Victoria stood at the door, oblivious to what had transpired inside. But even if she had seen anything, she wouldn’t have suspected Alexander of playing childish games to flirt. His aloof nature and indifference toward women made such behavior inconceivable.As the office door closed behind them, Victoria’s gaze shifted to Ava. Even she had to admit—the woman was strikingly beautiful. At first glance, she was captivating. No wonder Michelle had warned her to be cautious. A woman like this, whether intentional or not, could stir desire in any man. Even if Alexander didn’t like her, he might still think about having her.Her eyes flickered toward Michelle, who stood a short distance away, waiting for them. Michelle had been keeping an eager watch, savoring the thought of Ava’s humiliation. But when she saw her cousin emerging alongside Alexander, her expression twisted with dissatisfaction."Cousin, what’s going on?" Michelle asked, her voice edged with curiosity."Alexander asked me to
"Ava..." Rita expected her cousin to be upset, maybe even furious, but Ava's expression was unexpectedly calm—relieved, even."Rita, thank you, but I can ride with someone else. Mr. Vanderbilt is not in a good mood today, so I'd rather not make him angrier," Ava said, her voice light yet decisive.Rita frowned, puzzled. Why was Alexander in a bad mood? And why did Ava sound as though she had expected it? These two didn’t look like a couple who had spent the night together—if anything, they seemed even more distant than before.Meanwhile, across the venue, Alexander approached Hugo’s table with long, measured strides, his expression stormy. His suit, tailored to perfection, couldn't mask the tension in his shoulders or the sharp, unreadable look in his dark eyes.Victoria, however, didn't follow. She had veered off to chat with other socialites, her posture poised as if she had already won some silent battle.Hugo, who had been lazily swirling the whiskey in his glass, looked up with a
The crowd that had been eagerly watching the drama slowly dispersed, the tension in the air fading like a dissipating storm. To put on a show of sisterly affection, Victoria personally escorted Michelle to the car, ensuring that all eyes saw her as the graceful and understanding older cousin.Ava, however, remained rooted in place, her body instinctively tensing as Alexander approached. She wasn’t sure why, but she had an urge to step back. Yet, she forced herself to stand her ground, lifting her gaze to meet his. He loomed over her, his dark eyes locked onto hers as if searching for something.Her expression, however, was unreadable—calm, indifferent, as if last night's intimacy had been nothing more than a passing dream."Ava," he murmured, his voice low. There was something he wanted to say.Before he could continue, Victoria returned, her tone carefully measured, yet laced with subtle authority.“Xander, breakfast is ready downstairs. You guys probably haven't eaten yet. Let’s all
Alexander was not alone. Hugo Beaumont and Colton Valcrosse stood on either side of him, their towering presences only adding to the weight of his arrival. The air was thick with tension, an unspoken shift settling over the gathered crowd.Michelle, still sitting on the ground, felt her stomach drop the moment she caught sight of Alexander. Humiliation burned through her veins. Of all people to witness her in this pitiful state, it had to be him, the person she had a crush on. Could anything be worse?Alexander’s gaze swept over the scene, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. "What’s going on?" His voice was calm, detached—so effortlessly composed that it was hard to believe he had been a man consumed by raw passion just the night before.Victoria wasted no time approaching him, her heels clicking against the polished floor with urgency. "Last night, a bodyguard mistakenly drank the wrong drink and harmed Michelle," she explained, her voice carrying just the right balance of concern and
- please read to the very end of the chapter - Ava woke to the cold touch of the hardwood floor against her skin. Her nightgown felt strangely loose, slipping slightly off her shoulder as she groggily pushed herself up. A dull ache radiated from her waist, making her wince as she realized her lower body was sprawled on the floor while her legs still rested on the bed.Had she fallen off in the middle of the night?She rubbed her temples, feeling weak and disoriented. The last thing she clearly remembered was taking a drink from Alexei. After that, everything was a blur—just a deep thirst and the vague sensation of searching for water. Her mind struggled to fill in the gaps, but nothing came.Ava exhaled in relief. At least she hadn’t embarrassed herself in front of anyone. She must have somehow returned to her room early. However, a new problem presented itself—she hadn’t brought any extra clothes, and the silky sleepwear Rita had given her wasn’t appropriate for stepping outside.Jus
Ava clung to Alexander’s waist, her movements hesitant, unsure of how to respond. The only thing she could manage was wrapping her arms around his neck."It tickles," she murmured, her voice breathy.His hot breath fanned against her skin, seeping through the thin fabric of her dress, igniting a sensation that sent shivers down her spine.Alexander, already on edge from her teasing, tightened his grip on her waist. His voice dropped, husky and deep."So, what should I do to relieve your itch?" He had never imagined himself uttering such flirtatious words, but with Ava, they came naturally.She buried her face into the crook of his neck, her lips brushing against his skin. "Husband, you’re really good... it feels so good."Downstairs, the night was alive with murmurs of conversation and footsteps, but none of it mattered. Alexander held Ava closer, shielding her from the world as if nothing else existed beyond them.Ava whimpered softly, overwhelmed by the moment, but before she could
The pool area buzzed with activity. Waiters weaved through the guests, offering a selection of drinks, fresh fruit, and delicate pastries to those lounging or swimming. Amid the chatter and clinking of glasses, a waiter approached Ava with a light blue cocktail, placing it on the table in front of her.Alexei leaned in, his voice laced with amusement. "Drink it," he said, watching her reaction carefully.Ava ignored him, keeping her gaze steady on the water.Alexei smirked and moved even closer, his breath warm against her ear. "What’s wrong? Do you want me to feed you? Mouth to mouth, perhaps?"Knowing Alexei, he was more than capable of following through on that threat. Without another word, she grabbed the glass and downed the drink in one go. The alcohol burned on the way down, making her cough.Alexei reached out instinctively to pat her back, but she pushed him away."Mr. Volkov, Farah likes you," Ava said flatly. "Even if you help me
Rita led Ava through the vast grounds, passing from the lively seafood section to the entertainment areas. The sprawling estate was designed for indulgence, featuring everything from Olympic-sized swimming pools to high-adrenaline bungee jumps and a state-of-the-art shooting range. The event was in full swing, with guests scattered in various spots, enjoying their freedom to partake in whatever entertainment suited them.By the time they reached the grand dessert display—a magnificent ten-meter-long spread of exquisitely crafted pastries—chefs had already begun preparing fresh seafood under glass enclosures, while clusters of socialites chatted over cocktails nearby.“Farah hosts these gatherings every year, though never on a fixed schedule,” Rita explained as they approached the desserts. “It could be spring, summer, or fall. The chefs she brings in have all worked for the Vanderbilt family before. Michelin-starred talents—worth more than some pro athletes. The food is exceptional.”
As Ava finished helping Rita with her painting, she glanced over and saw Rita on the phone, her voice light and cheerful. Only then did Ava realize that Rita’s driver had already left.Rita returned with a bright smile. “Ava, do you have any plans for tonight or tomorrow morning?”Ava thought for a moment. Her father was still unconscious, and the construction in Manhattan was progressing smoothly. Aside from picking up Rex tomorrow afternoon, she had nothing pressing. “Not really.”Rita clapped her hands in excitement. “That’s great!”Without warning, she linked her arm with Ava’s and pulled her toward the roadside. “I absolutely must treat you to something amazing today! I guarantee you’ve never tasted anything like it before!”Ava was about to protest when she spotted a sleek black luxury car parked ahead. Her stomach twisted. She knew that car.Alexander’s car.Before she could react, Rita had already opened the door and gently nudged her inside.“Xander, I brought Ava along. You
Dear Gentle Readers, This author was denied promotion & the app actually said that this story does not perform well with only 4 readers and 2 comments thus no ads since last week... This author refuses to believe that especially when he saw at least 7 people liked & gave a thumbsup on the last free chapter. Can you please help this author by giving a thumbsup and commenting on this chapter, please? So this author has proof when consulting and reporting this to his editor tomorrow morning. As a token of gratitude for your generous help, please enjoy this chapter free of charge... Grazie mille. Yours, Ethan. P.S. this is actually 2 chapters combined into 1 therefore it is quite long, apologies for that. ---------That night, Serena slept soundly, the kind of deep, dreamless rest that felt like a rare luxury. By the time morning light filtered through her curtains, her spirits were noticeably brighter.The first thing she did upon waking was reach for her phone. A single missed call