Dear Gentle Readers, something shocking will come soon (remember the Teaser once shared after Chapter 37?). In the meantime, this author would like to seek your thoughts and opinion on Alexander’s POV. Do you think he actually likes Ava but doesn’t realize it yet, or do you believe he is merely an odd creature (like most of us men are, especially when being viewed from women’s perspective)?
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 gripped the steering wheel tightly, her frustration simmering as she drove back to the hotel. She refused to let anyone dictate her designs, let alone make major changes that compromised her vision. Difficult clients were nothing new to her, but they had always respected her professional judgment in the end. Victoria, however, was deliberately making things difficult. Maybe it was time to step away. She had initially taken this project because her studio had been struggling, but now that they were stable, she didn’t have to tolerate this nonsense any longer.Making a firm decision, she swiftly organized her documents and returned to the hotel, determined to wait for Alexander.Meanwhile, Alexander had declined Victoria’s dinner invitation, using work as an excuse. As he stepped out of the elevator, Jonathan followed closely behind, briefing him on the final preparations for tomorrow’s meeting. But as Alexander glanced toward his hotel room, he noticed someone waiting outside. His s
Ava’s pupils contracted slightly, struggling to believe that Alexander had actually said those words.Everyone always said he was an unattainable figure—cold, distant, never seen with a companion. The kind of man who never entertained distractions.She had never deluded herself into thinking she could be an exception. More than anything, the idea terrified her. Her chest tightened with panic, her emotions overwhelming her until she realized she was crying.Alexander’s gaze held an unreadable expression, his sharp eyes laced with disinterest. “Sorry, I mistook you for someone else,” he said casually, his voice as smooth as glass. Leaning against the doorframe, he added, “I thought Victoria had come.”Ava froze before exhaling in relief. So, he had been expecting Victoria tonight?Her fingers clenched briefly before she smoothed them over her wrinkled blouse. If he had mistaken her for someone else, it explained everything. The way he grabbed her. The intensity of his touch. It wasn’t ab
Victoria arrived at the top floor and knocked lightly before pushing open the door. The room was dimly lit, casting a soft glow over Alexander, who was seated on the sofa, engaged in a video conference with overseas executives. The faint scent of shower gel lingered in the air, suggesting he had just taken a shower. At the thought, her body grew warm.Beneath her coat, she wore an alluring outfit—something she had carefully chosen just for tonight. A gift for him. She believed that once he unwrapped it, he would be very pleased. A slight blush tinged her cheeks as she stepped inside and changed into indoor slippers.But just as she squatted down, her fingers froze mid-motion. Two long strands of hair lay on the pristine floor.Her heart pounded. The penthouse was Alexander’s private space, professionally cleaned and disinfected daily due to his extreme aversion to germs. No one was allowed to enter without full coverage, ensuring that not even a single strand of
The moment presented itself perfectly. They were alone and all she needed to do was persuade him to get back together. Yet just as Victoria was about to speak, a hesitant voice came from the entrance."Miss, Mr. Laurent asked you to return first. I’ll wait here and bring the cat back once the treatment is complete."The softness in Victoria’s face vanished, replaced by a cold sharpness that made the servant lower their head in fear. She took a deep breath, suppressing the irritation rising within her. Ever since returning to the country a few days ago, she had been spending all her time with Alexander, neglecting her father’s calls and inquiries. Now, he must have learned about her visit tonight and wanted to check if she had succeeded in getting closer to Alexander.Her fingers clenched slightly at her sides before she forced herself to ease up."You go back first. I'll wait here," she ordered, voice firm. "And don't let this kind of mistake happen again next time. You should know tha
That night, instead of returning to his usual hotel, Alexander went to Le Châteauesque Manor—a place that, until recently, had been occupied by Rex, the dog. The lingering traces of dog hair triggered his allergy, and despite taking medication, he developed a mild fever by morning.When Victoria heard about this from Hugo, she wasted no time. Since she and Alexander had agreed to mend their relationship, she needed to show sincerity.As she stepped into the Vanderbilt Corporation’s sleek marble lobby, the scent of polished wood and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The reception area was always buzzing with activity, a hub of well-dressed professionals gliding between meetings. Women came to the Vanderbilt family offices daily, each one hoping to catch Alexander’s attention. Celebrities, socialites, and influencers—all eager to get close to the elusive billionaire. The front desk had learned to turn them away effortlessly. But Victoria? She belonged here. Brigitte—Raphael's girlf
(From here, Ava will be referred to as Serena, as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr., Aunt Torres, and the staff recognize her as “Serena” or “Miss Morales,” Alexander’s wife.) ---The moment Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. saw Serena’s name flash across his phone screen, his heart lifted. "Serena, what is it? Did Alexander mess with you again?"His voice, though laced with concern, carried an undertone of disappointment. Ever since Alexander’s so-called affair had come to light, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s anger had not subsided. Just thinking about his grandson’s betrayal to his devoted wife ignited a fresh wave of fury in his chest.Serena had initially called just to vent, but the warmth in Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s voice struck a chord deep within her. He had always been in her corner—more than even her own father. That realization caused a lump to form in her throat, her vision growing misty with unshed tears.Sensing her silence, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s expression darkened. "I knew it. That boy did something again, didn’
The heavy air in Le Châteauesque Manor carried the weight of discontent. The tension was palpable as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. walked in with slow, measured steps, his cane tapping softly against the marble floor. His presence commanded instant attention. He settled into the high-backed armchair across from the sofa with practiced ease. The room, grand yet intimate, was bathed in the soft glow of antique chandeliers, casting a warm contrast against the tension crackling in the air. His sharp gaze swept across the grand room before settling on Victoria, who sat stiffly on the couch. Aunt Torres, ever the dutiful housekeeper, hurried over with a delicate porcelain teacup, steam curling from its surface. The old man accepted it with a measured nod, lifting the cup just enough to brush away the floating tea leaves with its lid before taking a deliberate sip. His voice, steady and firm carrying the weight of authority. “Miss Laurent,” he began, his tone cutting through the thick silence like a
The studio was lively today, the hum of conversation blending with the rhythmic tapping of keyboards. Sunlight filtered through the large glass windows, casting soft golden patches on the polished wooden floors. The scent of fresh coffee from the break room lingered in the air, mingling with the faint traces of sawdust from the latest model prototypes.Kevin was seated at his usual spot near the drafting table, a pen lazily twirling between his fingers. His sharp eyes flickered with curiosity when Ava walked in. He arched an eyebrow, smirking. “What good deed have you done recently? Darby Construction suddenly became generous to our studio, giving us materials at the lowest price.”Ava set her bag down and rolled her shoulders, feeling the weight of the past few days pressing against her spine. “I negotiated a few terms with them last time, but that was only for Le Châteauesque Manor. I didn’t expect them to extend the same offer to the studio.”She recounted the construction mishap t
"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