Patty, however, did not think that the discussion was over. She slammed her hand on the table, her voice trembling with frustration. “Alright! If you’re bold enough to submit anonymously, then everyone should do it too! Let Alexander decide for himself. Who do you think you are?! We’ve all graduated from prestigious universities—what makes you so special?!”Serena remained seated, her tone calm and measured. “So, will you submit your designs?”Patty bristled with anger, her gaze darting to the others in the studio, hoping for support.In the quiet tension that followed, it became clear that no one wanted to step forward.Everyone in the studio was well aware of Serena’s ability. Her designs were innovative and sophisticated, consistently earning high praise from clients. This, in turn, boosted the studio’s reputation and opened doors for all of them.But competing against someone like Serena was a gamble few were willing to take.Submitting their designs alongside hers and having Alex
Alexander sat at his expansive desk on the top floor of the Vanderbilt building, his expression unreadable. His earlier trip to Westchester Manor had left a sour taste in his mouth. He had been stood up, which only cemented his already low opinion of the Morales family.Jonathan entered, balancing a stack of files in one hand. “Sir, I received a call from the doctor abroad. The old man has completed the procedures and will return to the country within the week.”Alexander leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “That’s quicker than expected.”Jonathan waited for further instructions.“Draft a new contract,” Alexander said after a moment. “The Vanderbilt family will assist the Morales family with their second round of financing, but only if she—my so-called wife—plays her role convincingly.”He used the term “nominal wife” with a note of derision. He didn’t even know her full name. To him, she was merely Serena, as his grandfather always called her. Whether her name had two syll
Michael’s smirk deepened as he reached out to pinch Valentina’s chin, clearly enjoying her trembling fear.Valentina squeezed her eyes shut, her long lashes quivering as tears threatened to spill.“Take the little beauty away,” Michael instructed his bodyguards, his voice dripping with arrogance. Then he turned to Serena, gesturing toward the stairs. “As for you, come upstairs with me. I’ll show you something... exciting.”Serena understood Michael’s game. He wouldn’t dare hurt her, not in a place like 230 Fifth. This bar had a reputation for being fiercely guarded by its private security, who wouldn’t hesitate to intervene if she called for help. But the thought of causing a scene made her stomach churn. This was a playground for New York’s elite, her potential clients. If she ended up as gossip fodder, her professional reputation could be irreparably damaged.Feigning composure, she asked, “By ‘exciting,’ does Mr. Murray mean the casino upstairs?”Michael raised an eyebrow, his grin
Taking a deep breath, Michael was about to let the conversation drop when Alexander’s voice cut through the tension like a blade.“Deal.”The dealer, who had been waiting patiently, hesitated and looked at Serena. “Miss, it seems that you don’t have any chips…”In the casino, it was standard to exchange checks or cash for chips, and waiters were always nearby to assist. But Serena had been brought here on a whim and didn’t have any money prepared.Michael signaled for an assistant to exchange chips for him and turned to Serena, his tone dripping with contempt. “Since you’re married, why don’t you go home and take care of your child? Leave this seat for someone who knows what they’re doing.”His voice carried an edge of disdain, and his expression made his thoughts clear. Bringing her here was supposed to restore his dignity. Instead, she had turned the tables and embarrassed him. The more he looked at her, the more irritated he felt.She wasn’t suitable for anything—not as a mistress a
The atmosphere at the table grew increasingly tense, but Michael, having already embarrassed himself, decided not to engage further with Serena. Continuing his conversation with her would only make him angrier. He clenched his jaw and looked at the dealer. “Deal the cards.”The dealer nodded and quickly shuffled, dealing the first round. Around the table, curious spectators leaned closer, eager to witness the drama unfold.Serena’s presence had become the center of attention. Many were amused by her audacity, while others couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy. The way she confidently promised to pay Hugo back double without even knowing the value of the chips—it was reckless, if not outright naive. Did she even realize she might owe him four billion? And now, sitting at an unlimited bet Texas Hold’em table as a novice, she seemed entirely out of her depth.Serena remained calm, her posture straight, even as the murmurs around her grew louder. The two players on her right had alrea
Michelle sensed something was amiss. Everyone present held influence and status, and most hoped to build or strengthen ties with the Vanderbilt family. With Alexander recently returning to the country, fresh business opportunities would inevitably arise. She couldn’t risk ruining her reputation or tarnishing Alexander’s by causing a scene.In this world of elite men, women were often accessories—decorative, compliant, and unobtrusive. None of the women accompanying the men tonight dared to gamble recklessly like Serena. Yet under the sharp scrutiny of the crowd, Serena’s demeanor remained steady and unaffected.Her composure made her intriguing. Her card skills, however, were another question entirely.But what of the woman, Michelle, who had been incessantly making noise since the beginning?The casino wasn’t a place that welcomed disruptions.Panic mounting, Michelle pointed accusingly at Serena. “Don’t you know me? We met at the Vanderbilt office last time. Aren’t you Mr. Vanderbil
Michael pondered as he hesitated as he considered his next move. His last bet in the last round of one hundred million loomed in his mind, a weighty reminder of what he had already risked. The murmurs from the onlookers didn’t help either —they only fueled his growing uncertainty.His gaze darted to Serena, searching for a clue, a weakness, anything to justify his next decision.But Serena remained maddeningly calm. Her face was unreadable, her posture steady. When she noticed his gaze, she turned her head slightly, her expression serene, and asked, “Mr. Murray, the last round, no?”Her voice was casual, almost indifferent, but the implication was clear: if he folded, the money in the pot would be hers. She wasn’t taunting him; she was stating a simple truth. But to Michael whose heart was already in turmoil at the moment, it felt like a deliberate provocation, as if she was purposedly taunting him. It wasn’t about the money— the eight hundred million was a drop in the bucket for him
The two billion chips she had won sat neatly stacked on the table. Her calm demeanor, even after such a shocking win, caught everyone’s attention. Most people would be reveling in their triumph, yet here she was, poised and focused on her word.Hugo hesitated. Letting go of a billion dollars so easily wasn’t something even the wealthiest people did. Did she really value a promise more than the money?But Hugo knew the dangers Serena had likely foreseen. Winning such a large sum as a newcomer, and a woman no less, would inevitably attract trouble. Her way back home could be unsafe. By giving away the winnings, she was transferring that burden—and it also allowed her to leave the table with her dignity intact.Finally, Hugo accepted the chips with a complicated expression. He turned to Alexander, patting him lightly on the shoulder. "Married people. Isn’t it about time to go home?"Hugo emphasized the words "married people," glancing briefly at Serena as she returned to her seat. He see
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
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