The surprise was so strong that Serena called out Alexander’s name before she could stop herself. Aunt Torres, realizing her oversight, quickly nodded. “Mr. Vanderbilt is in the master bedroom now. Would Miss Morales like to see him?”Serena stiffened at the suggestion. She quickly handed the cup of milk back to Aunt Torres, shaking her head. “Aunt Torres, let me know after he leaves tomorrow morning. I’ll skip breakfast.”Aunt Torres wasn’t blind to what was happening. She noted Serena’s reluctance and deduced that she was avoiding Alexander. Though she was tempted to ask why, she refrained and nodded instead. “Alright, Miss Morales. Rest well.”As Serena closed the door behind her, her heart raced, not with excitement but with unease. Alexander being here felt too close, too invasive. What if he discovered the truth about her? The tension weighed on her as she sipped her milk, trying to calm herself. She decided she would visit the old mansion tomorrow to see Mr. Vanderbilt Senior an
This morning, Ava had sent the finalized construction drawings to the renovation team she had worked with on multiple projects. However, no response had come. She decided to visit their office in person to understand the delay.The office building of Thompson Renovations stood twenty kilometers away from Le Châteauesque Manor, a modern structure with glass-paneled windows that reflected the bright afternoon sun. Ava arrived just as the city began to buzz with the midday rush. The marble-floored lobby exuded an air of professionalism, but as soon as Ava stepped through the doors, she was met by a young receptionist seated behind a sleek, white desk."Hello," the receptionist said, her tone polite but guarded. "Do you have an appointment?"Ava’s brow furrowed slightly. This wasn’t her first time visiting Thompson Renovations. In fact, she had collaborated with them extensively over the years. Typically, her visits required no formalities. "I’m here to see Mr. Thompson," Ava replied, her
Maison Marseille, an opulent dining establishment perched high above the city, exuded an air of exclusivity from the moment Ava stepped out of the car. The building’s glass facade reflected the dazzling skyline, and the glow from the chandelier-lit interior spilled onto the cobblestone driveway.Her eyes immediately caught Alexei Volkov standing near the entrance. He held a large bouquet of deep red roses in one hand, his other tucked casually into the pocket of his pristine white suit. He looked every bit the part of a man accustomed to luxury—effortlessly charming and utterly self-assured.As she came to a halt, Alexei’s sharp blue eyes lit up, and he strode toward her with a practiced ease. The roses, vivid against the evening backdrop, were extended toward her."Miss Alvarez," he said smoothly, his voice carrying just the right blend of warmth and mischief. "These are for you."Ava tilted her head slightly, a polite smile curving her lips as she met his gaze. Instead of reaching f
Alexei stiffened, his expression shifting multiple times as he tried to mask his unease. Finally, gritting his teeth, he scoffed, "Do you think I'd believe that? Marriage certificates like this can be replicated for ten dollars a bundle on any street corner."His tone was laced with skepticism, and his mind raced back to Alexander's cold, detached demeanor toward Ava. How could a man treat his wife like a stranger? It didn’t align with the image of a genuine marriage.Unfazed, Ava leaned back slightly in her chair, her calm composure unwavering. "Believe what you want, Mr. Volkov," she said, her voice smooth and deliberate. "Alexander and I have an understanding. We’ve agreed to remain strangers in public until the day our divorce is finalized. But you've gone too far this time, leveraging Volkov Co. Inc.'s influence and connections to target me. If this continues, I’ll have no choice but to involve Mr. Vanderbilt Senior."She casually reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over
Compared to Alexei's romantic and ostentatious private room, Alexander's had a completely different ambiance. The atmosphere here was sober and businesslike, reflecting his meticulous taste. Reserved for Vanderbilt family use year-round, the room was decorated in a sleek, minimalist style—clean lines, muted tones, and understated luxury that spoke volumes of Alexander’s personality. The Vanderbilt name was synonymous with power, and their empire extended far and wide, with many of New York’s iconic buildings falling under their ownership.Alexander sat at the table, his expression unreadable as he glanced out the window. The faint glow of the fireworks reflected in his sharp, dark eyes. His frown deepened as he wondered why women found such displays appealing. He found them... frivolous.Hugo broke the silence, leaning casually on the back of his chair as he patted Colton on the shoulder. "Colton, you wouldn’t believe it, but Ava is smitten with Alexander. Remember the casino? She thr
Ava’s brow furrowed as doubt clouded her mind. How had Valentina known she would be at Maison Marseille tonight? And hadn’t Valentina been unwell? Why had she been discharged from the hospital so quickly?Outside the towering building, Valentina leaned against a sleek Lamborghini worth five million dollars—one that her father, Alfonso, had bought for her. The sports car gleamed under the city lights, a statement of wealth and indulgence. Alfonso had repeatedly told Valentina not to drive alone and had even offered to assign her a driver. But Valentina often ignored his advice, opting to discreetly track a man she was infatuated with, as though her persistence would one day earn his attention.Despite her lavish surroundings, Valentina anxiously tapped her manicured nails on the steering wheel, her eyes darting to the glass facade of Maison Marseille. Growing impatient, she redialed Ava.Inside the elevator, Ava rubbed her forehead in frustration as she answered the call. "The elevator
Ava maintained her polite composure, her lips forming a faint smile as she nodded. “Thank you for your concern, I’m fine.”Inside the second elevator, Alexei seemed eager to lift her spirits. His voice carried a hint of accomplishment as he said, “My collaboration with Mr. Thompson has been canceled. He’ll highly likely come looking for you now.”But Ava’s expression remained neutral. Regardless of whether Mr. Thompson sought her out, she had already decided to sever ties with him. Years of collaboration meant nothing if trust was absent. His decision to not only avoid her but also deceive her in order to hitch a ride with Volkov Co. Inc. spoke volumes about his character.“Well,” she replied evenly, “I won’t work with Mr. Thompson anymore either. I’ll simply find another company.”The elevator dinged softly as it arrived on the ground floor. Ava, preoccupied with getting to the hospital, didn’t linger. She nodded politely at everyone in the elevator, her movements brisk and purposefu
When Serena arrived at the hospital, the emergency room doors remained firmly shut. The air was thick with tension, as doctors and nurses moved swiftly through the bustling hallway. The fluorescent lights overhead cast a stark glow over the scene, adding to the sterile atmosphere.Araminta was nowhere in sight, and Josh and Valentina were also absent. Serena sat in the corridor, her hands clasped tightly on her lap. The only sound accompanying her was the relentless ticking of the wall clock. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, and each second pressed heavily against her chest.The cold from the hospital floor seeped into her legs, leaving them stiff and numb. She didn’t know how long she had waited until a gentle pat on her shoulder snapped her back to reality."You’re a family member of the patient, right?" A nurse stood beside her, looking concerned.Serena blinked, realizing that daylight had already flooded through the hospital windows. Her stomach rumbled in protest, reminding her
"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