"The deal with Psyker companies is poised to offer greater benefits." Martin emphasized it with confidence. "After going through their entire business plan, it's evident that it won't serve our purpose. Trust me, Visage Industries is the better choice," John rebutted, leveraging his wealth of experience. "No dad....." "Let's pause for a moment." Marie intervened, preventing them from falling into their typical argumentative pattern, and redirected her attention to the butler. "Ensure today's menu is splendid. Start with Fried Prosciutto Tortellini, Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes, and Sesame Chicken Bites as appetizers, followed by a vegetarian main course of Tostones, Avocado Toasts, and Mushroom Risotto, accompanied by Guacamole, Nachos, and Enchiladas. Have you got that? Additionally, don't overlook the green salad and Couscous Salad. And for dessert, make sure to serve Chocolate Cobler." "Certainly, ma'am..." The butler responded politely and began to make his way to the kitchen, only
Andrew emerged from the bathroom, towel in hand, gently patting his hair dry. His eyes fell on Alice, seated at the dressing mirror, applying night cream, a vision of angelic beauty in her white nightgown.Gently placing his hands on her shoulders, he positioned himself behind her and asked, "Venice was on your bucket list, wasn't it?"Looking at Andrew's downcast face in the mirror, Alice sighed. "Dad's revelation is still weighing on you, isn't it?""I wouldn't say that. I'm just feeling disappointed in myself. As your husband, I should have been more attentive to your likes, dislikes, fears, desires, and allergies."Andrew felt Alice's gentle touch on his hand resting on her shoulder. She comfortingly said, "It's okay, Sunny. Our relationship started under unusual circumstances, and it hasn't been that long. We're still figuring each other out."Letting out a sigh of disappointment, Andrew grabbed Alice's hairbrush and started to gently comb through her flowing locks."I concur. Ho
"Sunny, why do you abandon me like this?" Alice whispered, her voice strained, tears cascading down her cheeks.Right then, the doorbell jingled, sending a surge of excitement through Alice, convinced it was Andrew returning."Sunny, how in the world?" She muttered, pushing the door open, only to find herself at a loss for words upon seeing the boy."Ma'am, this box was left for you by sir," the bell boy stated, offering a package to Alice."Much appreciated..." Alice accepted the shopping bag with a puzzled look."Wishing you a wonderful day, ma'am..." The bell boy greeted her before leaving."What's Andrew up to, dispatching this with the bell boy? And where on earth is he?"Words tumbled out of Alice in a rapid stream as she made her way to the bedroom. With great anticipation, she untied the elegant wrapping to unveil her surprise."Oh, it's absolutely stunning," Alice whispered in awe, taking in the white mid-length frock adorned with delicate silver beadwork.A pink envelope cau
Andrew was mildly exasperated as he talked to Marie. He marched off in a sullen manner, completely unaware that Alice had been left behind."Yikes, ow..." Alice, absorbed in her phone, didn't notice the person in her path. She bumped into him and tumbled, only to be saved by the firm grasp of a stranger."Asher?" A familiar grin spread across Alice's face as she called out the name of her rescuer.Andrew glanced back and witnessed Alice enveloped by the arms of a statuesque, charming man, their lips adorned with matching grins."Hey Alice, it's been ages." The guy steadied Alice on her feet and lightly air-kissed her cheek.Alice reciprocated his greeting gesture with a broad smile and said, "Yes, since the graduation party. By the way, Asher, how are you doing?"Andrew observed their beaming expressions and lively conversation from a distance, seething with jealousy. After ending the call, he strode towards them."I'm doing good."While Asher was in the midst of conversation, Andrew
Politely, Andrew turned down Asher's invitation, citing their departure scheduled for the following day. Alice, though taken aback by the news since there was still a week left before their journey home, opted not to comment."You're probably wondering if I misled Mr. Williams," Andrew queried Alice as soon as they entered their room."Of course not; I trust that you have your own reasons.""Grandma requested our presence at the New Year's party they're organizing."Using the party as a cover, Andrew made his exit, an event he'd been dreading and firmly opposed attending. Despite the guilt of his fabrication, he couldn't hide his jealousy at seeing Alice so connected to another guy, especially an old friend."Ah, the New Year's celebration. That's alright with me."Alice puts aside her dislike for social celebrations, enduring them for the sake of Andrew and his family.The following day, Andrew and Alice strolled through Marco Polo Airport, catching an early flight to LA, hastening t
"What's wrong, Alice? Is something bothering you?" Andrew held her face and asked gently.Alice remained silent, burying her face in Andrew's chest, tears streaming down quietly. Andrew's heart sank as he felt her tears."You invited Alice's family? Do you not know how they treated her?" Asher's voice held a hint of frustration as he murmured near Andrew's ear."Alice's family? What the f**k?" Andrew was taken aback by the new revelation and turned to look at the bidder around his age, who had won because both Andrew and Asher were preoccupied by Alice's distressing state."Yes, that's Alice's brother, Jack Cooper," Asher indicated towards the successful bidder. "And those individuals are her parents, while the older folks are her grandparents. The entire family is here," he explained, indicating the group that joined Jack with cheerful expressions."We've secured the win. Thank you, Jack," Alice's father, Barney Cooper, exclaimed, expressing his gratitude.With eyes gleaming, Alice's
Alice was aware that Andrew intended to convince her to visit her family, which is why she promptly declined the proposal before he could even broach the subject.With a loving touch, Andrew held Alice's cheeks and spoke softly, "Alice, my dear, I can feel your pain, but hiding forever won't solve anything. You'll have to face it sooner or later. And remember, you've done nothing wrong, so there's nothing to fear. They can't harm you anymore.""Sunny, it's not their presence that scares me. It's about the emotions I've kept bottled up inside. They could unleash a storm once I face them," Alice admitted, her eyes welling up."So be it. You have every right to speak about the suffering their negligence caused you, and they must listen."After delivering his motivational talk, Andrew leaned in to gently kiss Alice's forehead, then affectionately patted the back of her head while holding her in a comforting hug.Even in the embrace, Alice shook her head from side to side and softly murmur
"Alice, we traveled across states to be here, just to see you. It's disheartening to be overlooked like this," Grace said pleadingly, but her demeanor was stiff, holding Alice's hand firmly.Alice's voice held a firm edge. "Grandmother, when have I ever ignored you? We just had an honest conversation, something we never did in those 22 years I lived with you."She strained to release her hand from Grace's unwavering hold, but to no avail. In a soft tone, Grace commented, "You're referring to it as a heart-to-heart conversation? You're only undermining your own family."Marie stepped in, a frown creasing her forehead, and gently untangled Alice's arm from Grace's grasp. Her voice was stern as she requested, "Mrs. Cooper, could you please have this conversation from a bit of a distance? Let's not cause unnecessary distress.""Mrs. Kingston, I deeply regret my outburst, but can't you see how she's growing harsh with us? We're her family, after all." Grace's voice wavered with a hint of h
Listening to lawyer Jones's argument, Alice and Vicky held their heads. They were at a dead end when a sudden voice made them jump in surprise."Pardon the interruption, but I have evidence that exposes Mason Rex not only as a bad father but as a genuinely awful person," Andrew declared with a sense of outrage upon entering the courtroom.Alice and Vicky exchanged surprised glances before turning their attention to Andrew, whose expression was stern and his eyes blazed a fierce red. Even Mason and Jones were visibly shaken, captivated by the intensity emanating from his fiery gaze.The judge glared at him and massaged his temples. "What's going on here? Mr. Kingston, maintain order in the court or face removal. Defense counsel, enlighten us on this new development." His irritation heightened with the persistent interruptions.Vicky was completely in the dark about what Andrew was talking about, rendering him dumbfounded. He looked at Andrew and the judge with a zipped mouth, like a de
"I may not have singled out your name, but to the plaintiff's lawyer, your statement carried significant weight."Vicky's remark triggered laughter in the courtroom, leaving Jones feeling offended."Excuse me, we don't need to play a cheap trick when truth is our ally. Mr. Rex is Emma's biological father, and a parent needs no justification to reclaim their daughter.""Your honor, I earnestly implore the court to weigh Mr. Rex's blood relation to the child and render a decision in his favor. Allow an anguished father to reunite with his daughter."Jones, at this moment, had no recourse but to go to court, relying on Mason's biological fatherhood as the sole influential factor in tilting the case in their favor.Vicky sighed and shook his head, accustomed to Jones's theatrical displays and feigned emotions aimed at swaying the court."What if there's a legitimate reason?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow."What?""What if I propose that even a father like Mason may have a rationale fo
In the courtroom, Paul Rex brought to light a new revelation, a piece of knowledge shared among Alice, Andrew, and Vicky. Yet, their challenge lay in the absence of concrete proof to back up the information they possessed."Point duly noted, Your Honor. Mr. Mason Rex professed a profound love for his ex-wife and conveyed regret for the child. However, this revelation unveils a contradiction—indicating he was never genuinely inclined towards marriage or assuming responsibility for the child but was compelled to do so."Vicky's words stirred a reaction from Mason, who hastily stood up to defend himself. In response, Jones gestured for him to exercise caution and avoid actions that could prove unfavorable in the proceedings."What unfolded next, Mr. Rex?" Vicky shifted his focus back to Paul, encouraging him to pick up where he left off."I deeply regret coercing this troublemaker and hoping he would reform for the well-being of his wife and child. Sadly, my choice subjected the poor wom
Vicky vented his simmering rage over Mason's intricate web of lies about his relationship, a revelation that outpaced even the awareness of his legal representative."Your Honor, the accused asserts a lack of recollection regarding the breakup with Miss Cooper. Nonetheless, the truth emerges: he terminated the relationship upon her refusal to endorse his company as a brand ambassador. This is what he is not in a position to accept. Subsequent revelations exposed his infidelity during the course of their relationship.""Miss Cooper, left with no recourse, exposed his misconduct, resulting in the loss of his company. In retaliation, he targeted Miss Monica after their marriage, subjecting her to a tumultuous and distressing life."Vicky's statement was left incomplete as Jones abruptly rose and began applauding. Departing from his usual objections, he introduced a surprising and unconventional method of interruption that caught everyone off guard."Lawyer Jones, can you please put words
"Your honor, before we commence today's proceedings, Miss Cooper would like to make a request to the court," Vicky stated after bowing to the judge.Mason and his lawyer exchanged glances, and Jones threw them a look that said they were pulling the same stunt, but he made it clear it's not going to fly in court—different day, same old song.The judge gave a nod of approval, granting permission for the request.Alice sauntered up, taking her spot in front of the judge after shooting a quick nod. Feeling the weight of onlookers' stares, she nervously licked her lips, sensing the heat in the room.The seasoned stage and on-camera pro, unafraid in the limelight, is now grappling with stage fright for the first time. However, driven by her love for her daughter, she pushes through.Alice let out a deep breath, mustered her courage, and started speaking. "Your honor, during the previous session, Attorney Jones claimed I'm unfit as a mother for Emma, and even...""Your honor, objection. What
Alice and Andrew stepped out of the elevator onto the 52nd floor of the Royman Hotel that evening, ready to meet Mason. Thanks to Vicky's setup, the ball was in Mason's court."Sunny, any hunch on why Mason opted for our hotel meet-up instead of his office digs?" Alice queried as they strolled in."The thief thinks everybody steals. I reckon Mason Rex's a bit wary, fearing we might have some tricks up our sleeves for this meeting. So, he's strategically set it in our territory to clear his name if anything fishy happens," Andrew mused with a touch of suspicion.He read Mason's cunning mind like an open book."Hmm, you are right.""Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Kingston."Mason awaited them in Andrew's exclusive waiting lounge; spotting their entry, he rose, extending his hand for a shake. Andrew, a bit iffy, eventually gave it the nod."So spill it, Alice, what's the rush for this impromptu meeting? Worried that the verdict tomorrow will swing my way and your little angel, oops, I mean my darli
"Your honor, it's crucial to acknowledge that Miss Cooper opted to prioritize her public image over the well-being of the infant.""That's wrong......" Alice attempted to protest, but Jones kept firing questions with a booming voice. "Why'd you stroll out with the baby solo without giving a heads-up to your folks or security?""I went with Emma to the restroom, but she bolted unexpectedly while I was washing my hands. Despite my quick commands, being small and flickering, the little baby wouldn't listen, so I had to dash after her urgently, without alerting anyone to the sudden twist of events." Alice spilled the beans without holding back."Your honor, it's worth emphasizing that the defendant isn't just self-centered but also an inattentive mother, incapable of looking after a one-year-old child," Jones remarked, a broader smirk evident on his face.Once again, he slyly targeted Alice, preventing her from defending herself. "Miss Cooper, in the interview, did you really discuss a o
Alice and Andrew were stunned to see the director of Sunshine Orphanage appear as Mason's witness."Your honor, I'd like to point out that this woman is Mrs. Green, the director of Sunshine Orphanage—the entity the defendant manipulated to falsely assert her adoption of baby Emma. Yet, Director Green's statement provides a stark contrast," Mr. Jones explained.The judge peered over his glasses at the individuals before him and declared,
"I'm the poor man whose daughter you've absconded with, masquerading your adoption as a virtuous act. You're the very definition of an opportunist," Mason hissed, an insidious smirk creeping across his face."Your words hold no weight. She's my child, and you're nothing but a loathsome fraud and betrayer. I'll ensure the truth prevails in court."Alice couldn't contain herself when he claimed Emma as his own, but when she tried to object, Mason's unscrupulous grin remained unshaken.