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
"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
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
"Cheers......." A bunch of friends raised their glasses, toasting with enthusiasm and sipping their drinks, swaying to the rhythm of the music. Alice deliberately hosted an intimate bachelor party at her place, handpicking a close-knit circle of friends outside the limelight, reflecting her deeply private nature. She's hush-hush about ditching her single life tomorrow and sealing the deal; only a select few are clued in on her covert wedding registration. In the vast apartment hall, Alice marveled at the disco transformation – a DJ spinning beats, a cozy bar, and a crystal disco ball radiating a spectrum of blue laser lights. "Alright, ladies, let's pour it up!" she exclaimed, ushering in rounds of drinks, one after another. "Here's to...""To a night we won't forget...""Cheers..." Shouting and downing shots relentlessly, they stumbled into a tipsy stupor, Monica the only one keeping her senses intact. Since she stepped into the party, Monica has been in a sour mood, displaying
Alice's heart raced, contemplating her bold move to offer herself in marriage without meeting her future spouse, only to find herself in a surprisingly favorable situation.'Isn't that Andrew Kingston, the famed business tycoon? Word has it that even Richie Rich can't tally up the sheer number of businesses he commands. And, as if that's not enough, he's the singular force behind Royman Productions, consistently delivering box office hits. Is he born into wealth, or is there a lucky charm in play?'''Did I really just propose to that notorious, perpetually stern businessman?' Alice pondered, nervously fidgeting with her fingers as tiny beads of sweat formed on her forehead."Excuse me......." Andrew's voice, cold and weighty, snapped Alice out of her reverie.Noticing his furrowed brow, she came to the realization that she hadn't removed the mask and shades—her usual strategy to sidestep unwarranted attention—from her face. Without hesitation, she took off the barrier, presenting her f
'I sensed a negative energy from Mason, convinced that he had been concealing the truth and withholding things from me for quite some time.''The other day I discovered strands of hair in my hairbrush inside his car. The following day, I came across an unfamiliar stole in our shared post-marital mansion. Although he claimed it belonged to his mother, I doubted it, considering her preference for designer items and sophistication that wouldn't involve sharing a hairbrush.''He was glued to his phone, always acting shady, making sure to keep his conversations discreet and out of my earshot.''The other day, I spotted a blotch on his white shirt, and he brushed it off as paint. I wasn't fooled – it was clearly the lipstick mark from Monica earlier that day.''There are moments when I realize I overlooked the glaring truth about him, oblivious to everything happening right under my nose. How did I choose to ignore the countless red flags while he consistently took advantage of me?'The mise
While strolling into the parking lot, Alice's eyes widened at the text from Mason, sharing details about the designer contest venue. Skylar, already in the car, awaited her patiently. "What was that for?" Skylar asked. With a snort, Alice narrated the entire scene at Mason's apartment, leaving Skylar fuming at Monica and Mason's boldness. "Alice, why on earth did you agree to help her? She's nothing but a dishonest opportunist, a big liar. Both of them are taking advantage of your popularity for their own benefit." "In a low baritone, Alice asserted, "I've never turned down Mason before for anything, and I won't until I've settled the score with them. I don't want him to catch on that I know their secrets." Leaning back in her seat, she closed her eyes. "Instead of wasting time, confront them with the proof you have," Skylar advised while driving, stealing glances at Alice's profile through the corner of her eyes. "It'd be too easy for him. He'd apologize, plead, and coerce me in
"Iconic Mode designer contest" As Alice read the banner, she confidently strutted to the greenroom in her high heels, creating a buzz. Adorned in a chic, shoulderless black dress with a high ponytail and dark shades, she captivated the entire hotel with her elegance and magnificent style. Skylar trailed her, engaged in a phone conversation. "For real?" "Oh is that so?" "Alright, keep me posted; there's a handsome reward coming your way." Skylar hung up and swiftly advanced two steps toward Alice. "I've received some inside info about Monica courtesy of a junior designer at Pristine Moments fashion house." "Bring it on...." "Monica's behavior took a negative turn after her promotion to senior designer – she now bullies her juniors, takes away their projects, and has even been accused of pilfering designs from her colleagues." "Is that so?" Alice halted, turned to Skylar, slided her shades atop her head, and raised her eyebrows inquisitively. "Absolutely, she lacks dedication to
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.