Tanya had been trying to outdo me forever, but honestly, all she'd managed was digging herself deeper into her own mess.This was on her, 100%, but would she ever own up to it? Nah. She'd just blame me like always.And me? I showed up tonight for one reason—to stir the pot, to make her hate me even more.She avoided me the whole time I was there, which was classic Tanya. But just as I was about to leave, I made sure to call her over.She walked up, looking like she was about to bite my head off. "Keira, I'm not serving you," she snapped.At least she had her pride. Props for that. Imagine turning down my money."I want to sign up for a VIP membership—the yearlong one. If you're not gonna help me, find someone who will." I leaned into the moment, letting the weight of my wallet do the talking.A VIP membership here meant Tanya would pocket 25 percent of the fee. If I threw down $30k, that was, like, two months of her salary. She'd feel that."You think flashing some cash makes y
Hooking Tanya was easy. Buying the bar? Not so much.This place was booming every night, packed with customers. No sane owner would hand it over without a fight.I needed a different angle.Sure, I could've looped in the Johnstons and made it a done deal. But that wasn't happening. I was done with them.So, I called Ron. The second I finished explaining, he hit me with, "If you wanna be a boss, I'll step aside."Typical Ron—chill to the point of reckless. Giving up a cushy gig without blinking? He made life look so easy.I laughed it off. "I'm not looking to run the place. I just don't want to pay for my drinks every time I show up."He snorted. "Ms. Kay, the money you're thinking of dropping on this could fund your drinking habit for, like, ten lifetimes."He teased, but then his tone shifted. "Don't be impulsive. Owning a bar isn't just a fun side hustle.""I know what I'm doing," I cut in before he could go full dad-mode. "Just tell me if you've got any connections to the o
Wayne's brows pulled together. "I know you're still struggling with losing Hayden, but don't punish yourself like this. If you're ever feeling lonely or overwhelmed, you can come to me."His eyes locked on mine, full of sincerity.But that kind of sincerity? It wasn't comforting—it was suffocating, like a weight threatening to pull me under.I lowered my gaze slightly. "Wayne, I don't want to see you and Jace at odds. He's already reached out to—""You don't need to worry about that. I'll handle it," Wayne cut in, reaching out to hold my hand.The warmth of his touch sent an icy chill through me. I wanted to pull away, but I forced myself to stay put, meeting his gaze with a flicker of unease. "You know how your parents feel about this... They're against it too."Wayne shook his head. "I've told you before—missing my chance with you once was more than enough. This time, I don't care if the whole world is against us."Wayne's love had crossed the line into obsession.My chest ti
"Male models? What's going on with you lately? First, you're trying to buy a bar, and now you're planning some kind of male model show?" Ron sounded equal parts floored and suspicious after I pitched my idea."I'm just having fun. Can't you tell?" I replied, laughing to brush it off.But Ron wasn't buying it. He squinted at me, his detective mode fully activated.Whatever. I rolled my eyes and launched into my pitch. "Okay, so our company's doing that light and music festival soon, right? Why not go big with a live human light show? Imagine male greeters or models wearing LED-lit outfits—total showstopper vibes."Ron raised a brow. "A human light show? That's... bold. I'll give you points for creativity."I grinned. "Exactly! So, you think it'll work? Cool. Start building a team to make it happen."He gave me that are-you-kidding-me look. "Ms. Kay, you think this is, what, grabbing clothes off a store rack? This would need custom designs, production, and oh yeah—we're already on
By the time I'd calmed down enough to function, I freshened up in the restroom and headed straight for the airport. Ron wasn't kidding about cutting it close—the plane had already landed by the time I got there.Tall, probably over six feet, rocking an unbuttoned black dress shirt under a matching vest, paired with tailored black slacks. He gave off major celebrity vibes, the kind where people turn to stare without even realizing they're doing it.I plastered on my polite-work-smile and stepped up. "Hi, I'm Keira Kay from OceanixCorp. Mr. Shane had an emergency, so he asked me to pick you up," I said, offering a handshake."Aaron Ace," he replied, shaking it briefly. "Give me a second. I need to grab my checked luggage.""I'll come with you," I said, falling into step beside him toward baggage claim.That's when I saw them—Lena and Nate.Even without context, it was obvious what was happening. The way they walked, hand in hand, with just one suitcase between them, said it all. Na
Oh, there was definitely some drama between Aaron and Lena, and there was no way I was missing it.Lena didn't even try to hide it. She let out a long sigh and spilled about how Aaron had walked in on her and Nate together."Nate meeting my parents definitely has something to do with Aaron," she muttered.I snorted. "What, does Nate see Aaron as competition? Seriously, he's your uncle.""Who knows? Guys can get so jealous, they'd side-eye a lamppost for standing too close," she shot back."Honestly, that just proves he's mad about you," I teased, thinking about Nate's dramatic goodbye kiss with her at the airport.Love, I thought. It's not just about losing someone forever—it's the slow burn of being apart, even when they're still alive.Lena went quiet, and I realized I might've hit a nerve. Time for a subject change."Hey, there's this human light show thing happening at work," I said, smirking. "We brought in male models so hot, they make A-list celebs look like background e
Everyone froze. No one thought Tanya had it in her to be the manager, but when I started clapping, they awkwardly joined in.Standing next to me, Tanya soaked up the mix of shocked and half-hearted applause. I could tell she was holding her breath, like this was her big moment—the one she'd been waiting forever for.She was the comeback queen, climbing up only to get knocked down again and again. But here she was, finally at the top. I could see the fire in her, the need to prove herself. That drive was exactly what I wanted—needed, actually. But only if I could control it.I wanted to push her until that fire burned too hot, until she'd take risks that'd play right into my hands."Let's hear from Ms. Twain," I announced, nudging her into the spotlight.Tanya hesitated, nerves clear as day, but she wasn't stupid. She pulled herself together and gave a solid speech.Once the ceremony wrapped up, I led her to the manager's office. Of course, I took the main seat, leaving her to sta
I glanced up, spotting an elderly couple shuffling in, hand in hand, their faces tight with worry.The desk officer was about to stand when I beat him to it. "Mr. Yule, Mrs. Yule."They turned toward me, startled. Mrs. Yule's face lit up, a brief flicker of joy breaking through the tension. "Narelle..." she started."She's not Narelle," Mr. Yule cut in gently, pulling her back. His tone was steady, but the heartbreak in his eyes was unmistakable.Mrs. Yule's joy shattered instantly, replaced by a deep sadness that made my chest ache. I stepped closer, trying to ground them. "Mr. Yule, Mrs. Yule, what's going on? Are you here to file a report?"I had stolen the officer's line, but he stepped in professionally anyway. "If you're here to report something, please follow me."But they didn't move. Instead, Mr. Yule started explaining, "For the past few days, someone's been banging on our door, yelling that if we don't behave, they'll hurt us badly."The words hit like a slap, and I s
Hayden turned to Keira, his eyes brimming with a mixture of agitation and fear. Keira understood his concern. “Let’s figure out what’s going on first. We need to trust Yuna.” This was the OB-GYN department. It was unusual for a young, unmarried woman like Yuna to be here, and Hayden, as her protective older brother, had every reason to be uneasy. Hayden had visited her before in Beijing, but Keira hadn’t. Yuna didn’t particularly like her, and she wasn’t one to force her presence where it wasn’t wanted. Keira had a clear conscience in the matter. According to Hayden, Yuna had been doing well at Beijing University, excelling in her studies. Yet, here she was in a place that didn’t seem to fit. Yuna hadn’t noticed them, but her demeanor betrayed her nerves. She frequently checked her phone and stared at the call screen anxiously. After a while, she pulled out a book, seemingly trying to distract herself, but it didn’t work. With a frustrated sigh, she slapped the book over her
"How boring," Lena grumbled. Not wanting to disappoint her, Aaron relented. He opened the car door, used the frame to push himself up, and joined her on the roof with a graceful leap. Lena’s mood brightened instantly. She reached out and playfully tapped his forehead. “Uncle, you’re so obedient.” “You’re just a drunk lunatic,” Aaron muttered, grabbing her arm to keep her steady. Lena rested her head on his shoulder. “Uncle, tell me a story…” “Once upon a time, there was a little girl who dreamed of visiting the moon. Every night, she prayed and wished, until one day, her sincerity caught the attention of a celestial maiden in the moon palace…” “I don’t want to hear that one!” Lena interrupted, shaking her head in protest. “You told me that story when I was little, and you’re still telling it now. I’m sick of it!” “Then what story do you want to hear?” Aaron’s deep voice carried a soothing resonance in the quiet night, rich and magnetic. Lena closed her eyes slightly. “T
“Hey, pretty lady, want to move this party somewhere else?” In the center of the dance floor, a man leaned closer to Lena with an inviting smile. Lena tossed her rarely unbound long hair over her shoulder, swaying slightly as she replied, “To your bed, perhaps?” “If that’s what you want,” the man said with a grin, moving even closer. Lena pressed a single finger to his forehead, stopping him in his tracks. “I think my bed would be more suitable.” “Your bed works too,” the man smirked. Leaning in closer, Lena gave a sly smile. “My bed happens to be a surgical table.” The man laughed, assuming she was teasing him. “So, what’s on the menu? Heart or liver?” “Heart and liver,” Lena replied smoothly, her finger pressing precisely on the corresponding points on his body. The man hesitated, clearly startled by her precision, but before he could react, Lena pushed him away with a flick of her finger. She had danced enough and left the floor, catching her breath. From the cro
Lena’s father and grandfather poured themselves some wine, but before they could take a sip, they were scolded. “When it’s time to talk, you’re mute, but when it comes to lifting a wine glass, you’re the most enthusiastic.” “Aaron, when you find a wife, don’t pick someone like your sister or your mom, or you’ll spend your whole life getting nagged,” Lena’s father teased, earning laughter from everyone at the table. Although the homecoming had started awkwardly, the evening turned out enjoyable, with a lively and pleasant conclusion. “Why don’t you both stay the night? Don’t leave,” suggested Mrs. Lane after dinner. Lena: “No way!” Aaron: “I’ve got work!” Their simultaneous refusals drew the attention of everyone at the table. Lena kept her composure, her face impassive as she explained, “I’m currently preparing for a fetal surgery on a pregnant patient. There’s a lot of prep work involved. I was supposed to work overtime tonight, but you called me here at the last minute.
Lena’s mother’s face flushed with embarrassment at the questioning but quickly retorted, “Aaron, what kind of talk is that? Lena is my daughter. I gave birth to her and raised her. How could I possibly harm her?” “Then what do you call what you’re doing today?” Aaron’s voice and gaze were both ice-cold. “Your sister is just worried that Lena hasn’t moved on from Nate,” Lena’s father chimed in, trying to mediate. “That’s right, Aaron. Your sister and brother-in-law would never hurt Lena. Besides, the Goodwick family isn’t bad. It’s just that from the moment you two walked in, you’ve been giving them attitude, making sharp remarks at every turn,” added Aaron’s father, who had been silent until now. As the person in question, Lena couldn’t remain silent any longer. “Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Dad, I know you all care about me and want the best for me, but I really don’t want to start a new relationship right now. That doesn’t mean I’m stuck in the past with Nate, though. Can you just
“Yes!” Lena and Aaron replied in unison. Mrs. Goodwick froze for a moment, then gave an awkward laugh. “You two are uncle and niece, having grown up together, but now that you’re adults, you should have your own spaces. What if Mr. Ace brings a girlfriend home? It wouldn’t be convenient, would it?” She certainly knew how to mind others' business. “I don’t have a girlfriend, so there’s no inconvenience,” Aaron replied flatly, blocking her attempts at argument like swatting away a fly. “But men and women are different,” Arthur said, his gaze toward Lena taking on a peculiar edge. “Only dirty-minded people think that way,” Lena shot back without hesitation. The back-and-forth between Aaron and Lena left no room for the Goodwick family to save face. Their expressions darkened considerably. Mrs. Lane had to step in to smooth things over. “It’s just that Lena had some trouble with a medical dispute recently. We were worried about her safety, so we let her stay with her uncle fo
“Lena, you’re back! Aaron…” Mrs. Lane immediately waved at Lena, signaling her to come over quickly. Lena had a sinking feeling and didn’t step forward. Just then, Aaron walked over and stood beside her, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the room. As his sleeve brushed against Lena’s hand, the accidental touch gave her a sudden boost of courage. What was there to be afraid of? With Aaron here, her mother wouldn’t dare go overboard. It was a confidence she had grown up with—so long as Aaron was around, her mother was nothing more than a paper tiger. To this day, Lena couldn’t quite figure it out. Aaron wasn’t even biologically related to the family, yet everyone seemed to hold him in unusually high regard. Whatever he said, no one would dare contradict. It was precisely because of this unique favoritism that Lena often rode on his coattails, benefiting from his influence. “Chairman Goodwick, Mrs. Goodwick,” Aaron greeted the unfamiliar guests first, acknowledging the fa
“It doesn’t hurt anymore. It’s completely healed,” Lena said as she sat down. “Any new issues or discoveries today?” “None,” Nate replied, his dark, deep gaze lingering on her with a complex expression. Lena noticed but pretended not to. She had no intention of asking. When she lowered her head to focus on work, Nate withdrew his gaze. For the rest of the day, he didn’t say another word to her. This behavior was unusual for him. Ever since he returned to promote his research project, Nate had always carried himself with humility, desperately seeking her forgiveness. But today, he acted like just another colleague, a completely different person from before. Although this change was what Lena had hoped for, she couldn’t help but feel unsettled. What had brought on this sudden shift? She thought back to the incident yesterday when she had asked Nate and Aaron to leave while her wound was being treated. Could it be that her uncle had said something to Nate? On the drive bac
Aaron didn’t give Nate an answer, but silence itself was an answer. Lena’s test results came back negative: no traces of snake venom were found in her system. The wound had been treated, and in the end, it turned out to be a false alarm. “Sorry, Uncle,” Lena said apologetically. “I ruined your camping trip.” When she had been bitten by the snake, her screams were so terrifying that they startled everyone else. The others quickly packed up and left, bringing the camping trip to an abrupt, messy end. “It’s fine. You can make it up to everyone another time,” Aaron replied in a way that defied all expectations. Shouldn’t he be comforting her? He didn’t play by the rules, and Lena decided she wouldn’t either. “I’m not making it up to anyone. If anything, you owe me, Uncle.” “How would you like me to compensate you?” This time, he sounded more reasonable. Lena blinked mischievously. “I haven’t decided yet. I’ll let you know when I figure it out.” After saying that, she sigh