Dalisay's pov, "So, even though we've sold both Mansions, we're still in a financial hole?" I asked, wanting to make sure I was understanding her correctly.I took a deep breath as I tried to process what the financial secretary was saying. The financial report she was presenting was more grim than I could have imagined. It seemed that, despite our efforts, we were still in dire straits."That's correct," she said, her face serious. "We need to find a way to generate more revenue and cut costs if we're going to get out of this situation.""That sounds like an uphill battle," I said with a sigh. "I'm sorry ma'am. But the truth is, we've been operating on a shoestring budget for months now. We used up all our reserves and then started dipping into our emergency funds. And now, we're still a billion dollars short," the financial secretary explained."What? A billion dollars short?" I asked in disbelief. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "How did this happen?""It's a combination
Amihan's POV, In a sudden jolt, I awoke from a deep slumber, my heart pounding and breath ragged. I could feel the sweat trickling down my forehead, and my body was trembling. Once again, I had been tormented by the same nightmare I had experienced for weeks. It had started Ten years ago, after the fatal car crash that had changed my life forever. I thought I had put the incident behind me, but the nightmares kept coming back, no matter how hard I tried to forget. The voices from the accident echoed in my head, mocking and jeering. I struggled to get out of bed, desperate to escape the nightmare's grip on me. But it seemed to have a hold on me, preventing me from breaking free. I felt like a prisoner, trapped in a cycle of fear and anxiety. I had tried everything to make the nightmares stop, from therapy to medication, but nothing seemed to work. I was at my wit's end, unsure what to do next. I longed for a peaceful night's sleep, one without the haunting images and sounds of the acc
Judith's POV, After Amihan told me about Derrick's sudden reappearance, I felt a sense of euphoria wash over me. It was as if the universe had conspired to give me a second chance, to right the wrongs of the past, and to bring my long-held dreams to fruition. With this new opportunity, it felt as though I was finally being given the chance to turn the tables on Amihan and regain what was rightfully mine. It was a heady feeling, one that left me giddy with excitement and anticipation. I couldn't wait to see how this would all play out.I couldn't contain my excitement, and before I knew it, I was sprinting to Charlotte's room. I burst through the door, hardly able to contain my excitement. After our last friendly chat, we've suddenly become best of friends. "You'll never believe what just happened!" I exclaimed, my words coming out in a rush. I knew I sounded breathless and giddy, but I couldn't help it. Charlotte looked up from the book she was reading, her eyes wide with surprise.
Amihan's Pov, Even the day after I reconnected with Derrick on social media, I still felt a deep sense of nostalgia. I struggled to believe that I had never once considered rekindling our friendship in all the years that had passed. Instead, I had been consumed by my obsessive pursuit of revenge against those who had wronged me, to the point of forgetting someone who had been such a significant part of my early days in New York. I felt a strange mix of elation and regret, and I wondered if I had missed out on something important by neglecting our friendship for so long.With a mixture of eagerness and dread, I reached for my ringing phone, hoping it would be a call from Derrick. The previous day, I had given him my number, and the anticipation of his call had been eating away at me. I let out a disappointed grunt as I saw the caller's name on the screen of my phone. It wasn't Derrick, as I had hoped, but rather my boyfriend, Maxwell. I put on a false smile as I answered the phone,
Judith's POV, I had to be punctual, my date with Derrick was not something I could afford to be late for. time was valuable, and I didn't want to waste a single second of it. I needed his help, and I was eager to get started. I rushed to the designated meeting place, hoping that I wouldn't be too late. "Hello, Beautiful," he said as he walked towards me, a radiant smile lighting up his face. "You look amazing," he continued, and I blushed at his compliment. "I'm so sorry I'm five minutes late," he added apologetically. "Some people are just always late, you know?" I teased, trying to ease the tension that had built up during the wait. He chuckled as he gave me a peck on the cheek. "You haven't ordered yet?" he asked as he took his seat. "I was waiting for you to arrive," I explained, and he gave a knowing nod. "No problem, we'll order together," he said as he waved over the waiter. He was always so easygoing, and I loved that about him. We perused the menu, chatting and laughing
Victoria's POV,My day at the office had just begun when I received an alarming email from "The Parker's Group Of Companies." My heart sank as I read its contents. It threatened to sever our partnership and mentioned complaints against our company, leaving me both confused and frightened. My mind whirled as I wondered what could have been the root of these accusations. Why had I not heard of them before? What could we have done to deserve such a threat? As I read further, my fear turned to outrage. The email mentioned spurious accusations of unethical business practices, citing no sources or evidence to support them. My temper flared as I thought of the consequences these unfounded claims could have on our reputation and the damage they could do to our business. Amidst the jumble of thoughts crowding my mind, one memory stood out: Judith's rage-filled voice the last time we spoke. I could still hear her words echoing in my ears: "You'll regret this, and you'll pay for what you've do
Judith's POV,"Oh, I see, "I said with a sly smile, my tone playful and teasing. I understood how tactful she was and I knew for me to have an upper hand in this situation, I had to be smarter and upbeat,"Anyways, you still look as stunning and elegant as the first time I saw you," I added. She was trying to make me comfortable with your tactful approach, but I'm on to it. I wasn't ready to let her play me like that.I raised my eyebrows suggestively, letting her know that I was on to her game. " you're right, I am as stunning and elegant as the first time you saw me." I flashed her a confident smile, letting her know that I was ready to match wits with her.I could see the change in her body language, as she straightened her spine and lifted her chin, her eyes narrowing in concentration. It was clear that she was preparing herself for a difficult conversation, and I could sense the tension in the air. I took a deep breath, knowing that I had to build the tension needed between us.
Maxwell's Pov, I made my way to Amihan's apartment, eager to spend a cozy Saturday night indoors with my beloved. The rain had been falling steadily all day, and I knew that she would be happy to spend the evening cuddled up with me on the couch. I needed her touch so badly to ease the tension that had built up in my heart recently from the discussion I had with my mom. Next, I knocked on her door, feeling a flutter of excitement as I heard her footsteps approaching. When she opened the door, her smile lit up the room, and I felt my heart swell with happiness."Hey beautiful," I said with a smile as Amihan opened the door. "You look great," I whispered as I scanned how banging she looked on her nightie. "Thanks, babe," she replied, hugging me. "How have you been?" I said, following her into the apartment as I noticed she was overly excited. "Things have been pretty hectic at work, but I'm doing well overall," she said, leading me to the couch. "What about you baby?""Work's
Three years later, Amihan's Pov, Three years had passed, and everything had changed. I stood at the window, looking out at the world below, and a wave of mixed emotions washed over me. Nostalgia, regret, wistfulness, pride, hope. It was a complex stew of feelings, impossible to separate or label. I closed my eyes, letting the memories wash over me like a summer rain.As I thought about the journey that had brought me here, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. It had been a long road, full of twists and turns, but I was finally where I wanted to be. The funeral for Dalisay was a somber but beautiful affair, a fitting tribute to a life well-lived. As she was laid to rest, it felt like her soul was finally at peace.In the weeks and months that followed, Karl and Adams threw themselves into raising Bella. They loved her fiercely, determined to give her everything they could. And as she grew, she began to resemble her mother more and more, both in looks and in spirit. With little Bella by
Amihan's POV, I tried to sit up, but the pain in my head and stomach was excruciating. I could feel the grogginess of sleep slowly fading away, and I became aware of my surroundings. It was a hospital room, and the memory of the shooting came flooding back. "Mom," I said weakly, my voice hoarse from disuse. "Where is Dalisay?""Dalisay's getting the best care possible, honey," my mom said, her voice gentle and soothing. But even as she spoke, I couldn't help but sob. I felt so guilty, knowing that Dalisay had risked her life to save me."She's going to be okay," my mom said, rubbing my back comfortingly. "And you're going to be okay too. We're all going to get through this together."I wanted to believe her, but my emotions were still too raw. I couldn't stop crying. My gaze shifted to the corner of the room, and I saw Judith standing next to my father. Her eyes were red and swollen, and she looked like she had been crying. I felt a surge of anger well up inside of me."What is sh
Two weeks later, Judith's POV, The last two weeks had been a blur of pain and anguish. My best friend, Amihan, lay comatose in the hospital, clinging to life by a thread same as Dalisay. I blamed myself for everything that had happened. It was my selfish desire for Maxwell that had caused all of this. I had been so jealous of Amihan's relationship with him, that I had pushed her to move into the mansion, even though I knew it was dangerous. And now she was fighting for her life, while I was left with nothing but regret and guilt."Judith, you look exhausted," Amihan's mother said, her face filled with concern. "Why don't you go home and get some rest? You've been here at the hospital for days now."As soon as they had received news of Amihan's incident, her Foster parents had flown down from New York, arriving the next day. They had been at the hospital ever since, taking turns to stay with Amihan. She was right. I hadn't slept in days, and I was running on empty. But I didn't want
Karl's POV,"We have to be fast with whatever we have to do, because Chloe or Susan whichever you want to call her, is a crazy woman and wouldn't hesitate to do anything, her words shouldn't be taken lightly," I said to them who had been listening to me without interruption with my eyes wide open, I swallowed hard in an attempt to quell my panic that had gotten a grip of my heart,I was scared as I spoke which made my voice shake, I was scared if revealing the truth about my status with Chloe, the fear of making Luciana and Dalisay find out that I had been lying to them about my first wife made me pick my words with care."So, what are we going to do now? Because as long as I'm concerned, everyone of you here are suspect, and I'm going to get you all arrested." Maxwell responded unflinchingly, without any iota of panic in him, his expression was grimly as he spoke making everyone shift uneasily on their spot, except Luciana who had been sitting quietly with her fingers resting on her
Dalisay's POV,"Then who did?" he demanded, slamming his hand down on the desk, sending the files scattered across its surface into disarray. His eyes blazed with anger, and his frustration was palpable. "Who was the last person to see her? I need answers, and I need them now!"As I rolled my eyes in thought, a sudden realization hit me. It dawned on me that my mother could be behind Amihan's disappearance. My eyes widened in horror, and I bit my lip, trying to keep my composure. I knew that if I let my emotions get the best of me, this man would see through my facade. "Please calm down, we'll get to the bottom of...""I can't calm down!" he shouted, cutting me off in mid-sentence. His breathing was labored, and his eyes flashed with anger. The look on his face was terrifying, and I felt my heart skip a beat. He looked like a man possessed, and I knew that I had to tread carefully. Fear gripped me as I tried to find the right words to say. I knew that I had to diffuse the situation,
Maxwell's POV,My heart skipped a beat as I saw Amihan's name flash across my phone's screen. I hurriedly picked up the call, but the noise of the airport around me made it difficult to hear what she was saying. She sounded upset, her voice urgent and panicked. I tried to make out what she was saying, but it was impossible. I needed to find a quiet place to take the call.I began to look around for a secluded spot, but the airport was crowded and bustling with activity. Everywhere I looked, people were rushing around, their voices blending together into a cacophony of sound. I had been planning to move to the United Kingdom and start over, but Amihan's call had given me pause. "Babe," I said, my voice quivering as I answered the phone. "I'm sorry. Are you there?""I'm here," she said, her voice trembling. "Please...help me." And then, the line went dead.My heart sank, and I felt a wave of panic wash over me. What had happened? What could she need help with? I tried to call her back
Amihan's POV, "Bella, please wait!" I heard Adam's voice calling after me as I ran from the mansion, but I ignored him. I didn't want to talk to anyone, I just wanted to be alone. "Leave me alone!" I shouted, not even bothering to turn around. I just kept running, my feet carrying me further and further away from the pain and the betrayal.My heart thumped as I hurried away from the mansion, its weight pressing against my chest as if to crush me. Each step I took reverberated in my head, a pulsing reminder of the hurt that lay ahead. As memories of the betrayal that followed my misplaced trust flooded back, they threatened to drown me in despair. The images of the accident that had almost claimed my life ten years ago flashed before my eyes, a maelstrom of chaos and pain. I threw myself into the car, slamming the door shut as if to keep out the demons that pursued me. I could barely breathe, my chest rising and falling in rapid, panicked breaths. I knew I had to get away, to put
Karl's POV,"Where do you think you're going, sneaking off like that?" Luciana's voice rang out behind me, causing me to freeze in my tracks. She was sitting comfortably, cigarette in hand, a smirk on her lips. I felt like a deer caught in headlights, and I knew I had to think of something quickly."You're... here," I managed to stammer out, trying to regain my composure and collect my thoughts."I was just... I was just getting some fresh air," I stammered, my voice trembling with nerves. "Of course I'm here," she replied, a mocking smile playing on her lips. Her gaze was fixed intently on me, as if she were sizing me up, her eyes boring into mine. "I've always been here, and my eyes have always been on you."I felt myself flush under her gaze, feeling like a bug under a microscope. I knew I had to say something, anything, to break the silence that was hanging heavy in the air. But I couldn't think of a single thing to say."You have something urgent to take care of?" she asked, rais
Judith's POV,Despite the shame and pain coursing through my body, I climbed into my car and slammed the door shut. I had no destination in mind, I just wanted to get away. As I sat there, I realized that my hands were shaking and that my entire body was trembling.In a desperate attempt to relieve the pressure building within me, I let out a primal scream. But it did nothing to soothe the turmoil inside me. At that moment, I realized that Maxwell's mother was to blame for much of the mess I was in. She had played a part in orchestrating the events that had led to this moment, and she needed to take responsibility for her actions.The more I thought about it, the more I became convinced that the only way out of this situation was to confront her directly.With shaking hands, I rummaged through my bag for my phone. As soon as I found it, I dialed Maxwell's mother's number. The phone rang and rang, and just when I was about to give up hope, she answered. Her voice was cold and uninvitin