Zander's POV Upon arriving at the Palace of Stars, I signed in at the entrance. Then, I greeted Maxwell. As I put down the pen, Tawny immediately linked her arm with mine. I instinctively frowned, not fond of her closeness. But for such occasions, it's customary to have a female companion. Since Jessica and I had that argument and she left home, I didn't have a suitable choice. Today, out of the blue, Warren called me, asking me to bring Tawny to the banquet. She's Warren's niece. Though we're relatives, we haven't had much connection. I made small talk with her and realized she had no experience with business banquets. She lacked proper etiquette. So, I had to instruct her not to stray far from me. Perhaps because of my advice or due to her first-time nervousness at such an event, Tawny's arm remained tightly linked with mine. "Alvin, thank you so much for coming. I was wondering how your father, Mr. Riddle, is doing?" I heard Maxwell's voice from the sign-in
Zander's POV Tawny's words fell, and I noticed Alvin's amiable smile faded away. His expression turning cold and his brows slightly furrowed. The atmosphere became awkward due to Tawny's remarks. I had never told Tawny anything about Jessica. I frowned, wanting to explain, but Jessica interjected with a wry smile on her face, addressing Tawny, "It's ridiculous. Of course, Zander might not tell you the truth." "Alright, we've been outside for too long," Alvin interjected. He led Jessica to turn and leave. Before departing, he turned his head and whispered to me, "Mr. Harrison, I have a sincere suggestion, please keep your companion in check." I looked down at Tawny. She paled, wanting to explain something, but I shook my head slightly with a frown. I raised my gaze to watch Alvin and Jessica enter the banquet hall together. "I'm sorry, Zander, I was just trying to help," Tawny exhaled softly, her tone filled with regret. I paused for a moment before responding, "Th
Jessica's POV Maxwell announced that Zander had won the "Tears of the Stars." I watched as the staff carefully placed the shimmering necklace back into the glass box and handed it to Zander. "If you really like it, I can bid on it for you." I realized my gaze on the necklace must have worried Alvin. I turned to him and smiled, "It is indeed beautiful, but I know its market value is only 1.5 million dollars." Alvin nodded, "Indeed, for five million dollars, I could have designer Hannah create a unique piece just for you." I smiled but remained silent, not wanting Alvin to know that at the start of the auction, I had noticed Tawny's excited reaction. I knew she wanted this necklace. What surprised me wasn't that Zander was competing with Alvin for it, but that Zander would spend five million on it - for Tawny. I suspected Tawny was more than just his cousin. At this thought, my heart began to tinge with bitterness. "Wow, it's stunning," Tawny whispered, just loud en
Zander's POV Jessica's figure disappeared once again into the crowds, leaving me feeling a sense of defeat. The warmth from Tawny's palm seeped through my suit jacket and onto my arm. Annoyance washed over me, and I shook off her hand. Her brows furrowed slightly before smoothing out again. She looked at me, "I know my words have put you in a dilemma. If you want to be angry, be angry with me." I remained silent, seemingly in thought. But in reality, my mind was blank. No, my mind was filled only with the complex look in Jessica's eyes before she left. The woman who should have been happy in my love is now so unfamiliar. The feeling of losing her was consuming my heart. Tawny waited for a moment, then sighed and continued, "Zander, you can't give up on dealing with Johnny, and once Jessica knows the truth, she will definitely hate you. So let go now. It's better for both of you." Hearing Johnny's name, I immediately looked at Tawny. She seemed startled by m
Jessica's POV Tawny's movements were swift and seamless, as if she had rehearsed before. I barely had time to step back and avoid the wine she splashed on herself. But Tawny seemed to think I was trying to distance myself to prove my innocence. Crying, she leaned towards me and grabbed my wrist tightly. Although we were on the second-floor terrace, it wasn't completely isolated from the other guests. Soon, a waiter approached us, his face showing surprise at the scene. He quickly handed Tawny a white napkin from his tray, "Ma'am, would you like me to help you clean up? There's a fitting room on the third floor." Tawny didn't take the napkin, allowing the red liquid to drip from her clothes and hair. Soon, the sound of other guests' footsteps approached the terrace. Tawny finally released me, wrapping her arms around herself and looking at me with tears in her eyes. If I weren't part of this, I would have applauded her exquisite acting skills. "Oh my God, what
Zander's POV Jessica's words had just fallen, and the surrounding murmurs ceased instantly, the area becoming eerily quiet. My outstretched hand dropped, knowing it was too late. My hand clenched into a tight fist. Moments ago, while I was discussing further collaboration with Jason, the owner of Glimmer Group, a banquet staff member informed me that my date, Tawny, had been bullied. As I walked, I listened to the outline of the incident and formed my judgment. Now, as Jessica pointed out the discrepancy between the wine stain on Tawny and the drink in her glass, I fully understood that Jessica wasn't the one behind this. Given my knowledge of Jessica, she wasn't the type to create such senseless drama. Observing Tawny's panicked yet desperately concealed expression, I instantly realized this was her own orchestration. I had no desire to help Tawny out of trouble. However, to the banquet attendees, she was my date, representing the Harrison Group. If this was exp
Zander's POV The misunderstanding between us seems to be growing larger. I really want to explain. But the issue with Johnny is like an insurmountable chasm, preventing me from making up my mind to fully win back Jessica's heart. I was in no mood to continue the banquet and was about to leave when I saw Jason, the CEO of Glimmer Group, approaching. "Mr. Harrison, shall we continue our previous discussion?" he said with a smile. I suppressed my annoyance and politely replied, "Jason, I'm sorry, but I'm a bit tired today. Let's discuss the collaboration maybe next time." Without waiting for his slightly disappointed expression, I turned and walked towards the main entrance. I couldn't help but look back into the banquet hall, where Jessica was gracefully conversing with other guests. Her smile was as beautiful and moving as ever, but it was no longer for me. A wave of bitterness washed over me. Once, her eyes held only me, and we were so happy and sweet together. N
Jessica's POV The business banquet returned to normal after the drama Tawny had caused. However, with Zander's departure, many guests found it boring and began to leave as well. Finally, Maxwell announced the end of the banquet. A wave of exhaustion suddenly washed over me. I followed Alvin out, dragging my heavy steps. Alvin seemed to notice my low spirits and suggested with concern, "Jessica, how about relaxing in a bar?" I forced a smile and waved my hand, saying, "No, I'd like to be alone for a bit." Back home, I went straight to the floor-to-ceiling window and stared blankly at the city shrouded in night. The neon lights flickered, unable to dispel the gloom in my heart. Involuntarily, I fell into memories. Zander's every move at the banquet constantly emerges in my mind. His indecisive attitude and repeated indulgence towards Tawny infuriated me. Yet, as my anger subsided, more of his expressions surfaced in my thoughts. His surprised gaze and the com
Jessica's POVI don't know when I drifted off into a deep slumber, but I remember waking up to the sweet embrace of a dream.As the first rays of morning sunlight gently caressed my face, I awoke with an unprecedented sense of relief.Upon arriving at the dining room, Justin and Aurelia were already seated at the table.Justin was flipping through a finance magazine, while Aurelia sipped her morning tea quietly."Good morning," I greeted them with a smile.The maid approached and placed a glass of milk in front of me."Please replace it with juice, thank you." I instructed the maid on a whim.As usual, Justin casually cut his food while nonchalantly asking, "How many days do you plan to stay at home this time?"I was taken aback for a moment, realizing that deep down, I was looking forward to returning to Los Angeles.After pretending to ponder for a moment, I said, "I'll be heading back tomorrow.""What?" Aurelia looked at me in surprise.My face immediately felt hot. I coughed light
Jessica's POVThe clear sound of the notification was jarringly out of place in the quiet room, instantly shattering my reminiscence.I walked over to the desk and saw a new email on the laptop screen.The unfamiliar sender piqued my curiosity. With a click of the mouse, I opened the email to find a video file attached.Could this be some kind of virus?Despite my concerns, my overwhelming curiosity led me to click play.As the video began to load and the image gradually clarified, my heart sank as if plunged into an icy lake.The video was a surveillance recording. The familiar layout and setting let me instantly identify it as Zander's office.In the footage, a man and a woman were seen entwined, subsequently engaging in intimate acts.The woman, with long and thick golden curls, was straddling the man's lap, slightly tilting her head back.It was Serena!And the man facing away from the camera was indeed Zander. I remembered the suit he was wearing. I must have been standing at the
Jessica's POVI walked into the dining room, where the butler stood respectfully to the side, swiftly pulling out a chair for me.My gaze casually swept across the open kitchen, catching sight of a figure in a pristine white chef's uniform bustling about the stove.Justin seemed to notice my attention and explained, "This is the chef I've specially invited for today. He's a master chef from a three-star Michelin restaurant. His culinary skills are exceptional. You'll get to taste it."I nodded as he skillfully flipped the steak. His every movement was smooth and fluid, as if he was performing an exquisite dance.In no time, a perfectly cooked steak was served in front of me. The tender meat had a delightful caramel color.The side dishes were also arranged with care, resembling a piece of fine art.A small stir in my heart, Justin remembered my favorite medium-rare.As I took a couple of bites of the steak, savoring the wonderful taste of the meat, Aurelia, sitting opposite me, said w
Jessica's POVI stood quietly. Gazing at the bodyguard and the impressive convoy before me, my thoughts inevitably drifting back to my childhood.It was a time deeply branded by my family's unique background.My father, the legendary figure who once commanded the entire Mafia kingdom in the underworld, made a significant decision that changed the fate of our family - entering the business world.However, this decision was not without its challenges.Many rival Mafia families still harbored resentment towards us. They were seeking opportunities to provoke trouble.During those days, my life was surrounded by strict security measures.Whether it was my daily commute to school or occasional outings, I was always accompanied by a group of well-trained bodyguards.Later, Justin made an extremely cautious arrangement.He chose his most trusted subordinate, Johnny, to become my adoptive father.As a result, I spent most of my time living with Johnny.I only returned to New York, to the home
Jessica's POVFrank's voice was so loud. It seemed to make my phone vibrate with his fervor.However, it couldn't quite mask the lack of conviction in his words.Watching his performance, I couldn't help but sneer, "His mind is really strong. He's still lying at this point."Alvin also shook his head helplessly and said, "Otherwise, how could he have been causing so much trouble in Alpha for so many years? People like him have long cultivated a 'strong mindset'."Frank's channel was flooded with more viewers.More and more people began to question him based on the evidence we had released.Frank didn't want to respond, but he had to face it.Just then, there was a knock on his door.Frank was taken aback for a moment, then breathed a sigh of relief.He muttered quietly, "Who's here at this time?"He got up to open the door. When the door opened, his face turned pale instantly.Several police officers stood sternly at the door, one of them saying, "Frank, you are suspected of spreading
Jessica's POVTabitha's words had barely left her lips when Alvin and I exchanged a swift glance.We were confirming our shared suspicions in that instant.Ever since I received that malicious email, I had felt a vague connection to Frank, though lacking concrete evidence and unsure of his further moves.However, it seemed that he was not as formidable as I had imagined. His tactics were just so-so.Alvin nodded slightly and turned to Tabitha, his tone steady and calm, "I see. Release what we prepared earlier.""And that's all?" Tabitha questioned."One more thing, check who is absent now," Alvin added.Tabitha's face was etched with concern. She wanted to say something more but stopped herself, simply responding with an "Okay," before hurrying out of the office.The door closed. Alvin and I took out our phones to check Frank's live stream.On my phone screen, Frank's face loomed large. His expression was exaggerated and almost comical as he spoke at length.He waved his left hand tow
Jessica's POVThere were two reasons for me saying that to Zander.First, I was ready to face the trouble head-on.Second, I was telling Zander that he didn't need to take care of me anymore.After all, I planned to divorce him. Our current intimacy was inappropriate.Zander immediately caught the implication in my words.His eyebrows furrowed. Then, he instinctively retorted, "You're not fully recovered. Why the rush to go to the company?"I looked at him, my tone resolute, "It's just a common fever. I'm not as fragile as you think. Moreover, can I hide here for the rest of my life?"Zander's lips twitched. He wanted to argue, but in the end, he sighed and said nothing.For a couple of years, he knew me well. Once I made a decision, it wasn't easy to change.He looked at me helplessly. I found the creamy mushroom soup suddenly tasteless.I watched him put down his knife and fork. I immediately stood up, taking his plate."I'll clean up today," I said.I stacked the dishes and carried
Zander's POVDamn it! We were just minutes away from tumbling into bed together.The damned lights returned like a cold blade, ruthlessly severing the aura we had been wrapped in.The moment the power came back, it was as if the world snapped back onto its tracks.The flame that had just ignited between us was wavering under the sudden brightness.Jessica seemed to regain her senses with the return of the lights, pushing me away forcefully.I was still dazed, and stumbled backward from the force of her push.Each intimate moment we had just shared shattered like foam.But I was already aroused.My pants taut with the discomfort of my erection.When Jessica's gaze inadvertently swept over the evidence of my arousal, it was like a jolt of electricity, hitting me and causing every nerve to tremble with excitement.Yet the clear embarrassment on her face doused me with cold water, cooling the passion that had just been boiling.She quickly averted her head, avoiding my gaze.Then, she sai
Jessica's POVThe lights suddenly went out. But I knew I was not alone.I tripped over something under my feet and exclaimed in surprise, almost falling. Zander caught me.His hand was on my boob. Damn it. I was not wearing a bra.I quickly stood up.Suddenly, I could smell him-his famili