"Sir, have you found her?" Rod asked.
"Not yet."
"Should we call the police?"
"I've already sent someone to look for her," Alexander replied, his voice heavy with tension.
Had he made a mistake? Every time he thought of Melissa's words, his heart clenched. What if something happened to her? How would he explain this to Hermosa? What had he done?
"I hope she's okay. She seemed so heartbroken," Rod said with concern.
"I'll keep looking. If you hear anything, let me know immediately."
"Of course, sir. Be careful."
"Mm."
The night grew darker, with an oppressive atmosphere suggesting rain was imminent. Alexander walked tiredly to the door of his room, his hand reaching for the key card when the door suddenly swung open. Phoebe stood in the doorway, her face filled with worry, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights. "Have you found her?"
Before she could finish, Alexander pulled her into his arms suddenly. He burie
After settling Phoebe in, Alexander and Phoebe returned to their room. Alexander went straight to the bathroom to take a shower, while Phoebe stood there, lost in thought, not even noticing when he had finished.When he came out of the bathroom, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his head on her shoulder."What are you thinking about?""You're done already?" Phoebe snapped back to reality, feeling his arms tighten around her."Yes. What were you so lost in thought about?""..."She had been thinking about what Melissa had said earlier. It almost felt like a dream.Perhaps sensing what was on her mind, Alexander chuckled softly. "Heh, still thinking about what Melissa said?""Yes." Since he guessed it, Phoebe nodded honestly, though her voice was cautious, "Do you think she really accepts us?""What do you think?" He playfully tapped her nose."I'm scared," she whispered, looking up into
After Alexander left, Phoebe collapsed onto the bed, utterly drained.His long story replayed in her mind, leaving her in a deep, unsettling silence.Her heart was in turmoil, more confused than it had ever been before.So, it wasn't Melissa he loved—it was Melissa's sister.And that woman, the one he loved so deeply, was no longer alive.No wonder he'd been so furious when she accidentally broke the photo frame on his desk that day. It wasn't just a picture; it was a memory of the sister who looked exactly like Melissa.Knowing he didn't love Melissa gave her some relief. But hearing him admit, in his own words, that his heart belonged to Melissa's sister—that pierced her deeply.How she envied that woman for being the recipient of his immense love.Phoebe closed her eyes, exhaustion overtaking her. She hadn't slept all night, and Alexander's story had consumed what little strength she had left. Every moment of lis
In a cozy western-style restaurant, three figures sat together for dinner.Under the soft glow of golden lights, the elegant ambiance radiated warmth."Alex, it's been so long since we had dinner together,"Melissa said with a sweet smile."I'll make time for this more often from now on,"Alexander replied, his tone carrying a hint of indulgence."Really? That's wonderful! Thank you. Everything tastes better when I'm with you."Melissa's stunning face lit up with joy, her happiness evident."Then eat more,"Alexander said affectionately. Her sudden change in attitude had relieved him, lessening some of the stress he'd been carrying. Managing two women was far from easy."Okay."Melissa nodded, her pure and radiant expression brimming with delight.Watching their interaction, Phoebe suddenly felt a pang of discomfort. She lowered her head, staring at the food on her plate. It looked delicious, but she found it
"..."Phoebe averted her gaze, refusing to answer."Speak!""I don't want to talk!" she snapped back, her defiance surprising even herself. Why waste her breath explaining when he wouldn't believe her anyway?"What's with your attitude toward Melissa?" he pressed, his tone laced with anger. Her behavior toward Melissa had infuriated him.His question lit a fire in her. "I said I don't want to talk. Didn't you hear me?" It was the first time she had raised her voice like this in front of him.What had she done wrong? Faced with someone like Melissa, her attitude wasn't unjustified."Phoebe, don't push me. You'd better give me an explanation," he growled. His tone was dangerously low, his anger simmering. If she had softened her stance, perhaps he wouldn't be so mad, but her stubbornness only fueled his frustration.His imposing demeanor startled Phoebe. Clenching her lips, she summoned her courage and said, "If I tell you Melissa came to me earlier today and said some terrible things,
Outside the room, Melissa asked with a sweet smile, "Alex, is Phoebe awake?""She is.""I want to ask her to go shopping with me!"Alexander remained silent. Phoebe was now filled with hostility toward Melissa; there was no way she would agree to go shopping with her. "Melissa, why don't you ask Rod to accompany you?""Oh, okay. I was hoping to spend some time with Phoebe," Melissa said, a hint of disappointment flashing across her face. Then, with a worried expression, she asked, "Is she feeling unwell?""Yeah," he replied, using it as an excuse."Then she needs to rest well. Alex, make sure you take good care of her and help her recover," Melissa said with a look of sincere concern on her harmless-looking face. She appeared so considerate."I noticed she's been staying in her room all the time and seems unhappy. Is it because of me?" Her eyes shimmered with unease."Don't overthink it. It's not because of you.""But..." Melissa started but hesitated as if she didn't know what to say
In the towering skyscraper, an imposing international conference hall was hosting a global video conference.Alexander, dressed in a sleek black suit, exuded understated luxury and elegance, every inch a symbol of wealth and power."Sir, the project here is progressing smoothly, but there's been a bit of a complication.""Complication?" His cold voice cut through the room, interrupting the speaker. With a sharp motion, he tossed the documents in his hand onto the conference table, his hawk-like eyes narrowing on the subordinate delivering the report."Well, it's like this…" The subordinate cleared his throat nervously.Suddenly, a phone rang, its discordant sound breaking the tense atmosphere in the conference room.The subordinate hesitated, unsure whether to continue. To everyone's surprise, Alexander stood up and walked out of the room. His tall, commanding figure leaving the room left his subordinates exchanging bewildered glances.He took a call during a meeting?The company had
Standing at the door to the room, Alexander suddenly felt a heavy weight pressing on his chest, as if something inside was stirring uneasily. His thoughts were chaotic.Who should he believe?He hadn't noticed anything amiss in Melissa's demeanor, but Phoebe's recent behavior had been particularly strange. Melissa hadn't really said much—it was all his conjecture.Reflecting on Phoebe's odd actions and heightened emotions, he wondered: Was she simply desperate to return home? Or was it the trauma of her brother's sudden death weighing on her?Or maybe, just maybe, there was indeed something off about Melissa.He couldn't be certain yet. He needed to observe for a few days.The investigation into the incident where Phoebe was harmed was still unresolved.Who was obstructing it?All the leads had been cut off—and cleanly at that. Things were growing increasingly complex.Was he up against a formidable adversary?What was their objective? Were they targeting him? Or was Phoebe the real t
The next day, Alexander left early, leaving Phoebe to sleep in. When she finally woke up, she found herself bored out of her mind.After being cooped up in the room for several days, she decided to go out for a walk. She didn't plan to go far—just a casual stroll nearby.However, the moment she stepped out of the hotel, she bumped into Melissa.Phoebe immediately lowered her head, trying to avoid her, but Melissa's sharp eyes caught her."Phoebe, you're looking good today," Melissa remarked with a sly smile.Phoebe glanced at her but didn't respond. To her, Melissa still had that same fake demeanor. Nothing had changed.Alexander had assured her that Melissa wouldn't harm her, and she trusted him. Yet, being near Melissa made her instinctively uncomfortable."Don't be in such a rush to leave," Melissa continued, her tone overly cheerful. "I was just about to go for a walk too. You know, pregnant women should take more strolls—it's good for the baby's health!""I'd rather walk alone,"
"Where are you going?" he asked, his voice husky and magnetic when he noticed her trying to leave his embrace."I need to use the restroom." Phoebe's voice was quiet as she avoided his gaze. Her heart felt heavy from the tears she had shed moments before. She wanted to wash her face—or more truthfully, she needed a moment alone to gather herself.She pushed herself up, but her legs gave out before she could steady her balance. In an instant, she fell back into his arms."Ah, so greedy for my embrace?" His lips curled into a playful smirk, and a mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. The wicked charm in his tone and demeanor was a stark contrast to his cold and silent self from the night before. It was as if he had become a different man."You... go to hell!" Phoebe's face flushed a deep red, both embarrassed and furious. She shoved him away with all her strength, wobbling as she stood. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. How could any woman resist a man so handsome, so alluring? she
As she exited the bathroom, she collided with a solid wall of muscle. Covering her face, she looked up. She didn't need to guess who it was."Did I say you could leave?" Alexander's grip on her wrist was firm, almost painfully so. Her eyes turned red, tears threatening to spill."Let go of me! I want to go back." She tried to free her wrist, but his grasp was unrelenting. After a few futile attempts, she stopped struggling."Given up already?" Alexander raised an eyebrow when she stilled."Would it make a difference if I didn't?" Her voice was small, her head bowed."What are you doing?" she asked sharply as he scooped her into his arms."Taking you to eat.""I'm not hungry," she replied stubbornly, though her stomach growled loudly, betraying her."Then you've got energy for other things? Fine, let's continue.""No! I'm hungry. I'll eat!"They ate in silence. Phoebe was famished and ate a lot, not caring about appearances. After being tormented by him for two days, she was physically
In a luxurious hotel room, Phoebe seized a brief moment when Alexander was distracted. She pushed him away with all her strength and rolled off the bed.She tried to run, but her legs gave out after only a few steps. A hand clamped down on her waist from behind, causing her to scream.She flailed her arms and legs in a desperate attempt to fend him off, but it was futile."What are you doing? Let me go! Let me go!"Her body was thrown back onto the bed, and Alexander pinned her down with a force that left her breathless. He restrained her hands above her head, his eyes locked onto her face, which was devoid of any vitality."Damn it,"he muttered under his breath. "You're always like this when you're with me."Alexander's composure snapped. He tore at her clothes with brutal force."What are you doing? Stop it!"Phoebe struggled fiercely, disbelief and fear evident in her voice. She hadn't expected Alexander to bring her her
"Let me go… It hurts…"Phoebe's brows knitted tightly, her voice tinged with sobs.She felt like a lone leaf tossed about by a violent storm, battered mercilessly by the raging winds.Moments earlier, Alva had stood frozen in shock, watching Alexander roughly pin Phoebe against the wall.Her mind went blank for an instant. But when she heard her friend's anguished cry, she snapped back to her senses.Alva rushed forward, flipping on the stairwell light with a sharp "click."The dim yellow glow dispelled some of the darkness. Without hesitation, Alva stormed over and tried with all her strength to pry Alexander's arm off Phoebe."Hey! What do you think you're doing to her?"she demanded, her eyes blazing with anger and suspicion as she glared at Alexander's menacing demeanor. She could tell this man was trouble, and her fury flared."Get lost!"Alexander growled, his voice like the roar of a provoked beast.
Meanwhile, at the square, Phoebe's legs felt weak and powerless, making it nearly impossible to stand no matter how hard she tried.Frantically, she looked around for a taxi, but not a single empty one was in sight. Helpless, she dialed Gavin's number.Before long, Gavin arrived at lightning speed. He quickly got out of the car and carefully helped Phoebe and Alva into the vehicle, then drove them straight to the hospital.At the hospital, after a thorough examination, the doctor concluded it was just a cramp and nothing serious. With some rest and a bit of massage, she would recover fully. Relieved by the news, everyone let out a sigh of relief. Gavin then promptly drove both women back to their doorstep.The car came to a gentle stop by the roadside. Alva, being considerate, got out first, leaving Phoebe and Gavin some privacy.Phoebe lowered her gaze slightly and said softly, "Thank you for helping today and for bringing us back. I really apprec
For the past month, if not for being swamped with endless affairs and busy cleaning up a series of troublesome messes, he might have already lost control and rushed off to find her.At this moment, however, a thought unbiddenly surfaced in his mind: Is she with Gavin right now?As soon as the idea emerged, it spread like wildfire through his heart, igniting an uncontrollable jealousy.Anger surged like a violent tide, breaking through the dam of his rationality. He abruptly raised his foot and kicked the chair beside him with all his strength.The chair toppled over with a loud crash, the sharp sound echoing through the silent room.Gone was his usual composure and cold demeanor; now, he resembled nothing more than a jealous husband, consumed by suspicion and rage.The memory of that night replayed in his mind—her dressed in an elegant gown, dazzling and radiant. But the man standing beside her was Gavin, accompanying her to the banque
At this moment, Alexander, the man at the center of the recent scandal, sat inside his car. Although a beautiful woman leaned against him, seemingly basking in his affection, his heart was filled with nothing but disgust."Alex, darling, please… I really want it," the woman cooed, her lips painted a bright, tempting red. She pouted slightly, her sugary-sweet voice dripping with a coy and cloying charm that could make anyone's heart flutter.Her fingers, like serpents, slithered boldly across Alexander's chest, inching downward with shameless audacity."Get out!" Alexander snarled, his fury erupting. The veins on his forehead bulged as his eyes blazed with anger and disdain.Without hesitation, he kicked the woman away, his action as swift as it was ruthless.To him, these women were increasingly revolting, their fake affection akin to a foul, putrid swamp that sickened him to his core. He felt his stomach churn, a wave of nausea rising."Did I… do something wrong? Are you angry with m
Elsewhere, as evening descended, two figures emerged from the campus."Phoebe, there's a movie later. Come with me, okay?" Alva suggested."Huh?" Phoebe's eyes widened, clearly lost in thought moments before."I said, there's a movie tonight. Come with me." Alva rolled her eyes and raised her voice slightly."I…"Before Phoebe could finish, Alva cut her off with a warning. "You've bailed on me so many times already. This time, you're coming.""Alva, my foot…""I'm here, aren't I? Don't worry. Come on, let's go." Alva supported Phoebe as they walked forward slowly.Though Phoebe's injury had mostly healed, her dislocated bone still required more time to fully recover.By 8 PM, the two had arrived at the cinema. Because of Phoebe's foot, they couldn't move quickly and entered after most of the crowd had already gone in. To their surprise, many of the good seats were still vacant.They exchanged a glance and laughed, picking a comfortable spot to settle into.As the lights dimmed, the mo
The restaurant was bathed in soft, warm lighting, casting a gentle glow over each meticulously arranged table and creating an elegant, relaxing atmosphere.Laura sat across from Wright, her hands clasped nervously, her fingers slightly curled.She seemed uneasy, out of her element. This was her first time stepping into such an upscale restaurant.Everything around her felt foreign and fascinating, yet tinged with an inexplicable fear, as if she were an intruder in a world that didn't belong to her—a stranger amidst the refined luxury.Other patrons, dressed in elegant attire, occupied the surrounding tables. Some engaged in hushed conversations, while others laughed heartily. The cheerful sounds interwove, creating an infectious liveliness that floated and echoed through the air.Laura's gaze wandered across the room, quietly observing the people around her. Her eyes betrayed a deep longing.Their faces radiated happiness and contentment—emotions she had never truly experienced. A que