As a girl, Millie could pick up on the most subtle shifts in her environment. Plus, she easily felt insecure due to the absence of a father in the first years of her life. Thaddeus had spoken with a child psychologist, so he knew the importance of establishing a sense of security for the kids. Hence, Thaddeus had been keeping an eye open to detect any mood changes in Millie. Having received comfort from Thaddeus, Millie happily nestled in his arms. Her face beamed. Mona watched the sweet moment between the father and daughter as Jennifer’s words came into her mind. Jennifer wanted Mona and the two kids to disappear from Thaddeus’ life. However, the kids had bonded with the man. It would hurt Thaddeus and the kids to leave again… The dinner carried on with laughter and joy, and nobody noticed that Mona was secretly worried about something… The activity after dinner was what the kids had been looking forward to. It was time for snowmen and fireworks. Dressed in thick down
“Don’t try and look for an excuse.” The man held Mona’s wrist and pulled her into his arms. Trapping her in his embrace, he domineeringly declared, “We’ll send the little ones to their great-grandfather tomorrow. It won’t affect our honeymoon.” Mona’s eyes popped out. Honeymoon?Honeymoon, her *ss. “Thaddeus, do you know how much of a hold-up you put on my stuff with your rash decision?” Mona was frustrated. “I won’t go with you to Swertland. You can go by yourself. I want to stay here and take care of my stuff.” Thaddeus smirked. Despite the smile on his face, he carried himself in such an imposing manner. “So, you don’t want to come along? Well, I have a hundred and one ways to make you go with me.” Mona shivered from the fear she had of the man. “Stop with the intimidation tactics. That’s just a low blow.” Thaddeus smiled wickedly and rubbed down on her lips. The hot breath from his parted lips blew against the side of her face. Amid the frisky air, he asked, “How low?”
Mona was shocked. Did Thaddeus not tell Grandpa where he was going? Truth be told, it had been a few days since she saw the man. Could Thaddeus have left for a trip to Swertland as the kids mentioned? Mona was frank. “How would I know if you don’t, Grandpa? He must be busy with work.” Master Fontaine was disappointed with the answer. He was taking the kids to Oakfield just so the couple could have some alone time together. Well, that went well. Of all the times Thaddeus could go missing, it had to be now. It was infuriating. “I’ll call him to ask him what’s up. All the work is only an excuse. Does he think he’s the president of a country with that busy schedule of his? Even a president has a life.” Master Fontaine ran his mouth as he pulled out his phone to dial Thaddeus’ number. Before he could rip one into Thaddeus, the busy tone interrupted the call. Master Fontaine called the number again, but he was hung up on. Steamed up, Master Fontaine threw a fit. Mona was unab
Mona probably would not regret her decision as loneliness had been a long-time friend of hers. She would still live life to the fullest even at an older age. With that in mind, Mona flung her head to shake the negative feelings away. It was not a time to dwell in sorrow as she had a lot to do before she could have a comfortable life in her advanced years. Rising to her feet, she got a grip on herself and got ready to drop by Ben’s studio. The issue with plagiarism was unresolved, but she gave Ben an idea as a step forward. Since the flagship designs were no good anymore, she was on a time crunch to design something better. They could have another opening day but with a catwalk this time. Mona had some resources from when she worked as a model. With a bit of money, she could hire a few well-known models to set the runway on fire. She had it all thought out. The venue of the runway would be set across from the rival shop, and it had to be huge to outdo the competition. Mona
Ben scoffed. “You bought the place. We can forget operation if you pull out now.” Tim glanced at Ben and uttered in earnest, “Can you keep a level head for once, Ben? How am I supposed to leave the studio in your hands with that quick temper of yours?” Dumbstruck, Ben frowned and uttered in confusion, “What do you mean by leaving the studio in my hands?” Tim pulled a straight face and solemnly said, “While I may not be a part of the operation anymore, that does not mean you have to pull out of the investment. My assistant will provide the equity transfer contract later. Just sign it, and the studio is yours.” Ben’s jaw dropped. He pointed at himself. “You’re giving the studio to me?” Tim straightened out his shirt collar, which had been crumpled by Ben. He looked sharp and had the makings of a business elite. “Yeah. It’s yours, but it doesn’t come with no strings attached. You don’t get it for free. The money goes to profit sharing. Call it my investment.” The pie in the
Mona stared quietly at the cocky businessman. The man was right, though. The outer appearance would always be a woman’s vainest possession, but Mona had never bragged about hers. “Mr. Graves, I don’t think we’ve met. I believe I’m seeing you for the first time today.” Mona put on a courteous but rusty smile as she tried to keep it together. Dave looked askance at Mona. “That’s right. The first time.” “I’ve never done anything to offend you, and the personal attack was uncalled for.” Dave put down his wine glass on the table with a clink. He commanded the room with his presence. “Tim, is this the girlfriend you canceled the marriage engagement for?” Tim said nothing, but his silence was his admission to that fact. Surprised, Mona turned to look at Tim. “What’s going on here? Aren’t we here to talk about the design sketches?” She then turned her attention to Dave. “Mr. Graves, I believe you are mistaken. I’m not…” Before she could finish, Tim stomped on her foot unde
“Of course, it’s her. How else would you have gotten a chance to steal the sketches from me? The designer had to be someone close to me.” Tim’s airtight statement gave Dave enough reason to gradually take his word for it. Dave turned his attention to Mona. However, this time, he was without the previous haughtiness. He dropped the dripping sarcasm in his tone of voice. “What is your name?” “Mona. Mona Ortega.” “Ortega? Are you an heiress of JW Corp?” While the name of the company sounded familiar, Mona believed she was not. “Why do you ask, Mr. Graves?” Tim put down his cutlery and pushed his chair back before scooting in Mona’s direction. “There is only one family among Worchester City’s rich and powerful with that last name.” Mona was taken aback as her name was given to her by Thaddeus. She had not questioned why he would call her by it. Did the name mean anything? “Dad, it’s rude of you to ask.” Not one to embellish his words, Tim pulled no punches with his
“Yes, all good here. Living in this sort of old home is new for me.” Bobby looked around the bedroom curiously. “That’s good. Why don’t I see Millie? Where is she?” “Oh. Millie went to the kitchen with Great-Grandpa to enjoy some dessert.” Bobby took the phone from the bedroom and walked through the corridor to the kitchen. Millie sat at the square mahogany table and swallowed hard at the display of cakes. Master Fontaine slid the tray of cakes across the table to Millie and picked a piece for her. “All of these are for you, Millie. Try them and see if you like them.” Mona stared at the screen, where Master Fontaine had given Millie limitless access to sweet confection, and anxiously yelled, “Hold on, Grandpa.” Master Fontaine took the phone and put on his reading glass before pouting his lips at Mona on the screen. “What’s the matter? Are you craving the food because someone else’s having it?” “This is not a time to joke. Millie can’t take too much sugar. Her b