Today, Emily reported to work earlier than usual. It was the last day of their preparation and everyone was almost ready for tomorrow.When she was about to enter the company, she got a glimpse of Nina talking with someone. It seemed like Nina was giving orders.What made Emily more curious was the discreet place the two were standing. It was clear the two didn't want to be seen together.She walked toward them, curious about what Nina was up to. After all, Nina was known for using underhanded means to get what she wanted.Meanwhile, Nina was instructing Joyce on what to do.“That's all you have to do and no one will suspect you. Once I am selected, I'll propose to Carla to have you as my assistant and you can watch your career grow.”While Nina spoke with excitement, Joyce's fingers trembled, and she bit her lip, unable to hide her fear.Nina was pissed, which resulted in threatening her.“If you can't do it, t
Well, yes something came up with my other business. I have to leave the city for a while.” He said, watching her reaction. “Are you okay? You look worried,” she asked, frowning. “Yeah, everything's okay. I might be unreachable but I'll contact you when I'm back.” “Just go take care of your matters.” She said, dismissing his concern. Larry exhaled slowly and nodded. "I need to head out now. Sorry for cutting this short again." “No need to apologize. It's fine.” Sophia said, waving him off. He leaned forward, assuring her, “I’ll be back before you know it.” Something about his words felt… off. But she brushed the thought away. It was probably nothing. That evening, Sophia sat with Alexander after dinner, her mind still lingering on Larry’s sudden business trip. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. “You look bothered, is there something on your mind?” Alexander asked, sensing he
Soon, the third group, led by Sarah Nguyen, approached the stage. They had chosen ‘Minimalist Elegance’ as their theme.“Our design is stripped-down chic pieces in neutral tones, perfect for the fashion-forward professional woman.”Sarah highlighted their focus on clean lines, subtle details, and premium materials.The simplicity of the designs was powerful, and the team's understanding of timeless fashion made a strong impression. The committee exchanged nods, appreciating the understated sophistication of Sarah's collection.From the first three presentations, it was evident that Allure Fashion housed some of the industry's most talented designers.The committee members were also impressed, and Carla, who was usually reserved during these events, allowed a small smile to escape.However, the tension in the room increased as the next group prepared to present. It was Nina and her team.Nina walked to the front of the ro
Twenty minutes later, everyone settled back in the boardroom eagerly waiting for the results. Carla clapped her hands to gather everyone's attention, her tone serious yet carrying a hint of warmth. “Thank you, everyone, for working so hard on this competition. It means a lot to the company, and honestly, every team did a fantastic job. Congratulations! Please clap for yourselves.” There was applause as the employees cheered, with others' curiosity heightening. Some, like Nina, grew impatient. Just announce the winner already! she thought, shifting in her seat.“I hate to say this but in every competition, there must be a winner and a loser. But here at Allure Fashion, we don't have losers. So if your team is not chosen, it only means the chosen one was better.” She continued, her gaze sweeping over the participants. “After much deliberation, the committee has decided that the team to represent Allure Fashion in the international design competition is… Sophia Blackwell and her te
The rest nodded in agreement. No one wanted to be left out now. Even if Sophia's words puzzled them, their eagerness to move forward remained unchanged. “Okay, everyone. Thanks for your cooperation. I like our team's energy too. Let's wait for further instructions.” Sophia said, dismissing them. As they all turned to leave, Sophia added, “Emily and Joyce, please don't go yet." Joyce, who was already at the door, froze mid-step. Her fingers twitched slightly as she turned back, eyes darting to Sophia.When the rest disappeared, she immediately fell on her knees.“Miss Blackwell, I'm really sorry for what I have done. Please find it in you to forgive me. I promise it won't happen again.” She apologized quickly before Sophia could say anything.Sophia looked at her in disappointment. She opened her mouth to talk but Emily beat her to it.“It won't happen again? If you weren't called out, would you have said anything?” she called out mercilessly.Joyce looked down, not daring to look a
With a slight nod, she signaled him over. He met her gaze, stood up, and followed her out of the dining area.After the initial shock, Emily was the first to react. “Then check your phone. Maybe your husband is here to pick you up.”“Yeah, right. My husband is here,” she said, checking her phone and reading the text message out loud. “You've …had enough…No more drinking.”“Okay, no more drinking… This is the last one. Cheers!" she said, toasting in a certain direction and emptying the wine once more.Everyone at her table was confused. Who was she talking to and how did the person know she had drunk too much?They all turned in her direction and saw the people at the table. The chairman, CEO, and other executives.Before they could catch on, Sophia was already fumbling to tuck her phone into her purse.Alexander's lips curled involuntarily. He had seen everything, but before he could react, her colleagues turned toward him.
Jay led Sophia to the hallway and checked around the area. Once he was sure no one was watching, he uncapped the bottle of water and, with trembling hands, poured the powder inside. He held it out to her. “Here, Miss Blackwell, drink this. It’ll help clear your head.” Sophia blinked, looking around. She immediately realized they were heading upstairs and her instincts kicked in. “Wait... is this the way to the parking lot?” she asked, trying to steady herself. Although drunk, she hadn't lost all her sanity. She could still steady herself by holding onto nearby objects. She looked at the water bottle in Jay's hand vigilantly. “I don't…need it. You… you …don't need to help…me.” She tried to push him away, but he was too strong, and in her drunken state, there was little she could do. Jay leaned closer and pressed the bottle into her hand. “Just drink it and I'll lead you to the parking lot.” He persuaded her. “No… no… leave me alone.” She tried to distance herself and fumbled
Nina was too thrilled by the thought of Sophia’s downfall to notice Jay’s nervousness. She took the bottle from him and downed it in two gulps.Watching her finish it, he clenched his fists, pushing down the guilt gnawing at him. He had no choice. It was either Nina or his own ruin. By then, most employees had already left. Only a few remained inside, and no one paid any attention to Nina. A few minutes later, her body went limp, and she collapsed. Jay caught her quickly before she hit the floor. His heart pounded fast and his mind raced with the weight of what he was about to do. He helped her outside pretending to help the drunk Nina just as he did to Sophia. When out of sight, he carried her up to the seventh floor, searching for the room. After finding it, he hesitated for a moment, avoiding Nina’s face, afraid his feelings might weaken his resolve. “I'm sorry Nina. I don't have a choice.” He muttered walking toward the door. He opened it and pushed her inside with one s
Back in Sadrova restaurant, Alexander emerged from the bathroom after several knocks on the door.He wrapped a towel around his waist and opened the door.Tim hurried in with his bag. He looked just like any other thirty-year-old guy who happened to be on duty. His white doctor’s coat was slightly creased like he’d rushed out of the hospital without a second thought. Underneath, he had on a black T-shirt and jeans, just something comfortable for a long shift. A stethoscope still hung around his neck, probably out of habit more than anything. His glasses gave him a smart, slightly serious look, but there was an easygoing air about him.“What took you so long?” Alexander asked, masking the discomfort in his body."I left my patients waiting just to come here, and you're complaining?" Tim asked casually, placing his bag on the couch.Alexander just snorted, glaring at him before making his way to the couch.Tim didn’t waste time once he saw Alexander’s condition. He quickly prepared a s
Alexander closed his eyes tightly, unwilling to look at her. Images of Sophia flooded his mind.“No, I can’t let this happen. I won’t,” he muttered, biting his lower lip hard as if the pain would fight off the drug’s effect.He struggled to wake up again, pushing Jessica away. She tried to resist but this time, Alexander shoved her harder, and she fell from the bed.He didn't even spare her a glance; he quickly bent toward the bedside table, grabbed his phone, and staggered out of the room.He struggled to walk in the hallway, holding on to the wall for support.When he reached the next suite, he found a couple holding each other as they were about to make their way in.The man opened the door with a gentlemanly smile, signaling to the lady to get in first.Before the woman could react, Alexander snatched the room card and staggered inside leaving the words, “Sorry, I need to use the room.”Before the man could react, he had already locked the door from the inside.“Damn it!” The man
Meanwhile, back in Hawthorne's ancestral home, Marcus knocked on his grandpa's bedroom, casually tucking his other hand into his pants pocket.After Raphael murmured from inside, he pushed the door open and walked inside. The room was dimly lit, with a bedside lamp casting a soft amber glow over the space. The air held a comforting mix of lavender and woody from the old oak furniture.A large, neatly made bed stood against the far wall, its thick duvet turned down slightly, perhaps he was ready for bedtime.An antique clock ticked quietly on the wall, and a pair of slippers sat perfectly aligned by the edge of a plush rug.Raphael was seated on a couch near the window with a steaming cup of tea on the small table in front of him. Despite the warmth in the room, he had a shawl draped over his shoulders, and the lines on his face seemed deeper under the soft light.He seemed to have aged more since the last time Marcus saw him. “Grandpa,” he greeted.“Sit,” Raphael said, pointing at t
Chapter 124: Alexander's Helpless Alexander’s jaw clenched and his eyes darkened. The tension in the room grew so thick that it felt like the air itself was pressing down on everyone. Mark turned to him apologetically, “Sorry, boss, I will...” “It's okay. You can go.” Alexander cut him off coldly. Then he added, “Mark, you can take your leave. You will be rewarded for today." He had just remembered it was supposed to be Mark's off day. “Thank you, boss.” Mark nodded happily before walking out, knowing that his boss didn't blame him. Bullock swallowed hard as he stood up to face Jessica. “Miss Jason, whatever deal we had with your father is being handled by my secretary. Please go speak to her,” he said politely. “I just did that but she couldn't give me any substantial explanation. That's why I came to look for you,” Jessica said with a righteous voice, sounding offended. “I'll look for Mr Jason myself and give him an explanation,” Bruno said, trying to send Jessica aw
“You're the pride of the Hawthornes, my dear. That Sophia was our bad luck; Look at how we're prospering now that she's gone. My son is more accomplished now that she isn't here to drag him behind.” Evelyn clapped like a child who just won a prize, her eyes glowing with pride. She walked over to Marcus and patted his shoulder like he’d just won a major award. “I’m so proud of you, son.” “Marcus, I hope you're not still dreaming of bringing her back,” Lauren scoffed, tilting her chin up in distaste. Marcus leaned back lazily, his arms spread across the back of the couch. He smirked, brushing invisible dust from his shirt like a king making a declaration. “Sophia will be mine sooner or later..." “Marcus, you're just digging your own grave. Go see your grandpa now.” His father's angry voice came from upstairs interrupting them. “So it's true you don't believe in me, Dad. Is that why you stepped down?” Marcus turned to him with his face full of disappointment. His fathe
“Wait… why are you so quick to defend yourself?” Sophia laughed out, amused.“Well, that's because I hate slander. But you know I'm not lying, right?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders. “Yes. You two are gentlemen. The girl who ends up with you will be the luckiest,” she said, winking at Amelia.“Did you hear that?” Michael turned to Amelia proudly. “You two are impossible.” Amelia stomped her foot and walked away to hide her flushing face.***Meanwhile, Alexander watched silently as his phone disconnected. “I need to deal with Jessica quickly or it will affect my relationship with Sophia,” he muttered before walking back to the coffee shop with a resolute face. “Have you made up your mind?” he asked as he sat down. “You said you can fulfill any of my wishes, right?” Jessica asked, putting her phone on the table. “Anything within my capability,” Alexander said, leaning on his seat. “Then divorce Sophia and marry me.” She dared him. The moment the last word left her mouth, the
Back at the Eldridge International Airport, the final boarding call echoed through the terminal: “Final boarding for Flight 782 to Geniva. All remaining passengers, please proceed to Gate 14 immediately.” Jessica stood up calmly, composed, like everything was going exactly as she had planned. She picked up her handbag, adjusted her blazer slightly, and started walking toward the gate. Her assistant, clearly more nervous, hurried after her. “Miss Jason, are we boarding now? I thought …” “Just follow me and stop asking questions,” Jessica cut her coldly and walked ahead. Her heels clicked confidently against the polished floor without any hint of panic. When they reached the gate, she handed over her passport and boarding pass with a small, polite smile. The attendant scanned them and gave a quick nod. “You may proceed.” She and her assistant began walking down the jet bridge. They were only a few steps away from the plane's door when a sudden urgent voice cal
Back in Eldridge, in the backyard of Jason's estate, Rachel knelt by her flowerbed, humming a tune as she worked.She wore a flowing cream-colored dress that fluttered slightly with the breeze. A wide straw hat shielded her face, but even then, the grace in her every movement showed. Her hands, though elegant, weren’t afraid of dirt. She held a small pruning shear and gently snipped away a dried leaf from one of her prized roses.The garden was in full bloom, with roses in shades of blush and deep red, lilies standing tall and proud, and dainty white daisies dancing in the wind. It was her happy place. Every weekend, she spent at least an hour here. It was one of the few things that grounded her and made her feel like everything would be okay.She wiped her forehead with the back of her glove, smiling faintly at the progress she had made. Her flowerbed looked perfect.Just then, a servant came rushing out from the house, breathless.“Madam, Mr. Evans is here. He doesn’t look like he c
Meanwhile, back in Averia, Alexander’s car rolled to a stop outside a modest building nestled between tall sycamore trees. The sign above the gate read Happy Orphanage in faded blue paint. The walls were worn and the compound was quiet and solemn. A woman in her mid-fifties stepped out to meet him. Her hair was tied in a tight bun, streaked with gray, and her eyes held both kindness and years of experience. She wore a plain beige dress and clutched a manila folder to her chest like it held secrets. “Welcome to Happy Orphanage, Mr. Evans. We’re at your service,” she greeted warmly, with a practiced tone like someone used to formalities and farewells. Alexander nodded and followed her inside. In her office, she showed Alexander all the files related to the person he was looking for. “According to your description, this is the person who was at the orphanage and later rescued by her parents that same year,” she explained, handing over the file. Alexander took the document and fli