Summer’s Point of ViewAfter reading the message, I decided to secretly call Celine the next day to confirm the details.“How did it happen? I thought...”I was interrupted by Celine’s sigh as she responded, “Well, Mister Klein is no laughing matter. He has the power to manipulate the law, just like the elite do. And if Steven ever has to confront him, there will be significant consequences on his side. Harvey can explain it to you more effectively.”“Summer, allow me to clarify the situation.” Harvey began. “Four years ago, Mr. Klein made a substantial investment in the Carter Group. Although the Carter Group has the option to withdraw from the contract, it is highly probable that numerous shareholders will also opt to withdraw to his company and go to Mister Klein.”“B-But why?”“This is primarily due to Mr. Klein’s treacherous actions against Steven, which are occurring behind the scenes.”My jaw dropped, and disbelief caused my eyes to blink. “W-what do you mean he is treacherous?
Summer’s Point of ViewDespite the shock clearly showing in my eyes, I made an effort to avoid looking at him. Instead, I focused my gaze blankly on his outstretched hands. Afterwards, I calmly shifted my head towards the doctor, who had been silently observing our interaction.“Doctor Hernandez, I’ve come here for my check-up as recommended by Doctor Canlas. I have high expectations for you to thoroughly examine my case,” I said in a professional tone. Then I shifted my attention to Matteo. “Nice to meet you, Matteo. But, as we are not acquainted, I believe our interaction may come across as more casual than it should be. Don’t you think?”Instinctively, I was well aware of his identity, thanks to the numerous rumors swirling around about him and me. Even Mrs. Turner had mentioned him, but with Steven being outside, I feared that continuing our conversation would cause quite a stir. After all, Steven had deliberately limited his presence in this city.The doctor smiled kindly and res
Summer’s Point of ViewStanding on the large white gate in front of me, I glanced around, searching for any potential onlookers. However, this majestic mansion towered over the secluded corner of the city, devoid of any passersby. Adding to the seclusion, many guards patrolled the premises. As I confirmed the accuracy of the address and my location, my heart skipped a beat when someone unexpectedly tapped me on the back. "I didn't expect you to show up," Matteo murmured, his voice sending a tingle down my neck. Reacting to his actions, I impulsively jumped out and pushed him with all my might. My hand immediately went to the back of my neck, where I rubbed it in disgust at his action. "Your reaction is a bit harsh," he added, a touch of disappointment in his voice, then pressed a hidden switch and the gate split open. “Let’s go inside.”I remained still in my spot and suggested, “Why don’t we just have our conversation here? There are no individuals present, and one cannot ascerta
Summer’s Point of View“Where have you been? You just disappear this morning and now you are back drunk and... looking like this?”I blinked several times and noticed someone leaning on the stair railing. A smirk formed on my face as I realized who it was. Despite my swaying body from the effects of alcohol, I walked towards him.“Why? How do I look? Messy?” I asked with a sarcastic smile on my lips. “Do you hate me like this?”“No, it’s not like that, Summer. You should have let us know where you were going. Stefani and I are worried sick about you—”He was interrupted as I sealed his lips with a passionate kiss. I gently ran my tongue over his lips, then deepened the kiss by exploring his mouth. Wrapping my arms around his neck, we were about to surrender to the intense heat when he unexpectedly pushed me away.“Stop!” he said with a slightly raised voice.“What? I just wanna have fun tonight and forget about everything,” I retorted, but then I abruptly stopped as a realization stru
Summer's Point of ViewI still recall the night Amby got out of prison—the headlines were everywhere, yet just a week later, it was like it never happened.Nothing felt the same anymore; I was constantly on edge when we were out in public, always worried something would happen to Stefani and me."Mommy, when are we going visit grandpa?" Stefani asked as we ate breakfast, her eyes eagerly darting between Steven and me.Steven and I exchanged glances - his meaningful gaze seemed to be searching for an answer on my face. He placed his hand gently over mine, which was resting on the table."Grandpa needs a lot of rest now, so it might be best not to see him just yet. How about next week?" Steven responded.I watched as Stefani's cheerful expression darkened with disappointment. She continued eating her meal in silence.Since the incident at Carter's Group and after he was discharge at the hospital, grandpa had been confined to his home due to heart complications. As a result, Steven had h
The Aston Martin Valour swooped into the villa entrance, where two lines of maids had assembled to greet Steven's arrival. The maids and guards bowed to him in unison as soon as he exited from his car. On the other hand, Senior Carter and his nurse walked up to greet him with anxious demeanor."Steven! I didn't expect this to happen," Senior Carter said with a worried expression.I breathlessly looked towards grandpa with restlessness in my eyes. "Grandpa, it's no one's fault. Stefani may be somewhere on the villa grounds. Let's start searching for her again!"The maids and guards scattered around looking for her while the guard in question kept his head hung in shame.Steven shot him an icy glance and asked menacingly: "Why was the gate open? Didn't I just call and remind you all to stay alert? I said you all should stay vigilant!""M-Mister Carter, I had gone to use the restroom and by the time I came back, it was already open," the guard responded hesitantly."Where is the other gu
Steven's Point of View“Hunt down those cursed rats, and I’ll show no mercy as I rip them apart with my bare hands!” I bellowed and slumped down to my office chair."Is this about the issue with the villa and the young madame?" Brandon responded with a timid question.I tightly gripped the papers before me - the contract termination agreement that Mister Klein and I had been discussing for the past few days. He must have thought I wouldn’t anticipate this move. From the beginning, I had suspected that he was aligned with Matteo, the very first time he offered shares to Carter Group.That move raised suspicion with its secretive nature. He knew all too well that our companies were locked in a fierce battle for the top position, so it didn’t make sense to me.Matteo, that fucking psycho. I thought I had already put him six feet under, but it seems like he’s pushing his luck with me. This time, I’ll make sure he deeply regrets ever returning to New York! Rage surged through my veins as
Steven’s Point of ViewAs I approached the building, a solitary figure stood out in the entrance. Hailey. Her clothes and hair were disheveled, and she was weighed down with baggage. Dark circles encircled her eyes like the night sky, and it only highlighted how desperate she seemed to be. When our eyes met, she bolted towards me like a gale wind.“S-Steven, I know it’s you! Please, let Amby go. She won't bother you anymore- I swear it! Where is she? Please tell me.” Tears brimmed in her eyes, and her mouth quivered from fear.My icy eyes fixated on her--like a dagger ready to pierce her, my lips set in a thin line and my palm was clenched so tightly. As her hand reached out to touch me, my hand automatically lashed out and met her skin with a sharp slap.I stared at her for what seemed like eternity before turning my back to her and continued walking. Nonetheless, I was halted when she cried of desperation.“Mr. Carter! I am begging you,” she shouted, dropping to her knees. Tears cov
The house was aglow with festive cheer. Warm lights twinkled on the Christmas tree, and the scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air. Stefani stood in the kitchen, putting the final touches on a tray of cupcakes. The sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the living room, where both sides of the family—hers and Jacob’s—had gathered for the holidays.This was exactly how she had always imagined it—a full house, filled with the people she loved most. The twins, Elara and Ethan, were playing with their new toys, their excitement bubbling over as they showed their grandparents everything Santa had brought. Stefani glanced over at them and smiled softly, feeling a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the fire crackling in the fireplace.It was Christmas, and in just a few days, it would be New Year’s Eve. A fresh start. Stefani couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed since the last holiday season. The ups and downs, the struggles, the tri
The warm sunlight streamed through the curtains as Stefani stretched, listening to the excited giggles from down the hall. Today was a special day, one she had been anticipating for weeks—Ethan and Elara's fifth birthday. Five years. Stefani could hardly believe how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday she was cradling two tiny newborns in her arms, overwhelmed with love and exhaustion. Now, they were running around the house, full of energy and life, growing faster than she ever thought possible.The house buzzed with activity as Stefani got ready. Balloons lined the walls, colorful streamers were draped across the ceiling, and the smell of freshly baked cake filled the air. Today wasn’t just about celebrating the twins; it was also about celebrating how far their family had come—through sleepless nights, laughter-filled days, and moments that had tested them but ultimately brought them closer.“Mommy!” Elara’s voice echoed down the hallway, followed by the sound of li
Stefani’s heart fluttered with excitement as she paced the living room, her phone clutched tightly in her hand. She glanced at the clock for the hundredth time, mentally calculating the minutes left before Jacob was supposed to arrive. The house had been transformed into a celebration space, a labor of love that had taken weeks of planning and countless late nights spent coordinating with friends and family. The air was thick with anticipation, and the only thing left to do was wait for the guest of honor to walk through the door.Jacob had reached a major milestone in his career—winning a prestigious award for excellence in business management, something that had been his goal for years. It was a recognition of his hard work, long hours, and dedication, but more than that, it was a symbol of how far he had come. Stefani had watched him pour his heart and soul into his work, even though he once lost sight of their family.So, when she heard about the award, Stefani knew she had to cel
The sun was just starting to rise, casting a golden glow over the city, but Stefani had been up for hours. Her heart raced with a mixture of excitement and nerves as she stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair and making final adjustments to her outfit. Today was the day. After years of dreaming, planning, and putting it off for her family, she was about to open her very own bakery.Stefani had always loved baking. It was more than a hobby for her; it was a passion, a way to express her creativity and share joy with others. From the time she was little, she would spend hours in the kitchen, covered in flour and experimenting with different flavors. But as life moved forward—marriage, children, and all the responsibilities that came with them—her dream of opening her own bakery had taken a back seat.Until now.Jacob had been her biggest supporter, urging her to follow her heart and make this dream a reality. He’d helped her find the perfect location for the bakery—a charming l
The school auditorium buzzed with excitement, filled with the soft murmur of parents, teachers, and children waiting for the talent show to begin. Stefani sat beside Jacob in the front row, her heart racing with a mix of pride and anticipation. She held Jacob’s hand tightly, glancing at the small stage where, in just a few moments, Ethan and Elara would perform in their first-ever talent show.The twins, now five years old, had been practicing for weeks. Every day after school, Stefani and Jacob would find them in the living room, dancing, singing, and occasionally arguing over who got to lead. It had been a rollercoaster of giggles, minor frustrations, and endless rehearsals. Now, the big day had finally arrived.Stefani shifted in her seat, excitement bubbling in her chest as she watched the children backstage. "I can't believe our babies are up there," she whispered to Jacob, her voice filled with awe. "It feels like just yesterday they were learning to walk."Jacob smiled, squeezi
The gentle breeze rolled off the sea, carrying with it the salty freshness of the ocean. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the pristine sands of the island they had just arrived on. It felt surreal to Stefani—the beauty of the place, the laughter of her children echoing in the air as Ethan and Elara chased each other down the shore. This island was nothing like anywhere they had been before, and for the first time in a long while, Stefani felt the worries of everyday life slip away.Jacob stood beside her, his eyes locked on the twins with a soft smile tugging at his lips. “It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” he asked, his voice warm.Stefani nodded, her fingers lacing through his as she leaned into him. “It’s perfect,” she whispered. “I can’t believe we’re actually here. No work, no stress—just us.”He glanced down at her, something unreadable in his expression. “That’s exactly what I wanted, Stef. Just us. We’ve been through a lot, and I thought we could use so
It was a Wednesday afternoon when Stefani sat by the window, staring out at the garden while Elara and Ethan played outside. Their laughter echoed through the yard, but Stefani couldn’t find it in herself to join in. Her mind was miles away, consumed by the growing distance between her and Jacob.Days had turned into weeks since their last conversation about his workaholic tendencies, and though Jacob had apologized and promised to do better, nothing had changed. He was still coming home late, still missing family dinners, and still buried in projects that seemed more important than their family.The door opened, and Jacob walked in, looking as exhausted as ever. His tie hung loosely around his neck, and his shirt was wrinkled from a long day at the office. He glanced at Stefani, his eyes filled with that same apologetic look she had grown used to."Hey," he greeted her, dropping his briefcase by the door. "Sorry I'm late again. The meeting ran longer than expected."Stefani sighed, h
Stefani sat at the dinner table, her eyes tracing the empty seat across from her. The warm glow from the chandelier above felt dim compared to the brightness that used to fill their family meals. It wasn’t the first night Jacob had missed dinner, but it felt like the hundredth. His absence weighed heavily on her heart, an unspoken distance growing between them.Elara and Ethan, now five, chatted animatedly as they poked at their food, their little voices filling the silence Jacob had left behind. Stefani tried to focus on their laughter, their joy, but her mind kept drifting back to the clock on the wall, ticking louder and louder with every passing second. Each tick felt like a reminder that Jacob was missing yet another evening with his family.“Mommy, when is Daddy coming home?” Ethan’s soft voice cut through her thoughts. His big brown eyes were filled with innocent hope, the kind that still believed his father would walk through the door at any moment.Stefani’s heart clenched. S
Stefani sat by the window in their bedroom, watching the sunset as the soft orange hues danced across the horizon. The house was unusually quiet, save for the distant laughter of their children playing in the living room with their grandparents. She sighed, clutching her phone as her thumb hovered over Jacob’s contact.It had only been a few hours since she last saw him. He had left early in the morning for a meeting, and now the day was fading into night, with no sign of him returning. She knew Jacob loved her deeply, and she had no reason to doubt his loyalty. But still, the whisper of insecurities crawled into her mind ever since Olivia started working in his office.Despite Jacob’s reassurances and the fact that Olivia no longer bothered him, Stefani couldn't help but feel unsettled. She had always been confident in their relationship, but lately, small things seemed to gnaw at her sense of security. The little voice in her head was louder than usual.What if Olivia is still aroun