Ivy entered the expansive building situated in the city's core after parking her car in the garage.Her strides were confident and resolute as she approached the company's entrance, her expression neutral. With her head held high, she walked past her colleagues, making her way to the elevator.Though Ivy was acutely aware of the curious glances directed at her, she remained unfazed. She understood that her presence often commanded attention. However, at that moment, she speculated that their astonished looks stemmed either from her striking appearance or their surprise at her return to the company.It was difficult for Ivy to recall how long it had been since her last visit. Nevertheless, she took a deep breath as she rode the elevator alone to her grandfather Torrey's office on the top floor.Upon her grandfather's response to her knocking, Ivy gently turned the doorknob and stepped into the spacious office.There, she found her grandfather engrossed in a stack of documents at his de
Ivy was delicately scrolling through some piles of documents that related to Jordan's case when her mother abruptly walked into her room. Her presence disrupted Ivy's focus as Catherine called for her attention."Hey," Catherine greeted as she covered the gap between them.Lifting her gaze to match hers, Ivy expelled a weary sigh as she lowered the paperwork in her hand. "Hey, Mom,""What are you doing?" Catherine asked, her gaze peering at the workload on Ivy's desk. She frowned as she accessed the piles of documents. "That seems like a lot."Glancing at the workload, Ivy couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Yeah, I'm so exhausted..." As she leaned back in her chair for a break, that was when she noticed the time on the wall clock hung in her room. "Damn, past 10?" Ivy noted sharply.Settling into the chair beside Ivy, Catherine chuckled at her bewilderment. "Yeah, how long have you been working here?" "Since I got back from Grandfather's office..." Ivy sighed and added. "Nearly six
"Yeah, I'll take those," Luciana told the florist as she pointed at a peculiar bouquet of roses on the flower counter.The florist, a young lady, nodded briskly before making her way to retrieve the flowers from the counter. Thereafter, heading inside the shop to package them nicely for Luciana.Luciana's heart thudded in her chest as she glanced at her surroundings, her gaze occasionally traveling to observe the watch adorning her wrist as though she was late for a meeting. This was because she had booked an appointment in someone else's name in order to visit a special person on this day. Surprisingly, the person she intended to visit with the bouquet of roses she had just gotten from the flower shop, was Alexa. Funny, right?Luciana had resolved after she met with Raven the other day that the only way she would be able to keep Alexa off her tracks was by befriending her and using that means to uncover Alexa's secrets. They said to keep your enemies close, right? This was the strate
"Darling, when are you going to divorce her? Now that I'm here, I can't bear the thought of sharing you with any other woman, talk more of living under the same roof with her." Alexa halted in her tracks as she caught the sultry and familiar tone of a woman's voice echoing through the walls of her matrimonial bedroom. She remained fazed as she stood outside the door, questioning if she had truly heard what she thought she had. Her skepticism dissipated when the velvety voice of her beloved husband, filled with reassurance and tenderness, followed in response to the other woman."Come on, sweetheart, you know Alexa is still pregnant with my child. I've told you before that once she gives birth, I'll divorce her and send her away, I promise."And in that moment, it dawned on Alexa that she was truly the subject of their conversation. WTF!She remained momentarily frozen to the spot, her mind spinning with conflicting thoughts as she was struck dumb with disbelief and confusion. She cou
Oh... you didn’t know." Ivy chimed in as she noticed Alexa's pale and bewildered expression. She snickered. "Clueless idiot."Catherine and Ivy erupted in laughter."You're just a naive fool now, aren’t you?" Ivy asked rhetorically, shaking her head.Alexa felt her heart shatter, a painful constriction tightening within her chest. How could she have been so oblivious? The realization stung, and she could no longer suppress the tears that welled in her eyes, leading her to sob uncontrollably. She couldn't believe any of this was truly happening to her. What had she done to deserve this?"You know what would be best for everyone now?" Ivy started coldly, ignoring Alexa's emotional state. "You should leave this house and never return. Nobody wants you here. You can go back to your wretched family abroad. Oh, wait... They disowned you, didn’t they? Ha!" Ivy chuckled mockingly, and Catherine smirked, her menacing eyes fixed on Alexa."My family is not wretched," Alexa defended amidst tears
This is unacceptable, Alexander. Your father and I do not support your decision! You cannot marry that man!" 'You are marrying Jordan Salvador? The cold-hearted son of the callous Salvador family? Oh my.''He will break your heart, Alexa. Please, don't do this.''Alexa, do not proceed with this marriage!''You're seriously quitting your job because of him too? You're a finished woman.''I, Gregory McKenna, hereby disown and reject you, Alexander, as the heir to the McKenna fortune and as my daughter.' 'And I, simply Alexander, accept your rejection.''The only reason I haven't divorced you yet is because of the child you're carrying inside of you.'...Alexa's eyes fluttered open slightly as the disjointed echoes of her past disrupted her sleep and gradually pulled her back to consciousness. She blinked weakly, remaining still on the bed as she struggled to gather her thoughts, squinting at the unfamiliar, pristine white ceiling above her. As memories of recent events replayed in h
Baby, now she's out of our lives for good, I am so elated. We can finally get married, Jordan." Luciana exclaimed, a radiant smile lighting up her face as she gently caressed Jordan's cheek, staring into his troubled emerald orbs. Despite Jordan's efforts to mask his unease, Luciana could see the worry behind the faint smile he wore. Nevertheless, she felt unconcerned; Jordan was sorely hers now. That was all she cared about. Jordan merely murmured a response to Luciana as his mind was consumed with several thoughts and emotions. For some reason, he couldn't comprehend the guilt pangs that tugged at his heartstrings each time he acknowledged that Alexa was truly gone. He didn't know where she had gone to or where she was, but it had been weeks since he last saw her. And that was the day she had left home and suffered a miscarriage in the hospital. He had wanted to..."Jordan!" Luciana's firm voice cut through his reverie, pulling his dazed gaze back to her. She frowned when their eye
>>FOUR YEARS LATERSeated comfortably in a plush swivel chair, a man exuded a cold aura as continued to gaze at the photo in his hand. His emerald orbs remained fixed on it as he felt his heart prick him painfully, taking in the features of the lady in the picture. She was a young woman with long auburn hair that perfectly complemented her hazel eyes. Her genuine smile radiating through the picture filled the man's heart with warmth. He missed her. He missed the woman in the photo terribly. This man was no other person than Jordan Salvador, and the woman in the picture was no other than his beautiful ex-wife, Alexander McKenna. Jordan continued gazing at the picture regretfully as he felt as though his heart was being stabbed with a sharp knife, replaying the wrong deeds he had done Alexa four years ago. He regretted everything. He wished he could turn back the hands of the clock and prevent it all from happening in the first place. Though he had been searching all over the country f
"Yeah, I'll take those," Luciana told the florist as she pointed at a peculiar bouquet of roses on the flower counter.The florist, a young lady, nodded briskly before making her way to retrieve the flowers from the counter. Thereafter, heading inside the shop to package them nicely for Luciana.Luciana's heart thudded in her chest as she glanced at her surroundings, her gaze occasionally traveling to observe the watch adorning her wrist as though she was late for a meeting. This was because she had booked an appointment in someone else's name in order to visit a special person on this day. Surprisingly, the person she intended to visit with the bouquet of roses she had just gotten from the flower shop, was Alexa. Funny, right?Luciana had resolved after she met with Raven the other day that the only way she would be able to keep Alexa off her tracks was by befriending her and using that means to uncover Alexa's secrets. They said to keep your enemies close, right? This was the strate
Ivy was delicately scrolling through some piles of documents that related to Jordan's case when her mother abruptly walked into her room. Her presence disrupted Ivy's focus as Catherine called for her attention."Hey," Catherine greeted as she covered the gap between them.Lifting her gaze to match hers, Ivy expelled a weary sigh as she lowered the paperwork in her hand. "Hey, Mom,""What are you doing?" Catherine asked, her gaze peering at the workload on Ivy's desk. She frowned as she accessed the piles of documents. "That seems like a lot."Glancing at the workload, Ivy couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Yeah, I'm so exhausted..." As she leaned back in her chair for a break, that was when she noticed the time on the wall clock hung in her room. "Damn, past 10?" Ivy noted sharply.Settling into the chair beside Ivy, Catherine chuckled at her bewilderment. "Yeah, how long have you been working here?" "Since I got back from Grandfather's office..." Ivy sighed and added. "Nearly six
Ivy entered the expansive building situated in the city's core after parking her car in the garage.Her strides were confident and resolute as she approached the company's entrance, her expression neutral. With her head held high, she walked past her colleagues, making her way to the elevator.Though Ivy was acutely aware of the curious glances directed at her, she remained unfazed. She understood that her presence often commanded attention. However, at that moment, she speculated that their astonished looks stemmed either from her striking appearance or their surprise at her return to the company.It was difficult for Ivy to recall how long it had been since her last visit. Nevertheless, she took a deep breath as she rode the elevator alone to her grandfather Torrey's office on the top floor.Upon her grandfather's response to her knocking, Ivy gently turned the doorknob and stepped into the spacious office.There, she found her grandfather engrossed in a stack of documents at his de
"Have you heard from Grandpa yet?" Jordan asked, breaking free from his thoughts and searching Ivy's eyes for answers.Ivy let out a weary sigh and shook her head. "Not yet, but I plan to visit him later today," she clarified."Please do. I don’t understand why he hasn’t come to see me. I’m starting to wonder if he really means what he said about disowning me. He intends to cut me off, Ivy," Jordan replied, his voice tinged with confusion. "At first, I thought he was just joking, but it doesn't feel that way anymore," he admitted, a wave of anxiety washing over him."Calm down; he won’t go through with it," Ivy reassured him, maintaining eye contact. "Not while I'm here.""You remember how he sent you to that terrible place when you messed up two years ago, right?" Jordan reminded her, hoping to convey his perspective.Ivy smiled warmly. "Yes, I remember, and I also remember who came to my rescue... It was you. You helped me.""I know that Ivy, but that’s not my point," he replied. "I
Ivy's irritation only intensified, recalling all that had transpired between her and Alexa just a few minutes ago. As she made a right turn on the road, heading in the direction of the state prison, she let out a spiteful hiss as she reabsorbed Alexa's rejection."That low life had the guts to reject my gifts?" She pondered, a wave of disbelief and annoyance coursing through her. She was furious. She hated Alexa's guts. She hated the way she had cast her out like she meant nothing. Oh if not for Jordan's sake, heaven knows Ivy would be dealing with Alexa brutally by now. But for Jordan's sake, she had to keep her emotions under control. Just like Catherine, she still harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Alexa.Ivy jolted from her reverie as her eyes caught the Prison signpost, indicating she had arrived at the station. She cautiously navigated the car into the parking lot before pulling by the curb.Heaving a sigh, she let out another sigh as she turned off her ignition. Ivy sto
A warm smile was etched across Ivy's features as she reciprocated Alexa's bewildered state."Hello, Alexa,""I- Ivy?" Alexa stuttered, unable to believe her eyes. She regarded Ivy with skepticism, her gaze scrutinizing as they lowered to observe her appearance. That was when Alexa noticed the bouquet of roses Ivy was holding. Her confusion deepened as she couldn't comprehend what was going on. It had been ages since she last saw Ivy, and seeing her on a random Saturday after four whole years fazed Alexa.However, she quickly regained her composure as she recalled Ivy wasn't one to be entertained in her home. They were enemies."What are you doing here?" Alexa demanded sharply as she redirected her gaze at Ivy."I come in peace," Ivy said calmly. "I don't care what you come in..." Alexa cut her off, "What. Are. You. Doing. Here?" She snapped, her annoyance resurfacing as she recalled how Ivy had badly treated her in the best. Of course, Alexa already knew the reason she was at her do
It was Saturday. Alexa and Elena already made plans to stay indoors throughout the day and spend quality time with the kids. Elena had strictly warned Alexa against working on this day because she wanted him to take a temporary break away from everything that had to do with Jordan and his case.It was past 10 in the morning, but Alexa and Elena were still very busy in the kitchen as they made arrangements for a successful and entertaining family day. While Alexa made the snacks, Elena assisted in baking them. The toddlers were still asleep as it was the weekend."So, how is work in general? And please I don't want to hear anything relating to Jordan." Elena stated as she gently placed one of the baking trays in the oven.Alexa, who was kneading dough, lifted her gaze and chuckled upon hearing Elena's words.She shrugged. "Well, work is fine. Nothing much has been happening if it doesn't have anything to do with Jordan." Alexa elaborated before lowering her gaze to the dough she was k
Nearly thirty minutes into Alexa's arrival, Raven had reluctantly answered all of her inquiries. Alexa had mostly asked about her financial records, how her company's accounting system worked, and if she was sure she didn't have an official connection with JS Enterprises. Raven was calm enough to answer all of her questions with caution, ensuring she didn't give Alexa the room to be more suspicious about her. "Well, that went well now, didn't it?" Alexa expelled a sigh as she prepared to leave.Raven shrugged, a feigned smile etched on her face. "Well, yes. I'm sorry for my hesitation earlier.""I completely understand, it's fine. You were worried and I get it." Alexa smiled warmly, their eyes locking onto each other's. "But you see how things turned out now? Everything went smoothly, didn't it?"Raven nodded curtly, pretending to be pleased with Alexa's reassurances. "It sure did."Alexa maintained her smile as she gazed at Raven briefly before finally rising to her heel. She added
Raven Hardin was returning to her office after a meeting when she got a call from her husband. She dismissed her assistant as prepared to answer the call. Upon answering, she asked about well-being, and he, in turn, did the same. They discussed a few things over the phone, with Luke Hardin, eventually informing her that he'd be back the following week or thereabout. "Oh, I miss you so much, darling. I can't wait for you to be back," Raven murmured over the phone as she stepped into her office."Missing you too, sweetheart and I'm proud of how you're perfectly handling things at the company even without my assistance." His remark sailed into Raven's ears as she closed the door behind her.Crossing the room to her desk, Raven replied. "That's only happening because I don't have you to distract me, baby. I miss you and it's pretty lonely over here without you." She lied blatantly."I miss you too. I'll come back home to you soon enough." "I'll be waiting." Raven settled into the swive