Few days later Knoxville stormed into his father's office, his eyes blazing with fury as he took in the scene before him. His father, Mr. Richardo, sat behind his massive mahogany desk, a calm and collected expression on his face. Maxwell sat in one of the leather chairs, a smug look on his face, his arms crossed over his chest."What's going on here?" Knoxville demanded, his deep voice dripping with hostility as he glared at Maxwell. His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw working with suppressed anger."Have a seat, Knoxville," Mr. Richardo instructed, his voice firm but measured, gesturing to the empty chair beside Maxwell.Knoxville's eyes narrowed, his gaze darting between his father and Maxwell. "Why? You know I can't be here with him," he insisted, his voice rising in indignation. "What is he doing here, anyway?""Are you saying I can't talk to my two sons at the same time?" Mr. Richardo asked, his voice rising in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up in incredulity."You should
Electra had finally resumed work, and her diligence was evident in the stack of files and documents scattered across her desk. The soft hum of the air conditioner and the gentle chirping of birds outside created a soothing atmosphere.Matthew walked into her office, his footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. He closed the door behind him, his eyes locking onto Electra's as he settled into the chair opposite her desk."Hey, little bro?" Electra said, her voice warm and teasing, as she raised her head from the papers. "Why are you here?"Matthew's expression turned serious, his eyes holding a hint of secrecy. "I came here because I want to tell you something," he said, his voice low and measured.Electra's curiosity was piqued, her eyes sparkling with interest. "What's that?" she asked, her pen hovering over the paperwork.Matthew leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes. "You must love gossip; see how serious you are," he teased, his voice laced with amusement.E
Mrs. Scofield's gentle voice cut through the tension. "Why are you raising your voice, Electra?"Electra's response was laced with anguish, her anger palpable. "Why wouldn't I raise my voice, Mum?" she asked, her words trembling.Her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, locked onto her mother's. "You're planning an arranged marriage for me without consulting me first, knowing what I endured in my previous marriage."The pain Electra had thought was long buried rose to the surface, her voice cracking under the weight of her emotions.Just then, Mr. Scofield re-entered the study, his brow furrowed in concern. "What's going on here? Are you both fighting again?" he asked, his deep voice a calming presence.The room seemed to pause, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Electra's shoulders sagged, her body language screaming defiance and hurt.Mrs. Scofield's expression transformed, her voice dripping with venom. "You're talking about what you passed through? Was it my fault?" she spat, her
Electra POV From my stool at the bar, I gazed into my drink, my mind reeling with the impossible decision my parents had just presented. Marriage to a complete stranger? The thought sent my heart racing, and my palms grew slick with sweat.I knew better than to argue with my mother; her resolve was unshakeable once she'd made up her mind. And I couldn't bear the thought of my parents fighting because of me.As I scanned the dimly lit bar, the sounds of clinking glasses and muted conversations blurred into the background. My anxiety spiked, making my chest feel tight.Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd, and a wave of relief washed over me. I smiled, my tension easing."Sorry I'm late, I was a bit busy," Maxwell said, sliding onto the stool beside me, his apologetic eyes crinkling at the corners."I actually didn't think you'd come," I admitted, my smile widening as I took in his disheveled hair and worn jeans.Maxwell's presence was a comforting anchor, a reminder tha
Knoxville POV I lounged on the plush couch in my villa, immersed in the latest episode of my favorite show. The soft glow of the TV illuminated the dimly lit room, casting a cozy ambiance. Suddenly, the door swung open, and Henry walked in, shattering the tranquility.I pretended not to notice him, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. But Henry was relentless. He cleared his throat, and when I still didn't acknowledge him, he scoffed.I finally turned to face him, frustration etched on my features. "What again?" I exclaimed, tossing the remote control onto the coffee table. "Today's a weekend, and I told you to go home and rest."Henry shrugged, his nonchalant demeanor igniting my irritation."Well, I don't have a home," he said, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.My growl was low and warning. "You have a house, Henry. This is my home. Go to your house and leave me alone." I spoke in a measured tone, striving to maintain calm.But Henry wasn't deterred. "I know today was suppos
Knoxville stepped out of the sleek, black luxury car, his tailored tuxedo accentuating his chiseled physique. He cleared his throat, adjusting his cufflinks with a confident flourish. His personal assistant, Henry, smiled warmly."You're looking handsome already, sir," Henry said.As they walked into the grand hall, Knoxville's presence commanded attention. The room fell silent, with all eyes drawn to his refined appearance. The ladies couldn't help but admire his charismatic charm."They're all staring at you, sir," Henry whispered, his voice laced with amusement.Knoxville chuckled, his eyes sparkling."Let them continue staring," he said. "That's what the Richardos do, and what my father expects. I need to regain his trust."His lips curled into a determined smile."I am happy you're ready to do what it takes to make your father proud," Henry said.Knoxville's gaze turned resolute."I'll do whatever it takes to get what's mine"As they walked deeper into the hall, the owner of the
Knoxville My dad clapped his hands together, the sharp sound echoing through the room as he stared at me with an expression of genuine admiration. His eyes sparkled, and a wide smile spread across his face."I am so impressed," he exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "I can't believe you put those people in their place."I scoffed, feeling a surge of satisfaction knowing I had finally earned his approval. It had been years since I'd seen that look of genuine admiration on his face."Dad, I didn't do much," I said nonchalantly, sinking deeper into the plush sofa, my back resting comfortably against the cushions. "I just let them know their place and when not to discuss business and rivalry."My dad's smile never wavered. "That's exactly what I'm talking about, son," he said, walking closer to me. "You're showing the kind of strength and leadership I knew you were capable of."He paused, his eyes locked onto mine."You're beginning to understand the importance of assertiv
Knoxville POV I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The sterile hospital room came into focus, and my gaze landed on Henry's worried face beside me. His eyes, red-rimmed showing tiredness, sparkled with relief."Thank God you're awake, sir," Henry exclaimed, his tone filled with concern. He grasped my shoulder, helping me sit up."How many hours have I been here?" I asked, my voice rough from sleep.Henry smiled weakly. "Just four hours."I shot him a wry glance. "Just four hours?" I repeated, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. A wave of dizziness washed over me, and Henry quickly steadied me."Easy, sir. You should take it slow."I stood up, testing my balance. "Did anyone aside from you know I'm here?" I asked, already knowing the answer.Henry shook his head. "No, sir. I made sure to keep it private.""Great. Don't tell anyone, including my father," I instructed, my voice firm.Henry's brow furrowed. "But, sir—"I raised a hand, silencing him. "No di
Knoxville POV I pulled up to the bar, the dimly lit sign reading "The Red Room" in bold letters. Ria had suggested we meet here tonight, and despite knowing I'm allergic to alcohol, I had agreed to go along with her choice. It had been a long time since we'd caught up, and I was looking forward to rekindling our friendship.Even though Ria had broken up with me in the past, I didn't hold any grudges. She had her reasons for ending our relationship, and I respected her decision. I parked my car and stepped out into the crisp evening air, the sound of laughter and music drifting out of the bar.As I walked in, Ria waved at me from a corner table, a bright smile on her face. I smiled back, feeling a sense of warmth and familiarity. I made my way over to her, weaving through the crowded room, and sat down in the chair opposite hers. The table was small, with only a few inches separating us, and I could feel the warmth of her presence.Ria's eyes sparkled as she smiled at me. "You're look
Maxwell POV I stormed out of his office, my anger boiling over like a cauldron about to spill its contents. The hallway seemed to blur around me as I strode through it, my feet pounding the floor in a rhythmic expression of my fury. I burst into my office, slamming the door shut behind me, and made a beeline for my desk.With a snarl, I slammed my fist onto the polished wood, making the pens and papers jump. I yanked open the top two buttons of my shirt, feeling the constriction of my collar easing as I struggled to contain my rage. "What the fuck!" I exploded, my voice echoing off the walls of my office.All my efforts, all my planning, all my convincing of the shareholders – it had all been for nothing. He still had the audacity to tell me he was ready to fight back for Electra. Did he really think I had come this far, sacrificed this much, just to lose to him? The very idea was an affront, a slap in the face that made my anger burn even hotter.I tried to think, but my mind was a
Knoxville POV I strode into the company, my every step exuding confidence, with Henry walking closely behind me. I maintained a serious expression as I entered the hall, where the shareholders were already seated. Maxwell sat opposite me, his eyes fixed on mine with an air of challenge. I glanced at my father's empty chair, a pang of sadness hitting me. If he weren't in the hospital, this meeting might not be necessary. I took a deep breath, composed myself, and sat down on the right-hand side, beside my father's PA, facing Maxwell. Our eyes locked in a tense stare.With a calm demeanor, I asked, "What's the purpose of this meeting?" My voice was steady, but my eyes never left Maxwell's face. I already knew the reason for the meeting, but I wanted to hear it from the horse's mouth.Maxwell's words hung in the air like a challenge. "The shareholders are talking about the chairman seat. They said it can't be empty." I scoffed, my eyes narrowing in disdain. He's exactly like his mother,
Knoxville sat in the VIP room, his eyes fixed on his father, who lay motionless in the hospital bed. The soft beeping of the life support machines and the gentle hiss of oxygen filled the air, a stark contrast to the turmoil of emotions that churned within Knoxville's chest.As he gazed at his father, a mix of anger, sadness, and regret swirled within him. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions, before speaking in a voice that trembled with emotion. "Why haven't you told me all this while?" he asked, his words laced with a deep sense of hurt and betrayal.Knoxville's eyes searched his father's face, seeking answers to the questions that had haunted him for so long. "Why did you make me hate you so much?" he continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "You made my mother misunderstand you, and she hated you till her dying breath."As he spoke, Knoxville's hand reached out, and he gently took his father's hand in his, his touch a poignant contrast to the anger and r
Knoxville POVI sat in my car, waiting for my dad's PA to arrive. The door swung open, and he slipped into the passenger seat beside me. He turned to face me, his expression expectant. "You said you wanted to see me, Knoxville. I'm here now," he said, his voice neutral.I smirked, a hint of amusement dancing on my lips. "I wanted to ask you something very important," I said, my tone measured. The PA nodded, his eyes locked on mine. "What is it?" he asked, his voice encouraging me to continue.I chuckled, a low, throaty sound, and leaned back in my seat. The PA's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression curious. He seemed to sense that whatever I was about to ask was significant, and he was ready to listen.I leaned forward, my eyes locking onto the PA's. "What did you know about Henry?" I asked, my voice low and even. The PA let out a hearty laugh, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought it was something serious," he said, chuckling. "Henry is your PA, and you guys have been frien
Knoxville POV As I stepped out of my car and onto the sprawling grounds of the KT company, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity. This was my mother's company, a business empire she had built from scratch, and although I had never worked here, neither have I come here once. I grabbed the folder containing the pictures and CD, and headed towards the company's main building. As I walked through the hallway, I was greeted by my aunt's personal assistant, who was waiting for me with a warm smile. "Welcome, sir," he said, his eyes gleaming with courtesy. "Your aunt is expecting you. Please, follow me."I nodded, falling into step behind him as he led me to my aunt's office. The PA pushed open the door, and I stepped inside, my eyes scanning the spacious room. My aunt was seated behind her massive desk, a look of warmth and concern on her face.. "Hey Knoxville," she called out with a warm smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with affection. The way she said my name, with a ge
Knoxville POVAs I stepped into my dad's house, a mix of emotions swirled inside me. I had come here with a singular purpose: to search for clues. Something had been nagging at me, a feeling that there was more to the story of what had happened years ago. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but I was determined to uncover the truth.As I looked into my dad's eyes earlier, I had seen something there that gave me pause. It was a flicker of guilt, a hint of trouble that he had been holding back. And yet, despite the anger and resentment I had been harboring towards him, I couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to the story than I had initially thought.I thought back to the fact that my dad had been visiting my mother's grave twice a year. If he had truly wanted to betray her, would he have been so diligent in paying his respects? It didn't add up, and I found myself wondering if I had misjudged him all along.As I began to search the house, I could
Mr. Rodriguez's eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed at Maxwell, his voice firm but laced with a hint of curiosity. "You're here, Maxwell?" he asked, his eyes flicking to the closed door behind Maxwell.Maxwell walked closer to the pair, his movements confident and deliberate. Knoxville, on the other hand, looked less than pleased to see Maxwell. He smirked, his eyes glinting with a mixture of annoyance and hostility as he glared at Maxwell. Then, with a dismissive flick of his head, he turned away, his face set in a scowl.Knoxville's voice was laced with irritation as he asked, "You asked what's going on here! What did you hear?" His tone implied that Maxwell had no business being there, and that he was somehow eavesdropping on a private conversation.Maxwell chuckled, a low, smooth sound that seemed to grate on Knoxville's nerves. "Is there something I need to know that you both are hiding from me?" Maxwell asked, his eyes locked on Knoxville's face, his gaze piercing and intense.Kn
Maxwell's face was a picture of fury as he made the call, his anger palpable in the air. He paced back and forth, his eyes blazing with intensity, as he waited for the person on the other end to answer.As the person picked up, Maxwell's voice was low and menacing. He banged his fist on the table in front of him, making the objects on it jump. "You will have to listen to what I have to say, understand?" he growled, his words dripping with malice.But the person on the other end was not intimidated. They bashed back at Maxwell, their voice rising in defiance. "I am done listening to you," they spat. "So you're getting married to her? That's never going to be possible, trust me."Maxwell's face darkened even further, his eyes flashing with anger. He took a deep breath, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "You know the repercussions of not listening to me," he warned. "I wouldn't repeat myself, so you better stay put until I ask you to come." With that, he hung up the call, his chest