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
Weeks later Knoxville sat alone in the lavish restaurant, rented by his father for this ill-timed date. Despite his reservations, he had no choice but to be there. The elegant decor and soft lighting did little to ease his apprehension.He checked his wristwatch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering why his mysterious date was running late. To pass the time, he pulled out his phone and began scrolling mindlessly.Suddenly, the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor caught his attention. He didn't bother looking up, indifferent to the woman's arrival.That was, until she sat directly across from him.Knoxville's eyes lingered on his phone for a moment before he took a deep breath, pocketed his device, and raised his gaze.His eyes locked onto the woman's, and his jaw dropped in stunned silence."Electra?" he whispered, incredulous.Electra's smirk was radiant, her piercing green eyes sparkling with amusement."So, it's you, ex-husband," she purred, her voice dripping w
Maxwell settled into the plush couch, his gaze locking onto Electra's. Her piercing green eyes sparkled with curiosity as she wondered why he was giving her that intense look."Electra," Maxwell began, his deep voice filled with sincerity. "I want you to be my girlfriend. Let's date."Electra's laughter burst forth like a sunlit splash, her cheeks flushing pink. "I guess you joke a lot," she said, trying to compose herself.But Maxwell's expression remained serious. "I mean it, Electra. I want us to date, and if possible, get married soon."Electra's eyes widened, surprise etched on her face. "When did you start thinking about this?" she asked, her voice laced with intrigue.Maxwell's eyes softened, his voice vulnerable. "Recently. To be sincere, I don't get drawn to girls easily. They've broken my heart in the past... but something about you is just unique."Electra's lips curled into a gentle smile, her voice tinged with empathy. "I must admit, you're a nice and good-looking guy...
As I sat behind my mahogany desk, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows, memories of Electra flooded my mind. Our chance encounter had reignited a flame I thought was long extinguished. My newfound resolve to make amends was tempered by the knowledge that she now resented me deeply.Henry's entrance broke the spell, his sharp knock on the doorframe announcing his arrival. I swiveled my chair, facing him with an air of anticipation."What did you find out?" I asked, my voice low and urgent.Henry's expression turned skeptical, his eyebrows arching. "I found out five years ago, after you threw her out of the house, she got into an accident. But she narrowly escaped, lucky to be alive." His pause hung in the air like a challenge.I felt a pang of guilt, my conscience pricking.Henry continued, his tone measured. "She moved to England and has only just returned. She and her brother are now handling their parent's company."My curiosity got the better of me. "Is that all you found out?"
Electra strode into the company, her stilettos clicking against the polished marble floor, echoing through the hallway. Her new personal assistant, Joyce, kept pace beside her."What's my schedule for today?" Electra asked, her authoritative voice commanding attention.Joyce consulted her tablet. "After leaving the office, your parents want you to meet them at Mr. Richardo's place. They'll be waiting for you."Electra's steps halted abruptly, and she turned to face Joyce, her piercing gaze scrutinizing. "Why didn't you inform me earlier? What's the occasion?" Her tone dripped with annoyance, her perfectly shaped eyebrows furrowed.Joyce's eyes widened slightly, her voice apologetic. "I'm sorry for not informing you earlier, ma'am. It won't happen again."Electra's expression remained stern. "That's not all that matters now. I'm asking you, why did Mom want me to come there?" Her voice rose, a hint of frustration seeping in.Joyce's eyes darted nervously around the hallway before focus
Mr. Richardo's curiosity got the better of him. "How did you two meet?"Maxwell's eyes never left Electra's. "Dad, this is the girl I was telling you about – the one I plan to marry."Knoxville's face darkened, his anger palpable. "Did you just say the woman you want to marry?" he spat.Maxwell's expression remained nonchalant. "Yes, any problem?"Knoxville's laughter sent a chill through the air. "You're joking, right? That must be a joke." He took a menacing step closer to Maxwell.Electra sprang to her feet, her voice firm. "What are you doing, Knoxville? Want to attack my boyfriend now? Didn't I tell you I'm not interested in you?"The room fell silent, with all eyes on Electra.Mrs. Scofield's eyes widened in shock. "Electra, dear, what's going on?"Mr. Richardo's face turned stern. "Knoxville, calm down. Let's discuss this civilly."Maxwell's gaze locked onto Knoxville's, a silent challenge.Knoxville's fists clenched. "You think you can just swoop in and steal her? She's mine.
EPILOGUE Author's POV "Take him away_" Knoxville told the cops. Maxwell never imagined that something like this would ever happened. Of course he had been uncomfortable beginning from when his uncle, Lionel left. "I know he was up to something" he said inwardly. "I want you to know that the battle is over and there's nothing you can do this time; or it's there anything you want to do?" Knoxville asked Maxwell mockingly. He couldn't help but feel a crushing sense of disappointment and frustration, as he reflected on the fact that his tireless efforts and unwavering dedication had ultimately been for naught, seeing that he had failed to achieve his goal, despite the countless hours, sleepless nights, and sacrifices he had made, and the realization was a bitter pill to swallow, leaving him wondering what could have been done differently, and struggling to come to terms with the stark reality of his unfulfilled aspirations. Maxwell felt like he'd been punch in the gut. But he's determ
Author's POV All eyes were on Knoxville immediately he stepped into the hall and shouted "stop". The room fell silent, with all heads turned towards the sudden interruption. Maxwell's face turned pale, his eyes wide with shock and fear. He never expected that despite all his plans, Knoxville would have the guts to come stop the wedding."What's this son of a bitch up to?" Maxwell asked himself. "Do he knows that just a command from me, his beloved daughter is gonna be dead." Of course Maxwell is supposed to walk him down the aisle but then, if he should forgive him for that, would he also forgive him for trying to stop the wedding?"Is he trying to stop the wedding?" He asked himself again. "He better don't make a scene here and if he does, I won't take it easy with him.As Maxwell stood frozen, a multitude of thoughts swirled through his mind, a cacophony of emotions ranging from anxiety to anger, but despite the turmoil brewing within him, he was reluctantly waiting to hear what K
Chapter Author's POV Feeling really irritated by all that's happening, Knoxville walked out of the hall. Just as he came out of the hall, he got into his car and was about driving away when his phone rings.As he glanced at the screen of his phone, his eyes widened in surprise, and he was taken aback, his mind racing with a flurry of questions, seeing that an unknown number was calling him, the sudden and unexpected interruption sparking a sense of curiosity and trepidation within him, as he wondered, who could it be, a wrong number, or perhaps someone from his past, a mysterious stranger, or a friend he hadn't heard from in years, the possibilities swirled in his head like a vortex, as he hesitated, his thumb hovering over the answer button, unsure whether to respond or let it go to voicemail.And then, he decided not to pick the call. Right now, he has a lot of things in his mind he needs to solve this puzzle before it becomes too late.Just as he put the car key in the ignition,
Author's POV As she rushed out of the hospital in haste, her feet pounding the pavement in a frantic bid for escape, the man who'd saved her life moments before suddenly appeared beside her, his long strides effortlessly keeping pace with her frantic dash, and with a gentle yet firm grasp, he reached out and pulled her to himself, spinning her around to face him, his eyes locking onto hers with a deep concern. She's panting but she knows she has no time to start explaining stuffs, she can't afford to allow this grow from bad to worst."What's going on?" He asked her, his voice low and urgent, yet laced with a warmth that seemed to wrap itself around her very being."I don't have time for this." She told him impatiently."Don't you think you need some rest? You're just recovering and so, it's best you just stay here for maybe a few days." He told her."I wish I can," she shrugged her shoulders."You wish you can? What do you mean?" He asked her."I just realised that I made a mistake
The machine beeped softly in the hospital room, and Helena's eyes fluttered open. She was met with a blurry haze, but as her vision cleared, she saw the sterile white walls and the various medical devices surrounding her. Confusion etched her face as she tried to piece together her memories. The last thing she remembered was the searing pain of Maxwell's blade sinking into her flesh. She had thought it was the end for her.But here she was, alive and breathing. Helena's gaze drifted to the machines attached to her body, and she weakly attempted to remove the oxygen tube from her nose. A firm but gentle hand stopped her."You shouldn't risk your health," a cheerful voice said, accompanied by the sound of rustling fabric as the speaker moved closer.Helena's eyes shifted to the speaker, and she was taken aback by the energetic man standing beside her bed. His bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth, and his messy brown hair added to his endearing and lively demeanor.Helena's voice was ba
Electra stood frozen, her gaze locked on her reflection in the mirror. The stunning wedding gown hugged her curves perfectly, the delicate lace and intricate embroidery sparkling in the soft light of the fashion house. But despite the manager's compliment, Electra's face remained somber, her eyes welling up with tears.The memory of her first wedding dress fitting, seven years ago in Knoxville, came flooding back. She had been young, in love, and full of hope. That marriage had been a beautiful chapter in her life, one she cherished deeply. But now, as she prepared to marry again, she felt trapped and uncertain."Ma'am, shouldn't you be happy you're getting married?" the manager asked, her voice tinged with concern.Electra ignored her, reaching for a tissue to wipe away the tears streaming down her face. Her eyes, once bright and full of life, now seemed dull and haunted. She wasn't mourning her past, but rather, she was resigned to a future she didn't want. Circumstances had forced
Knoxville POV The past few days had been a never-ending nightmare since Gladys's kidnapping. I had exhausted every possible lead, every connection, every resource to find her, but it seemed like a futile effort. The desperation was eating away at me, and I could feel the weight of my failure bearing down on me.I had tried to reason with Electra, to convince her that we could find our daughter without giving in to Maxwell's demands. At first, she had seemed willing to listen, but as the hours ticked by, she had become increasingly agitated, eventually giving in to Maxwell's instructions. Her words still haunted me: "I'll kill myself if anything happens to Gladys."I had called Henry into my office, instructing him to gather all the necessary documents for the company and the house. I was willing to give it all up, to sacrifice everything for the sake of my daughter. I had another option, a backup plan. I could always join my other company, the one mother had left for me, which was in
Helena drove straight to Maxwell's house, her anger and desperation simmering just below the surface. She slammed the car door shut and stormed into the living room, her eyes blazing with fury.Maxwell was sitting comfortably on the couch, watching TV with a calm, detached expression. Helena's anger boiled over at the sight of him relaxing while their son fought for his life.She rushed towards him, her voice trembling with rage. "So you have the nerves to watch movies while your son is fighting for his life?" she demanded, her words dripping with venom.Maxwell scoffed, his expression unrepentant, and he turned back to the TV, dismissing her. "What's the point of getting worked up? It's not like it's going to change anything," he said, his voice cold and detached."I am talking about my son here, our son!" Helena shouted, her voice echoing through the room, her eyes blazing with anger and hurt.Maxwell's expression turned calculating, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Don't y
Helena burst out of the doctor's office, her face etched with worry, and hastily grabbed her phone to dial Maxwell's number. Her hands trembled as she waited for him to answer.Maxwell picked up immediately, his voice laced with a mix of annoyance and concern. "Why haven't you been picking up my calls? Don't you know our initial plans?" he asked, but Helena cut him off, her voice shrill with panic."I don't have time for that!" she shouted, her words tumbling out in a frantic rush. "Come to the hospital right away! Your son's been in an accident, and the doctor just said he needs a blood transfusion!" Helena's voice cracked, the fear of losing her son palpable as she struggled to hold back tears."Why now?" Maxwell asked, his tone detached and uncaring.Helena's confusion turned to incredulity. "Why do you mean why now?" she asked, her voice laced with growing anger.Maxwell's response sent Helena's anger boiling over. "Why would you let him get into an accident at a time like this?"