Electra's voice broke the silence, her tone laced with concern. "Well, what does it say?" she asked, taking a step closer to me, her eyes searching mine for answers.I glanced up at Electra, my stomach tight with a mix of emotions. Her eyes were locked onto mine, filled with concern and a hint of fear. "Knox?" she asked, her voice seeming to echo from a distance.But I couldn't respond, my mind reeling with the implications of the DNA results. I felt like I had been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me.Electra's voice grew more insistent, her words pulling me back to reality. "Knox? Why aren't you saying anything?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for answers.Without waiting for a response, Electra reached out and gently pulled the document from my hands. Her eyes scanned the page, and her face went pale, her expression mirroring the shock and disbelief that I felt."Are any of you going to tell us what's going on or are you both going to continue acting dramatic?" Maxw
Helena POV "So, who's the father then?" Maxwell asked, his hands folded around his chest, his eyes filled with curiosity. I was pretty sure if he found out the truth, he wouldn't be as curious as he looked now.I couldn't resist taking a jab at him, just for the sake of seeing his reaction. "Well, if you must know Maxwell, the child is yours," I said with a smirk, trying to keep a straight face.The look on Maxwell's face was pure gold. His eyes widened in shock, and his mouth dropped open. He looked like he had been punched in the gut. For a moment, he just stared at me, his face frozen in a mixture of shock and horror. I couldn't help but chuckle at his expense.His hands dropped mine as if I had suddenly turned boiling hot. "You are lying," he spat at me, stepping away from me like he was trying to pinpoint why I was lying. He looked at me with a mixture of disgust and accusation, his eyes narrowing as if daring me to deny the truth.I couldn't help but smile at his reaction. "Unl
Knoxville I took a gulp of my white wine, the crisp liquid passing down my throat as I frowned, my mind reeling with the day's revelations. What had started off as a hopeful day had quickly turned to ash, leaving me feeling dazed and disoriented. I still couldn't believe that Gideon was my son. The words echoed in my mind, but they just couldn't register, no matter how many times I read the DNA results. Over and over and over again, the words danced on the page, taunting me with their truth.I set the wine glass down, my eyes drifting out the window as I struggled to process this new reality. I had every intention of protecting and being there for Gideon now that I knew he was my son, but I couldn't help but wonder... why now? Why had fate chosen to reveal this truth to me at this moment, after all these years? The question swirled in my mind, leaving me feeling lost and uncertain about what the future held.I clenched my fists, feeling a wave of anger wash over me. Why did Helena wa
Knoxville I gazed out the window, my mind consumed by the looming threat of Maxwell's power play. "My best guess is because he can," I muttered, my voice laced with frustration. "He knows he has a lot of people that would support him in an instant. They all think he is some kind of saint." Henry's expression was somber, and I knew he shared my concern.Henry nodded in agreement. "Maxwell does have a lot of supporters, sir. And when it comes down to it, he'll probably get the unanimous vote." His words hung in the air like a challenge, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. Maxwell might have the upper hand for now, but I was far from defeated.I turned to face Henry, my eyes narrowing as I considered our next move. "He's that great a pretender," I said, my voice dripping with disdain. Maxwell's ability to manipulate others was impressive, but I knew his facade wouldn't last forever.Just then, Henry's voice broke into my thoughts. "You look worried, sir." I felt a fli
Knoxville POV I stood tall, my eyes scanning the room with a piercing gaze, my voice low and even. "Is anyone going to speak?" I asked again, my tone dripping with a hint of annoyance, though my face remained impassive. I was already aware of the dynamics at play, but I pretended otherwise, savoring the discomfort that radiated from the others like a palpable force.The air was thick with tension as I paused, letting the silence hang heavy over the group. I knew they hadn't been expecting me to show up, and that was precisely why I had chosen to make an entrance. The element of surprise was a powerful tool, and I wielded it with precision.As I swept my gaze around the room, my eyes lingered on each face, searching for any sign of weakness or guilt. The others shifted uncomfortably under my scrutiny, their eyes darting towards each other before quickly looking away."Nobody?" I repeated, my voice a little louder, a little sharper. My displeasure simmered just below the surface, waiti
Knoxville POV I turned to face Maxwell, my eyes locked on his, as I delivered the scathing rebuke. "Your hands are dirty, Maxwell," I said, my voice firm and resolute. "That's the only reason you have the people's vote, not because you're competent to be the chairman." I paused, my gaze piercing through his facade. "They know you're an easy target, a puppet they can manipulate to do their bidding. That's all you really are to them, and that's why they'll support your attempt at a coup."Maxwell's face twisted in rage, his eyes bulging with indignation. But I wasn't finished yet. "You're right, I don't have the authority to return their shares," I continued, my voice unwavering. "But I've brought my father's PA, the acting CEO, to set the record straight." I turned to gesture to the acting CEO, who stood beside his lawyer, their faces stern and professional. "Let's hear from them, shall we?" I said, my eyes never leaving Maxwell's face, daring him to challenge me further.He cleared h
Maxwell's eyes widened in outrage as he directed his question to his late father's PA, his voice trembling with indignation. "How can this be possible?" he demanded, his face reddening with anger.The PA, a man with a stern expression and a hint of a sympathetic gaze, looked at Maxwell and shrugged, as if he'd been waiting for the opportunity to speak. "Well," he began, his voice measured and calm, "when your father was alive, he was watching the both of you carefully, to see who was competent enough to carry his legacy."Maxwell's face fell, his eyes flashing with anger and hurt, as the PA continued. "And I'm not sure how to put this kindly, but you weren't the chosen one, unfortunately, Mr. Maxwell." The PA's words were like a slap in the face, and Maxwell's expression reflected the shock and pain he felt.The PA's expression turned somber, his voice taking on a serious tone. "According to your father, you proved to be easily bought and incompetent in many ways." The words hung in t
Maxwell's face turned a deep shade of red as he spluttered in outrage, his eyes bulging with indignation. "What are you talking about?" he demanded, his voice rising to a near-shout. "My father would never say such things! This is all just a fabrication, a lie to keep me from my rightful place as chairman!"The PA and lawyer exchanged a sympathetic glance, their expressions softening as they gazed at Maxwell's distraught face. The PA spoke up, his voice gentle but firm. "Your father wishes for you to change your ways and become a better man, Maxwell. He wants you to learn from your mistakes and grow as a person. And if possible, he hopes you can learn to love and live in harmony with your brother."Maxwell's expression turned even more incredulous, his eyes wide with disdain. "Love and live in harmony with him?" he repeated, his voice dripping with scorn. "You expect me to just forgive and forget everything he's done to me?"The lawyer stepped forward, his eyes locked on Maxwell's fac
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?"