91 (Xander's pov) Speaking of unwanted visitors, that was exactly what knocked on my doorstep today. After Dad's poisoning incident, I started to investigate, of course, not with the police since it was unknown who planned the poisoning incident and if they had influence in the police. Due to the investigation, I informed a couple of old friends, Ivan, Kyle and Benji, due to their influence. We planned to meet up at one of Ivan's clubs to talk things over after Benji arrived in the country, but all of a sudden, these assholes decided to use my home as the meeting point. I was not a good person in quote so none of my friends were considered saints. The last thing I wanted was for them to be close to Karis. The world was too wicked for my naive wife, and at times, I wish I could create a bubble to keep her safe but Karis just wanted to defend herself and kept throwing herself to the devil. I don't know what's the deal she has with Skyler, but one thing for sure, associat
(Xander's pov) My hand was still bleeding but the pain was nothing compared to what I had felt before. The music piece was happy, but for me, all it did was bring back memories of Alessia. Coincidentally, this was also Alessia's favourite piece. Whenever she was free, she would play it over and over again. Then, the piano was placed close to the grand stairs facing the back door. It was after her death it was moved here. I hated the sound of the piano because all it did was bring back memories of guilt. I could never forgive myself for what happened to Alessia, and hearing such fine play was tucking my heart strings, reminding me that if what happened never occurred, Alessia would have been the one playing. "It's Alessia's piece. I thought you got rid of the piano."Ivan muttered it probably brought back memories for him. "I kept it out of sight and reach; that was what I thought." I snarled. My eyes glanced at the pile of cards that had been stained by blood.
(Karis's pov) "I look forward to that, but unfortunately, we have guests to attend to now. The punishment will be later." There was this menacing presence around him that made me scared to my bones. He was terrifying. Xander leaned forward and the aura around him calmed down a bit, but his eyes were still cold. His reaction to me touching the piano was so adverse. Despite the danger that rang around me and how serious Xander was, I was super excited and anticipating what he planned to do. My head was screaming and warning me of the danger but yet my body was intrigued. That was how fucked up Xander made me. "You don't scare me." I spat at him. My eyes were shooting daggers at him. His eyes were still cold despite the fact he was smiling. "If you are not scared, then why are you shaking like a bunny? All you can do is glare at me but it's cool as long as your eyes are on me. You just can't resist looking at me." He was annoying, his level of narcissism was beyond
(Karis's pov) I was not the only one who found this side of Xander weird; I could see the surprise on his friend's face. "I never thought I would see this side of Xander, love makes people change." Ivan teased with his green eyes sparkling with mischief. Benjamin let out a short chuckle in response. Kyle was rigid as ever, but it still made me feel a bit off. My cheeks started to burn hot, and I tried my best not to look too much. The new steak didn't take long for it to arrive. Xander was taking his time to play the attentive lover to the peak. He was so caring to even help me cut my steak into smaller pieces, while still conversing with his friends. Meeting Xander's friends was not as nerve-wracking as expected due to Xander's earlier warning they were mindful of their words. After Xander was done cutting the steak I was expecting him to slide the plate to me. The next thing he did was pick up a piece of meat to feed me in front of his friend. I bit my lips as my ner
(Karis's pov) I could not talk to Bertha after the surgery because she fell unconscious after it was done from exhaustion. Since it was expected she would be unconscious for almost a day, I just got her some flowers and a get-well card which I placed by her bed to show I was there. A sigh left my lips as I gave her a last glance before leaving her room. Skyler was waiting for me outside because he felt I needed my privacy. He was very considerate in everything. "Have you thought about what I told you?" He suddenly asked leaving puzzled. "What are you talking about? I am kind of lost?" I wracked my brains trying to figure out what he was talking about. "I heard from a little birdie you told your dear hubby I am your lover. You didn't accept my offer but you are always using my name to your advantage." My heartbeat plunged to my stomach. How did he find out about that? Skyler had an amused look as he observed my expression. "You are cute when you try to hide your
(Karis's pov) I was confused by Skyler's words, but one thing I have learnt about men from my husband is that you shouldn't stretch your brains to understand them. My mood was instantly lifted by that thought as a bright smile hung on my lips. Today was a great day. Sapphire praised my designs, and Bertha's operation was a success. The only thing left was for my divorce to be completed. I grabbed my drink, bringing it to my lips to enjoy the flavour that wrapped around my tongue. I planned on going back to the hospital later, and then I needed to talk to Xander concerning our divorce proceeding. Time was running fast, and two months were over halfway through. I couldn't wait for my freedom. My smile fell when I heard an annoying laughter from my side. I didn't need to turn to know who it was. "Dear sister, are you going to pretend you didn't see me earlier." A particularly cheesy voice spoke out. Great, my perfect day just got ruined. Ignoring Emma, I grabbed my
(Karis's pov) Up till now, I had no idea why Father had called me. He took his seat at the head of the table while Miranda sat by his side dutifully like a good wife. "How have you been dear? You seem to be glowing after you got married." Christian started to butter me up. He had a creepy smile on his face that made me feel something was off. "I have been doing great; the atmosphere at the De Marco estate is better than being surrounded by you pretentious bitches." I sneered, not sugarcoating my words. Father started to cough, understanding what I was implying. "That is no way to talk about mother and sister." Miranda butts in, her face marred with fury. "Mother, I had no idea my dead mother Hazel had another child. Why don't I have any idea of this father?" I acted oblivious to what she meant. Miranda's face flushed further. It was enjoyable to see her mad. Dad looked at me with his mouth agape, stunned by my behaviour; I was never the type to talk smack about peo
(Xander's pov) This week has been hectic, all thanks to an annoying fly who I have been trying my best not to snap his neck. Skyler has been trying to poach my partners and future deals. I didn't take him seriously at first because most of those deals didn't affect me much, and I didn't feel the need to fight after a couple of irrelevant people that don't understand the meaning of loyalty. Whenever he poaches one, there is always a replacement ready, but his games have started to get more annoying. I was also occupied with figuring out how the hell my father got poisoned amidst all this chaos. It was hard to pin the blame on anyone because the De Marco name has its fair share of enemies. The board room was in chaos. Most of the shareholders and top managers were quite disturbed about the threat of the Crest conglomerate, but I wasn't bothered. No matter how they fuzz about it, I controlled over 80 per cent of the shares, holding the absolute deciding power, so in the end, e
(Xander's pov) I don't know why Vance and Val wanted to come out to play in the park when the temperature was freezing in December. Frost covered every branch, creating a dazzling white layer that sparkled in the fading afternoon light. The ground was frozen and crunchy underfoot, and the air was biting cold, nipping at my face. I sat on a chilly wooden bench, wrapping my scarf tighter around my neck as my breath from fogs in front of me. In the distance, Vance and Valeria played in the snow near the swings, their lively voices piercing and brightening the atmosphere. Vance excitedly called out to me, waving his arms to get my attention, his joyful sound warming the cold winter day. He had successfully built a snowman with Val and seemed to be having a lot of fun. It reminded me of when me and the boys did similar things during our childhood then Karis would want to join in to enjoy the fun. I wasn't particularly nice because I always stopped her from
(Xander's pov) Sky, that's what Ivan called him; it was amusing. There was a time when we were considered friends, Zed, Ivan, Kyle and Sky, but in the same way, I left my past as Zed, the same way Sky is dead to me. "When you call him that it reminds me of how much I hate that jerk?" I clicked my tongue and then moved to my desk, Ignoring them, but they were used to my attitude, especially this bunch that found pleasure in pissing me off. "You both know how to hold a grudge, so what's the plan, or are you so pathetic you have no way of explaining things to Karis? You were basically a living dead these past years with the only thing you did was aggressively doing business." Ivan sneered, taking a drag of his cigarette. He was awfully free for someone who ran a Mafia and had a wedding coming up. "You are very nosy, you focus on your life since you will soon be a married man. I am sure Bertha won't condone your habits, especially considering the fact she escaped death
(Xander's pov) When it comes to Karis, I always lose my reasoning. That's how I would describe it. It was foolish of me thinking that just by talking to her we would be able to resolve our differences and be a happy couple we were never in the past. That could never be the case; how was I going to explain that what happened between me and Emma was a mistake and I was drunk when Vance was in the picture? He was the proof that I was a cheating husband. One way or the other, Karis would come back, it isn't overconfident, but I know what I was capable of doing. She would have to fulfil her contract, and it just turns out that I was the only one with the stones unless she decides to choose for the black market, like how the scheming Skyler works. For obvious reasons, my dislike for Skyler grew by the day. I had to hold back myself from not breaking the arm he had on Karis's waist. She claimed that he was her fiance, but there was no ring on her finger. My little red
(Karis's pov) Xander must be delusion if he thinks I would ever go back to him. I rather die. Despite everything my mind was still thinking about what he said about Skyler. I knew Xander and Skyler had a history together, which I was curious about, but neither party was willing to share it. What was the main reason that made them enemies? From my guess, they were friends in the past because they seemed to have the same friend group. Something big must have happened and I had no fucking idea. ' Why am I even doubting Skyler?' the question popped into my head. Skyler had never done anything against me. He had been very supportive so far. "Was the negotiations a success?" Lavender asked me as we made our way out of the venue. I could still feel Xander's gaze on me. All he could ever do was look at my back because I was already beyond his reach. There was no going back from this point. "I rather not talk about it." I sighed feeling exhausted from talking to X
(Karis's pov) The Atmosphere was festive, with Christmas close by and there seemed to be a lot of blissful chatter in the room except my table. It was a face-down between me and my ex-husband, Xander De Marco, who was super delusional. Honestly, I had no idea why I was still here listening to Xander. He was driving me crazy. He was right, Xander loved making my life a living hell but not again will I let him have the last laugh. I wished he would just drop down dead and I could not control my emotions anymore. My eyes were glaring so hard at him they could almost pop out. "You are a narcissist and full of yourself. I am done with this conversation." I scoffed about leaving the table. It was better I leave here because I was certain Mr Santos was not coming back. "Letting your emotions control you isn't smart in the business world, dear wife. I thought Skyler thought you better, but then again, I am the best in the game, little Red." He placed his glass back on
(Karis's pov) My first instinct was to get the hell out of there; that would have been what Karis would have done in this scenario, but Karis is dead. Madam Esmeralda was not scared of an annoying ex-husband. "I thought as much." Xander chimed, still maintaining his annoying smile. I had a strong urge to smack it off his face. At times I wonder what goes on in that head of his. His smile made me sick to my stomach and, for a strange reason, reminded me of a lot of annoying memories I would rather forget. "I didn't know you know, each other. I hope you are not offended by Mr De Marco joining us. Since you requested further negotiations, I thought it fit he should be here since he is already my partner." Mr Santos explained. My smile stiffened, Xander had already finalized the deal. "We barely know each other Mr Santos," I said with a dry smile as I took my seat. Lavender excused us to go to an already booked nearby table. "Are you sure about that? To the best o
(Karis's pov) Today was a long day. I had several calls coming in, and a lot was generally happening, not to forget the fact I was all over the media. Honestly, everything was draining, and it was more than I had bargained for. "Maybe you should just take a break, and if you need my help, don't hesitate." I heard Skyler say over the phone. I just finished a quick Zoom meeting and was about to leave home for my lunch appointment with Mr Santos. Skyler called in to check up on me which was very thoughtful of him to do."I will take a break. There is no need to worry much, and if I need your help, I will contact you." I replied, knowing fully well I would only resort to asking for his help as a last card. I didn't want to depend on others to achieve my goals, and Skyler had already done more than enough for me, so asking him for more help didn't go well with me. "You promise to ask for my help." He mentioned that his Baritone voice sounded soothing to my ears.
(Karis's pov) The Reynolds family held 50 percent deciding power, meaning if all the other shareholders were against the idea, then the decision would be bounced off the table. "First of all, we have to make something clear here. Only shareholders can make a decision." I mentioned that plunged Emma and Dad into deeper confusion. I cleared my throat, and then my eyes darted among the shareholders. "Gentlemen, you can now leave. Thank you for your time," I mentioned. Then, to Emma's shock, almost every shareholder got on their feet and nodded at me before they left the room. "What's going on shareholders can't leave in the middle of a meeting?" Emma asked confused. There were just 4 people left in the room: Dad, Emma, me and Mr Floyd, who refused to sell his shares. "Isn't it crystal clear to you already?" I asked Emma, who was still confused, but I think Dad got the message because he released a frustrated sigh. "You bought off all their shares." Dad sighed
(Karis's pov) Miranda was seething in anger; if looks could kill, I would have been dead by now. "Karis, please let your mother sit down. She is rather old," Christian said with a very calm voice. I Arched my brow at him, then pouted my lips pretending like I was considering when my real intention was just to have fun with my family. "Since Miranda had to sit down due to her age, why didn't Emma give up her seat? After all, she is the youngest here and Miranda's daughter."I suggested which was very reasonable. But for some unknown reason, Emma didn't like the idea of giving up her seat for her mother. Her face twisted in ways I never knew it could with her eyes throwing daggers at me. Christian reached out to massage the space between his brows because this argument was not going anywhere. It's not my fault he has a problematic family and a daughter who cares less about her mother. "In my opinion, you shouldnbe the one to leave here; you have never been to a st