“Mum, did you set this up?” Taylor’s voice was low, but the weight of his anger pressed each word like a heavy stone. His jaw was clenched, his fists balled at his sides as he glared at his mother, who stood frozen near the hallway.Slowly, she turned to him, her face a mask of innocence trying to veil the guilt. She squared her shoulders and cocked her head as if she hadn't heard the question."Mum," Taylor repeated, this time louder and sharper. "Did you invite Sarah into my bed? You set this up, hoping she'd seduce me?”Veronica let out a sigh, the veneer falling from her face as she regarded her son, her lips pressed into a thin line. "Fine," she admitted, her chin lifting in defiance. "Yes, I did. And I don't regret it, Taylor. It's for your own good. You need to move on."Taylor's face furrowed in disbelief. "Move on? You think this is the way to help me 'move on'? Throwing Sarah into my bed like I'm some hormonal teenager?""You need a wife, Taylor," Veronica shot back. "And I
Sarah woke up to the incessant buzz of her phone vibrating against the bedside table. Groaning, she reached for it with half-closed eyes, her irritation melting away as soon as she saw the name on the screen— Mother-in-Law. The very sight seemed to electrify her, wiping away any trace of grogginess.“Good morning, Mother,” she answered eagerly, already knowing the reason for the call.“How did it go yesterday?” Veronica’s voice came through sharp and expectant, her impatience barely masked.Sarah smirked, her tone triumphant. “Perfectly well, Mother. We’re having dinner together tonight.” She said it like a melody, savoring each word as if it were a victory chant."Good," Veronica said, approval laced with urgency. "You're making progress. But don't waste time. Seal this quickly. I want grandchildren, Sarah. Time is running out."Veronica had always made it very clear how she felt about anything or anyone beneath her social standing.In her mind, poverty wasn't unfortunate; it was a
There are those moments in one's life that seem to whisper from a distance, gentle hints usually brushed off as coincidences or fleeting thoughts. In Nicole's case, that was when she saw the name Leonard Abrams on the project file she reviewed several weeks ago at Taylons Enterprises while working as a secretary to his ex-husband.The name came with weight, the kind that clings to headlines and television screens, proclaiming success and opulence.She had never met the man behind the name, but the world knew him-a prodigy, one of New York's youngest billionaires. Yet, there was something about his last name that hit her differently.Abrams.The word danced on her tongue, burrowing into her brain as though it belonged to her too.Could all these be just mere coincidences? She had been thrown out of her family when she was so little that her memories of them were fragmented at best: her mother's warmth, the sound of her laughter, her family name, all faded whispers now. She had burie
Morning came with the soft hues of sunlight creeping through the curtains.A gentle knock at the door stirred Nicole from her restless sleep. Her body was heavy, the weight of the previous days' revelations and emotional strain still clinging onto her. She opened the door, and the receptionist greeted her in a respectful tone, telling her that Mr. Abrams was waiting for her in the parking lot.Nicole looked at the wall clock; it was some minutes past eight. Sighing deep, she thanked the receptionist and promised to join him shortly.Nicole quickly dressed up and headed for the parking lot. Leo stood at the car, his expression warm as he opened the door for her.A considerate gesture, yet she sidestepped him and opened the door herself, sliding in wordlessly.The silence that followed wasn't lost on Leo. He tried making small talk during the drive, tossing out questions or remarks about the weather, the city, or what was planned for the day. But Nicole's responses were short, no mor
The room was thick with tension, and Nicole could feel her pulse quickening as Charles’s accusatory words hung in the air. Bella immediately spun on her boyfriend, chastising him with sharp words. “Charles, what the hell is wrong with you? You don’t just throw out accusations like that!” she snapped, though her tone softened just a little when she added, “But… is it true?”Leo wasn't as restrained. "Are you serious right now?" he fired at Charles, his voice an even mix of anger and mockery. "What, you read a couple of headlines, and all of a sudden, you're a detective?”Nicole didn’t take a single step further, the racing of her heart, the growing fury; all bade their time below the surface. Still, she looked in front of her in dead silence, her fists balled tightly at her sides. The humiliation was overpowering her, very similar in nature to one which she felt many, many times already, with each single soul who thought that would be great to be rerunning a number of the tabloids a
Nicole exhaled deeply, Leo’s words still lingering in her mind. His pleas had been convincing, and despite everything in her screaming to leave, something in his tone weakened her resolve. She sighed and crossed her arms, meeting his gaze.“Fine,” she said sharply, her voice tinged with exhaustion. “I’ll stay, but don’t expect me to tolerate any more of this crap. One more humiliation, Leo, just one and I’m done.”He nodded immediately, his expression sincere. “You have my word.”Nicole wasn't convinced, but decided, since it was for the benefit of the old woman upstairs, to try again. Then, within a week, Nicole found herself growing oddly close to Leo's grandmother.When she first met the woman, Nicole had little idea as to how to react, but her softness, her inner warmth was the key that made all of that change.They began with small talk, discussing little about life and family. Nicole would sit with her afternoons, reading from old books in the study or playing cards at the din
Charles stumbled back, clutching at his reddened cheek and the blistering pain on his legs. His face twisted with fury, and with whatever strength he could muster, he lunged toward Nicole, intent on intimidating her into submission.But Nicole wasn’t that woman anymore.Her fingers wrapped around the knife that lay on the counter, its blade glinting in the kitchen light as she raised it between them. The tension was cut by her voice, low and unshakeable. "Try me, Charles. You take one more step, and I'll make sure you rot in hell where you belong."Charles froze, his breath heavy with suppressed anger, but her unwavering stance forced him to retreat slightly. His lips curled into a snarl. “You’re going to regret this, Nicole. Mark my words.”…………………………………………………………………………………Nicole’s POVThat wasn't me, or at least not the version of me that the world used to know. That woman was soft, easily manipulated, too trusting for her own good. Life had taken me down to barely skin and bone,
The restaurant was a masterpiece of ambiance, a symphony of soft lights, clinking glasses, and smooth jazz that seemed to cocoon Sarah and Taylor in their own little bubble. The tables were dressed in white linen, candles flickering faintly atop each one, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. It was perfect, every detail planned to ensure tonight would be unforgettable.She had spent hours preparing for this. From choosing the perfect navy dress that clung just right to curling her hair in soft waves framing her face, she'd gone all out. And as Taylor walked slightly ahead of her toward their table, his presence towering, calm, and collected, she couldn't help but feel a spark of nervous energy.For a man who had agreed to dinner more out of obligation than interest, Taylor still managed to look effortlessly handsome.His charcoal suit seemed to blend with his skin, and his crisp white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar to add just that touch of casualness ne
The ENDNicole sat behind her desk, staring out the large glass window of her office, lost in thought. The morning had been a blur of meetings and paperwork, but her mind was elsewhere. The past weeks had been stormy: their victory against the Fury family, reclaiming what she lost, and finally getting justice from the wrongs done to her. Yet deep down, she knew there were still loose strings to tie.A soft knock at her door pulled her out of her musings. It was Emilia peeking inside. "Ma'am, you have a visitor.""Who is it?" Nicole asked, assuming some other business partner or yet another journalist looking for an interview.Emilia hesitated. "It's Taylor Fury."Nicole's breath hitched. Taylor? Here? Of all people?"Let him in," she said, though her voice did not reflect the sudden turmoil that had risen in her chest.The door swung open, and Taylor walked in, his usual arrogance replaced with something unfamiliar -- humility.He looked different, almost worn down, as if the weight
The evening air was crisp and filled with the comforting hum of city life as Nicole stepped out of the car, her heels clicking lightly against the pavement. The weight of the past weeks still weighed upon her shoulders, but tonight she was determined to try to escape it, if only for a few hours. She adjusted the coat draped over her shoulders and nodded at the bodyguards on either side."You're dismissed for the night," she said. "I'll be fine here."Collins hesitated. "Boss, are you sure? We can wait outside."Nicole gave him a small smile. "Go home. You both deserve the rest. Come back in the morning."Carter exchanged a glance with Collins before giving a reluctant nod. "Alright, but call if anything happens...""Thank you, Carter," Nicole said, cutting him off. "Nothing will happen. See you both in the morning."With that, she turned and made her way toward the entrance of Leo's home.Warmth enveloped her as she stepped inside to the delicious smell of roasted chicken and spices
The courtroom was packed, the air thick with anticipation. Journalists lined the back row, their pens ready to capture the final moments of a trial that had gripped the city. Mumbles went throughout the audience in hushed tones as everyone threw theories on what the verdict was. Some actually felt Veronica Fury would get to walk free while others believed that for once, the woman would pay her due time in prison. Nicole sat at the plaintiff's table with an unreadable expression on her face. In her elegant, yet simple, black suit, she was a vision of confidence, but deep inside her, there was a tempest going on.She had fought for this day, spent years gathering the strength to bring Veronica to justice, and now it all came down to this -- the final decision. Her lawyer, an astute woman, rose from her seat and made her way to the center of the courtroom. She squared her shoulders, adjusted her glasses, and took a deep breath before she began her final statement."Your Honor, ladi
The Fury mansion was shrouded in an eerie silence as Taylor and Sarah sat in the dimly lit living room, their eyes fixed on the television screen. It had drained them for these past few weeks, the feeling in the room, that of defeat, hung in the air heavy. Veronica sat back in one corner, her expression unreadable, with a firm clasp on the leather chair's armrest. The evening news was on, first with politics, current events of interest around the world, when the voice of the news anchor changed.To their most shocking scene,was the declaration of the sale of Taylons Enterprises to its new owner. The company, which suffered serious financial setbacks, has been acquired by no other person than Nicole Okeke, Chief Executive Officer and President of Okeke Group.On the screen was a clear shot of Nicole, standing right in front of the headquarters of the company; the newly installed Okeke Group logo was emblazoned above the entrance. Her poised figure and calm demeanor seemed to say a
Nicole descended the courthouse steps with practiced grace, her expression unreadable as the mob of journalists and reporters surged forward. Cameras flashed like wildfire in the gray sky. Facing them, stream of voices went hysterical, with every other reporter screaming their questions louder than the last. "Ms. Okeke, do you really feel the court will be on your side?" "Ms. Okeke, are you just out to get the Fury family out of personal revenge?" "How do you reply to claims that this case has absolutely nothing to do with justice but it is, in reality, a personal vendetta?"Carter stepped in front of Nicole, the chaotic crowd pushing in against him as Collins held open the car door only a few feet away. The bodyguards' security at this moment was fierce."Back off!" Carter barked, his voice firm as he pushed a microphone away from Nicole's face. Nicole, however raised a hand to call off her bodyguards. "It's ok," she said, voice calm, but commanding. The reporters now reduced
The courtroom was unusually quiet that morning, the weight of the trial bearing heavily on everyone present. Nicole sat at her table, fingers intertwined, and watched as the judge took his seat. Her lawyer was looking over the day's agenda, but Nicole was elsewhere. She was preparing herself for yet another painful revelation. She barely knew what was coming. The prosecuting council stood up and called their next witness: "We would like to call Sarah Fury to the stand."Veronica's eyes quickly widened in shock. How was this possible? Nicole's head snapped up, and her eyes shot wide in incredulity. She leaned to her attorney, who avoided her gaze but just fidgeted with her notes. "Sarah?" Nicole whispered with a hint of confusion and accusation. "It was their decision," her lawyer said very quietly.The lawyer finally looked back at her. Her expression cautioned her. "They came to me days ago, and I thought it best to let their testimonies speak for themselves."Before Nicole co
The courtroom was packed, a sea of tense faces and curious eyes as the trial resumed. Journalists, family members, and curious onlookers filled the benches, whispering in hushed tones about the drama that had unfolded so far. Nicole sat at her table, calm but resolute. Her lawyer sat beside her, a folder full of evidence spread across the desk. Across the room, Veronica sat upright and stone-faced, her expression unreadable. Beside her was her lawyer, a man with a name for dismantling even the most solid cases.The judge entered, and the bailiff called for silence. "This court is now in session," he announced, his voice echoing through the tense space. The judge nodded for the prosecution to begin, and Nicole's lawyer stood, buttoning her suit jacket as she approached the bench. "Your Honor, we call our next witness to the stand," she said, her voice steady but firm.The door of the courtroom opened, and the hesitant steps of the maid who once tried to poison Nicole entered. She
The hum of the air condition filled Nicole’s office as she sat at her desk, reviewing documents related to the court case. The weight of everything was beginning to take its toll, but she refused to let it show. This wasn't just a battle for justice; this was personal, an almost instinctual need to regain what had been taken from her. A soft knock at the door broke into her reverie. She looked up and let in Emilia, who wore a tight look about her features."Taylor and his wife are here, requesting to see you," she said softly.Nicole's brow arched high, her surprise tempered by having anticipated this turn of events all along. "Let them in," she said finally, her voice even and icy. A few moments later, Taylor and Sarah entered the room, a mixture of unease and regret showing on their features. The former was a bit older; his once sharply etched face had softened in the aftereffects of his recent actions.Sarah stood a little behind him, her hands clasped tight together, as if to
The courthouse buzzed with tension as the crowd filled the courtroom for the first hearing. Journalists lined the hallways outside, flashing cameras, and voices in a chaotic symphony of questions and assumptions. Inside, the atmosphere was no less charged. The courtroom was divided, onlookers whispering their speculations about the high-profile case that had drawn public attention. Veronica sat at the defendant's table, her posture rigid, her face pale but composed.Her attorney leaned forward and whispered something to her; she nodded slightly in affirmative.Behind Veronica, Taylor and Sarah were seated, a mixture of concern and disbelief carved on their faces.Taylor's eyes continued darting to Nicole, who, appearing in court with her attorney, exuded a silent, unbreakable confidence.Her bodyguards Collins and Carter stood outside the door and guard.The judge walked in, an imposing woman in her fifties, and onto the wood came the gavel. "This court is now in session," she sai