Chapter 23: The Breaking PointThe air between them was thick, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of them could ignore any longer. Ethan’s words lingered in the quiet of the penthouse: “I’ll wait. As long as it takes, Olivia. Because you’re worth it.”Olivia stood from her chair abruptly, needing to create distance, to think, to breathe. But as she moved toward the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city, Ethan followed her. His footsteps were silent but sure, and she could feel his presence before he even reached her.“You don’t have to do this, Ethan,” she said softly, her voice trembling. “You don’t have to chase me just because I’m the one thing you think you can’t have.”“That’s where you’re wrong,” he said, his voice low and rough. “I’m not chasing you because I can’t have you. I’m chasing you because I already know I want you.”His words sent a shiver down her spine, and when his hand brushed against her arm, she didn’t pull away. Instead, she turned to face him
Chapter 24: Scandal UnleashedThe world felt like it was spinning too fast, and Olivia was caught in the eye of the storm. She sat frozen in her dressing room, Pearl’s smug grin and Lily’s concerned expression blurring together as her mind processed the headline.“Ethan Cole’s Mystery Woman: Who Is She?”The words seemed to glow like fire, burning into her consciousness.“How did they even get this picture?” Olivia muttered, grabbing Pearl’s phone for a closer look. The blurry photo showed her exiting Ethan’s penthouse earlier that morning, wrapped in the oversized coat he had given her.“Oh, honey,” Pearl said, crossing her arms and leaning against the vanity. “When it comes to Ethan Cole, there are eyes everywhere. You should know better.”Olivia glared at her. “Thanks for the advice,” she snapped, tossing the phone back.Lily stepped in, her tone firm but caring. “Pearl, maybe now’s not the time to gloat. Olivia’s clearly got enough on her plate.”Pearl shrugged nonchalantly. “I’m
Chapter 26: Entangled FatesOlivia leaned against the trailer door, her breath shaky as she tried to collect herself. The weight of the day pressed down on her like a suffocating blanket. Lily’s concerned expression greeted her as she stepped out.“Are you okay?” Lily asked softly, her voice steady despite the buzz of gossip around them.Olivia forced a smile. “I’m fine. Let’s get back to work.”But as she walked toward the set, her mind remained anything but fine. Ethan’s unexpected appearance had thrown her, not to mention his audacious claim that he cared. That wasn’t part of the deal, they were supposed to be strangers now. Yet, his intense gaze and unyielding presence lingered in her mind like an unshakable echo.***Inside the trailer, Ethan stood rooted to the spot, his fists clenched at his sides. Olivia’s stubbornness was both infuriating and admirable. She refused to let him in, yet he couldn’t seem to stay away.This wasn’t how he operated. Control was second nature to him,
Chapter 27: Caught in the CrossfireThe aftermath of Ethan’s statement was a whirlwind Olivia hadn’t anticipated. By mid-morning, social media was abuzz with contrasting opinions. Supporters praised Ethan’s gallant defense, while skeptics questioned his motives. Olivia was caught in the middle, her life dissected by millions of strangers who didn’t know the first thing about her.At the studio, the atmosphere was tense. People whispered in clusters, and every glance in Olivia’s direction felt like a dagger. She had managed to make it to set, but the weight of everyone’s judgment clung to her like a second skin.“Liv, are you sure you’re okay to work today?” Lily asked as she handed her a cup of tea during a brief break.“I can’t hide forever,” Olivia replied, her voice low. “If I stop, they’ll win. They’ll think I have something to be ashamed of.”“But Ethan’s statement…”“Made things worse,” Olivia finished bitterly. “Now, everyone thinks there’s more to this than there really is.”L
Chapter 28: Unmasking ShadowsThe morning sunlight streamed through Olivia’s window, but the warmth did little to soothe the cold pit in her stomach. News outlets were relentless. Every detail of her life was now a spectacle, and she felt like a caged animal in a zoo.Her phone rang, the caller ID flashing Claire’s name again.“Claire,” Olivia answered, her voice tense.“We’ve got a problem,” Claire said without preamble. “The tabloids are running with a new angle. They’re claiming your relationship with Ethan is a publicity stunt.”Olivia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Of course they are. What else is new?”“It’s not just that,” Claire continued. “They’re dragging up old rumors about your family, your time before acting. Someone’s feeding them information, Liv.”Olivia froze. Her past was something she had buried long ago, a part of her life she never wanted to see the light of day. If the media got hold of certain details, it could ruin her career—and her sanity.“Who’s b
Chapter 29: A Fortress of SecretsThe ride to Ethan's penthouse was filled with a tense silence, broken only by the occasional hum of the car engine. Olivia stared out of the window, watching the city lights blur past. Ethan's presence next to her was suffocating yet strangely reassuring."Are you going to tell me how this is supposed to help?" Olivia asked, finally breaking the silence.Ethan glanced at her, his jaw tightening. "You’ll be safer with me. Until I find out who’s behind the leaks and shut them down, I can’t risk leaving you on your own.""Safer from what? Gossip?" she shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm.Ethan didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he leaned back in his seat, his icy gaze fixed on her. "You don’t understand how far these things can go, Olivia. It’s not just about gossip anymore. They’ll dig up your past, twist it, and use it to destroy you. And I won’t let that happen."His words sent a shiver down her spine. As much as she hated to admit it, he wasn’t
Chapter 30: Shadows of the PastEthan paced the length of his study, the sleek, modern room dimly lit except for the glow of his laptop screen. The name Daniel Winters repeated in his head like a mantra, each syllable sharpening his resolve. Whoever this man was, he had made a grave mistake."Jake," Ethan barked into his phone. "I need everything on a Daniel Winters. Every record, every connection, every debt. I don’t care how you get it just make it fast.""On it, sir," Jake replied without hesitation.Ethan hung up, his jaw tightening. No one messed with what was his, no one, and got away unscathed.Meanwhile, Olivia sat curled up in a corner of Ethan’s couch, her mind restless. The quiet of the penthouse amplified her thoughts, memories she had buried for years clawing their way back to the surface.Daniel Winters. She had once trusted him, relied on him, and he had betrayed her in ways she hadn’t thought possible. But now, he was stirring the pot again, threatening the fragile sen
Chapter 31: Winds of RetaliationThe tension between Ethan and Olivia lingered in the air like a storm waiting to break. Though the city below was alive with lights and movement, the penthouse was unnervingly quiet. Olivia stood by the balcony, the glass of wine in her hand untouched as her thoughts spiraled.Ethan’s words echoed in her mind: “Because I care about you.”She had heard declarations before, empty promises and flowery words from men who ultimately left her to pick up the pieces. But with Ethan, it felt different. His protectiveness, his determination to shield her from Daniel’s schemes, was unlike anything she had experienced. It scared her as much as it reassured her.Inside, Ethan sat in his study, surrounded by monitors and documents. His methods were cold and precise, like a surgeon preparing for a critical operation. Daniel Winters wasn’t just an enemy; he was an obstacle Ethan intended to obliterate."Jake," Ethan said into his headset. "I want every company associa
Chapter 40: The Flirtatious CEO Monday morning began like any other. Olivia woke up to the sound of her alarm, groggily stretching before realizing she was no longer in her apartment but Ethan’s penthouse. The events of the past few weeks had shifted her entire life, and she was still adjusting. As she shuffled into the kitchen, Ethan was already there, sipping his coffee and scrolling through his tablet. But something was different. His usual crisp, composed demeanor had been replaced by a mischievous grin that made Olivia wary. “Good morning, sunshine,” he said, his voice dripping with charm. Olivia raised an eyebrow, grabbing a mug. “You’re unusually chipper for a Monday. What’s going on?” “Can’t a man be in a good mood around his stunning girlfriend?” Ethan asked, setting his tablet down and leaning against the counter. She gave him a skeptical look. “What are you up to, Ethan?” “Nothing,” he said innocently, though the twinkle in his eye suggested otherwise. “I just
Chapter 39: Dinner with the ColesSaturday evening arrived with an air of nervous anticipation. Olivia stood in front of the mirror, smoothing down the sleek black dress she’d chosen for the dinner. It was elegant yet understated, perfect for meeting the Evelyn Cole again. “You look fine,” Ethan said from the doorway, his tone casual. Olivia turned to glare at him. “Fine? That’s all you’ve got? I’m about to meet your entire family, and you’re giving me ‘fine’?” Ethan smirked, adjusting the cufflinks on his pristine white shirt. “You look beautiful. Better?” She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile from forming. “A little.” They arrived at the Cole family estate just as the sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the sprawling mansion. Olivia’s jaw dropped as she took in the grandeur of the place, the perfectly manicured gardens, the marble fountain in the driveway, and the sheer size of the house. “This is a *house*?” Olivia whispered as they walked up the
Chapter 38: The Uninvited GuestOlivia woke up the next morning feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Ethan's words from the night before echoed in her mind: “I’m not going anywhere.” They’d stayed up late talking, the game of truths leading to unspoken feelings finally surfacing. She padded into the kitchen to find Ethan already there, dressed in his signature suit and tie, sipping his coffee while scrolling through his phone. “Morning,” she said, her voice still groggy. “Morning,” he replied without looking up. But then his eyes flicked to her, and he smirked. “Nice bedhead.” Olivia groaned, running her fingers through her wild hair. “Thanks for the ego boost.” “You’re welcome.” Ethan leaned against the counter, a rare trace of playfulness in his demeanor. “Breakfast is on the table.” Olivia looked over to see an impressive spread: eggs, toast, fruit, and—of course—freshly brewed coffee. She raised an eyebrow. “You cooked?” “No,” Ethan admitted. “The chef did. But I t
Chapter 37: A Game of TruthsThe air in the penthouse was unusually quiet that evening. Ethan Cole sat on the plush sofa with a glass of whiskey in his hand, his sharp suit replaced by a casual sweater and slacks. Olivia Hart was sprawled across the opposite end, her legs tucked beneath her, flipping through channels with disinterest. “Do you ever actually watch anything, or is the remote just for decoration?” Ethan teased, swirling his drink. Olivia shot him a glare. “Excuse me for trying to find something that doesn’t involve explosions or boring documentaries about corporate takeovers.” “Those aren’t boring,” Ethan argued, leaning back. “They’re informative.” “They’re sleep aids,” Olivia retorted, finally settling on a cheesy rom-com. Ethan groaned. “This? Really? The guy is about to propose to the wrong woman. You can see it coming from a mile away.” “That’s the point,” Olivia said, tossing a pillow at him. “Not everyone likes convoluted schemes, Mr. Cole. Some of us e
Chapter 36: Breakfast In BedOlivia Hart woke up to the smell of something burning. She bolted upright, her heart racing. The sunlight streaming through the penthouse windows told her it was far too late for breakfast, and the faint sound of Ethan Cole swearing from the kitchen filled her with dread, and a surprising amount of amusement. Ethan Cole, the untouchable billionaire, the man who could dismantle empires with a single phone call, was apparently at war with the stove. Curiosity got the better of her, and she slipped out of bed, pulling on a robe as she tiptoed toward the source of the commotion. She peeked around the corner to find Ethan standing in front of a skillet, armed with a spatula like it was a sword. His usually immaculate appearance was in disarray: his shirt was untucked, his sleeves rolled up, and his hair was sticking up in every direction. “Come on, you stupid thing!” Ethan muttered, flipping a pancake that promptly landed on the floor. Olivia couldn’t h
Chapter 35: A Night to Remember The weight of the day hung heavy, but for the first time in weeks, the storm outside seemed to pause. The moonlight spilled into Ethan’s penthouse, casting a soft glow over the sleek furnishings. It was quiet, almost too quiet, as Olivia sat by the large floor-to-ceiling window, staring at the city lights below. Her thoughts were a whirlwind. The forged documents, Daniel’s threats, Ethan’s unyielding protection, it was all too much to unpack. She barely heard Ethan approaching until his shadow fell over her. “You’re lost in your thoughts again,” he said, his deep voice breaking through the silence. She turned, startled to see him holding two glasses of wine. He was dressed casually, a stark contrast to his usual sharp suits. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, and for once, he looked almost…approachable. “Trying to make sense of everything,” Olivia admitted as he handed her a glass and sat beside her. “You don’t have to,” Ethan said
Chapter 34: Shadows of BetrayalMorning sunlight filtered through the penthouse windows, but the warmth did nothing to dispel the tension crackling in the air. Ethan stood by the window, phone pressed to his ear, issuing commands with the precision of a battlefield general. He was dressed impeccably in a tailored navy suit, but his restless pacing betrayed the storm brewing inside him. Olivia sat on the couch, her gaze fixed on him as she sipped her coffee. He hadn’t said much since the cryptic message from Daniel’s lawyer the night before, but she could feel the weight of his thoughts bearing down on him. When he ended the call, she set her mug down. “Are you going to tell me what’s going on, or do I have to guess?” Ethan turned, his sharp eyes locking onto hers. “You don’t need to worry about it.” Her brow furrowed, frustration bubbling to the surface. “You don’t get to decide that. If it involves me, I deserve to know.” He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his
Chapter 33: Storms on the HorizonThe fallout from the gala was swift and unforgiving. News outlets ran back-to-back exposés on Daniel Winters’ business practices, while social media roasted him mercilessly. It was a public execution, orchestrated with the precision only Ethan Cole could manage.But in the midst of the chaos, Ethan wasn’t celebrating. He was preparing for the next move. Olivia noticed it in the way he carried himself—restless, relentless, and impossibly focused.“I know that look,” Olivia said one morning as she sipped her coffee, watching him pace across the living room.“What look?” Ethan asked, distracted, his phone in one hand and a file in the other.“The ‘I’m planning to conquer the world before lunch’ look.” She set her mug down and crossed her arms. “You’ve already taken down Daniel. What’s next, Ethan?”He paused, glancing at her. “Securing what’s mine.”Olivia arched a brow. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”Ethan walked toward her, his intensity
Chapter 32: The Gloves Come OffEthan wasn’t a man to waste time. As soon as he gathered the intel from Angela, he set his next plan in motion. Daniel Winters had crossed the line, and Ethan was determined to ensure he’d regret it.In the days that followed, Ethan’s strategy began to unfold like a finely orchestrated game of chess. Every move was calculated, every decision razor-sharp. Key clients Daniel relied on started pulling out, one after another, their reasons cloaked in polite vagueness but clearly orchestrated by Ethan.At the penthouse, Olivia kept her eyes glued to the news, which buzzed with whispers about Daniel Winters’ collapsing empire. Each headline felt like a small victory, though Olivia knew the fight was far from over.“What’s next on your agenda, mastermind?” Olivia asked one evening, leaning against the doorway of Ethan’s study.Ethan looked up from his laptop, his expression as unreadable as ever. “Taking him out of the picture entirely.”Olivia crossed her arm