Damien was about to place Eva's phone into her purse when a thought came to his head. He tried to unlock her phone and realize that there was a password. He wondered if Eva would be stupid enough to use her fingerprint as her password and just like he thought, she was. However, just in time after he was able to unlock her phone using her index finger, her phone rang again but this time the caller ID name was someone he was quite familiar with. The caller was none other than George calling, making Damien narrow his eyes at whether he should pick the call or not. How would the fierce and grumpy old man react when a man picked his granddaughter's phone? Damien contemplated while the phone kept ringing, but he ended up picking the call for her.“Evangeline, where are you right now? I just asked Julian to put a call through the front desk of the hospital you were admitted to and was told that you're discharged. Why didn't you stay longer? Is this how you're reassuring me that you're okay
Her walls were visibly cracked and barely holding itself together. If she suffered another traumatic incident as what happened to her nine months ago which she was still undergoing recovery from. George was sure that he would completely lose his only granddaughter who wouldn't be able to recover again. Her loss was the one that forced her to enter almost a year of self seclusion and rehab without any means of contacting her.“Damien Cross, let me in on something, my granddaughter is very precious to me." After a very long silence, George finally spoke up. He felt his heart tightened when he thought back to the image that Julian had gathered during his research on Eva. It was the image of the lifeless Eva on the ground in her wedding dress, whose eyes were so blank and devoured of any emotion. It terrified him because he had never thought that his granddaughter would have this kind of expression on her face.Damien's expression remained blank like a sheet of paper even though he felt
Instantly, Eva stood up from the sofa and ran back to her room to pick up her phone . Just as she was scrolling through her phone contact to look for Nathalia's contact, she froze and nearly dropped her phone again to the ground. Right above her contact list before she could get to Nathalia's number she came across the name Damien Cross among her contacts. She knew she didn't add him on her phone, she knew she didn't have his contact as well. So how on earth did his number get into her phone contact list? She was here to sort out one issue, but now she was coming across another problem. Not only was her house invaded but her phone as well.Swallowing her hesitation, Eva decided it was smarter and better to call the man himself. It rang a few times without anyone answering, but Eva kept calling after the call disconnected. It was only until the third calling did he finally pick up.“You! How did you know my house password? How were you able to unlock my phone as well?" Eva discarded e
“What? A grandfather can't decide to talk to his granddaughter without a reason?" Instead of replying to Eva's question, George asked back.“I didn't say that, but your case is different. You don't call me on a normal good day unless you have something to say and that is to nag me on one thing or the other which could eventually lead to us arguing again.” Eva calmly replied. “So, if you know that you're calling me for just another annoying conversation, I'd advise you to hang up the call.” She added harshly, not wanting to engage in a conversation that could cause another argument in the friendly relationship that they are beginning to develop." You cold-hearted brat! Has our good relationship ended that quickly to make you use such a harsh tone on me?! Well, since you've asked nicely, then I will tell you why I'm calling because it's very important for you.” George replied, his voice changing into a serious tone." What is it? “ Eva asked, thinking that the matter her grandfather wa
A loud crash sound was heard in the entire study room. Rapheal turned to look at the items his father had thrown at him after regaining himself and saw that it was a pen case that was made out with the best marbles that was thrown at him. If that hard pen case had hit him, he would surely have had his forehead open with injury but thankfully he was quick enough to avoid the impact.Eva, who had been silently listening to the bickering between her grandfather and uncle and didn't say anything at first since she didn't want to interrupt their argument and she was secretly enjoying the argument between them . But when she heard the loud crash sound in the background she couldn't help but sigh to herself, they had started again. This is the way she remembered both her grandfather and uncle when she still lived with them. Her uncle knows how to get on his father's nerves without much effort and her grandfather would quickly get agitated and the next thing the sound of crashing items would
“Yes, but it would keep you safe. Especially withstand that Mat- whatever his name is and his little minx running around in the country." George nonchalantly said. Even though he casually threw out the comments, deep down , he was burning with fury and a desire for revenge. If only he hadn't let Eva be and keep an eye on her when she said she didn't want to be involved with the Black family none of this would happen to her without him knowing about it. He thought that if he tried to keep in contact and keep an eye on her, his rivals could figure out that he had a granddaughter somewhere and they could attack her if they discovered her appearance. None of his rivals know that Shenley was married to a family in Miami because he had kept her marriage a total secret from his rivals and he did that to protect Shenley herself because she had no relationship with the family underworld business just like Eva had refused to partake in it as well.“I’m not scared of him, grandfather……” Eva trai
After hanging up the call with Eva, George placed his phone on the desk. His gaze accidentally fell on the picture he had held earlier of him and Eva and his dark gaze softened when he saw the carefree smile on Eva's face in the picture. In the picture, Eva was wearing a black colored princess gown, her hair was tied up into two ponytails adorned with a white ribbons. She was clinging onto his legs, mischievously grinning up at him like she had been handed her favorite teddy whilst he reluctantly patted her on the head.He wouldn't have been able to capture this moment if Shenley hadn't brought Eva to visit him and she insisted that he have a picture with Eva who was also pestering him.George had refused to acknowledge his long line of grandson and granddaughter for his own children and other family relatives who he deemed useless and spoiled. He always says: ‘So what if they share my blood? Does that make them share half of my competence, hardwork and brain? No. Everything was hand
Shortly after she graduated from college, George decided to bring her into the real family business since she had already undergone some training before when she started living with them. Unfortunately, Eva for the first time refused and made up her mind to withdraw from joining the family underworld business because it would only solidify that she was really contesting to join the next heir succession competition. Eva went back to Miami and since then she never tried to contact him since she told George that she wanted to stand on her own and not get involved with family business.He only heard that his granddaughter had become a world renowned model but had no idea that she was engaged to Mark. When most wealthy socialites her age were out partying and drinking, Eva was pressured by her father after she quitted being a model, she was buried under a mountain of paperworks . She handled almost all of the Carter corporation work and private funds, coupled with the Johnson Corporations
“I... I’m starting to think Eva might be trying to sabotage me. You know, with the awards coming up, and her growing popularity... I just have this feeling she’s trying to push me out of the competition,” Christine said, her voice trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of breaking down. She knew Mark would respond to weakness, to vulnerability, just as he always had.Mark’s voice was low, filled with annoyance. “What do you mean, sabotage you? She’s already got the public on her side. What else does she want?”“I don’t know, Mark. But I can’t shake the feeling that she’s behind some of the things happening to me lately,” Christine continued, carefully planting the seed of doubt. “She’s been getting more endorsements, more media attention... She’s always one step ahead, and I feel like she’s using me to boost her own career. Maybe she’s trying to push me out of the spotlight, making sure I don’t have a chance to win.”Mark was silent for a moment, processing the information. Chr
Eva didn’t respond immediately. She could feel the seriousness in Everett’s words, and for a brief moment, the playful rivalry between them was pushed aside.Everett’s eyes softened slightly as she looked at Eva, a rare glimpse of concern flickering in her gaze. “What are you going to do about her? She’s the one who caused my accident but had that person lie he was a fan, right? Also with the recent things happening, I can tell she’s been pulling strings, trying to break you down.”Eva's expression hardened, her grip tightening on her wine glass. “I’m not sure yet. But Christine’s time is running out.” She gave a slight, bitter laugh. “I won’t let her destroy me.”Everett studied Eva for a moment, her face unreadable. “Be careful, Eva,” she said quietly, her tone more serious than Eva had ever heard. “Christine’s dangerous. And she’s got a way of making everyone believe her sweet little act.”Eva took a deep breath, looking away briefly as she processed Everett’s words. The concern wa
The day of the event arrived, and Christine was glowing with victory. Dressed in an elegant gown, she enjoyed the attention as she mingled with industry elites, knowing she was now the headlining speaker.With Eva out of the picture, this was her moment.Then the doors opened.Gasps rippled through the crowd as Eva walked in, effortlessly poised, wearing a breathtaking designer dress. The cameras instantly shifted toward her, flashing in rapid succession.Christine’s smile faltered. “What is she doing here?”Before she could react, the event host stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.“Ladies and gentlemen, we have a special surprise. While there were some scheduling changes, we’re honored to have Eva here tonight.”Christine stiffened. “What? That’s impossible!”Eva merely smiled, making her way toward the front.Kai had pulled the right strings behind the scenes. Even if she wasn’t an official speaker anymore, she was still one of the biggest names in the room—and the audience
Christine was livid. Every attempt to ruin Eva had backfired, and now, the industry was beginning to suspect foul play.Her carefully crafted innocent image was slipping, and she refused to let that happen.Gripping her phone tightly, she dialed Tanya, her voice sharp the moment the call connected."Tanya, listen carefully. I don’t care what it takes—pull every string, bribe whoever you need to, but make sure Eva does not attend the upcoming fashion event. I want her out, completely.”Tanya hesitated. “Christine, are you sure about this? Maybe you should—”“Don’t question me!” Christine snapped, her frustration boiling over. “Do you think I have the luxury of waiting? Eva is already taking the spotlight. If this continues, I won’t even be considered for the Top Ten Models Award!”Tanya sighed. “Fine. I’ll see what I can do. But Christine, be careful. You’re playing a dangerous game. If this backfires, it could cost you everything.”Christine scoffed. “Please. Eva won’t be able to prov
Christine sat alone in the dimly lit hotel, her fingers lightly tapping against the side of her untouched wine glass. The usually confident and composed woman looked lost in thought, her expression unreadable as she stared at the city skyline beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows.Everything she had planned against Eva had backfired spectacularly. Instead of destroying Eva’s reputation, she had only fueled the public’s admiration for her. The industry was turning against Christine, and the narrative was slipping out of her control.A soft click of heels echoed through the room, breaking Christine from her thoughts.“Christine?”She turned her head slightly, finding Tanya standing near the entrance, a curious look on her face.Tanya was one of the few people Christine trusted—or rather, tolerated—because she was useful. Smart, cunning, and always willing to play dirty, Tanya had been by Christine’s side long enough to know exactly how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted.“Wh
A few days after Mark successfully cleared his name from the Harper Luxuries scandal, Christine sat alone in her dressing room, her perfectly manicured fingers tapping impatiently against the vanity table.She had tried everything—sabotage, whispers in the right ears, carefully placed rumors—yet Eva always came out unscathed. Every plan Christine devised had crumbled before her eyes, and it was beginning to drive her insane.If indirect tactics didn’t work, she had to change her approach. This time, she wouldn’t hide behind shadows. She wouldn’t need to.Instead, she would manipulate the situation so well that Eva would ruin herself.All she needed was the perfect stage.---An exclusive fashion gala was set to take place, attended by top designers, influencers, and media elites. Both Eva and Christine had been invited as brand ambassadors for their respective labels.Christine smirked to herself. This was it. The perfect opportunity.She had carefully arranged for the media’s attenti
The dim candlelight cast a golden glow over the elegantly set dining table. A soft melody played in the background, filling the room with warmth. Christine had spent hours preparing this—his favorite dishes, the finest wine. Tonight had to be perfect.She glanced at the clock anxiously. Mark would be home soon. And she had to fix this.The front door finally opened, and Mark stepped inside. His face was tired, his eyes dark with frustration. He didn’t even glance at the romantic dinner she had prepared. Instead, he sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.“Christine, what is this?” His voice was cold.Christine swallowed and stepped toward him. “A dinner. For us.”Mark scoffed, shaking his head. “A dinner? Christine, do you have any idea what I’ve been dealing with? My father’s furious. Investors are backing out after the Harper Luxuries. I've lost of funds.” His voice grew sharper, filled with exhaustion. “And do you know what people are whispering? That my own fiancée might
The silence between them was thick with unspoken thoughts, but Damien wasn’t one to leave things unresolved. He turned slightly, his piercing gaze fixed on her.“Why didn’t you ask for my help?” His voice was calm but held an edge of something deeper—something close to frustration.Eva, who had been absentmindedly tracing the rim of her wine glass, glanced at him. A small smirk curled her lips, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes.“Because it was something I could handle,” she said simply. “Like always.”Damien’s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers curled slightly against his knee. “And if you couldn’t?”Eva shrugged. “Then I would have asked. But it wasn’t time for that yet.”That answer didn’t satisfy him. He exhaled slowly, rubbing his temple. “Eva—”“I know what you’re going to say,” she interrupted, meeting his gaze head-on. “You think I should have let you take care of it. But Damien, I don’t always need you to fight my battles. Sometimes, I want to win them on my own
Eva sat on the couch, feeling bored. The scandal had caused too much noise, and going home—where the paparazzi were undoubtedly lurking—was out of the question.With a sigh, Eva reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts. Her finger hovered over Damien for a moment before she pressed the call button.The phone rang twice before his deep, smooth voice came through. “Eva.”Just her name. Nothing more. But there was something in the way he said it—low, controlled, yet sharp with attention—that made her exhale slowly.“Hey,” she murmured, leaning against the plush headboard.Silence. Then, “What’s wrong?”She almost smiled. He always saw through her.“I can’t go home,” she admitted, rubbing her temple. “The reporters are camped outside. And after today’s interview… they’ll only get worse.”Damien didn’t answer immediately. She could hear the faint rustling of papers, the click of a pen, before he finally spoke. “Where are you?”“Penthouse suite at the Grand Royale,” she repli