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
Eva was oblivious to the chaos she had caused in the minds of the employees because of her sudden appearance. She stepped out of the elevator when she got to the floor she was heading to.She walked directly to Grandpa Smith's office, but found it empty. Just as she stepped out of the office she met one of his secretaries who was walking back to his desk with a cup of hot coffee in his hand.“Good morning, Miss. The chairman inside the office in case you're looking for him.” The secretary greeted Eva when he saw her closing the door behind her. He had seen her a couple of times, visiting his boss and knew that she was someone close to the chairman but he didn't know what their relationship was. He only knows that the chairman treated her better than most of his children that come to visit him. “I can see that. Where is the Chairman?* Eva nodded her head and asked. “The chairman asked me to inform if you arrive that you should come and meet him in the private meeting room. He is wait
As Damien led her to the couch, Eva suddenly halted, making him turn with a questioning brow.“You know,” she mused, tilting her head with mock seriousness, “before you interrupted me, I was actually offering a very expensive consultation service.”Damien crossed his arms, amusement twinkling in his dark eyes. “Oh?”Eva nodded, tapping her chin as if in deep thought. “Yes, I used to charge companies millions for my insights. So technically… you owe me.”Damien let out a low chuckle, stepping closer. “Let me get this straight,” he said, his voice rich with teasing authority. “You walked into my office, sat in my chair, went through my documents without permission—and now you’re asking me to pay you?”Eva grinned. “That’s business, Mr. Cross. Nothing is free.”Damien smirked. “And what if I refuse to pay?”Eva pretended to think, then shrugged. “Then I guess I’ll take my brilliant mind elsewhere.”Damien’s eyes darkened slightly, but he played along. “That would be a shame. Tell me, Mrs
Minutes passed, and Eva quickly grew bored.She had been in Damien’s office many times, but she still found herself looking around. It was immaculate and organized, but it lacked anything personal. Nothing in this room screamed Damien—except for the towering stacks of documents and reports on his desk.Her eyes narrowed as she walked over, running her fingers lightly over the ridiculous amount of paperwork.“No wonder he barely has time to eat.” She muttered, shaking her head.The sight of his overwhelming workload triggered a familiar ache in her chest. She remembered her past—being buried in work, managing her father’s company alongside Mark. She had spent countless nights drowning in documents, starving herself to meet deadlines, and yet… no one had cared. Neither her father nor Mark had ever asked if she had eaten.Her fingers clenched slightly against the papers.She had left that life behind, yet here Damien was, doing the same thing to himself.Determined to help him, Eva sat i
The sleek black car pulled up in front of Cross Enterprise, and Eva didn’t waste a second stepping out. Instead of the casual home-cooked meal she initially planned, she had opted for something more refined—a gourmet lunch from one of the most renowned restaurants in the city.“Wait here,” Eva told Gwen as she adjusted her coat.Gwen smirked knowingly. “Of course, take your time, lover girl.”Eva rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. She knew exactly what she was doing. There was no need to hide anymore—not after the scandal had already made headlines, exposing her connection to Damien. So, she walked into the building with confidence, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor of the grand lobby.The moment she stepped inside, all eyes were on her.Employees, visitors, and executives alike paused in their conversations, their gazes snapping toward the stunning supermodel who had just entered the headquarters of one of the most powerful companies in the world.It wasn’t just her
--- After the Fitting As Eva stepped off the platform, Gwen handed her a bottle of water. “You handled that beautifully.” Eva took a sip and smirked. “Christine’s getting predictable.” Trix rolled her eyes. “What’s next? Tripping you on the runway?” Eva chuckled. “If she does, I’ll be ready for that too.” Christine might have thought she could sabotage Eva with clumsy tricks, but Eva wasn’t easily shaken. When they got to her room, Eva sighed in relief as she kicked off her heels, rolling her ankles to ease the tension. “What’s my schedule looking like today, Trix?” she asked, rubbing her temples. Trix scrolled through her tablet, barely glancing up. “You have a photoshoot with Victoria this afternoon after you wrap up here.” Eva groaned, sinking into the plush chair. “Can’t we reschedule? At this point, I can’t tell if she’s just dedicated to her work or if she’s obsessed with overworking me to death.” Gwen chuckled, settling onto the couch beside her. “She’s taken a real l
The fashion house hosting the campaign had scheduled a fitting session for all the models. The room buzzed with activity as assistants, designers, and stylists adjusted gowns and accessories. Eva arrived, poised and confident, dressed in a sleek black dress. Gwen and Trix trailed behind her, chatting about the campaign’s recent success. Christine was already there, surrounded by a few stylists, her laughter deliberately exaggerated as she chatted with a designer. Eva ignored her and focused on her fitting. A stylist handed her an elegant white gown, its fabric shimmering under the lights. It was one of the most anticipated pieces of the campaign, and Eva knew this photoshoot would be critical. As she stepped onto the fitting platform, Christine made her move. A designer approached Eva with a clipboard, giving her details about the shoot. Christine, pretending to walk past, "accidentally" tilted a cup of coffee in Eva’s direction. Time seemed to slow. The dark liquid splashed on
Christine arrived at the elegant restaurant exactly on time, her usual sweet smile in place. Despite her outward composure, she couldn’t deny the slight unease settling in her stomach. Victoria had announced Eva as her chosen model two days ago, yet here she was, inviting Christine for lunch. It didn’t make sense. Christine had had done everything in her power to sway Victoria against Eva, planting doubts, twisting the truth, and playing the concerned friend. But it had failed. Eva hadstill won. So why am was. she here? Pushing aside her skepticism, Christine decided to play along. If Victoria wanted to meet, she would act as if nothing was wrong. “Victoria,” she greeted warmly as she reached the table. “It’s so good to see you. I was surprised by your invitation.” Victoria, sitting across from her, barely reacted. Her expression was unreadable, her fingers lightly tapping against her wine glass. Christine took a seat gracefully, keeping her smile in place. “I have to say, you
-- As soon as the meeting ended, Christine marched straight toward Eva, her heels clicking against the marble floor. “Sister,” she greeted with a bright, almost saccharine smile. “What you did back there was so impressive.” Eva remained expressionless, her arms crossed as she stared Christine down. Christine’s smile didn’t falter. “I didn’t realize you had such a creative spark. Tell me, when exactly did you see my idea and decide to… improve upon it? Did you happen to glance at it while I was working?” Her voice was sweet, but the accusation was unmistakable. Before Eva could respond, Trix stepped forward, her sharp gaze locked on Christine. “What exactly are you trying to imply, Christine?” Trix asked coldly. Christine feigned innocence, tilting her head. “Oh, nothing serious. I was just wondering how my idea—one I spent so much time refining—was suddenly overlooked in favor of something… so similar.” She cast Eva a knowing smirk. Eva arched an unimpressed eyebrow. “You mea
The collaborative campaign was one of the biggest projects of the season, featuring elite models, renowned designers, and a top creative team. Eva had spent days preparing for the brainstorming session, refining unique ideas that would make the campaign stand out. However, Christine had no intention of letting Eva shine. This time, she planned to steal the spotlight—by stealing Eva’s ideas. It's been a week after Victoria's incident and just like Tanya had advised her, Christine had piped down. However, it seems her patience is finally going to pay off now that she has seen an opportunity to use. --- The atmosphere in the conference room buzzed with anticipation. Top executives, marketing directors, and creative leads gathered, ready to hear proposals for the campaign’s direction. Eva had spent the past week crafting a concept that was both elegant and modern, something that would redefine high-fashion advertising. She sat at the table, confident but cautious. Christine was
Eva sighed, but she maintained her composure. “That’s not true,” she said firmly. “I have nothing but respect for your designs and what you’ve achieved in this industry.”Victoria raised an eyebrow. “And you expect me to take your word over hers?”Eva met her gaze, unflinching. “Yes. But I also believe actions speak louder than words. Let me prove my sincerity by working with you on something that reflects your vision entirely.”Victoria’s expression softened slightly. “So you’re proposing a collaboration—on my terms?”Eva nodded. “I want to respect your artistry, not overshadow it. Whatever you need, I’m here to deliver.”Victoria hummed thoughtfully, tapping her fingers against the table.Eva arched her brow. “What? You think I’m lying?”“No, I can tell you’re being sincere.” Victoria leaned back, crossing her arms. “I was just wondering how you managed to be such a bitch last night, and now here you are, offering me a deal. It’s like you’re two completely different people. My frien