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
Spending 400 million is not a simple matter, even if the company was worth billions. Her eyes scanned the company executives that seemed to be on board with the numbers. A few handful of them questioned it, but none of them realized the major red flag that was being waved in their faces. Eva frown deepened on how incompetent they all were. How the hell did they get to be the company executive if they can't even tell that their company was about to get swindled. This project that was being presented now had already been reviewed by the company executives before it was brought today to be presented. So while they were going through this project couldn't they be able to tell that this was a stupid project? Why did they allow their chairman to come all the way to the company and listen to this crappy project? She searched the room for familiar consultants that were usually present and found none of them seated. This certainly made her wary.She was a part-time consultant for Lawrence ma
However, Mr. Wesson knew that Mr. Banner was purposely trying to invade his words because of their rivalry. But he felt that was petty of Mr. Banner because he thought he shouldn't have brought their personal grudges into this meeting because this was something that can affect the company afterwards. “Mr. Banner is right, although the profit might be low at first but let's take a look at the bigger picture. Eventually, we would be able to earn more profit by the time the business is known to everyone in the country.” Another executive said in support of Mr. Banner. “Besides, why are you in a haste, Mr. Wesson? It's not like the presenters have yet to conclude their presentation, so be patient and let's listen to the rest of the presentation. What if at the end of the presentation we find something useful for us, let's not be in haste.” Mr. Banner remarked, staring at Mr. Wesson with a smug smile on his face. He was confident that Mr. Wesson's opinion wouldn't be useful because he wo
“I've yet barely begun my argument, though I don't plan to waste my time on you guys. I would only point out your horrible mistake which I haven't even started. So, it would be too early for you to get provoked by seven simple words." Eva remarked in a cold voice, glaring at the man brave among the group of the presenters to speak. Her gaze was extremely fierce like a deadly snake ready to strike at any time.Everyone felt paralyzed instantly by her frightening stare. Where had they seen that type of glare before? This woman had become a completely different person from the woman who had entered the meeting room late earlier. It was as if she was about to devour them in their seats. “And you, the man with the weird purple color tie, I will be coming back to you." Eva uttered, she was talking to Mr. Banner who unconsciously gulped when he heard Eva words. Why was she coming back to him?Eva ignored the shocked and confused expression on Mr. Banner's face and turned her attention to th
They were the greedy fraction of the company executives. To them, even if Eva had pointed out the flaws in this project they couldn't accept to lose a young woman. They have to find a way to make the chairman want to accept the proposal.“Director Watt, why are you speaking like this? This young lady is clearly right and saying the truth. I'm glad that you all have someone to point out the obvious flaw in this project, let's just accept that this project proposal is forfeited and let's all move on.” Mr. Wesson replied to the man who had spoken up before Eva could open her mouth to reply to him. After he heard everything Eva had stated earlier, he had given it a deep thought and somewhat landed to a conclusion that Mr. Banner, Mr. Watt and the rest of the executives are trying to embezzle some money out of the project money into their pockets. No wonder he felt something was off and he thought the price money for the project was too much. “You seem to be more farsighted than me. So el
He continued to watch her and when he saw her fierce, unwavering gaze locked on the powerful men that were obviously twice her age made him realize why George cherished this feisty little woman. There was no expression that stated the fact that she was afraid in the slightest to speak her mind and pointed out the flaws of both the presenters and the executives. She had amazing eyes to be able see through the inconsistencies in the proposal and expertly calculate the actual revenue as well as profits from signing the contract. Where did she learn all of these things? He doubted if she had any idea how dangerous her potential was? People like her are rare and if words about her abilities got out, she would have countless companies fighting for her. Powerful men would use all kinds of dubious means to get her to their side, or worse, if they can't have her then they would permanently remove her from the hand of Lawrence Smith. Damien stared intently at the wall. She was a hidden weapon
Eva’s heart pounded as she searched for a way to diffuse his anger. She knew that escalating this tension would only make things worse. Desperate, she decided to play a different card—a gamble.“Tell me, how would you like to handle the consequences? Perhaps I should start with—" He was interrupted when she abruptly stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. The suddenness of her action made him freeze in place.“What are you doing?" He blinked. "Damien," she murmured softly, her voice sweet and soothing. She pressed her face against his chest, rubbing her cheek against the silk of his shirt.His body stiffened, his clenched fists trembling at his sides. "This won't work," he said, though his voice had lost its sharp edge."I'm cold," she whispered, her words muffled against his chest."Eva," he warned, but his tone lacked conviction."Won’t you hug me?" She tilted her head up, gazing at him with wide, pleading eyes and a slight pout on her lips. Her heart ski
After bidding Belle goodbye and promising her one last time that she would return tomorrow, Eva walked down the hospital halls with a spring in her step. A soft hum escaped her lips, her arms filled with snacks Belle had insisted she take. The little girl had brightened her day and made her feel less alone in the dreariness of the hospital."You shout it out, but I can't hear a word you sayI'm talking loud, not saying muchI'm criticized, but all your bullets ricochetShoot me down, but I get up," Eva softly sang, her favorite song playing in her mind as she strolled back to her room. She smiled, wondering if her friend Nathalie would enjoy the snacks she was carrying.“I'm bulletproof, nothing to loseFire away, fire awayRicochet, you take your aimFire away, fire awayShe was in such a good mood that she even gently danced along the hallway to her. “You shoot me down, but I won't fallI am titanium………..”“You shoot me down, but I won't fallI am titanium” a low voice suddenly com
She paused, her mind flashing back to the countless fights, the shattered dishes, the cold silences that followed her every rebellion. "But I didn’t let their expectations control me. I chose my path, even when it meant walking away from them entirely." Eva let out a sigh, her gaze still focused outside the window. " I really loved it when I refused them, even though it would earn me being slapped senselessly. I always find pleasure somehow and I took pride in becoming the perfect, graceful black sheep of that damned family.” Belle hung on every word, her eyes wide with admiration and curiosity."But," She continued. “I only did it when I was a grown adult, legal enough to make my own choices. My plan wasn't perfect nor did it work in pleasing my family, but then again, why should I continue to please them when they were never family to me in the first place?" Eva gently moved her gaze back to Belle, leaning forward, "However, as someone who has gone through all that, you should k
"So, Belle," Eva began, pulling a chair close to the bed and sitting down. "Why don’t you tell me a little about yourself? What brought you here to this hospital room?" Her eyes scanned the room, taking in the overflowing flowers and gifts surrounding the small child."I caught a fever a few days ago," Belle replied glumly, her voice quiet. Though it was just a fever, she’d been stuck in this hospital for a week. She felt fine now, but her parents insisted she remain."I'm all better now. Nothing hurts anymore. I just want to go home, but they won’t let me." Belle’s lips turned down in a bitter frown as she recalled how her parents refused her calls and ignored her requests to leave. Deep down, she knew they preferred her absence."Why not?" Eva asked softly, though she already sensed the answer."Because they hate me."Eva’s heart clenched at the words, so full of pain and resignation. She studied the young girl, who stared back with guarded eyes that looked far older than her years.
Once the door shut, the girl turned her head slightly. "You can come out now."Eva pushed the gifts aside and slid out from under the bed. She straightened up, her gaze meeting the child’s lifeless, cold eyes. They lacked the innocent sparkle of youth."Why were those men chasing you? Who are you?" the girl asked, studying Eva intently. Despite her disheveled hair and rumpled gown, there was no mistaking the elegant air that surrounded her.Eva smiled faintly, deciding to test the girl’s intuition when she noticed how she was studying her. ‘Let’s see if you're smart. "Who do you think I am?"The child’s eyes narrowed. "You’re not a simple patient.""Oh? What makes you say that?""This is the VVIP floor, accessible only with a private keycard. Your gown is made of high-quality cotton, reserved for VVIP patients.""Well, I could’ve stolen the keycard and clothes," Eva countered.The girl’s gaze didn’t waver. "Despite your messy appearance, you carry yourself with grace. Your posture, ev
Eva jumped in alarm, spinning around to find a young girl sitting on a hospital bed. The room was filled with vases of flowers, their cloying fragrance filling the air. The child, no older than fourteen or fifteen years old, looked at her with wide, innocent eyes, her long hair framing her delicate face.Eva blinked in surprise, her anger momentarily forgotten as she stared at the young child. Somehow she felt something about this girl resembling a boy she used to know. “Hello.”“What's your name, child?" She asked, just as the footsteps outside became louder.The girl smiled faintly. “You’re running from people.” she said nugging at the door.Eva's brows furrowed. “Yes, I am.”. “Quick! Look for her before Boss gets upstairs!”The sound of the bodyguards’ voices rang in the hallway, getting closer. Panic flooded Eva's chest. She scanned the room frantically, looking for a way out, but the space was small, and the windows were sealed shut.She turned back to the girl, her pulse racing
Eva who was moments away from hitting him with the IV pole again when his pitiful plea caught her attention. “You can tell your boss to rot in hell—” she started, but the man cut her off.“Please, Lady Boss!” he cried, desperation in his voice. “I have a wife, kids, and a family to feed—”Eva's brow twitched at his words. Of course, he definitely wouldn't be a monk like his boss, however, she had a feeling he was saying this to make her feel guilty. “And you have a dog too, I bet?” she quipped sarcastically.His eyes widened in shock. “Y-yes! Exactly! His name is Chase!”She grit her teeth in annoyance, snatching the phone from his shaking hands. “What do you want?” she demanded, her patience wearing thin. She could guess that he was trying to stall time until he got here but she wasn't planning to let him meet her here.The bodyguards flinched in fear. They truly applauded her for her boldness, but they also feared for the poor woman's head! It would really fly if she continued talk
Turning back to the bodyguards, she picked up the IV pole and tested its weight in her hands. It was lighter than she expected, perfect for swift strikes. She had a lot of experience fighting with wooden sticks in her days in the military.Her gaze landed back to the men, a dark scowl on her face.“I’m sure everyone of you all heard the conversation,” she said coolly, her voice steady. “If you value your limbs, step aside.”The men stood their ground, but the unease in their expressions was clear.When reinforcements arrived to block the entrance entirely, Eva's lips curled into a dark smile. They’ve made a mistake.Gripping the pole tightly, her eyes blazing with determination as she scanned the men creating a barrier at the entrance.“Fine, you've all made your choices. Let's see who’s leaving with bruises.”Eva's grip on the metal IV pole tightened as she positioned herself to strike. Her eyes locked on the bodyguards standing in her way, each one ready to brace for her next move
She sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation. If they were working for Damien, they wouldn’t stand insults against him. She smirked, deciding to bait them.“Fine. Is it your unbelievably stubborn, hideously jealous, and completely insufferable boss, Damien Cross?”One of the guards instinctively stiffened, muttering, “Our boss is not—” and immediately cut himself off, his face paling. He can't believe he just fell for that trick.“Aha!” Eva said triumphantly. “We have our catch. So it is Damien.”Smirking, she stalked back to her bed, grabbing her phone. She dialed Damien’s number, and unsurprisingly, he answered on the first ring.“Evs, you should be resting—”“Young man, tell your men to step aside,” she interrupted, her tone sharp.Damien frowned when he heard her. Asking him to order his men to step aside meant that she had gotten out of bed!His voice hardened. “What are you doing out of bed? Get back to bed right-”“You’re not the Boss of me. I’m not goi