Earlier when they were having breakfast, their constant bantering during the meal had shortened a few distance between them. He only changed out of his casual dress so that he could personally drop her off, and within just a few minutes that he was gone she was back to being cold and distant. Weren't friends supposed to talk to each other about the things bothering them? He thought he had taken one step forward, but now, it felt like he was three steps backwards. He was annoyed and pissed at whoever had caused this setback, making him direct his harsh attention towards the pathetic woman beside Eva. Sarah looked at him with a hopeful expression when she saw him finally looking at her and giving her attention.“What is your name?" He asked, his eyes scanning over disheveled appearance and the mess on the floor surrounding both of them.“Sa- Sarah, sir." Sarah stammered as she replied. She could feel her heart beating ten times faster in joy. This was the first time she'd get to have
“I want you to make sure that she never finds a good job for as long as she's alive.” He announced as he glanced at the scattered beads of the bracelet. "Check the authenticity of the heirloom as well. If it's true, find whoever is closest to the previous owner of the heirloom and compensate them. Make sure she doesn't get to touch the money." Those words that left Damien's mouth were what shattered Sarah's entire world. She screamed louder than before and clung onto Damien tighter, but her pleas and cries were ignored. The head maid didn't need to be told what to do, she signaled with her hand and men dressed in black came forward. She figured that the two maids wouldn't be able to drag Sarah, seeing how she was being stubborn. The men apprehended her and easily dragged her away, despite how Sarah tried to scream and kick her way out of their grasp, but it was useless.“Fire everyone who had witnessed what happened and did nothing. I want all of the new servants hired by my aunt to
Despite the fact that she was expressing visible unhappiness by his actions, she was secretly enjoying this princess treatment. His hold on her was firm, yet gently, making her feel protected and treasured in his arm. However, she quickly realized that he was too inexperienced in this field. He carried her a bit too high, so her head was near his shoulder blades instead of his chest. The thought that he doesn't usually carry women in his arms intensified the feeling of security blooming deep within her.‘I guess it's not really a bad idea to be carried by one of the world's handsome men, haha. But who would have thought that this dangerous looking man is not good at carrying a woman.’ Eva thought to herself, trying to hold back her smile. Damien’s lips twitched in amusement, she likes to verbally disagree with everything he does for her,but her body always disagrees with her words. Even as they both argued,she had shifted her head to rest comfortably on his shoulder, her cheeks slig
Eva shook her head to clear her mind. She didn’t want to keep dwelling on that thought any longer. She took off the towel and slipped the dress on. Eva thought about calling Damien after wearing the new clothes, but paused when she remembered that her purse was still nowhere to be found. She looked around his room, confused about where the purse could have disappeared to. It's not like it could suddenly row out its own legs and run off!In her rush to find her bag, she totally forgot about the button by the bathroom that Damien had told her about. Eva had no idea when she had turned the perfectly cleaned room into a total mess just to look for her purse. A few minutes had gone by and she was still unable to find her purse.“Where the hell could it be?” Eva mumbled under her breath. She was completely oblivious to the fact that Damien was standing by the door, watching her in amusement. He found her action and expression funny anytime she searched a place and couldn't find the item she
“Like hell, I would, Mr. Cross.” Despite the fact that she seemed displeased at his words, there was a tiny smile on her face and Damien saw the slightest glimmer of hope.‘Good.’ he thought to himself. Their relationship hadn’t taken three steps backwards, instead, it had taken four steps forward! He had expected to take baby steps to improve their relationship, but it seemed he could already start sprinting. This was beyond his expectation and this realization made him glad. After rubbing the ointment on her knees and making sure that she wasn’t hurt anywhere else, Damien took her home. ***********A few minutes later.“You can stop the car here and I can get out.” Eva told Ray. Although they hadn’t reached her apartment building, she wanted him to drop her off a block away from her apartment. Since was avoiding being seen stepping out of such an expensive car because it would only attract the attention of people to herself, they might start becoming curious about her affairs.Plu
“ Yes, and according to him, he said that the task would take longer than expected to complete.” Eric who is also known as Mr. Hook reported. Unlike Shane who usually has a gentle, nice and easy-going expression, Eric was the opposite. He always wore a calm,yet serious expression, probably because he had been working under Damien for a long time so he had taken some traits and attitude from his Boss.Although Shane could be considered as his senior because Shane knew Damien since they were young and Shane was the first most trusted man Damien could rely on. However, Shane had still managed to maintain some of his natural personality despite being with Damien and working with him for a very long time.It was probably because he had been trained by Damien personally that he was similar to Damien in terms when it was something relating to work.“Tell him that I want him to complete the task as soon as possible because he has a lot of pending work he needs to take care of personally. I am
Sophia was shocked to see another woman in the arms of Damien. She thought they said that he isn’t romantic, so why is he holding that woman in his hand with so much care? After seeing the picture of Damien and Eva on the internet, Sophia desperately kept looking for an opportunity to see Damien but to no avail as Damien was an easy person to easily see like that, plus nothing less than assistant chief in the department. There is probably no way someone with that kind of position to casually get to see Damien. Besides, one of the reasons why she was unable to see Damien was because he was staying with Eva at hospital when she fainted at the banquet. The reason why Sophia was on the floor of Damien’s office was because she had come across a worker who was the one that the Chief Accountant had asked to bring the file to Damien. Seeing this as an opportunity, Sophia collected the file from the worker and gave the file she was about to give the Chief Accountant as well. This was an
Even though you don’t like it, I just want you to know that I was in a tight spot that day as well. There is no way I could refuse my father’s words and I didn't want to say anything that would hurt the Old Master too. I hope you can understand not to give me the extreme cold treatment. And about getting a job. I know I hadn't gotten this job and position because of the old master, however, I promised to work harder in order to prove my abilities to you,” Sophia confidently declared. She knew that Damien was displeased by the fact that she was using her connection to get herself a job in the company. However, she was hoping that her little confident declaration would make Damien see her in another light. Sophia planned to take on additional responsibilities, complete projects ahead of schedule, and actively seek out opportunities to showcase her skills. She was determined to prove to Damien that her abilities were not dependent solely on her connections, but rather on her own hard work
“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