Eva’s own gaze shifted to him, taking in his disheveled appearance. The usually composed, immaculate man she knew was gone, replaced by someone raw and broken. His suit was wrinkled, his hair wild and unkempt, his face carrying the haunted look of sleepless nights and endless worry. She’d never seen him so unguarded, so utterly vulnerable.Slowly, she shifted in bed, a faint discomfort creeping into her as she looked past Damien to the others. Nathalia, her normally bubbly friend, looked crushed by emotion. Edwin stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with a faint air of detachment, his gaze flicking between her and his brother as if gauging his reaction.“G-good morning.” Eva’s voice was barely a whisper, reminding them all she was truly awake.“Oh, Eva…” Nathalia choked on a sob, practically running toward the bed, her arms spread wide for a hug. “It’s two in the afternoon,” she added, laughter and tears mingling in her words as she reached for her friend.“I’m so glad you
Edwin rolled his eyes, staring down at her. “I’m older than you, Nathy. Whether he asked me or not, you still have to go.”Nathalia turned and glared back at him without saying anything, but it was obvious that she was stubbornly standing her ground.Eric let out a sigh and decided to put an end to the petty argument between both siblings. Did they not realize the boss’s woman had just woken up?“I’ll get it,” He said, stepping out to fetch the cup of water that had started the entire argument.A moment later, the door opened and Eric returned with a cup, filled to the brim with water. He walked past the two siblings and walked towards Damien before handing the cup to Damien. “The dispenser was literally right outside the door,” He muttered, rolling his eyes as he glanced at both Edwin and Nathalia. With how much they’d argued, one might think it had been miles away.Nathalia who clearly heard Shane pouted and ignored him. Her focus was turned back to her friend and when she glance
His voice was soft but insistent as he asked, “Where did you learn to wield a gun like that?” He kept his tone gentle, his eyes warm and steady as they held hers, a silent reassurance that she was safe with him. He hoped, prayed, that his open expression would draw her out, that she’d finally trust him enough to let him in.The quiet intimacy between them stunned his younger siblings, who stood watching, wide-eyed. Nathalia had already glimpsed this side of her brother, the softness and vulnerability he reserved only for Eva, yet seeing it again still took her by surprise. Beside her, Edwin was speechless, his eyes narrowing in disbelief. He’d never thought his usually stoic, no-nonsense brother was capable of this kind of gentle devotion. Who would have guessed that beneath his brother’s composed, polished exterior was a man willing to give his whole heart to someone like Eva?“I-” Already knowing what was going to come out of her, his voice grew firmer as he cut her off, “Don’t tr
Across from her, Edwin leaned forward, anticipation lighting up his expression. He’d long been curious to know about this crazy lady. Ever since the warehouse incident, he was now incredibly wary of Eva due to her abilities. Most of her kills of the men were clean shots that resulted in instant deaths! Also given the mysterious influence she held over his brother. Hearing her story now, he felt a strange, nervous excitement, almost as if he were about to glimpse a secret hidden from everyone else.This type of woman would be suitable to be the future Madam of the Cross family. Even though they were not part of the underworld, the power the Cross family possessed was enough to have a strong-willed woman beside Damien. It has been a long time since he came across someone that seemed experienced to go on a ruthless rampage. However, seeing how possessive and overprotective his brother was of this woman, he doubted Damien would ever allow her to take even a single step towards any kind
“What?” Nathalia was shocked and surprised at the same time when she heard her best friend. She was not a country bumpkin to not know who the Black family was in california. “I never heard of the Black family having a direct granddaughter in their family except for the granddaughter from the extended family. So you’re telling me that Aunt Evelyn is the only daughter of the patriarch that died a few years ago. How come I wasn't able to figure this out.” “That's because you are a bit slow when it comes to using your head, little sister.” Edwin suddenly remarked with a taunting smile as he patted her on the head.“How dare you insult me like that, you brute!" Nathalia angrily smacked his hand away, making him chuckle at her.“After we finished highschool, I was sent here to live with my maternal family because of my father's selfish wish for me to become an heir. I'm sure It's no surprise for you guys that the Black family is involved in the underworld and they are one of the top fami
She remembered that night clearly, stepping into the same familiar black helicopter on the top floor of the building, carrying nothing but the clothes on her back, the cold seat pressing into her shoulders. “I wasn’t thinking straight. I didn’t care where I was going, didn’t care what I would do—I just needed to get away. I wanted to leave Miami behind and never look back.”Her hand clenched, nails digging into her palm as she remembered the desperation in her decision. One day, she had looked into a mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back—haunted eyes, thin and gaunt, an almost feral determination to chase after Mark. She was a shadow of herself, driven mad by heartbreak and despair.“Grandpa Smith noticed my condition,” she continued, her voice steadier now. “He arranged for me to disappear, to heal somewhere where I wouldn’t be found.” She looked at each of them, her eyes darkening as memories resurfaced. “For the next few months, I went back again and lived within the
Eva closed her eyes, as though gathering the strength to reveal the rest. When she spoke, her voice was barely audible, laced with a heaviness that seemed to age her.“Grandpa Smith needed me back. He called me one night and gave me an order, really, that I couldn’t refuse. He said he wanted me to work as a consultant.” She swallowed, her throat tightening. “But that wasn’t all. He knew what staying there was doing to me. He knew that if I stayed hidden away, wrapped up in missions and buried under orders, I’d lose myself completely.” Her gaze softened, though she kept her eyes closed, lost in the recollection. Really she was just trying to avoid any kind of eye contact. That wasn't the only reason why she came back, but it was the most important one.Unlike both Nathalia and Edwin who did not pick up on this as they were both preoccupied in putting the pieces together in their minds.Damien watched her, his brow furrowing slightly, understanding dawning in his eyes. He could tell th
Eva let out a small, humorless laugh, shaking her head. “It’s not as impressive as it sounds, trust me,” she said, voice bitter. “Some days, it feels more like a burden than anything else. I still carry those memories, the things I did, the person I became… even now, it’s hard to separate myself from all of that.”Just as she said that finish, she felt Damien squeeze her hand, his grip gentle but unwavering. “But you came back,” he murmured, his tone carrying a quiet intensity that drew her gaze back to him. “You didn’t stay in that darkness. You returned, you’re here, and that matters. Whatever happened in the past, whatever choices you made… you’re here now.”She searched his face, trying to find the catch, the hint of judgment or doubt that she expected, but there was none. His gaze was as steady as ever, holding her together when she felt she might fall apart.“You’re stronger than you think, Eva,” he continued, his voice low. “No one would go through what you did and come back as
For the past few days, Christine had kept a low profile, following Tanya’s advice to wait for the right opportunity. Her previous schemes had failed miserably—each attempt to sabotage Eva had only backfired, making Eva look even more poised and untouchable. But Christine wasn’t the type to accept defeat.If she couldn’t surpass Eva professionally, then she would tear her down personally.Her mother, Laura, had been the one to plant the idea in her mind. "If you can’t win on the battlefield they’ve chosen," Laura had told her, "then change the game. Make them play on your terms."And that was exactly what Christine intended to do. This time, she wouldn’t just aim for petty sabotage—she was going to destroy Eva’s reputation completely.…………Early in the morning, Eva’s phone buzzed non-stop.Gossip sites, entertainment blogs, and even major media outlets were exploding with headlines:"Supermodel Eva Caught in Scandalous Affair with HB Industry CEO!""Is Eva Using Her Influence to Secure
Meanwhile, Eric, who had been silently watching the interaction, let out a small scoff. “So this is what I wasted my time for?” he muttered under his breath.Gwen immediately shot him a glare. “Excuse me?”Eric smirked slightly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “You barged in here like it was urgent, but all you’re doing is dragging her out for a photoshoot?”“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Gwen said mockingly. “I forgot you were Mr.Cross's bodyguard and not his secretary. If it bothers you so much, maybe you should have stayed outside instead of following me in.” she said, though she knew that he was Damien's secretary but still said that to irk him.Eric chuckled darkly.’This crazy human being.’ “Believe me, I wouldn’t be here if someone didn’t insist I help her get past the receptionist.”“I did not beg—” Gwen started before cutting herself off, clenching her fists. “You know what? Forget it. I don’t have time to argue with an overgrown ice cube.”Eva, who had been watching the entire exch
Eva leaned back against the couch, patting her stomach in satisfaction. "I have to say, I really outdid myself picking that restaurant," she mused.Damien, who was already sitting behind his desk, raised a brow. “You outdid yourself? All you did was order the food. I don’t remember you being the one who actually cooked it.”Eva scoffed, sitting up straighter. “Excuse you, do you know how much effort it took to pick the best dishes from that menu?”Damien smirked. “Oh, I’m sure scrolling through a menu and pointing at things was exhausting.”Eva gasped, placing a hand over her chest dramatically. “Wow, Damien. I put all this effort into making sure my husband doesn’t starve, and this is the appreciation I get?”Damien let out a chuckle, the warmth in his gaze betraying his otherwise teasing expression. “Your husband could have easily ordered lunch himself, you know.”Eva narrowed her eyes. “Really? Because from the looks of it, you were buried under so many files that you probably woul
Gwen strode into Cross Enterprise’s grand lobby, her heels clicking sharply against the polished marble floor. She just got back from where she had told Eva she was going and had tried calling Eva multiple times, but as expected, Eva was too busy flirting or whatever she was doing with Damien to answer her phone.Glancing at the time, Gwen muttered under her breath. “If she doesn’t come out now, Victoria’s going to have my head.”With no other choice, she let out an exasperated sigh, and approached the receptionist’s desk.“I’m here to see Mr. Cross,” she said, adjusting the strap of her handbag. “Let me through to the top floor.”The receptionist, a young woman with perfectly styled hair and an unbothered expression, simply smiled. “I’m sorry, miss, but you don’t have an appointment. I can’t let you in.”Gwen blinked, momentarily taken aback. “What?”The receptionist gave her a polite but firm look. “Without an appointment, I can’t let you through. Company policy.”Gwen narrowed her
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