“So I heard you were a model from your stepmother?” Lucas suddenly asked, finally deciding to make small talk and change the awkward atmosphere when noticed that Eva was barely saying anything about herself. He tried to ask her questions about herself instead.“That was a long time ago.” Eva replied with a dry tone.She secretly hates the idea that Laura had to cast about her before her to Lucas. ‘Is that bitch trying to even annoy me from afar?’ “Is that so,” Lucas lightly laughed. “Honestly, I expected you to be part of the prestigious business women in the country considering how influential the Carter family are.”Eva paused her lips into a thin line, trying her best to hide her disgust at his words. It seems like he had no idea about her business skill she had to learn after she quit modeling.“Not everyone wants to be an uninspired, unimaginative, ready-made heir.” Eva retorted back bluntly as she pushed the strand of her hair behind her ear.Lucas was taken aback in surprise b
“Ah, yes?” Eva muttered, snapping out of her thought. “I'm afraid I would not be able to entertain you on another date.” She remarked as she looked at Lucas.“Then how about you let me entertain you on the date instead.” Lucas insisted. “I don't think either can work.” Despite that it was a tempting offer, Eva had to decline realizing that this blind date could eventually lead to an unfortunate marriage which would definitely ruin all of her plans.“I'm sorry-” “Please, I totally understand so you don't have to apologize.” Lucas cut off Eva and reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card, stretching his hand over the table handing it to her. “Incase you ever change your mind, Miss Carter. You will know where to find me.” Lucas said amicably.Eva stared at the card, his name was branded on the card as the CEO of his father's law firm. She wasn't a fool, she knew who Lucas was, knew that he was among the most obtainable, eligible bachelors and she knew how many young femal
The waiter's face suddenly lights up in relief at Eva's response, he could eventually save his life and job. Without bothering to delay any further, so that Eva doesn't change her mind. The waiter immediately turned and walked into the direction of the restaurant where Damien was waiting for her while Eva just silently followed behind him.The waiter led Eva to the third restaurant which was considered as the restaurant only top elite families in the country visit. Only the highest class and most influential families!Once inside, she was immediately welcomed with a soft and soothing melody played on a piano. She suddenly felt like she was indeed out-of-place in her clothes when she saw the long dresses that people wore inside. She knew that she can't turn back now and so, she sighed internally and continued to follow the waiter who went upstairs where the private room was located.After walking for a few meters, the attendants finally stopped and turned to face Eva. He bowed respect
“What exactly do you want from me, Mr. Cross?” The question made Damien's brow rise and even had Shane jaw drop open. Instantly, the temperature in the room dropped. All the staff in the room turned pale as they found themselves shivering in fear and horror, thinking of wanting to immediately get out of this place before the great Damien exploded and lash out his anger on them. Some of them gulped nervously, some broke out in cold sweat and some were even trying so hard not to breathe too loudly so that they didn't get the attention of Damien.No one has ever questioned Damien what he wants from them because he is not the person to want something from anyone, talkless a woman for that matter. It was always the other ways round, everyone always wanted something from Damien Cross.Eva didn't seem to notice the dangerous face the man was giving her as he stared piercing at Eva's beautiful face.“Out,” Damien's cold voice sounded, it was soft yet it was enough for all the people inside
“Do you feel that there is a need for me to be afraid of you?” Eva retorted back as she looked up at him.“But you've offended me by accusing me for abusing my power on you.” Damien replied calmly.“That……” Eva trailed off, she didn't know how to retaliate back to those words because she had indeed accused him.“Fine! I'm sorry. I'm sorry for accusing you without having proof of evidence.” Eva apologized looking away from Damien in embarrassment. she had lost her cool for a second and accused him wrongly.“That's not how to apologize.” Damien uttered casually with a serious expression. Eva swiped her head up to look at him like he was crazy. “What? How do you expect me to apologize? Isn't giving you my innocence the other enough for you?” Eva queried while glaring at him, implying that giving up her virginity is enough to cover up all the mistakes she has made to him.“What do you mean by that?” Damien asked.“Ah, it wasn't my fault that I was in your room that day. And since you too
“Let go,” Eva stated coldly, her eyes shining with clear determination.“If I don't?” Damien whispered.Eva found his voice very seductive making her ears turn red even more. Meanwhile, Damien was rather clueless yet curious to know the reason why she was turning red because he was close to her. With this thought in his mind, he spoke. “Look at me.” he ordered.“No.” An immediate response came out of Eva's mouth. “Why are you doing this, Mr. Cross?” After taking a deep breath to calm herself, Eva looked at Damien. “We haven't finished our conversation yet so you can't leave.” Damien responded. “What? What conversation isn't over yet? I thought we'd finish this discussion the moment I stood up, so why are you stopping me from leaving?” Eva questioned back, confused by what Damien was saying.“We aren't. Let me remind you that the discussion we are having is about me taking responsibility.” Damien whispered gently.“Argh…..I told you already that it isn't needed.” Eva growled in anno
When Eva walked out of the main hotel exit, she realized that it was already late outside, so she made her way to the road side where she waved her hand to stop a taxi. She told the driver her destination after taking her seat in the back seat. Eva looked outside of the car window, watching the people walking in the streets and light flickering of different colors adoun the street lamps and different buildings as they drove past. Some of the people she laid eyes on were walking alone, some with their kids and some were in the arms of their lovers. It was such a beautiful sight that Eva wanted to have but she didn't have the chance to get. Eva had always wanted a complete family, she so badly wished for a loving family one that her mother couldn't have. However,.things went south for her, because the man she expected to help her make her dream of having a beautiful loving family actually betrayed her without a second thought.The car stopped at the red light, making Eva scan the crowd
After 30 minutes of silent driving, they finally arrived at her destination. Eva paid the cab driver his money before she got out of the cab and made her way to the entrance of the building. The moment entered the lobby she was immediately greeted by the two receptionists sitting behind their desks. They were also the same ladies Eva had encountered the day she went to take the delivery box she received from Damien. Eva quirked a brow at the gesture of the two ladies, because of the smile on the face of both ladies. But then she ignored them and made her way to the elevator, she didn't see the elevator hostess but she still entered the elevator.The elevator dinged, indicating that Eva had reached the floor she was heading to, so she stepped out of the elevator and made her way to her apartment door. After entering her security password, she opened the door to enter her apartment.However, the next thing Eva saw in her house made her eyes widen in bewilderment and shock. ‘Did I ente
“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