“Did Dustin Banks insist you attend the banquet, or was it your grandfather?” Kai asked, his tone laced with curiosity. It puzzled him why Lawrence couldn’t attend the event himself. Sure, the man was getting older, but didn’t he just make an appearance at a similar event three months ago? What has changed now?Eva blinked at the question, momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t thought about it in depth before, but now that Kai mentioned it, the whole situation did seem odd. Why was her grandpa Smith so adamant about her attending in his stead?“Now that you mention it, I’m not too sure,” Eva admitted, her brows furrowing as she contemplated it. She took a bite of the beef she had prepared, the flavors melting in her mouth, followed by a sip of soup to balance it out.Kai went quiet, his thoughts running wild as he considered different possibilities. His sharp eyes rested on Eva, who was too preoccupied with her food to notice his gaze.Even as she ate, there was an undeniable elegance t
After finishing her meal with Kai, Eva was ready to head home but paused, noting how bright the afternoon still was. Her grandfather’s words from their call replayed in her mind: Damien bought you a property.The curiosity nagged at her. Should she ask Damien about it? What if he thought she was being too demanding? After a few minutes of careful deliberation, she decided to call.The phone barely rang once before Damien picked up. His voice was calm but tinged with concern. “Eva, are you okay?”In the executive meeting room, heads turned in astonishment. Their boss, who usually disregarded calls during meetings, had not only answered his phone but done so without hesitation. His phone, typically kept out of reach, now sat prominently on the table—a change that hadn’t gone unnoticed.Eva hesitated briefly. “I’m fine, Damien. It’s nothing serious. I just wanted to ask you something.”“Go on,” he encouraged, his tone soft and attentive.“Well…” she began cautiously, unsure how to phrase
It was a bright and sunny day. White fluffy clouds drifted across the clear, blue sky.The distinguished guests dressed in their fanciest attire gathered on the top floor of a five-star hotel. They were here to celebrate the wedding ceremony of Evangeline, the Oldest daughter of the Carter family. She was getting married to Mark Johnson, the man she had been dating and engaged to for the past four years.The floor was covered with white snow lilies and red roses with a long red carpet cutting through from the entrance of the hall down to the aisle. The fresh fragrance filled the air. The guests happily stood along the carpet, all smiles and sending their best wishes.Evangeline was in a grand room getting dressed by the two stylists and their assistant that was hired to help her with her makeup. She sat in front of the dressing table as one of the stylists was applying make-up on her face while the other one was styling her hair."Miss Evangeline, you look perfect in this dress. The d
Standing across the road, Eva glanced back at the hotel where the event was being held for a few seconds before turning her attention back to the road. She reached out her hand to stop a cab that was driving towards her way.After the taxi stopped in front of her, she got in and settled down in the back seat of the cab."Where to Miss?" The cab driver inquired."T-take me to Grand land hotel." Eva replied in a weak and calm tone. She would rather be in another place than to stay back at the wedding event and witness the happy smiles on both Mark and Christine's face while she gets mocked by everyone. Grand Land hotel is a well-known and popular hotel. She didn't know much about the hotel but she heard about it on television and saw it on online platforms. The hotel was not only popular because it was a very nice hotel, it was said that the hotel has a club where people went often to have fun and spend their money. The club even had a private separate club which was known as the VIP
Inside the Grand land VIP section. The VIP section didn't have any glaring neon lamps or loud music. On the contrary, the environment was rather quiet and intimate. This was where the urban white-collared workers and wealthy rich individuals came to relieve their stress. However, in a private room, a small social gathering was taking place. The gathering consisted of all the well- known bachelors in the city and highly wealthy businessmen. In a dark corner, A man who had a cold and aloof aura with an indifferent expression was being surrounded by a group of people. These groups of people present weren't just ordinary wealthy people, most of them were the top giants of Miami and seeing them was very rare, however, they were all gathered here in one place not because of the event but because they were here because of a special guest who was no other than the man sitting in the dark corner. "It's very rare to see Mr. Cross in this kind of social gathering. This time must have been an
Meanwhile, at the club on the first floor. Eva was still seated at the bar counter and completely drunk as she had already finished two bottles of alcohol and was on her third bottle which was about to finish. The bartender who had been watching her from the sideline walked up to her when he saw pouring the remaining drink in the bottle to fill her glass cup. "Miss, I think you should go home now. You're too drunk or do you have someone who can come pick you up?" He said as he cleared the bottles in front of Eva. "Home?" Eva repeated. She also wanted to go home. She wanted to sleep in her soft and comfortable king-size bed. Tonight was supposed to be her wedding night which she was supposed to share with her lovely husband. However, it was just wishful thinking. "How pathetic!" Eva muttered and downed the rest of the drink in her glass. To think the night of her wedding day would be spent at a hotel…. Well, at least it was a five-star hotel and a very famous one. "You," Eva waved
The next morning, the sun was just peeking in the sky, slowly brightening up the whole city. Eva was sleeping soundly on a soft king-size bed in a hotel room.Eva let out a soft groan in pain as she groggily blinked her eyelid. 'Ughhh!!....Why do I feel so weak?'She felt like a person who had been specially graced and honored with the biggest hangover.She felt mouth was dry as she clutched her head which was throbbing in pain with her hand. Eva tried to open her eyes but due to the faint light from the rising sun outside that had shined through the small gap in the curtain which brightened up the darkroom. Eva had to close her eyes back and blinked a few times to adjust to the brightness.Staring at the unfamiliar ceiling, and taking a proper glance at the room. It was spacious, the walls were painted in white giving the room a bright ambience. It was decorated with various expensive modern furnitures giving the whole room a cozy and homey atmosphere. Eva could tell that this was a
"W-what?! Take responsibility for what?" Eva questioned, confused and taken aback by what the man said. She immediately gathered her strength and pushed the man's body off her and sat up on the bed again. "Why are you acting clueless? You have to take responsibility for taking advantage of me last night." He replied in a cold tone as he sat up on the bed too glaring at Eva. Eva fell into a daze for a few minutes when she heard his reply. 'Advantage?' She repeated in her mind. "Did…. Did I hear you correctly, Mister? Eva questioned when she was finally able to regain her composure."You mean…. I should take responsibility for last night?" she added while pointing at herself. "Yes." His response curt, as his facial expression remained cold and indifferent. "Tsk…" Eva scoffed out in disbelief when she heard his confident response. "Why would I be the one to take responsibility for what happened? Are you seriously asking me that?" Eva remarked, this time her tone and expression sudden
After finishing her meal with Kai, Eva was ready to head home but paused, noting how bright the afternoon still was. Her grandfather’s words from their call replayed in her mind: Damien bought you a property.The curiosity nagged at her. Should she ask Damien about it? What if he thought she was being too demanding? After a few minutes of careful deliberation, she decided to call.The phone barely rang once before Damien picked up. His voice was calm but tinged with concern. “Eva, are you okay?”In the executive meeting room, heads turned in astonishment. Their boss, who usually disregarded calls during meetings, had not only answered his phone but done so without hesitation. His phone, typically kept out of reach, now sat prominently on the table—a change that hadn’t gone unnoticed.Eva hesitated briefly. “I’m fine, Damien. It’s nothing serious. I just wanted to ask you something.”“Go on,” he encouraged, his tone soft and attentive.“Well…” she began cautiously, unsure how to phrase
“Did Dustin Banks insist you attend the banquet, or was it your grandfather?” Kai asked, his tone laced with curiosity. It puzzled him why Lawrence couldn’t attend the event himself. Sure, the man was getting older, but didn’t he just make an appearance at a similar event three months ago? What has changed now?Eva blinked at the question, momentarily taken aback. She hadn’t thought about it in depth before, but now that Kai mentioned it, the whole situation did seem odd. Why was her grandpa Smith so adamant about her attending in his stead?“Now that you mention it, I’m not too sure,” Eva admitted, her brows furrowing as she contemplated it. She took a bite of the beef she had prepared, the flavors melting in her mouth, followed by a sip of soup to balance it out.Kai went quiet, his thoughts running wild as he considered different possibilities. His sharp eyes rested on Eva, who was too preoccupied with her food to notice his gaze.Even as she ate, there was an undeniable elegance t
Arriving at Elite EntertainmentThe sleek glass doors of Elite Entertainment gleamed in the morning sunlight as Eva stepped out of her car. The reception area buzzed with activity, but the moment she entered, heads turned. Being one of the agency’s most prominent models, Eva’s presence never went unnoticed.Ignoring the whispers, she made her way to the elevator, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Moments later, she was stepping into Kai’s office, where he sat behind his massive desk, engrossed in a document.“Kai,” Eva greeted, her voice drawing his attention.He looked up, his sharp eyes softening slightly when he saw her. “Eva. What brings you here so early?”Eva placed the container of food on the small glass table with a sly smile. “Bribery.”Kai raised an eyebrow. “Bribery for what?”“For what I’m about to tell you,” she replied, sitting down on one of the couches in his office mini living room.Intrigued, Kai leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “This shoul
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the Miami sky in shades of orange and purple, Eva leaned back on her couch, flipping through a stack of papers. Her phone buzzed on the table beside her, and she glanced at the caller ID. “Grandpa Smith,” she answered with a smile as she picked up the call. “Eva, my dear, how are you feeling?” Lawrence’s warm, deep voice came through. His concern was evident, as always. “You’ve been overworking yourself lately, haven’t you? Tell me, how’s your health?” “I’m fine, Grandpa,” Eva assured him, her voice was light and soothing. “I’ve been careful, and I’m almost fully recovered. There’s no need to worry.” “Good, good,” Lawrence replied, though his tone suggested he wasn’t fully convinced. “I just wanted to check up on you—and remind you about the banquet. I assume you’ve prepared for it?” Eva chuckled softly. “Of course, Grandpa. I wouldn’t dare forget something so important. I’m getting everything ready, and I’ll be there on time.” “Good
"U-uhm, Boss?" Clara noticed he had been spacing out for quite a while.She couldn't deny the appeal of her worldly boss whose face resembled the statues tucked away in museums. His face was the polar opposite of his personality. His clean-cut appearance was amplified by the fact that he was smoking.In the dim room where the cigarette smoke was more prominent, his eyes were slightly squinted, sharp jaw clenched, and ruffled hair giving off a very dangerous type of man — the kind you wanted to convert into good."Clean my office." Mark flicked the ashes off of his cigarette.Because of the scandal, he had been having issues with Christine nonstop the past few days, with this morning being their worst… Today was not a good day for him."I'll contact the Janitor right away—""I don't have the time to wait for the janitor. Do it yourself." He commanded her, his tone not leaving any room for discussion.Disgruntled at his request, but with no option to disobey it, Clara could only grit he
The executive wailed upon hearing the two most dreadful words in the world. He squealed like a pig being slaughtered. "No, wait, Boss, please! Give me another chance! I swear I won't be bribed again—" Too late. He was dragged out of the room, screaming, kicking, and begging for mercy, his grating voice bouncing off the hallways, causing the employees to cringe upon hearing the deafening sound.Shane walked in immediately afterward. "Boss, your next order?""Have all of his work and personal history checked." Damien paused before saying, "Bankrupt him." He disdainfully said."I expect to see the stocks of Johnson Corporation drastically plummet by the crack of dawn.""Right away, Boss." Shane nodded, bowed his head, and excused himself. When he was out of the office and the door was closed, he sighed in disappointment.What a foolish man.Just a few minutes ago, the executive had miraculously talked his way into having a personal meeting with the President, and instead of eventually ut
Once outside, she spotted her assistants seated near the entrance, their faces etched with fatigue. They had clearly missed the commotion inside the store."Please ensure the purchases are delivered to the Cross Estate," she instructed. After a moment, she added, "You’re free to go home afterward. Thank you for today."The assistants blinked in disbelief before scrambling to their feet. "N-no, thank you, ma’am!" They bowed deeply as Eva walked off, determined to find a proper gift.Eva wandered from store to store, dissatisfied with every option until she reached a small boutique tucked into the corner of the mall. The store’s minimalist logo, "NE" caught her attention.“NE?" Eva muttered under her breath.Intrigued, she stepped inside. The boutique, despite its modest location, radiated sophistication. Every piece was crafted with exceptional detail and elegance. Yet, Eva couldn’t help but wonder why such an acclaimed brand was hidden away on the uppermost floor.A sales associate ap
"It's alright, Mr. Billy. A few replaceable employees aren’t worth losing sleep over." Eva’s calm smile sent shivers down Mr. Billy’s spine, leaving him terrified yet eager to please her.Understanding the unspoken warning, he quickly replied, "As the head of the security team, it is my responsibility to handle nuisances like these. Please don’t trouble yourself with such matters, ma’am." The fear of losing his lucrative position was evident in his voice. Though Eva appeared composed, Mr. Billy knew better than to underestimate someone with her reputation.The sales associate, now pale as a sheet, stammered, "M-ma’am, w-would you still like the cufflinks? I-I can wrap them up immediately and include a bonus—"Eva waved her hand dismissively, her gaze fixed on her nails. "No need for bonuses. Just swipe the card." She ignored Christine, who angrily slapped her polished black card onto the counter."I said those cufflinks are mine!" Christine’s voice trembled with rage. Losing to Eva tw
"Ms. Lily, what seems to be the matter here?" the head of the security team, Mr. Billy asked, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd of dazzling socialites and the two strikingly beautiful women standing by the cashier.One exuded an angelic innocence, her golden glowing halo hovering above her head, while the other had a magnetic charm and a commanding aura that was impossible to ignore. Though dressed in casual, understated clothing, it was clear from her demeanor that she came from a background of privilege and influence."Thank goodness you're here, Mr. Billy!" Lily exclaimed dramatically, her tone laced with frustration. "This young lady here is causing an absolute scene! She’s insulting and disturbing one of our valued customers. Her behavior is disgraceful!" She put on a distressed expression, though her eyes still held their usual arrogance.Mr. Billy frowned, sensing there was more to the story. Still, before he could interject, Lily continued her tirade. "Can you believe the aud