I thought Grandpa was just inviting me to have dinner with him. I had prepared a lot of questions in my head to ask. I couldn't do that if there were other people with us.Grandpa smirked. He glanced at the door and the man standing beside the table simultaneously. "You've only been CEO for a few days and already feel superior to me? Can't you knock before entering a room?"Farrell was stunned for a moment before he turned around and walked out of the room. I frowned at his behavior. Shortly after, the door was knocked and opened. He entered and closed the door behind him before standing where he had been earlier."Good evening, Grandpa. Thank you for inviting me to come," he greeted him politely.However, I could see he wasn't sincere. What was wrong with him? I'd never seen him be so insolent toward his grandfather."You're a CEO, but don't forget. You don't have any influence over the shareholders. I can take that position off your hands effortlessly. Twenty-five percent is big, but
[Otis]I knew there was something wrong, so Father kept secret and even deleted all the results of the police investigation without a trace. However, I believed that he was doing it for the good of the family. I was sure there was nothing surprising about the incident. Farrell was just fabricating my crime.The front door opened, but I didn't turn around. I knew it was the waiter who came to bring lunch. I glanced at my watch and took out my vibrating cell phone. It took him so long to contact me. Did he think there was another way to solve his problem?"What did Bruce call you for?" Jasper asked, glancing at my phone screen. I just smiled. "Ah. I see. You did something that restricted his movements as the shadow CEO.""I told you I won't fall into the same hole a second time." I stood up. "Come on, let's eat. The relief is making me hungry."We ate heartily without talking. Jasper didn't stop working with his tablet, but I didn't forbid it. I knew there would be no point in stopping h
I lifted my body slightly to see what was happening. Seeing Camari exit the car in front of us, I finally understood. No wonder he considered this accident fortunate. Moreover, it wasn't his money that would be spent to pay for the repairs.They bowed at each other. I couldn't hear their conversation from this distance. But I wasn't curious, so I chose to wait in the car. After all, I didn't want to make her uncomfortable with my presence.But watching them walk toward the door at my side, I frowned. They didn't stop until they reached the passenger door. Was Jasper losing his mind? Why would he bring that woman to see me? The insane driver opened my door."Hello," Camari greeted kindly.I got out of the car and forced a smile at her. "Hello.""Um. I thank you for your help a few nights ago. We happen to be in the same building. Would you like to have dinner with me? My treat," she asked politely."I can't this weekend," I replied, declining."I can't either. I just moved in and haven'
[Camari]I walked out of my boss's office feeling uneasy. Everything felt like a dream. I looked back at the desk and chair I had used for the last three years. I would have never been able to return to this place.I was grateful that my boss's assistant took me via the executive elevator. I didn't have to use the employee lift. So, I didn't meet any of my coworkers. Only the security and receptionist in the lobby saw me walking towards the exit.With the dignity I had left, I walked upright. I was innocent. Why would I be embarrassed by other employees' suspicious stares? Arriving at the car, I let my tears fall. I didn't know what was wrong with my life. Why didn't I stop being afflicted with misfortune?There was a knock on the car window, and I jumped in surprise. I grabbed a tissue and wiped my face before turning my head. But my hands clenched into fists, recognizing the person smiling happily behind the window. What else did she want from me?“Poor Camari,” Bella said in a conce
I needed help logging into the company's security system. But considering Emily was with security when she found the money in my desk drawer, I couldn't ask for their help. I didn't know who was on Emily's side or who was neutral."What are you thinking?" Jasmine asked cautiously."Do you think they were good friends all along?" I curiously questioned.Jasmine shook her head. "I don't know. Bella is close to you, and I have never seen her and Emily talk that intimately before."I exhaled. "Is there no one to trust anymore?""All the employees are talking about you. I can't believe they say so many bad things. The boss is being unfair. He should have investigated how the money ended up in your drawer. Why did he fire you right away?" she protested."He must not have wanted the matter to get out. The company's reputation must be maintained. If shareholders or investors know he can't keep his money, they'll run away," I explained."You're right. Why didn't I think so?" Jasmine agreed."Th
Bella betrayed me. Next, Emily might do the same. I couldn't trust anyone in that company. No wonder in our last conversation she guessed Bella had a secret relationship with my husband. Emily must be close to Bella.Jasmine and Emily were quite close. So, I couldn't trust Jasmine completely. After Bella and Emily betrayed me, what was her role? Pretending to be a friend who defended me? She seemed sincere the other day. Could I trust her?“There's someone else I suspect, but she wasn't around at the time of the incident. Just like Bella and Emily, she's also my best friend at work.” I sighed.Otis smiled. “I understand. I just realized that a traitor can take the form of a caring and obedient person.” He glanced at Jasper. His subordinate chuckled.“Enough about me. What about you, what do you do?” I asked curiously. “You must be a businessman like Grandpa and Farrell.”Otis chuckled. "You wouldn't believe it if I told you.""Try me."He was stunned for a moment. "If you've ever heard
Luckily, we chose a spot in the corner of the bar. We could see the whole club, but they couldn't see us from where they sat. I came here to enjoy the night with my new best friend, not to make a scene.Wait a minute. Why should I feel this way? I had the right to be wherever I wanted without feeling intimidated by their presence. After all, they and I had nothing to do with each other anymore. We were strangers."This is the first time you've asked me to come to a place like this." Jasmine meaningfully looked at me. "Usually, you only want to have dinner at restaurants or cafes.""We couldn't drink on weekdays. We could get fired if we get the books wrong the next day." I defended myself."Right. And on the weekends, you're always out of town visiting your parents or dating Farrell," she teased again.I chuckled at the memory. "I'm their only child. So, I've felt obligated to take care of them for as long as they've been around."That habit stopped when I married Farrell. I deeply reg
[Otis]Many things happened in the past that I didn't want to recall. That woman was one of them. The person who I thought was my life, soul, and everything wasn't sincere in her love for me.She knew I wouldn't believe her just like that. Yet she was so persistent in approaching me. She didn't give up until I fell in love and accepted her to be my lover. I was on cloud nine when I discovered she was only playing with me.She betraying me with the person closest to me wasn't her biggest mistake. Her thinking I deserved to be toyed with was a crime I couldn't forgive. I was a human with a heart who could be devastated when all his dreams and hopes were shattered.Dorothy knew how humiliated I felt by that woman's actions. How dare she open up old wounds I didn't even remember anymore. I should have refused her invitation. She would never be kind to me.I wouldn't come if Dorothy asked to see me again. That was the last straw. I had heard enough of her insults. Mother was the best person
Jasper moved quickly. He picked me up and ran to the car. Otis broke protocol by getting into the same car as me, but I needed him. So, I let him sit beside me.The medical team welcomed us to the hospital. My obstetrician greeted me and checked my condition. My feelings were uncertain when he said the opening wasn't quite there yet. We needed to wait until the time came.Our family arrived, helping me get ready. Otis stayed in the room with me. Whenever I needed him, I turned to him, and he would come closer. Hours passed, but the torment wasn't over yet.I grew more and more frightened as the pain became unbearable. Seeing Otis' pale face, I smiled at him. It must have been hard for him to see me in this state. It made me realize one important thing. There would be no other man like him in this world."Otis," I whispered. He came closer. "I don't know what would happen in the labor room. But I want you to know... I love you. I love you so much."Otis was stunned. His eyes then filled
[Camari]Otis was busy with the two companies he was responsible for. I thought everything was fine. He solved all of Haworth Incorporation's financial problems and replaced some old directors with his confidants.However, I had no idea why he bought shares from certain people in the company. I wasn't with him all the time since my pregnancy made it difficult for me to move around freely. So, he had lunch or dinner with his colleagues without me.He even bought shares in his company from people demanding that he step down from his seat. I wasn't the finance director, so I didn't know the company's financial position. But seeing Jasmine's calm demeanor, I concluded that everything was still under control.Therefore, I was surprised by today's announcement. Precious Fund Corporation and Haworth Incorporation were merging. Precious Fund remained, while Haworth Incorporation ceased to exist. What did Father think of this?The man I was thinking about came in with a cheerful face, making m
Bella had just given birth. Following Father's instructions, we checked the baby and Farrell for a DNA match. The lab technician called to tell us the results were up for collection. Dorothy flew straight from her town to take care of it with me.Camari was twenty-eight weeks pregnant. I didn't want anything to happen to her if she met Bella in prison. She should be in a high-security place. The office had bodyguards and building security. I could rest easy if she were there."Otis!" Dorothy called.I waved the envelope of test results at her. "The results are here.""Come on, open it quickly," she said impatiently.I opened the envelope and took out the paper inside. I sighed when I saw the results. The question that had been bothering us was answered. For safety reasons, Dorothy and I headed to the prison in our respective cars.Ever since Bella attacked my car, I hadn't been in the same car with my family. Camari and I also didn't share a car when we went anywhere. She still drove
Our parents excused themselves from the living room. They ran away and didn't help me to explain the sentence to Camari. I swallowed and saw them smiling meaningfully. Didn't they know I was terrified?After the door closed and it was just the two of us, Camari cleared her throat. "Otis?"I swallowed hard. "Don't worry about the money. I have a personal stash that I've set aside for my wedding. So, I'm not taking the company's operating money."She smiled. "Are you afraid I'll laugh at your feelings?" she cooed. Camari squeezed my hand. "Thank you for loving me, but I can't say the same." She bowed her head."Camari, I—" I muttered, feeling bad."Please don't get me wrong," she cut in. "Give me time. Our marriage was unplanned. The baby came unexpectedly, followed by the blessing and the reception... I didn't have time to digest all the significant events I experienced in quick succession."You are a kind and gentle man. I'll have no trouble loving you. Therefore, I need time. I won't
[Otis]I stared at the loser man without blinking. He just lowered his head, not daring to return my gaze. He didn't touch the envelope I placed in front of him. He must have understood the purpose of my visit. And I needed an explanation."Silence won't make me forgive what you and your team did," I stated. "This is the first and last warning. If you dare forge people's signatures again, I'll shut down your law firm. You know I'm capable of that.""Mr. Haworth." He finally opened his mouth. "Neither I nor my team forged anyone's signature. If the client didn't sign, then Farrell did.""The client didn't show up for her divorce papers, and you were not her attorney. Was that Farrell's fault, too?" I asked. "My nephew died doesn't mean you can put all the blame on him. I'm not that stupid."I took the envelope back. "This is my proof of how negligent your law firm is. If you did it again, I wouldn't think twice about destroying you.""Mr. Haworth." The man stood up and followed me.Jas
Otis and I went to separate places after work. He met Carlos to discuss business while I saw my psychologist. I cried my heart out in that room, telling Jennifer everything I'd been through over the past week.I felt so relieved after pouring out my feelings. Jennifer didn't suggest anything. She congratulated me on successfully ending my hatred for the two people who had done me harm.Otis was still talking to Carlos, so I went home with my bodyguard. Looking at the numbers on the elevator, I thought of someone. I pressed the number to my old apartment and smiled. She must be in her apartment.Sure enough. Deborah greeted me with a smile and the delicious cooking aroma inside her unit. She offered me her appetizing lasagna. We enjoyed it while chatting in the dining room."I'm sorry about what happened to your family," she said with concern.I liked the word she chose, family. She didn't mention Farrell as my ex-husband. "Thank you. What an unexpected turn of events. He was young.""
[Camari]As the weekend passed, we went about our usual activities. Otis and I started the day with exercise. He swam while I practiced martial arts with Jasper. Things had been better since Nicole woke up, and Bella was in custody.I found it hard to concentrate since I was out of danger. I didn't know what was wrong with me. The day went by so fast, but it also felt so slow. I wasn't excited about the day either, even though I forced myself to smile so no one would suspect anything.Otis and Jasper entered the office, so I sat in my chair. My new bodyguard stood guard not far from me. I kept my distance from her to avoid getting emotionally involved. The incidents that happened to Nicole had left me devastated, and I didn't want to go through it again.I didn't know why people closest to me kept getting hurt. I just wanted it to be over. Farrell was gone. Eleanor and Bella were behind bars. Hopefully, no more disasters would befall me or my family."Good morning, ma'am," a security
[Otis]I had never felt so desperate as when I watched my wife being taken away before my eyes. I made the mistake of taking off my seat belt to kiss her cheek. As a result, my body was thrown and fell on the floor after the car hit something.Then, help came. People rescued us, and only then did I find out that our car tires were shot. Therefore, Jasper had difficulty controlling the car. He chose to crash into a shop rather than another vehicle. Fortunately, it saved our lives.We weren't hurt, but it was different with Nicole. They shot her arm, and she fell off her motorcycle. The doctor had to perform surgery as soon as possible to remove the bullet and fix the position of her broken arm and leg."Farrell and Bella have to die," Jasper whispered. He stared at the operating room door with red eyes. "Brad is tracking down Mrs. Haworth. Sorry, I can't concentrate—""Nicole is your girlfriend." I patted the back of his hand. "I understand."It took Brad hours to figure out Camari's w
After that deafening explosion, the room turned so quiet that my ears were ringing. I felt nothing in my body. Did the bullet lodged in the body numb the wound?I opened my eyes and saw that my lap was clean. There was no blood. Strange. No part of my body felt aches or pains. Did the shooter miss or misfire? I took a deep breath. No part of my body hurt, and I was still alive!"Noooo!!!" Bella shouted, startling me.My heart was beating fast. I turned and saw her running towards me. Oh, God. Did she want to kill me with her hands? I struggled, trying to break free from the bonds on my hands and feet, but it was in vain.Bella didn't approach me but knelt and held something under me. I turned and was surprised to see someone lying on the floor. Bella turned his body so that I could see his face. No way.That selfish man who only loved himself couldn't be lying there. He wouldn't sacrifice himself to save anyone, especially me. Farrell hated me. He only loved Bella. It was impossible.