"I... I apologize, Uncle," Kalix stammers, his voice betraying a hint of guilt. "I got caught up in some personal matters. I didn't mean to cause any worry." Richard's piercing gaze seems to penetrate Kalix's every word, assessing the sincerity behind his apology.
The weight of his disappointment hangs heavily in the air, emphasizing the need for an explanation.
Natalie, sensing the tension, takes a step back but remains nearby, her presence offering silent support to Kalix.
“Personal matters? You were out there partying -” As Uncle Richard's blunt words hang in the air, Kalix remains locked in a gaze with his uncle, feeling the weight of his disappointment. He knows he cannot hide the truth any longer and decides to admit his actions, albeit with a touch of defiance.
As Kalix and Natalie step into the grand mansion, they are greeted by the sight of their entire family gathered together. The atmosphere is filled with a sense of anticipation, heightened by Miranda's distressed expression as she quietly sips her coffee. Sensing the tension in the air, Kalix guides Natalie by his side and takes a seat next to his mother, showing his support.Richard Ashford, Kalix's Uncle, takes a puff from his cigar before addressing the family with a serious tone.“Huh, good…now that all of you are here…I would like to make an announcement.” He acknowledges the presence of everyone and proceeds to make an announcement that catches Kalix's attention.“The foreign clients are arriving and I have arranged a party for them. The entire business world will be invite
As the girls walk down the street, their laughter and chatter fill the air. Dressed in stylish outfits, they are determined to make the most of their day off. Alexa and Jax, flanking Audrey on either side, engage in a lively conversation about boys, their voices blending with the sounds of the bustling city.A dark-colored car slowly parks by the side of the road, drawing the attention of the group. The window rolls down, revealing a man seated in the back. He removes his shades, his gaze fixated on the girls, particularly Audrey, who is caught up in a moment of pure joy, her laughter contagious.As the man watches Audrey's radiant smile, his expression softens, and a hint of a smile graces his own face. However, his reverie is interrupted by Sean, seated in the front seat, who reminds him of their need for discretion.
Kalix stands in front of the mirror, buttoning his coat, lost in his own thoughts. Memories of Audrey resurface, causing a deep sigh to escape his lips. He continues to dress, fastening his watch onto his wrist when a knock on the door interrupts his trance.Turning his gaze toward the door, Kalix finds Natalie entering the room. She is adorned in an evening dress that perfectly complements the shirt he is wearing. A smile tugs at his lips as he takes in her beauty. Sensing his attention, Natalie asks, "How do I look?"Kalix nods, his words few but sincere, "You look beautiful, Natalie." Natalie, familiar with Kalix's reserved nature and his difficulty in expressing compliments, understands the significance of his words. She is delighted to know that he has gone out of his comfort zone to acknowledge her beauty.
"I don't have to. Audrey is a nice girl, and I know her personally," Paul interjects immediately, defending Audrey in front of Kalix. As his words reach Kalix's ears, a dark cloud seems to pass over his face. Sensing the tension, Natalie gently places her hand on Kalix's, whispering, "Honey, she is a guest."Kalix nods, but Audrey can't help but feel the sting of hurt deep within. Despite the pain, she musters a forced smile, hiding her true emotions.Paul excuses himself, leading Audrey away from the situation. As they walk, Natalie and Kalix are left alone. Natalie turns to look at him, her gaze filled with disappointment. She speaks softly but firmly, "Kalix, she is a guest, and you are insulting her."Kalix shrugs his shoulders, attempting to defend himself. "I was only asking," he mutters, not fully
As Audrey finds solace in the privacy of her room, her friends already asleep, she changes into her comfortable night attire and collapses onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. The memories of the party and the confrontations with Kalix Ashford and his fiancée, Natalie, flood her mind. It's a painful experience for her to witness Kalix committing to another woman, especially someone as beautiful and successful as Natalie. In comparison, Audrey sees herself as nothing more than an ordinary waitress.She acknowledges the unfortunate reality that wealthy men like Kalix often engage in secret affairs with women of lower social standing, like herself. While Audrey isn't desperate to have Kalix in her life, she can't deny the impact he had on her during the two nights they spent together. Even though both instances were fueled by intoxication, the emotions she felt were genuine. She could see the longing for love in Kalix's eyes, a yearning for a connection that transcended their circu
Kalix's frustration boils over as he rakes a hand through his hair, his mind still reeling from Audrey's words. Determined to address the situation, he storms back into the mansion, his eyes squinted with intensity. “Samantha!” He calls out Samantha's name, his exclamation filled with annoyance and anger.“Kalix! What happened?” Miranda, taken aback by her son's behavior, quickly rises from her seat, attempting to calm him down. Meanwhile, Samantha, the figure standing on the upper balcony of the mansion, grins mischievously. She descends the stairs, maintaining eye contact with Kalix, seemingly unaffected by his distress.Kalix's jaw clenches as he confronts Samantha, his voice laced with irritation. "What is your problem, Samantha?" he exclaims, his frustration palpable. Samantha raises both eyebrows in astonishment, then responds with a confident nod. "Huh, so you will call me by my name now?" she mocks, reveling in her perceived victory.Unwilling to back down, Kalix presses furth
Kalix Ashford closes the door of his car, his gaze fixed on the rusty building before him. With a shrug of his shoulders, he begins to walk towards it, accompanied by his right-hand man, Sean. Sean offers his support, asking, "Do you want us to come with you, sir?" Kalix shakes his head, declining the offer. "No, Sean. Let me talk to her," he replies, determined to handle the situation himself.Ascending the stairs, Kalix reaches the door of the apartment. He knocks twice, patiently awaiting a response. The door bursts open, revealing Jax, who casually eyes him from head to toe before nonchalantly asking, "What's up?" Kalix clears his throat, maintaining his composure as he calmly inquires, "Is Audrey at home?" Jax gazes at Kalix, before turning and walking away, slamming the door shut in his face.Kalix stands there for a brief moment, contemplating his next move. He decides to knock on the door once again, extending his hand towards it. However, before he can make contact, the d
Kalix takes a moment to compose himself, though his face remains contorted with anger as he locks his intense gaze on Luke. He demands an explanation, his voice laced with frustration, "Resigned? What do you mean by that?" Luke watches the fury in Kalix Ashford's eyes, his anger simmering just below the surface. As Kalix rises from his seat, he runs a hand through his hair in a gesture of exasperation. The true source of his anger remains a mystery to those around him, but the weight of it feels like a heavy burden, sinking his heart deep into the depths of an ocean."She cannot quit like this. You understand that, don't you?" Kalix spits out the words, his anger palpable. Luke, aware of the imminent scolding, stands silently in a corner, bracing himself for the storm about to descend upon him. Kalix Ashford strides purposefully out of the club, stepping into the night air, and takes a deep breath. His hands rest firmly on his waist as he gazes up at the darkened sky. His jaw clench
During a crucial meeting with Kalix and the others, Audrey's phone suddenly rings, breaking the silence of the room. She excuses herself and walks over to one side to answer the call, her expression momentarily shifting as she hears the voice on the other end of the line."Hello?" Audrey answers, her tone composed yet tinged with concern. On the other side of the phone is her loyal bodyguard, Roxanne, whose voice carries a sense of urgency that immediately grabs Audrey's attention."Hello, Audrey, this is Roxanne. Mr. Jenkins is not feeling well. Please hurry!" Roxanne's words cut through the air with a sense of gravity, the urgency in her voice sending a chill down Audrey's spine. The color drains from Audrey's face as she processes the news, her mind racing with concern for Jade’s well-being and the implications of his sudden illness.As Audrey listens to Roxanne's message, a sense of unease settles over the room, the weight of the newscasting a shadow over the previously focused an
Richard Ashford paces back and forth in his cabin, his world crumbling around him as he curses Kathy for the betrayal that has led to his downfall. Anger and frustration swirl within him, his emotions raw and unrestrained. In the midst of his turmoil, the door suddenly bangs open, and a familiar figure strides into the room.For a moment, Richard's expression betrays astonishment at the unexpected intrusion, but it quickly morphs into aggression as he locks eyes with the figure before him. "Why the fuck aren't you answering my phone?" she demands, her voice cutting through the charged atmosphere with an edge of accusation.Richard is forced to confront not only the loss of everything he held dear but also the ghosts of his past that have come back to haunt him. The arrival of Kathy sets off a chain of events that will test his resolve and push him to his limits as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the choices that have brought him to this pivotal moment.Richard Ash
Jade reaches out to touch Audrey's arm, his gesture a comforting presence in the midst of the chaos that has unfolded. Gently caressing her arm, he speaks softly, "Come on, let's go inside." Audrey turns to him, a small smile playing on her lips as she expresses her gratitude, "Thank you, JJ." She takes his hand in hers, a silent acknowledgment of the support and understanding he has shown her in the face of her mother's betrayal.Audrey's demeanor shifts as she informs Jade of a pressing matter that requires her immediate attention. He nods in understanding as she hurriedly makes her way out of the mansion, the weight of the recent events still heavy on her mind as she sets out to address the unresolved issues that linger in the aftermath of her confrontation with Kathy.Getting into the car, Audrey's eyes catch sight of her mother still embroiled in a heated argument with the guards. Despite the distant echoes of Kathy's pleading voice reaching her ears, Audrey remains resolute, he
As Kathy steps closer to her daughter, their eyes locked in a tense confrontation, she exhales softly and speaks in a calm, measured tone. "Speak softly, little one," Kathy's voice carries a hint of authority and a touch of maternal wisdom. Audrey's scoff is filled with defiance, her laughter tinged with bitterness as she struggles to contain her anger, her expression a mask of resentment.With a surge of emotion, Audrey leans in closer to her mother, their faces inches apart, the air crackling with unspoken tension. "Get out right now!" Audrey's whispered command is sharp and cutting, her words a stark demand for Kathy to leave. A moment of charged silence hangs between them, the weight of their strained relationship palpable in the air.“What are you saying? Where am I going to go?” Despite Audrey's outburst, Kathy maintains her composure, her facade of calmness unwavering. Secretly clenching her fists to steady herself, Kathy meets her daughter's gaze with a steady resolve, a fli
Audrey and Jade return from the Ashford mansion, their steps heavy with the weight of the night's revelations. Audrey changes into her night dress and settles down by Jade's side, a look of concern etched on her features as she hands him his medication. "JJ, why don’t you take this seriously? The doctors are waiting for you at the hospital... you won’t have to deal with heart issues anymore. There is a cure, after all…” Audrey's voice is filled with worry and care for Jade's well-being, her eyes pleading with him to prioritize his health.Jade sighs deeply, his gaze meeting Audrey's as he struggles to find the right words. “Audrey, I don't think I can leave you alone right now,” he admits, his tone tinged with vulnerability as he opens up about his fears and uncertainties.Audrey's heart aches at Jade's words, her concern deepening as she pleads with him, "What do you mean by that? Please don't take your health for granted, Jade. I need you to be well, for both our sakes."Unbeknowns
During the dinner at the Ashford mansion, Kathy is visibly enamored by the luxurious lifestyle and the opulence surrounding her. She takes note of Audrey's interactions with Kalix, a wealthy and handsome man, and slyly comments on his apparent interest in her daughter. “This young man right there is staring at you as if he is in love with you…” Kathy whispers to Audrey, gesturing toward Kalix. Audrey responds with a hushed plea, “Mom, please! Behave!” Kathy's lack of etiquette and her avarice are evident in her eyes as she observes the wealthy surroundings.As Kalix observes Jade, perplexed by his outward appearance of health despite his serious heart condition, his gaze shifts to Audrey, triggering a wave of emotions within him. The sight of her evokes a complex mix of feelings, stirring memories, and desires that he struggles to contain.Meanwhile, Paul, who is also present, watches Audrey as she interacts with Jade, his eyes drawn to her amidst the laughter and camaraderie. His g
Jade, sensing the rising tension between Audrey and her mother, takes charge of the situation by instructing the servants to prepare the guest room for Kathy on the ground floor. “Come on, my love. Let’s go to bed,” He then turns to Audrey, extending a hand and gently urging her to come with him to bed. Jade's actions reflect his understanding of Audrey's discomfort and his desire to protect her from the strain of her mother's presence. Kathy, observing the interaction between Audrey and Jade, smiles warmly at both of them as they bid her goodnight. Audrey, grateful for Jade's support and reassurance, takes his hand and follows him towards the stairs. She feels a sense of relief at the prospect of leaving the awkward situation behind and retreating to the safety of their shared space. As they make their way to bed, Audrey's mind is filled with a mix of emotions, grateful for Jade's presence and support in a difficult moment.Despite the tension lingering in the air, Kathy maintains
As Audrey sits in her room, engrossed in her thoughts, the sudden knock on the door startles her. A female figure enters, and Audrey's furrowed brow betrays her concern as she inquires, "What is it, Roxanne?" The gravity of Roxanne's expression does not go unnoticed as she delivers the news that Jade has been taken to the hospital due to his condition.Audrey's heart clenches at the mention of Jade's hospitalization, her worry evident as she responds, "Is he alright? What happened?" Roxanne's gaze reflects a mix of sympathy and apprehension as she replies, "I'm not sure, but we need to go to the hospital to find out." Audrey's sense of urgency kicks in as she quickly gathers her belongings, her mind filled with thoughts of Jade's well-being and the mystery surrounding his sudden illness.Hastening to the hospital, Audrey's steps quicken with each passing moment, her concern growing with every heartbeat. Upon reaching the hospital, she rushes towards Jade's room, where the doctor is e
Without announcing her presence or knocking on the door, Audrey pushes it open and steps into the room, catching both Richard and Paul off guard. The sudden intrusion startles them, and they turn their attention towards Audrey, their expressions a mix of surprise and apprehension at her unexpected entrance.Audrey's presence in the room brings an air of tension and uncertainty, as she grapples with the revelation of Richard and Paul's disdain towards Kalix. The gravity of their words weighs heavily on her, prompting a flurry of conflicting emotions and a growing sense of unease about the dynamics at play within the Ashford Corporation. As Audrey stands before them, her gaze steady and her demeanor composed, she prepares to confront the implications of their conversation and the impact it may have on her relationships within the company."Oh, sorry. I wasn't aware that you guys are here..." She quickly apologizes for the interruption, feigning surprise at finding them there. "Oh, it