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It had been two days since the scandal. "It's not a joke. It's impossible for someone like her to get a bag that costs twice as much as a Jucy Life bag. It will cost her a fortune. She must have lied, that old hag." Emma scoffed while sipping her coffee in Margaret's office at the Blake Corporation Building. "I know. That's why I told her to deliver it to my office. I would love to see how her face falls in front of the entire staff when she fails to bring me such an expensive bag." Margaret smirked. "She tried to ruin my reputation... The audacity of that bitch. Oh, now she has the support of two more bitches. I will teach them a lesson." she added. "But Xander handled the situation very well." Emma praised. All of the news and posts about Margaret was removed by Xander's team. As she had apologized, Ariadne made no objections. However, Margaret was not happy. "He could have handled it better." she was furious that Xander made her apologize for her actions. "We are the
"Why are we here?" Xander looked around, sitting on the chair at a table of two people in an opening. The place was beautifully decorated. There were a few tables, each located a long distance away, providing privacy. They were surrounded by grass and trees, and the lights created a romantic atmosphere. Crystal had invited Xander to dinner and insisted on choosing the restaurant. "Well, it's a new restaurant and we had not been here before, so I thought we should try something new." Crystal stated, adjusting herself in her seat. "It's Watson Group's restaurant." "I know." Despite the fact that Watson Croup and Blake Corporation were working on a project together, Xander still disliked them. So he was not happy that Crystal took him to Watson Group's newly opened restaurant. It's the same place where the majority of Watson Group employees lived, including Ariadne. Xander's expression hardened at the thought of her, and he turned to Crystal. "Have you come here to create a
The guard led them to the top floor of the building. There were only two doors in the corridor: one on the left and the other on the right. They came to a stop in front of the left door and pressed the doorbell. After a while, the door opened, revealing Mary. See gasped when she saw the scene in front of her. "What happened to Adi?" she exclaimed, terrified. Though the bandage on Adrian's leg was covered by his pant, Mary could tell from his pale face that something had happened to him. "He's all right. There's no need to worry." Xander immediately informed the elderly woman, noticing her pale face. Mary looked at Xander and noticed how he was holding Adrian in his arms while standing at the door. Soon confusion overtook her as to why Xander was there. Behind him, she could see Autumn, the guard, and Crystal. Her eyebrows furrowed. "Mr. Blake, please come inside." She said after composing herself and stepped aside. "Adi got into an accident, Granny." Autumn informed M
"Everything is ready for the Gala, Boss." Xander nodded as Jose updated him on the Gala presentation. Toby was also present in the office. It was two days before the Gala. Though Xander wasn't in charge of the Gala's preparations, as it was taking place at their resort in Zavion City, he provided some help. "What about the Autumn Collection owner?" Xander asked. "Lily Garner isn't coming to the Gala, Boss. According to the organizers, this time the owner will attend the Gala. The organizers informed that they sent them an invitation last year as well, but they refused to attend due to an unknown reason." Jose reported as he sat down next to Toby. Lily Garner was the face of Autumn Collection. She was the CEO and handled all the meetings and public appearances, but she was not the owner. The owner remained hidden, unwilling to reveal her identity. The public only knew that the owner was a woman. "Interesting. So the owner will reveal herself at the Gala, this year." "Why a
"Ariadne!?" Crystal exclaimed in shock. She exchanged a glance with Catherine before turning her gaze to Xander, who was looking at Ariadne, his face expressionless. He looked at Ariadne from head to toe. She wore a one-shoulder blue gown with her dark brown hair loosely open. She looked absolutely stunning. Adrian, Autumn, and Tiara were all there with her, posing for photographs on stage. "What's she doing here? Is not this a gala for the world's top businessmen?" Margaret said with displeasure. She gave an expression as if she had seen a dirty beggar. Her gaze moved to the children. "She even brings her bas.... kids with her." Margaret changed her words as Xander gave her a look. Aaron looked longingly at the children. It was his first time seeing them. The stage was brightly lit, but the surrounding area was mostly dark. After a few clicks, Ariadne looked in the other direction, near the stage, and Zidane's parents joined them. They all posed together, like a family.
Autumn had no idea how to respond and was uncomfortable with their hateful stare at her. She just looked at Crystal silently, not getting a good vibe from them. "Why did even she bring her kids here?" Emma asked. "To look at the items, obviously. Where would they see such expensive items? As they can't have them, they can at least see them." Catherine commented, and they all burst out laughing. Autumn's face fell as she looked at them innocently, not fully understanding what they were saying. "Oh, come on. Aria was able to give an Autumn Collection bag as compensation. Have you forgotten? Maybe she can bid this one too." Crystal spoke up in protest. However, anyone can see the mockery in her words. "Huh... getting one Autumn Collection bag is easy. But she will never be able to win a bid here. You can dream, little brat." Margaret said. Even prominent families lost bids during the auction. So it was impossible for someone like Ariadne to win a bid. "But she can beg Mr. Wa
"And this beautiful necklace goes to Mr. Blake. This is the highest bid of the evening so far. Not only that, but this is one of the most expensive items ever auctioned at this Gala." Everyone applauded and began guessing the brand. They would have assumed it was from Sparks, but their necklace had already sold out. "Ladies and gentlemen,... the Black Heart from the Autumn Collection. Congratulations to the Autumn Collection on their first bid at this Gala." "Omg, Crystal... it's from the Autumn Collection. No doubt, it's gorgeous. It's the best of them." Catherine exclaimed, excitedly. Crystal smiled from ear to ear as well. A girl delivered the necklace to Blake's table. Xander told her to give the necklace to Crystal. Everyone started murmuring about Xander's romantic gesture. He placed such a high bid for his fiancee. Everyone knew that if Xander set his eyes on something, he would definitely get it. They thought Crystal was lucky to have him. "Thank you, Xander." Cryst
They turned around and saw Tiara standing behind them. They glared at her. "Well, what did you say? We came here for free food... We can't afford anything here... Oh.. So much confidence." she fanned her face dramatically as she approached them slowly. "Alas! Everything went down the drain. Look at your faces. You are all looking like clowns." she laughed sarcastically. "Be as happy as you can right now. The final laugh will be mine....because I have Xander, whom she will never have." Crystal said through gritted teeth. "You have a point. You have Xander. But, who said Aria wants him?" Crystal glared at her. "And as for you having Xander..." Tiara made a face as if she was deep in thought, then she approached Crystal and whispered in her ear. "The question is... for how long? You know?.... secrets never remain hidden forever." She looked at Crystal's pale face with a smirk. She walked past them without waiting for her reply. ... "The meeting is going to take place tomorrow a
The maids finished serving, and everyone started eating. There was an awkward silence. Autumn and Adrian ate their food, lowering their heads, not interested in conversing with anyone. Xander watched them silently while eating his meal. "How are you, Margaret? It has been a long time." Mary asked, breaking the silence. "I'm fine, Mary. I've heard you're now the president of Autumn Collection." Margaret replied, looking at her. "Yes. You have heard it correctly." Everyone looked at them as they talked. "Do you know each other?" Crystal asked, surprised. Xander, too, appeared curious. "We were classmates in school." Mary replied. "Wow. I didn't know that." Crystal replied. "You don't know a lot of things." Mary shot her a sharp look. "Do you remember me?" Margaret asked as she looked at the kids, interrupting the conversation. Her expression suggested that she disliked the fact that she knew Mary and she didn't want the subject to continue. The kids looked at eac
"Go on. I'm listening." Tiara said lazily. Crystal shifted in her seat and looked at her nails. "I don't know what your relationship is with Aria. You aren't her friend. How did you become a member of her family? I'm curious." She raised a brow at Tiara. "I think that story is useless to you." Tiara replied in a boring tone. Crystal nodded. "Anyway... I like how you always protect her and her kids." she paused for a moment while Tiara stared at her intently. "I'm sure you're with her for your own benefit... after all she owns the Autumn Collection." "What do you want to say?" Tiara said, irritated. She wanted her to get to the main point. "I'm saying you're a lawyer and you will always see a profit. So why don't you switch to someone who can provide you with more benefits than Aria?" Crystal said, leaning into the desk. "Are you referring to yourself?" Tiara asked. "Of course." Crystal leaned back in her seat again. "I'm the CEO of Miller Group. I'm now engaged to Xander.
Ariadne didn't look at Xander as she entered the car that was waiting at the entrance. She felt ashamed of herself for thinking that ring was cheap. The ring held historical significance. As a jewelry designer, she was able to easily identify the quality of a piece. She was curious if he still had the ring. However, she chose not to talk about it as it was pointless at this time. Thinking about past mistakes would only bring pain. She brushed the subject off her mind. They both sat silently as the car drove away. "Where are we going?" she asked when she saw the car taking a different route. "To the hotel." Xander replied casually, looking outside. "Hotel? Why? Shouldn't we return to your jet?" Ariadne frowned. "We will visit their factory tomorrow. You will complete your first contract." "But.." "When you find a good partner, don't wait to finalize the deal. They will trust you if you demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with them." he said, cutting her off as he looked at h
"Mr. Hart can you handle things here for a few days?" Ariadne asked, as Mr. Hart entered her office. "I'm going out of town for a few days." she added. "O.. yes... don't worry.. I'll handle everything here." he said, placing a file in front of her. "Thank you." she smiled. "Let me know if you need anything." "Sure." Ariadne signed the documents and handed them back to Mr. Hart. "See you in a few days." she said. Mr. Hart nodded before leaving the office. Ariadne grabbed her belongings and left as well. ..... "How far is it?" Ariadne asked, irritated. "It will take another hour." Xander replied from his seat in the distance, where he was reading some documents. Ariadne signed and gazed out the window. They had been sitting in Xander's private jet for the past five hours. It was a six-hour journey. What irritated her the most was having to sit with him. Even though she sat away from him, she was still uncomfortable. Xander suggested her to take a nap in the jet's private room.
Xander was in a good mood after Alex addressed him as 'Daddy'. He put on a mask and followed them inside the restaurant. As they passed through, Autumn kept looking back at him. When Xander raised his brow at her, she looked away. They entered a private cabin. Xander looked around. It wasn't as cozy as the five-star restaurants, but it was still nice. Everyone took their seats. Tiara sat between the two kids, with Mary next to Adrian and Jose beside Autumn. Xander sat next to Jose. Autumn tugged on Jose's hand, causing him to look at her. "Why is he wearing a mask?" she asked. It was loud enough for everyone to hear. Jose looked back at his boss before smiling at her. "So that no one can recognize him." he replied. "Why? Are the police looking for him?" Tiara burst out laughing while Jose pressed his lips together to hold it in. Xander stiffened, embarrassed. His daughter thought he was a criminal. He removed his mask, without saying anything. "No. Your dad is the most fam
"You fool! What do you think you're doing?" William yelled from the other end as soon as Xander answered the call. He sighed and rubbed his brows with his fingertips. His head was throbbing. "Do you want your kids to grow up as orphans?" He frowned at his words. "You took them away from their mother and kept them in that mansion while you're still at your penthouse. What's the meaning of this? They have grown up without a father. You have now also separated them from their mother. If you can't stay with them, then why did you take them?" William continued to scold him, without giving him a chance to speak. "Grandpa I.." "This's the last time I've helped you." he cut him off. Xander paused upon hearing this. "You asked her to bring them back." he said. It was a statement rather than a question. "Yes." "Thank you." "But if you make another mistake... I'll never ask her to reconsider anything. Don't disappoint me." "It's only a few days, Grandpa. I'm still proces
"How dare you slap her?" Emma got up in a rage. Ariadne raised her hand, telling her to remain silent. Cathy put her hand over her mouth, shocked. She couldnt believe her eyes that Ariadne slapped Crystal in front of everyone. Crystal's nostrils flared up with rage and she covered her cheek with her hand. However, she composed her expression and changed it to one of submission. Her eyes welled up, as well. Xander sat, silently. "Who gave you the right to slap my daughter?" Ariadne yelled. Crystal looked at Xander helplessly. Xander's gaze was fixed on Ariadne. "Why are you not saying anything, Mr Blake? She slapped your fiancee." Emma looked at Xander. He was silently watching the drama, saying nothing. "Didn't you two come here on your own? Crystal even slapped Autumn to discipline her as an aunt. So, why should I interfere? Ariadne is her mother and has every right to be angry about it. Now, deal with it." Xander said, irritated. He didn't like that they disobeyed his
Later that evening, Xander called Cathy to check on the kids. "How are the kids doing?" he asked as soon as Cathy answered the call. Cathy moved to a corner and looked around. "The kids are quiet a nuisance, Mr. Blake." she replied, clenching her jaw. Xander frowned. "Did they cause any trouble? Are they trying to leave the mansion again?" "No, Sir." "Then what happened?" "Um.. I made them some healthy food, but they refused to eat. They became angry as I didn't let them eat junk foods... And Autumn broke a vase. When I scolded her, she began to cry. Adrian even got into a fight with me." she said in a tired tone. Xander sighed with relief as he heard this. He was afraid the children would demand to see their mother again. "Oh... They don't know you, so they will not obey you. Let Mary handle them. You don't have to do anything. Just make sure she and the children have everything they need." he instructed. "Okay, Sir... don't worry. I'll follow Mary's instr
"Oh.. Crystal. You're so selfless and kind-hearted. I'm proud of you." Emma said. Margaret still looked dissatisfied, but she said nothing. The three women made a mental note to deal with Ariadne and the kids in their own way. Aaron remained silent. "How is the third kid? What exactly happened to him?" Crystal asked, concerned. Xander sighed as he thought about Alex. He felt sorry for him. "His legs were disabled since birth, so he couldn't walk." he said. Margaret and Emma exchanged glances while Crystal wore a sad expression. "I'm sorry. It's very unfortunate." she said with a sad tone. "Yeah... but he has undergone surgery and will be able to walk after the treatment." Xander added with a smile. "Oh.. wow... that's a great news." Crystal said excitedly. "I will visit him." she added. Xander fell silent. "Can we talk in private?" he asked. "Yeah... sure" Crystal nodded and stood up. She took him to the first-floor balcony. "What's it? Is there any proble