Thank you for reading. ❤️❤️❤️ I will post pictures of the dresses on my social media pages. You can check there. And don't forget to leave your comments and votes if you enjoyed the chapter.
When Xander came out of his room and nearly fell to the floor, Toby saw him. He was near the elevator, talking to his wife. As soon as he saw Xander, he approached him. However, when Xander banged on Ariadne's door he stopped in his tracks. He silently observed him without saying anything. Inside the room, Ariadne was lying on her bed, trying to sleep. After arriving at his room, Mark went to the bathroom and threw up three or four times. Only then did he feel better. Ariadne stayed in his room while he changed and freshened up. After taking a pill, he fell asleep, and Ariadne returned to her room. She, too, freshened up and changed into comfortable clothes. She didn't call home as she was exhausted and it was already late. She went straight to bed. However, she hadn't yet fallen asleep when her doorbell rang, followed by a loud banging on the door. She sat up abruptly, perplexed. She assumed it was Mark as she had instructed him to come to her room if he needed anything. She hurri
"None of this would have happened if they had allowed me to stay with you." Crystal said bitterly, expressing her anger. "They did as they were told. It's not their fault." Xander replied, sipping his juice. He was eating breakfast with Crystal in his room at noon. Because of the drug, he slept for a long time and woke up a while ago. "But Xander, you needed me. Only I could have helped you in that situation. We're getting engaged and we have slept before, so what happens if we do it again?" Crystal was furious after hearing what happened last night. She couldn't stand Ariadne near Xander, and last night they almost slept together. "I dislike doing anything while unconscious." "You don't do anything in your conscious state either." Crystal expressed her disappointment. "You didn't even kiss me once in these five years. You also refuse to let me near you." "Crystal, you know the reason. I don't want to talk about it now." "Yes, I understand that you care about me, and don'
Autumn stopped crying and looked at Xander with her doe eyes. "Ok." she said. Everyone was staring at Xander, surprised that he offered Autumn a piggyback. Xander, on the other hand, looked at the girl as he realized what he had done. Now, he would have to give her a piggyback. He didn't expect her to stop crying right away and accept his offer. He looked at the audience, who were clearly enjoying the show. He noticed a faint smirk on William's face and raised his brow with suspicion. He began to wonder, had he fallen into a trap? William actually played Xander. He was informed about his arrival yesterday. He knew the kids would come as well, as it was the weekend. He deliberatly didn't inform Ariadne of Xander's arrival and asked Xander to come in the morning. He pretended to give Autumn a piggyback as well. After all, he knew he wouldn't be able to piggyback anyone due to his current health. As he expected, Xander fell right into his trap. He wanted him to get closer to his chi
While the kids were at the old mansion, a couple sat at a corner table in a five-star restaurant on the other side of town. "How did your meeting with Mr. Yang go?" Ariadne asked, sipping her juice. "It was good. The contract will be ours." Zidane winked at her with a smile. Zidane had come to Zavion City to meet with a new client. He met them yesterday. While he was in town, he visited the construction site and observed all of the activities. This time, he stayed at a different hotel that belonged to his friend. He also had some personal work. He did, however, see Ariadne and her children on a regular basis because they were good friends. "So, are you planning to return or will you stay for longer?" Ariadne asked as the meeting with Mr. Yang was the main reason for his visit. "I've received an invitation to Mr. Blake's engagement. I'm thinking about staying to attend his engagement. After all, he's our biggest client." he said. Ariadne shifted in her seat at the mention o
The drive to Xander's penthouse was silent. Ariadne remained at the far end, away from Xander. Her dress drenched the seat beneath her. However, he appeared unconcerned. His attention was focused on his phone. Ariadne felt awkward. After what happened at the festival, she wanted to stay away from him at all cost. Unfortunately, she was always caught up in an unexpected situation with him. Furthermore, it was her first time riding with him, which made things even more awkward. She wasn't sure if Xander was aware of it or not. They arrived at the tall building. The large, bright nameplate that read "PEARL" was visible to her. It was one of the most famous buildings in Zavion City. When the car entered the premises, it didn't stop at the front entrance. It rounded the building and came to a stop at the back entrance. She had never been here before, so she looked around curiously. They got out of the car. Xander started walking without saying anything and entered the building. Aria
"I heard that you have been looking for a property for a while... And that you're interested in a particular property on the market place." Ariadne's eyes grew wider. She had been looking for a property for her jewelry brand, which was set to launch in Zavion City. She was particularly interested in the properties on the market place. She had also found one, but it belonged to Xander. So, she didn't make any progress on purchasing that property. "I've never wanted to sell that property, but I don't have any plans for it either." Xander continued. "So I've a proposal for you. I'm ready to sell you the property... but there's one condition." "What condition?" Ariadne narrowed her eyes at him. "I want to be a business partner of Autumn Collection... precisely... a shareholder." he said. "We don't have a business partner.." "I know. But you need one right now." "We don't..." "Shhhh." he cut her off. "Don't be irrational. Think about it with your mind as a businesswoman, that you'r
"You are looking at the wrong woman." Toby's words jolted Xander out of his thoughts. He looked at him and saw him smirking. He shot him a death glare before returning his gaze to the entrance. This time, he noticed Crystal with a pink gown in front of Ariadne. Crystal arrived with Catherine by her side. Ariadne was just behind them, with Tiara. Crystal's face darkened when she noticed Xander was looking at Ariadne. She deliberately arrived late to draw everyone's attention to herself. However, they arrived at the same time at the venue, and Xander looked at Ariadne first instead of her. She should have been the one to capture his attention. She cursed Ariadne internally for ruining her entry. However, she composed her expression quickly. Everyone looked at Crystal as she moved through the crowd. She approached Xander with a smile. Xander smiled back. Ariadne, on the other hand, joined the crowd with Tiara. They met with Crystal and Catherine outside as they arrived at the same
Ariadne turned around and saw Xander standing behind them. "Mr. Blake. Come, join us." Mr. Montecarlo said. Xander took a step forward and stood between Crystal and Ariadne. He looked at Ariadne with a frown. She averted her gaze. "Congratulations, Mr. Blake." Zidane said, saving Ariadne from his intense glare. They shook hands. "Miss Miller, congratulations to you as well. I forgot to greet you earlier" he said to Crystal. "It's ok...Thank you." "I didn't know you have three children." Xander went right to the point. "Yeah, we were talking about it... she managed her work and three children at the same time." Georgia praised Ariadne. "I have help at home to look after my kids. Now that they have grown up, it's not as difficult." "How old are they?" Georgia asked. "Four years." "We hadn't met your other child." Xander interrupted. Ariadne paled, unsure what to say. Zidane gave her a concerned look. "He has some health issues, so he doesn't go out as much as
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