"What? Why? Lisa just resumed work yesterday, and the next thing you are leaving the country already. What happened to 'I'll always be there for you'? Are you planning to be there for me while you're in another country?" Adrienne's voice was accusatory, her emotions getting the better of her. "Here she goes again. Dramatic. You're supposed to ask why I am leaving the country first. It's not like it's something I planned in advance," Daniel defended, a tinge of frustration edging into his voice. "Well, why are you leaving the country?" Adrienne crossed her arms defensively, her expression guarded. "It's Juliette. She went to Dubai last week. We were in contact with each other for two days after she arrived, but for five days now, I haven't been able to reach her," Daniel explained, genuine concern etched across his face. "Oh my god. I hope she's okay," Adrienne uttered, her accusation melting away in the face of genuine worry. "Now that's the Adrienne I like. The caring one, not th
"Uh... Adrienne, what are... what are you doing here?" he stammered, feeling a mix of surprise and panic. Adrienne hesitated when she noticed Anabelle standing beside Ryan. A sharp pain pierced her chest, though she couldn't understand why she felt that way. "I forgot my phone. I came to get it, it should be in the kitchen." "Nah, it's here with me. I was actually planning to swing by your office and drop it off," Ryan replied. Adrienne's smile faltered, an awkward expression taking its place. She tried to mask her disappointment. "Hi," Adrienne greeted Anabelle, her curiosity piqued, and she couldn't help but wonder who she was. Anabelle wanted to talk, but Ryan swiftly interrupted, his voice becoming stern. "Keep quiet. She didn't ask you anything." Adrienne felt a pang of frustration rise within her at Ryan's dismissive tone. She wanted to know who that woman was, but she couldn't risk appearing suspicious. "Let's go, dear," Ryan said cordially to Adrienne, trying to glos
"Dad, good morning," Ryan greeted, tentatively approaching his father. Michael sat regally behind the grandiose desk, engrossed in his phone and glanced up, his expression devoid of warmth. "Good morning? I can't remember the last time you greeted me. How's your face? Does it still hurt?" he asked, feigning concern. Ryan forced a smile, trying to hide his discomfort. "No, I'm okay," he lied, not wanting to give his father the satisfaction of seeing him in pain. "Dad, I need to talk to you about Rosa," Ryan began, his voice quivering slightly. He steeled himself, prepared to face whatever may come. Michael's eyebrow raised in curiosity. "And what about her?" Taking a deep breath, Ryan forged on. "Please, let her go. She has considered getting an abortion," he confessed. Michael burst into laughter, the sound echoing throughout the room. "What's so funny?" Ryan asked, feeling hurt by his father's reaction. "You, son. You're quite the joker. Rosa getting an abortion? That'
The evidence was irrefutable – Juliette, the woman he had once trusted, had been siphoning money from the company. The figures on the balance sheets and reports blatantly exposed the financial deceit that had been occurring behind his back. Ryan's mind raced with questions. How had he been so blind to Juliette's hidden agenda? Was this the reason she broke up with him first, even before he brought it up, to enjoy the fruit of her criminal activities? And most importantly, how was he going to rectify this mess without tarnishing his own reputation? "Dad, I... I can't believe this," Ryan muttered, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and anger. Michael, who had been observing Ryan's growing realization, scoffed and leaned back in his chair, an air of superiority enveloping him. "I told you she was never interested in you. This is how manipulative women can be, Ryan." Ryan's eyes narrowed as a surge of fury coursed through him. He couldn't let his father's biased comments c
"Are you okay? Why the sudden moody look on your face?" Lisa asked with a concerned tone, observing Adrienne's distant expression. Adrienne shrugged, her attention clearly focused on her own thoughts. "It's nothing, really," she replied dismissively, rising from the bed and heading towards the bathroom. Lisa watched her leave, a mixture of anticipation and uneasiness filling her heart. After a brief moment, Adrienne emerged from the bathroom, wearing the seductive red lingerie set sent to her by Richard. The sight of Adrienne in such a captivating ensemble made Lisa's heartbeat quicken. She couldn't help but feel an overwhelming desire to express her adoration. "Uh... should I leave?" Lisa nervously stammered, her voice betraying the rush of emotions coursing through her veins. Adrienne turned to face Lisa, her reflection visible in the mirror, seeking validation. "How do I look? Does it suit me?" she inquired, her eyes searching for an honest response. Lisa swallowed, tryin
"Hey... How are you? What brings you here?" Ryan said, his surprise evident as he locked eyes with Adrienne standing before him. Adrienne exhaled deeply and embraced Ryan, seeking solace in his comforting arms. He reciprocated, tenderly stroking her back. "Is something wrong?" Ryan questioned softly, his hand soothingly patting her back. Looking up at him, Adrienne clutched both sides of his shirt, her expression wrought with emotion. She shook her head, conveying her answer without words. "You seem on the verge of tears. What happened?" "I can't believe I almost cheated on him," Adrienne murmured to herself, her gaze fixed on Ryan's profound eyes. "I missed you so much, and I had an overwhelming need to see you," Adrienne confessed, her vulnerability exposed. Ryan smiled warmly, his lips descending upon Adrienne's in a tender, lingering kiss. They embraced once more, finding solace in each other's arms. "Were you busy? Did I interrupt something important?" Adrienne questioned
"Hey, what kind of house is this?" Juliette inquired as Andrew brought the car to a halt. The mansion before her loomed large, but an eerie feeling permeated the air. It was as if a sense of darkness lingered, or something crucial was amiss, yet the silence enveloped the place like a desolate graveyard. "Follow me..." Andrew instructed, his voice commanding. Juliette observed him striding towards the front door, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. An involuntary scoff escaped her lips as she reluctantly trailed after him. As she entered, her annoyance only intensified upon reaching the living area and spotting a portrait hanging prominently on the wall. It was a grand portrait of Adrienne. "Why is her picture here? Is this her house? I distinctly remember you saying it belonged to a 'he' and not a 'she'!" Juliette's eyes rolled indignantly. "No, this is not her house, and it indeed belongs to a 'he,'" a deep baritone voice resonated from behind Juliette. Startled, she sw
Juliette's eyes widened with shock, her voice barely a whisper as she asked, "What do you mean you know where my dad is? How do you know my dad?" Juliette asked Richard, her voice trembling. Richard paused for a moment, assessing the emotions in Juliette's eyes. "The question here is... do you know your dad?" he said, choosing his words carefully. "My dad is... dead," Juliette said, her voice choked with grief. Richard's expression softened slightly. "No, he's not," he replied, his voice gentle yet firm. A tinge of annoyance flickered in Juliette's eyes. "Well, if he's alive, then where is he?" she asked, desperation evident in her tone. Richard hesitated before speaking. "Did you witness your 'late' father's passing, just as you did with your mom? Did you ever see his lifeless body?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity. Juliette was taken aback, her thoughts racing. "So... that man might still be alive?" Richard's eyes met hers, his demeanor grave. "I can't sa