Elaine's POVI yelled, shocked out of my mind. Zade nodded and moved to stand up from his seat and he began walking towards the door. My hands shot out to hold his wrists, “Where are you going?” “You said I should fire her, that's what I'm about to do.” I stared at him dumbfoundedly, he took the chance to intertwine our fingers together, “You just said, ‘Fire her’, Elaine.” He sighed, acting like I was the one that was out of my mind. “No! I didn't say fire her, like fire fire her! It was a question! I was surprised! Ugh, come on Zade just forget about it. You brought me to a whole new country and you didn't explain why, I'm still confused as to what I'm really doing here.” Zade raised an eyebrow, his lips quirking into a subtle smile as he leaned back against his desk, fingers still gently tangled with mine, "You’re here because I want you here.” He said simply, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. I let out a small groan of frustration, "Zade, that’s not an an
Elaine's POV “If I mess this up, I hope you don't blame me for it, Zade.” I grumbled under my breath as I typed slowly on the computer, hissing when I made a mistake and then cancelling it. Staring at what I had written on the screen, I became even angrier and deleted everything. “Ugh! I can't even figure out what to do, it's like there is air inside my brain.” I threw my head back, leaning fully on the chair, staring at the ceiling. I was so confused on what to do, how to approach Erica Wolfe and make her come over to Zade's side. I was pretty sure that this was something Zade could do on his own under a few hours but me? Nothing was coming. I had gone through all of Erica's database and although I figured out what she likes, how to approach her was still a mystery to me. She loved martial arts but I know nothing about it. Archery as well, and as for painting… I glanced at my hands, flexing them a bit but frowning when a sharp pain went up my wrists. I couldn't paint anymor
Zade dug into his pocket and pulled out a dark card which he handed to me. I took it, confused as to what sort of card it was. “Why is this black?” I raised the card up, looking it around, I had never seen this type of card before, “It's not like the normal credit cards? Would this work? You're n
Elaine's POV I turned around to fix my mask in place, and when I was done, I walked into the auction house, preparing myself for whatever was to come. When I entered inside, two people came to meet me; two women. “Hello Miss, welcome to the DeClare Auction House,” One of the women greeted with a polite smile. She gestured towards the other lady who stood a few feet away from her, “She will show you to your seat, we hope you enjoy the evening.” I nodded my thanks, my gaze swept over the crowded hall. It was buzzing with murmured conversations and the soft padded walks on the floor. Every now and then, I caught glimpses of curious eyes turning my way, assessing me and probably why I was masked. “This way, miss.” The attendant said, stopping beside an empty seat near the front. I started to lower my voice into it when a sharp voice cut through the air. “Excuse me.” I looked up to see a tall woman, not as tall as I was, but still tall nonetheless, with light brown hair and brown
Elaine's POV “That's…” She whispered, her voice shaking in disbelief as she stared at the card in my hands, “ How… How were you able to get your hands on something like that?!” She yelled, crazed. It looked like the gears in her head were turning, and a wide smirk suddenly made her lips widen. “You country bumpkin! You must have stolen it and pretended to be the owner of it! Someone, get her! Take that card away from her and bring it to me. Let's determine if it's real or not!” She said excitedly, her eyes gleaming. I gasped inwardly, “You… If you continue to slander me, I won't take it lightly with you.” I said to her bravely but I was actually panicking. If she took the card away from me, how would I explain it to Zade? Thinking about what he would say, I held the card even more tightly in my palms, shifting back when two men began to advance towards me. The woman's eyes glittered with triumph when she saw my hesitation, taking it as a sign that I was lying. Just as the men go
Elaine's POV A few minutes later, I was seated at the VIP section, and not only that, I was directly next to Erica Wolfe! I had to control myself not to stare too much but I was inwardly jumping from excitement. Erica Wolfe was a middle aged woman, but she didn't look the part. She had dark eyeshadow on, a fitted suit with wide pant legs, all in all, she looked really good. Like a model. If Caleb's mother saw Erica, she would realise that all what she had been wearing was just pure trash. “Alright, Ladies and Gentlemen! We welcome you to DeClare Auction House and I have to tell you that we have some awesome stuff here today. So I hope you get ready!” The announcer declared, and shouts rang throughout the entire place. “First of all, we have a rare collection of antique porcelain vases from the Ming Dynasty!” The announcer exclaimed, his voice ringing with enthusiasm. The light dimmed slightly, revealing a covered set of exquisitely painted vases, “The starting bid is Ninety Thou
Elaine's POV “Please follow me to the back so we will complete your transaction.” Another attendant came to me with a polite smile on her lips, showing me where I would pay. When we got to the back, there were other people who were there to claim their prizes as well. I supposed that wasn't where I was supposed to pay as they took me deeper into the back, towards another room. The gem was still sitting prettily inside its case and there was a man standing next to it. “You must be the one who held paddle 86? Can I have your name please?” “Elaine. Just Elaine.” I replied, my voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in my stomach. He then glanced down at the clipboard in his hands and proceeded, “Miss Elaine, I must say that nice to meet someone who is working for the elusive Zade Silver, may I ask how you were able to get that job?” He asked playfully. “I would rather not say, it's a long story you see and I don't really have the time for that. I have to be somewhere else i
Zade's POV “Sir, the documents have been corrected and re-binded.” One of my employees dropped a blue covered file on the table, stepping back after she did that. “You may leave. I'll call you if I have any other business.” I waved her away, she bowed slightly before turning around and walking out briskly. Taking the documents and reading through it, I leaned back in my chair. The numbers were consistent and the proposals were solid, everything was in place. I'd been buried in work for a few hours now, and I wanted to do some more when my phone buzzed on the table beside me. I glanced at it, the screen flashing with an incoming call. A video call. “Elaine?” I hesitated, and then picked up the phone on the second ring, putting the phone down so it could rest on one of thr documents. Elaine's face showed on the screen, “Elaine? What's wrong? It's only been a few hours since I have you the black card, is something wrong with it?” “Zade.” Elaine heaved a sigh of relief. “Elaine,
Author's Pov The car ride back to Grandfather's mansion was quiet. No one spoke a word, not even one movement. Grandfather's face was serene, calm, blank, as if he wasn't thinking about anything. While Caleb had all sorts of emotions written very colorfully on his face. When they alighted from t
Elaine's Pov “Thank you for your help, we will get back to you in a few days.” The Police officer declared, his voice loud and clear. Afterwards, they dragged the still screaming Emily out of the mansion, leaving the scene behind. After they left, guests started to murmur. “Caleb’s family is don
“You don’t get it, do you?” I said, my voice steady, “This isn’t about being better than you. This is about justice, for everyone you’ve hurt. Including me!” Emily’s breathing grew ragged, her chest heaving as she stared at me with unbridled hatred. Suddenly, she lunged forward, her hands reaching
Elaine's Pov “You said you loved me!” Her voice broke, tears streaming down her face as she staggered toward him, but he took a step back, his jaw tightening. She turned toward the crowd then, her gaze wild and unfocused, “They’re all lying! They’re jealous! All of them are jealous of what I have
Elaine's Pov “Instead… Why don't we bring a doctor in to check if you're actually pregnant? After all, you've been able to deceive each and every one of us. If I didn't find out about it, you would have still continued to use it as leverage.” I said slowly, deliberately, enunciating every word, my
Elaine's Pov “How do I know all of this?” I repeated, my voice calm but commanding, “Because I am Elaine Winters.” And with that, I pulled off my mask, revealing my face to the people in the room. The gasp that erupted from the crowd was deafening. “She’s alive, I saw her on TV saying she was dea
Elaine's Pov “I can't take Caleb as my future husband… Why, you may be asking?” I slapped Caleb's hand away from my wrist, cleaning my palm on my dress as I turned to face the audience, “Because he's my ex husband!” I finished sweetly, clapping my hands together, the sound echoing throughout the h
Elaine's Pov It was time for the engagement. I stood in front of the mirror as the servants continued to dress me, I could hear the excited murmurs that came from the guests outside. Those whom I had invited and a lot of Caleb's workers and friends. I was nervous I wouldn't lie, but also, I re
Elaine's Pov “Put up the banners!” “Can't you see that it's not the same colour?! This is two shades darker, bring it down and change it instantly!” “Remove this, and this, and this! This party must be perfect! Lady Evangeline said there must be no mistakes!” Servants ran helter skelter