Elaine's POV “Tested? They were testing drugs that hadn't been perfected on people?!” An outraged strangled cry sounded in the midst of the meeting, people knocking their hands on the table in shock and anger. “Yes, we received word that they had been doing that for quite a while, even before they were given our formula, but no one has been able to prove it so it died down. However, we were given a chance this time and we succeeded. We were able to get footage of the uncompleted formula being tested on rabbits and humans, kept in labs to see how they would be affected. But despite the infections and series of sickness that those experimented on were affiliated with, they didn't stop. Brent Ruse paid the family of those who had eventually died a sum of money to keep their mouths shut and to also threaten them.” Zade explained, standing from his own seat to stand next to me. “Everything that has happened from the beginning until now is just a ruse that was meant to reveal the wrongd
Elaine's POV “I didn't think I'd come back here this early. It's only been a little less than two months.” I adjusted my sunglasses, looking at thr sunny skies. West Drewire was as sunny as I always expected it to be, although throughout my time here, it was already rainy and sad. Or maybe that was just in my head, but now? It looked very sunny, and it was so damn hot. “Let's go, our car is waiting for us already.” Zade came forward, traveling box in his hand. I glanced over at Zade, who was already a few steps ahead of me, his tall frame casting a shadow on thr pavement. He looked almost relaxed, his usual cold expression softening as he turned back to glance at me. “Right, I’m coming.” I muttered, adjusting my sunglasses again. They weren’t just for the sun; they were also for hiding the turmoil in my eyes. Coming back to West Drewire so soon felt strange, like returning to a battlefield where the war wasn’t quite over. Zade's gaze lingered on me, “We could go back if you wanted
Author's POV The sun was already setting when a sleek black limousine pulled up outside the airport, a crowd gathered and curious onlookers were whispering excitedly. Well, it wasn't everyday that a prominent family arrived unannounced in the Country’s Capital, West Drewire, let alone one that was connected to the Royal Family or that a black limo was parked outside casually. The anticipation heightened when the automatic doors of the airport slid open, and the Delacroix family stepped out into the airport’s busy terminal. People's head turned as the family made their way outside with a form of regal air, her tailored blue dress and her accessories hinting at her noble status. Behind her, two young children dashed out, almost tripping over their own feet in their excitement. The twins, Ethan and Elara, were mirror images of each other, with tousled black hair and bright brown eyes. It was evident they had far more energy than their refined mother could contain. “Look, Elara! It’s t
Author's POV “Ugh.” Jared grunted, following his family. He caught up to them in no time, opening the door for his mother who only glared at him, not saying anything and instead, she turned around, going towards the other part of the car and opening it herself. For good measure, when she opened it, she glanced up at Jared, scoffed again and looked away. Jared rolled his eyes, muttering something along the lines of ‘Such a petty woman', before entering the other part of the car. Few moments later, they drove off. “Killian, they say she's here. Do you think she'll actually be here? We've been looking for her so many years, and I was finally told that she's here. What if they're lying to us?” Lady Evangeline said slowly, the corner of her lips pulling into a small frown. She had a worried look in her eyes; worried that she had been lied to. After all, throughout the years, she had always wanted to find her child, but due to one thing or the other, she couldn't. At one point, she had to
Author's POV Jared snickered, his hands going up to cover his mouth. Evangeline heard it nonetheless. It was only Giselle that could make Evangeline lose her composure like this, even her children hardly could. Giselle laughed, a twinkling bell-like laugh that echoed in the house. She stepped aside and greeted warmly, “Welcome back, my lady. The house is ready for your greatness to enter.” She bowed her head a bit low and stretched her hands to gesture to the house. Evangeline huffed, but she went in nonetheless, glancing at Giselle with an unfathomable look in her eyes. With that, the family made their way up the grand marble steps and into the mansion, the main hall was just as lavish as ever, with its high ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and intricately carved wooden panelling. As they made their way through the hall, Jared slowed his pace, his gaze wandering over the portraits that lined the walls. Each portrait depicted a member of the Delacroix family, their stern, proud faces
Elaine's POV “There, it's done. Brent Ruse has been arrested and sentenced, it was very quick.” I leaned on my seat, turning it around so I could face Zade who stood behind me, “What next?” I asked, staring at him from under my lashes. Zade said nothing, he remained silent, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. My cheeks heated under his scrutiny and I shifted uncomfortably, trying to figure out what he was thinking. Why was he staring at me like that? Was there something on my face? I lifted my hands to my face, I wasn't wearing my mask but it wasn't as if he had never seen me without my mask before… I swallowed, feeling my heart race faster with every second that passed. “Za…” Then his phone rang, and the sudden noise supposedly broke the spell between us. “Hm?” He didn't move, just hummed and continued looking at me with an unreadable expression, until his phone chimed again. “Aren't you going to take that?” I gestured towards the ringing phone.
Elaine's POVZade questioned, blocking their view of me. I was still shaking, my body remembered all that she did to me even though it had been a long time. I didn't expect to meet her once again in a place like this, why did she come back? Because of Zade? Erika Windsor, a woman who almost killed me in the past, just because she wanted Zade. She stood up, her eyes lighting up the moment she saw Zade but her gaze quickly shifted to the masked figure behind him, me. I took a step back again, grateful for the mask that concealed my identity but somehow, I still felt so exposed under Erika's gaze. “Zade.” She purred, pushing a strand of her perfectly styled hair behind her ear, “I'm just here to catch up with some old friends, there's no need to get so defensive.” She said sweetly, but her voice was so grating to the ears. It had a tone of saccharin sweetness and left a bitter after taste. Zade's jaw clenched, his presence was cold and unyielding, “Old friends?” He repeated, his voi
Elaine's POV“Let's get on with it.”Zade muttered. “What about your little friend here, is she also interested in joining this game? It'll be fun if more girls join.” Chris, one of the men sitting around the table asked, his gaze settling on me with a smirk. I froze, a jolt of unease shooting through me. I hadn’t come here to play games, especially not ones like these, I knew all too well how bad things could get. And with Erika in the room, everything felt like a trap waiting to spring. “No,” I said quietly, shaking my head, “I’m just here to…” “What’s the matter?” Erika interrupted, her voice dripping with mock sweetness, “Afraid? Or maybe you just don’t have what it takes to hang out with us?” She chuckled, the sound of her laugh was grating against my nerves like nails scratching on a chalkboard, “You really are a weakling, aren’t you?” “Erika.” Zade's voice cut in, low in warning. I stiffened, her words hitting a sore spot, my initial instinct was to ignore her, to keep my com
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