Chapter 65: Focus, MiaMIAI had gotten dressed and had been waiting for Liam to pick me up for over an hour, looking at my phone constantly to see if I'll get any messages from Liam, but nothing. I had called him so many times, and each time it went straight to voicemail. What the hell was going on?I picked up my phone again, dialing his number yet again, but as expected, it rang out. The anger was bubbling up in me now, gnawing at my insides. Why was he doing this? Now I was regretting agreeing to his arrangement, I didn't want to go but he insisted. I wasn’t asking for much—just for him to show up, just for him to care enough to be there when he said he would.As I finished my last sip of wine, I decided to call it a night. I started to head back upstairs to change when my phone rang. Liam’s name appeared on the screen, and despite the frustration coursing through me, I answered.“Mia, I’m so sorry,” his voice came through, tired and strained. “I didn’t mean to stand you up. Som
Chapter 66: Spotless reputationMARCUS (GREG'S LAWYER)This was the second court hearing this week for this same case and to be honest, I was getting tired. Why wouldn't the judge just make a verdict? All rose as the judge returned from chambers, his robe flowing behind him like the weight of justice itself. I sat at my table, my posture relaxed but sharp, watching Ethan out of the corner of my eye. He was too composed for my liking, a calm arrogance that I found particularly irritating. He thrived on playing the intellectual hero, but today, I’d show him who was in control and that's why I decided to take on this case to prove to everyone that my law firm was a hundred percent better than Ethan's.The judge cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. “The court will now proceed with the cross-examination of witnesses. Mr. Marcus, you may begin.”I rose smoothly, buttoning my jacket as I made my way to the center of the room. My first witness was already seated—a former family friend
Chapter 67: SuspicionsETHAN The judge had made his ruling. Greg had won.I could barely hold back my anger as I watched Greg stride forward, his attorney Marcus behind him. It was a blow, but not the end. At least, that’s what I tried to tell myself. The week had felt like an endless cycle of frustration, I had hoped that our legal arguments were enough to hold Greg off, but his smug grin had never wavered. And now, here we were, standing in the courtroom, facing the weight of our loss.My mind raced as I glanced at John, who was standing next to me, his face pale. “It’s not over yet,” I muttered, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it anymore.Greg turned towards John, his smile as condescending as ever. “I told you, this was always going to be mine. The house, the company, the money. All of it.” he said, his voice dripping with triumph.John’s jaw clenched, and I saw the fury building in him, but he didn’t speak. He didn’t even look at Greg. He just stood there, taking it, as Gre
Chapter 68: In controlGREG EVANSFinally, The court had done the right thing. As the elder son, it was only fitting that I take control of Dad's estate. Let John and his pathetic lawyer sulk all they wanted; I was the one who deserved this. Walking into the house, my chest swelled with pride. This was mine to handle now—All of it. The sound of footsteps interrupted my thoughts. I turned and saw John and Mia standing in the hallway, their expressions gloomy. They looked so out of place, like uninvited guests in my kingdom.“Greg, we need to talk.” John said, his voice steady but clearly trying to hold back frustration.I smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Talk? About what, little brother? The court’s already spoken. If you’re here to cry about fairness, spare me that crap. It’s done.”“This is still our family home, you don’t have to be so smug about it. Moreover the judge said you are to handle everything concerning the properties till they share it between you and da
Chapter 69: The new CEORYAN WILLIAMSFEW WEEKS AGOThe boardroom was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of papers. I leaned back in my chair, taking in the skeptical faces of the board members as they exchanged glances. They were hesitant, but that was exactly how I wanted them to feel. Suspicion bred caution, and cautious men were easier to manipulate. “Gentlemen,” I began, my voice calm and measured. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. I know this is an unusual situation, but I believe we’re all here because we care about the future of this company.” The oldest man on the board, a silver-haired man with a sharp gaze, folded his hands on the table. “Ryan, you’re asking us to consider something unprecedented. Why should we trust you?” I smiled, keeping my demeanor composed. “Because I’m the only one who can bring stability to this company right now.” A few eyebrows rose, and I took that as my cue to elaborate. “Let’s be honest, John and Greg are l
Chapter 70: Shattered worldMIAIt felt like my whole world was crumbling, piece by piece, leaving nothing but broken pieces which I couldn't piece back together. My best friend, the one person I could always count on, hated me. My dad was on the verge of losing everything he’d worked his entire life for. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’d been forced out of the only home I’d ever known because of my uncle Greg’s cruel games. And now, here I was, stuck under the same roof as Ethan. Ethan. The man I’d spent weeks avoiding being in the same space with, whose very presence affected me in the worst way possible. It wasn’t just about him, it was about how I couldn’t hide anything from him. He always saw right through me, and I wasn’t ready for any of that. Not now. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall. The silence in the room being my perfect solace, so I didn’t want to move, didn’t want to do anything. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Miss M
Chapter 71: Why the hell do I have maids?ETHANI didn't like the state that she was in, I also didn't like the way it affected me. She hadn’t eaten for days, and her refusal to speak to anyone affected both John and me. When she stormed out earlier, slamming the door, I knew I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.I quickly grabbed my keys and followed her car at a safe distance. She was clearly upset, her driving was erratic as she sped down the road. I didn’t want to push her into more distress, but I couldn’t let her be alone in this state. She pulled into a parking lot and headed towards a small bar closeby.A part of me wanted to go to her right away, but I held back, knowing she needed space. After ten minutes, my patience ran out. I entered the dimly lit bar, staying far enough to observe her without being noticed.She was at the counter, already nursing her second or was it her third glass of whiskey? Her face was flushed, and her eyes held a sadness that made my chest tight
Chapter 72: Only mineSOPHIEI had thought Liam would stay longer, but my mother had gently asked him to leave, telling him to rest and return to his life. He hesitated, he looked at me as if asking for permission. I wanted to scream at him to stay. Instead, I offered a weak smile. “It’s fine, Liam. You’ve done enough. Once again, thank you for saving my life.”But it wasn’t fine. My chest ached as soon as he left. I stared at the ceiling for hours that night, replaying every moment he had been by my side. The way he held my hand, the softness in his voice when he said, "You’re stronger than this, Soph." Yes, he was Mia’s boyfriend, but I couldn’t stop the feelings creeping in. I wanted him—desperately. And I would have him.My phone buzzed on my nightstand, Mia’s name flashing across the screen. I debated ignoring it, but something told me she’d just keep calling. With a sigh, I answered. “Don’t you get the memo, Mia?” I said, my voice flat. “Sophie, how have you been holding up?
Chapter 74: Fallen for youETHANI knew I had fallen for her. There was no point in denying it anymore or pretending that she was just some obsession or a challenge I was yet to conquer. It was already certain that no matter how much I tried to resist, I would keep coming back to the same damn realization. I was in love with Mia Evans.I let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing a hand down my face as I replayed this morning’s disaster. She had woken up in my bed and immediately assumed the worst. The anger in her voice, the way she had looked at me like I was nothing but a predator—it hurt as hell. I don't blame her to think that of me, after all, I have always been a womanizer hell, I even slept with her bestfriend and I have a lot of women as my booty call.But the fact was that I had done nothing wrong, the past me would have been so disappointed, afterall that's what I wanted, to have a taste of her pussy, but after she threw herself at me, I just carried her to my room and slept
Chapter 73: Everything, goneMIAWhere was I? I shifted under the covers, only to realize that I wasn’t in my own bed. The scent of expensive cologne, woody, masculine, and all too familiar—wrapped around me. I turned my head, scanning the room as realization hit me.This was Ethan’s room. I sat up abruptly, my heart beating hard. I was no longer wearing my night wear from last night, and that got me thinkingOh shit, he didn't…?I turned to the other side of the bed—it was empty. The door creaked open before I could finish the thought. Ethan walked in, freshly showered, dressed in a casual white shirt and dark pants, his hair slightly damp. His eyes flicked to me, surprise flashing across his face. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice smooth as ever. “You jerk! How dare you take advantage of my vulnerable state.” I screamed immediately I set my eyes on him, my jaw clenching.“What? I don't…” He responded.“Don't even say anything, I don't want to hear it asshole.” I seethed
Chapter 72: Only mineSOPHIEI had thought Liam would stay longer, but my mother had gently asked him to leave, telling him to rest and return to his life. He hesitated, he looked at me as if asking for permission. I wanted to scream at him to stay. Instead, I offered a weak smile. “It’s fine, Liam. You’ve done enough. Once again, thank you for saving my life.”But it wasn’t fine. My chest ached as soon as he left. I stared at the ceiling for hours that night, replaying every moment he had been by my side. The way he held my hand, the softness in his voice when he said, "You’re stronger than this, Soph." Yes, he was Mia’s boyfriend, but I couldn’t stop the feelings creeping in. I wanted him—desperately. And I would have him.My phone buzzed on my nightstand, Mia’s name flashing across the screen. I debated ignoring it, but something told me she’d just keep calling. With a sigh, I answered. “Don’t you get the memo, Mia?” I said, my voice flat. “Sophie, how have you been holding up?
Chapter 71: Why the hell do I have maids?ETHANI didn't like the state that she was in, I also didn't like the way it affected me. She hadn’t eaten for days, and her refusal to speak to anyone affected both John and me. When she stormed out earlier, slamming the door, I knew I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.I quickly grabbed my keys and followed her car at a safe distance. She was clearly upset, her driving was erratic as she sped down the road. I didn’t want to push her into more distress, but I couldn’t let her be alone in this state. She pulled into a parking lot and headed towards a small bar closeby.A part of me wanted to go to her right away, but I held back, knowing she needed space. After ten minutes, my patience ran out. I entered the dimly lit bar, staying far enough to observe her without being noticed.She was at the counter, already nursing her second or was it her third glass of whiskey? Her face was flushed, and her eyes held a sadness that made my chest tight
Chapter 70: Shattered worldMIAIt felt like my whole world was crumbling, piece by piece, leaving nothing but broken pieces which I couldn't piece back together. My best friend, the one person I could always count on, hated me. My dad was on the verge of losing everything he’d worked his entire life for. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’d been forced out of the only home I’d ever known because of my uncle Greg’s cruel games. And now, here I was, stuck under the same roof as Ethan. Ethan. The man I’d spent weeks avoiding being in the same space with, whose very presence affected me in the worst way possible. It wasn’t just about him, it was about how I couldn’t hide anything from him. He always saw right through me, and I wasn’t ready for any of that. Not now. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the wall. The silence in the room being my perfect solace, so I didn’t want to move, didn’t want to do anything. A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Miss M
Chapter 69: The new CEORYAN WILLIAMSFEW WEEKS AGOThe boardroom was quiet, except for the occasional rustle of papers. I leaned back in my chair, taking in the skeptical faces of the board members as they exchanged glances. They were hesitant, but that was exactly how I wanted them to feel. Suspicion bred caution, and cautious men were easier to manipulate. “Gentlemen,” I began, my voice calm and measured. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. I know this is an unusual situation, but I believe we’re all here because we care about the future of this company.” The oldest man on the board, a silver-haired man with a sharp gaze, folded his hands on the table. “Ryan, you’re asking us to consider something unprecedented. Why should we trust you?” I smiled, keeping my demeanor composed. “Because I’m the only one who can bring stability to this company right now.” A few eyebrows rose, and I took that as my cue to elaborate. “Let’s be honest, John and Greg are l
Chapter 68: In controlGREG EVANSFinally, The court had done the right thing. As the elder son, it was only fitting that I take control of Dad's estate. Let John and his pathetic lawyer sulk all they wanted; I was the one who deserved this. Walking into the house, my chest swelled with pride. This was mine to handle now—All of it. The sound of footsteps interrupted my thoughts. I turned and saw John and Mia standing in the hallway, their expressions gloomy. They looked so out of place, like uninvited guests in my kingdom.“Greg, we need to talk.” John said, his voice steady but clearly trying to hold back frustration.I smirked, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Talk? About what, little brother? The court’s already spoken. If you’re here to cry about fairness, spare me that crap. It’s done.”“This is still our family home, you don’t have to be so smug about it. Moreover the judge said you are to handle everything concerning the properties till they share it between you and da
Chapter 67: SuspicionsETHAN The judge had made his ruling. Greg had won.I could barely hold back my anger as I watched Greg stride forward, his attorney Marcus behind him. It was a blow, but not the end. At least, that’s what I tried to tell myself. The week had felt like an endless cycle of frustration, I had hoped that our legal arguments were enough to hold Greg off, but his smug grin had never wavered. And now, here we were, standing in the courtroom, facing the weight of our loss.My mind raced as I glanced at John, who was standing next to me, his face pale. “It’s not over yet,” I muttered, though I wasn’t sure if I believed it anymore.Greg turned towards John, his smile as condescending as ever. “I told you, this was always going to be mine. The house, the company, the money. All of it.” he said, his voice dripping with triumph.John’s jaw clenched, and I saw the fury building in him, but he didn’t speak. He didn’t even look at Greg. He just stood there, taking it, as Gre
Chapter 66: Spotless reputationMARCUS (GREG'S LAWYER)This was the second court hearing this week for this same case and to be honest, I was getting tired. Why wouldn't the judge just make a verdict? All rose as the judge returned from chambers, his robe flowing behind him like the weight of justice itself. I sat at my table, my posture relaxed but sharp, watching Ethan out of the corner of my eye. He was too composed for my liking, a calm arrogance that I found particularly irritating. He thrived on playing the intellectual hero, but today, I’d show him who was in control and that's why I decided to take on this case to prove to everyone that my law firm was a hundred percent better than Ethan's.The judge cleared his throat, silencing the murmurs. “The court will now proceed with the cross-examination of witnesses. Mr. Marcus, you may begin.”I rose smoothly, buttoning my jacket as I made my way to the center of the room. My first witness was already seated—a former family friend