★★★★On the other hand, Damon and Jasmine arrived at the backyard, where a large trampoline stood amidst the grass."Mom, play with us!" Payne called out, her excitement palpable as she jumped on the trampoline with Dante. Damon, meanwhile, was busy clearing away pebbles from the grass to ensure everyone could run around barefoot safely."No, I'm fine here! Both of you enjoy, but be careful!" Jasmine replied, her eyes following the children as they bounced with glee."Yay... woohoo... this is so much fun!" Payne shouted, her laughter echoing through the yard as she jumped higher and higher."You should join them," Damon said, looking up from his task as he continued to clear the area around the trampoline.Jasmine shook her head with a smile. "No, I believe I am a grown up. However, I would not mind seeing you jumping with them!" Jasmine said, her tone sarcastic."Yes, you are grown up, but your strength is really lacking. Even though I was wide awake, you fainted. This is not a good
★★★★ "You have gone beyond, boy. Last night Cindy prepared..." Elder Colley paused mid-sentence as his gaze landed on his great-grandson, Dante, who stood with a woman and a girl beside him. His eyes instantly darkened with anger. "Who is she?" Elder Colley's voice thundered with suspicion. "She is someone Dante likes. So, I have invited her to this house," Damon replied, brushing his hair back in frustration. "Who are you, woman? I am not pleased to see you here. What family do you belong to?" Elder Colley demanded, ignoring Damon’s explanation and directing his hostility toward Jasmine. "You must not talk to my mother in that tone," Payne interjected, stepping forward with clenched fists, feeling the old man’s words were an insult to her mother. Elder Colley was momentarily taken aback by Payne’s eyes, which were strikingly similar to Damon’s. Her expression left no doubt about the similarities between her and Damon, yet it was also true that his grandson could not have an ille
★★★★"Don't you see what they are trying to do, Damon? And you are letting it happen! Do you think she would dare come here if Cindy were present in this house with you?" Grandfather Colley shouted at Damon. His health was not in the best state, and screaming at the top of his lungs only made it worse.The servants and other people present in the villa could not help but feel troubled by the situation. The way Grandfather Colley portrayed the scenario made it seem as though the woman and her daughter were intruders with ulterior motives, attempting to interfere with the family."Enough," Jasmine's voice cut through the tension as she hurried toward her daughter. "Stop blaming me just because you think so highly of your family and your grandson. I have never sought out this family or him if you really want to know the truth. You should be arranging for your grandson to marry Cindy if you want everything to fall into place," she said with clear distaste.She continued, "Next time if you
★★★★"I searched for you all over the studio before finding out you had already left. And why did you have such a big fight with Cindy Colley? She's a powerful person, plus the assistant directer. Involving in an argument with her is something kicking your dream with your own leg," Ceece asked, eager to discuss the incident that had occurred at the studio with Jasmine."I'm exhausted, Ceece. We can talk about it later," Jasmine replied wearily, sinking onto the couch beside them. Payne, looking unusually somber, headed straight for the room without greeting anyone."That's unusual. Tell me what happened with you two. Who upset our dear Payne?" Nadia probed Jasmine, noticing Payne's uncharacteristic sadness.Jasmine sighed, her expression weary. "I felt a strong blow today, realizing how much Payne yearns for a father figure. I still can't fill that void for her.""Did that guy hurt Payne somehow? What did he say?" Nadia's tone turned cold and sharp, her eyes piercing as she looked at
★★★★★ "Let's go, Payne," Ceece said upon reaching the room. She found Payne sitting in front of her mother's laptop, a focused look on her face. "Where?" Payne replied, her tone neutral as she closed the laptop and looked up at her Ceece. "To those people who upset you," Ceece declared, a determined glint in her eyes. "And on the way, I'll buy a lot of eggs so we can throw them at their house." Payne shook her head and sighed, "No need. I don’t want to go back there. I’m not just upset; I’m furious. That old man spoke so rudely to my mother." Her voice tightened with anger as she reopened the laptop. "So, I’m going to teach them a lesson in another way!" Ceece's curiosity was piqued. She sat down on the bed, leaning forward. "What way?" she asked, furrowing her brow. Sometimes, Payne's mysterious demeanor frightened her. Payne glanced at Ceece, her expression stern and serious. "If you promise not to tell Mother, I’ll let you in on my plan," she said, her voice low and steady. T
★★★★ "Mom, I know Mr. Harley. He is a Mafia. Paul told me. Do you think it would be wise to involve ourselves with him?" Layla asked, her voice tinged with anxiety as they both sat in front of a bag filled with money. "Look at the money! Are you seriously considering whether to keep it or not? Only a fool would think of returning this money!" Kesha snapped, her eyes glittering with greed. "Besides, if there's any danger, that bitch will be the one to suffer." "Yes, but I've seen Paul get angry because of that man at the party. I don’t think he’ll like our involvement," Layla replied, still torn. She couldn't shake the feeling that things were happening too smoothly for there not to be a catch. "Who’s going to tell him?" Kesha scoffed. "Darling, I understand your concern, but we’re in a major financial crisis. We're trying hard to maintain our status in society. Since your father became bedridden and the money we're spending on his treatment, I can’t see a smooth future for us witho
★★★★Ceece took a deep breath, preparing to explain the situation. "There's a lot of negative publicity online about your mom taking the role from Maria. We need to turn public opinion around."Payne nodded thoughtfully. "I see. What do you need me to do?""I need you to use your skills to shift the narrative. Can you do that?" Ceece asked, hopeful.Payne's eyes sparkled with determination. "I think I can help with that. Let me work on it after breakfast.""Thank you, Payne," Ceece said, feeling a wave of relief. "You're incredible, you know that?"Payne smiled. "I just want to help Mom."With that, Payne finished her breakfast quickly and went to her room to get to work, while Ceece felt a renewed sense of hope. She quickly grabbed her bag and headed to the exit to go to the studio with Jasmine.As soon as they arrived at the studio, a crowd began chanting threats about Jasmine's demise. "You are a bitch. How could you do that? You must have slept with the producers!" they yelled, th
★★★★ "Dante, son, why aren't you eating your breakfast?" Cindy asked gently, her voice filled with concern. She sat at the breakfast table with Damon and their grandfather, her eyes focused on Dante. "Sweetheart, look at me. It's Saturday so I thought we could go shopping and have some fun, and I can give you my full day without any distractions." Dante grumpily pushed his plate away. "I'm not hungry, nor do I have any mood to go anywhere," he muttered. Cindy sighed, recognizing the stubborn look on Dante's face. "Sweetheart, if you're angry or disappointed, we can talk and sort it out with a good laugh. But you need to eat your breakfast. It's important for your health." Dante crossed his arms and looked down at his plate. "I'm not hungry," he repeated, more sullenly this time. He wasn't upset with Cindy; his frustration stemmed from his father's outburst last night when he had thrown a tantrum about wanting to see Jasmine. Damon, sensing the tension, chimed in, "Eat your br
★★★★ "Ellie!" Gary tried to approach Harley's mother, but he stopped him, saying, "Don't come close to mom. I didn't lay my hands on you just because of her even though I was on the verge of ripping your neck off your body. So, Again count yourself lucky!" Harley growled at his father. Just then, one of Harley’s men interrupted. "Boss, this woman is fainting!" Harley’s gaze shifted briefly to Amanda before he gave his orders in a cold, merciless tone. "Take her to the hospital. Make sure she doesn’t die, and ensure she gets proper treatment at our camp." Amanda tried to protest, but her words failed her as she collapsed. Without hesitation, Harley’s men carried her away, leaving the scene in tense silence. By that time, Harley's mom mustered up some strength and looked at her husband with pain and tears. Earlier, when Amanda said those things about Gary, she denied them without a second thought, even though somewhere in her heart, a bad feeling was swirling. But, in the end, she wa
★★★★"Are you hurt?" Harley asked, concern lacing his voice."Yeah, my foot," Nadia winced, her grip tightening around his neck. "I think something’s stuck in it."Without hesitation, Harley scooped her up in his arms, cradling her gently as he made his way inside, his jaw set with determination."It's Amanda, and she has more people inside," Nadia cautioned him so that he could have his gun ready."Humph!" Harley hummed only, then took her to a place where there was little light and a small place to sit. He carefully laid her down, turned on the phone's flashlight, and said, "Hold it up on your feet and let me see what it is?"Nadia's face was tired and sweaty, but her eyes were calm seeing Harley in front of her eyes. She got the phone and held it up, only then did they both notice a nail embedded in her left foot.As soon as Harley touched the nail, Nadia cried out, clutching his hair in her palm as her agonizing voice erupted, "Oh, it’s hurt!"Harley looked up at Nadia’s painful f
★★★★★ "I don't know how...." Harley's mother's hands were shaking as she held the gun in her hand. "There's no time for a lesson! Just put the muzzle on my handcuffs and shoot!" Nadia shouted, her impatience growing as Amanda's people could show up at any second. "Alright," Harley's mother muttered, exhaling sharply. She pressed the muzzle against the lock and fired without hesitation. The handcuffs snapped open instantly. Nadia forthwith ran to Amanda and pulled her back by her hair before Amanda could able to run out of the room. "Let me go, bitch!" Amanda protested, trying to scream. But Nadia held her back with her arm around her neck. Suddenly Amanda's men arrived with guns drawn. Seeing them, Amanda screamed, "Don't just stand there and help me!" She gritted her teeth and spat at the people who should have been running to her aid. "Don't come close to her if you want her alive and well?" Nadia yelled, holding Amanda tightly as she tried to strike a deal for them to escape.
★★★★★Meanwhile, Harley returned home and learned from the servant that his father had been awake for a while but had ordered no visitors until he permitted it. Ignoring the warning, Harley marched straight to his father’s room. Rather than knock, he pounded on the door.His father’s irritated voice boomed from within. "I warned you—I don’t want any interference! If you all want to keep your jobs, stay out of my business!"At that moment, Harley responded by firing on the door lock and then kicking it open. Gary ran to the corner in fear, his back hitting the wall. When Gary saw that it was Harley who had shot at the door, he blurted out, "What's going on in your head? You could have called me!" "Where are they?" Harley yelled with murderous eyes."Who are you talking about?" Gary replied, trying to sound calm, but miserably failed under his son's intense gaze. Harley clenched his teeth and rushed to his father, who tried to escape, but Harley grabbed him by his throat and howled, "
★★★★★ Jasmine was exhausted, thirsty and going through the ripping pain in her shoulder, but she made sure she reached out for her husband, who was looking for her crazily. "Hello... it's me!" Jasmine said in a tired voice and crawled away from the dead man. Since it was almost dark, she took refuge behind a tree and decided to stay there until Damon came. "Where are you?" Damon's harsh voice broke out, full of impatience and tension. "Come and get me. I am tired and I...I killed a man who wanted to kill me," Jasmine said, "Also a group of people took Nadia with them. She is in danger too. Bring men," Jasmine said, closing her eyes. "Hang in there!" Damon said. There was a sense of reassurance in his voice that calmed Jasmine and she replied, "Okay!" And she touched her shoulder where she felt pain. Meanwhile, Harley reached the mansion where Amanda's father was busy in the swimming pool with some young lady. As soon as they entered, they all started screaming in fear becau
★★★★★"I don’t know anything!" Harley’s mother stammered, her voice trembling as she scrambled towards Nadia, who sat handcuffed in the corner. "In my sleep, I felt someone’s hand on my face, and I jolted awake. I tried to fight, and Harley’s father did the same, but they injured him before dragging me out of the villa. It was dark outside.""I think it’s the same people who brought you here. They pretended to be the police and tricked me," Nadia said calmly as she looked at Harley's worried mother."How is his father?"Nadia felt bad hearing Harley's mother's worried voice."When I left the villa, a doctor monitored him and the doctor said he is fine and has no injuries," Nadia said."You are not lying to me, are you?" Harley's mother asked again just to believe Nadia was not saying the positive just to keep her calm."Why would I lie to you to keep you satisfied when both of our lives are at stake? I was thinking about your son. I'm afraid he won't deal with this situation patiently
★★★★Nadia didn't go to her house. Instead, she went to Jasmine's house. All the way she kept wondering if Amanda was really that stupid. Knowing Harley's nature, how could she dare to attack his mother, and why did she think that kidnapping Harley's mother would make it easier for her to get back into his life?When she was about to enter Jasmine's house, a police car blocked her way, which shocked Nadia, and she quickly got out of the car in confusion and asked, "What happened, Sir?!" At the same time, Jasmine saw Nadia and the police from the balcony, where she was walking with a coffee mug in her hand. So, she decided to go and see what the matter was."Are you Nadia Hazelwood?" a policeman asked.Nadia replied, a little nervously, "Yes, sir, I am Nadia Hazelwood. Is something wrong?""We found illegal substances in your house. You have to come with us to the police station," the cop said, showing off the handcuff to Nadia who could no longer stop herself from panicking as she mut
★★★★ As the morning dawned Nadia found herself pinned down by a strong arm around her waist and unable to breathe. But what scared her the most was the thought that Harley was naked. She moved quickly and looked under the sheets, but he wasn't naked; he was wearing his boxers, and she sighed with relief. Then she tried to push his hand out of her to get up, but he grumbled, "Let me hold you a little longer." "I have a lot of work to do; hugging won't buy me time," Nadia grumbled. "You work in my office, and as your boss, I am ordering you to remain on the bed with me; if you're so free, you can show me your care by kissing me," Harley said. "Stop your nonsense, Harley. Your mother will come anytime and I will feel ashamed," Nadia put her hand on his face and tried to push him away, but she couldn't. Though his sleeping face looked innocent and peaceful, which urged her to stare at him for a long time, she refused to do that since she was embarrassed to show her affection. Suddenl
★★★★★"Uh..huh! What did you hear him talking about?" Harley replied calmly."He was talking to someone in the garden who I couldn't see so I was standing near the wall and listening to their conversation, then I heard your father say that if that person can't achieve what he has been given to do then he should kill himself or your father will kill him," Nadia said with shock and fear in her eyes as she thought that Harley’s father was going to harm someone."Hmmmm... Dad is consumed by the greed to get the power. That is why he abruptly came here with Mom," Harley said, making his way to the bed, his hand unbuttoning his shirt, while he added, "Let him do what he wants. I'm glad you found something entertaining in this house!""How come you are so relaxed even after knowing all this? What if he is plotting something dangerous against you because I felt he has no sympathy for you or no care that you are his son," Nadia said impatiently putting both her hands on her waist as she did no