After a while, Daley got up and stood by the bedside to get dressed. I looked at him naked. “Are you going to be late?”He put on his clothes and raised his hand to glance at his watch. “No, it is just right. Not a minute is wasted.”“Will you come back and have lunch with me?”“I'm afraid I can't. I'm meeting a client for lunch.” He bent down and kissed my forehead. “But I promise I'll be back tonight.”“What time?”“There's a VIP dinner at the hotel at 7 pm. I want you to accompany me.”“Right here?” I asked curiously.“Yes, would you like to join me for dinner, Mrs. Logan?”“Yes, Mr. Daley.”“I have to go. See you tonight.” He put on his black suit and left the room.I closed my eyes and fell asleep. When I woke up, it was already afternoon. So I called the hotel service and ordered an afternoon tea. Then I went to the bathroom to take a shower.After I finished my tea, I watched TV for a while. At 5 pm, I got a call from the hotel reception desk. I was informed that a stylist was
I sent Daley a message telling him that I needed to leave for a while. And I gave him a brief explanation of why I was leaving. He replied one word: Okay.So Tommy drove me in his silver BMW to a high-end apartment just two blocks from the hotel. We took the elevator from the parking lot to the top floor, and soon the doors opened. Tommy stuck out his index finger at the Smart Gate and typed in his fingerprint.The lights automatically turned on and a large house appeared when we entered the room. Tommy helped me put my handbag on the shelf carefully, then he stopped in front of the refrigerator.“Beer or soda?” He asked me as he opened the fridge door.“Soda,” I answered, sitting on the white leather couch.“Give me a minute, I'll get your mother's diary for you.” Tommy handed me a soda and turned around to the stairs.A light white puff of smoke came out quickly as I opened the bottle. I took a sip of the soda. It was orange.I casually looked around, sitting on the corner of the co
“We also need a bottle of wine.” Tommy took a bottle of Lafite from the wine cabinet. When he opened it, the aroma of the wine filled the room.“Now we can begin.” Tommy handed me the wine goblet and sat down beside me.I think quickly in my mind. In order not to let my cousin be unacceptable for a while, I purposely left out some of the content, only briefly describing me and Mikeal's grudge. I didn't tell him about my experience on Pudding Island. After I learned that I was not Mikeal's biological child, I argued with him, so we didn't contact each other anymore.When I told Tommy that Ron was cheating on me with Gina and was transferring the debt onto me. He was so angry that he kept swearing at Ron and Gina.“I'm glad it's over,” I said. “They got what they deserved.”As time goes on, they will all turn into a pile of bones.“So what happened to Mia?” Tommy asked, “I can't believe Mikeal sent her to live in a b.rothel. He was so awful. Mia must have suffered a lot. I've seen so ma
Daley didn't return until early in the morning. I was half asleep when I heard him enter the bathroom to take a shower. I closed my eyes tightly and pretended to be asleep.I could feel his cold fingers caressing my cheek, and I opened my eyes to look at him. We looked at each other for a few seconds, and then the tension between us dissipated.Over the next few days, Daley would take me to all kinds of business dinners, and sometimes I would meet Tommy, and every time he saw me he would mention something about Mia. He seemed interested in her, whom he had never met, and even asked about Mia's private life. I didn't tell him that Mia was going to marry Frade. I thought Mia should have told him herself.Tommy told me that he had asked his lawyer to suspend his work on the estate. He felt he needed to see Mia in person, and if Mia's name needed to be added to the list of heirs to the estate, she would have to provide a separate paternity test. Based on the fact that my mother has passed
“I'm sorry, honey,” Daley whispered. “It seems that we have to change our plan.”“What happened?” I asked.“My grandma fainted at home and now she is in the hospital. I have to go back.”“Oh, poor Vickie.” I put my hand on my chest. “How is she?”“The doctor says she's in critical condition and needs immediate surgery.”“Then we must hurry back.”“Yes, I have to be prepared, just in case something happens to my grandma, ” Daley said.“I think what you should be concerned about right now is Vickie's health,” I reminded him. “Not the power and money.”“Just in case,” he said flatly.Then he asked the flight attendant to inform the captain about the need to change the flight route. Half an hour later, the plane took off for Manhattan.When we got off the plane, a black Mercedes vehicle was waiting for us on the tarmac. It took us straight to Santa Maria Hospital.When we arrived at the hospital, Frade and Mia were waiting outside the room. Daley held my hand and walked towards them.Frad
I hurried back to the hospital, and when I came to the hospital gate, there were several cars parked outside the parking lot. A group of tall men surrounding these cars with grim faces. They kept glancing warily at passers-by entering and leaving the hospital. I saw Mark in the crowd, whispering to another man. He didn't even notice me as I sped past him.My heart suddenly rose to my throat. It seemed that both Daley and Frade were ready for the fight. If Vickie doesn't wake up tonight, the war between them will blow out, and the consequences will be unimaginable.No, Vickie. You have to get through this. I prayed in my heart.As I entered the hospital, Daley was on the phone at the other end of the hall. He looked busy, too. In order not to disturb him, I walked straight to the door of the ward.Mia is still praying. Looking at her, I thought maybe she really wanted Vickie to be safe. Should I tell her about the inheritance now? But I haven't finished my investigation of her yet. Is
“My grandmother wants to see you,” Daley said.“Is Vickie awake?”“Yes, she wants to see you now.”“I'm on my way,” I said, hanging up. I told this good news to Liv. She was also happy that Vickie had come back to life.By the time I got back to the ward, there were already several strong men on either side of the corridor. I saw Mark standing next to Frade. Daley and his men were on the other side. As I walked down the corridor, a cold, nervous feeling came over my feet.A nurse was standing outside the door. Daley said to her, “This is Eva. My grandma has asked to see her.”The nurse nodded and opened the door. I walked in. Next to the bed stood another nurse, who slowly rocked Vickie's bed up. When Vickie saw me, she waved weakly at me.“Come, child,” her voice was as light as a feather.“I'm so glad to see you safe,” I said as I walked up to her. Her face was pale and haggard. The golden eyes were covered with a faint mist, losing their golden lustre.“We came as soon as we heard
“What do you mean by getting rid of her?” I asked cautiously.“You know.” Vickie gently scratched her neck.“No, Vickie,” I said. “I would never hurt her. She's my sister.”“But what if she wants to hurt Frade, or you?”“How do you know she'll hurt Frade?” I sighed. “Maybe you're thinking too much.”“Oh, young lady.” Vickie shook her head, “I've lived longer than you, and I've always believed that people who are dead don't come back to life. Unless she's not dead at all. That Mia must have a purpose when she shows up at this time.”“But why did you want to kill her? I don't understand.”“Just dealing with trouble,” Vickie said sternly. “This woman has turned two brothers against each other, and this time her presence may cause even more trouble.”“Even without Mia, Frade and Daley would have fought over the power.” I glanced at Vickie. “You know that. You just simply don't like Mia, but you wouldn't kill her.”Although I don't like this sister much, I never want to hurt her.“My gut t
A week later, the trip to Mexico didn't go well. Mexicans were angry at Mickle's claims that the wall had been expanded. The Mexican president and Mickle met in secret for three hours. I don't know what they talked about.After the meeting, he got on a plane and left Mexico. But he left me behind, and I knew exactly what he was doing.I was not surprised to see Daley in front of me as the representative of Mexico. Instead, I had the urge to punch him, but I held back.During my stay in Mexico, Daley was responsible for receiving me as the Mexican representative. The night we met, he took me to a fancy restaurant in Mexico City.“I had no idea that the famous Daley was already a member of council.”I looked across at Daley. The last time we parted, he looked pale. But now, beneath his mask of calm lies a kind of ineffable pride.“Do you have to talk to me like that?” Daley smiled at me, “It's been a long time since we were alone together and I miss you so much. I think we should celebr
“Why do you always have to decide before you tell me?” Frade asked, smoking hard on the couch. “Didn't I tell you to consult me before you made any decisions?”“Because this time there is no room for negotiation.” I stood in front of him, looking at him like that. My heart felt extremely painful. But I had to tell him about my decision. We have to face the truth eventually.“Mia was dead.”Frade's face froze for a few seconds. “She's dead?”“She escaped from the sanatorium, frantically searching for her father and questioning him as to why he had abandoned her. Mickle's bodyguard shot her for endangering the president. It happened right in front of me.”I have mixed feelings about Mia's death. Even though she was detestable, her death was like a razor blade slicing through my unsuspecting skin. It was instant, clear pain.Frade continued to smoke heavily. He didn't show much emotion about Mia's death. But I guess he felt the same way.He was in love with Mia. Her love was fake, but hi
I didn't expect Mickle to agree to meet with me as soon as I contacted him. But I had to go jogging with him, so I changed into a white sweatshirt and drove to his estate.We jogged side by side on a path near the estate, with two bodyguards following us. I can't remember the last time I ran in the morning. I was a little out of it at first, but after a while, I got my breath back.“Do you need a few minutes?” Mickle, who was wearing a black, short-sleeved tracksuit, turned to me. “Looks like you haven't exercised in a while.”“I'm fine,” I said.“I'll wait for you at the lake ahead,” he said as he continued to run.By the time I got to the lake, he was resting. A burly bodyguard offered him water, but Mickle gave it to me.“You need water,” he says.“Thank you.” I opened the bottle cap and took a sip. The bodyguard somehow took out another bottle of water and handed it to him.“It's a rare day for you to call me,” Mickle said, his face flushed but his tone calm. Judging from his stro
According to Vickie's will, her body will be transported back to Italy for burial. So Frade decided to hold a simple farewell ceremony for Vickie in the manor. After the ceremony, he would be in charge of sending Vickie's body back home with Mark.Vickie was right that no Sicilian would refuse the dying wish to return home. This time, they offered to open their arms to the Logan family to show their deepest sorrow.The place of the farewell ceremony was chosen in the hall of the manor, and all the participants were dressed in black as a sign of mourning. Black-and-white photographs of Vickie's life were placed in the centre of the hall. As her body was temporarily placed in the hospital morgue, guests had to mourn over her picture in silence.Each of the guests held a white chrysanthemum in their hands and placed it in front of the tablet. In the photo, she looked at everyone with a smile on her face, her eyes looking at everything indifferently.Frade greets guests who have come to p
In the room, Vickie is lying on her bed, a private nurse holding a clear plastic tube attached to a ventilator up her nose. Since a trip to Italy, Vickie has grown weaker. Mark told me that she was taken home in an ambulance from a private hospital after she landed.“Why don't you take her to the hospital?” I asked in a low voice.“She's determined to go home,” Mark said. “No one can change her mind, and you know it.”“The patient needs to rest. Please leave the room,” the middle-aged brown-haired nurse said politely.Mark and I left the room just as Frade and Vickie's doctor came out of the other room. That was the room where they had been discussing Vickie's condition, and Frade's sullen face didn't look good.It's terrible.“Mark, please help me get Dr. Hans out of here.” Frade's voice was hoarse and tired, and the stubble on his face seemed to have grown overnight, making him look even gloomier.“Are you all right, darling?” I stroked his cheek and looked at the man in front of me
A middle-aged woman in a plain grey T-shirt and light blue jeans sat on the living room sofa, her hands on her closed knees, her eyes downcast. The coffee in front of her was steaming, and it was obvious that she hadn't touched it.“Hey!” I whispered. “I'm Eva.”“Hi!” The woman stood up at once. She looked at me a little stiffly. “My name is Joe. I'm a friend of Joan's. We're all in the same union.”“How did you find me?” I motioned for her to sit down.“Joan gave me your number,” said Joe, “And we found your place. I'm sorry to bother you so late. Joan needs your help.”“You didn't come alone?” I asked curiously.“I have another colleague with me,” Joe said truthfully. “He's waiting for me outside.”“Is he here to ensure your safety?” I looked at her. “Since your friend is worried about your safety, why are you looking for me? So, what's the matter?”“We just...” Joe looked down sheepishly. “Just in case. But Joan says you're a trustworthy person. You're not like your father.”“I hel
During my stay in the hospital, I received many greeting cards and gifts from strangers. They piled gifts for the baby in front of the hospital or at the nurses' station, and a few fanatical fans even pretended to be nurses sneaking into the ward to see the baby. Fortunately, the fanatics were spotted by the doctor on duty and called the police, who quickly took them away.To prevent this from happening, Frade picked me and my baby up from the hospital in the middle of the night and took us back to the manor. Frade also put guards around the manor to keep out outsiders, leaving Mark in charge of all security, and Liv came to accompany me.Frade was on the move for us to leave the United States. This time he didn't entrust anyone but himself. He didn't tell me that he had met with those people. But from his tired face after each return, I can guess that our departure would become a distant dream.When Vickie learned of Frade's plan, she decided to go to Italy herself, because most of t
“What does a newborn baby get him?” I stared at Ian. “He's already president.”“The president just wants to show his concern for you,” Ian explained patiently. “This baby is his granddaughter. You're family.”“What an official statement,” I said. “Just this once. I need at least three months off for the rest of the year. During that time, neither I nor my baby could be seen in any media.”“Deal,” Ian readily agreed.“I'll give you some time to get ready,” Ian said. “I'll let you know when the president is arriving at the hospital.”After Ian leaves, Frade gently places the baby in her own crib, where she falls fast asleep without crying or fussing. Frade walks to the bedside, his eyes brimming with anger. I knew he was unhappy with my decision, and as I prepared for his wrath, he just lowered his voice and said, “Why did you agree to his request?”“Because I can't say no.” I looked at him. “Ian's right. Mickle is the baby's grandfather. I have no reason to say no to him visiting his g
“Do you have to go to the inauguration?” Frade asked as he peeled the apple. “The doctor told me your due date is coming up.”The skin he cut off with a knife was attached to the flesh of the apple, and less than two-thirds of the whole apple was left in his hand. I stared at the silver knife in his hand and asked, “Do you have a problem with apples?”“I hope this knife didn't cut apples, but...”“Stop,” I reminded him. “Watch your mouth.”“I don't want you to go to a crowded place,” Frade said, handing me a peeled apple. “In that case, all eyes are on the new president. If you're not feeling well or...”“Ian will have a nurse with me,” I said. “Besides, I only promised to be at the inauguration, and as soon as it's over, I'll be home.”“I'm going with you,” Frade said, “Or I won't trust you.”“Sure,” I readily agreed. “I'll tell Ian and get him to set you up.”“All I have to do is stand next to you.” Frade walked to the bed and brushed my cheek, then put a hand on my belly.“She's mo