Thank you for reading. The next chapter is in the afternoon, Singapore time.
“Courtney Barnes, the court is going to sentence you as follows. With regard to count number one, attempted murder in the first degree as it relates to Philip Barnes, you are sentenced to twenty years' imprisonment. With regards to count number two, attempted murder in the first degree as it relates to Cindy Barnes, you are sentenced to twenty years of imprisonment.” As the judge read Courtney’s verdict, she cried, knowing her youth will be wasted in the correctional facility in Braeton City. She tried to gain sympathy from her parents, but it was of no use. Cindy and Philip no longer glanced her way during her verdict hearing. Scarlett, who was there with her parents, just looked straight at the judge, not wanting to give Courtney and Analisa any recognition, either. Since both Courtney and Analisa negotiated for admission, they were served lower sentences, the verdict reading was brief as well. After Courtney, Analisa received her verdict. She was granted a lower sentence comp
“As your new CEO, greater things are meant to follow. The Diamond Hotels will have stronger leadership. With the Wright Diamond Corporation’s reorganization, the Diamond Hotels will have focus and empowerment.” “We have doubled the strengths of our sales and marketing team to put us out there, and make our condominium hotels more visible, and marketable. In the following year, we aim to have our very first six-star hotel.” Kaleb was giving his very first speech, representing the Diamond Hotels as their CEO. Everyone was listening intently. Scarlett had gleam in her eyes as she smiled throughout his promises. She turned to where Liam was and hoped for his usual proud expression, but she pouted, seeing him and his cousins chatting, their faces forming frowns. She turned to Kaleb at that stage and, seeing how he was about ready to end his speech, she walked over to the table where the kids were. They always settled at the same table. Together, the boys especially were clingy cousins.
Earlier that evening. Liam and his cousins were rushing to the huge double doors of the hotel’s grand ballroom. The kids were not getting enough signal to play their mobile game, and Kenneth wanted to show Graham and Liam a new trick, he learned. “Liam? Where are you guys going?” Boris asked, calling them out from the center of the venue. “Uncle Boris, we are just going by the door! Shhh! Don’t panic!” Liam suggested. "Geez!" “Don’t worry, uncle Boris, I’m here,” Kenneth assured Boris. “I’ll take care of Graham and Liam.” Being the elder cousin, Boris felt reassured that Kenneth could look after the two. He remained in his post while also eyeing them from time to time. The boys arrived at the door and from there; they settled on the seats nearest to the exit. Kenneth was showing them the vital move to the game when suddenly, a woman’s voice came through. “Hi Liam, it’s been a while. Do you remember me?” Nicole asked. Liam thought back. He wasn’t sure, not until the lady i
“Baby?” Scarlett called while cautiously sitting on the edge of Liam’s bed. Liam was sitting opposite to her, in front of his computer desk. Liam’s eyes shifted from Scarlett to Kaleb, who was still standing by the door as if struggling to walk in. Liam asked, “What’s wrong with daddy?” Scarlett moved closer to him and answered, “Liam, we have something very important to say.” “What is it, mommy?” Liam asked. Calling Kaleb with her hand, Scarlett said, “Come in here, Kaleb. I’ll start.” “What’s going on?” Liam asked as he fixed himself on his seat. “Liam, I want to let you know that we have already submitted the adoption papers. We have already received notice that there will be a court hearing to attend to my request, and it’s scheduled in three weeks.” Scarlett put on a big smile and added, “Sooner or later, we will be officially a family - me, as your mommy!” “Still,” she leaned back and reminded, “Even if without the adoption papers, I love you as my own. You know that,
Liam and Kaleb had a long day together. After taking their breakfast at the hotel, they left for the mall and went shopping. When the shopping concluded, Kaleb closed the mall’s arcade. Together with Boris, he and Liam played basketball hoops and hockey. They also played racing games again and again until boredom kicked in. The entire time, Kaleb did not entertain calls. He directed all his calls to his assistant. That day was for Liam and Liam only. Nothing was more important to him than winning back Liam's confidence in the family that they have. There were moments when Liam spaced out, just thinking or looking at a distance. Kaleb was quick to catch it, however, and offer him an embrace. Overly, he assured him of his love. That day, Kaleb could not keep count of how much he told Liam he loved him. Thankfully, each time, Liam would answer back. Shortly after the arcade, they dropped by a pastry shop to buy donuts and other treats. They took a short break and indulged in some sn
“Good afternoon, your honor. We are here in the manner of the adoption petition of Scarlett Barnes Wright. Adoption case number 34LN00351. She has petitioned to adopt Liam Wright, who is already adopted by her husband, Kaleb Wright,” a lawyer from The Longhills And Hogans, who represented Scarlett for that proceeding, delivered. Scarlett, Kaleb, and Liam were in front of the judge, listening as the hearing began. Three weeks passed since the couple told Liam the truth about his adoption with Kaleb. It wasn’t a walk in the park. Kaleb and Scarlett fell short along the way, especially with the lack of time in their hands. However, in each and every chance they had, they tried to recover, reminding Liam they loved him. Scarlett had to sacrifice many of her study hours. Sometimes, she studied in Liam’s bed, just to assure him she was always there for him. During the day, if Liam was not attending summer classes, he would spend his entire time at Kaleb’s office. Nothing changed to w
“It’s my turn to stay with your mommy,” Kaleb suggested. “No! I want mommy to cuddle with me every night!” Liam opposed before crossing his arms against his chest. The family had just had dinner at the penthouse. They were deciding on what to do next, including who will sleep with whom. Scarlett could say that the official adoption helped Liam gain back a big chunk of his confidence. He was back to bantering with his father, especially when it came to seeking her attention. By the mention of the word adoption or being adopted, he sometimes stilled, but it no longer hurt him the same way as it did during the first week when he found out. Kaleb spoiled him over the past few weeks, but that was because he felt at fault for not being upfront with his son form the start. Scarlett, on the other hand, was his check and balance. She was the one who scolded Liam whenever there was a need to correct him. Seeing her boys still in argument, Scarlett called their attention. “Guys, nobody
“You can do it, kitten. I have faith in you,” Kaleb said while Boris pulled up in the driveway of Braeton Grand Social Hall. It was the site for the bar exams and the same place where Scarlett will spend her entire day and the following day. “And the fact that you look extra inspired, you will definitely pass the bar,” he added with a wink. Scarlett narrowed her eyes at him. How was it possible that on the day of her exam, they still made love that early morning? Well, when she woke up, Kaleb was already in between her thighs. Her pants were down and so was her underwear. With the way he flickered his tongue fervently against her clit, she inevitably orgasmed and, of course, they wound up making love. It was quick and hot. On the bright side, he was right. She wasn’t as uneasy as she was the other night. She supposed maybe getting an early morning release helped her feel comfortable. Still, she scoffed at his words and said, “Whatever, tiger.” She leaned in and kissed his lips