Lucy retreated with the help of her elbow. When she saw a flower vase, she didn't hesitate to throw it at the man who attacked her.The man collapsed with a loud crash."I have to go help Miss Helen." Lucy tried to get up, then made sure that the group of men were completely unconscious. Once she was sure that they were completely down, she walked away with her legs still hurting.Meanwhile, Helen quickened her pace when she saw Diego about to enter a room. She could see the horrified face of the evil man."Stop it, Diego!" Helen shouted."Damn woman!" Diego chuckled, then reluctantly kicked a flower peg at Helen.Helen tried to dodge it, but it landed on her left hip. As a result, she fell to the ground. "Please stop ....""I'll let you live a little longer this time. After I enjoy Caraline, I'll finish you, Helen," Diego said, laughing loudly. He quickly took a card from his coat pocket.Diego certainly wasn't going to leave until he had Caraline. He had been waiting for this moment
Caraline woke up when the sun was already at the top of the sky. She looked around and was surprised to realize that she was in a hospital. As she was about to change into a sitting position, she felt an extreme dizziness in her head.Caraline turned toward the door as the doctor and several nurses approached her. Although still disoriented, the woman didn't ask many questions. She let out a long breath when she was alone in the room again."What exactly happened to me?" asked Caraline, trying to remember what happened last night. She looked around for her cell phone. "Helen, are you outside the room? Come here I need you.""Helen, can you hear me?""Helen, can you hear me?"Caraline turned toward the door when Helen did not come. She repositioned herself to sit on the bed as she massaged her head. There were no injuries on her body, but her head was currently very dizzy."Lucy, are you outside?" asked Caraline as she tried to get down. She had to hold on to the edge of the bed as she
Caraline swiped the green button to accept Diego's call."Hello, did you hear me?" Diego asked on the other end."Yes," Caraline replied as she lay down on the bed."How are you doing now, Caraline? Have you heard from the media about what happened last night?" Diego coughed a few times."Yes." Caraline closed her eyes, lying on her left side, staring at the sunlight trapped in the slightly open curtains."I'm sorry to hear about the condition of Helen, Stevan, and your secretary Lucy. If I could turn back time, I certainly wouldn't have held that meeting. I apologize to you for that," Diego said.Diego paused for a moment. "I hope we can meet again to talk about this matter. The burning of the building is an event that we must investigate together to its roots. Right now, my subordinates are trying to catch the brains behind it. Either way, the culprit must be severely punished for taking so many lives, both yours and mine."Caraline did not want to talk to Diego at the moment. To be
Caraline left the hospital a few minutes later. She was spotted in the lobby of the hospital by the media, but luckily managed to escape and return home safe. When she arrived at her residence, she was greeted with worried looks from the maids.Caraline was slapped with reality after seeing how helpless Helen and Stevan looked. Although she had always said that the relationship was all about professionalism at work, in reality, both people had their place in her life, including the maids who greeted her today.Caraline could tell the worry and anxiety on their faces. These people did not have any blood ties to her or were not even an important part of her life. However, right now she felt something different.Caraline felt that she had been too closed off. She only gave someone her trust after judging them long enough. The fear of being betrayed or hurt by those closest to her is why she does this."I want to rest," Caraline said as she entered the house. She could see the looks of sa
"What are you doing, damn it?" yelled Wilson, who quickly got back to his feet. He threw another punch, but his hand was again blocked by Thomas. "Damn it, who the hell are you?""Get your filthy hands off my cousin!" Catherine ruffled her waist, looking at Thomas intently. However, her hand suddenly dangled down when she felt something with the man who was holding Wilson's hand. "Who are you?""Take your hand off him, Thomas," Caraline pleaded with a crossed smile."Yes, Miss," Thomas replied as he returned to stand beside Deric. Wilson chuckled, looking at his reddened wrist. "This house is full of fools.""You're the weak one, why do you blame everyone else, Wilson?" Caraline rolled her eyes. "Thomas is Deric's bodyguard. So it's only right that he protects Deric from evil humans like you.""Are your hands still as weak as they used to be, sir?" asked Deric as he wheeled the wheelchair over to Wilson. "I'd be happy to train you to make your hands stronger.""Who would!" snapped Wi
"Caraline is such an idiot!" cursed Catherine for the umpteenth time. She squeezed the hem of her dress with a sharp look. Her heart was burning with hatred. "Can't you take the car any faster?""Catherine, calm down," Wilson pleaded."How can I calm down Wilson if Caraline's words about the prize still refuse to leave my mind? That damn woman is such a disgusting liar.""Do you believe that the President of Universe Corporation gave Caraline a gift?" asked Wilson."I-I... I... certainly don't want to believe it. It's just that I can't rest easy until I hear Diego's explanation." Catherine reasoned."Calm down, Catherine. We can find out what that lowly woman said when we meet Diego." Wilson let out a long breath, leaning his back against the chair. "That woman is just lucky to have met Henry Hulbert.""Don't mention that man again, Wilson," Catherine snapped, crossing her arms over her chest. "You know, I was annoyed when I found out that Henry Hulbert said he couldn't meet us.""The
Caraline snorted in annoyance when she remembered that Deric hadn't kissed her at all. As usual, the man was being insensitive to her feelings. She rushed to her room rather than endure her irritation any longer.Caraline had been sitting on the couch for almost two hours, reading books, and watching movies and television shows. The hotel fire and the news of the crime she'd experienced had completely drowned out any news of the success of yesterday's event. The most infuriating thing was that some articles and media outlets tended to frame her encounters with Diego as proof that there was a romance between her and the man.Caraline took a deep breath, immediately turning off the television. Her mind could be poisoned by that electronic box. Television could be a terrible magic that could manipulate one's brain. As she was about to head to bed, she saw her cell phone vibrate. There was a message back from Diego.'How about we meet at your house? I think that's the safest place to be r
Half an hour later, Caraline was at her meeting place with Diego. She sat in a chair not far from the edge of the rooftop. The view of Heaventown this evening was soothing to the eyes, in contrast to her growing sense of dread."Sorry to keep you waiting," Diego said as he pulled up a chair, "how are you doing?"Caraline let out a long breath. "As you can see. I wouldn't be in front of you if I was still in the hospital.""I only see perfection." Diego laughed softly. "You know, I've missed your gruff voice these past few days."Caraline rolled her eyes. "You're still as annoying as ever.""I apologize for last night. If I hadn't asked you to leave, Helen and that guy named Stevan might still be by your side right now. I was also very sorry when I heard the news about Lucy. Every time I think of her, I'm haunted by guilt and fear, especially since they're the people closest to you."Caraline tucked her hair behind her ear, turning her gaze to the cityscape. In the distance, the lights
Jeremy, Jonathan, and James looked tense as they followed a bodyguard to the edge of the park. The crashing of the waves was a musical accompaniment to their racing hearts. The three men suddenly fell silent when they saw Deric with his back to them near the fence. Shortly afterward, the bodyguard chose to excuse himself. For a few seconds, there was only silence between the four men. Jeremy, Jonathan, and James exchanged glances with each other, confused as to what action they should take at this point. Should they say goodbye? Deric slowly turned around, smiling to greet his three half-brothers. He walked over, but Jeremy, Jonathan, and James did not move from their places or even turn their heads towards him. "I've been waiting for your arrival," Deric said. Jeremy, Jonathan, and James had not paid any attention to Deric's words. Their faces had not completely lifted either. "Didn't you miss me a lot, James?" asked Deric, "you even called me and sent me messages almost every da
Six months later The news of the Universe Corporation President's marriage sent the country into a frenzy. Many of the women who dreamed of becoming his wife suddenly felt heartbreak and deep sadness.Rumors circulated like mushrooms in the rainy season about who the lucky woman who would become Jacob Balderic's partner would be. Six months after the Universe Corporation President appeared in public and introduced himself, the man never appeared in front of the media again. However, the news about him continued to fill news lines and television shows.A week after the news of the wedding broke, the media managed to uncover the lucky woman, who was none other than Caraline. Many people agreed with this because they felt that the two were a good match. However, some sneered and bullied Caraline on social media. Even so, the wedding was held in a private location in the city of Summertown.The news of the wedding became the top and hottest topic ever, and even the news of Caraline and D
All eyes were on Deric who had just recognized himself as the presiden of the number one company in the country. The atmosphere of the event was instantly silent, as were the people watching the news on television channels and the internet. Shortly afterward, the adoring admiration was met with thunderous applause."Oh my," said Helen, "isn't that Mr. Deric? How could this be possible? He can walk on both feet and right now he's in front of us."Helen turned to Caraline who was looking down with a smile on her face. When she realized something, Helen quickly controlled herself. She knew the reason behind Caraline's change over the past two weeks."Miss Caraline," Helen called with a bright smile. Despite the crack in her heart, she was happy to see Caraline now.Caraline was silent and didn't dare to raise her head at the moment. The praise and admiration directed at Deric made her even more terrified of losing him.On the other side, Diego and Wilson were watching the show on the scr
A week passed after Caraline met with Deric on the rooftop of the building. However, her happy smile never faded. Helen, Stevan, and the rest of the maids and guards couldn't understand her attitude. While Caraline had been saddened a few months ago, for the past week, she had been overwhelmed with happiness.Caraline visited an event organized by one of Universe Coporation's subsidiaries in a large park. Many famous officials and businessmen attended the event, including Henry Hulbert.Caraline couldn't sit still while watching Henry Hulbert perform on stage. Her eyes were often drawn to the surroundings. There was a good chance that Deric was also at this event, she thought.Caraline hadn't received any messages from Deric all week. She also deliberately did not contact him. If longing had been excruciating in the past, this longing had only intensified the love."Do you need something?" asked Helen, who was sitting next to Caraline's chair."Nothing." Caraline shook her head, turni
Caraline and Deric looked at each other for some time, lost in their feelings. The lights around the rooftop seemed to change color as time passed."I'm just afraid that you'll lose consciousness like last time," Deric said suddenly."What do you mean?" asked Caraline with flushed cheeks."You know, you suddenly passed out when we were about to do... 'it' in your room." Deric laughed, gently stroking Caraline's hair."Passed out?" Caraline raised one eyebrow. "Didn't we ever do that?""Not at all," Deric said, "you seemed to be so nervous that you passed out, especially since you didn't stop smiling during your sleep."Caraline suddenly turned her back on Deric, closing her eyes with a very red face. She was embarrassed when she heard that. So, all this time she had only dreamed about doing 'that' with Deric. "Don't talk to me anymore. I hate you.""I know if your heart says otherwise." Deric stood beside Caraline."No, I'm serious." Caraline turned her gaze to the other side. "You ar
Caraline's whole body shook even more when she saw Deric standing in front of her. She dropped her cell phone because she couldn't contain her shock. For a few moments, she could only hold her breath with an unblinking gaze.Caraline felt shocked on top of the shock. She had wanted Deric to walk again, but when she saw it firsthand, Caraline was left stunned and unable to do anything. Her lips half opened, but quickly closed again.Didn't Deric look perfect with his current appearance?Caraline pinched her left arm hard. She felt a great pain there. It signaled that she was in the real world. However, Caraline still felt lost in dreamland. Deric, who she thought was a man who had lost his dreams, was the mysterious figure that people wanted to know about. Deric was none other than the richest man in the country.Doesn't Deric look perfect in his current position?Caraline looked back as her feet hit the rooftop barrier. She was at the edge of the room and there was no turning back. Fo
"Deric."Caraline could only remain silent with wide-rounded eyes for some time. Her mouth was half open with a look of disbelief. All the images of her time with Deric instantly faded away, making her body almost collapse on the floor. Tears were rolling down her cheeks relentlessly.Caraline knew that she missed Deric more than anything. However, when he was in front of her right now, she could only stand still without being able to get closer or even hug him tightly.Time seemed to stop for Caraline. All the scenery around her suddenly turned black and white, except for Deric alone. At the same time, the world became eerily silent.Could this all be a delusion?Could it be that he was in a dream?Could it be that God had answered all her prayers and hopes?Caraline still couldn't quite believe what was happening. For months she had searched for Deric's whereabouts with everything she had, but nothing good had come of it. However, at this moment, Deric came to him alone on this roof
Two months laterA talent show organized by one of Universe Corporation's subsidiaries received an overwhelming response from the public. The show had the highest ratings for several weeks. It culminated in the finale that aired last night. The participants put on an incredible show of entertainment and performance. The show was even aired in several neighboring countries. The enthusiasm of the public and netizens for the program was so high that the organizers intended to re-organize a similar event with a fresh and new concept.As a token of appreciation for the achievement and success, a lavish banquet was held for all partners who joined the program. Several Universe Corporation officials were present, one of whom was Henry Hulbert.Caraline was still in the room, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She put on the earrings Deric had given her to complete her look tonight. The search for the man had been ongoing until now, but his whereabouts had yet to be discovered."Wherev
One month passed quickly. Caraline reorganized her life. Diego was sentenced to fifteen years in prison for the crimes he had committed. Although it wasn't worth it, it was enough to make her feel relieved. On the other hand, Wilson was also put behind bars. Although the Wattson family tried to get him released, he was sentenced to eight years in prison.Caraline's life gradually returned to the way it was before knowing Deric. She was busy with office work. However, her longing and love for him became even more unstoppable.Caraline has a new habit now. When she missed Deric the most, she would go to his former residence and spend the night there. Caraline would smile at the pictures on the wall and cry shortly after.The search for Deric, Lucy, and Thomas was still ongoing. However, there was no sign that they will be found. Caraline felt that this was her punishment for hurting and wasting Deric's presence all this time. This longing and regret tormented her.On the other hand, Cat