Sophie was preoccupied with her growing pregnancy. Still, she knew she had to manage Luxford Group's affairs before her condition became more visible, making her departure from Imperium inevitable."Seizing opportunities is paramount in the business world. Gemstar Holdings represents more than just a conquest. It's a pivotal chance for Luxford Group," Sophie asserted.She was driven to capitalize on the significant order that promised to pull the company out of its previous struggles.Linda's face lit up with a smile as she observed Sophie's determination. "Ms. Sophie, you're embodying the spirit of the former president. He would be immensely proud of you."Sophie returned the smile gently, her hand instinctively resting on her abdomen. 'Dad, Mom, Hales, I wish I could have shared the joy of my pregnancy with you,' she thought wistfully.-True to expectations, the substantial order from Gemstar Holdings propelled Luxford Group into the spotlight, markedly enhancing its market pr
At Crimson Bar, Sean shut his laptop with a wide grin, his usual carefreeness impossible to contain.A nearby waiter, bemused by his employer's uncharacteristic cheer, couldn't help but wonder. Before the waiter could ponder further, a female patron stormed in. He quickly straightened his posture and greeted her, "Welcome to Crimson Bar!""Sean! You scoundrel!" Jeanna disregarded the waiter, striding up to Sean and snatching her laptop from his grip."Me, a scoundrel? Ever seen a scoundrel go to great lengths to return something they found? I pride myself on being a good citizen," Sean retorted, his gaze dancing playfully over Jeanna.Her boldness and fiery spirit reminded him of a tantalizing chili pepper—intriguing and flavorful.Jeanna scoffed. "Your idea of citizenship is laughable at best. Ugh, such disgusting behavior."A good citizen? He had taken advantage of her and then turned the tables, resulting in her, a somewhat famous young entrepreneur, getting arrested as soon a
The sight of Jeanna potentially sharing affection with another man stirred a vexing irritation in Sean. He despised the discomfort it caused him.Jeanna's fierce demeanor melted under a wave of vulnerability, leaving her visibly shaken."How dare you invade my privacy, opening my suitcase and snooping through my computer?" Her voice quivered as she spoke, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.Sean watched her, and his eyes betrayed a twinge of satisfaction as he saw her flustered. "How else would I know whose luggage it was and how to find its owner?"Realizing her emotions had gotten the best of her, Jeanna quickly regained her composure and suppressed the aching memories. For the past five years, Sophie had been her sole confidante. "Return my belongings now. This is the last time I'm asking."Sean seemed strangely intent on riling her up as if provoking a little monster to bare its teeth, only to pull them out one by one with pliers and turn it into a tame pet in his palm.
Sean regained his composure as he approached the bar's exit, the shock gradually dissipating. As he clutched his nearly torn-off face, a flicker of panic crossed his eyes, unnoticed even by himself."Do you want a matching bite on the other side?" Jeanna's taunt prompted him to reflexively guard his unscathed cheek and avert his gaze. His face was his pride, and he couldn't bear the thought of it being marred."I don't need the baggage anymore. But remember my warning: stay out of my sight," she declared icily before storming out of the bar."Boss, are you okay? Should I... Should I call an ambulance?" The waiter was still stunned by the spectacle. He couldn't comprehend how a woman could leave Sean with a bite mark on his face, nearly tearing off a piece of his cheek."No need for an ambulance! Close the bar. We're done for the day!" Sean barked.His expression was a mixture of fury and humiliation, while his eyes reflected a whirlwind of emotions.'That damned woman! How dare s
"Boss, you're like a prophet," a waiter commented, seemingly unaware of the tension in the air. "The forecast missed this downpour. We wouldn't have seen many patrons in such weather anyway."Sean's frown deepened at the waiter's attempt at small talk, prompting the latter to scurry away. Such heavy rain was indeed rare in Imperium, especially at this time of year.'That woman didn't have an umbrella. With the rain pouring so heavily, she'll be drenched,' he begrudgingly thought, imagining her as a bedraggled mess in the downpour.As his mind conjured a vivid image, Sean's brow furrowed in irritation. 'Considering her petite frame, if she gets soaked, she might catch a cold or even faint in the street. What if some careless driver doesn't see her and runs her over?'Or worse, someone deliberately runs over her a second time and turns her into roadside meat mush that will wash down the drain, becoming a feast for sewer creatures?' he mused.The more detailed the scenario in his hea
As Sean turned away, attempting to regain his composure, he caught sight of something alarming: the petite figure in the rain suddenly collapsed, falling toward the ground.Reacting instinctively, Sean dashed back and caught Jeanna just as she was about to hit the pavement.Jeanna's eyes were red, her vision already blurry. Instinctively, she weakly lifted the umbrella she had been holding and glared at him."I hate you all! I hate you so much!" she cried out, unaware of who had come to her aid.Sean's hair were drenched and disheveled."Well, aren't you grateful? I'm here to help, you know," he replied wryly.He picked up the fallen umbrella, using it to mask his frustration. When he looked back at Jeanna, she had already lost consciousness."Hey! Wake up, you mad woman!" he snapped, taking the opportunity to give her a couple of slaps to release his anger.Afterward, he grabbed the umbrella and awkwardly carried her in his arms."Why am I so kind-hearted? First, she bit me,
Sean was rendered speechless. His expression darkened at the notion of being addressed as "Mom" by her in her delirious state. It was a thought he found intolerable."I must take you to the hospital. Your fever could escalate dangerously," he insisted, concern evident in his voice."Please, don't," she whispered weakly, her fingers desperately clinging to his sleeve.Sean was unnerved by her frailty, and his determination began to waver.Leaving the suite, he trudged through the rain to a nearby pharmacy, annoyance growing as he realized his clothes were soaked. Never in his almost 30 years had he felt so pitiful for a woman.'When she gets better, we'll see how I'll deal with her!' he thought, a hint of frustration in his mind.-When Sean returned to the room, his frustration turned to panic as he realized she was nowhere to be found.'How could she disappear in such a short time?'The sound of rushing water emanating from the bathroom caught his attention. Pushing the door
When the thought crossed Sean's mind, panic surged within him. He seized the phone from the waiter's hand and swiftly dialed a series of numbers.Once the call connected, he exclaimed, "Hey, Cedric, something serious just went down!"Cedric was engaged in a game with Tristan and abruptly stopped upon hearing Sean's unusual tone. The smile on his face vanished instantly. "What's wrong?""It's Jeanna Archer. She attempted suicide by slashing her wrists in my room!" Sean explained urgently.'Jeanna! Sophie's closest friend!' Cedric shot up from his seat, startling Tristan.As for Tristan, his complexion turned ashen, and he looked up at his father uneasily. "Daddy, what's happening?""Tristan, be a good boy. Daddy needs to handle something. Go find Mommy. She'll keep you company." Cedric ruffled Tristan's hair, grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair, and dashed out of the villa with his phone in hand."Cedric, Tristan, come have some fruit." Vivienne emerged from the kitchen