"Pardon us, Miss Monticello but you're going directly to CEO Wright's suite" The man is polite but his words immensely made her uneasy. It never occurred to her that Xander will do such a thing to ensure her complaisance. Had he read her mind?Just earlier, she was ready to change her mind. But with the two men Xander sent, she doesn't think she can even take a step away from the elevator. Keeping her silence, she watches the floor indicator as it ascends its way up. Up to the penthouse. Until they reached the topmost floor, she hasn't thought of anything to solve her predicament. The door opens and the two men step aside while holding the door for her. "This way, Miss Monticello" One of them gestures for her to step outside but she remains unmoving. Her eyes are on the empty hallway ahead. How long has she been standing in the middle of the elevator, she hasn't kept track of time. But the two men remain on their spot, patiently waiting for her to come out. And looking at their
"Who?" With narrowed eyes, he fixed his serious gaze on her. His intimidation is making her nervous. "I hate to be compared, particularly with any man" he continued after getting no response from her. His hand which has been caressing her earlier is now gripping her jaw. And though it's not painful, it's somehow disconcerting."I don't care about your previous partners. But I forbid you to even mention another man while in my bed" he snickers while making a point by tightening his hold on her chin. "You understand, Miss Monticello?" Gritting his teeth, he slightly shakes her.If not for the relief that washed over her upon knowing he inferred differently, she would be disgruntled by his anger. But she was so relieved by the misunderstanding that she doesn't mind the dangerous sharpness in the way he glares at her. "Yes, I understand, CEO Wright" She tries to placate him. It's the least she could do. "Don't be riled, the night is too gorgeous to ruin" Caressing the hand holding he
He is waiting for her to speak but all she did is stare at him, unable to say something. "About you getting pregnant and blackmailing me. Sorry, I dozed off" he yawns after his brief reminder while she watches in silence. "Don't worry, you won't have a chance to blackmail me" He seriously added in a dismissing tone. And a warning at the same time."Sleep. You only have a few hours before the sun rises. Your team will be expecting you at the luncheon meeting later" Tucking her under his chin, he tightens his hold on her. Hugging her closer like it's the most natural thing between them. Surreal, that is how she feels while in his arms. The natural scent of his skin mixed with the soap he used calms not only her nerves but her troubled mind. It's been an eventful day, she needs to sleep.She snoozed for a few hours but before the sun rises she woke up. It's her body clock waking her at five-thirty in the morning. It's Nico's toilet time. However, this time she's with his father. Turn
She went out, already in an elegant attire paired with her calm disposition. "Ready?" He calls out from the receiving area upon spotting her come out of the room. She walks toward him to find him with documents and an open MacBook. He has been working while she sleeps naked until midday. She was quite embarrassed but he seem to not mind. Seeing him in broad daylight and in work mode gives out a striking vibe. An intimidating one. A glimpse of how serious CEO Xander Wright is with work. However, the imprints on his neck are unsuitable for his imposing aura. Thinking about her carelessness added to the embarrassment she had already been enduring. He can't go out with those marks. And hasn't he noticed it yet? Why is he not confronting her until now?"Let's eat. It's almost lunchtime" he added after walking closer to her. His casualness is placating amid her qualms.Quietly, she let him lead her to the dining table. She, too is famished. Reaching the dining, a meticulously arranged
After leaving the penthouse, she didn't let any Wright personnel accompany her. Their job ended the moment she steps outside of the suite room. And despite their persistence, she won the argument. Instead of joining Harry and the team at the luncheon gathering, she went to her room. She longs to talk to her son. Spent several minutes, close to an hour listening to his rants for not having been able to say good morning to him earlier. Hearing her son so riled made her feel guilty rather than irritated. So she took her time to listen to him, unbothered by the passing of time. It was almost one o'clock when she enters the venue. She looks around to find her team and spotted them with a group of familiar faces she met last night. The gathering is a casual get-together. Most of the guests are just lounging while chatting. "Hello, Skye. You look great. Nice hair" Dina was the first to greet her and her eyes stayed on her demurely made-up hair. "Good for you, you had time to visit a salo
"This way, please" The moment H&M Creative Ads's team arrived at the door of the private function hall, a waiter immediately ushered them to a certain table. "I'm so glad your team could join me tonight, CEO Miller" Director Amergusso welcomes them with a polite smile."The honor is ours, Director Amergusso" Harry receives the woman's hand for a firm handshake. Skype and the rest followed. The intimate dinner commences and while several pairs of eyes watch the particular table of WGC executives with their guests, another commotion happened at the entrance."Ladies and gentlemen, we are glad to announce that we have been honored by the presence of our hardworking CEO tonight" Director Amergussso gracefully stands from her seat to make the announcement. "Despite his busy schedule, CEO Xander graces us with his time" she added with a smile amid the loud applause.Skye is among those who are ecstatic by the CEO's attendance at the dinner. She thought all the while, he won't be seeing
But the man seems to have not heard her or he just refuses to respond. "What did you say again?" She insists."You can address whatever queries you have to the CEO, Miss Monticello. We are not allowed to speak on his behalf" politely, he smiles as he bows at her. With nothing she could do to force him to speak, she decided to let him off the hook.But there's no way she would do what he suggested. She doesn't have the courage to ask Xander. Afraid she will just hurt herself. Anyways, whatever his agenda with other women is none of her business. What's between them is just temporary. Once she returns home, she plans to finish all her commitments. And then she will reassess her life. She can't just continue to be reckless. If it's best to stop chasing her dream to be in the corporate world, then be it. Nico's safety comes first and if it means she has to return to the farm and tend the soil as her family has been doing for decades, then she will. Just to keep her son from the vast a
"I have full faith we will win the contract" Robert is so ecstatic as they gather together with documents on top of their table. The contract Harry just signed with the Wright Group of Companies. Contrary to what Xander said earlier, the result was immediately announced the same day he left. Director Amergusso personally calls for them to announce H&M acquired it.Skye and Dina are smiling the entire time Harry presented the documents. She just finished her breakfast when she got a message from Harry to meet him at the restaurant. After winning the argument she had with him about the joke she told, he peacefully conceded. But left her a stern reminder about their previous discussion. Despite fighting herself not to be ecstatic about Xander's plans, she failed. Now, she is looking forward to if he indeed keeps his word. And the news Harry gave them, put her in an anxious excitement. A complicated dilemma. She wanted to escape Xander's grasp as far as she could. But a huge part of
(Flashback Chapter) She almost ran to the restroom upon spotting one. She has been holding her pee for just several minutes but the fullness of her bladder seems to be on the verge of bursting. She's only sixteen weeks pregnant but her constant trip to the restroom is quite a hassle. "Hah! At last" Her contented smile and a loud sigh of relief echo in the stillness of the cubicle after she relieved herself. She quickly washed her hands and went out. "Let's get back, Madame?" Luis's voice startled her when she got out. The man standing at the very entrance of the restroom. "You scared the hell out of me Luis" Clutching her chest, she incredulously raves. "Sir Xander strictly ordered not to lose sight of you, Madame. He will kill me if I lose you here"Scratching his head, he explains. "I won't be lost inside the restroom" Rolling her eyes, she walked past him. He closely followed behind while his other men, wearing casual clothes like him, discreetly rounded her spot. They are o
"CEO Wright, what can you say about the decision of Azure 42 to stop racing?" They are walking toward their vehicle to go home but media people follow them around. During the awarding, Azure 42 declared her retirement from racing. Even he was surprised by her decision but it was a relief for him and the entire family. However, his wife's declaration is a surprise to the racing community and they have been trying to get his insights. Earlier, his mother fainted with the discovery of the real identity of Azure 42. After Kiera took off the headgear, Lexie paled upon seeing the racer's face. Like a lighted candle, she melted on her seat. Thankfully, Lucien has been holding her, it deters her fall. Lissie was also dumbfounded, she wasn't responsive for several moments. It was a surprise his mother and sister obviously did not enjoy at all. "My wife has said what she has to say. She will focus on our family" he patiently explains while holding Kiera's hand. She had showered and now wea
"The Wright family is unexpectedly spotted at today's motorsport event of Freedom Motors Corporation under DL Freedom Group of Companies. As we all know, the Wright Group of Companies and DL Freedom Group of Companies entered a strategic alliance more than a year ago. As the market says, within its duration, the alliance has been beneficial to both empires""The Wright's presence is a clear show of support not only as business associates but as a family. The entire world already knows that DL Freedom Group of Companies heiress is married to the third heir of the Wright empire, Xander Voulker Wright""But we haven't spotted the Di Lauro heiress. Only CEO Xander Wright and his sister Miss Alekzandria together with their parents arrived at the pit earlier" All media portals were filled with news about the Wright family joining a motorsport event for the first time. Although the WGC is one of the leading manufacturers of motor vehicles in the world, they were never been spotted in events
"Mr. CEO, the CEO of DL Freedom Group of Companies has arrived" Collins entered."Just in time" Glancing at his watch, he mumbles. "The press is already settled" Collins added. "Good" After gathering the document on his table, he stands up. Today, the Wright Group of Companies will seal a business venture with the two companies under the DL Freedom Group of Companies through a contract signing and press conference."Are they comfortable in the waiting area?" He asks while handing the documents to Collins."Yes, sir. Snacks are served while they wait" Collins nods and smiles before they head out of the door."Perfect" Satisfied, he smiles. But before he stepped out of the door, his expression shifted to his usual icy and enigmatic demeanor. Before they reached the elevator, their legal team and another three of his staff followed behind, including Nathalie who remained as one of the CEO's secretaries. WGC has been eventful after the grand launch.Today, four months after his weddin
"You may kiss your bride" The new Governor announced and loud applause from the massive crowd followed.With the streak of tangerine of the setting sun, painted in the sky, he cups her face for a brief yet soulful kiss. It was like their first time to kiss that both were unwilling to release each other. If not for the clearing of throats from their families, they would definitely deepen the duel. "I present to you, our newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Xander Voulker Wright" Wide tearful smiles adorned the faces of the entire family. Even the serious-looking men on the opposite side of the aisle are wiping the sides of their eyes. The Di Lauro brothers. Amidst the hoots and jovial applause from all their guests and families, their foreheads remain plastered together as they hug each other. It was a festivity in the entire Dharma, the marriage of the only heiress of the Di Lauro family. However, guests do not wear expensive tuxedos or elegant dresses. Contrary to the luxury the
"Care for a drink?" A glass of sweating pineapple juice is slowly placed in front of her. Staring at the thirst quencher treat, a smile carves her pink lips, bare of any lip color. "Pineapple juice? Really?" She snickers as she scoffs. "The safest offering" The man casually shrugs after settling next to her at the bar counter. "Do you think this can earn my interest?" She sneers, glancing at the man before her eyes return to stare at the sweating glass. "I don't need the drink to earn your interest, I already have it. It's just a freebie" he winks, making her incredulous. "Cocky" She scoffs. "I saw how your eyes linger" He took a sip from his glass with a smile lingering on his lips. "Well, I appreciate magnificence when I see it" She dismissingly shrugs. "Exactly" He smirks, glancing at her. Realizing she wouldn't win against him, she took a sip of his offering while shaking her head. For a while, no one speaks. They contented themselves consuming their drinks and watching
"Do you think I will approve of it, Kiera Azure? You and the Di Lauro heirs' place are here in Dharma""Grandpa" Skye tried to beg but her old man averted his gaze to the kneeling men on the ground. "Dismiss" One word and the governor together with his entire entourage scrambled on their feet to leave. Some of them run toward Darvid and his friends to help them to the vehicle. Shortly after, the yard is empty of visitors. Men, rounding the clearing earlier start to leave, giving the family privacy."Are you not tired of roaming the world, Kiera?" After a while of empty silence, Tonino turns to ask."I'm staying for good, Grandpa. I will stay wherever Xander brings me and our children. That is where my place is" She tenderly smiles while begging him with her eyes. "Dharma is for you and your children. Why should you want to be somewhere else other than here? This is your home" her grandfather mutters. "With due respect, sir. A wife's home is with her husband" Xander seriously poin
"Let's go. Let's see what the Governor's purpose for his visit" With eager curiosity in his voice, Tonino continues walking. This time his steps are quicker than earlier. Xander promptly follows. He believes Skye will not be harmed in her territory, but the presence of the father of Skye's suitor is unsettling in his peace. They were almost brisk walking and he was surprised when the old man held onto his arm for support. It was a long path and with his age though he is stronger than those his age, it drained his strength. With the old man's arrogance, he chose not to show a reaction. Growing up, they have been surrounded by proud elders. He is already aware of how fragile their pride is. While pushing the cart, he tries to keep up with the old man's pace. It took them a while to reach the front yard where the Di Lauro men, led by Vittorio Di Lauro were already gathered. Skye is nowhere around to his relief. Seeing the grim faces of everyone, he could tell a standoff might happen
"The man who could end your life anytime soon" The clicking of the pen randomly distracts the silence that fell upon the massive receiving room of the Di Lauro mansion. "What did you say?" With a deathly stare, Darvid turned and made a step toward where Xander was standing. "I hate repeating myself" Xander shrugs while he remains leaning on the wall. "End my life, you say?" Snickering, Darvid grimly mutters and is about to charge him. The other two did the same while drawing their pistols. But the clinking of metal distracts them from charging forward. Everything happened so fast that they only realized what ensued when bullets fell to the floor followed by the dismantled parts of guns. With stunned faces, Darvid's two bodyguards stare at their weapons on the floor while holding the remaining parts in their hands. Even Darvid froze on his feet. He forgot Kiera Azure has ways with weapons. She was so quick they didn't realize she was already at their side. "You dare draw a