Chapter Sixty TwoNolan is sitting in the darkened sitting room, a faint glow across his face from his phone. The silence in the room is deafening as he scrolls through his social media feed; then, without warning, his finger pauses mid-swipe as he sees something in the business circles: a new post that has just circulated with a subtle accusation of insider trading linked to him. Emblazoned across the page, in bold, are the words "Nolan's shady dealings"; the dark shadow cast by those words overshadows his otherwise spotless reputation.He gnashes his teeth and furrows his eyes as he goes through comments and reposts that add fuel to the smoldering fire being built inside him. He had known this day would come; he knew Leo's need for revenge would find him one way or another. But seeing it this way-a calculated, public assault on his character-sends a fresh wave of anger and frustration coursing through him.Noland exhales sharply, trying to calm himself, and then makes himself reason
Chapter Sixty ThreeNolan tightens his grip on the wheel and heads towards the private estate of Josephine Carter-a vast estate shut from the outside world with delicate wrought iron and tall hedges. He had played this over and over again in his mind each word he was going to say, every glance. Josephine is cagey, immensely smart, able to sniff out weakness from a mile away. He knows that she will shut him down before he can even get a word out if he displays even the first sign of doubt.He buzzes in at the gate, waiting heart pounding while he looks up at the security cameras. A few excruciating moments tick by before the gate hums to life, swinging open to admit him. He drives up the winding driveway until Josephine's mansion rears ahead of him: sleek and modern, it flashes against the dark, like a fortress no intruder could hope to breach.It isn't until he is finally escorted into her sitting room that Josephine lifts her eyes, barely, from the tablet in her grasp. Josephine is s
Chapter Sixty FourMarie sits opposite him, her heart twisted into knots she will not untangle. The poor light filters in room after room, casting an almost otherworldly glow on the features of Leo-hard, cold profile softened by the rich amber shades. She draws a slow breath to steady herself. She had always known Leo-untiring and unrelenting, his ruthlessness slicing through people without a second thought. But tonight, she's hoping to see a different side of him."Leo," she begins with softness, showing no quiver in her tone, "isn't it enough? This vendetta against Nolan. haven't you punished him enough?"Leo's eyes flicker but only just. A smirk curls on his lips, almost amused at her attempt. "Enough?" he repeats, lacing into his tone a quiet disdain. "No, Marie. You don't get to tell me what's enough. You don't tell me what to do and what not to do"She steeled herself against his words, knowing full well this was far from easy, but what other choice did she have? Just sit back a
Chapter Sixty Five Marie suddenly shows up at Simeon's room, she stay at his door and watch him wipe his tears. Simeon has been caught off guard by his mum, he quickly blink and wipe his tears away, pretending like nothing has happened.He already plan to tell his mum that something happens in school and not about what's going on at home. But his mum appearance doesn't seem like he couldmlie to het"Simeon," she says, entering, an edge to her voice that he is oh-so-familiar with. She's shut the door behind her, closing them in, and the air is so tight with unspoken menace that he holds his breath. "I know you overheard our conversation," she says again, her voice low and lethal. "I could see it in your face when you came down that hallway, pretending you didn't hear anything."He opens his mouth to protest, to say something that might throw her off of his trail, but realizes it would do little good. Instead, he looks away, his fingers clenching on the edge of his bed, his nails diggi
Chapter Sixty SixSimeon sog amidst heavy silence in his room; poor light cast the shadows of night across his face. Each word that his mother had said was like a lead weight in his chest, squeezing onto him until he could hardly breathe. Her warning stayed bitter, like an abhorrent taste that choked him. He fixed his eyes on the shaking hands and tried to regulate his breathing, but nothing helped.It seems to tug at him, a buoy in the storm of his mind, sitting upon his bedside table. Nolan's number is already saved, dialed once or twice before he need advice or comfort, but never like this, never with this deep ache and the overwhelming guilt twisting in his gut.He reaches for the phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed Nolan's number. The ringing sounds once, twice, and then he hears Nolan's voice, warm but threaded with a slight concern as he answers, "Hello?Simeon swallowed hard, searching for his voice, and the words caught in his throat. His fingers dug deep into the phone
---Chapter Sixty Seven: The Weight of SinsThe streets feel emptier tonight, and an eerie silence pervades the darkened roads as Nolan jogs in haste towards his destination. The shadows reach out like dark tentacles on either side of him, clinging to the walls and sidewalks, lending portent that tightens the knot in his stomach. He has been to many places already tonight, seeking everyone he thought could intervene and help him… anyone at all who might sway Leo. But every attempt has been met by a cold, impenetrable wall. No one crosses Leo.Now, he's down to his last hope. His footsteps echoed in the silence, each step feeling heavier as if even the ground resisted him. The final person who could, perhaps, bring him some relief is just ahead. The place in itself is innocuous, easily passing unnoticed between the buildings surrounding it, but to Nolan, it's the promise of a lifeline-a slim, fragile hope to which he desperately clings in spite of everything.He rounds the corner, almo
Chapter Sixty EightOutside, Nolan leans against the cold wall, a storm of emotions being stirred in his chest after his meeting with Leo and Marie. The words they had hurled at him still rang deep in his mind, each one tearing his heart apart. He'd been desperate, so desperate, willing to beg for even a small chance that might bring their forgiveness upon him. But all these hard words from Leo, along with the total indifference of Marie, have left him feeling quite raw, down to nothing.And now, with vacant eyes, a few hot tears slip down his cheeks. Immediately, he wipes them away as he does not want anyone to catch him in such a state, but the pain just would not hide. This was the closest he'd been to crumbling in years. Whatever his father did- whatever sins his father had committed-was now his to deal with. But he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep carrying it.Just as he is about to let himself slip even deeper into the silence of his misery, he hears footsteps coming to
Chapter: Sixty Nimr: Facing the PastNolan is standing at the edge of the street, his heart pounding in his chest as he follows Elena with his eyes as she walks away. Elena gives a shoulder over her shoulder; her eyes meet his for less than a second before she proceeds down the silent road. He hesitates for a moment and feels uncertainty overpower his thoughts. Why does he try to follow her? What does she want from him?The night is cool, the streetlights stretching long shadows down the pavement. Nolan takes a deep breath and steps forward, resolved to see just what Elena has to say. His footsteps echo through the stillness, a reminder of his hesitancy. Every step feels heavy with anticipation, while his heart pounds in his chest. He should keep a safe distance, careful not to show himself too soon.Elena takes him through dark alleys, not hurrying, yet walking with a determined pace. Nolan struggles to keep up, his eyes squinting as he watches for any signs of deception. Curiosity a
Chapter 132She balled her fists into the material of her dress as the confrontation's weight settled firmly onto her shoulders. She kept staring at the door, her heart clutched in her chest. The accusations and disdain from Nolan's family reverberated loudly in her ears, louder than the silence that greeted them after their dramatic exit.Nolan's voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. "Don't let them get to you," he said, his tone softer now, though a residual edge of anger lingered. He stepped closer to her, his hand brushing against her arm, but Elena pulled back instinctively, the tension still too raw."How can I not?" she replied, her voice trembling. "They practically blamed me for everything—for Marie, for Marcus, for… for you not being the son or brother they want anymore.""They don't know what they're talking about," Nolan said firmly, his expression hardening again. "Marie is my past. You're my present. They'll just have to deal with it."Elena shook her head. Her throa
Chapter 131Nolan and Elena share a brief, weighted glance; then he turns to head back to the living room. Elena hesitates, her heart still racing from the tension, but she follows him, her footsteps quieter than usual.As they re-enter the room, Marcus is lounging exactly as they left him, eyes still half-closed as if he's genuinely relaxed, but the edge in his smirk is unmistakable. He's playing a dangerous game, and Nolan's not sure if he's the pawn or the one pulling the strings."Enjoying yourself?" Nolan asks, voice cold and sharp as he stands at the threshold.Marcus raises an eyebrow, makes a languid rise to sitting, tossing the magazine aside. "Just getting comfortable," he says-casually enough, but the challenge in his eyes is undiminished. "Isn't that what guests are supposed to do?"Don't mistake me for one who plays by the rules of hospitality," Nolan responds, not batting an eyelash. He steps closer to him, standing right in front of Marcus. "You're here on borrowed time
Chapter 130“You'll regret it. And trust me, Marcus, I don't make idle threats."The room seems to grow colder as Nolan's words hang in the air. Marcus holds his hands up in mock surrender, though the defiance in his smirk doesn't quite fade. "Alright, alright," he says lightly. "Message received, loud and clear. I'll be on my best behavior, promise."Good," Nolan snaps; there is no room for an argument. He steps back, his body a wall of silent warning, as he moves to stand beside Elena. She shifts uncomfortably under the weight of the tension, her fingers curling around the hem of her sweater.Marcus throws a glance between them, the corners of his lips twitching as if to hold back a comment. Finally, he leans against the couch and picks up the magazine again, an act of pretend indolence. "Three days it is, then," he murmurs, flipping a page. "Should be plenty of time.Nolan narrows his eyes but says nothing, turning to Elena instead. "Let's go," he says softly, his voice low enough
Uninvited GuestNolan and Elena back into the living room, their hands briefly touching, as if for reassurance. The tension between them in the air is palpable, but the look smoldering in Nolan's eyes indicates that he wasn't done with this just yet.Marcus is sprawled out on the couch, crossing his legs, an arm cast indolently over the back of the couch as he seems to exude superiority. He looks up; the smirk widens across his face, for all intents and purposes, he has just won some silent battle.Nolan's jaw clenches, but then, in one swift movement, a sly spreads across his face. He strides forward, his voice dripping with mock politeness. "Ah, my in-law," he says, articulating the words as if Elena's eyes must roll out of her head. "I hope you're feeling right at home?"Marcus' eyebrow lifts, partially taken aback by Nolan's tone, still smug, nonetheless. "I'm doing just fine, thanks."Nolan nods, pacing languidly in front of the couch. "That's great. My in-law, can I get you some
Chapter 128: Uninvited GuestMorning sun peeks through the apartment, casting a golden glimmer in the cozy living room as Elena and Nolan sat with the rare peace that finally rested between them. For the first time in weeks, the air felt light, the tension that had once gripped them now a distant memory. Nolan leans in, a playful smile on his face, and steals a kiss from Elena, who laughs softly and dodges, teasing him with a mischievous look."You missed," she teases, her voice lilting with false arrogance.Nolan chuckles, tugging her closer. "Did I? Let me try again."Their lips meet this time in a long, languorous kiss, and for a moment, everything is just right with the world. The world outside doesn't matter.Elena pulls back an inch, her fingers tracing the line of his jaw. "I missed this," she whispers. "Us. Without all the chaos."Nolan brushes a strand of hair from her face, his gaze tender. "It's not over yet, but I promise you-nothing will ever come between us again.They
Chapter 127 :The Breaking PointThere is an almost palpable sense of tension in the apartment. Nolan sits at the dining table, his head in his hands, while Marie stands across the room, watching him like a predator stalking its prey. A knowing smile curls her lips, as if she's already won.Marie steps closer, her heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "You can't keep ignoring me forever, Nolan," she says softly, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "We both know you still have a soft spot for me. Why else would you let me stay here?Nolan's head jerks up, his jaw clenched. "Don't flatter yourself, Marie. You're only here because my mother forced this on me. If it were up to me, you'd already be gone."Marie pouts dramatically, her eyes shimmering with crocodile tears. "Oh, Nolan. Is it really that hard for you to admit that we had something special? Something worth saving?Nolan bangs his fist onto the table and jolts her. "We had something, Marie. Past tense. You destroyed it
Chapter 126The soft creak of the front door echoes faintly through the quiet house, signaling Elena's return. She had only been gone an hour, a quick trip to pick up groceries. As she steps into the hallway, the faint murmur of voices carries to her ears and stops her in her tracks. She recognizes Nolan's voice, low and steady, but there's another one, softer and pleading-Marie.Elena's heart clutches. What could they be talking about now? She sets the grocery bags on the kitchen counter and pads silently down the hall, the carpet muffling her footsteps.In the living room, Marie stiffens at the faint noise of the door opening. Her ears perk up, and her sharp gaze darts to Nolan, who is seated a few feet away from her on the couch, his expression unreadable. Instinct takes over. She rises swiftly and moves toward him, feigning vulnerability as she practically throws herself onto the couch beside him.Her hands claw at his arm, and she presses herself close, her voice shaking. "Nolan,
Chapter 125: A Plea for the PastThe door latched shut behind Elena and, with that, everything seemed to come to rest in a pool of discomfort. Nolan stood by the window and watched her figure descend the street. The strain didn't let go of his shoulders even after she turned and vanished out of his line of vision into quiet suburban anonymity.He turned around, ready to plunge into something—anything—that would take his mind off the growing unease in the house. But he couldn't escape it. Marie was leaning against the counter, her arms folded across her chest, standing in the kitchen with an unreadable expression on her face."Nolan," she said softly, breaking the silence. The edge was off her voice, and for a moment, he almost didn't recognize it.He stiffened, already sensing the direction this conversation might take. "What is it, Marie?" he asked, his tone curt as he walked past her toward the dining table."I want to talk," she replied, stepping away from the counter.Nolan sighed
Chapter 124As Nolan's mother and sister leave, Nolan and Elena are left standing in the living room, looking at each other in shock."Well, that was fun," Elena says sarcastically, breaking the silence.Nolan shakes his head. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I had no idea they were going to do that."Elena takes a step closer to him. "It's not your fault, Nolan. We'll figure this out together."Nolan nods, feeling a surge of gratitude towards Elena. "We will. I promise."As they hug, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of unease. He knows that his family is not going to give up easily, and he's worried about what they might do next.But for now, he's just grateful to have Elena by his side."What do you say we order some pizza and try to forget about this for a while?" Nolan suggests.Elena smiles. "Sounds like a plan to me."As they sit down on the couch, Nolan can't help but feel a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they can make this work.But as they're waiting for the pizza to arrive, Nolan's