Chapter Seventy NineLeo sat in the living room, enjoying a rare evening with his family. Marie nuzzled next to him, a smile soft on her face. Opposite them, Simeon slouched back in his chair, chatting with his cousin Rita. The atmosphere was relaxed, the comfort of family time thick in the air. That peace, however, was cut when the doorbell rang, and one of the servants stepped into the room, tension etched across his face."Sir, there is somebody at the door"e say it's urgent," says the servant, staring into his master's eyes, oblivious to a sense of hesitation.Leo frowns, irked by the sudden intrusion into his quarters. Who could be brazen enough to disturb him at this time of day? He grumbles as he rises, grumbling silently about how people respect nobody these days. But coming to the door, he finds in formal suit, holding a sealed envelope in his hand and looking very serious."Mr. Leo?" the man asks firmly.Leo narrows his eyes and nods. "Yes?"The man hands him the envelope, h
Chapter EightyLeo paced back and forth in his private study, his footsteps silent with the plush carpet. The court summons lay on his desk, taunting him. He picked it up, reading it one more time, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the lines that called for his appearance. The fact that Nolan would even think to challenge him this way rankled. After all Leo had done to secure his position, to claw his way to the top—Nolan dared to threaten that?Sure, he’d made his own moves against Nolan in the past, used him when it suited his purpose, but that was just familybusiness. He's doing this because of what his family had done to his father,and if Nolan couldn’t understand that, then he deserved what was coming, because he should be begging and pleading him.In Leo’s mind, he wasn’t the betrayer. No, he was the one ensuring his family’s survival in a cutthroat world—a world where Nolan’s father had once ruined his own.This lawsuit was not a nuisance-it was a personal attack, a betrayal, an
Chapter Eighty-OneThe darkness of his apartment wraps around him as Nolan sits alone, the shadows pooling around him like a dark fog that reflects the turmoil in his mind. A half-finished glass of whiskey is sitting on the table in front of him, untouched for almost an hour. He's not even sure why he poured it, only that he felt he needed something to calm his nerves, which have been frayed ever since he filed the lawsuit against Leo. Despite the fact that the legal papers went out, a sense of dread now gnaws at him, like he's awakened a beast that cannot be put back to sleep.He leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees and clasps his hands hard, the knuckles white. Every time he closes his eyes, he sees the vision of Leo's cold calculated nature flash before his eyes. Leo never pulled punches with anyone who got in his way. Nolan knows that-has lived it. Pressing charges against Leo wasn't just a legal move; it was an act of defiance against a man who thrives on fear. But now,
Chapter Eighty TwoThe courthouse was packed, a sea of silent faces observing and waiting. Nolan entered, Elena next to him, his jaw clenching as he steeled himself against what was to come. His palms were cold with nerves, but Elena's quiet strength at his side served to steady him. On the opposite side of the aisle, Leo sat with his characteristic unflinching confidence, his piercing gaze homing in on Nolan with a smirk that said he'd already won.But today's different. Today, Nolan's got a surprise of his own in store.Simeon sits a few rows back, his body taut, every muscle strung between fear and defiance. Beside him, his cousin Rita stands cool and reassuring, laying a steadying hand on his shoulder. Simeon nods slightly, a reassurance to Nolan, as if he's saying, I'm here. I got your back.With the judge calling for quiet, the first part of the hearing consisted of the lawyers volleying arguments with one another, Leo's side making accusations that painted Nolan as petty and vi
Chapter Eighty ThreeLeo slams the door shut as he got home, his jaw clenched, his fists curled tight at his sides. The hot molten coals of fury bursting in his eyes scan the living room, as if trying to tear every piece of the house, every one of them in it, to pieces. Every step he made echoed in the big hall, laced with the weight of his anger. He's home now. And he's not ready to let anyone off easy.Marie is the first to approach, knowing better than to get too close. Her eyes are wary, yet she stands her ground, refusing to show any sign of weakness. Simeon stands behind her, his face expressionless, unreadable, his shoulders stiff as if bracing for some calamity.Leo's voice slices the air cold and sharp. "Who did it?"His eyes dart from one to the other, his gaze seething with questions. "Who recorded me? Was it you, Marie?" His voice grows harder, more venomous, anger starting to rise.Marie stammers, her eyes drop a beat. Her gaze then flicks upwards to Leo's face, her eyes
Chapter Eighty-FourThe courtroom is packed, its air thick with a soft hum of murmurs, as people cast furtive glances at the man sitting at the defense table. He sits there, his face once confident, now drawn, each line etched deep as he looks forward, waiting. Leo can feel eyes on him, the weight of judgment upon him from every soul present. His jaw is set, his hands clasped tightly on the table, though the slight tremor in his fingers betrays the storm brewing inside him.The judge enters from the front, his walk slow and deliberate, carrying with him an air of authority and gravitas. The room falls silent; all eyes turn to him. He sits, his face unreadable, his eyes scanning the crowded space. The air thickens with anticipation, it would seem, even to the walls of the courtroom, which wait for what will happen next.Leo's defense attorney rises, his suit perfectly pressed, but his face strained, a faint sheen of sweat on his brow. His voice, smooth and commanding under any other ci
Chapter Eighty FiveThe courthouse takes its time to empty, as if the formality within those solemn walls indeed will remain in the air. Echoes of the gavel strike still ringing in his head, Nolan walks out into the fresh air of freedom. He stops on the steps of the courthouse and lifts his gaze toward the evening sky. For the first time in years, the weight upon his chest feels a little lighter.Elena joins him a moment later, standing beside him in silence. She watches his face, searching for the signs of relief she knows he must be feeling, though his stoic expression betrays little. Her hand brushes his arm, anchoring him to the present."We won," she says softly, her voice laced with disbelief and quiet triumph.She turns back then, to see Nolan with all that brightness in his eyes, an unsaid emotion. "We did," he murmurs, his words full of traces of exhaustion and satisfaction.****Later In The Evening*The apartment is silent except for the creaking of the floorboards as Nolan
Chapter Eighty SixAfer the chaos in that courtroom, quietness is just spooky. Between the muffled sobs of Marie, who sat on the living room couch clutching a tissue already damp from tears, even the soft hum of the air conditioning seemed to fill the gaps. Her shoulders shake as her face buries into her hands, unable to hide the load of the emotions going through her.Simeon stands a few feet away, fidgeting with his hands and hanging his head low. He has never been good with the sight of his mom crying. "Mom." he starts in a low, tender voice, hoarse under the pounding in his heart from guilt and uncertainty.At first, Marie says nothing. Her sobs worsen, the sound tearing through the silence like shards of glass. Finally, she raises her head and her eyes are red and swollen. "Simeon… why? Why did you do it? Why did you record your father and give it to Nolan? Do you even understand what you've done?Simeon winces at her tone, and his heart shrinks. "I-I had to, Mom," he stammers. "
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