30"Are you planning to take your wife out?" Diego asked, immediately regretting it under Alejandro's sharp gaze."Forgive me, boss. I'm on it right now," Diego respectfully bowed and left the office."What did Mr. Alejandro tell you to do?" Sandra asked, sneaking up behind Diego."I don't think you've learned your lesson. Alejandro was kind not to fire you, so if I were you, I wouldn't be all up in his business," Diego scoffed as he walked to his office.Sandra only rolled her eyes. She had been on suspension and was back today but didn't find Camila in the office. The employees said Alejandro had made her stay home because she wasn't feeling well."That bitch," she cursed, clenching her fist as she thought of Camila and her annoying face."No one double-crosses me and thinks they can get away freely. When I'm done with you, even Alejandro won't be able to save you," she scoffed before returning to her office.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••BRIARWOOD SCHOOL •••The election was over, an
31Camila admired herself in the mirror. She was wearing a sleeveless silk lavender gown that hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, and her makeup was simple but stunning.She looked good enough to make Alejandro lose his mind, but she quickly shook off the thought, convincing herself this wasn't about what Alejandro thought.There was a knock on her door, and she went to answer it. It was Peter, looking stunned. Her beauty always left him speechless, but after what happened last time, he knew better than to compliment her."Mr. Ruiz said I should come get you," he said, clearing his throat to distract himself from the breathtaking sight."He's not coming home?" Sadness flashed through Camila's eyes; she had hoped he would pick her up himself."He had to attend to something urgently," Peter informed her."Oh," Camila murmured. Maybe she was misinterpreting things; perhaps his work still took precedence over her."Let's go then," she mumbled and left the
32"Just relax," she smirked, bringing her hands to caress his bulge through his pants. "You're so hard," she squeezed, feeling his body stiffen and his breath hitch.She unzipped his pants, and he sprung free to her face. Her eyes widened at the sight. Does he get bigger every day? The last time she sucked him, he wasn't this big."Stroke it with your two hands, Camila," Alejandro could hardly breathe as Camila held his dick with both hands, and it still felt heavy for her.She began stroking slowly while he closed his eyes, taking deep breaths. Within seconds, she increased her pace."Spit on it, Camila," he instructed, his neck veins bulging from her torture.She smirked, looking up at him and squeezing. "I'm in charge. You don't get to tell me what to do.""Ahh... you're squeezing a little hard," he groaned."Am I?" she smirked, applying more pressure."Fuck, Camila, just spit on it and get it wet," Alejandro groaned, feeling like he was losing his mind. "Don't make me forget you'
33"That would be all for today, thank you all for making it here," Alejandro greeted his clients and investors as they wrapped up their meeting.Stepping out of the boardroom, he bumped into a female employee who looked terrified."Mr. Ruiz," her voice shook as she called his name. "Mrs. Ruiz is..."Alejandro's eyes darkened before she could finish. "What happened to my wife, and where is she?" he cut her off, his expression a mix of anger and worry."In the office clinic," the employee replied. Alejandro didn't ask any more questions and rushed to the clinic.Camila lay on the bed, a bandage wrapped around her wrist where the snake had bitten her. The doctor checked her vitals, jotting them down in a book.Alejandro entered, and everyone stopped what they were doing to greet him. He wasn't phased; his eyes were on Camila, who was sleeping on the bed with her bandaged hand.He walked toward her, sitting on a small stool and touching her forehead."What happened, Thomas? Why is she he
34BRIARWOOD SCHOOLIsabella arrived and opened her locker to find a chocolate. There was a letter attached to the package, and she opened it.Sorry I didn't reply to your messages yesterday, my phone went off. Chocolate to brighten up your day. - Brett.Isabella smiled and took a bite of the chocolate. She never tired of its sweetness."Isa!" Someone called sharply. Isabella looked up to see Valeria looking dangerous, her expression deadly."I know it's you, Isabella. Take it down!" she demanded angrily, her veins popping.Isabella looked confused. "Take what down?""Don't play with me, Isabella. You sent me that video!" Valeria looked like she was going mad."What video? I don't know what you're talking about," Isabella still looked confused."You're messing with me, but that's not gonna happen." Valeria moved closer, grabbing Isabella's arms firmly. "I give you 24 hours, or you won't like the outcome. Don't play with me, Isabella. You don't know what I'm capable of," she threatened
35RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE ••••Alejandro was working on his laptop and reviewing some documents when Diego entered the office."The files contain the person behind the snake," Diego informed him, dropping some files on Alejandro's desk.Alejandro paused his work to open the pictures. It was a blonde woman who didn't look familiar to him."Her name is Ximena Leon, Rafael's ex-girlfriend," Diego added. Alejandro's grip on the file tightened.After a moment of silent anger, he dropped the file and stood up. "Come with me," he ordered Diego, leaving the office."Where are we going, boss?" Diego asked, running after him."To Marcus Ventures. He needs to learn how to keep his properties off mine," Alejandro replied. Before Diego could reason with him, he had already reached his car.Diego helplessly shook his head and followed him.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••MARCUS GLOBAL VENTURES **Diego parked the car, and Alejandro didn't wait for him to get the door. He stepped out himself, hands in his p
36"How does that concern you? She's not even yours," Ximena forced out, and Rafael released her. She began coughing for her life."Yet" he corrected. "She's not mine yet and this is the last time I'll hear about this, or you'll regret ever knowing me!" He flashed her a warning look. Ximena swore she didn't recognize the man before her."This isn't the Rafael I know," she muttered, but it was loud enough for him to hear."Maybe you don't really know me," he said with a dark look before pulling her aside so he could leave the office.Ximena clutched her chest in fright. She turned back to watch his retreating figure and pictured him with Camila. The thought pierced her heart like an arrow. She would never allow it."It won't end until I say so," she said hatefully, clenching her fist.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE •••••"You're much better. You'll be released this evening, but you need lots of rest and don't overwork yourself," Thomas said to Camila, but she just nodde
37A tense staring contest ensued between Alejandro, Camila, and Sofia. Alejandro sat on the couch, legs crossed comfortably, his expression dry."Is anyone going to explain?" Sofia broke the silence."Well...I...he..." Camila scratched her legs nervously, unsure where to start."Your daughter fell ill today. She just got discharged from the hospital and didn’t eat anything last night. As if that wasn’t enough, she wants to starve herself again this morning," Alejandro reported."Hey!" Camila threw him a glare before turning to her mom. "He didn’t return home last night. I couldn’t eat because I was worried about him. I think you should ask your son-in-law what he was doing late at night in the company. Maybe he wasn’t even there."Alejandro's gaze darkened. "What do you mean by that?""I don’t know, you should ask yourself," Camila rolled her eyes and crossed her legs, maintaining a stubborn look.Sofia was lost in what was happening, but one thing that bothered her was hearing that
72 “If you’re incapable of managing this company, then maybe it’s time we vote for a new CEO or—”Alejandro slammed his fist on the table, finally fed up. “Or what?” he demanded, his piercing gaze silencing the room. “Who else wants to stand up? Go ahead, do it now!” His tone was icy. “Did I hear something about a new CEO?” he asked, chuckling to himself.“Mr. Marcel, Mr. August, Mr. Peterson—you three have been here the longest. Let’s say we agree to vote for a new CEO. Can any of you explain what it takes to run one of the world’s biggest companies? To make deals with both locals and foreigners, to come up with innovative strategies daily?” Alejandro challenged, his eyes daring them.The three men exchanged confused glances, unable to respond, which made Alejandro smirk.“Handling both local and foreign clients requires negotiation skills. I personally speak twelve different languages and am still learning more. Mr. Peterson, you were the first to stand up, and we’re currently work
71“Ace... yes, give it to me, Ace... oh... Oh... God... yes... yes!” Chappell moaned, her body arching as she used a dildo on herself, her eyes fixated on a picture of Ace. The ecstasy in her voice was undeniable as she lost herself in the moment."This is so messed up. Did Valeria upload this?" Isabella muttered under her breath, quickly turning off her phone. She glanced over at Chappell, who sat frozen, staring at the screen as if in a trance."I'm really sorry about this video. It’s disgusting that it was posted, but don’t beat yourself up over it," Isabella tried to console her, but Chappell remained unresponsive.“That’s it! I’m going to find Valeria!” Isabella fumed, storming out of the room. She found Valeria chatting with Gloria and Abby, yanked her by the hair, and spun her around.“Why did you post that video?” she demanded, her voice shaking with anger.“Ouch, Isabella! Handsy much?” Valeria sneered, smoothing her hair back. “And you saw the video too?” she added, feignin
70••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••Lucia sat comfortably with George, chatting animatedly. She had no idea they were being watched."I don’t think he’s just her bodyguard," Fernando said, sipping his drink."Yeah," Chandler agreed, "looks like there’s something more going on between them."Fernando scoffed."Shouldn’t you call off the engagement? You’re not the marriage type, so how do you plan on treating my sister?" Chandler asked pointedly. "Plus, she’s a tough one."Fernando remembered when he first found out he was engaged. They were still in high school, and he had convinced himself he didn’t like her. She was spoiled, always getting whatever she wanted. He even made fun of her small breasts once, calling them peanuts."I didn’t know how to tell her back then that I actually like peanuts," he muttered under his breath."What?" Chandler gave him a confused look.Realizing he had said that out loud, Fernando quickly shook his head. His phone rang
69"That's what I thought, Lucia. You don’t have a choice, and I don't have a—" George's words were abruptly cut off as Lucia stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips against his.George’s hands instinctively gripped her waist, pulling her closer as their kiss deepened. He didn’t know what had come over him, but he couldn't stop. His tongue explored her mouth, eliciting a soft moan from her.When they finally pulled apart, they were both breathless."Come to the party with me," Lucia said, her eyes pleading."I—""Please," she urged again before he could refuse. George nodded, and her face lit up with a smile as she took his hand, excitedly leading him inside.•••••••••The mansion was elegantly decorated and filled with the perfect number of guests. Although the music hadn’t started yet, people mingled and sipped their drinks."Okay, bye." Camila hung up her phone and faced the gathering. "Turn off the lights and hide under the tables! Dad’s coming!" she announced. Everyone quickly co
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••A few minutes later, the house was fully decorated, and the cake was ready, sitting proudly on the table. The doorbell rang, and Camila opened it to find Lucia, who threw herself into Camila’s arms."I can’t believe you made it!" Camila exclaimed, hugging her tight."I told you I would, didn’t I?" Lucia smiled."Where’s your ‘bodyguard’?" Camila asked, using air quotes."He’s party-shy and refused to come in, but don’t worry, I’ll go drag him in," Lucia laughed, turning to leave but then paused. "And by the way, he really is just my bodyguard," she added with a smirk."Sure," Camila replied, giving her a knowing smile."I’m serious!" Lucia scoffed. "I’m not standing here to explain myself!" Then she left.Alejandro walked up and hugged Camila from behind. "Birthday decorations are exhausting," he mumbled.Camila smiled, holding his hands around her waist. "Haven’t you ever helped with birthday decorations for your family?" she asked."We don’t do that. We
67••••••••••••••••••••••••••••The next day, the security team helped Alejandro and Camila load their bags into the car. Peter hurriedly opened the door for them, and the ride to the Perez mansion began."My dad's going to wake up and find no one home. He’ll be so confused, but I don’t want him to worry too much," Camila mumbled.Alejandro rubbed her thigh. "He’ll be fine."Camila shared more stories about her father, and Alejandro listened attentively. Soon, the car stopped; they had arrived at their destination.Alejandro opened his door and then helped Camila out, leading her down."What time should I come back?" Peter asked."I’ll call you," Alejandro replied, grabbing their bags and heading inside. The house was quiet—no one had arrived yet."I guess we came a little too early," Alejandro muttered."We’re not early. It might take a few minutes to bake the cake," Camila said, setting down the bags she brought, along with everything she needed to bake."Do you need help?" Alejandr
66It was George.He glanced at her briefly before turning to face the men. "Leave, now," he warned."Or what?" the man with the knife sneered."Or this," George said, landing a swift kick to the man’s face. The second man tried attacking him from behind, but George caught his hand, twisting it until the knife fell to the ground.The first man stood up, trying to punch George, but George dodged his attacks, delivering several punches in return. The second man, now recovered, lunged at George, but George easily evaded him, throwing him into his friend.Realizing they were outmatched, the men retreated. George brushed himself off and walked back to Lucia."What were you thinking, coming here alone?" he shook his head, frustrated.Lucia, pushing some stray hair back from her face, looked down. "I’m still your boss. Just because you saved me doesn’t mean you can call me a fool," she muttered.George stepped closer, gently lifting her chin so she could look him in the eyes. His thumb wiped
65"Fernando?" Lucia called out, looking surprised at the man seated with her parents."Peanuts," Fernando smirked, causing her to glare at him."You two already know each other? That's wonderful!" Mrs. Landon smiled. "Why don’t you sit down so we can discuss everything?""No!" Lucia shook her head."No?" Mr. Landon gave her a disappointed look."I’m not marrying Fernando or anyone else!" she declared firmly. George, though trying to seem disinterested, couldn’t help but glance at her, surprised to hear about the marriage."Why not? You’re not getting any younger, sweetheart," Mrs. Landon gave her a sympathetic look."I know, Mom, which is why I brought him here." She grabbed George’s arm and pulled him forward. "Mom, Dad, Fernando—this is my boyfriend, George Williams. I didn’t tell you earlier because I didn’t want you to judge me. I know you always wanted me to marry someone wealthy, but George makes me happy," Lucia explained, while George looked at her, confused."Interesting," F
PEREZ MANSION***Isabella was lying in her bedroom when a soft knock sounded at her door. She sighed, pulling the blanket over her head. Her mother had been knocking non-stop.The door opened, and Sofia entered, her face filled with concern.“What do you want this time, Mom?” Isabella asked tiredly.“Your friend is here to see you,” Sofia replied.“I don’t have friends,” Isabella scoffed, rolling her eyes.Sofia stepped aside, and Chappell slowly walked in. Isabella leaped off the bed, glaring at both her mother and Chappell.“Mom, what is she doing here?” Isabella demanded angrily.“Sweetie, calm down. She just wants to talk,” Sofia said softly, trying to soothe her.“I don’t want to talk to her or anyone! Tell her to leave!” Isabella shouted, turning her back to them.“It’s okay, Isabella. I understand I’m not the person you want to see right now, but hear me out. I’m sorry about everything. I never really liked Valeria,” Chappell said apologetically.“It doesn’t matter now. Why are