59“Welcome back, Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz!”“It’s wonderful to have you both here again!”“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Ruiz!”The employees of Ruiz Royal Estate greeted Alejandro and Camila as they entered hand-in-hand.“Boss, welcome back,” Diego said, stepping forward to take Alejandro’s briefcase. “Mrs. Ruiz, it’s lovely to see you again,” he added, turning to Camila before escorting them to the office.Camila smiled, inhaling deeply, savoring the familiar atmosphere. It had been a while since she was last here, and she realized just how much she missed this place.“Good news, Boss. While you were in Mexico, we handled most of the business, but there are a few exclusive deals we’d prefer you review yourself,” Diego explained, handing Alejandro a laptop.Alejandro skimmed through it. “I also noticed we’ve lost some sales to Marcus Ventures,” he murmured, frowning.“I’m sorry, Boss,” Diego apologized.“You don’t owe me an apology, Diego. We just need to work harder and faster. Schedule all
60 MARCUS GLOBAL VENTURES***Sandra strolled into Marcus Global Ventures after leaving Ruiz Royal Estate at the end of the day.“Hello, ma’am. Welcome to Marcus Global Ventures. How may we assist you?” the receptionist asked politely.“I’d like to see Mr. Rafael,” Sandra replied, confidently adjusting her posture.“Do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked, her smile faltering as she glanced at Sandra with disapproval.Sandra rolled her eyes. “Just call him. Tell him it’s Sandra Rivera.”The receptionist sighed but made the call. “Hello, Julian. Please inform Mr. Marcus that someone-“Sandra Rivera” Sandra cut her off, reminding her.“Please inform Mr. Marcus that someone- named Sandra Rivera is here to see him.” The receptionist said, twitching her lips.A few moments later, she hung up. “His office is—”“I know the way. I’ve been here before,” Sandra interrupted with a smirk, walking off.“I hate her,” the receptionist mumbled under her breath.•••••Sandra entered Rafael
61LAST NIGHT - LANDON'S RESIDENCE(FLASHBACK)**"You're getting married soon, Lucia," Mrs. Landon announced, dropping a bombshell that made Lucia’s fork slip from her hand."What?""Your mother said you're getting married," Mr. Landon repeated. Lucia glanced at Chandler, who seemed as taken aback as she was, though he maintained his usual calm demeanor."Why do I need to get married?" she asked, her voice strained."Honey, you're not getting any younger. And this man is really good; he's the son of a trusted friend. He’s wealthy and handsome, just like the type of men you like. We know you’ll like him," Mrs. Landon said confidently.•••"Did you ask your mom who he is?" Camila asked, staring at Lucia through the phone screen."I was too shocked to ask, but I bet I’ll meet him soon," Lucia replied."So, are you going to marry this guy? What about George?" Camila probed."I'm not marrying him. When I see him, I’ll tell him to forget about me because I’m seeing someone else. I’m not read
62 RUIZ ROYAL ESTATE**"Are you going?" Sandra asked Diego, who was frantically searching his desk for some files, barely paying attention to her."Are you going to the party? Camila’s father’s birthday," she asked again."What would I want to do there?" Diego responded angrily."I mean, you’re Alejandro’s personal assistant. You’re supposed to be with him wherever he goes, especially for events like this," Sandra replied."I don’t think you know what you’re talking about. This is the boss’s wife we’re talking about. I don’t involve myself in his family affairs, so why would I want to go to her father’s birthday party? And do you even think she’d give me an invite?" Diego replied, still searching for the file."She’s so mean. She can’t even inform you after everything you’ve done for her," Sandra rolled her eyes, then looked at Diego, narrowing her eyes."What are you looking for?" she asked. Diego didn’t answer at first. "I believe I just asked you a question."Diego sighed. "I’m lo
63Sandra paced back and forth in the women's restroom, her phone pressed to her ear. After several rings, the person she was calling finally picked up.“Hello, Julian. Can you put Rafael on the phone? I need to speak with him,” Sandra demanded impatiently, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.“I’m sorry, I can’t help you with that. Rafael is busy,” Julian replied curtly.“It’s urgent! I need to talk to him. Put him on the damn phone!” Sandra fumed.“I don’t need to repeat myself. Mr. Rafael is busy. If it’s that important, leave a voice message,” Julian said flatly.“Julian, don’t you dare—” Sandra’s words were cut off as Julian hung up. She cursed under her breath and dialed another number.“Sorry, this customer is not available at the moment. Please leave a voice message. Thank you.”“Rafael, I’m warning you, don’t play games with me. Alejandro is conducting a massive search at the company. I’ve helped you for so long, and if you abandon me, I’ll bring you down with me. I
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
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
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
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