The boardroom buzzed with a mixture of excitement and tension as the vote was announced. James stood at the head of the table, a newfound sense of authority emanating from him, while Sebastian sat across from him, visibly shaken but determined to regain control.As the board members congratulated James, he raised his hand to silence the chatter. “Thank you all for your support. I appreciate your trust in my vision for the future of this company.”Sebastian’s expression darkened as he leaned forward, his voice steady despite the circumstances. “You may have the board’s support now, but I won’t let you take this company from me without a fight. My father built this legacy, and I intend to honor it, whether you like it or not.”James met Sebastian’s gaze, an icy resolve settling in. “It’s not about taking anything from you, Sebastian. It’s about steering this company in a new direction, one that recognizes the realities we’re facing. You’ve had your chance.”Sebastian stood, his voice ri
The sun streamed through the large windows of James's office, casting a warm glow on the meticulously organized space. Despite the outward calm, James felt the weight of the recent confrontation heavy on his shoulders. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the wall of accolades and awards that adorned his office, reminders of past successes. But today, the thrill of victory felt distant.His phone buzzed on the desk, interrupting his thoughts. It was Maria. “Can we meet? I think we need to discuss the fallout from the board meeting.”James glanced at the clock. “Of course. My office in twenty?”A short while later, Maria entered, her expression serious. “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice,” she said, taking a seat across from him.“Not a problem. What’s on your mind?” James asked, leaning forward, curious about her concerns.Maria sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I’m worried about the divisions forming within the company. Not just between you and Sebastian, but among
Kate stared into the mirror, pulling her long, ginger hair into a tight ponytail. Her blue eyes, cold and piercing, glared back at her—a cruel reminder of her father. She hated those eyes. But today wasn’t about her eyes or her father. Today was about survival.The company was sacking every single employee in her department due to a financial setback, including her. She needed to make an impression, to convince the committee that she couldn't be replaced. She smoothed down her blue satin blouse, paired neatly with black palazzo pants, and stepped into her black stilettos, feeling their familiar pinch.The Los Angeles streets were already swarming with people, as she made her way to the crowded bus stop. She compressed herself into the packed bus, her body crushed between strangers. This was one of the downsides of living in a tourist-congested city—there was never enough room for the residents. As soon as the bus doors hissed open at her stop, she quickly moved out and mad
“Miss Kate, your mom can’t keep relying on these drugs forever,” Dr. James said, his tone serious. “She will eventually need to undergo surgery.”Kate felt her heart plummet. “So, without the surgery… she can’t live. Is that what you’re saying?”Precisely,” Dr. James replied. “She can survive without it for now, but she won’t remember most things. The drugs are keeping the tumor at bay, but it’s extremely dangerous. The tumor is eating deeper into her hindbrain, and within weeks, she’ll start experiencing memory loss.Based on the recent scan, she’s due for another one soon.”As the doctor spoke, his words blurred together. Kate broke down, tears streaming down her face, her body shaking with silent sobs.“Miss Kate, there’s no need to cry,” Dr. James tried to console her. “If we perform the surgery soon, she has a chance.”But where am I supposed to get the money for her surgery?” Kate choked out. “I just lost my job. I can’t lose her too…”The doctor’s face softened as realizati
”Startled, Kate looked up, her eyes still red and puffy. “Who the hell are you, and how is that your concern?” she shot back, her tone defensive. She didn’t have the strength for strangers pretending to care. Sebastian was taken aback by her bluntness. People usually recognized him—either for his looks, his wealth, or his reputation. But this girl seemed genuinely ignorant.“You don’t know who I am?” he asked, expressing disapproval, more amused than offended.“Are you some kind of celebrity I’m supposed to know?” Kate responded, her irritation flared up. Distraction wasn't what she was looking for. He leaned back in his seat with a faint sigh. “Not exactly, but I am someone who can help you.”Kate’s brows furrowed. “Help me? With what?”Sebastian’s expression turned serious, his eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her uneasy. “I have a job offer for you. Something… unconventional.”Kate felt a chill run down her spine. She’d overheard a strange conversation
“Sebastian... so what you're trying to tell me right now is that you’re engaged?” His father wheezed through the oxygen mask, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.“Yeah, Dad,” Sebastian replied, his voice steady but his jaw clenched. “I’ve been dating her for a while now. I met her through Jay, and I love her.”His father’s eyes widened slightly, a weak chuckle escaping him. “You love a girl you met through Jay... and she’s not after your money? She’s not another Susan?”The moment his father mentioned Susan’s name, Sebastian's shoulders tensed. His expression hardened, a dark shadow crossing his face. The name was like a knife twisting in his gut. “She is not Susan,” he said coldly, his voice dropping to a chilling calm. “And she never will be. She didn’t even know who I was. She was just being herself.”“You must love this girl,” his father rasped, his eyes gleaming with something close to disbelief. “You’re even defending her.”If only he knew the truth, Sebastian thought,
Sebastian hastily exited the hospital lobby, moving with deliberate and light steps to track down Kate using the bodyguard's updates. Beneath his composed demeanor was simmering frustration. He murmured to himself, "She's about to start a scandal, and we're not even married yet."He rang the doorbell as soon as he got to the house. Kate opened it, startled and widened-eyed."Hello, how are you here? Wait, why and how?" Kate stumbled, confused and scared in her voice."Who's there at the door?" Jasmine came running out of the house and called out. “Kate quickly whispered, "Nobody," but it was already too late. Jasmine was there already."Are you familiar with him?" With suspicious brow furrows, Jasmine inquired. Sebastian's mouth formed a chilly, menacing smile. "Exactly, are you familiar with me?" he asked in jest. Kate blurted out, her voice unsteady and her eyes blazing with dread. "He's a... friend.”Nonsense," Sebastian deftly corrected. Hi there, I'm her fiancé. Nice to
Kate rolled over on the bed everything still feels like a dream,she couldn't believe she was married to Sebastian willows… She picked up her phone and searched for him on google but all the information she found where little to nothing,she looked at the time 6am and she stood up and we went to take her bath….by the time she was done dressing the time was already 7. Kate Rushed downstairs to go prepare breakfast because she had no idea when Sebastian is going to be ready to go to his workplace….she sighed since they got married they have not talked understand eachother….she busied herself with making the omelette and toasted the bread as she was about to take out the milk from the refrigerator she starled by Sebastian voice.“What exactly do you think you're doing”he asked “I'm trying to make breakfast for us”Kate said “where would that be?”Sebastian Asked “I am going on Job hunting” Kate said“Job hunting…..I Can't have the tabloid coming up with another awesome news headline
The sun streamed through the large windows of James's office, casting a warm glow on the meticulously organized space. Despite the outward calm, James felt the weight of the recent confrontation heavy on his shoulders. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the wall of accolades and awards that adorned his office, reminders of past successes. But today, the thrill of victory felt distant.His phone buzzed on the desk, interrupting his thoughts. It was Maria. “Can we meet? I think we need to discuss the fallout from the board meeting.”James glanced at the clock. “Of course. My office in twenty?”A short while later, Maria entered, her expression serious. “Thanks for seeing me on such short notice,” she said, taking a seat across from him.“Not a problem. What’s on your mind?” James asked, leaning forward, curious about her concerns.Maria sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I’m worried about the divisions forming within the company. Not just between you and Sebastian, but among
The boardroom buzzed with a mixture of excitement and tension as the vote was announced. James stood at the head of the table, a newfound sense of authority emanating from him, while Sebastian sat across from him, visibly shaken but determined to regain control.As the board members congratulated James, he raised his hand to silence the chatter. “Thank you all for your support. I appreciate your trust in my vision for the future of this company.”Sebastian’s expression darkened as he leaned forward, his voice steady despite the circumstances. “You may have the board’s support now, but I won’t let you take this company from me without a fight. My father built this legacy, and I intend to honor it, whether you like it or not.”James met Sebastian’s gaze, an icy resolve settling in. “It’s not about taking anything from you, Sebastian. It’s about steering this company in a new direction, one that recognizes the realities we’re facing. You’ve had your chance.”Sebastian stood, his voice ri
In a dimly lit, upscale restaurant, James had arranged for a private dining room to host a select group of influential employees and board members. The atmosphere was intimate, filled with the soft clinking of glasses and low conversations, as he prepared to solidify his coalition.As the attendees began to arrive, James greeted each one warmly, his demeanor exuding confidence and charm. Maria and Eric were among the first to join, their expressions a mix of anticipation and nervousness.“Thank you for coming,” James said, ushering them to their seats at the long table. “Tonight, we’re not just having dinner; we’re laying the groundwork for a new vision for the company.”Once everyone was seated, James raised his glass. “To new beginnings and bold changes.” The group echoed his sentiment, glasses clinking as the conversation began to flow.As the meal progressed, James guided the discussion toward the company’s recent struggles. He adeptly shifted the focus to Sebastian’s shortcomings
The bustling atmosphere of the office buzzed with energy as employees hurried between meetings and deadlines. James walked through the open space with an air of casual confidence, but underneath, he was keenly observing, plotting his next move.He paused by the glass-walled conference room where Sebastian was leading a meeting. The younger man’s voice could be heard, but it lacked conviction, the words faltering as he faced tough questions from the board members.James noticed Maria and Eric just outside the room, exchanging worried glances. This was the moment he had been waiting for.“Everything alright?” James approached them casually, feigning concern. “I overheard a bit of the meeting. Looks like it’s getting tense in there.”Maria sighed. “Sebastian doesn’t seem prepared. He’s fumbling the numbers, and the board is not pleased.”“Unfortunate,” James replied, a calculated tone in his voice. “But maybe it’s a wake-up call. We need a strong leader to navigate these turbulent waters
Sebastian sat at the head of the long conference table, a slideshow of potential investment strategies projected behind him. He was in the zone, speaking confidently about the future of the family company when his phone buzzed insistently on the table. Frowning, he glanced at the screen: the hospital. His heart dropped.“Excuse me for a moment,” he said, abruptly stepping out of the conference room. He answered the call, anxiety twisting in his stomach as the nurse's voice rushed through the line. “Mr. Willows, I’m afraid your father is experiencing a critical episode. You should come to the hospital immediately.”Without a second thought, Sebastian ended the call and sprinted down the hallway, his mind racing. The meeting faded into the background, the buzz of potential investors replaced by the dread of losing his father.When he arrived at the hospital, he found the air heavy with the scent of antiseptic. He hurried to his father’s room, pushing the door open to find him gasping
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, illuminating the living room in a warm glow. Kate stirred awake, a smile tugging at her lips as memories of the previous night flooded back. Sex with Sebastian had changed everything, and she felt a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation as she lay in bed, contemplating what lay ahead.As she finally rolled out of bed, she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror…..evidence of their escapades on her nipples. There was a lightness in her step that hadn’t been there before, a sense of hope blooming within her. She quickly dressed and made her way to the kitchen, where the aroma of coffee filled the air.Sebastian was already up, leaning against the counter with a mug in hand. He looked relaxed, his hair slightly tousled, and his eyes brightened when he saw her. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he said, his voice warm and inviting.“Good morning,” she replied, pouring herself a cup of coffee. “I hope I didn’t keep you up too late.”He chu
pThe sun peeked through the clouds as Kate went home, her mind racing with the conversation she had just had with sleepine. The weight of her secret had been lifted, but new anxieties bubbled to the surface. She was developing feelings for Sebastian, and that realization felt both exhilarating and terrifying.As she pulled into the driveway, she caught a glimpse of Sebastian’s car parked outside. Her heart quickened at the thought of seeing him. Would he feel the same way she did? Would he be receptive to her feelings, or would he shut her down?Stepping inside, she found Sebastian in the living room, flipping through paperwork. His brows furrowed in concentration, and for a moment, she simply admired him—his strong jawline, the way he focused so intently on his tasks. But then, he looked up, and their eyes met.“Hey, you’re back early,” he said, a hint of a smile softening his features.“Yeah, I had some things to take care of,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. “How was
Sebastian pushed open the door to Jay’s office, the familiar scent of fresh coffee wafting through the air. His best friend looked up from his desk, a surprised smile spreading across his face.“Seb! What’s up?” Jay greeted, leaning back in his chair. “You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind.”“Yeah, I do,” Sebastian admitted, running a hand through his hair. He stepped further into the room and closed the door behind him, wanting a private conversation. “I need to talk about Kate.”Jay’s interest piqued instantly. “Your wife? What’s going on?”Sebastian took a deep breath, trying to articulate the swirl of emotions that had taken hold of him. “I think… I think I’m starting to fall for her.”Jay’s eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? That’s a big deal, man. Has it happened since you got married?”“More like it’s been developing slowly,” Sebastian confessed, avoiding eye contact. “At first, I thought it was just a contract, but now I’m seeing a different side of her.”“Have you two… you k
The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Los Angeles as Sebastian’s ex, Susan, leaned against the bar at a trendy downtown lounge. She sipped her drink, her mind racing with thoughts of Kate and Sebastian’s unexpected marriage. Feeling angry, she was determined to take action.“Are you waiting for someone?” a smooth voice interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Rodriguez, the persistent marketer who had shown interest in Kate.“Susan,” she introduced herself, her tone cool but curious. “And you are?”“Rodriguez,” he replied, extending a hand. “I’ve seen you around. I know you’re Sebastian’s ex. You’re not thrilled about his new marriage, are you?”“Not exactly,” Susan said, arching an eyebrow. “He didn’t want to talk to me at all after the marriage”Rodriguez leaned in closer, intrigued. “It seems like you’re not the only one feeling left out. I’m interested in Kate, too. Maybe we have some common goals.”A flicker of interest sparked in Susan’s eyes. “What ar