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With a calm demeanor, Karina brushed off Wally's remarks and bid farewell with a smile that betrayed her true emotions. "What a disappointment she turned out to be," Wally grumbled, watching Karina drive away. She turned to her grandmother, sarcasm dripping from her words. "I hope you see now that Karina is far from innocent. She's a master manipulator." Grandma Lila waved off Wally's comments, her gaze shifting to Xander, who looked puzzled. "Who do you think she was referring to?" he asked. Shrugging, Grandma Lila admitted, "I'm not sure. She was cryptic about it." Intrigued, Wally pressed for more information. "What exactly did Karina say?" she inquired. Grandma Lila recounted Karina's claim that someone else had poisoned her food six years ago, implicating someone other than herself. Wally scoffed at the notion. "You believe her? She's probably just spinning lies to win your favor again," she scoffed, before storming off. Alone with Xander, Grandma Lila couldn't help but feel
Anita stiffened at Lucas's accusation, her eyes widening in disbelief. "I did not do that! Why would I want to kill Karina?" she protested, shaking her head vigorously.Lucas's expression hardened, his tone cold and threatening. "You're lying, Anita. If you don't confess, I'll call the cops and let them force the truth out of you."Fear flashed in Anita's eyes at the mention of the police. "You wouldn't do that to your own sister, would you?" she pleaded.Lucas's demeanor remained resolute. "Step-sister," he corrected sharply. "And at this point, our relationship means nothing to me. Either you start talking, or I'm dialing 911."Anita hesitated, her mind racing with the consequences of her actions. Finally, she relented with a defeated sigh. "Okay, fine," she conceded. "I'll tell you the truth."Lucas released her arm, his impatience evident in his posture. "Then start talking," he demanded, his voice tinged with urgency.Amira took a moment to compose herself, her breathing labored
It was Karina. As she entered the room, Gina's anxiety spiked, her heart pounding with the fear that Karina had overheard their conversation. Karina's stern expression only heightened Gina's unease, and she exchanged a nervous glance with her mother. "Gina," Karina called out, her tone serious, as she approached them. Hana leaned in towards Gina, muttering under her breath, "I didn't do it." Gina hesitated, torn between her loyalty to her mother and her growing concern over Karina's demeanor. With a deep breath, she began, "Sorry, Karina. I can explain..." Before Gina could elaborate, Karina cut her off, her brows furrowing in concern. "Is there a problem?" Gina glanced at her mother, who had turned away, before turning back to Karina with a hint of confusion in her eyes. "What's wrong? I just came back to retrieve a file I forgot for the company, and I happened to overhear your conversation. Is everything alright?" Karina's voice was gentle, but there was an underlying tension i
Martha's sarcastic remark stung, but Karina maintained her composure. "My marriage with Aidan had its challenges, like any relationship. But I prefer not to dwell on the past." With a firm tone, she made her boundaries clear. "With all due respect, I'd appreciate it if we don't discuss Aidan or the Algernon family. I've moved on, and I'd like to keep it that way.""Alright, dear niece. But time shall tell.â Hana's muttered response hinted at skepticism, but Karina chose to ignore it. She knew that time would indeed tell, but for now, she was determined to focus on the present and protect her newfound peace of mind while getting back at the Algernon family, especially Aidan for what he put her through. Revenge was still her priority. Martha, not relenting, jabbed lightly, âKarina is really rubbing the family's name in the mud and might do worse in the future.âZora's voice cut through the tension in the room, firm and authoritative. "Martha, that's enough. We won't allow anyone to spe
Amira's fake smile faltered as Aidan confronted her with a chilling intensity. "What's wrong, Aidan?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly."Why did you want to kill Karina?" Aidan's voice was low and accusatory, his eyes burning with anger.Amira's heart raced as she denied the accusation, her mind racing for a plausible explanation. "I-I don't know what you're talking about, Aidan," she stammered, attempting to caress his face in a gesture of comfort.But before her hand could touch his skin, Aidan jerked away, his movements abrupt and aggressive. With a swift motion, he ripped the cannula from his hand and slammed her against the wall, causing her to cry out in pain.Shocked and in agony, Amira gazed up at him, fear and confusion clouding her eyes. "Aidan, please," she pleaded, her voice quivering. "I swear, I didn't do anything."Aidan's grip tightened, his expression hardening as he leaned in closer, his voice a menacing whisper. "Don't lie to me, Amira," he warned, his tone l
Aidan merely shook his head, his resolve unwavering as he stepped out into the unknown. As the door closed behind him, leaving Amira alone in the empty room, she couldn't suppress the wave of fear and uncertainty that washed over her, leaving her trembling on her knees in despair. Amira's frustration simmered as she paced the room, her mind swirling with anger and regret. "That Karina is a wretch!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing off the sterile walls. She clenched her fists, feeling a surge of resentment coursing through her veins. Meanwhile, Aidan sat in the taxi, his thoughts consumed by the events of the past hours. As the car navigated through the busy streets, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease gnawing at him. His gaze flickered to the hooded figure lingering at the hospital gate, but he quickly dismissed it, his focus fixed on his destination. Arriving at his destination, Aidan stepped out of the taxi, his heart pounding with anticipation. He made his way toward the
With his blood boiling, Lucas struggled to contain his rage, his fists clenched tightly at his sides as he glared at Aidan. Despite the overwhelming urge to retaliate, he forced himself to comply with Karina's request and refrain from resorting to violence. âThank you," Karina muttered to Lucas with an appreciative gaze. Then she turned to face Aidan and instructed Aidan to leave. âYou've caused enough havoc in just a short time. Now leave, Aidan." "Well, this chump here thinks he can make me leave and I won't leave,â Aidan stubbornly refused, his defiance only fueling Lucas's frustration. Taking a menacing step forward, Lucas issued a thinly veiled threat, warning Aidan to depart before he took matters into his own hands. âYou surely don't want your blood spilling on this ground like they did last night so get out of here now.â Unfazed by Lucas's intimidation, Aidan stood his ground, his gaze locked in a heated confrontation with Lucas. âI dare you to do your worst, idiot.â Sen
Trying to act dauntless, Amira steadied herself and stated, âYou shouldn't dare lay a finger on my Aidan." âOh oh, yes, maami," Linda purred, rubbing a fist around her eyes dramatically before she cocked the gun. Amira tensed up, knowing her life could be snuffed out in an instant if Linda pulled the trigger. âOkay. Take it easy, Linda. You shouldn't do this here. You can't even kill me and go scot-freeâŚâ Amira's voice wavered as Linda burst into laughter before lowering her gun. "Really, why? Do you think Aidan will come chasing after me after I kill you? Come on, he's certainly not going to care about your dead body after he gets to know how much you want his beloved Karina dead.â Amira's brows knit together in frustration. "It's me over KarinaâŚ" âOh shut up, if that was the case, then the fool wouldn't have jumped in to save Karina just when I was about to run her over.â Amira sighed, realizing the truth in Linda's words, and nodded in admittance. âMaybe he was a fool, but he
A Few Months LaterLife had started to return to normal for Karina and Sophie. Sophie, with the help of therapy and the constant support from Aidan and Karina, had begun to heal from the trauma of her kidnapping. They spent their weekends visiting parks, and museums, and sometimes just enjoying quiet family picnics, which helped Sophie find joy again.Karina and Aidan, too, had found a new rhythm in their relationship. They decided to set aside their past differences and work together for Sophieâs happiness and welfare. Aidan's family, especially his mother, Cruzita, had also mended fences with Karina. The shared goal of giving Sophie a stable and loving environment brought them closer.Meanwhile, Lilly had undergone her transplant surgery, thanks to the Everhardt family's efforts in finding a suitable donor. Her recovery was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.During these months, Anita and Amira faced their trials. Amiraâs defense team, led by her best lawyers, had fought tirelessly t
The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of dread and desperate hope, a battle of wills playing out in the room.The men appeared, one of them carrying Sophie on his shoulder as she squirmed and cried. Karina called out desperately, "Sophie! Sophie!"Anita's expression turned concerned as she watched the scene unfold, her eyes flickering between Karina and Sophie. âIâm doing you the honors because Iâm a mother too. Use this moment well and say goodbye properly to your daughter.â She signaled to the man, who dropped Sophie down and the other went and untied Karina. The little girl ran to Karina, her face tear-streaked and trembling.âMommy, I missed you,â Sophie cried, trembling.Karina managed a smile through her tears, cuddling her daughter tightly.âDonât worry, darling. Iâm here. Nothing will happen to you.â She scanned Sophieâs face, then shot an angry look at Anita. âWhy does my daughter look like this? What have you been doing to her?!âAnita shrugged nonchalantly. âJust keep
Karina watched with teary, weary eyes as Anita paced impatiently. Lucas stood nearby, his face a mask of frustration. Juliana returned, her face pale as she informed them that Lilly was ready.Lucas sneered at Anita. âWhere are your men? They shouldâve been here by now.ââTheyâre coming. They should beââ She was cut off by a knock on the door.Anita took a step forward, but Lucas stopped her with a raised hand. He went to open the door and returned with two burly men in tow.âWhat the heck kept you guys?â Anita snapped.âSorry, maâam. Traffic was a nightmare,â one of the men apologized.Anita hissed. âFine. Lucas, theyâll go get Sophie now.âLucas nodded, watching them head upstairs before turning his gaze back to Karina, who was sobbing and staring at him with a mix of sorrow and betrayal.âLucas, I never thought you could do this to me,â she choked out, her voice trembling with a mix of desperation and heartbreak.He leaned forward, feigning remorse. âIâm sorry, love. You know I ha
Anita asked, tensed, âWhat are we going to do?ââTie her up!â Lucas commanded. He dragged a chair and placed Karina on it, securing her tightly with ropes. âWhere are your guys who are supposed to take Sophie to the facility?â he grumbled.âThey are on their way,â Anita muttered, nervously glancing at Karina.Lilly appeared, her eyes widening in horror as she saw Karina, who was now bleeding from the head. âMommy, what happened to Aunt Karina?âLucas flicked his gaze at the girl, snarling, âUgh, this girl. Take her to her room and get her ready, Mother!âJuliana quivered and walked to Lilly. âLetâs go, my dear,â she said softly, leading Lilly upstairs as Lucas continued tying Karina to the chair.In the Everhardt mansion, Aidan walked into the house. âWhereâs Karina?â he asked Gina.âShe went to the office about 30 minutes ago,â Gina replied.He nodded and turned to leave but stopped as Georgia walked in with some files in her hands. âGeorgia, have you seen Karina?â he quickly asked.
Aidan and Karina arrived at the Everhardt mansion, the tension palpable between them. Aidan got out of his car and quickly walked up to her, his tone urgent. "Karina, I think we should inform Inspector Kai."Her eyes widened in surprise. "No. We shouldn't.""What? Why?" Aidan asked, bewildered."Lucas is no fool," Karina explained, her voice steady but tense. "He might have figured that I didn't just come to his family's house looking for him. I'm sure Anita told him already that she saw me at the hospital, and then he figured out that he messed up by lying to me twice."Aidan shook his head in frustration. "So, what are we going to do? Stay calm when Sophie's earring was lying in their house?"She sighed deeply, struggling to keep her composure. "Aidan, we shouldn't react impulsively. Lucas shouldn't think that I'm suspecting him."Aidan eyed her with concern. "Are you scared of him or what?""I'm just considering the odds and possibilities now. What if⌠my daughter is in that house
Karina answered it, faking her cheerful voice. "Hello, Lucas.""Hi, Karina. Uh, sorry but you can't see Anita or Lilly."Her brows creased. "What? Why?""They left the country. They went to Switzerland.""But you said we could have dinner with them, Lucas.""Yes, I had no idea they left. I just called my mom and she told me about it."She nodded. "So, when did they leave?""Last night, yeah."She nodded. "Okay. It's fine. Let's talk later." She ended the call and groaned. "He lied again."Aidan asked, "What happened?""I saw Anita and Lilly less than an hour ago, and he said they left last night," she concluded.Aidan's expression turned grim. "He's definitely hiding something, Karina.""I feel so too. I need to go over to his family's house.""I'm coming with you.""But you're going to stay outside and hide. Paraventure Lucas shows up, he shouldn't see you."He agreed, and they left. Aidan followed Karina's car as she drove to the Salvatore Mansion.When Karina arrived, she placed so
The air in the room shifted, charged with a new, tense energy.Lucas's face darkened, his jaw clenched tightly."Karina?" he muttered, half to himself, half to Amira. The intimacy between him and Amira shattered instantly, replaced by a complicated mix of fear, guilt, and anger.Amira pulled back slightly, her eyes wide with surprise and worry. âWhat do we do?" she whispered, her voice trembling.Lucas took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Stay quiet," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. He disentangled himself from Amira, his expression hardening as he prepared to face whatever was waiting for him on the other side of the door.Lucas started heading to the door and halted. He spun and gestured at Amira to go hide somewhere. She quickly grabbed her clothes and ran off, her footsteps light as she disappeared into another room. He exhaled deeply, trying to steady himself."Lucas, are you thereâŚ?" Karina's voice was tinged with impatience."Uh, I'm coming!" he ca
Anita held Lillyâs hand tightly as they walked into an examining room in an extinguished hospital owned by the Algernon family. She had brought Lilly for a discreet proper checkup. She had been meticulous in ensuring this visit would be confidential, preparing for the upcoming transplant surgery. After the doctor had thoroughly examined Lilly, they all returned to his office, a tense silence hanging in the air.The doctor sat behind his desk, looking over Lillyâs charts before raising his eyes to Anita."So, Mrs. Anita, when is Lilly scheduled for the transplant?"Anita forced a smile, her mind racing for a believable answer. "Weâre taking her to England for the transplant. A hospital there has found a suitable donor."The doctor frowned, clearly puzzled. "England? Which hospital, if you don't mind me asking? We need to transfer her medical records and ensure they have all the necessary information."Anitaâs responses became increasingly evasive. "It's a private facility. Theyâve as
Soon, Amira matched Lucasâs vigor, her enthusiasm doubling his pleasure. He growled and moaned, âGood girl, keep going.â She finished, then licked him from his V-line up to his chest, biting his nipples. Lucas groaned, his body tensing with the mix of pleasure and pain.âYouâre not scared of me?â he muttered hoarsely.Amira smiled naughtily. âWhy would I be? I know you wonât kill me.âHe nodded, kissing her forehead. âI wonât. You're just different.â They started kissing passionately, their lips moving in a synchronized dance of lust and dominance. She asked between breaths, âHow?âHe chuckled, pulling back to look at her. âEveryone considers me a monster.âThey locked gazes, Amiraâs eyes piercing into his as she smirked. âWeâre alike. Raymond used to be someone special to me before. I loved and adored him.â Her tone turned flat and callous. âBut I killed him.âLucas grinned. âIâm not like you, darling. I donât kill the ones I love. Only those who give me trouble.âShe started care