Amira's narrowed gaze bore into Aidan's, filled with a mix of incredulity and fury. With a sharp jerk, she wrenched her hand from his grasp, her voice laced with barely contained anger as she addressed him.
"How dare you interfere?" she seethed, her teeth gritted in frustration. "You know perfectly well—"
Her words faltered as Karina's mocking laughter reached her ears. Turning towards the sound, Amira found herself met with Karina's icy stare.
"Patience is a virtue, gentlemen," Karina remarked casually to her bouncers. "There's no need to waste time on insignificant nuisances."
Amira's cheeks flushed with humiliation, her fists clenching at her sides as she fought to maintain her composure.
Karina's threat hung in the air, igniting a fiery determination within Amira. She took a step forward, her mind racing with thoughts of retaliation.
But before she could act, Aidan intervened, his voice tinged with resignation as he addressed her.
"Don't escalate the situation, Amira," he urged softly, his eyes pleading with her to stand down.
"Don't speak to me," Amira retorted sharply, cutting off any further conversation. With a defiant glare, she turned on her heel and stormed away.
As Karina's bouncers took a step forward towards Aidan, he cast a stern glance in their direction, making them keep their distance. Then his eyes fell to the few drops of water that adorned Karina's dress, a silent reminder of the confrontation that had just transpired.
Karina adjusted her hair, pointedly ignoring Aidan's attempt to offer her his handkerchief. With a subtle motion, she signaled to one of her bouncers, who promptly presented her with a personalized handkerchief.
"I don't clean my dress with subpar materials," she remarked coolly, dismissing Aidan's gesture as she returned the handkerchief.
Aidan's brows furrowed in mild offense. "My handkerchief is clean, Karina. It's not subpar."
"Anything associated with unpleasant people carries their stench," Karina muttered under her breath, shooting Aidan a pointed look before turning to leave. However, Aidan caught her hand, causing her to glare at him in irritation. He quickly released her, offering an apologetic smile that only served to annoy her further.
Giving him a warning glance, Karina attempted to walk away again, only to find Aidan blocking her path with his arm.
"Don't act like we never shared a past, Karina," Aidan pleaded, his frustration evident in his tone. "We used to live under the same roof, for goodness' sake."
Karina turned to face him, her expression one of detached indifference. "What do you want, Mr. Algernon?"
"You look stunning," Aidan uttered, his discomfort palpable. "I had no idea you were... K. Everhardt, the famous actress, and the heiress of Everhardt Corporation and Groups."
Karina folded her arms, unimpressed. "Is that supposed to impress me?"
"You did well, although...”
"Does K. Everhardt look like one to chitchat with the common folk?" She posed a striking question that stung his pride.
"I am not just a commoner. You know me, and we made eye contact twice before now."
"That's absurd. I didn't even notice you," she replied nonchalantly.
"Sometimes lies can hold some truth," he retorted with a chuckle, closing the distance between them. "I know you still have feelings for me, Karina. It's been six years, but nothing has changed."
"Is that a certainty?"
"It's the truth. You haven't moved on from me. That means... you still love me."
Karina let out a short laugh, surprising him. "Impressive conclusion, but I am with someone else now."
Aidan looked around, shaking his head. "I don't see anyone close to you."
"I have said yes to another man," Karina smiled, flaunting a diamond ring she had purposely worn earlier.
"Oh. I highly doubt it was put there by a man."
"Do you want to meet him?"
Aidan didn't respond, simply shaking his head.
"Well, he's here," Karina shifted her gaze to someone behind him, smiling slyly.
"Darling," she called out sweetly and moved past Aidan to reach the person.
Panicking, Aidan turned to see her embrace another man.
"Honey, I've been waiting for you," Karina cooed.
The man, confused, opened his mouth to explain the supposed misunderstanding, but Karina spoke in a low voice.
"Please play along."
The man smiled at her as if her words had touched a tender spot in him. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.
Sneaking a glance at Aidan, Karina chuckled and wrapped her arms around the man's neck, kissing him deeply.
Taking charge, the man pulled her even closer and deepened the kiss, stealing a glance at Aidan before doing so.
Aidan felt a surge of anger and bitterness as he watched his ex-wife in the arms of another man, kissing him passionately.
He felt his heart being torn apart. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Karina gently withdrew from the kiss, her mind briefly flickering to Aidan's reaction. With a subtle grace, she brushed her thumb over the corner of her companion's lips, leaving him visibly pleased.
Glancing at Aidan, she noticed his stunned expression. Her companion, catching Aidan's gaze, couldn't resist a taunt. "Close your mouth, buddy, or you'll catch flies," he jibed, earning a light giggle from Karina.
Aidan, feeling exposed under their scrutiny, hastily averted his gaze and straightened his tie, feigning indifference. As he made his exit, Karina's eyes followed him, a sly smile playing on her lips.
“This is fascinating.” Karina relished the intrigue swirling around her as she watched Aidan's departure. The man beside her, captivated by her allure, couldn't resist complimenting her.
"You look absolutely stunning, ma'am," he remarked, unable to contain his admiration.
Karina's smile widened at the compliment. "Thank you. And I apologize for my impulsive actions earlier," she said, acknowledging her bold move.
The man grinned. "I would say the kiss more than made up for it, my lady."
She chuckled at his remark. "Indeed."
As he turned to leave, assuming his role was over now that Aidan had left, Karina hesitated. The sight of Aidan's reaction lingered in her mind, fueling a mischievous idea.
"Stop, Mr.," she called out, stopping him in his tracks. He turned back to face her.
"I want you to continue...as my acting boyfriend and soon-to-be husband," she declared with a wicked grin.
"What?" He was taken aback by her unexpected proposal.
Karina stood her ground, her confidence undiminished. "I need you to continue playing along for a while," she stated firmly.He leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "And why is that?""Forget about the why," she dismissed with a playful smirk."Then I'll assume you want to use me to manipulate some situations," he surmised.Karina chuckled softly. "You could say that. I have big plans to pull strings and render people worthless. I just need a little assistance from you.""Alright. What's in it for me?" he asked, intrigued."Well, future lucrative deals and valuable connections," she offered."Interesting," he mused, considering her proposal. "But isn't it risky to strike a deal with someone you barely know?""I'm no fool," Karina assured him confidently. "I presume you're someone of significance. I'm Karina. Everhardt.""Ah, your reputation precedes you. I'm Lucas Salvatore," he introduced himself, taking her hand and giving it a firm shake.Their eyes met, and a silent understanding pass
Aidan hesitated, his silence speaking volumes. Just as he was about to speak, Amira interjected, her voice tense with emotion. “Aunt, don't ask him that. You know he hates even hearing Karina's name. I'm certain he feels nothing for her. His heart belongs to me," she asserted, stealing anxious glances at Aidan. Xander couldn't resist a taunt. “Hey, Amira, you could have let Aidan answer instead of assuming he'd explode." Amira snapped at Xander, her frustration evident. “Shut up. Don't provoke me with your nonsense!" She turned to Cruzita with a pleading look. "Please, Aunt, ask your nephew to show some restraint.” Cruzita nodded and shot a stern look at Xander before stepping away from Aidan. “I wish I had been at that party. I would have put Karina in her place," she declared, her voice filled with disdain. “To heck with your bitterness," Grandma Lila scoffed, her voice tinged with emotion as she thought of Karina. “She's back. I hope I can see her again." “I hope she stays out
The Everhardt MansionKarina, engaged in lively conversation with her grandfather and Aunt Zora, stepped into the mansion. As they entered, they were met with dim lighting, causing them to pause in surprise.“What happened to the power supply?" Zora inquired, scanning the surroundings.Karina lowered her gaze with a smile just as the room burst into glittering lights, illuminating the beautifully decorated space.Sir Lawson looked around in amazement. “Who did this…?”"Surprise!” Sophie's cheerful voice rang out as she emerged from a corner, eliciting gasps of astonishment from Zora and Sir Lawson.“My dear child is here!" Sir Lawson exclaimed with joy as Zora rushed to embrace Sophie, lifting her up in her arms.“Hello, Aunt Zora, Great Grandpa, are you guys thrilled to see me?” Sophie beamed."Yes, darling,” Zora replied, planting a kiss on Sophie's forehead."Our adorable one, I missed you,” Sir Lawson chimed in, then turned to Karina, who wore a mischievous smile.“So, you deliber
The Algernon MansionSeated around the dining table, the members of the esteemed Algernon family quietly indulged in their dinner. Suddenly breaking the eerie silence, Cole spoke in a commanding tone."The company has not been faring well ever since I made you the CEO, Aidan. This is far from impressive." The lines that formed on his forehead showcased his obvious disappointment as he gave Aidan a piercing gaze."I understand, Father. I will ensure things are handled properly," Aidan replied, his tone filled with determination.However, before Cole could press on, Amira made her entrance."Good morning, everyone!" she greeted cheerfully, receiving warm smiles from Cruzita and Wally. She hugged Aidan from behind while Xander gave her an indifferent look, quickly pecking his cheek. "Hey, baby. Did you sleep well? I missed you," she said with a beaming smile.Aidan simply nodded and continued to eat, trying to mask his displeasure with her presence.Amira took a seat next to him, giving
The woman, Anita Salvatore who’s Lucas' elder sister, shifted her gaze to where Karina's car had disappeared, sporting a sly grin."She's classy," Anita commended."And beautiful too, Momma," her daughter, Lilly, chimed in, earning a chuckle from Lucas. "Uncle Lucas, were you on a date with the beauty?"Lucas hesitated, a hint of disappointment in his tone as he replied, "Um, not really, my dear.""But that woman, how do you know her?" Anita interjected before Lucas could respond, her head tilting in thought. "She looks familiar.""Yeah, Mom. I think she's the famous actress, K. Everhardt," Lilly answered.Anita's eyes widened slightly. "An Everhardt?"Lucas nodded, a sense of apprehension creeping in. "She's an Everhardt, Anita."Anita's expression soured. "What?""She's the granddaughter of Sir Lawson," Lucas clarified, observing his sister's jaw stiffen. "I understand why you're reacting this way..."Leaning closer, Anita whispered through gritted teeth, "Then why are you sociali
Shaking like a leaf in the wind, Marcus stuttered, “It's... It's your ex-wife, Karina Everhardt, sir." Aidan's grip on Marcus loosened slightly, his expression softening at the mention of her name. “She's the new CEO of Everhardt Corporation,” Marcus continued cautiously, taking a step back. Cruzita and Amira groaned in frustration, their anger palpable. “That wretch!” Cruzita exclaimed, echoing Amira's seething sentiment. Wally, nervously biting her nails, interjected, “I had a bad feeling earlier, everyone. If we let that horrible Karina take control, we're doomed. I fear more trouble is coming…” “Enough!” Cole silenced her, turning his attention back to Aidan. “You, Aidan! I warned you about this. Why did you proceed despite the risks?” Aidan remained composed, rolling up his sleeves. “I will personally go to the company to pitch our proposal and secure a deal for our company.” “You'll just give her the chance to insult you personally? No, son, it's not worth it,” Cruzita int
Karina gracefully entered the conference room a few minutes later, finding the board of directors gathered and Aidan positioned before them, poised to present his proposal. She exchanged a disapproving glance with Gina, who offered her a sympathetic smile before nudging Aidan to begin. She took the seat at the head of the table, reserved for her as the CEO. Settling into it, she observed Aidan deliver his pitch flawlessly, while stealing longing gazes in her direction. As he wrapped up, she could see the approving nods and expressions of most of the board members. After he finished, they all applauded, except for Karina who discreetly concealed her annoyance. "What are your thoughts on his proposal, Karina?" Gina inquired, cautiously. Karina stood up with a composed expression. "I will reserve my comments for now and..." she purposefully paused as her phone rang. Excusing herself, she left the room, feeling Aidan's eyes following her. After taking her call and stepping out into the
Gulping nervously and casting a fleeting glance at the rest of her family, who looked at her expectantly, Karina raised her chin and pondered the appropriate response to her daughter's question."Mommy, is my Daddy here?" Sophie tugged at her shirt once again.Karina averted her gaze, instinctively, and forced a reassuring smile. "No, sweetheart." Then, squatting down to her level, she whispered, "Let's not talk about him right now, okay?"Sensing her mother's distress, Sophie nodded with a wide grin.Karina kissed her cheek and stood up. Turning to her family, she muttered, "Excuse me. I need to go and rest. It's been a long day."Zora nodded and gestured for her to get some rest."Good night." Karina glanced at everyone and left with her daughter. An insidious grin spread across Martha's face as she thought, 'What a clever way to dodge a difficult question. How intriguing.' She made eye contact with Riley, who also smiled maliciously. Minutes later, Martha was removing her makeup