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Standing a mere few inches apart, Karina couldn't help but feel the intensity of his gaze. "What is it that you want? I can't seem to recall stealing from you that warrants this bee-like hovering." Aidan's nod affirmed her words resonated within him. "You stole something irreplaceable from me, and this encounter is far from being a coincidence." "Exactly. You were stalking me. And if you don't leave, I'll have the authorities take you in for at least a day to teach you a lesson." "Me? I'm Aidan Algernon. Does this charming man look like one who belongs behind bars?" Karina opened her mouth to refute, but her thoughts fell silent as he unexpectedly brought his face closer to hers. In that brief moment, she couldn't help but notice how handsome he still looked. Yet, even if he was undeniably attractive, admitting it would be the last thing she wanted to do. "You can admit my masculinity, Karina," he urged politely, accompanied by a wink. "Keep dreaming," she scoffed, taking a step
Aidan reluctantly stared at her, pondering an escape from her demand. His office was eerily quiet for a moment until Raymond walked in. Flicking a glance at Raymond, as if provoked, Amira grasped Aidan's face tightly and smashed her lips onto his. Feeling annoyed by her abrupt action, Aidan broke the kiss and pulled away. She gazed at him with pleading eyes, causing him to scowl. "Is that all?" Amira nodded, a smile threatening to form on her lips as she invited him to share in a romantic moment. Reluctantly, Aidan brought his face closer to hers, ready to kiss her before Raymond faked a cough. "You two really shouldn't rub it in," Raymond joked, prompting Aidan to release himself from Amira's grip. He raised a file and informed him, "Aidan, I received the report from HR." Amira began to leave the office but paused in front of Raymond, whose eyes were gleaming with an underlying excitement. "Bad timing," she hissed at him before exiting the room. **** **** **** At the Salvato
Karina emerged from the house and saw Lucas pulling up in his car. He got out and walked up to her."Good morning, Karina.""Hey, good morning. I wasn't expecting to see you here.""Well, I came to offer you a ride to your office."Karina nodded and let out a chuckle. She noticed his swollen, bruised lip and apologized, "I'm sorry about last night. You shouldn't have gotten hurt.""It's nothing. I'm just glad Aidan got a taste of my fist too," he boasted, flashing his charming smile.In a subtle gesture, he motioned towards his luxurious vehicle. Karina, accompanied by her driver and Georgia, stood by her own car, waiting for her to leave with Lucas to head to the company."So, my darling?" He extended his hand, coercing her to place hers in his as they made their way to his car.Watching from upstairs through the window, a grim expression etched on Riley's face."Unbelievable," she muttered as she witnessed Lucas driving off."What are you looking for?" Martha inquired, entering the
Karina rolled her eyes, in disbelief at his words. "Are you jealous?" She blurted, her voice laced with doubt. Aidan smirked. "Would you like to know if I..." She leaned in, her tone edgy. "Absolutely not." Despite her anger, Aidan couldn't help but admire her adorable face. He reached out to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear, but before he could, a screeching voice interrupted them. "What the hell is going on here?!" Both of them turned to see Amira marching towards them. Amira approached Karina, sneering, "You slut, you were trying to steal my man?" She raised her hand, ready to slap Karina, but Aidan caught her wrist, stopping her. "Remember there are media present, Amira," he warned. Karina clicked her tongue and scolded, "Must you always be so aggressive, Amira?" "Get your disgusting self away from my man!" Amira growled at Karina. "Your man, your man, your man, wow. That sounds like a conviction," Karina taunted. "But let's be honest, darling, if I hadn't gotten
After an awkward pause, Karina exhaled and replied, "I think it's best, Gina." "You should let Sophie make that decision." "No. She's young and unaware of the kind of person her father is." "Based on his interview today, he may have changed..." "No. He's just pretending and I despise him for it. But I won't be fooled again. I'll protect my daughter from a disappointing father like him. He doesn't deserve to know about her." Gina nodded. "Anyways, I asked Aaron to go home earlier and ensure nobody tells Sophie about your past with Aidan after they've probably got to know about that through Aidan's interview. As her mother, she deserves to hear it from you first." Karina smiled, touched by Gina's thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Gina. I truly appreciate it." "Don't mention it. Hurry and go home now. I'm sure Sophie would like to have a chat with you tonight since you're taking her," Gina sighed, regretfully, "back to London tomorrow." Karina nodded. "I just have a few things to take c
âAaah!" Karina's cry of pain echoed through the air as she watched the car speed away, leaving her injured. She looked down and caught someone Aidan lying motionless in the middle of the road, blood seeping from his body. Lifting her body up a little by leaning on her elbow, she gasped realizing who it was that had unexpectedly come to her aid. It was Aidan. The flicking moment of being pushed away by him flashed in her mind. Shocked and terrified, she realized it was an attempted murder, and Aidan had rushed in to save her. "Aidan!" she screamed, rushing to his side despite her own agony. "You have to wake up!" Her hands shook as she tried to rouse him, her mind reeling with disbelief and fear. "We need an ambulance, now!" With trembling fingers, she fumbled for her phone in her purse, dialing the emergency number as tears streamed down her cheeks. Within moments, the wail of an ambulance siren pierced the air, and Karina insisted on accompanying Aidan, refusing to leave his side
Could Aidan really be behind this elaborate scheme? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, prompting her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about him.Sensing Karina's reluctance to entertain his assumption, Lucas pressed on, his words carrying a weight of conviction. âThink about it, Karina. It's crystal clear. You're outshining his company, A.G. Group, and he's on the brink of failure. Despite your past grievances, he swoops in to save you, hoping to gain your eternal gratitude and leverage over you.âKarina's mind whirled as Lucas's words resonated with her, aligning with her suspicions. But her heart hesitated to accept such a damning truth.âKarina, he's a master manipulator,â Lucas continued, his voice laced with urgency. âYou know firsthand how he's capable of deceit and betrayal. If he could deceive you in the past, what's stopping him from orchestrating this?âKarina couldn't ignore the memories of Aidan's past deceptions, how he had manipulated her emotions and
Cruzita, regaining her composure, declared with intensity, "You have no relation to our family or my son. As his mother, I demand that you leave, you whore."Feeling the tension in the room, the doctor turned to Karina and implored, "You have no connection to him, Ms. Karina. I urge you to comply with the wishes of his family and leave peacefully."However, Karina refused to back down. She glanced at Aidan through the slats of the window blinds, but her hopes were dashed when she saw no movement. With a heavy heart, she made the decision to leave."Let's go, Karina," Lucas said, reaching for her hand. Karina caught Cruzita's disdainful glare and forcefully pulled her hand away from Lucas before exiting the room.Lucas took a step forward and gave Cole a penetrating look before leaving him to ponder their familiarity.Outside the hospital, Lucas caught up with Karina. "Karina, are you alright?""Lucas, I think there's someone behind this who is unfathomable. It could be someone I know
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 thereâŠ?" 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