Sarah, tell Iris to get ready. We're going to a family dinner tonight."Sarah nodded and headed upstairs, where Iris was scrolling through Instagram, a knot forming in her stomach as she saw Ivy's latest post. Ivy had just passed an audition for CHANNEL, one of the brands Iris had always dreamed of working with. It was ironic how Ivy seemed to be living the life Iris had always wanted."Iris, Mr. Kendrick asked me to tell you to prepare for a family dinner tonight."Iris sighed, closing her phone. She suspected the dinner was to celebrate Ivy's success. She got up and headed to the bathroom to take a bath.As she soaked in the warm water, her mind wandered to Ryan. His sudden shift from being sweet and caring to cold and distant was becoming unbearable. She thought his loving treatment after her kidnapping would last, but it had quickly faded away.After her bath, Iris carefully chose an elegant dress for the evening. She picked a floor-length, midnight blue gown with a subtle shim
Bella gave a faint smile from across the table, her eyes flickering with amusement. It was clear that the digs at Iris were for their entertainment.“Ivy, be kind. Iris is trying her best,” Mrs. Rose interjected, though her words lacked sincerity. The undercurrent of condescension was impossible to miss.Iris clenched her jaw and forced a smile, biting her tongue to keep from lashing out. She knew she had to endure this, if not for her own pride, then for Ryan’s sake.As the dinner progressed, it became increasingly clear that Mrs. Rose and Ivy had taken the night as an opportunity to belittle Iris at every turn. With each new course, came another backhanded remark.“Ivy, darling, tell us more about your Chanel audition. Such a prestigious opportunity! We’re all so proud of you,” Mrs. Rose chimed in, smiling proudly at her daughter.“Oh, it was incredible, Mother,” Ivy replied, her voice brimming with confidence. “The directors were so impressed with my portfolio. They said I had
By the time they arrived home, she felt drained, both emotionally and physically. She went straight to their bedroom, collapsing onto the bed, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs.Ryan followed her, standing at the doorway with his arms folded. After a few moments, he walked over and sat beside her.Iris looked up at him, her eyes red and puffy. “Why do they hate me so much?” she whispered. “What did I do wrong?”Ryan sighed, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “You did nothing wrong. They’re just... difficult,” he said. “But you don’t deserve to be treated that way.”Iris leaned into his embrace, feeling a glimmer of hope despite the night’s events. It wasn’t much, but knowing Ryan was on her side gave her the strength to keep going.“Thank you, Ryan,” she whispered. “That means a lot.”He kissed her forehead, a tender gesture that momentarily made her feel safe, even loved. Yet the doubt still lingered in her mind. Could she truly endure the cold cruelty of his family forev
"I only want what’s best for him," she said, her voice almost too smooth. "If Iris makes him happy, then I’m happy for him."Ivy snorted dismissively. "Please. Iris is a parasite. She’s only clinging to Ryan for his money and status. She’ll never be one of us."Mrs. Rose nodded in agreement, her expression hardening. "It’s true. The sooner Ryan realizes the mistake he’s made, the better. He should have been with someone like you, Bella. Someone who understands our world—our expectations.”Bella’s smile remained, but there was a glint in her eyes, a flash of something dangerous. "It’s Ryan’s decision," she said softly, but her words carried an edge. "We should all respect it. For now.”The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Ivy looked to her mother, her frustration evident. "But why should we wait? Why let that woman ruin our family?”Mrs. Rose sighed, her voice low and calculated. "Patience, Ivy. We mustn’t act rashly. Iris will expose herself in time. People like her always do.
Mrs. Rose entered the master bedroom, its grandeur reflecting the wealth and status of the Kendrick family. The room was enormous, with high ceilings and elegant crown moldings. Plush carpets cushioned her footsteps as she approached her husband, who was in the middle of changing.A large, king-sized bed with a canopy draped in luxurious fabrics dominated one side of the room. On the other side, a seating area with a chaise lounge and a coffee table overlooked the manicured gardens outside through floor-to-ceiling windows.Mr. Kendrick was unbuttoning his shirt, his back turned to her. She walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his broad back."Honey," she began softly, she was cut short by her husband."I don't like the way you spoke to Iris. She's your son's wife. She should be given and shown respect. What you and Ivy did was wrong."Mr. Kendrick said as he sighed deeply, removing his shoes and placing them neatly by the bed."Rose, I
Mrs. Rose stayed close by his side, her hands never leaving his. As they settled him onto the bed, Mrs. Rose looked into his eyes, her own filled with worry and love."What happened, honey? You scared me to death."Mr. Kendrick took a deep breath, the weight of the secrets he carried pressing down on him. "I... I just got dizzy. I'm fine now, honey really."But Mrs. Rose wasn't convinced. She knew her husband better than anyone, and she could see the strain in his eyes."You need to see a doctor. This isn't something we can ignore."Mr. Kendrick nodded reluctantly, knowing she was right. The past had a way of catching up with him, and he couldn't keep running from it forever.As he lay in bed, his thoughts drifted back to that fateful day, the one he had tried so hard to forget. He had to keep it hidden, not just for his sake, but for the sake of his family. The truth was too dangerous to be revealed.But for now, he had to focus on the present. He reached out and took his wife's hand,
Ryan turned and headed back to his father's room. As soon as he was out of sight, Dr. Parker turned to Mrs. Rose and hugged her passionately, giving her a light squeeze on her butt. She pushed his hands away, a look of annoyance on her face."We can't do this here," she hissed, detaching from the hug.Dr. Parker composed himself quickly. "Of course," he said, clearing his throat.They both returned to Mr. Kendrick's room. Mrs. Rose sat beside her husband, gently holding his hand while Dr. Parker packed up his medical kit."Ryan," Dr. Parker said, turning to him, "could you drop by the hospital to pick up your father's medications?"Ryan nodded. "Of course, Dr. Parker."As Dr. Parker left, Mr. Kendrick, sedated by the medication, drifted into a deep sleep. He had sustained minor injuries from his fall in the bathroom, but they were not serious.Ryan decided it was best to head to work since his father was resting. "Mom, Ivy, look after Dad. I'll be at the office if you need me."Mrs. Rose
"Good morning, Mr. Kendrick," she greeted him, her voice smooth and alluring. "There are some documents that need your signature."Luca, who had been in the room discussing some urgent matters with Ryan, immediately understood the silent exchange of looks between Emily and Ryan. Sensing the need for privacy, he stood up and excused himself. "I'll be back in a bit, Ryan," he said, nodding at Emily before leaving the office.As soon as the door clicked shut, Emily walked over to Ryan's desk, her hips swaying with every step. She leaned forward to place the files on his desk, and Ryan couldn't help but notice how her blouse gaped open, showcasing her ample cleavage. Her top button was undone, nearly exposing her breasts. She bit her lower lip seductively, her eyes never leaving his as she slowly ran her hands over her hips, clearly itching for more intimate contact.Ryan felt a surge of arousal. He was known for his rule of never being with the same woman twice, but Emily's blatant invi