Kourtney Allen typed in the password of her fiancé's luxury penthouse excitedly. It was an automated door, and her birthdate was the code to unlock it. She couldn't wait to see the surprised look on Brandon's face when he sees her, especially because she dressed so well for him. Kourtney was eager to spend quality time with him, having returned two days earlier from the women's empowerment conference she attended in another state. Besides, they would be getting married in three weeks. She kept daydreaming about the joyous wedding, the warm embrace, and the loving words they would exchange at the altar. However, she was blissfully unaware of the heart-wrenching scene that awaited her. Her happy footsteps came to a standstill when she heard faint sounds emanating from the bedroom. A sinking feeling instantly settled in the pit of her stomach. It was the voice of a man and a woman in the heat of passion. Pain and anger rose within her depths as she pushed open the door with a bang, r
âHow long have you two known about their affair?â Kourtney asked again furiously.âCalm down, Honey! They started seeing each other about five months ago. We didn't want to believe it either but we had to face the truth. We're so sorry, Kourtney,â her mother, Margaret, replied casually.Kourtneyâs eyes widened in shock as she screamed. âFive months?âIt was around the same time she and Brandon started making preparations for their dream wedding that was supposed to happen in three weeks. âNo wonder he was always too busy to give me time and attention these days. I was such a fool,â she thought bitterly.âWhy... How could you keep something like that from me? From your own daughter?""We wanted to protect you, darling. We thought it would be better for you to find out when you were ready,â Margaret explained softly.Kourtney's heart sank further, feeling a pang of betrayal from her parents. Her voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt. "Ready? How could I ever be ready for this?âHe
âGet the fuck down and check the damage, Martins.â Sebastian Woods commanded his chauffeur while he straightened his slightly rumbled Armani suit. His baritone voice was icy and cold, as usual.âYes, Boss,â the short man in his early fifties who almost peed in his pants rushed out of the car in a panic. Just now, he nearly met a fatal end, but his wicked boss didn't seem to care.Sebastianâs special assistant Jamie also excused himself and followed the driver to inspect the damage caused by the accident. His two tall and sturdy bodyguards scurried out as well, while Sebastian was left alone in the backseat of the car. He was fuming with anger at the moment, and no one wanted to face his wrath.His extremely handsome face was like a âmasterpieceâ even as it twisted with anger, his eyes displaying a noticeable reddish shade.âI bought this car less than a week ago for sixty million dollars, and now this?âLosing money, no matter how âlittleâ was one of the things he hated the most.He s
Sebastian Woods forgot himself for a brief moment as the faint scent of the woman's floral perfume wafted through his nose.He was surprised by the rush of emotions surging through him. He hadn't felt this way in years, ever since the onset of his unusual allergy. The woman appeared slightly taken aback by his sudden presence, but she quickly composed herself.Her lips curved into a sweet smile as she replied politely. "Well, sir. It seems our cars had an unfortunate collision because I was distracted earlier. Thankfully, no one appears to be injured. I'm really sorry for any inconvenience I may have caused you.âSebastian nodded, his gaze still fixed on her. "Hmph! I see.âMeanwhile, Kourtney was stupefied as she stared up at the man big, tall man. She was a full 5ft10, which was more than average for a lady's height. But standing in front of him still made her feel tiny, like a dwarf.What's worse? The manâs appearance was more than breathtaking. It was simply out of this world. She
âYou heard me! That car your reckless driving just damaged is worth 60 million dollars. Would your âsorryâ get me a new one?âKourtneyâs heart pounded in her chest as she heard his snooty words. She took a glance at the car, and the logo was a type that was rare and looked exquisite.âWell? Did you really think this is the type of car a silly insurance could cover?â Sebastian added with a hint of mockery in his tone.âI... I.â Kourtney was lost for words, not knowing what to reply.When she had boosted earlier about paying for the damages, she hadn't considered the kind of car it was. She didn't even look at it that much to realize it was a custom-made Rolls-Royce. Only a few people in Melbourne could afford this kind of machine and get a government-issued pass to drive it around.Was this man implying she should pay him back such a whooping amount? Where would she get such kind of money?The man glanced at his wristwatch impatiently. âSo, Miss, how do you intend to pay me back for th
âI'm sorry, what?â Kourtney asked, staring blankly at him. She'd like to believe her ears misheard what he just said, even though she heard it quite clearly. âYou heard me, Miss. And I hate repeating myself,â she heard him reply with an air of superiority. Kourtney's eyes widened while her jaw dropped in disbelief. She had expected him to ask for something unsavory and inappropriate, like going off to sleep with him somewhere in exchange for the payment. But this? This one caught her completely off guard. Honestly, she didn't know which was worse. âIs this some sort of sick joke?â âDo I look like a clown to you?â Sebastian snapped with an intimidating aura, his impatience evident in his voice. âWell, I guess you must be out of your mind to make such a ridiculous condition. Who do you think you are?â âYou can simply G****e me to find out, Miss Allen,â Sebastian said with a sneer. His arrogance was palpable. Kourtney was already seething with anger. âLook Mr. Whatever! I understa
âAre... Are you sure you want to do this, Mr?â Kourtney started to panic once again.He glared at her coldly before his words cut through the air like a knife. âIâm the kind of man who never goes back on his word.âKourtney could feel her blood boil at his dismissive response, and she struggled to keep calm. Thanks to the anger management classes she took in high school, she managed to maintain a composed facade, though her hands trembled ever so slightly.She took a deep breath, concealing the storm of emotions brewing inside her. She knew losing her temper would only give him further satisfaction."Sir, I don't want to marry you, now or ever. Please, just let me go."The man's expression twisted with anger, "You're not going anywhere until I get what I want," he growled.Kourtney's mind raced, trying to think of a way out of this terrifying predicament. She locked eyes with his, determination flickering in her mind as she thought of a new plan.âActually, Sir, I'm not old enough to
As soon as the call connected, Kourtney couldn't help but overhear snippets of his conversation. The man was even speaking aloud on purpose."Yes, Governor Anderson. It's me," Sebastian said, his voice oozing with self-importance. "I'm outside the Civil Affairs office at City Hall, and it seems they've closed early. I need you to intervene and have them reopen for my business. Right now!!!"Kourtney's eyes widened in disbelief as she gaped at the man.âNo, he can't be real. That has to be a joke!â She thought.She watched him with a mixture of horror and fascination as he continued his conversation, his tone reeked of authority and a hint of threat.âI understand it's after work hours, but I'm pretty sure you can make an exception for me. I'll be expecting you to handle this promptly, so better don't waste my time,â Sebastian continued to dictate as if he was speaking to a mere servant.He spoke in a tone that brooked no argument as if his word alone could move mountains. Kourtney cou
Meanwhile, Kourtney couldn't help but notice the appearance of more wrinkles on Aunt Deniseâs face. It seemed to have more lines than she rememberedâŠ.like she had aged over 10 years in the past week.Oh, how Denise must hate how glamorous she looked tonight. The thought brought an inward smirk; she felt like a phoenix rising from the ashes, while Denise had probably never moved past her own miseries.And she was shameless enough to question her presence here.It was almost laughable how her own family had no idea she was the mastermind behind this event.Her mind whirled as she wondered what their reaction would be if they found out she was the head planner of this very event.Would her dad feel ashamed for the way he'd treated her?Would he finally recognize that she had in fact built a name for herselfâone that was not tied to their family?Would her parents be regretful?Would they regret dismissing her career while supporting Kathlynâs?Speaking of her sister, Kourtney noticed she
The Silverstone gala was trending at no1 worldwide. It was the biggest event of the year and it wasn't a surprise that the entire world wanted to know what happened by the second.Numerous livestream videos were all being viewed by millions of people. Top TV stations were also live and covering the event. The red carpet was currently filled with thousands of paparazzi who couldn't wait to get the best clear shots of the arriving guests.Kourtney made her way around, ensuring everything remained perfect. The decor was stunning, the food was exquisite, the live music sounded breathtaking, and the few guests who had already arrived were enjoying themselves.Her event was unfolding beautifully.Just as she dreamed it would.For nowâŠ..The air was electric with excitement and the occasional click of cameras as paparazzi scrambled for the best shots. Luxurious gowns and sharp suits adorned the guests as they posed for pictures on the red carpet.It was all a stunning display of wealth and e
When Kourtney finally arrived at the venue of the event, it was already noon. The Silverstone Gala would be starting in less than six hours, as the red carpet unveiling was set for 6 PM.She was so damn late!As she got out of the car, she could feel her head being served on a food platter, especially since she was the head planner.Rushing through the entrance, her heart raced in her chest. âKourt, are you insane? Where the hell have you been?â Irina was the first to spot her. Her tone was filled with disbelief and urgency.âI...Iâm sorry. IâŠI lost track of time!â Kourtney stammered, trying to catch her breath.âLost track of time? On your biggest day ever?!â Irinaâs voice rose, and Kourtney winced.She knew Irina didnât mean to be harsh, but the pressure was boiling over.A pit of anxiety settled in her stomach.Inside her head, she could hear herself cursing Sebastian with the most aggressive curse words she knew. If it hadnât been for the man, she wouldnât be in this mess, scrambl
The next morning, the insistent buzz of the alarm jolted Kourtney awake. It was 6 am, and the sound felt like a personal attack.She groaned, reaching out to hit the snooze button, but then she remembered.The Silverstone Gala! She had to be there early to oversee the final preparations. Everything depended on her. She needed to be on time.After a night like the one they had just had, she wanted nothing more than to stay in bed, but duty called. The thought of the gala gave her a fresh surge of energy.With a sigh, she sat up, ready to start the day. She knew she'd be exhausted as usual after a long night of lovemaking, so she had set the alarm to wake her.However, as she made a move to get out of bed, a strong arm snaked around her waist, stopping her in her tracks.âWhere are you going?â Sebastianâs voice was a low growl, still thick with sleep.âUhh⊠I need to go to the venueâŠâ She paused, trying to formulate the sentence.âThe Silverstone gala, it's today!â she finished.Sebast
Kourtney’s cheeks burned hot as realization dawned upon her. She knew him so well already. It wasn't hard to connect the dots.His words werea subtle reminder that what he really desired right now had nothing to do with dinner; it was her.This man!He was always in the mood.Oh, how he could twist her inside out with just one teasing phrase!“I—I’ll go take a shower!” she stammered.It was amusing how easily he could unbalance her. It didn’t take much for Sebastian to evoke these feelings in her. She didn’t even turn to look back as she hurried toward the stairs with a red face.Sebastian chuckled softly, watching with amusement as Kourtney ran up the stairs like a scared little kitten. She was always adorable when flustered,but it only fueled his craving.It made him want her even more!And right now, the more pressing concern for him was the growing hardness of his
âI know. Right? But I have learned that you need to defend yourself if you want to survive in this wicked world.ââYouâre lucky you have your husband to teach you,â Lilian said with a small smile. It was obvious Kourtney changed only after marrying Sebastian. She had to give the man his credit.âYes, I am. He always says that I have to stand up for myself. Thatâs what I did.ââI love the two of you! I'm glad you have him to teach you. Finally, youâre no longer the pushover Kourtney I used to know. And I canât believe heâs so generous giving you a card like that! Thatâs fuucking insane! Heâs so Daddddyyy.ââYes! Heâs the best,â Kourtney blushed, daydreaming about the man.âWhat should I cook for him when I get home?â She pondered to herself.Or perhaps she could give him a neck and shoulder massage!Or maybe.......Suddenly, the waiter brought their ice cream. Kourtney snapped out of her thoughts and got the vanilla while Lilian got the strawberry. They dug in and didnât speak for a w
Scarlet took a deep breath and straightened her spine, knowing she was losing this battle but unwilling to surrender gracefully.âI dare you to tell me who you are and where you got that card!âKourtney smiled, the victory sweet on her lips as she glanced around the store; everyone looked at her with so much surprise, admiration, and newfound respect, which gave her so much confidence.Turned out Sebastian knew what he was doing when he gave her this black card that day!It commanded so much authority.Today, she might have walked in as a humble shopper, but she would leave wearing a crown, and that was a win in her book.âI donât think I have to answer you. It is none of your business.â She turned her head, dismissing Scarlet with a wave of her hand.Scarletâs face boiled with rage. âYou have no idea who youâre dealing with.âRight now, she was trembling at the edge of sanity.Kourtney remained unyielding, snapping her fingers as she said mockingly. âOh, please. Are you that desperat
âShe is theââKourtney hastily placed a hand over Lilianâs big mouth, desperate to prevent the truth from emerging.âDonât, Lil,â she pleaded, her eyes wide.Scarlet watched their little display with irritation.Holding onto her self-importance, she said mockingly. âYeah! I thought as much! Sheâs a nobody. Take it off!âThe condescension dripped from her words.Kourtney felt annoyance ripple through her, but she remained composed. She was the Woods family's young mistress. She was not going to let this woman intimidate her.Deep down, she recognized Scarlet's magnificent beauty; it was undeniable.But beauty without grace?That was something Kourtney could hardly respect. She bit her lip, trying to contain herself, as her mind raced with thoughts of how she could salvage the situation without revealing her connection to Sebastian here like this.Feeling the tension rising, Kourtney decided it was time to play her hand. âSince she wants to make this into an auction, letâs see! I would
The other shoppers began to circle around them like vultures, curious about the unfolding drama. Whispers fluttered through the air like restless butterflies. Kourtney wasnât one to back down easily as well, especially not when she was already feeling so confident in her new dress. âWith all due respect, Maâam. Iâm already paying for this dress!â she said flatly, not wanting to take part in any BS.The manager, a well-dressed middle-aged lady with a no-nonsense attitude who appeared from behind the counter, nodded in support. âThat dress has already been chosen by this customer so I suggest you find something else that suits your unique taste.âJust like in typical fashion houses, there was only one of such dress available. It was custom-made for just one customer!There wasnât even a replica of it that could be given to another person. And by the way, she can't just waltz in here and demand for something that was already picked by another lady who intended to make the purchase.Who