Woods Corporation.The CEO’s office exuded an aura of power and luxury, with sleek modern furniture and expansive windows offering a breathtaking view of the Melbourne city skyline.Sebastian Woods sat leisurely in the mahogany desk, glancing through the daily business newspapers. He was lost in the world of numbers and reports, his mind focused on the latest financial news while his piercing gaze drifted lazily over the bold headlines, scanning the words with a sharp focus.He barely registered the presence of anyone else in his office until a familiar “annoying” voice broke through his concentration."Hey! HEY! I'm still here, remember?" The voice belonged to none other than Edwin Woods, Sebastian's cousin and most trusted confidant, a man he tasked with his most delicate affairs. Matter of fact, Edwin was the one who always helped him to do his most dirty business - the most recent one being taking down the Allen family Corporation.Among the entire Woods family, Edwin was probabl
Falling in love again had always been one of his biggest fears.He had always hated the feeling of being vulnerably in love with someone, and truthfully, he’d been so thankful for that jarring accident years ago - the one that tainted and somewhat “mutilated” him. The one that caused him a psychological disorder, rendering him unable to get too close to the opposite gender.The incident had left him scarred, both physically and emotionally, but had also gifted him a life of solitude and peace. A life devoid of love yet strangely fulfilling in its own way.YES!His life had been boring and uneventful back then, but it was PEACEFUL.He never had to worry about the thought of anyone’s betrayal. Never!He had avoided women like the plague, and that had always acted as a shield against the dangers of falling in love again.He had built walls around his heart, believing he was protecting himself from further pain.But now…. those walls lay shattered at his feet.Now, he had completely screw
Kourtney's eyes widened in surprise and confusion, her mind racing to make sense of his accusation. "Betray you? What are you talking about? I-I don’t get it..."Sebastian's gaze bore into hers. His hoarse voice was thick with restrained emotion.”Are you playing dumb with me, Woman?”“I… I really don’t understand,” Kourtney stammered with furrowed eyebrows and without any trace of guilt, unaware of the crime she had committed.Her heart was pounding like bass drums in her chest.Sebastian's jaw tensed, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as confusion clouded his sturdy features.How could she not know?It was impossible for her not to have known or heard about the scandal by now since she was in the starring role of it all - so he believed.The thought that she was trying to play innocent and pretending not to know anything angered him even more, to extreme heights he never knew existed within him.His breaths came in jagged gasps now as he tried hard to control himself.He
Sebastian didn’t know how he did it, but he drove back to Woods Corporation in one piece. The familiar sight of his company building loomed before him as he parked the car with an insane and wildly out-of-control screech. His hands were still shaking from the adrenaline rush of his reckless driving.He was still stark-raging mad!Walking unsteadily to his office, Sebastian didn't go unnoticed by his swam of nosy employees. But everyone knew well enough to shut up and bow respectfully as he walked through to get to his private elevator.It was as if a cloud of anger was hovering over him like a dark storm.As soon as he got into his office, he slammed the door shut behind him and made a beeline for the mini bar tucked away in the corner of the room.Without hesitation, he grabbed a bottle of Campari whisky as if his whole life depended on it.He wanted to at least get rid of a small portion of the venom and pain in his heart.Pouring himself a generous amount, he raised the glass to hi
Viewers discretion!!!This chapter may contain disturbing scenes!**********Sebastian bit uncontrollably on his fingernails in the backseat of his Bentley. It was a long-term habit of his since childhood to bite his nails whenever he was feeling disturbed or anxious. But those scenarios barely ever happened at all for years now.What could ever make the Almighty CEO of Woods Corporation anxious?Absolutely nothing!Or so he thought…..He was very wrong to think he wouldn't feel that kind of uneasiness again.….especially when Kourtney Erin Allen existed.Jamie, who sat in the passenger seat beside him, nervously fiddled with his tie. He just ended a phone conversation with Sebastian’s head of security. He cleared his throat nervously, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped the car. "Sir, the Madame didn't go to her family villa," he spoke up, his voice laced with concern while Sebastian's bite on his finger tightened, worry gnawing at him."And Sir, the Madame also didn't go back
He had spent countless nights convincing himself that LOVE was just a distraction, a weakness he could not afford to have at any point in his life. But now, all those walls he built around his heart for years crumbled like dust to the ground.Because he loved her….YES! He loved her….He really loved her….Like a lot…No! More than a lot…More than he could describe…More than he thought was possible…More than he thought he was capable of…The intensity of his feelings was so terrifying….It was UNREAL….He never planned on loving her this much….Or even liking her this much…But now, his feelings for her are absolutely fucking INSANE…Insane enough to send a bullet flying through the man who had dared to touch her.A riff-raff.A pathetic excuse for a man!A mere nobody.A scum… the lowest of the low!A man like that had the audacity to lay a finger on what was undeniably HIS?Had the audacity to touch her with his greasy fingers?How dare he? How dare anyone think they could touch
“How’s she?” Sebastian’s voice was low and tense.“She's okay. The nurses checked. She is untouched, not damaged or marked in any way... Well... apart from a few wound scratches and some large handprints on her… ass!” Ryan, his close friend and an ER Doctor said, the last part slipping out before he could catch himself.Sebastian’s face turned pale, the reality of Kourtney's assault crashing over him like a tidal wave.The guilt was suffocating. How could he have let this happen?“But, wait! What really happened?” Ryan asked, his eyes enquiring.“I mean, You are THE Sebastian Woods. You rule this City! How did you even let your wife get kidnapped? And she almost got raped?”Ryan’s voice was incredulous, his medical professionalism momentarily forgotten while Sebastian shifted uncomfortably on his feet.The questions came at him like a barrage of bullets, and he felt himself retreating into a defensive posture.“Wait! What was she even doing at Coolaroo? That wretched place is no place
At the Smith Villa, the atmosphere was tense. Brandon was lounging on the terrace, a drink in hand, looking relaxed as if he hadn’t a care in the world.His parents were inside, worried sick about the photos that has taken over the internet. They had always warned Brandon to stay clear of trouble or anything that would get their family name into the mud.But now, he had unleashed such chaos.“Brandon, you should really think about what you’re doing. Why still getting involved with that Kourtney girl,” his mother called out from inside. “You have no idea what kind of trouble you’re inviting. Your wedding to the other Allen young mistress is just a few days away. Goodness!”“Relax, Mom. Besides, it’s not my fault those pictures were posted online,” Brandon said, a smirk on his face. In fact, he loved the outcome. At this point, he no longer cared.But just then, a sound broke through the night—a revving engine, followed by the screech of tires as different cars pulled up to the villa.
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. “Kourt, are you insane? Where the hell have you been?” Irina was the first to spot her. Her tone was filled with disbelief and urgency.“I...I’m sorry. I…I lost track of time!” Kourtney stammered, trying to catch her breath.“Lost track of time? On your biggest day ever?!” Irina’s voice rose, and Kourtney winced.She knew Irina didn’t 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 hadn’t been for the man, she wouldn’t 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.“Where are you going?” Sebastian’s voice was a low growl, still thick with sleep.“Uhh… I need to go to the venue…” She paused, trying to formulate the sentence.“The Silverstone gala, it's today!” 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
“I know. Right? But I have learned that you need to defend yourself if you want to survive in this wicked world.”“You’re lucky you have your husband to teach you,” Lilian said with a small smile. It was obvious Kourtney changed only after marrying Sebastian. She had to give the man his credit.“Yes, I am. He always says that I have to stand up for myself. That’s what I did.”“I love the two of you! I'm glad you have him to teach you. Finally, you’re no longer the pushover Kourtney I used to know. And I can’t believe he’s so generous giving you a card like that! That’s fuucking insane! He’s so Daddddyyy.”“Yes! He’s the best,” Kourtney blushed, daydreaming about the man.‘What should I cook for him when I get home?’ 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 didn’t speak for a w
Scarlet took a deep breath and straightened her spine, knowing she was losing this battle but unwilling to surrender gracefully.“I dare you to tell me who you are and where you got that card!”Kourtney 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.“I don’t think I have to answer you. It is none of your business.” She turned her head, dismissing Scarlet with a wave of her hand.Scarlet’s face boiled with rage. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”Right now, she was trembling at the edge of sanity.Kourtney remained unyielding, snapping her fingers as she said mockingly. “Oh, please. Are you that desperat
“She is the—”Kourtney hastily placed a hand over Lilian’s big mouth, desperate to prevent the truth from emerging.“Don’t, Lil,” she pleaded, her eyes wide.Scarlet watched their little display with irritation.Holding onto her self-importance, she said mockingly. “Yeah! I thought as much! She’s a nobody. Take it off!”The 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. “Since she wants to make this into an auction, let’s 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 wasn’t one to back down easily as well, especially not when she was already feeling so confident in her new dress. “With all due respect, Ma’am. I’m already paying for this dress!” 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. “That dress has already been chosen by this customer so I suggest you find something else that suits your unique taste.”Just like in typical fashion houses, there was only one of such dress available. It was custom-made for just one customer!There wasn’t 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
As planned, the two friends headed out to a trendy district in Melbourne filled with the most classy high-end boutiques.“Are you ready for this?” Lilian asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement as they entered a mildly populated Dior department store.“More than ever!” Kourtney replied, clutching the treasured black card that Sebastian had given her like a lifeline.It was the first time she would take the initiative to use the extravagant 300-million-dollar black card from her billionaire husband for shopping expenses.She remembered when he had given it to her after their first night together at Serenity Villa. She recalled how the man had behaved like such an insane amount of money was no big deal.He nonchalantly handed it over, claiming it was just a tool for her to use as she pleased. “Go on, spoil yourself,” he had said with a grin, totally unfazed by the fact that it was worth three hundred million fucking dollars.He was such a Big Casanova spender!“Okay, let’s find someth
Meanwhile, across town, Sebastian was sitting in another urgent board meeting at Woods Corporation to plan the launch of their new company branch in the UK. While everyone present was droning on about numbers and projections, his mind was elsewhere. That’s when his phone beeped, echoing a sound that cut through the tension and serious atmosphere in the boardroom. Sebastian hurriedly picked up his phone from the table to view the text. He hadn't expected a reply from Kourtney to come so fast.All eyes turned to him, surprised. The big boss himself was now smiling like a kid on Christmas morning.They all exchanged baffled looks. “Since when does he smile like that during these boring meetings?”Their usually stoic and focused boss who had previously forbidden everyone, including himself, from using their phones during meetings, had his fingers dancing across the screen like an obsessed gamer who'd just received the latest gaming console.Since when did he text so much?These past fe