The days passed quickly, blending into a monotonous routine of home and office. Daddy forbade me from going anywhere else, following Mommy’s orders as if I were a prisoner in my own life. They despised me for cutting off Miguel and for the rumors of me kissing different men.“Ma’am Caroline, Sir Samson asked if you could attend an art auction tonight,” Lena informed me as she placed my coffee on the desk.I sighed, stirring my drink. “Do I really have to go?”“He has a meeting with the investors, Ma’am, and Ma’am Glenda is still in Belgium with your brother,” she explained.“What time does it start?” I asked, signing documents without looking up.“Seven in the evening. The Mercedez family is invited as well. Sir Samson wants you to go with them.”My pen froze mid-signature. I lifted my gaze to Lena.“Is my attendance mandatory?”“Yes, Ma’am.”I glanced at the clock—already past three in the afternoon. Letting out a deep sigh, I gripped my pen tightly.“Fine. You’re coming with me,” I
Everyone was looking at him as he raised the paddle. I grabbed a tissue and wiped myself.“Miguel?” Alexander said when he realized who was next to me.“We have an opening bid of 500,000 pesos. Do I hear 600,000 pesos?” the Auctioneer asked.“600,000,” Alexander said and raised his paddle while still looking at Miguel.“600,000 from Mr. Mercedez -”“One million.” Miguel raised his paddle.I didn’t know how to react. Why was he wasting money on an old painting?My gaze dropped to the name on his table. “Miguel Damien Montevallo...” I turned back to Alexander as he raised his paddle again.“Two million!”I saw Miguel grin before he looked at us. I swallowed a few times. He had changed so much. It wasn’t obvious that he was a bodyguard.“Look at him, Caroline. He was so quick to find someone to replace you. The idiot hit the jackpot, it looks like a Sugar Mommy replaced you,” Alexander said laughing.“Shut up!” I scolded him irritably.“Is there anyone else competing for two million?” th
Our jaws dropped in shock. I couldn't take my eyes off Miguel.“H-He’s your son?” Tita Portia stammered, pointing at Miguel in disbelief. “How could you have a child, Don Ernesto? You don’t even have a wife!”Don Ernesto merely chuckled. “Portia, my wife and I have been separated for a long time. The media only knows what I allow them to—an old bachelor with no family. But let’s not talk about that now. I’m just happy to see you again.”She turned to Miguel. “Hijo, you didn’t tell me you knew them.”Miguel’s expression remained unreadable. “I didn’t know you knew each other, Dad.”Tito Rafael and Tita Portia still looked stunned, their eyes flickering between Miguel and Don Ernesto.“If you don’t mind, we’ll take our leave,” Don Ernesto said smoothly.We watched them walk away, disappearing into the crowd. My mind was still reeling when my phone vibrated. Seeing Daddy’s name on the screen, I sighed and answered.“How’s the auction?” he asked.“Boring,” I replied lazily. “It just ended
I quickly stepped away from Miguel, turning my back on him. But before I could leave, his firm grip caught my arm.I gulped when I heard the sharp tearing of fabric.My eyes widened in shock as I turned to see what he had done—Miguel had torn my gown. He had ripped away the excess fabric, leaving it cut above my knees, turning it into a makeshift dress.“What the hell are you doing?” I hissed.He ignored me and turned to the woman. “Give me the check,” he ordered, his voice cold and demanding.The woman raised an eyebrow before smugly tucking the check I had given her into her bra.Miguel’s jaw clenched. “Are you giving it back, or should I take it myself?”I gasped. “Miguel, stop! I gave it to her! I don’t want it back.”But he didn’t listen. He took a step toward the woman, his intimidating presence making her flinch.“I dare you,” she sneered. “Try it, and I’ll have the police on you in seconds.”I felt the weight of a hundred eyes on us. People had their phones out, capturing ever
The moment I arrived at the office, I wasted no time.“Lena, send Daddy's personal assistant, Miss Melani Angcahan, to my office,” I ordered.I busied myself with accounting reports while waiting, but my mind kept drifting. Who was this mysterious investor?The door opened moments later, and Lena walked in with Miss Lani.“Good morning, Ma’am.” Miss Lani greeted me with her usual professional smile and handed me the tablet she was holding. “Here are the meeting schedules for our two new investors. The first meeting starts at nine, and the second is after lunch.”I took the tablet and scrolled through it absentmindedly. Greensmith Innovations? My brows furrowed. “A tech company focused on sustainable solutions? I’ve never heard of it before.”“It's new here in the Philippines,” Miss Lani explained. “Owned by a Filipino-British businessman. Based on the reviews I’ve read, their services are excellent—clean business dealings, no controversies.”“Hmm,” I muttered, still not convinced.Cur
“He’s an investor?” Nico let out a mocking laugh. “Are you joking? He’s a body—”“Nico,” I cut him off sharply, my heart pounding. “This is Miguel Damien Montevallo. Does that name ring a bell?” I stood up and walked toward Miguel, subtly placing myself between the two men.Nico’s smirk wavered. “He’s a Montevallo?”I nodded. “Yes. And—” I turned to Miguel, keeping my tone professional. “Are you here to invest in our company?”But instead of answering, Miguel just kept his gaze locked onto Nico, his jaw clenched.Then he spoke.“Are you meeting or flirting?”His cold voice sent a shiver down my spine. I forced myself to stay composed, even as his words dug into me. Whatever he’s thinking right now, he’s wrong.I turned to Nico, keeping my voice firm. “I think we’re done here, Mr. Winston. If you’re serious about investing, contact us so we can prepare the contract.”Then I shifted my attention back to Miguel. “As for you, Mr. Montevallo, our meeting is scheduled for 1:30 PM. But if yo
The moment Miguel walked out, my phone rang.I gasped when I saw the caller ID. Daddy.I took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?”“Miguel just called me!” His voice was sharp, filled with urgency.I clenched my jaw. “Miguel De Castro is a Montevallo, Dad. Did you really not know he’s Don Ernesto’s son?”There was a pause. “What? He’s a Montevallo? How the hell did Don Ernesto end up with a son?”“I met him last night after the art auction,” I said, rubbing my temple. “Even Alexander’s family was caught off guard when he introduced himself as Don Ernesto’s only child.”“Does your mother know about this?”I stiffened. “She’s not my mother,” I corrected, my voice colder than I intended. “And you can be the one to tell her. If she finds out from me, she’ll just take it out on me.”Dad sighed heavily, but he didn’t argue. “What about the other investor? Have you spoken to Nico Winston?”“Yes. He said he’ll contact us once he’s made a decision.”“Good. I’ll call your mother. My flight
I arrived home as if nothing had happened.As if my world hadn’t just crumbled.I stepped into the shower, letting the water pour over me, hoping it would wash away the disgust clinging to my skin. But the moment I closed my eyes, I saw them again.The images wouldn’t stop playing in my head.Cecile. Alexander. Their moans. Their tangled bodies.I bit my lip, inhaling sharply. Maybe the videos were fake. Maybe they were edited.But something inside me whispered otherwise.I grabbed my phone from the bedside table, my fingers trembling as I opened the video again.I forced myself to watch.Every movement. Every sound.No. There were no signs of editing. It was real.Cecile wasn’t just in that bed with Alexander—she was enjoying it. Her moans, her desperate gasps, the way she responded to him… it wasn’t just a mistake. They wanted each other.A bitter laugh escaped my lips.I should’ve known. I should’ve felt it.My brother was right—he always said, “What’s yours is mine.” Was this his
I ordered Daddy’s men to get him some water. They tried to approach him, but his men blocked their way.“Samson, we’re not in a relationship—”“Are you still going to deny it even now, when it’s already too late?” I asked Glenda. I helped Daddy sit down, relieved that he let me assist him.When the men I had sent returned, I immediately gave Daddy the water. Once he felt a little better, I took his cellphone and searched for his personal doctor’s number.“Come to the company right away. Daddy needs you,” I ordered before hanging up.“This is your fault! He’s struggling again because of you—”“Shut your mouth, Cecile!” Daddy scolded her authoritatively. I grinned to myself.“Daddy, she’s just trying to stir up trouble! Why are you believing that woman? We’re your family!” Cecile shouted.But Daddy suddenly laughed, catching my attention. “Family? Can we even call this a family after what I just found out about your mother’s betrayal?”“You cheated on Mommy first, Dad!” Cecile shot back
I let out a loud laugh as Cecile fumed, her face red with anger. The important people had already left the company, leaving just us behind. She ran her fingers through her disheveled hair and glared at me with pure hatred.“Are you kidding me? Don’t you have anything better to do with your life? What the hell are you doing here? Weren’t you the one who said you’d forget about us as your family? Then why are you here now?”“Throw this woman out if you don’t want to—”“Aunt Glenda, I’m not the one who should be leaving,” I cut her off with a smirk.“W-What? You just called me Aunt?” She gasped, disbelief etched across her face.“What else should I call you?” I raised an eyebrow. “Aunt? That works, since my mother was your sister.”“Caroline, what are you talking about?” Daddy interjected, his voice sharp. “Watch your tone when speaking to Glenda. And who told you that she and your mother were sisters?”“Why, Dad? Did I say anything offensive?” I gave him a bitter smile. “Am I still supp
“Good morning, Kalix,” I greeted him as he saw me cooking in the kitchen.“Mommy?” he said, his eyes widening in surprise. He had grown used to me being locked in my room, crying and refusing to eat. “Good morning, Mommy!” His smile stretched from ear to ear before he ran toward me.I welcomed him with a tight hug, savoring the warmth of his laughter.Lena, Belen, and Norma could hardly believe their eyes when they saw me up early, cooking breakfast.How could I not be productive?The videos I uploaded were starting to go viral.I couldn’t wait to see Cecile swarmed by reporters, forcibly removed from her position.Even in the bathroom, I found myself singing as I showered.I couldn’t stop thinking about how they would handle the scandal that Cecile and Alexander had caused years ago.After all, she was the one who dragged Alexander’s name into the conversation—even though he had been dead for a long time.---“Ma’am Caroline!” Lena’s urgent voice came with a series of knocks on my do
I had been locked in my room for an entire week. Even the simplest tasks—bathing, wiping myself—felt like a struggle.I had lost my appetite.All I did was drink water.I was ashamed. Ashamed of Lena and my two helpers, who had to witness me like this.But I was also grateful. They were taking care of Kalix.At least someone was.---“Ma’am Caroline, I cooked your favorite food,” Belen said as she entered my room, smiling. She carried a tray of steaming dishes.The rich aroma of pork stew filled the air, mixing with the scent of other familiar foods she had prepared.But I felt nothing. No hunger. No interest.Even if she cooked all my favorite meals, it wouldn’t change anything.“Just put it on the table, Belen,” I said, my gaze distant.She hesitated before placing the tray on the bed instead.“Eat while the soup is still warm,” she coaxed gently. “You might not want it later if it gets cold.”I glanced at the table.The food they had brought me this morning was still there—untouche
I cried endlessly after leaving the hotel, clutching the urn that was said to contain Mommy’s ashes. Unable to bear it any longer, I opened it.Inside, I found a small box. Wiping my tears, I carefully took it out, my hands trembling.A customized photo locket necklace. Old. Worn.My attention was drawn to the pendant. Slowly, I opened it—and fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.Inside was a tiny photo. I was crying when it was taken, and Mommy... Mommy was smiling.My gaze dropped back to the box when I noticed more pictures inside.“Mommy...” I whispered, my voice breaking, as I pulled out the photographs.They were of us—when I was just a child, unaware of the cruelty of the world.As I looked through them one by one, the ache in my chest deepened. It felt like I couldn’t breathe.She was probably gone.For all these years, I had never known what it was like to be loved by a mother. I had always searched for that warmth, that care.I only found out about her last night. Now, I was d
I sat down on the floor and immediately hugged the urn. I didn’t know whether to believe what Don Ernesto had just said. Just last night, Lena told me that my real mother was still alive.“My real mother is still alive...” I murmured, staring at the urn. “I just found out last night that she was still alive.”Don Ernesto took a deep breath. “She passed away peacefully two years ago, hija.”I clutched my chest as a sharp pain tightened around my heart. Breathing became difficult. I shook my head.“Mommy is still alive.” I forced a smile and placed the urn on the floor. “She’s not dead yet. I’ll find her. I’ll find a way to bring her back.” I took a deep breath, holding back the tears stinging my eyes. “I saw the video. I saw how my own family abused her. This isn’t funny, Sir. If you’re mad at me because your precious life was put in danger, then fine—I’m sorry. But don’t play with my mother’s life like this. This is not a joke.”“I’m not joking, hija. And I’m not angry with you either
I sighed. I wanted to leave. My bitter smile remained as my eyes stayed fixed on their intertwined hands.“We are dating, Caroline,” Cecile repeated, her voice laced with warning. “If you’re planning to take Miguel away from me, you know where to find me.”I covered my mouth, laughing. She’s acting like a jealous girlfriend when they’re not even real.“I have no plans to take him from you, Ate. I’m happy with my life now. I’m free. I can do whatever I want.” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear before continuing, “Maybe you’re forgetting—he was mine before he was yours.”I met her glare head-on. “So don’t talk to me like that, Cecile. I don’t make a habit of stealing. Unlike you… who has a history of taking what isn’t yours.”“What did you just say?!” Cecile shrieked. She raised her hand to slap me, but I caught her wrist mid-air.“Try it,” I dared, tightening my grip. “Hit me and see what happens. I’ve been holding back for so long, but not anymore. I won’t let you bully me
I searched for more articles, specifically about the Gutierrez family. That’s when I discovered the truth—Roxanne Gutierrez, my real mother, and Glenda, my mother-in-law, are sisters.Daddy was Chairman Ricardo Gutierrez’s right-hand man and the husband of his eldest daughter.After reading multiple sources, even though years had passed, I began to piece everything together.The fire in their mansion wasn’t an accident.Everything was planned.There was a strong possibility that Daddy married Mommy Glenda because he believed he would inherit the company through her. But instead, the company was passed down to Roxanne Gutierrez.Daddy had a relationship with Roxanne before… because he had evil intentions.A sharp pain pulsed in my temples. I pressed my fingers against my head, groaning. I glanced at the wall clock—it was already past three in the morning.And I still hadn’t finished my work.My mind was spinning. What should I focus on now?Should I finish my work? Or should I finish w
I felt my entire body tremble. It was as if my breath had caught in my throat, refusing to escape, after hearing what Lena had just said.“M-My real mother is alive?” I asked in disbelief, my voice barely above a whisper. My breath hitched when Lena nodded.“Inside that CD, you’ll see how they abused Ma’am Roxanne. They kept her locked up in an underground facility, but I don’t know exactly where, Ma’am.”“No… this can’t be true, Lena…” I shook my head, refusing to believe it.“They wouldn’t be hunting me down if I were lying to you, Ma’am Caroline.” Lena’s grip tightened on my hand. “I won’t force you to believe me. Just watch the CD. That will prove I’m telling the truth.”She took a deep breath before continuing. “At first, I didn’t understand why they were looking for me. But when they killed my parents, they left a note at our house. They said that if I didn’t return the CD, they would kill me too. Terrified, I ran away and hid.”I stared at the CD in my hands, my chest tightenin