ELOISE He looked immaculate as always in a tux, accompanied by someone I hadn't met before. The man he was talking to bore a striking resemblance to him in terms of appearance and facial features, except for the brown hair and the age. They were engaged in casual conversation, seemingly oblivious to the buzzing crowd around them, each moment captured by eager photographers. It was as though time had frozen. He had really come, and it seemed he didn't need an invitation. He walked freely into the venue and seemed acquainted with those around him. It was possible that he and Braden had worked together on a film before; after all, Adam was also a Hollywood film producer, and maybe their paths had crossed outside. "They are the people we're meeting tonight," Callum's voice caught my attention. "Who?" "The Waldorfs, but we'll catch up with them later. Let's head inside," he said. I ignored the baron, and my gaze fixed on Adam's every step as he drew closer until our eyes finally locke
ELOISEThe lights dimmed in the event hall as we took our seats at one of the tables, and silence enveloped the crowd. A spotlight illuminated the first item to be auctioned—a centuries-old painting named "Whispers of the Wildwood" by the artist Edmund Harlowe, donated by a businessman. It's a landscape painting that transports viewers into a serene forest scene, lit only by fireflies. The painting portrays a deep, lush woodland with untouched beauty. The auction's proceeds this evening will be distributed to orphanages, children with illnesses, and homes for the aged.The auctioneer, Jack, a charismatic man in a tailored tuxedo, stood beside the artwork. He began narrating the painting's history, its importance in the art world, and the artist's masterful technique.Wealthy collectors, art enthusiasts, and investors in the room raised their paddles, each bid raising the price higher and higher. I moved closer to Adam. "Aren't you going to tell me what's going on? What business do y
ELOISE The event had transformed into an open party, with lively music filling the air, encouraging people to dance and enjoy themselves for the rest of the night. I found myself on the dance floor with Adam as the night wore on. "Can't you give me something? Anything, just so I'm not kept in the dark?" I asked him, our bodies swaying in time with the music. "Okay," he began, glancing around cautiously before fixing his gaze on me. "Let's just say this is my way of trying to figure you out." "To this extent? You'd even do business with a man you barely know when you could just ask me? Why would you even do this and waste your time?" His eyes gleamed mischievously. "Darling, you asked for my help, right? This is how I do it. To this extent, as you said." "I asked for your help yesterday, but it seems you've already made your moves even before that." He pulled my waist closer so that my chest was pressed against him. A soft gasp escaped my lips. "I like being one step ahead. It
ELOISE "Here." Adam offered me a cup of hot tea when we entered the suite he was staying in. The place was well-lit and warm, just like him. He took a seat in front of me, gently tucking a few strands of my hair behind my ear as he observed me. I took a sip of the tea, and relief washed over me. "I'm sorry I got you involved in my issues. He grunted. "Anyone would get involved if they witnessed that. I told you he's lucky I left him alive." "You're not a monster like him." His pupils darkened. "Oh, you have no idea." “How did you know he followed me in the restroom?” “Your friend saw him.” Oh, Nina. She had already saved me so much. I glanced around his spacious suite. "This is a nice place. Thanks for bringing me here.” "You're welcome." He kissed my forehead and stood up again. "You can use the bedroom whenever you feel like resting. I have the bathroom ready too. Did you want anything else?” I shook my head. "Maybe a snack? Thank you.” “Anytime.” He walked to the kitche
ELOISE After I showered, Adam was pretty much refreshed as well. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. "Mm," he hummed, studyin me. "That looks good on you." I looked down at the PJs he lent me. "I thought you said you don't take advantage and I need a rest?" I wiped my hair with the towel. I could smell a hint of his scent on my body. It must be the soap and shampoo. It felt as if he was embracing me, and I liked it. "Are you sleepy?" I shook my head. "Why don't you sit here so we can talk a bit?" He smiled seductively and tapped his hand on the space next to him. I guess he was back to being the sexy, playful Adam Sebastian after all that drama. "About what?" "About this. What did you tell them about what we were?" I sat on the other end of the bed. "I told the baron you're my boyfriend, which, of course, you're not. Fine, you win this time. I need your help with whatever plan you're trying to plot for my dad tomorrow." He said he didn't need a reason to do this. He told
ADAMI woke up to my ringtone in the late hours of dawn. I had finally been enjoying a good night's sleep, knowing the red-haired angel was safe in the bedroom. I was worried as hell, and my knuckles stung from pounding on the fucking baron's face earlier.I checked my phone, and it was only three o'clock in the morning, with Zoey's name displayed on my screen. I frowned; she never called me unannounced.I answered, "What is it, Zoey?""Why would you do this? I… I just don't understand, and I'm so confused. I want to be honest with you all the time. I'm sorry for intruding. You can punish me if you wish, but how did it come to this?""What are you talking about? I had no desire to punish you, Zoey." Not anymore. Honestly, I had no idea what to do with Zoey right now. She was the least of my concerns.She moaned. "It's because of her you've lost track of our plans."I sighed heavily, running my fingers through my hair. "Hold on. Where are you? Have you been drinking?""I'm at the bar..
ADAM I took a moment to admire her proportioned and flawless bare body and beauty as if she were a goddess awaiting some lucky mortal to fuck her. Her red hair gracefully cascaded down her shoulders, and her emerald-green eyes sparkled with need. "Spread your legs," I commanded. I wanted to see her vulnerable, all for my pleasure. She blushed and hid her rosy cheeks in embarrassment, but slowly, she parted her thighs while still seated on the counter. Before me was her pink and tightly wrapped vulva, looking incredibly snug and dripping with her own juices. Damn. I felt like I was about to cum. "That's a pretty pussy." I brought my thumb to her clitoris. "Look at me, Eloise. I want to see your eyes." She gasped, probably because of my vulgarity, or maybe it was because I had started to massage her clitoris with my thumb. I circled it gently, as it was very sensitive and so pink that I didn't want to hurt her by being too aggressive. But eventually, I knew I wanted to be aggress
ADAM One week ago… I sat in Rafe’s office on the day I decided to follow after Eloise. Something about her that always drew me in. Holding the background investigation check papers in my hand, I now knew she wasn’t just an ordinary person with a decent job in New York. I couldn’t explain why, but I always felt this overwhelming urge to uncover every piece of her story. It was almost as if logic took a backseat as I now held my passport. “As if you don’t know,” I smirked, “you’re going to ask me why I used the services of your private investigator.” He raised an eyebrow inquisitively. “Dad has been inquiring about Generations. And although you’re doing your job well, I know you’re up to something again. So, who is this Eloise Walker?” I knew well that he would read those papers before I had the chance to. After all, he was the one who delivered them to me. “It doesn’t have anything to do with Generations. She simply works there,” I said with a shrug. I knew exactly where this co
ELOISEThat evening, while I was showering, Adam joined me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind while his lips placed soft kisses on my shoulder. I moved my hair to the side and looked back at him. Even after everything, it still felt surreal. Adam was my husband now.Just a few weeks ago, I met this man because of a simple mistake on a blind date, and he became someone who supported me. But there was still so much I had to learn about him, many things we needed to resolve and discuss.Under the shower, we stayed silent, savoring each other’s presence. Words became unnecessary with each kiss on my shoulder, neck, and back. I surrendered to the surge of emotions, my body burning with every touch of his fingers on my skin.Adam’s lips traveled down my back to the space between my buttocks. I moaned, arching my back as his tongue slid through. I gripped the wall; the only sounds were the splashing water, my rapid heartbeat, and my heavy breathing. His fingers traced my slit, and my
ELOISEWhen the doctor left, Adam and I watched Davina sit beside Malcolm’s bed, her hand never leaving his face.The doctor told us he didn’t know when my brother was going to wake up, but he should still be able to from his temporary coma.Davina was the first to speak. “How… how could Callum do this to me? After everything…”Dad was standing by the window with his hands folded across his chest when he finally broke his silence. “Callum did it because I let him. Because my ambition and greed blinded me.” There was a long pause before he turned to face us. “I did this. I did this to our family... to Malcolm. I was too focused on making sure the Cunningham name stayed strong. I was one-sided.”Davina’s eyes flicked, and her lips pressed tightly together. “You can’t blame yourself for this. I asked you to—”“I can blame myself,” Dad cut her off. “I’ve seen the signs. To think that I almost gave away my only daughter.” He waved his hand towards me.My heart skipped a beat. I wasn’t sure
ADAM Eloise and I continued to move through the crowd, accepting congratulations and well wishes from the guests. I kept glancing around the room, scanning the crowd for any sign of Jonathan, but he had taken the initiative and was now talking to Callum. He had probably slipped away during the ceremony to begin his part of the operation. Now, all I could do was wait for him to make contact. Eloise chatted with her relatives near the buffet table when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I stepped away from the crowd, keeping my movements casual. I checked the message. It was from Jonathan: We spotted the ambulance, but one of my men outside hit a small complication. I glanced around again, making sure Callum wasn’t watching, and I remained calm. I moved toward a secluded reception corner, pressing the phone to my ear as I dialed Jonathan’s number. Jonathan gestured to Callum to wait a moment as he answered my call. “Jonathan, what’s going on?” I asked, my voice low but urgent. “I’m sor
ELOISE The band began to play another slow song, and Callum pulled me close, his hand resting on my lower back as we swayed to the music. His touch felt heavy and awkward, and it stung so painfully that it felt like he’d burn me alive. “You look beautiful tonight, Eloise,” Callum said, his voice low and smooth. “I’m sure Adam feels like the luckiest man in the world. It should've been me.” “I didn’t agree to this dance so that you could flatter me,” I replied, my voice steady despite the fear gnawing at me. His eyes squinted. “Are you flattered?” I rolled my eyes. “Hello, no. Where’s Malcolm?” He studied me momentarily, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something. “You know, I’ve always admired your strength. It’s not easy being in your position. But you’ve handled it remarkably well.” “Answer the question, Callum,” I said firmly. He sighed. “He’s safe. He’s right outside the premises, in a private ambulance with a doctor tending to him.” “How are we going to get him b
ELOISEIn fairness, I was in awe of the garden reception decorated with pastel colors, our color motifs, floral arrangements, and a lengthy buffet for fancy guests under the twinkling fairy lights. The soft mainstream music from the live band filled the air with laughter and conversations.From the outside, despite all the reasons and family drama, it was the perfect evening, just as I had always imagined for my wedding. I couldn’t shake off the thoughts of the challenges that awaited us.I walked through the crowd, exchanging smiles and greetings, but I was especially eager to see the Sebastians. As I approached their table, their presence at the reception meant a lot to me, and I hadn’t had the chance to greet them properly yet. I spotted them gathered under a large oak tree, the soft light making their happy faces glow. Rachel and Benjamin were sitting together, looking engaged in a conversation. Sitting next to them were Rafael and Julian, Adam’s older brothers, each holding one
ELOISEThe day had finally arrived, and I couldn’t believe it was real—my wedding day. I had always imagined what this day would feel like, but reality had a way of twisting those dreams into something more and less than I had imagined.I couldn’t fully explain what I was feeling. Nerves buzzed under my skin, mixed with a tingling excitement that I could feel on my fingertips and even a bit of fear. This was it. I was really going to get married—to the best, most understanding man I had ever known, not to mention the sexiest man alive.A smile tugged at my lips as I thought of Adam—his touch, his voice, the way he had been my rock through everything. But my heart kept pounding in my chest. It wasn’t just the typical wedding day jitters. My mind was also drifting to the idea that Malcolm was alive and that this was the day Callum and I had agreed I would get my brother back, as well as the secrets Adam and I were keeping from Logan and Davina.The soft hum of conversation drifted throu
ELOISEI returned to my father’s mansion feeling drained and exhausted, as if the spa’s effects had worn off. Everything happened in a flash, and it felt like my brain wanted to stop functioning. Back at the hospital, all that mattered was Malcolm. I kissed his forehead and said my temporary goodbyes with a heavy heart.By the time I entered the grand hall, Nina came running to me for an embrace. She was crying her lungs out, and all I could do was tap her back.“Where have you been? It’s almost midnight. I waited for you until they closed, but you weren’t there. We were so worried about you. What happened?” She stepped back to look into my face.“I was…”Adam suddenly came to me and wrapped me in his arms, tight, as if he had been longing for me. He was breathing hard. He hugged me so tightly I couldn’t breathe. He didn’t say anything for a moment. He was just there, holding me, feeling me with every touch and fingertip.“Adam…” I whispered. Then Mr. Ross approached us.“Miss, I had
ELOISE My brother lay there unconscious, with oxygen attached to his mouth and other things connected to his body. Tons of questions swirled in my head: How did he get here? What did Callum do to him? How did Callum fake his death? Didn't they bury him? Didn't Dad see his body? We even went to his grave. But those questions didn’t matter now. Malcolm was here, alive, even though he was in a coma. I ran to him and held his warm hand, staring at his skinny face. He looked tired but still handsome. He had been here all this time, kept alive only by these machines. We had mourned him. “What did you do? I knew it. I knew you did this.” I glared at Callum. He rolled his eyes and slipped his hand into his pocket, looking relaxed as if Malcolm wasn't his nephew. “Alright, I did this, did that. I just had to do what I had to because, in the end, I knew your father would ditch me.” He walked closer and casually sat on the bed next to my brother. “Now, are you going to negotiate?” A sur
ADAM I played pool and had brandy with Logan until evening, and he asked about my relationship with Eloise, just the basics. I was waiting for him to show any sign of the man Eloise used to tell me about, but he remained private and diverted the conversation to something else whenever I tried. I don't despise the man for what he did for his daughter, but I haven’t grown any liking for him; I was only trying to be civilized. He also wanted this business expansion to Las Vegas, implying that he only accepted our engagement because he expected me to invest. I didn’t find any anomaly in their plans for their expansion. Blackwood was actually managing that quite well, not that I praised him (because he was a low-life asshole and a criminal who leeched off the family), but there were still illegal transactions happening inside among their elite members. If I was to invest in such a business, I needed to make sure that fucker wouldn’t touch anything I’d work hard for. “I wanted to hear w