**Chapter 72**Chloe couldn’t shake the unease bubbling within her. She had always admired her boss’s calm demeanor and sharp mind, but this time, things were different. Her boss was about to step back into the real world after the whole death incident, fully aware of the chaos that awaited her. The upcoming press conference would mark her role model's official return, and Chloe knew the impact would be seismic.As she reviewed the final preparations, Chloe's thoughts wandered. *My boss facing the world again will be epic.* The idea seemed almost surreal. For two months now, her boss had operated from the shadows, controlling everything with an iron grip while remaining out of the public eye. But now, everything was changing. And while Chloe trusted her boss’s judgment, a small part of her couldn’t help but worry about the storm that was sure to follow.Meanwhile, in another part of town, James Anderson sat in his study, brooding over the latest developments. The rumors Helena had pos
**Chapter 73**Lilly hung up the phone, her expression as blank as ever. Across the room, Ray Manchester observed her carefully, searching for any sign of what she might be thinking. He knew her well enough to understand that reading her emotions was almost impossible—her face remained impassive, her eyes cold and calculating. Still, he couldn’t help but try.“Lilly?” Ray ventured cautiously, hoping to gauge her mood. “Who was that?”“Well, it was my amazing father,” she answered sarcastically.Ray looked into her eyes, trying to make out her train of thought. It was always hard to pinpoint what each of her expressions meant, which made understanding her quite difficult. “What does he want?” he eventually asked.“Control,” she replied flatly, setting her phone down on the table with a soft click. “He always wants control.”Ray nodded, sensing there was more she hadn’t said. She seemed to be up to something, and he had overheard her earlier speaking to her assistant about a press confe
**Chapter 74**Helena’s eyes flicked over the screen of her phone, and her face twisted into a mask of rage as she read the latest news. Her manicured nails gripped the device tightly, her knuckles white with anger. The headlines screamed about Ray Manchester’s unexpected marriage to Liliana Anderson, and it was more than she could tolerate.“What the hell is this?” Helena screeched, her voice echoing through the opulent living room. She flung her phone onto the couch, sending it skittering across the cushions. “Liliana Anderson—married to Ray Manchester? How dare she!”Her voice rose in pitch as she tried to comprehend the reality before her. “How is that even possible? How in the world would he marry that… that piece of shit?”Helena’s rage boiled over, and suddenly, she snapped. Her hand shot out, grabbing the nearest object—a crystal vase sitting delicately on the coffee table. With a guttural scream, she hurled it across the room. The vase shattered against the wall, shards of gl
**Chapter 75**Helena’s fury was far from quelled as she paced through the wreckage of her living room. Her rage had simmered into a cold, dangerous intensity. As she glanced around at the shattered remnants of her possessions, a dark idea formed. She grabbed her phone from the floor where it had landed during her tantrum and dialed Ellen’s number, her fingers trembling with residual anger. Only Ellen could help her now—her mother wasn’t reliable.The call connected quickly, and Ellen’s calm, sweet voice greeted her. “Baby, what’s wrong?”“Ellen,” Helena snapped, her voice tight with frustration. “I need your help. Liliana is married to Ray, and I can’t stand it. I want her gone. I need you to take care of her.”Ellen’s voice, though steady, held a hint of something deeper. “I see. You want me to… take care of her?”“Yes!” Helena’s voice was sharp with desperation. “I want her out of my life. She’s made a fool of me, and I want her to pay.”There was a pause on the other end of the li
**Chapter 76**Words couldn't capture the whirlwind of emotions Ray was experiencing. The reality of Lilly being his, completely and irrevocably, was nothing short of fascinating."So, Mrs. Manchester," Ray murmured, his voice thick with affection, "what do we do now?"Lilly looked up into his eyes, her gaze meeting the warmth and love that radiated from him. It was a feeling so foreign to her, yet undeniable. She didn’t need anyone to tell her that the man standing before her was deeply in love. Maybe she had been wrong earlier to question his feelings for her—reading those relationship books was a good idea. Now she knows how a man in love behaves."Mr. Manchester, you tell me what you want," she replied softly.Ray’s grin widened. He was enjoying this playful exchange more than he anticipated. "Can I want anything?" he asked, his voice teasing as he moved closer, his arms itching to wrap around her, to merge their bodies and souls into one."Well, hubby," Lilly began, attempting a
A few hours later, Lilly’s estate was buzzing with an energy that hadn’t been felt in quite some time. Ray had called his closest friends, and true to their word, they arrived in no time, eager to meet the woman who had finally captured their friend’s heart. Lilly stood by the window, watching as cars pulled up the driveway. She felt a flutter of calmness in her chest. This was new—being surrounded by people who were close to Ray, who cared for him. It was daunting, yet she knew this was a necessary step. She had spent far too long isolating herself, keeping everyone at arm's length. It was time to let them in, even if it was just a little. This gathering was a new experience in her life, meeting people, and she was going to be drinking and laughing with them. Ray walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing a kiss to her temple. “You okay?” he asked, his excitement rising. Lilly nodded, leaning back into his embrace. “Yes… You are happy, right?” she aske
Chapter 78 Jerry was the first to recover, letting out a nervous laugh. “Well, I guess that makes two of you with a twisted sense of humor,” he said, trying to ease the tension. The others quickly followed suit, laughing along, though their eyes still lingered on Lilly with a mix of curiosity and wariness. The world really was right about her—she truly was an ice queen, frightening people with even the slightest hint of emotion. Ray, still beaming, looked at Lilly with a soft expression. “Why don’t we all sit down? We have plenty of catching up to do,” he suggested, guiding Lilly to the couch. As everyone settled in, Felix spoke up. “So, Miss Anderson, how does it feel being married to our Ray?” he asked, clearly curious about her thoughts on the matter. Lilly paused for a moment, considering the question. “It’s... the same, I guess. I don’t really know yet,” she said, tapping her finger on her cheek as she pondered the best answer. “It feels like before. But I suppose I’ll kno
Jerry blinked, utterly surprised by his brother's sudden display of jealousy and possessiveness. Ray was not the type to let his emotions show, especially not in front of an audience. Yet here he was, staking his claim on Lilly in a way that left no room for doubt. For a moment, Jerry wondered if he should be worried about how deeply Ray had fallen for his new wife.Ray’s friends were equally taken aback, their teasing expressions fading into ones of surprise and mild discomfort. Mark, who had always seen Ray as the composed, level-headed one in their group, found himself at a loss for words. He exchanged glances with Felix, whose usual confident demeanor faltered as well.Chloe, standing a few feet away, felt her cheeks flush at the intimate scene unfolding before her. Though she prided herself on maintaining a professional demeanor at all times, she couldn’t help but feel a bit flustered. Watching her boss in such a vulnerable, human moment was jarring, to say the least. She had nev
Chapter 93“Gosh! My phone has been ringing nonstop, it’s quite frustrating,” Lilly said with her voice sounds like she just yelled, tossing her phone onto the couch in a rare outburst.Ray glanced up from his stack of documents, surprised by her sudden display of anger. He had never seen her showing any emotions, except for the moments when they were intimate. Normally, Lilly was composed, almost detached, but seeing her express real frustration made her seem more human—more relatable. He found it cute and sexy. This was the woman carrying his child, and that realization stirred something deep in him. Their baby was already having an effect on her, and he loved watching her change, becoming more raw and vulnerable."It's Anderson, isn't it?" Ray asked, though he already knew the answer. He set his papers aside and moved closer to her. Lilly sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. “Yes, the press. And board members. Andresin. Everyone’s got something to say, and it’s exhausting.”It had
Chloe stepped into her car, starting the engine as she mentally prepared for the drive to Jerry’s house. She had to deliver some documents and assist with investigating Felix’s Aunt Ava, as ordered by her boss. The past three months had been filled with surprises, but the biggest one was the transformation in her boss. A woman who once didn’t care about any man now seemed entirely enmeshed with a Manchester, practically handing her empire over to him on a silver platter. *What if he betrays her?* Chloe thought, her fingers tightening on the steering wheel. *Men can’t be trusted with power, especially not when they already have plenty of their own.* Still, she had to trust her boss’s judgment. She had never made a wrong business decision before, and Chloe could only hope this wouldn’t be the first. As she checked her G****e Maps, making sure she was heading in the right direction, the thought of seeing Jerry made her grimace. He made her skin crawl with the way he stared at her—like h
In the grand Manchester estate, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow on the lavishly decorated sitting room. Mitchell, was seated on a cushion, her eyes glued to the television screen. The news of her son’s marriage to Liliana Anderson had just broken, and Mitchell’s lips curled into a wide, triumphant smile.“I knew it,” she said, turning to her husband,, who was sitting nearby with a newspaper in hand. His gaze shifted from the paper to the screen, where Liliana was coolly conducting an interview. She was elegant, poised, and utterly unapologetic about her recent takeover of Anderson Empire. Mitchell’s heart swelled with pride.“You see that, hubby?” Mitchell’s voice rose with excitement, the usually composed woman unable to contain herself. “That’s *our* son’s wife. She’s a force of nature! Look at her—fearless. She’s not like those other women, all demure and helpless. Liliana knows exactly what she wants, and she’s not afraid to take it. The Andersons d
Matilda paced the room, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she frantically dialed Ellen’s number. Her hands were trembling. The sight of Liliana’s betrayal on the television had ignited a storm of rage, but it was Helena who now posed the greatest risk. If Helena saw any of this—if she even *suspected* what had happened—it could unravel everything.The changes in Liliana came as a big shock to her, and her sudden interest in investigating her poisoning was unexpected. What changed? What happened to the old Liliana that does even give a fuck what happens around her. Ellen picked up on the third ring. Her voice, as cool and calculated as always, soothed Matilda’s nerves for a brief moment. "Mrs Anderson, what is it?" she asked right away, she may love Helena but she does give a flying fuck about anyone of her family.“Ellen, I need your help.” Matilda didn’t waste time with pleasantries. “You need to keep Helena away from the news—away from anything to do with Liliana and R
James Anderson stood frozen, the phone pressed to his ear, the board member’s frantic words still echoing in his mind. The Anderson Empire—his empire—no longer belonged to him. The family legacy he had killed for even though Liliana was in charge he still felt in control now belongs to Ray Manchester, how the hell did this happen.“Turn on the news?” James repeated, his voice cold. He could feel the slow burn of rage building inside him. He didn’t need to be told what was happening. He had a feeling that Liliana had just made a public statement that would send shockwaves through the business world.He hung up the phone without another word and strode over to the television. His hands shook as he grabbed the remote and flicked it on. The screen lit up, showing the aftermath of a press conference. Reporters were still in a frenzy, flashing lights illuminating the sleek boardroom where Liliana and Ray Manchester had stood just moments ago. “...in a surprising turn of events, Liliana And
The press conference had barely ended, and the internet was already ablaze. Social media platforms flooded with reactions, memes, and conspiracy theories. News outlets scrambled to publish breaking headlines, and Anderson Empire was trending globally. The public, as always, was quick to react—and even quicker to judge.On Twitter, a trending hashtag had already emerged: **#icequeenLives**. Alongside it, another hashtag was gaining traction: **#AndersonEmpireReborn**. People couldn’t stop talking about Lilly’s dramatic return, her marriage to Ray Manchester, and, of course, the kiss that had set the internet on fire.“**Did anyone else just see that? Liliana Anderson—sorry, Manchester now—literally dropped the mic with that kiss! ICONIC. #icequeenLives**” “**So... poisonings, secret marriages, and now Ray Manchester in charge of Anderson Empire? This is better than any TV drama. #AndersonEmpireReborn**” “**Is it just me, or does anyone else think Ray and Liliana planned this whole
Ray’s entrance seemed to silence the room as if his presence alone commanded a certain reverence. The air crackled with the weight of the moment, every eye locked onto the couple standing before them. Together, they were an undeniable force, and the reporters knew it.Lilly stood with her head held high, her composure never wavering, while Ray exuded quiet strength beside her. It was clear now—this wasn’t just a press conference about Anderson Empire’s financial future. This was a changing of the guard, a public declaration of a new era, and the media could feel it.Ray approached the podium with ease, the room once again stilling. His voice was deep, measured, and commanding. “As my wife mentioned, Anderson Empire is now under my leadership. This isn’t just a transition—it’s a transformation. We’ve spent the last several months restructuring and preparing for the future. You’ll see that reflected in our upcoming projects and initiatives.” Calling ‘my wife’ in front of so many people
The boardroom was buzzing with quiet anticipation. Press conferences like this one were always meticulously organized, with reporters and photographers lining up their equipment, ready to capture the moment that would make the headlines. The Anderson Empire’s recent turmoil had the media’s full attention, and now, everyone was waiting for the bombshell Lilly had alluded to.Lilly stood in front of the mirror in the dressing room adjacent to the boardroom, pulling her blazer tight. She observed her reflection, her expression composed. Every detail was precise—the fit of her suit, the neatness of her hair, and the cold calm she exuded. She had always been calculated, every step planned, but today, there was more at stake.It time she face Liliana demons and over with it already, the world will be certain that she is alive after today and there won’t be anymore doubts on their minds, the Anderson family will be shaken to the core with this move of hers.Ray appeared behind her, adjusting
The first rays of morning light filtered through the bedroom curtains, casting a soft glow over the room. Lilly stirred beneath the covers, her mind slowly coming out of its restful state. For once, she felt a faint sense of exhaustion lingering, something she wasn’t used to. She wasn’t accustomed to waking up tired—her usual mornings were marked by clarity and readiness for whatever tasks lay ahead. But today, her body felt different.She opened her eyes, squinting slightly at the brightness, and realized Ray was still fast asleep next to her. His arm was draped over her waist, his breathing steady and calm. He looked peaceful, his features relaxed in a way that only came when he was deeply at ease.No one would have believed the ball of cuteness beside her made her scream so loud the previous night. Last night intimacy was something else, it was basically mind blowing. She had never cum that had since they got together and the fact that she felt drained afterwards was unexpected, it