Bella noticed Adela zoning out as she organized files at her desk. Her usually attentive new assistant seemed unusually distant.“Adela, is everything alright?” Bella asked gently, setting down a stack of papers.Adela snapped out of her thoughts, quickly mustering a polite smile. “Oh, yes. Sorry, Bella. I guess I’m just a little distracted.”The truth was, Adela couldn’t shake the disbelief that she had landed a job at Walton Enterprises. She suspected it had everything to do with Liam Walton’s influence, a thought that made her both grateful and uneasy. While she appreciated the opportunity, she was determined to prove herself and not rely on charity.That morning, she’d left Herbie at the hotel again, guilt gnawing at her. Her little sister had been remarkably patient and well-behaved, but Adela hated leaving her alone. She promised herself she’d start looking for an affordable apartment soon, somewhere they could truly settle down.Arriving at Commerce Tower early, Adela was greet
Layson had been watching Adela from the car window, his gaze sharp and unreadable. As she stepped out of the Walton Enterprises building, he gave Barnes a slight nod.“Bring her over,” he said simply.Barnes immediately exited the car and approached Adela, who hesitated as he neared her. She hadn’t anticipated this. Although she had planned to meet Layson later in the evening, she wasn’t prepared for it to happen so abruptly.“Miss,” Barnes said politely, gesturing toward the sleek black car parked a few meters away. “Mr. Norman is waiting for you.”Adela glanced at the car, her stomach twisting with nerves. She bit her lip, trying to steel herself. “Alright,” she murmured, stepping toward the vehicle with hesitant steps.Sliding into the car, she was immediately enveloped by the quiet, luxurious interior. Layson sat in his usual place, his posture immaculate and his expression as cold as ever. His jaw was set, and his dark eyes barely flickered in her direction.“Mr. Norman,” Adela g
Layson’s decision to take Adela out for dinner had been impulsive, but now, watching her delicate movements and quiet demeanor, he thought it might have been the right call. For a man as calculated as he was, such spontaneous actions were rare.Walton EnterprisesLiam Walton had been watching from the window of his office as Layson’s car idled downstairs. His sharp eyes tracked Adela as she exited the building and was ushered into the car. Though he was tempted to interfere, he restrained himself. Right now, his only connection to her was through Layson, and he couldn’t risk jeopardizing that tenuous link.The night outside was illuminated by streetlights and the glow of skyscrapers. The bustling city had an almost magical quality, but Liam’s thoughts were far from the scenery. Finding his sister had brought him equal measures of joy and sorrow. He was thrilled she was alive and within reach, yet saddened by the distance—emotional and otherwise—that still lay between them.Liam’s phon
After Layson left to shower, Adela sat frozen on the couch, his words still ringing in her ears.“Not tonight. Go sleep in the next room.”She blinked, trying to make sense of it. Why had he asked her here at all? What was the point?The sound of water running in the bathroom snapped her out of her thoughts. Her cheeks burned, perhaps from the wine, or maybe from the confusion swirling in her mind. She got up, stretching stiff legs, and walked toward the room Layson had mentioned.Opening the door, a cool breeze greeted her. The room’s window was slightly ajar, allowing the crisp night air to seep in. Adela welcomed the relief, stepping over to close the window. The room was minimally furnished but tidy, with an inviting bed waiting in the corner. She sighed, shaking her head.“What’s gotten into him today?” she murmured to herself, slipping under the covers.The following morning, Adela woke early. She had to head to work at Walton Enterprises and didn’t want to be late. Grabbing her
Adela had grown accustomed to the whispers and pointed glances at Walton Enterprises. She tried to brush them off, telling herself it didn’t matter, but the persistent undercurrent of judgment still stung. To avoid further scrutiny, she kept her head down and focused on her work, even if the sting of isolation lingered in her heart.After a long day, Adela gathered her things and prepared to leave the office. Since her last encounter with Layson, he’d had Barnes arrange an apartment for her and Herbie near Walton Enterprises, as well as enroll Herbie in a nearby preschool. Adela was grateful for the support, though she hadn’t yet had the chance to thank Layson personally—he’d been elusive.As she left the building, she hesitated, contemplating calling Barnes to find out where Layson might be. When the call connected, she heard Barnes’s ever-professional voice on the other end.“Adela, how can I help you?”Adela hesitated, her grip tightening on the phone. Asking about Layson felt too
Adela carried the food tray to the table, her eyes scanning the play area where Herbie was happily sliding down. She waved at her sister, her voice soft but commanding.“Herbie, come over and eat first before going back to play.”Herbie, her small frame radiating energy, bounded toward her with an infectious grin. She was sweaty, her hair sticking to her forehead in damp strands. Adela couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm, even as she reached for a napkin.“Look at you, all sweaty. Go wash your hands first,” she said with a mix of exasperation and affection.From a table nearby, Evelyn observed Adela. She had chosen a seat diagonally across, curious yet conflicted. There was something about Adela’s face—a vague familiarity Evelyn couldn’t place. She toyed with her untouched burger, her mind flipping through faces from her past like a Rolodex.Herbie returned, her small hands freshly washed. Adela opened the burger wrapper and handed it to her. As the aroma of the food hit her, Ad
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, the test results finally came in. The report confirmed it: Adela was three weeks pregnant. Layson held the paper, scanning it carefully, his expression unreadable.“How’s the baby?” he asked the doctor, his voice calm yet firm.“The baby is healthy. Nothing to worry about at this stage,” the doctor reassured him. Then, turning to Adela, she rattled off a long list of precautions, some of which were so personal that Adela’s face turned bright red.Assuming the two were a married couple, the doctor included Layson in the conversation, urging him to ensure Adela was well cared for. “You must look after your wife properly,” she emphasized, unaware of their unique arrangement.Layson, however, remained composed, responding to the doctor’s instructions with polite but detached efficiency. Adela, on the other hand, felt awkward throughout, her embarrassment growing with each word.As they exited the hospital, Layson glanced at Adela and said, “I’l
The next morning, Adela walked into Walton Enterprises with a mix of apprehension and exhaustion. She was already feeling the physical toll of early pregnancy, and the thought of the office gossip weighed heavily on her.Since discovering she was pregnant, Adela had been trying to keep her emotions in check, but the whispers and speculative glances from her colleagues had been draining. Today, however, something felt different.As she walked past the reception desk, the receptionist greeted her warmly—a rarity given the cold shoulders she had grown used to.“Good morning, Adela,” the receptionist said with a smile. Adela blinked in surprise, nodding back hesitantly. Her curiosity deepened as she noticed the absence of hushed murmurs and judgmental stares as she moved through the corridors.Once she reached her desk, she leaned toward Bella, the department manager, with a puzzled expression. “Bella, is it just me, or is something different today? Everyone’s acting... friendly.”Bella l
The faint sound of running water from the bathroom made Adela drowsy. Before she knew it, her eyes had closed, and she drifted off into a deep sleep on the couch. When Layson stepped out of the bathroom, he found her curled up on the sofa, her breathing steady. He frowned slightly, then walked over to her.In her sleep, Adela felt herself being lifted by someone. The familiar, comforting scent of the person made her snuggle closer, her head resting against their chest. She didn’t wake up, but her movement surprised Layson. He had expected her to stir, but instead, she nestled into him, seeking warmth. A small smile tugged at his lips. She must have been exhausted to fall asleep so quickly. His heart ached for her.Adela didn’t know how long she had slept. She dreamed of something long and beautiful, something she didn’t want to wake up from. When she finally opened her eyes, the unfamiliar surroundings confused her, but the blanket covering her felt oddly familiar. She sat up, rubbing
“Your daughter’s in trouble, and you’re not going to go after Adela?” Ella stared at the letter in her hands, the words glaring back at her. The photo attached was blurry, but it was enough for Ella to believe everything written in the letter. She wasn’t actually worried about her daughter—she just wanted to cause trouble for Adela.Without a second thought, Ella untied the apron around her waist and threw it onto the table. She bolted out the door, startling the boss lady, who shouted after her, “Hey! What are you doing? You haven’t finished your work! Don’t you want your pay?”Ella didn’t even bother to respond. She waddled down the street, her face lighting up with a grin she hadn’t worn in a long time. After kidnapping Herbie last time, Ella had spent nearly three months in jail. Now, working at this small diner, she was barely scraping by. This letter was her golden ticket to get back at Adela and maybe even squeeze some money out of her.Ella didn’t care who sent the letter or w
Inside the bus, Lydia looked out the window silently as it passed by her former talent agency, the bright sunlight outside unable to penetrate the gloom she felt within. The posters outside the agency had already been replaced with new faces, which Lydia found bitterly ironic.After years of struggle, no one cared about her anymore. Her efforts had meant nothing in the end. She briefly shaded her eyes from the harsh sunlight, feeling a sudden pang of envy towards Adela. No wonder people resented her—her luck was simply too good. Adela had everything Lydia had always dreamed of: people who genuinely cared for her. Lydia couldn't help but envy that.She blocked the harsh sunlight with her hand, reflecting sadly on how some dreams were only achievable in one's own mind.Adela returned to her quiet home, unused to the stale atmosphere after half-covering her nose. The house felt lifeless after being empty for so long. Herbie had woken up, and Adela was back home briefly to gather some nec
Inside the ICU, Herbie's life-monitoring equipment suddenly sounded an alarm, making everyone outside immediately alert and stand up anxiously. Doctors and nurses quickly rushed into the room. Adela nervously clutched Layson's hand, her eyes reddening again with worry.The hospital director arrived swiftly after receiving the news. He gently patted Layson's shoulder at the doorway, reassuring him that he would do his best. The corridor outside fell into a tense silence, filled with suffocating anxiety.Unable to face the scene, Adela turned her back to the glass window, sitting on a chair with closed eyes, praying silently for good news from the doctors. Seeing his mother so distressed, Ralph hurried over and quietly grasped her hand. Without speaking, he gently comforted her by staying silently by her side.At this moment, there was nothing more they could do but wait for the doctors' results, hoping fate would spare the young child who still had her whole life ahead.After about fif
At the entrance of the Starry Building, a dark red sports car was parked conspicuously. Bard leaned casually against the door, attracting plenty of attention, though he couldn't care less. His lips curled into a cocky smirk as he stared intently toward the main entrance.When Marah walked out and spotted Bard standing there, she felt a pang of surprise, quickly replaced by annoyance.Seeing the woman he'd been waiting for, Bard confidently approached Marah, holding a bouquet of bright red roses. Marah avoided eye contact but found herself unable to move away. When Bard reached her, she snapped irritably, "Why are you here? Didn't I tell you to stop bothering me?"Ignoring her cold tone, Bard handed her the roses, his voice carefree and arrogant. "I came to take you out to dinner. Let's go."When Bard reached to grab her hand, Marah immediately pulled away in disgust. She couldn't stand the sight of him—his smug, oily face made her uncomfortable. "I'm not going."She turned to leave bu
Behind the glass window, the figure on the hospital bed lay motionless, surrounded by medical equipment. Each flicker and beep on the life-monitoring devices made the observers' hearts tighten anxiously.Adela, escorted by Layson Norman, repeatedly reminded herself to stay calm and not collapse again. But when she stood in front of the window looking at Herbie, her heartache was overwhelming. She covered her mouth, desperately trying to hold back tears, but they streamed down uncontrollably.Layson reached out to comfort her, but Adela resisted, unwilling to tear her eyes away from Herbie. The memory of that huge advertising board crashing down haunted her; despite being so close, she couldn’t protect her sister.“Adela, please don't do this. We'll do everything we can to make her better,” Layson murmured gently, pain evident in his weary eyes, accentuating his rugged yet handsome features.He forcibly pulled her into his embrace. Adela buried herself in his chest, clinging tightly to
Layson Norman stayed with Adela in the hospital room the whole time. She didn’t fall back asleep, but stared blankly at the ceiling, replaying every scene from the mall incident over and over in her mind. She vividly remembered everything, especially the moment when she felt her heart nearly stop.Seeing Adela lying there with empty eyes, Layson knew she was deeply worried about Herbie. At this moment, he felt utterly powerless. He was a man who could command storms in the business world, yet now he was completely helpless in front of Adela. Silence filled the room, leaving only the quiet sound of their breathing.Suddenly, a noise from outside broke the tense silence. A young voice called loudly from the doorway, “Mommy! Mommy!”Adela turned her head slightly and saw Ralph’s small figure appear. Her eyes, previously unfocused, regained a hint of clarity. She realized she must have scared Ralph terribly. She could faintly remember hearing his anxious cries when she collapsed that day.
Adela’s eyes fluttered open, her vision hazy as she adjusted to the harsh hospital lighting. The first thing she saw was Layson sitting beside her, his expression filled with worry, exhaustion, and something else—something deeper. But her mind was still blank, struggling to make sense of everything.Across the room, Spencer Walton suddenly snapped out of his daze. In his rush to leave, he nearly tripped over the bed frame. “I—I’ll get the doctor,” he muttered hastily before disappearing out the door.Within minutes, the doctor arrived, flanked by nurses. They quickly began assessing her condition.“Miss Walton, do you feel dizzy?” the doctor asked, shining a small flashlight into her pupils. The sudden brightness made her squint, her senses slowly coming back.The room was filled with soft murmurs and the gentle hum of medical equipment, but the one thing Adela noticed most was the warmth of the hand holding hers. A steady, firm grip that provided a deep sense of security. She knew in
The moment Lydia finally opened up, the officers in the interrogation room exchanged surprised glances. They had braced themselves for an all-night standoff, expecting her to stay silent or keep playing mind games. But she had finally cracked.They pressed on."Was it a man or a woman? How did they contact you?"The dimly lit room had only a single overhead lamp casting shadows on the walls. Earlier, Lydia had found the lighting oppressive, but now she was grateful for it. At least it hid the redness of her eyes.She fought back the tears that threatened to fall, forcing a smirk onto her lips to hold them back. But her gaze lingered on Liam Walton. This might be the only time she’d ever be this close to him. In a twisted way, she was grateful for it."A woman," she finally said. "She approached me first. Back when the rumors about me and Layson Norman were spreading, she called me out of nowhere. I thought she was a reporter or some crazy fan at first. But she was persistent. She kept