Nina's POV **Nina’s POV**The quiet but distinct click of heels on the marble floor drew all eyes toward her—the woman approaching us with a calm, almost regal gait. The poised elegance with which she moved was undeniable, but her eyes—oh, her eyes—flashed with an intensity I couldn’t mistake. She was angry. Not at anyone else here, not at Tony, not even at Mark. No, that laser-like focus was trained directly on me, as though I were some intruder in her perfect little world.“Mark,” she greeted him with a smile, but there was no warmth in it. “Good to see you. But how could you mistreat my brother…for an outsider?” Her voice had the syrupy sweetness of someone playing nice, but her expression was anything but kind.Mark's face tightened, a look I had come to recognize—one that said he was barely tolerating her presence. His patience, his politeness, his very composure seemed to be on the brink. And though he didn’t respond, I could tell he was struggling not to let his frustration sh
Nina's POVThe woman Mark called "Grandma" walked in with a young girl at her side, holding her hand. She looked like she was in her late seventies, yet despite her age, her skin was remarkably smooth, glowing with the kind of radiance only the very wealthy seemed to possess. It was hard not to be in awe of her presence, exuding elegance and dignity with every step she took across the polished marble floor. The opulent environment around her seemed to pale in comparison to her calm, commanding aura. As she walked towards us, Sarah’s face lit up with a polite smile that barely masked her smugness."Mrs. Santiago," Sarah greeted, her voice laced with charm, "I am so very happy to see you today. You look as gorgeous as always."Mrs. Santiago reached out, gently grasping Sarah’s hands as she smiled warmly. “And you, my dear, look lovely as well. I'm delighted to see you here. Such an honor.”Their exchange had an air of familiarity, an easy confidence that made me feel slightly out of pla
Nina's POV I couldn’t help but keep my smile soft yet pointed. The reactions around the room varied – Mark, Jasper, and Alexa all wore different shades of surprise on their faces, while Mrs. Santiago continued her gift-giving exchange with Sarah, completely oblivious to the silent tension brewing around us. I could sense the glances darting in my direction, wondering what on earth a “poor girl” like me could be planning.Just then, Mark who had been observing silently by my side, drew closer and whispered anxiously into my ear, "Nina, what are you planning to do? If you don’t stop this right now, I might not be able to help you later." His voice had a tinge of panic, and I knew he was worried. I merely tilted my head toward him with a serene smile, refusing to give away my thoughts. Oh, they’d see soon enough.Sarah, meanwhile, had her entire focus on Mrs. Santiago, flashing that same rehearsed smile as the next gift box was brought forward by the staff. She was so absorbed in the mo
Nina's POVI took a deep breath and let my gaze drift over the room, absorbing the mixture of confusion, disbelief, and irritation painted on each face. Alexa’s mouth was slightly open, her brows knitted as if I were a complicated puzzle she couldn't piece together. Jordan kept glancing at her, almost helpless, with nothing of value to say. Even Tony and his buddies were caught in the strangeness of the moment, their usual laid-back expressions now tinged with genuine curiosity.As I stood there, a small smile tugging at my lips, I could feel their silent judgments slicing through the air. They saw me as the underdog, the “poor girl,” yet here I was, confidently stirring the pot without a hint of fear. The surprise on their faces was almost amusing.Alexa narrowed her eyes and finally blurted, “How did she know the details so well?” Her voice was laced with disbelief and irritation, as if the very thought of me having any kind of knowledge was a personal affront.I met her gaze steadi
Nina's POVThe air grew thick with anticipation, the room falling silent as Mr. Donald Smith made his entrance. Gasps filled the space like ripples across a pond, and I caught a murmur from one of Tony’s friends in the back. “Mr. Donald Smith? The chairman of Liberty Enterprises?” he stammered, his eyes wide with shock.The reaction was priceless—Alexa’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and Jordan’s mouth hung open as if his jaw had come unhinged. He turned to his friend, muttering in disbelief. “Does that mean the McDonalds are involved? The richest in the state?”I held back a smirk, savoring the thrill of their confusion and awe. Mr. Donald approached us with purposeful strides, his eyes flicking over each person in the room, holding their gaze for just long enough to make them squirm. My heart pounded, but I kept my expression smooth, only allowing the faintest smile to show.I glanced sideways at Mark, whose face was plastered with shock as he stared at Mr. Donald, clearl
Nina's POVThe room was silent, hanging on the edge of anticipation. I had waited for this moment—a chance to finally show them who I truly was and end their speculations. Many of them were confused, lost in their assumptions, but tonight I would make it clear. I took a deep breath, glancing around the room with an assured smile. The moment had come.I raised my voice, addressing everyone. “I never lied to any of you,” I said, a smirk playing on my lips as my eyes lingered on each of them. “You just didn’t know to ask the right questions.”The words landed like a thunderclap, and a stunned silence followed. I saw Sarah’s face twist with anger, her jaw clenched so tightly I thought she might break a tooth. “No…how is that possible!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling as she struggled to keep her composure. She stared at me, her eyes full of disbelief and barely disguised rage.Alexa, standing beside her, looked equally astonished, her mouth dropping open. “I don’t believe this,” she sa
Nina's POVI couldn’t help the storm brewing inside me as I stood there, watching them talk about me as though I wasn’t even in the room. My fingers clenched tighter around the glass I was holding, the coolness of it grounding me as I took deep breaths to keep my face calm. My father throwing a party for me and not telling me? It felt strange—no, ridiculous—and knowing him, there had to be a reason behind his secrecy. But now? In front of everyone, I was meant to just nod along while they ripped me apart, blissfully unaware that I held the very power they were mocking me for.Mark’s grandma flashed a warm smile at Mr. Donald, her voice carrying a note of appreciation. “Thank you so much for these wonderful gifts, Mr. Donald. They’re nothing short of miraculous.” She looked toward Mrs. Santiago with gratitude before adding, “I will have to find something equally special to give in return.”Mr. Donald nodded politely, his composed demeanor barely betraying any emotion, while Tony’s frie
Nina’s POVI wouldn’t lie right now, but for a moment, I felt like laughing in their faces. Why were they all acting so smug, as if I were some charity case begging for crumbs from their table? I was the heiress. *Me.* And yet here they were, each one more insufferable than the last, trying to prove they were wealthier, smarter, or more famous than me. *Ridiculous!*I forced a smirk, holding my ground as Sarah sauntered over, an exaggerated grace in her every step like she was royalty. She leaned in, her voice laced with venom. “Just a gentle reminder, Miss ‘McDonalds,’” she sneered, putting exaggerated emphasis on my family name, “you won’t win this. Doesn’t matter who you are.”She looked at Mark, her lips curling into a sly grin. “You’ll see, Mark. I’ll just sit back and watch this farce unfold. Nina’s just a wannabe—a nobody.” She gave me one last look, eyes gleaming with barely concealed malice, and then spun on her heels. “Let’s go,” she ordered, and her entourage trailed after
Nina's POVHeaven knows I did nothing to Alexa. Nothing. I treated her like my own sister, yet here I am, blindfolded and trembling in fear as her venomous words slash through the air. My chest heaves as I listen to her, the sheer malice in her tone chilling me to the bone.“Nina, everybody loves you!” she screamed, her voice cracking with emotion. “But what about me? Why am I always the one left in the shadows? Why am I the one who feels inferior every damn day?”Her anguish cuts through me, but my fear outweighs any sympathy. My voice shakes as I respond, “I didn’t do anything, Alexa! You pretended to be me—you shouldn’t have done that. You don’t know the weight that comes with being part of the McDonald family!”“Shut up!” she yelled, and the sound of her slap reverberated in the small, cold room before I even felt the sting on my cheek. Tears spilled from my eyes as the heat radiated from my face.“I come from a family of nobodies!” she continued, her voice trembling with a mix of
Nina's POV I woke to an unbearable throbbing in my head, the kind of pain that felt like a heavy block pressing down on my skull. The sensation was so intense, it made my eyes ache. My vision blurred as I blinked against the faint slivers of light streaming into the room, trying to make sense of where I was. My head lolled forward, and every movement sent sharp jolts of pain rippling through my body. Slowly, I lifted my head, feeling the cold bite of metal restraints around my wrists and ankles. I tried to focus, but the pounding in my head made even that an arduous task.Where am I?The room was dark, save for a tiny opening high above me that allowed a faint glow of light to seep in. The dim rays barely illuminated the space, but I could make out the crumbling walls and damp, musty smell of the air. My heart raced as I realized I was tied to a chair, my wrists and ankles bound so tightly that the rope dug into my skin. My lips moved, but no sound came out, muffled by the tape seali
Nina's POV:---I could feel the stares of disbelief from everyone in the room, their expressions shifting between shock and humiliation. Alexa’s smug confidence had finally crumbled, her face paling as Mr. Donald, our host, made the announcement.“With these pieces of evidence presented, I would like to officially recognize the lady standing beside Mr. Mark Santiago as the one and only Miss Nina McDonald. She is also known globally as Miss Miriam, the top chef in New York and a culinary icon. Let’s give her the recognition she deserves!” Mr. Donald’s authoritative voice rang out across the hall.A wave of applause rippled through the room. My heart pounded as I stood there, basking in the validation I’d waited so long to receive. I turned to Mr. Donald with a grateful smile, nodding in acknowledgment. Then, I faced the crowd, my gaze sweeping over the sea of faces. The myriad of emotions painted across them was like a symphony to my soul: awe, disbelief, envy, and—most satisfying of
I couldn’t hold back the laughter bubbling inside me as I watched Jordan make a fool of himself yet again. The sheer audacity of his antics, the way he desperately clung to straws, was nothing short of pathetic. Did he honestly think he could discredit me with baseless accusations? How foolish could one man be? I couldn’t help but smirk as I adjusted the hem of my dress, exuding confidence.“Oh, please, Jordan. Stop being so dramatic—it doesn’t suit you,” I said, my voice dripping with mockery. “Why must you always act so foolish in front of everyone? Always trying to prove a point that doesn’t even exist?”His face darkened, his jaw clenched in frustration, but before he could respond, I reached into my purse. The tension in the room thickened as all eyes fell on me. Slowly, deliberately, I pulled out a small hairpin. Its delicate design shimmered under the soft lighting—pink and blue with intricate floral patterns.I held it up, turning toward Xavier. “Do you remember this pin, Xavi
Nina's POVThe room fell silent as Mark lifted the lid of the ornate box in his hands. Inside lay a stunning display of delicately crafted desserts, their intricate designs gleaming under the room’s chandelier. A gasp escaped Mark’s lips as he looked at me, his eyes wide with disbelief. His voice trembled as he murmured, "Nina… how did you…?" I smiled, but my heart pounded like a drum. I couldn’t afford to show weakness now—not in front of Vivian, Alexa, or Jasper. Keeping my gaze steady, I turned to the crowd that surrounded us, their eyes glued to the box. “These aren’t just desserts,” I announced confidently, my voice carrying over the murmurs of the room. “These are creations from my *personal* recipe collection—unique recipes that aren’t in any notebook, let alone the one Alexa claims as hers.”Gasps erupted from the crowd. Even Vivian, who had been smirking smugly moments earlier, faltered. Her sharp eyebrows furrowed, and her lips parted in disbelief. Alexa’s face, however,
Nina's POVVivian's laughter erupted, sharp and grating like nails on a chalkboard. Her manicured finger jabbed the air in my direction as if her mockery wasn’t already loud enough. Around us, the others joined her, their laughter rolling through the room like a cruel wave. My cheeks burned hot with shame, and I gripped the hem of my dress tightly, my knuckles whitening as my frustration grew. Only Mark and Jasper stood silently beside me, their gazes heavy with concern."Really?" Vivian sneered, tilting her head in exaggerated amusement. “You mean to tell me you’ve got support from the Northern Group? Please, Nina. You’re always dreaming of impossibilities that will never come your way!” Her tone dripped with venom, and her laughter cut through the air again.I swallowed my irritation and forced a smile, stepping closer to her with calm deliberation. “Shut up, Vivian. You clearly don’t know what you’re talking about,” I said firmly, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me
Nina'sI felt Mark’s hand tighten around mine as his panic became more evident. His wide eyes bore into mine, pleading silently for me to stop whatever I was about to do. The tension between us was thick, almost tangible, but I refused to be deterred. I leaned closer, lowering my voice so only he could hear me.“You don’t have to be afraid, Mark,” I whispered, flashing him a reassuring smile despite the storm brewing inside me. “I know exactly what I’m doing. Trust me, just follow my lead.”Mark’s jaw tightened, his lips parting as if to argue, but no words came out. His fingers trembled slightly against mine, and the fear in his eyes made my heart clench. But I couldn’t let his worry stop me. Not now. Not when everything I’d worked for was on the line.A loud, mocking laugh erupted from across the room, drawing everyone’s attention. Vivian sauntered forward, her confidence radiating off her like heat from a wildfire. Her lips curled into a smirk as she stopped just inches from me, he
**Nina’s POV**The night was finally here—the highly anticipated date party hosted by my father. My hands trembled slightly as I adjusted the delicate straps of my dress, one of the gorgeous outfits Mark had bought during our shopping spree. I felt an unfamiliar mixture of excitement and unease as we entered the grand hall together, arm in arm. The venue was breathtaking—soft, twinkling lights danced across the room, blending with the vibrant glow of rotating colors. A soft hum of sophisticated chatter filled the air, and I could feel every pair of eyes turning toward us.Mark looked impeccable in his tailored black tuxedo, his presence commanding the room. As we walked, I handed him a small, neatly wrapped box. He raised a brow at me, curiosity flashing in his eyes.“What’s this?” he asked, holding the box carefully as though it contained something fragile.“You’ll find out soon enough,” I replied with a sly smile.He gave me a playful smirk, his gaze lingering on mine for a beat lon
**Nina’s POV**We stood frozen in place, watching as Mr. Donald escorted Vivian out of the restaurant. Her hips swayed dramatically, as if she was still putting on a show for Mark, but it didn’t matter anymore. She was gone, and so was her unwelcome presence.Jordan’s face was a mask of pure shame and despair, his eyes darting frantically around the room as if searching for someone to save him. His once-confident demeanor had completely crumbled, leaving him exposed. It was oddly satisfying to witness his downfall.But then he did the unthinkable—he rushed over to Alexa, who was standing with her arms crossed, her expression a perfect mix of disdain and impatience.“Alexa, please,” Jordan begged, grabbing her hand desperately. “Will you give me a second chance? Just one dinner. That’s all I ask.”For a moment, I thought she might give in. Her eyes softened ever so slightly before narrowing into slits. “You’re just a pathetic fool, Jordan,” she spat, yanking her hand away. “Go fuck you