Lorraine's PovLuca's parents applaud in jubilation as well. "We shall have another party to celebrate this great achievement. I can already see his beautiful face on magazines," the rich father says. I did not exactly agree to take their son as my model. But they are already too happy that it would be heartless to insist that their son shouldn't be assured of getting the opportunity. I simply nod and smile because I don't want to be the kind of person that distresses a seventeen years old teen on his father's birthday. They all seem to have put great effort in ensuring that he is impressively good. "Come celebrate with us. I shall have bottles of my best wine packed for you to carry home," Mr Romanov offers, gesturing at me to follow them back to the party. "Can I have a photo with you first, please?" Luca requests, already picking up his expensive phone from the desk. "Sure," I agree and he comes to stand by my side before snapping a photo of us. He excitedly adds a tag, "luck
LORRAINE'S POVThe curious crowd hurries from every table to come and witness the dramatic scene. Oh fuck! I am wearing the heels that my ex-husband left in my apartment! He cannot have seen them yet. I slip my feet further under the table to keep them hidden while he carries on to slap the screaming creep several times in the face. "Please stop! I am . . . so sorry!" the man on the floor desperately pleads, thick blood oozing from his nose."Get up and apologize to her!" the enraged billionaire orders. He is quite confident in his strength and might. I am suddenly seeing a different side of him. The ruthless side that might have murdered Aubrey Sinclair. No one of course would dare intervene to save the beaten man. The guy deserved it. It will take some time for him to gather the courage to attack another woman. He struggles back to his feet and stares down at me with red, tearful eyes. He does his best to compose himself before charging at my ex-husband who steps out of the wa
LUCAS RAVENWOOD'S POVI have turned down half a dozen of Ivy Allen's offers for completely free, private performances. They are offers that many wouldn't pass since she is one of today's most popular artists with amazing vocals. But just like Aubrey Sinclair she seems to possess the intellect of a twelve year old teenager. I cannot believe there was a time I betrayed Lorraine for a woman of similar characteristics. "You fight incredibly well, sir. I am enamored," she says with a seductive smile while settling in the seat that Lorraine just left. I have an urge to spit in her face. But that would be terrible for my public image."Since I may not have another chance like this I am going to be brutally honest," she says with more confidence than any man that has ever made an attempt to speak with me. "I am not after your money if that's the reason you turned down my generous offers. I can buy myself a red Ferrari if I want. What I can't buy is the heart of a beautiful, intelligent man.
LORRAINE'S POVI would be freaking out if I wasn't sure that the car behind me belongs to my ex-husband's security. They watched me throughout the hours of the party and are now escorting me home while keeping a distance. I wonder if Lucas Ravenwood ordered them to follow me everywhere. It's not like the man he beat up is going to come at me for revenge. Or does he know of another Aubrey Sinclair that is dying to kill me?I still doubt that he murdered her because she sought to kill me. So my hatred for him is still solid as a rock. The car behind me turns around after I pull up into the parking lot of my apartment building. I sigh in relief and make my way up the long staircase to achieve a little exercise for today. "Is that you Sarah?" Jessica shouts as soon as I walk through the first door. "Check the news. Stephen Vale just went down!" she adds in an excited voice. Isn't that what my ex-husband was warning me about? Was it already in the news or did he just know?I walk to my
LORRAINE'S POVLuca Romanov's post garnered over a million views. Ryder Sterling has every right to be mad. The boy claimed that I am his designer even though that's not true, yet. But he will be the first model I will consider for the next brand if I succeed in starting it. I got fifteen missed calls from Stephen Vale since morning. I wonder if he has been calling to say that he is sorry or to claim innocence. The police released ridiculously too much evidence of his strange relationship with Aubrey Sinclair. It makes me think that someone powerful was influencing the actions of the police and media to bring down Stephan Vale and his brand. Unfortunately all that was said is also true. He dug his own grave at a time when someone else was dying to see his downfall.The phone rings again as I walk through the wide doors of Blue Sky hotel in a sleeveless white dress and black heels. I let it ring until the call disconnects. Why would I speak to someone that gave out his money to Aubrey
LORRAINE'S POV"You have sent this to the police?" I ask Ryder Sterling. He shakes his head. "People like him are above the law, Sarah. No police will ever arrest or prosecute him," he answers. He is right. No policeman would dare pull out his cuffs in front of billionaire Lucas Ravenwood. And even if there is one, the man has got too much influence that the case would be immediately trashed. He can get away with such evil."I do have another idea however," Ryder Sterling says. "Your ex-husband's businesses thrive not just because of his ideas but reputation as well. I plan to give my evidence to the media, they will be excited to expose him to the world. He may not get prosecuted for the crimes, but his empire will fall."I take time to consider the idea. Media of course will see the amount of publicity they will get from releasing such news and won't hesitate to air everything for the world to see. It won't save those that have already been trafficked, but it will humiliate Lucas
LORRAINE'S POV"What's this?" I demand, snatching both the ID and the envelope from Jessica's hold.Why on earth does a new ID have my former name on it? What is she up to?"I am changing my identity so that your ex-husband will want me. He already gifted you a big house, it's my turn," she answers and I freeze in horror. "You . . . are stealing my identity to con my ex-husband? Have you lost your mind? Please tell me you did not do those surgeries to look like me!" I yell at her. "Lucas Ravenwood just wants a Lorraine that loves him. Why are you being so possessive of an identity you no longer use?" she stupidly asks. "I am also sure there are other women that look like you so it doesn't matter if I do as well," she adds. How on earth did I even become friends with such a psycho? She actually thinks it's her right to steal my identity just so she can have a relationship with my Ex-husband. I wonder what else she has done behind my back. I rip apart the envelope and more documents
LORRAINE'S POVApparently my extraordinary heels will give me 9 million dollars according to a representative of the most popular online luxury marketplace, Glamourlord collections. As a designer I know that's the maximum one can get from the amount of gold on them and the classic design.I do not need to contribute as much as actor Ryder Sterling, not when it is my designs we will be selling. Still I need to have at least 15 million dollars, my savings included. Then I can leave the actor to contribute the rest. Which would be about fifty million. Sometimes he is paid that amount for a single movie. I doubt the bracelet he gave me would come close to a million dollars. I will sell it nevertheless since too many people already saw me wearing it. I take it out of the drawer to take a photo of it when I notice tiny writings on it's inner surface. "Only a fool's ambitions are obstructed by morals."I shake my head at the ridiculousness of the quote. Did Ryder Sterling notice the writi
LUCAS RAVENWOOD'S POV"We found him with the Italian mob. They gave him to us as soon as they heard he was disloyal to you," Greg informs after opening my car door for me and shutting it. He leads the way into the old warehouse that we used as a temporary home for the trafficked humans I bought before they were later freed to either work for me or return to their families.Doors open and the sounds of desperate screams meet out ears. I had no doubt that my gang will have tortured him. They were mad that he betrayed us for little cash, knowing well that the video he filmed would be used to damage my reputation and would as well put the lives of those I care about at risk. The man's face is bloodied when we reach the scene. He stumbles forward and falls to his knees in front of me."Sir! Mr Ravenwood . . . I am extremely sorry. I will never betray you again! Please . . . let me live!" he begs.I scoff. "You betrayed me for a few bucks and you think I would take you back? I should cut o
LORRAINE'S POVMy laptop is on as I draw more designs for our brand's opening party. Luca Romanov stands by my side, staring at the sketches with interest. Actor Ryder Sterling is getting his man of the year award tonight, but I couldn't attend the event as there is so much that needs my attention. The big building now has our brand's name and trademark. In a few days we will be holding the launch party. Ryder Sterling said we would have invitation cards sent out by then to every one of the country's elite. Some will attend, some will not. Because right now everyone's attention is on the world's newest hero, billionaire Lucas Ravenwood. The sales of his brand have skyrocketed, with the coat he personally modeled leading in the number of purchases. I am sure he is dying to release the designs that Jessica stole from me. He promised I would have a hundred percent royalties. But I would rather have my new brand sell the outfits, regardless of how little the sales will be.We would have
LUCAS RAVENWOOD'S POVMy office phone hasn't stopped ringing for ten minutes since the actual truth about my underworld dealings aired. Every television channel is fighting to be the first to have an interview with me.I already got what I wanted, but people will find it strange if I do not address the things they are curious about. Especially considering the fact that I shot a man in that video. "Your plan worked perfectly. Ryder Sterling helped strengthen your repute and boost the sales of your businesses. But you will have more enemies now more than ever before," Greg says. "Did you find that traitor?" I ask, referring to the stupid man that betrayed us by filming a video for actor Ryder Sterling. "He had fled out of the country even before the news aired. Your best men are on him though. A week won't pass before we find him," Greg answers. "What should be done when he is found?" he asks. "Kill the idiot," I order and my assistant nods in approval.I paid the man well. He was i
LORRAINE'S POVI hand Ryder Sterling a glass of wine as soon as we walk into my apartment. My apartment is not as luxurious as the hotels he prefers to sleep in. But it's his choice to be here."I ordered food for us," he informs after taking the drink. "We can relax and talk about our future," he suggests with a seductive smile. "I do not mind talking about business," I state. "What do you think of the name Gracewear as our brand's name?" I ask, taking my seat on the couch."Fantastic," he happily approves while taking a seat beside me. "Your creativity never fails to amaze me." He leans in and pecks the side of my neck. "I would give up anything to be more than friends with you.""We are business partners," I remind. "Would you consider letting us be romantic partners some day? If . . . I turn out worthy of your love, of course," he asks.He is rich and almost as good-looking as my ex-husband. There is a chance he could make a perfect boyfriend. But love is something I swore neve
LORRAINE'S POVI watch Ryder Sterling's eyes fill with fury as he glares at my ringing phone."Do not answer that devil, Sarah. He may be seeking to threaten you," he urges. "I have to answer the call. He has got my designs," I tell him."You gave him?" "No. Jessica stole from me and tried selling to him. There is also the jacket that his brand released at the time I started designing for you. I forgot it in his house the day he asked me to leave," I answer. The actor watches me with astounded eyes. "And you didn't think of telling me this all this time we have been friends?" he asks in disappointment. "I am an independent woman, Ryder. It was my burden to carry," I answer before picking my ex-husband's call.I do not move away to avoid raising the actor's suspicion that I am hiding something from him. "Hello dear. How are you doing?" his voice sounds so calm and quite enchanting. Is he not worried about the disgraceful news of his illegal business as well as the calls for his ar
LORRAINE'S POVWho on earth throws a party to celebrate the fall of another person? Ryder Sterling must have been obsessed with destroying my ex-husband to have seen it fit to invite me and his rich, famous friends to this little celebration. It's the first time I have set foot in his stunning house. It's not exactly a huge mansion, but the interior has quite the exquisite decor. For some reason he has got a sculpture of Julius Caesar as the centerpiece of his spacious ballroom. There is pretty of expensive wine and good music. Some guests even brought gifts to congratulate the actor for successfully defaming mighty billionaire Lucas Ravenwood. I have spotted several of my ex-husband's old enemies looking quite exhilarated. I am sure some of them sponsored the protests that are now calling for Lucas Ravenwood's arrest and prosecution.The actor smiles proudly as the guests shower him with praise. I personally think that it's too soon to be celebrating. It's highly doubtful that Luca
LORRAINE'S POVMy eyes go wide as soon as I open the gift box. The same heels that I sold this morning are inside. What on earth?!A message from Lucas Ravenwood pops up on my phone as if he was waiting for the exact moment that I would have the box open. "Hello dear. You should have asked me for finances instead of selling my gifts. You can keep both the money and the shoes." The message reads. So the lady that bought the heels wasn't really an interested customer? Was she one of his insanely loyal employees? How did he even know that I was selling the heels?Does he have his criminal spies following me? I do not exactly feel safe. Hopefully he will have more worrying issues to focus on when the news of his human trafficking business airs on every popular tv channel. He will no longer have so much finances to waste. I walk to the safe drawer where I kept the heels before and put them back. For the first time I notice the murder mystery book that Ryder Sterling gifted me after I de
LORRAINE'S POV"I would beg you to keep the shoes if they weren't from that demon. Did he really think he can buy back your love?" Ryder Sterling asks as the team of auctioneers lead us to a secluded room where our rich buyer is supposed to make the payment for the shoes. I had no idea that there were such elite auction events until the actor told me about this one. The heels sold for a staggering amount of fourteen million dollars, which is nearly double the price that they are actually worth. I do not need to sell anything else to increase my contribution. "Is there something else that he gave you that I am not aware of?" Ryder Sterling asks. "No of course," I reply even though it shouldn't be his business. "Will you sell the mansion as well?" he asks. "No. I will figure out what to do with it," I answer. "Let me know when you are ready to get rid of it and need my assistance," he offers.I nod. The auctioneers direct the rich woman who made the last bidding to deposit the fin
LORRAINE'S POV"You didn't knock," I say. "I could have been naked.""Sorry. But I would not mind your nakedness. You would make a pretty model, you know that, right?" he answers, striding farther into the room.Of course I don't want him here when Luca is cooking in my kitchen. Why do they all have a habit of showing up unannounced? He places a bottle of wine on the table in front of me. "We should celebrate. The great fall of billionaire Lucas Ravenwood and his brand," he says with the happiest of smiles. "So the media is willing to air your evidence?" I ask."They are extremely excited. Once the video is verified to be authentic the story will air tomorrow. The entire world will know who their true enemy is," he answers.So my ex-husband is really going to lose his precious crown of great fame and probably get sued by families of victims of his human trafficking business. I doubt he would still keep sketches of my designs after his reputation gets terribly damaged."We must take