Millicent liked to think that, after all the time she and Isaac had spent together lately, she had at least learned to recognize when something was bothering him.And, definitely, at that moment he was bothered by something.Not that Millicent could blame him, of course. She didn't even know all the details of what Isaac had been through with the Carnbys, but Austin's comment about Isaac's mother was still reverberating in her mind. And, if she was restless like that, she couldn't even imagine how Isaac must be feeling. Especially because Austin had mentioned something about burning and, when Millicent remembered Isaac’s feet…God, she wanted so badly to comfort him in some way, but she didn't even know what he would find comforting or if he even wanted her to open her mouth. It wasn't like they were truly friends or if he really wanted to be taking her to his apartment at a time like this. Everything between them was about sex, not feelings.And, for some reason, that saddened her dee
When Isaac entered the room with her in his arms, Millicent felt like she had provoked a wild beast.Maybe it was the way his lips were sliding demandingly down her neck or the firm grip of his hands on her hips, as if her ass belonged to him. Isaac had never really been the calm, romantic type in bed, although she definitely considered him kind, as much as he would hate to hear her refer to him that way. But, that day, he seemed more eager than ever. Hungry and excited. As if those words about possess her weren't just to make her horny.What in Austin's speech left him in this state? It wasn't as if this was the first time Isaac had realized that she had once had feelings for Austin or that getting revenge on him was still one of her main goals. Had he been offended because he thought she was just pretending to want him? Did he really not realize that the feelings she once had for Austin no longer made a difference? It didn't matter if Austin had ever reached her heart, once. That kin
Millicent didn't know exactly what woke her up in the middle of the night, but it certainly shook her from a deep sleep. Her… Activities with Isaac had been quite wild and her eyes felt as heavy as stones when she opened them in the middle of the dark room. For a second, she almost gave in to the urge to close them again and go back to sleep. But when the bedsprings creaked beneath her, Millie finally realized what had woken her. Someone was tossing and turning in the bed next to her. No, not just anyone…Isaac.Her sleepy seemed to disappear the instant Millicent turned her face completely towards him, realizing he wasn't just restless or trying to find a better sleeping position. Even though the only light entering the room came from the moonlight on the other side of the windows, there was such deep anguish in his expression that it was impossible not to notice. His eyes were closed tightly, however, and he gave no indication of being awake as he continued to toss and turn in bed as
“God…” Millicent's breath caught in her throat upon hearing about what Isaac's hand had done to herself “I… I’m so sorry…”“I used to feel hurt about it when I was younger. But the more I found out about what she went through at Evan's hands, after being forced into marriage just so my grandfather could get a contract… I stopped blaming her. Her mind had been sick for a long time, even before I was born. She had no more hope, trapped between those walls. Her vision was distorted and, therefore, that may have seemed like the best option to end her suffering, even though her last moments must have been terribly painful. She wanted to make sure no one could stop her.”“You must have suffered so much…” her heart broke as she imagined a child grieving for his mother, being force
“You're a pretty good dancer, Mr. Carnby. Has anyone ever told you that?” Millicent laughed as Isaac twirled her gently in the rhythm of the music around the hall.“If my memory serves me right, I think you're the first to tell me something like that, Miss Bianchi.” There was a teasing smile on his face as his arm wrapped around her hips even more firmly, cradling her against his chest in a way that wasn't necessary during a dance like that "But I'll take it as a new skill I just found out. You know, it’s not like I’m really used to dancing.” “I have a hard time believing that.” she raised an eyebrow as he twirled her perfectly once more “Or, maybe, I’m not giving you enough credit. I took some dance and etiquette classes at school when I was a teenager, but I was always terrible at it. I think all those teachers were right when they said that, if the guide knows what they are doing, then the dance will turn out as it should.” “Well…” his smile fell a little, but his voice remained c
Millicent hadn't forgotten her resolution after meeting Alessia Greco for the first time. Isaac was a free man and it was none of her business whether he had women throwing themselves at his feet, whether he reciprocated their feelings or not. At times like that, she should just think of a quick excuse to give Everly a satisfactory answer that wouldn't jeopardize their plans. Whether or not Isaac had anything to do with Mr. Greco's daughter, Millicent was sure he would never let that jeopardize their agreement.But for some reason, even knowing all of this and even though Isaac was clearly trying to move his arm away from Alessia and put her on her side, seeing them close like that, looking almost like a couple while Mr. Greco smiled almost proud manner to Isaac, made Millicent's stomach twist in a terrible way.“Do they have business together?” Everly asked, again very interested.“Uh… I don't know all the details about his business. I think this is something only he can answer.” Mil
If there was one thing Millicent knew about Austin, it was that arrogant smile. It was the kind of expression he always wore when he thought he won something, especially a battle.And, if he was acting like that while being accompanied by the other company executives, then it was certainly not something good that was coming.“Hello, gentlemen.” She smiled her best diplomatic smile, as if she didn't have a care in the world as she picked up another glass and approached them “Are you enjoying the party?” “Yes, Miss Bianchi. Despite all the financial problems he has faced in recent years, your uncle clearly still has a lot of support to receive. I am sure he will get through this crisis with ease.” Mr. Young, one of the executives who Millicent knew to be one of the closest to Evan, ran his eyes around the room, not really looking very pleased that Dante was so close to overcoming all the boycotts that Emma was promoting and that no one seemed to have the courage to mention “As expected,
“Mr. Carnby…” Mr. Young was the first to speak, looking as shocked as Millicent felt to see Isaac act that way, his hateful gaze in his brother’s direction, making no move to let go of Austin’s wrist “I think you misunderstood what we were talking about. There is nothing personal about the proposal we just made to Miss Bianchi…”“And, even if there was, none of that is your business!” Austin growled, but even his best efforts didn't seem to be able to make him escape Isaac's grip “We're talking about something that will contribute to the company you've invested millions in, as you always make a point of repeating. Isn't that why you appointed my ex-fiancee to oversee my project? To make sure you always had an eye on everything? Or could it be that, in the end, all you wanted was to keep your eyes on something else, Isaac?” he sneered, with a smirk “It seems not everything is completely under your control, as you like to pretend, right?”Millicent waited for Isaac to rebut his brother w
"Massimo, if we're going to do this, then I think you should at least try to hide your mocking smile. I don't think anyone will have any doubt that our intentions are not good if they see you entering my mother's house." Dante sighed, straightening up in the seat of the limo they were all in, clearly nervous."What are you talking about? That's my normal face." Massimo shrugged, that smile only widening “Can’t a man be in a good mood anymore?”“You don’t even know what Laura’s plans are for tonight, Massimo.” Alice lightly elbowed him, "She's not necessarily going to make a fuss or embarrass Emma. If you're expecting a show, you might end up disappointed."“Well, I could certainly use some entertainment, but I don’t care.” "I would love to see Emma's expression when she finds out that we all know she has her own illegitimate child, but just being able to walk through her house tonight and look into her face knowing that is enough."“I just hope that whatever Laura is planning really c
"Why did you come back?" Millicent questioned, frustrated "You clearly left not only your name and your life, but also your entire past behind. Anyone can see that you got the happy life you wanted, alongside your husband. So... Why now? If you didn't come back for so many years, even knowing the kind of person you had left Isaac alone with... What changed?"“I always wanted to go back for Isaac.” she stated, shrinking "But... Circumstances were never favorable enough... Until he became an adult and it seemed to be too late. But, I never left him helpless. Neither he nor my brother." Imogen chewed on her lower lip "I shouldn't have been surprised that Vincent suspected I was alive. He was always good at seeing more than other people were capable of. That was one of the reasons I left Isaac. I knew his uncle would protect him, especially after he turned 18. I just didn't expect Vince to involve him in his damn revenge plans!" Imogen growled "He should have left Isaac alone! Help him go
“You can start talking.” Millicent snapped, after several minutes had passed, lengthening that terribly uncomfortable silence between them “That's what you came here for, isn't it?”"Yes, I..." Imogen's voice shook, almost breaking "It's just... I think I spent too much time trying to forget the past. Talking about it isn't as simple as opening your mouth and letting the words come out." She massaged her own throat for a moment, as if it were actually a physical pain “How much… How much do you know about what my life was like, when I was still Imogen Carnby?”“I know what your son and your brother told me.” Millie sighed "I know your relationship with your father wasn't good and your marriage with Evan was terrible. But, I still don't think that justifies it..." “Terrible is quite a kind word for my situation at that time.” Imogen interrupted, with a dark smile "It's not like I blame Vincent for not knowing how to tell my side of the story properly. He was preoccupied with his own pro
"That's why I'm going to take action, Millicent… Millicent? Millicent!" Laura’s voice gradually rose on the other end of the call, until it pierced Millicent’s thoughts “Can you hear me?”"I'm sorry, Laura, I..." Millie sighed, supporting her head with her free hand "I'm just a little distracted. Today was... A long day.""You've been saying that all week. Frankly, Isaac Carnby isn't worth that much that you're losing sleep over him." Laura grumbled and Millicent had to bite her tongue to keep from admitting that, besides him, her mother was also haunting her all the time lately. “Did you even hear what I said?”"Yes. Uncle Dante had already mentioned at our last dinner that he received an invitation to Emma's ball. Not that it's a surprise. It's been like this since I can remember: they fight, he moves away from her and then Emma tries to get closer. I think she lives in eternal denial that her son has completely moved away from her." Millie sighed “But… I admit I didn’t hear the part
"Take a sip of water and pull yourself together, Ms. Bianchi. I don't think either of us are going to get out of here anytime soon if you keep sitting there shaking, instead of talking."Millicent tried to swallow the lump in her throat as she looked up to see Isaac's uncle placing a glass of water on the table in front of her, before sitting down on the sofa, his hands folded on top of his cane dismissively. He could have let her in, but his manner wasn't exactly friendly. She had hoped that he might simply shatter her theories the moment she mentioned her sister's name, whether by sending her away or yelling at her for mentioning Imogen Carnby's name out of nowhere.Yet there he was, completely silent and staring at her as if he were waiting for a confession. And honestly, Millicent was indeed feeling like she was being interrogated, even though they were both silent.After all, how exactly was she supposed to say she had seen his dead sister, without sounding crazy?“I… I’m sorry f
Millicent had promised herself that she would no longer approach Isaac. And, theoretically, she was fulfilling her promise. She was back in the building where they had met so many times to make love, spend the day together or just talk. Not even she was in denial enough to say it didn't affect her, especially after the cold and indifferent way Isaac had treated her days ago... But, what really mattered was that she wasn't in danger of finding him there at any moment. She had made sure of that…Even if it meant joining forces with someone else she hadn't yet forgiven.“Everything is clean.” Sage said on her side, typing message after message to her team "His car is already miles away. And, if by any chance he decides to come back, I'll make sure you have enough time to get out of here safely and discreetly."“Thank you.” was all Millicent replied, without much enthusiasm.Being around Sage again reminded her of the friendship the two shared. Or rather, she thought they shared. Knowing
Millicent’s heart beat so fast that, for an instant, she thought it would escape her chest. A terrible shiver seemed to run through her body and into her veins, and for a second she felt almost as if she were about to faint. But, fortunately, no one there seemed to notice her condition.No one but the woman named Dasha Nikolaev, whose eyes kept darting back and forth in Millicent's direction nervously, almost as if she were afraid of something.“Oh, what a lovely piece.” Mrs. Davis praised, taking the small pearl between her fingers “So simple and yet so charming…”“Thank you.” Dasha cleared her throat, turning her face to the side as if to avoid Millicent's gaze at all costs "I got them from my husband a long time ago. It was terrible that I lost the pair, ages ago..." she hesitated, as if she had lost herself in thought for a moment "But, Mr. Sokolov sure did a fantastic job. It's as if I have the original pearl with me again. Vasily will certainly be impressed too. He has been insis
Millicent had been regretting many of her decisions lately, there was no denying it. And, the moment she had removed Sage from her position as head of security, a part of Millie had always known that she would bitterly regret it at some point.But she didn't imagine it would be that much.“You shouldn’t be here, Ms. Bianchi.” James Moore, the new head of security that her father had personally appointed for her, repeated for the hundredth time as they walked through the small garden of the Greco estate “It’s not safe.”“But you’re with me, aren’t you?” Millie said, trying to sound friendly, although he was starting to get on her nerves with all that inflexibility "Your team is all spread out and I'm not delusional enough to think you didn't send our location to your backup. So please relax, Mr. Moore. I just want to visit a friend..."“Whoever your friend is and why she is here, it is still a situation that needs to be reported to your father.” he said, not as a question, but as a stat
“If you’re too nervous to attend this meeting, then I can make up some excuse for you to go home.” Laura muttered under her breath, sitting in the chair next to Millicent.“This is absolutely unnecessary.” Millicent snorted and, for what seemed like the hundredth time in just the last hour, squeezed her knees under the table, trying to calm the nervous movement of her leg "I'm the manager of two of this company's main projects. Why shouldn't I be present during the monthly accounting with our investor?" Her teeth ground together before she could even hide it.“Your father spent the whole dinner yesterday talking everybody ears off about you being confined in a room with Isaac Carnby today.” she sighed, with a mix of annoyance and a bit of what seemed to be... Worry, perhaps? "Frankly, I still think it's a little ridiculous that he would have that kind of concern about a woman his age, but... I have to admit that I've never had children. I don't know what it feels like to worry 24/7 abo