“You’re supposed to be fearless, aren’t you?” Alaric lightly brushed Lena’s wrist with his fingers, his gaze lazily drifting from her hand upward. His tone was casual, almost teasing. “Or is being alone with me stirring up some pleasant memories?”The atmosphere between them had always been subtle, ambiguous, and unspeakable.His eyes lingered on her faintly flushed cheeks for a moment, pausing there for a few seconds longer than intended. What started as an attempt to tease her and ease the tension took an unexpected turn.Almost instinctively, the back of his hand grazed her face.Lena flinched as if electrocuted, immediately turning her head away. “Stop being so full of yourself.”Yet her racing heartbeat betrayed her.Meanwhile, Max, the dog they had both been ignoring, circled their feet in a restless loop. His fluffy tail brushed against Lena’s calf, making her leg itch.The room suddenly felt unbearably warm. Her ears turned a shade of red as the heat grew. A warm breath ghoste
After hanging up the phone, Lena’s mind went blank for a few minutes, unable to think of anything.The call had been from her lawyer, notifying her that the court in Country U had ruled in favor of extradition, and the transfer process was officially underway. Her father, Martin Carrington, would be escorted back home next month.Back in early May, investigators from the Economic Crime Division had come to her door. That was when she first learned about her father’s $30 million embezzlement from his company. Later, she found evidence of the embezzlement in a document provided by her former company’s accountant, Elly. After handing it over to her lawyer, bits and pieces of information started trickling in. Among them: her father had used a fake identity and engaged in money laundering in Country U, which caught the attention of local authorities. He was subsequently arrested, and during a background check, it was discovered that he was an internationally wanted criminal. The authoriti
The event was held in a cocktail reception format, arranged by the Secretary Ivy in coordination with Ridley Corporation. Ridley reserved quite a few seats, so in addition to the six departmental heads attending the meeting that day, two to three manager-level personnel from each department were also included.Ridley sent over more than ten representatives as well.In Lena's project development and management division, managers from the Design and Planning Department and the Cost Control Department were present. Representing the Cost Control Department was a supervisor from the Procurement Department—a man Lena recognized. He had accompanied her during the negotiations with Door Appliances, and his performance that day was commendable. He had even stepped in to shield her from drinking during toasts, although the representative from Door Appliances eventually insisted she drink. Despite that, Lena had a decent impression of Gary, as he had also participated in team-building activities
Just moments ago, Lena had been silently commending Gary in her heart. Who would’ve thought that the rumors came from him? She asked again, “Are you sure? Do you have any solid proof?”Iris looked serious. “After investigating, the members of his group admitted that it originally came from him. But apparently, when Gary shared it, he also said he ‘heard it from someone.’ However, who that ‘someone’ is, remains unknown.”Lena couldn’t figure out his motive, but she did know he was present today. “Did you keep an eye on him earlier? See if he did anything suspicious?”Iris rolled her eyes upward, trying to recall, then shook her head. “Before I came over to meet you, I did secretly watch him for a while. But he’s very alert—didn’t show anything unusual.”Despite that, unease lingered in Lena’s thoughts. “Keep an eye on him for me going forward.”“No way.” Iris refused firmly. “I’m staying by your side tonight. You didn’t look well earlier, and I’m not comfortable l
The crowd’s attention zeroed in on the waiter and the manager.The manager, startled by the sudden turn of events, flushed red and pale in quick succession. Waving his hands defensively, he stammered, “I’m really here to resolve the issue, not to divert attention or help anyone escape!”Though clearly rattled, he stayed rooted to his spot. Alaric’s gaze shifted past him, locking onto the waiter. “What are you so nervous about?” he asked coldly.The waiter’s face turned ashen, and he seemed unable to form a single word.“He’s probably just scared,” the manager quickly interjected, his eyes darting toward the waiter in a silent plea for him to speak up. The intensity of his stare made it seem like his eyes might pop out.When the waiter remained silent, Alaric motioned for Iris to continue what she had left unsaid. She glanced around, clearly hesitant, before taking a deep breath. “I’m not sure if I saw it wrong, but after he bumped into me, he deliberately adjuste
"Why does she get everything so easily?!" Gary shouted, louder than before.Everyone froze in shock, especially Lena, who was directly addressed. She looked utterly baffled. "What are you even talking about?" she asked.A quarter of the room had gathered around by now. Many hadn't caught the whole exchange but were keenly aware of the brewing drama, whispering amongst themselves with growing curiosity.Gary, visibly agitated, lunged toward her but was stopped half a step in by a security guard. He remained far from Lena, with Alaric standing as a barrier between them.Pointing a trembling finger at her, Gary snarled, "Her! Just one drink, and she clinches deals we couldn’t crack no matter how hard we tried. Look at her... ha! She's always shielded, no matter the situation."Alaric, noticing Gary’s escalating behavior, instinctively stepped in front of Lena to shield her. His protective move, however, only fueled Gary’s irritation. "If you feel there’s some injust
Lena shivered slightly, as if this man had stripped her bare with his gaze.Her unease eased a little when a large, warm hand patted her shoulder. She felt Alaric’s chest trembling with anger. “Fabricating or spreading false claims that harm a colleague’s reputation is something our company absolutely will not tolerate. Expect a lawyer’s letter soon.”“Let go… Let go of me… You think you can shut me up with power? Mr. Ridley knows better than anyone whether they know each other or not!” Gary’s gaze at Keaton was like grasping at a final straw.Alaric’s bodyguards could have dragged him away effortlessly, but they couldn’t risk causing visible injuries in front of so many witnesses, especially with the police on their way. Their primary responsibility was to ensure he didn’t harm anyone else.Keaton became the center of attention. He took his time, speaking unhurriedly. “You mean her?”Ignoring Alaric’s sharp glare, he scrutinized Lena’s face, tilting his head slightly. For Lena, those
Lena thought about tonight’s party and how Elise would probably explode if found out. Elise was her best friend, but she decided it was better not to tell Elise for now. With Elise’s personality, who knew what kind of dramatic revenge might plot? Lena didn’t want to drag Elise into this mess—she preferred to handle it herself.The rumors in the office had finally quieted down over the past couple of days.“I'm taking a two-hour break this afternoon,” Lena told Iris.Iris knew her schedule. There weren’t any meetings or business trips planned for the afternoon, so Lena must be leaving for personal reasons. Instead of agreeing immediately, Iris asked with concern, “Do you want me to come with you?”Lena patted her shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll have a bodyguard with me, and I’m going to a public place. If I’m not back in two hours, I’ll let you know.”Dressed in a crisp white pantsuit, Lena walked with purpose, her stride exuding an aura that made it seem like she was on her way to confro
Lena’s dress was made of pure white satin, its smooth fabric reflecting a delicate sheen under the lights, exuding an aura of elegance and sophistication.The minimalist design featured thin straps and a square neckline, perfectly outlining the graceful curve of her shoulders and collarbones.The highlight of the dress was the double thigh-high slits on both sides, adorned with delicate pearl and metal buttons. Paired with a shimmering silver ankle-tie stiletto, the entire look was effortlessly stunning.This time, Elise didn’t overload her with extravagant jewelry, said that simplicity and elegance suited the occasion best.Elise dragged Lena to a commercial high-rise that looked strikingly similar to the one they had visited months ago. Lena frowned in confusion. "Are you sure he’s here?"The "he" she referred to was Elise’s boyfriend—the owner of the nightclub they had gone to last time."Yes," Elise pointed upward. "One of his bars is on the top floor."Lena was taken aback. If he
A month and a half later, Alaric’s injuries had completely healed.Just in time for Lena’s court case against her adoptive parents. He was by her side through it all.The trial officially began in mid-January. When Lena once again faced her family in court, she felt none of the past longing or hesitation—only a detached sense of calm.Her brother wore his usual arrogant expression, looking down on her even from the defendant’s seat, his gaze filled with disdain. Her father’s face was unreadable.As for her mother… she looked far more haggard than before. The once-radiant woman was nowhere to be seen. When their eyes met, Lena thought she caught a flicker of guilt, perhaps even regret.
Lena stayed at Alaric’s home for a few days, spending a surprisingly pleasant Christmas and New Year with his family.Since Alaric was still recovering from his injuries and couldn’t go out much, they welcomed the last night of the year in his garden—counting down to midnight while setting off fireworks.The garden was adorned with golden string lights wrapped around the trees, gently swaying in the night breeze. The twinkling lights resembled scattered stars, casting a warm glow over the flower beds, where vibrant hellebores were still in full bloom, bringing life to the winter night.As the countdown on the television echoed through the air, Lena clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and silently made a New Year’s wish.She ho
Twelve hours on a plane had taken them from the sweltering heat back to a city blanketed in snow.Alaric had already received a reply from his grandmother, Isla, telling them to head straight to the house."Your house? Won't your mom not want to see me?" Lena asked, skeptical.Alaric shrugged. "No idea. Whatever method Grandma used to convince her, it worked."After landing, the family driver picked them up."But if you don’t feel comfortable going, I can ask the driver to bring Grandma out instead. I booked a restaurant before, and I haven’t canceled it yet.""
On Christmas Eve night, this country, surrounded by the sea, welcomed the festive cheer. The sound of church bells and street carols intertwined as the moist evening breeze drifted in.Before the shops closed, Lena stepped out to buy some essentials nearby. Alaric said he’d take care of dinner, so she didn’t have to worry.But while passing a charming boutique, she decided to get into the holiday spirit and bought some gingerbread along with two treats—a pair of Christmas Santas made from strawberries.Clutching her treats, she headed back to the hospital. Remembering the call with Elise and the report that had just come out, she asked Alaric as she entered his room, "You must be happy now, right?"She didn’t notice the dimmed lights inside.
"Whoa! Lena, you’re crazy—this is true love!" Elise didn’t care that she was in the middle of a date on Christmas Eve; as soon as she saw the trending news, she immediately made an international call to Lena."The whole world knows now—you and Alaric are officially the ‘golden couple’!"Her tone was so exaggerated, as if she had never heard of this before.In reality, when Lena was waiting to board her flight to Singapore, she had a feeling that she might be spotted by reporters. So, to be ahead of the news, she had proactively told Elise that she and Alaric were officially together.Elise had always suspected that there was something going on between them, so back then, her reac
This doubt was resolved in no time.A young woman’s figure emerged from the patient room, and when she looked up, she was surprised to see Lena."This is Emma, the fund financial advisor from Ridley’s investment side," Zayn introduced.He hadn’t realized they’d already met.Though everyone was surprised to see each other here, they quickly resumed their usual expressions. Lena greeted her,"Hi Emma, are you here on a business trip too?""Ah, yes, I arrived a few days ago to handle a merger case, and I’m here to spend Christmas as well—my family is in town," Emma explained after a moment’s thought.Then she added,"Keaton told me that Alaric ended up in the hospital an
Lena shook off Daisy’s words with a forceful gesture, taking a deep sniff as she pushed open the revolving door of the building.A blast of cold wind hit her—much chillier than she’d imagined. Snowflakes settled on the tips of her hair and on her scarf, giving the impression that she was draped in a delicate layer of white gauze.When she looked up to snap a photo with her phone, fresh snow landed on her cheeks and melted instantly from her body heat.After sending the photo to Alaric, thinking he should be calling any minute, she decided to wait for his call out on the street.But two minutes passed, then five, and she still hadn’t received any call from him. Alaric was always punctual.
In Lena’s eyes, Daisy was never the traditional kind of mother.Maybe it was because she’d always been fiercely independent. When Alaric’s grandparents—Daisy’s own parents—transformed their trading company into a real estate business, Daisy poured a lot of effort into Winfield.She and her husband were married through a family alliance, and at the time, the company was just getting started. Daisy needed a husband who could help support her career. In other words, she was willing to sacrifice even her marriage for her career without complaint.That mindset even extended to how she raised her son—as if nurturing a business.In that respect, Lena felt Daisy was somewhat similar t