The projector screen in the conference room displayed last week's sales department performance. The development in Zone 4, originally 80% pre-sold, had sold out entirely by last week. The entire project was handed over successfully, two weeks ahead of schedule—good news all around.
The head of the sales department cast a slightly smug glance at the chairman’s seat, only to find Alaric completely expressionless, his unreadable eyes fixed ahead. The sales lead quickly wiped the smile off his face.
For the first time, Alaric found the Monday meeting unbearable.
The person he was thinking about was right there in front of him, just a single step away, yet completely out of reach.
Lena was wearing a light purple, V-neck sweater tucked into a high-waisted black ski
In less than thirty minutes, the Carrington family’s scandal had dominated the front pages of major news sites and was spreading like wildfire across social media.Lena stood frozen for a long time. She had never received the slightest hint that her family was planning to issue a statement, and now, without warning, she found herself thrust into the eye of a public storm.“Former Real Estate Tycoon: Involved in a Major Embezzlement Scandal!”“She Destroyed the Family That Raised Her: Wealthy Clan Accuses Adopted Daughter of Betrayal!”“Financial Crime and Family Feuds: A Tale of Betrayal Behind a Bankruptcy!”From these headlines alone, Lena could roughly piece together her family’s strategy. She let out a cold laugh. She had suspected there was a reason her family had so smoothly agreed to
Everyone was watching the drama unfold, saying this time Lena had really hit a wall. Winfield was thrown into chaos, with rumors flying that they’d eventually fire her.They also mocked Winfield, thinking they’d hired a great helper, but instead, the company’s reputation was now in shambles.What no one expected, though, was that within just two hours of the public uproar, Winfield had already instructed the PR department to release a statement on behalf of CEO Alaric.The statement declared that every employee had been hired through legal means and strongly condemned false reports and any behavior that tarnished the company’s reputation.The gossiping crowd dissected the statement repeatedly, but there was no hint of blame directed at any employee.Around 4:30 p.m., Lena glanced out the window and saw the swarm of people still gathered outside the office building.The security team was doing an excellent job, not letting a single journalist slip in. But Lena, having seen it all at he
Lena kept thinking about it and couldn’t shake the feeling that something was seriously off with Alaric. He was always meticulous at work, never allowing even the slightest imperfection. Yet, he seemed to tolerate the trending topics linking the two of them. Wasn’t he the one who despised having their relationship misinterpreted?Sure, they had shared some physical encounters in the past, but that didn’t mean anything.Some of Alaric’s words and actions, however, unintentionally sparked unrealistic fantasies in her mind. Lena had always prided herself on her self-control, but she always seemed to crumble in his presence.Sitting in her office, she swiveled her chair slowly, one foot dragging against the floor as she turned to face the window. The reflection in the glass showed her silhouette.
Lena didn’t realize that Alaric had gone out in the afternoon until he returned, and only then did she discover he’d paid a visit to Hawthorne Construction. Since Stellan’s downfall, there was no longer any doubt about Hawthorne’s successor. It had always been clear that Fred was the top contender. Whether in terms of work capability or temperament, Fred was far steadier than Stellan had ever been. Naturally, Alaric’s visit this time was to meet Fred. Although their last meeting had been far from pleasant, Lena had privately handed over evidence of Stellan supplying substandard materials to Fred instead of making it public. Lena didn’t have to do that. Even though Stellan was solely responsible, exposing the matter would have only hurt the company’s business and led to incalculable losses. Thus, Fred owed them a favor. Alaric’s visit today was to cash in on that favor. Even if Fred didn’t like Alaric one bit, he still maintained proper etiquet
Lena had been so busy since Tuesday that she barely had time to sleep. At work, she was collaborating with the PR department to steer the company clear of a string of negative press. In her personal life, she was discussing the most advantageous legal strategies with her lawyer.During this time, she received dozens of anonymous calls. She figured they were either reporters or her brother, who was probably itching to hurl more sarcastic remarks her way. Her lawyer advised her to avoid any private contact with them. Even if they couldn’t elicit anything incriminating from her, it might still complicate future court proceedings.“If there’s anything to be said, let it go through the lawyers,” The once-fiery public sentiment about the "adopted daughter turned ingrate" had now died down completely. Fred, surprisingly protective of his significant other, had hurried off to Dolphin Real estate to address the issue himself, determined not to let any
Lena’s gaze was fixed on the ground as she focused entirely on the conversation over the phone, completely oblivious to the person standing by the door.On the other end of the call, Cassian sounded hesitant. “Owen didn’t exactly ask me to help arrange a meeting with you.”So, he’s asking for money?Lena wasn’t surprised. Her family had taken such a huge risk agreeing with Dolphin Real Estate’s scheme to bring down Winfield, only for nothing to come of it. Winfield emerged unscathed—in fact, the rumors about her and Alaric only seemed to have amplified the attention on Winfield Real estate.The six-percent stock drop they experienced had not only recovered but was now trending upward. Even their future projects, li
Her words brought a long silence.Lena had no idea she completely missed the point.She shot back with fierce momentum, expecting an instant rebuttal from Alaric. But he didn’t respond.Instead, he pressed one hand against the bookshelf behind her, leaning in close, his gaze fixed straight on her. His eyes locked on the tips of her long, dark lashes, glimmering faintly in the light.“No problem. This way, you can take responsibility for sleeping with me.”What?Lena froze as if struck by lightning. He’s bringing up something from centuries ago again.If he said that just to score a quick win and banter with her, well—he won.
Lena read on with a mix of skepticism and curiosity. The letter went like this:“Seen the report card? I got first place this time, and you’re second. Don’t make that face like you’re not convinced. I know you’re already plotting how to beat me next time. Victory doesn’t come easy, especially when your rival is me.But, if you’re willing, we could work together to grow stronger instead of fighting like it’s life or death every day. Let me know in 24 hours.—Your rival, and the only one who gets to call you an idiot.”The handwriting was youthful but neat. The content was... immature.
Lena felt that Alaric was kissing her with more intensity than usual tonight—like he was trying to consume her whole.He pressed her down onto the bed, his long legs kneeling over the mattress. Tilting her chin up, he captured her lips in a deep, relentless kiss, his tongue invading without hesitation. The sharp line of his jaw was accentuated by the dim glow from the bedside lamp.He didn’t let her go for a long time.Lena’s tongue ached, and she let out a muffled hum, signaling for a break.Alaric finally loosened his grip, but instead of stopping, he redirected his attention elsewhere. His strong, veined fingers moved to unfasten her belt.Lena reached toward the bedside lamp to dim the lights, but he pul
"Claire?"Lena recognized the woman instantly—it was her old seatmate from middle school.She stood up and reached out her hand. "It’s been so long! I thought you’d moved abroad for work and weren’t coming back.""I actually came back two years ago, but I lost all my old contacts, so I couldn’t reach anyone." Claire’s voice carried a mix of excitement and nostalgia. "I never expected to run into the two most brilliant from our class right here!"Alaric shook her hand as well, and it clicked—Claire had been in their class during their last two years of high school. Back then, she and Lena had been inseparable, but after graduation, she had seemingly disappeared. Now he remembered—she had moved overseas after finishing school.
Alaric had made a reservation at a rooftop restaurant perched atop a sleek, triangular-shaped skyscraper. A staff member pressed the elevator button for them in the lobby.The doors closed slowly, and the elevator began its ascent to the 66th floor.It was just the two of them inside, both staring straight ahead, yet somehow, the air felt thinner.Alaric’s fingertips lightly brushed against her skin—soft, fleeting, yet unbearably ticklish. Lena couldn't help but glance at him. Their eyes met, and she quickly looked away.He tilted his head slightly, dark lashes casting shadows as he studied her.Lena stiffened, refusing to turn back toward him.A soft
"Oh my god, did you guys see that huge bouquet of roses this morning? It was bigger than half my body—like someone was trying to open a flower shop in the office!"Winfield, one of the front desk staff, animatedly described the scene to his coworkers in the company cafeteria.Another colleague chimed in, "Yes! I was in the elevator with Iris when she was carrying it up to Lena’s office. It was gorgeous, completely over the top, just stunning!"The others, who hadn’t been lucky enough to see it, grew even more curious.Colleague B: "Who on earth would go to such lengths? I bet it’s Mr. Jones from that landscape design firm."Colleague C:
Alaric dreamed that he was back in school, on a rainy day.The rain blurred the campus into a hazy blue-gray. Droplets pattered against the eaves. His nanny had called the school office, saying there had been an accident on the way and she would be about 40 minutes late.After finishing his extracurricular music class, Alaric lingered in the piano room for a while. When the time was about right, he grabbed his umbrella and made his way to the school gate.Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a familiar figure waiting at the entrance. The moment she sensed someone approaching, she straightened her back and tucked her already neat hair behind her ear—only to freeze when she saw his face.Her expression instantly turned unfriendly as she looked away.
Lena really did guess it right—Edith had pulled his grandmother aside so mysteriously just to find out if Alaric was currently single.Alaric helped his grandmother into the car first before walking around to get in from the other side. The cool night air slipped in briefly before being swallowed up by the warmth inside the vehicle.He held the phone he had just hung up, not putting it back into his pocket. His fingers absentmindedly brushed over the still-warm screen.Facing the car window, he let the dim interior lighting mask the unrestrained amusement tugging at the corners of his lips.Isla pressed the seat’s massage function, and a faint humming sound followed. After a whole evening of walking around, she was indeed a little tired. But she had also gath
The cool autumn breeze drifted through the windows of the hotel’s banquet hall. Holding a glass of wine, Alaric stood beside his grandmother, Isla, listening to the hum of her conversation with the other guests.Officially, the gathering was to celebrate the birth of a friend’s great-grandchild, but in reality, it was just an excuse for a group of old friends to get together.The event was held at Taurus Hotel, one of Alaric’s properties.Soft lighting cast a warm glow over the hall, where cream and pale yellow decorations adorned the space. Silver trays, neatly arranged with delicate pastries, lined the center table.Guests were busy cooing over the baby, the sound of camera shutters clicking nonstop.Alaric was one of the few younger people in attendance, unable to tell who was who. But after realizing how little time he had spent with his grandmother recently, he decided to accompany her when she casually mentioned this gathering and that no one else was avail
Just after confirming their relationship, Alaric wanted to take things to the next level—bringing Lena to meet his family. He was eager to announce the good news to the world.Lena's pupils shrank slightly. She suddenly recalled that Alaric’s mother had visited her office not long ago, probing her, trying to confirm that she had no romantic feelings for Alaric.She had put on a flawless act back then.If she treated social interactions like high-stakes business deals worth millions, she could conceal her emotions without a trace.But now, Alaric had blindsided her with his confession.One moment, she was putting on a front of complete indifference in front of his mother, Daisy. The next, she’d be showing up
Feelings are like a floodgate that, once opened, cannot be closed. Alaric had no intention of trying to hold it back.When Lena’s breathing finally steadied, Alaric slowly pulled back, meeting her gaze filled with tenderness. He cupped her cheek gently, pressing a kiss to her forehead.If not for the constraints of time and place, he would have held her until the night deepened.Exhaling softly, he shifted his gaze to rein in his emotions, straightened her shirt, and brushed stray strands of hair behind her ear.“Thirsty?” he asked.Lena nodded, taking the glass of water he handed her and drinking most of it in one go. The water felt like sweet relief, helping her regain clarity.