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 etiquetLena 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.
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.
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
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
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
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