Tyler and Kelsey stepped into the mansion together. The birthday celebration was held on a floor with open air. The hall was already packed with people, all chatting and laughing merrily.Following Tyler and Kelsey’s presence, silence immediately befell the room. All eyes were on them. Tyler was born for the spotlight. Even among such distinguished businessmen, he outshone them all.His charisma got all the ladies swooning. They were jealous of Kelsey standing next to him. “Why is it her again? Isn’t Mr. Lang sick and tired of her yet?” “The way I see it, Ms. Quest is too nice, allowing another woman to have her claws all over Mr. Lang.” “Then again, that woman is pretty. No wonder Mr. Lang keeps her around.” As the couple walked in, there were whispers all around. “Oh, isn’t this Mr. Lang? It’s my honor to have you attend my youngest son’s birthday celebration.” With a cheerful laugh, Braun approached them from a distance. He was accompanied by his wife, Ma
The crowd did not expect Tyler to attend the birthday celebration of Braun’s child out of wedlock. They gathered around Tyler and Kelsey. They were more like the center of attention. Cooper was overlooked. The picture of Kelsey and Tyler snuggling up together was an eyesore. He clenched his wine glass, his knuckles white. The poor, fragile glass threatened to shatter in Cooper’s grasp at any time. Kelsey was Tyler’s plus-one. From the corner of her eyes, she caught Cooper left out in the cold. As their gaze met, Cooper immediately played dumb. However, Kelsey did not want to waste more time on Cooper. She cocked her head and stopped paying him any attention. Sinister flickered in Cooper’s eyes. “There you are, Cooper.” Josephine’s sweet voice drew close. Cooper pulled a stoic face, refusing to even look at her. Josephine waited for a while, but Cooper refused to give her the time of the day. His attention was focused on one spot. “What are you looking
Kelsey could feel a hostile gaze upon her. She looked around but found nothing amiss. Kelsey happened to catch Maya leaving in a hurry. Maya’s urgency left Kelsey to think about whether something had happened. Noticing that her mind was elsewhere, Tyler leaned into her ear and asked, “What’s the matter? What are you looking at?” Kelsey lifted her chin, her eyes meeting the curious gazes of the group conversing with Tyler. She put her personal feelings aside and said with a smile, “Excuse me while I freshen up in the bathroom.” Tyler glanced at her and gave a nod. Kelsey turned on her heel and pursued Maya. She saw Maya ascending the stairs to the second floor. While no one was looking, Kelsey snuck upstairs. Once up there, she heard Maya’s voice from the balcony. “If you don’t come back, your father will pass the family fortune to the love child, son!” Maya shouted angrily on the phone. Kelsey looked over to find Maya on a call with her back facing her. The p
Cooper looked into Rhea’s eyes, a storm brewing within.“I like you, Rhy.” He suddenly professed his feelings to Rhea.“Cooper, you…” Though dumbstruck at first, Rhea was happy.She was loved too. James was simply too blind to see the good in her.“Uh…” Before she could say anything, Cooper sealed her lips. Rhea tried to push him away. She was Cooper’s sister-in-law.Sure, Rhea was flattered that Cooper found her attractive.However, it was improper for them to kiss, seeing that they were family. Cooper refused to let her back away from him. Instead, his arm locked around Rhea’s waist, drawing her closer to him. The heat radiating from Cooper's chest seeped through the thin fabric of his shirt, setting little fires on her skin.James had neglected her for a while now. He only had eyes for his lover.Rhea could count on her fingers the number of times they had been together since they were married. It had been close to a year since they were intimate. She was a wom
“You’re amazing, Cooper!” Rhea held Cooper contently, her lips curled.“How do I fare with James?” Cooper teased. The mention of James got on Rhea’s nerves. “Him? He has nothing on you.” She pouted. James was not keen on being intimate with her. Even a handful of times, he ended the whole thing in seconds. Cooper, on the other hand, was a stallion. “Why are you my sister-in-law? Though my heart is yours, we can’t meet often. What if James catches us? I’m worried that he will lash out at you!” Cooper seemed to have her best interests at heart.Rhea was touched. She expressed, “If only I married you.” “I’m just a child my father had out of wedlock. I’m not the real heir to the Lyons. Your family wouldn’t think I deserve you,” Cooper said dejectedly. “Says who? With James out of the picture, you’ll be the heir to the Lyons, and we can be together,” Rhea replied while cupping his face. If she had to marry into the Lyon family for business reasons, her preference would b
Josephine claimed it was an accident, but the aggression was apparent in her eyes. It was as if she was saying that she splashed wine on purpose, but there was nothing Kelsey could do about it. “Smack!” Kelsey slapped Josephine right in the face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” “Kelsey, you!” Josephine snapped an angry look at Kelsey in shock. She did not expect Kelsey to hit her in public. The nearby guests turned their attention to the sisters upon hearing the slapping sound. Faced with judgy looks, Josephine felt embarrassed and ready to lunge at Kelsey in a fit of rage.Before she could do anything, Megan’s shrilling voice came from behind.“Kelsey, how dare you hit my daughter?” Megan jumped right in front of Josephine protectively and questioned Kelsey. Charlie, their father, came along too. Having witnessed Kelsey slapping Josephine, Charlie and Megan were furious. “Have you gone mad? Why did you hurt your sister?” Charlie criticized, feeling bad for J
Kelsey smirked. Charlie would always side with Josephine in their disputes anyway.Kelsey was not her father’s favorite after all. Josephine started the fight. Yet, Charlie accused Kelsey of picking on Josephine without getting his facts right. Kelsey pulled a long face. “I have not upset Josephine. Your precious daughter can keep Cooper company since I did not sleep with him.” Charlie was trying to befriend the Lyons now that Braun started giving Cooper attention.However, Cooper was just a lovechild, so Kelsey, the horrible daughter, should test the waters. “You!” Charlie grimaced as Kelsey exposed Josephine’s relationship with Cooper in public. “Look at her, Charlie. She’s slandering Josephine.” Megan looked hurt.Megan panicked as members of high society chattered among themselves.To improve Josephine’s future husband prospects, Megan had to deny that Josephine had a thing with Cooper. “Do you hate Josephine so much that you make up a story about her, Kels? Aren’
“What are you doing? Let me go!” Josephine cried in a panic. Megan dropped the attitude the moment Tyler showed up.She looked at Charlie pleadingly. “Charlie…” Charlie bit the bullet and forced a smile at Tyler. “We can work this out, Mr Lang.” Tyler’s facial lines tensed. “There’s nothing to talk about. No one can hurt my woman.” He spoke in a husky voice, and that was the end of the matter.The crowd gasped, startled by the savage look on Tyler’s face.Those words were not just directed at Josephine but at Charlie too. Kelsey may be Charlie’s daughter, but he had no right to hurt her again. “Your woman?” Charlie asked in disbelief, his lips quivering. “Kels and I are married.” Tyler held Kelsey tight to state his possession.Charlie was stunned. Megan, standing next to him, made a face.Dumbfounded, Josephine was dragged out of the residence without a struggle. Kelsey stood there and watched Josephine’s unsavory exit. Rather than looking angry and startled,
It was upsetting enough for Kelsey since Charlie managed to deceive her once more. However, Megan had to gloat. “What did I tell you? I told you Charlie can’t afford this place. He can’t even show his face because he’s expected to pay the bill.” “Oh, quit it!” Kelsey glared at Megan. To think Kelsey would give her an attitude. Megan had Steve on her side now. She was no longer the other woman who lived off Charlie’s good graces. Surely, Megan earned the right to mock Charlie. “You’re the manager. Has St. Gills lost its exclusivity? It’s a disgrace that you let just about anyone in,” Megan said sarcastically. Kelsey retaliated. “Oh, aren’t you a picture of poise, Megan? With your sugar daddy, you can’t even make it past security.” “You!” Megan looked daggers at Kelsey. Livid, Megan commanded the manager, “Throw the bitch out now before I’ll make sure your establishment ceases to operate.” The manager narrowed his eyes on Kelsey and Megan. Judging by Kelsey’s mod
“Kelsey, what are you doing here?” Megan asked harshly.With Megan and Steve approaching, the manager drew close and welcomed them. It then dawned on Kelsey that Megan and Steve were the VIPs who took the private lounge from Charlie. The manager explained the situation, and Megan sneered. “Charlie is going broke. I doubt he can afford to dine at St. Gill’s. With his mounting debts, he’s embarrassing himself when the time comes to pay the bill.” Kelsey narrowed her eyes. Charlie must be using Susan’s birthday as a pretext to ask for more money from Tyler since the family business was going bust. However, Tyler had given Charlie a large sum of money. It was puzzling how Charlie managed to burn through it. Kelsey snapped back with a smirk. “Even so, Charlie is paying with his own money, unlike some people who can’t live a day without a sugar daddy.” Color drained from Megan’s face. Kelsey was basically calling her a gold digger. Megan would not be in this position in th
Kelsey and Rosette discussed the specifics of auditioning for Adrienne’s new film’s costume design role.As the time neared noon, Kelsey glanced at her phone. Tyler had not replied to her text message. It was nearly time for Susan’s birthday celebration at St. Gill’s. Kelsey decided to go ahead to St. Gill’s. While on the way, she gave Charlie a call to inform that Tyler would not be available for the celebration. Charlie’s voice reflected his disappointment. “What’s this? Why can’t Tyler make it?” Kelsey bit the bullet and explained, “I haven’t been able to reach him.” “I thought Tyler adored you. Why couldn’t you get in touch with him? Did you upset him?” Charlie grilled her. Kelsey refuted, “Things have been going well for us, thanks for asking. He has an emergency today.” Her bond with Tyler could not be stronger. Heck, they nearly went all the way this morning. The nerve of her father to put her down. Charlie was furious. “I knew I couldn’t count on you.” He
Kelsey frowned. “What are you up to now?” She doubted Charlie was so nice to want the family to be together for her grandmother, Susan’s birthday. It was probably an excuse to get close to Tyler. Since Charlie got together with Megan, Kelsey could count on her finger the number of times he had been to the nursing home to visit Susan. Kelsey could not remember the last time Charlie celebrated Susan’s birthday. Charlie could not even remember Susan’s birthdate. Yet, Charlie was so kind to throw her a party. Kelsey could only suspect that Charlie had ulterior motives. “How can you say that about me, Kelsey? I’m your father. Am I wrong to throw your grandmother a birthday party?” Charlie reprimanded. Kelsey was skeptical. “You’re not wrong, but…” It was uncertain whether he had Susan’s interest at heart. “But what?” Charlie asked. He started blaming himself. “I know that I listened to Megan and neglected you and Mom. I’ve gotten rid of her. Now, I just want to be a go
With a predatory glint in his eyes, Tyler pressed his lips against Kelsey’s.“I’ll take your silence as your consent.” “Hang on!” Kelsey pushed him away. She meant business since it was about his sleepwalking last night. “I have a question.” “What is it?” Tyler asked in a raspy voice, his lips still lingering across her skin. His hands eagerly pulled her gown off her. “Do you sleepwalk?” Kelsey asked. Tyler paused, his eyes bearing a weight of emotions. Kelsey knew she was right on the money. Tyler had known about his sleepwalking. “Did you know you were sleepwalking last night?” Kelsey said while fixating earnestly on him. She was more concerned about his health. Tyler seemed healthy. Yet, he wandered off in a sleeping state. Judging by Tyler’s response, it was not his first rodeo. Generally speaking, sleepwalking was associated with trauma or unresolved issues. Kelsey suspected that Tyler had been through some kind of trauma, or something in his past wa
Tyler opened his eyes abruptly. Bare and dominant, he loomed above Kelsey while his penetrating gaze looked deep into her soul.Lost in the heat of his kiss, Kelsey opened her eyes in confusion at his sudden pause. She met his profound gaze. Kelsey’s heart skipped a beat. Her breath hitched. She stared at the man towering over her in disbelief, her eyes bulging. Tyler was awake. He examined her, his eyes scouring every inch of her body. Once he was certain that it was Kelsey, Tyler was relieved. “I’m home, babe,” he uttered with a sigh of relief. Feeling assured, he closed his eyes and rested his head on her shoulder. He filled his lungs with her familiar scent. Kelsey was taken aback, but her head gradually cleared. She thought that Tyler would not stop their little bed activity. However, Tyler stayed in the same position for a while. His steady breathing came soon after. He fell asleep. Kelsey was in disbelief. Since he wanted her so badly, Kelsey ass
Worried, Kelsey followed Tyler in case he hurt himself or fell off the stairs. He was not in a conscious state after all. Kelsey would not be so abrupt as to wake him from his sleepwalking. She was aware that waking a sleepwalker could lead to shock or other health problems.Kelsey stuck close behind Tyler and made sure he got up the stairs safely. Tyler returned to their bedroom and lay on the bed. Kelsey drew close for a look. The soft moonlight streamed through the French windows, casting a hazy glow over his defined face.Tyler lay there motionlessly, his eyes closed.Kelsey watched him sleep tenderly. For a moment, she drooled over him. However, she quickly frowned at the smell of alcohol on Tyler. Kelsey went to open the window to let in some airflow, dispersing the fumes of liquor. She then picked out a fresh pair of pajamas from the closet for Tyler.Tyler would need a change of briefs too. However, Kelsey’s cheeks burned when she pulled his brief draw
Kelsey returned to the villa she shared with Tyler. She intended to tell Tyler how her day with her best friend had gone. Charles was somehow caught in the crossfire. Yvonne’s mother-in-law accused her of having an affair with Charles which did a number to his reputation. Kelsey wanted to ask Tyler about his opinion on returning Charles’ favor. Since Charles was Tyler’s childhood friend, Tyler must know him best. However, Tyler had business plans to attend to, so he would not be home for dinner.Kelsey was alone in the upstairs bedroom, occupied with all related matters involving her new business venture. Since Kelsey and Rosette were going to audition to design costumes for Adrienne’s new film, Kelsey felt it was essential to study the genre of the new film and Adrienne’s past fashion choices. Time passed. By the time Kelsey shut her laptop, it was eleven at night. Rising to her feet, she stretched and walked out of the bedroom. Kelsey was on her way downstairs
“I’m sorry, Kelsey. I’m sorry to ruin lunch,” Yvonne murmured. Kelsey put her arm around her shoulder. “Why are you apologizing to me? Charles told me what he needed me for. It’s okay to skip lunch.” She paused and looked at Yvonne, her head tilted. “But Yvonne, you seem to have changed.” “How so?” Yvonne asked with a raised brow. “You’ve become composed and cunning now.” Kelsey said with admiration, “But it’s a good thing. I don’t want you to be Adam and his family’s doormat. You didn’t marry him to be his slave.” Yvonne curled her lips. “I’ve been through a lot, but I’ve learned a lot too. I had to learn from my mistakes.” She used to walk on eggshells around her husband and mother-in-law. She gave them too much leeway, and they walked all over her. In the future, Yvonne would not be so dumb as to let others hurt her again. She needed to stand up for herself. … Kelsey dropped Yvonne back home. Before, Yvonne would cry to Kelsey for hours after Agatha humiliated