Inside the towering skyscraper of the GK Group...
Lucas stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his frigid frame unmoving. The cold, sterile light of the office cast shadows across his face, revealing a tense mask that concealed the boiling rage inside him.
His eyes were fixed on the bustling city below, yet the image of her leaning into another man’s arms flashed in his mind.
“Mr. Harrison,” his secretary, Amanda, walked into the office.
Lucas seemed lost in his thoughts. The secretary had been knocking for a while but received no response.
“Mr. Harrison.” Clearing her throat, Amanda called his attention again. “I am here with the reports.”
Remembering the assignment he’d given his secretary, Lucas snapped out of his thoughts. He strolled back to his swivel chair and sat down.
“What did you find?”
“Regarding Mrs. Harrison’s whereabouts…” she watched the man’s expression carefully before reporting, “I am afraid to tell you that her provided address is false. No one in the Metrolift Apartment Building claimed to know anyone like her. The landlord has testified that he has never come across any tenants with that name.”
Metrolift Apartment Building was known to be inhabited by the lower class citizens in the city.
It was the exact address Heidi had given him. Three years ago, Lucas had gone there to propose to her following his grandfather’s request.
“Did you do a thorough investigation?” He narrowed his eyes at the secretary.
“I left no tables unturned, Mr. Harrison,” Amanda replied.
Hearing her words, that image flashed in Lucas’s mind again. His once steady fingers curled into fists, and the air inside the office seemed to thicken with unspoken tension.
If Heidi didn’t return to that apartment building, the only logical conclusion was that she had already moved in with her new lover. How ridiculous.
“Have you found anything on her relationship with Zach Olsen?”
“There’s no concrete evidence, Mr. Harrison. Regarding Madam’s alleged secret affair with the President of AG Group, I had people look into it and…”
“You may leave.” Lucas waved his secretary off before she could finish speaking.
How could there be no evidence when he’d witnessed it with his own eyes? Heidi was truly skilled at her game, and he had underestimated her.
“Lucas…”
Still immersed in his thoughts, a soft, silky voice echoed inside the office. Tracy sauntered in, her hips swaying with each step. The red dress, a few inches above her knees, accentuated her curves.
She leaned against the desk, facing the man. “Work hours are over. Have you forgotten about the business dinner?”
The business dinner was mainly to introduce her to his colleagues. Tracy saw it as an opportunity to break back into the social circle and make her presence known. When she brought it up, Lucas didn’t turn down her request. But now, he seemed to have forgotten about it. What was keeping him occupied?
“The business dinner has already started. I don’t want us to be late, Lucas.”
“I’m ready.” Lucas picked up his jacket, which was resting on the chair’s headrest. He rose to his feet, and she held his arm.
“Do you think my outfit is suitable for the occasion?” Tracy asked, hoping to fish out some compliments.
Lucas gave her body a fleeting glance. “You look beautiful as always,” he said in a gentle tone, pulling her hair aside.
Tracy blushed and looked down. His comment was supposed to make her feel good, but her eyes didn’t miss the momentary distraction. What was he thinking about?
As they left for the hotel where the business dinner would take place, she struggled to maintain a smile on her face. When he wasn’t looking, she brought out her phone and secretly sent a text.
[Are the paparazzi ready?]
[Yes, Ms. Carlson. Everything is set.] The reply came instantly. Tracy dropped her phone and wrapped both hands around Lucas’s arm as he stared out of the window.The car pulled over in front of the hotel. Lucas was somewhat surprised to find paparazzi present; after all, it wasn’t some extravagant business dinner. He might have declined the invitation if not for Tracy’s request.As they emerged from the car, a dazzling display of flashes and shutters greeted them. The paparazzi were in a frenzy, capturing every moment as if it were a cinematic event. The questions came like rapid-fire, each one attempting to unveil the mystery behind the couple.“Mr. Harrison, what a splendid surprise. For the first time in history, you have a woman by your side. May we know who this lucky lady is?”“Isn’t she the Young Mistress of the Carlson Household? There have been rumors that Mr. Harrison and Ms. Carlson are in a relationship. Is it true?”“Mr. Harrison is one of the most eligible bachelors in
At StriveStyle Co. “I heard we are getting a new CEO soon.” “Ha! You must be joking. Who is that unlucky person?” “StriveStyle Co. is practically a sinking ship. I can’t imagine anyone willingly stepping into the CEO role.” “Unless it is someone as greedy as the former CEO who laundered money mercilessly.” The employees were in a frenzy. Some of them even bumped into Heidi as they rushed to get to the conference room early. Heidi didn’t walk in the same direction, though. Her new assistant hurried up to her, panting heavily. “I- I am so sorry, Ms. Olsen. I was still setting up your office; I couldn’t receive you at the parking lot. Please overlook my mistake; this is the last time, I promise.” “Relax.” Heidi smiled. “Where are the reports I requested?” “Here, I’ve printed them out.” The assistant handed her a documents folder. “They have all the information you need, Ms. Olsen.” “Good.” Heidi flipped through the papers. Her brows knitted while skimming through the content, th
Phoenix City’s First Hospital stood proudly in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw away from StriveStyle Co. Heidi swiftly arrived, making her way through the hospital’s entrance. The staff, familiar with her due to GK Group’s significant ownership, directed her straight to the emergency room. Although Lucas hadn’t publicly declared their marriage, this hospital was one of the few places where Heidi was acknowledged as a member of the Harrison Family. “How is Grandpa’s condition?” Heidi asked, encountering the doctor emerging from the emergency room. Sweaty and out of breath from her hurried arrival, anxiety gripped her as she feared Grandpa Winston’s condition might be more severe this time. “Tell me, Doc. What exactly happened to Grandpa Winston?” “Do you even deserve to know?” a familiar yet cold voice interrupted from behind. Heidi turned to find herself face-to-face with Lucas.“What's wrong with you? You're the one who called me to come to visit your Grandpa!” Hend
Tracy paused, feeling the weight of the tension in the room. The air grew heavy, and the once cheerful expression on Grandpa Winston’s face twisted into a deep scowl.“I asked you, who gave her permission to come here?” Grandpa Winston’s voice cut through the tense silence.“Grandpa Winston, please calm down,” the Young Nurse interjected, her voice trembling with concern. She feared his anger might exacerbate his illness.“Grandpa, don’t you remember her? She’s Tracy,” Lucas said, trying to bridge the connection.“So what!?” Grandpa Winston snapped, his displeasure evident.Seeing the same girl he had seen on the TV with his grandson, was it possible that the news wasn’t fake? Otherwise, why would she also come here? “Before I count to two, I want her out of this place,” Grandpa Winston demanded.“But, Grandpa…” Lucas looked dissatisfied. “Tracy is here to check on you.”“Y-You.” Grandpa Winston’s hand shook. Tracy could sense the brewing conflict between Lucas and his grandfather.
“I don’t know what came over my grandson. In what way is that girl better than you?” Grandpa Winston lamented, shaking his head, his voice heavy with disappointment.His voice, previously firm during the exchange with Lucas, now sounded weak and exhausted. Reaching into his pocket, Grandpa Winston retrieved a small satchel he always carried around. With a gentle hand, he opened it to reveal a necklace nestled inside. “Heidi, I have always wanted to give this to you. I don’t want to delay it any longer. Do you know that a few hours ago, I almost thought I wouldn’t survive?” he confessed softly, taking Heidi’s hand and placing the necklace in her palm.“Grandpa...” Heidi trailed off, blinking at the necklace.The diamonds sparkled and glinted against the light, embraced by finely polished gold links. The simple yet elegant patterns captivated her eyes, casting a spell over her.“You like it, right?” Grandpa Winston smiled, satisfied by her reaction. “It is all yours, Heidi.”Heidi shoo
Tracy’s words left Lucas confused, prompting a glance in the direction Heidi had taken. Tarnishing GK Group’s reputation meant potential destruction for the company. What benefit could Heidi gain from such an act? Even if she were to share such damaging information with the media, what could she possibly stand to gain from such an act?“You’re worrying too much,” Lucas assured Tracy. “I don’t think Heidi is capable of that.”Tracy paused. She fiddled with her hands while her heart burned inside.“B-But, Lucas,” she quickly regained her pitiful look, “Then how do you think the paparazzi got the news that we were going to attend the business dinner together?”Holding his hand, she continued, “The only people who knew you’d bring a female companion to the party were you and your parents. And the name on the party list was supposed to be Heidi’s.”“Doesn’t it make sense that Heidi plans to retaliate out of jealousy? And her only target will be GK Group. That’s the only way she can hurt yo
Heidi’s brow furrowed slightly. She had just left StriveStyle Co. What had transpired in her absence? Could Zach be exaggerating?Slipping her phone into her bag, she shot a glance at Lucas. Her eyes caught the bulge in his pants, and she stifled a gasp before letting out a snicker.“Mr. Harrison, I can see that your impotence is finally cured.”On the excuse that he was in convalescence, the man had never been intimate with her. It was the same excuse he used for his grandfather, who kept demanding great-grandkids.“Shut up,” Lucas retorted, his eyes darting to his arousal. He dared her with his eyes to say more. “Who told you I’m impotent?”“Tsk.” Heidi shook her head and then left.…When she arrived at StriveStyle Co., Zach’s words had almost slipped her mind until she heard the commotion coming from the office.“Master Aiden, please calm down, Ms. Olsen isn’t here.”“Ah! Please don’t break that, Ma’am Lilian. Those are expensive.”The employees were in a frenzy, and Heidi walked
The room buzzed with voices, yet no one was truly speaking.The board of directors wore expressions of fury, demanding that Zach fire Heidi on the spot. Caught in the crossfire, Zach shot Heidi a helpless look before addressing the seething group.“Everyone, cool down. At least, let’s hear what Heidi has to say.”“Mr. Olsen, there’s nothing to explain here. It is obvious that this young lady is not fit for this job. Doesn’t the rumor have it that her qualifications are outdated?” One of the directors retorted.“It was brought to our attention that she doesn’t have any job experience. For many years, she has been unemployed,” another added before concluding, “So giving her this position was a mistake.”“Guys, I told you to be quiet!” Zach groaned. “Respect me as the President, at least.”But no one respected him. Not even the board of directors. Hadn’t he been the root of all the problems in the first place? If it hadn’t been for his poor management, the company wouldn’t be in such a m