[Juliette’s POV]“My father has brought us to the next level—there’s no doubt about it. But as you can see, the charts do not lie. Lux Corp will not survive the casino’s first quarter if we sit back and do nothing.”I gazed firmly around the room. These so-called shareholders of Lux Corp. I need to break their resistance and knock some sense back into them. The oldest one of the group cleared his throat and muttered in a haughty slow pace, “So what you’re saying is: remove Harold Lux as Chairman and put you in charge.” Another guy quickly added, “We don’t do this sort of thing.” Then, the third man snorted in derision. “I’m actually surprised that you gathered all of us here today without the Chairman. If he gets wind of this—.” “He won’t if none of us talk about it,” I snapped, frustration in my throat. What’s with the surprised looks and frowns of disapproval? Aren’t they as much of a businessman as Papa? Can’t they see the signs? The fucking obvious signs! Suddenly, Papa’s de
[Chatri’s POV]The EMERGENCY sign was still lit up. Chatri couldn’t tear his gaze away from it, making sure the light doesn’t go out Across him, seated on the row of plastic chairs, nestled safely between his wife and his mother, his precious fourteen-year-old daughter was praying hard for her saviour too. It was near his heart. Guilt burned the back of her eyes. Ralph-kun… I blamed you for destroying the peace that we’ve paid with our blood and sweat to get. Yet, you did not leave me alone. You fought by my side. You kept your word. With your life. Is this the root of your men’s loyalty? Three hours ago, when they got to the van, her daughter was a crying mess, her almost naked body would have been in full display if it weren’t for that bloodied jacket. Ralph Virtus was sprawled at the van’s entrance, hanging on by a thread. Chatri had to get in the chopper. Footsteps snapped him back to the silent hallway. The ex-mob leader turned to them and Ralph-kun’s right-hand man was mo
[Juliette’s POV] “They’re ready for you, Miss Lux,” a polite voice pierced through. I blinked. And just like that, with the click of the closed door, the bubble burst. Everything vanished into thin air—my past, my dreams, my future. Nothing remained, except the silhouette in the mirror. It surfaced, growing vividly and sharper until a woman stood before me, her purple sapphire eyes observing me with an empty look. I heaved a silent, despondent sigh at her, and the woman’s breasts rose and fell with the same despair. I traced the slender curves of her exquisite white gown, going through every stitch and sparkle, every contour of the sheer tulle overlay. By the time I reached that massive Mikado silk cascading off her waist, a huge ball of hotness had burned the back of my eyes and nose. Hastily, I sucked in my deepest to push back the heat of grief and lock up the tears. No matter what happens, a deep voice of wisdom echoed in my ears, don't show it, Juliette; don't ever let th
[Juliette’s POV] For someone who reads lots of romance novels, I’d take the slightest detail and exaggerate it romantically. Worse, I’d catch the tiniest spark of response and interpret it as an attraction. I noticed the wavy top of his short dark hair in a nice, clean sweep to the back—which was different from the sexy mess it was yesterday—and was immediately flattered by the extra effort. Then I started admiring him—just as I did yesterday. Whether it was a boring business suit or a midnight blue tuxedo, he could easily pass for an exotic prince or an elegant British spy. Even with that fierce gaze, he looked nothing like a mafia or a devil. Pfft! I mentally rolled my eyes as my feet kept gliding along the plush carpet of the aisle. Now I know why Papa forbade me to peruse that form of literature—it makes your female hormones go wild unnecessarily; it would only be a matter of time before I was trapped in The Devil’s spell, thinking that I was in love
[Juliette's POV] Yesterday… “Miss Lux, we’ve landed safely at the U.R.T. International Airport. The time is nine in the evening….” I unbuckled the belt, looked out of the window and sighed in nostalgia. Ah…, I miss Bora Bora already. The turquoise waters and the clear blue sky flashed across my mind, and I could still feel the warm salty breeze on my cheeks. Four days is not enough for a graduation trip, not for the daughter of the richest man in the Republic. But for the new CEO of Lux Corp, it's just nice, I thought with a tired yawn and a lazy smile of satisfaction. I'm ready to start work at the office, Papa. Hmm? I leaned forward, squinting to make sense of the dark forms through the misty glass pane. It took a second, but I saw what they were: men—two of them—in black suits and shades, standing erect in a soldier’s stance. As the plane swerved to a complete stop, I saw three more. Bodyguards, I concluded silently. Papa must have sent them; he always said that it's be
[Juliette’s POV]Doctor Rose slotted the chart under her right arm and casually tucked both hands into her robe pockets. “The bills aren’t cleared, and there’s another patient waiting for this bed. So, we’re out of choice, Miss Lux.”My eyes couldn’t grow any larger. “Are you telling me that you’re gonna take him off the machines and expect me to wheel him out of the hospital right now?”“Like I said, Miss Lux–.”“Don’t you ‘Miss Lux’ me! You've been my doctor since I was born! What’s gotten into you? Don’t act like you don’t know me!” I cried in anguish. These people, the ones Papa called friends, are now turning their backs on him. First, Uncle Jerry, now, Doctor Rose. Money seems to be the only thing that’s been keeping their friendships alive.Doctor Rose sighed and said, “Bills are bills, Miss Lux. The hospital needs funds to cure more people. Your father is not the only one here who needs medical attention.”“But he’s in a coma!” I protested strongly, my lips quivering in disbel
[Juliette's POV] The limousine swerved into an unfamiliar part of the city, closer to the meeting place with M. Johnson, and I felt nervous and light-headed; nervous as I'm about to make my first business deal; light-headed as I felt like I'm about to do something terribly wrong. The ants of doubt had been crawling under my skin since I got the address from M. Johnson's PA. Johnson is one of Papa's 'silent investors'—’silent’ because they never make any public appearances. Their investment alone makes up 20 percent of our capital, which makes them collectively the third major shareholder of Lux Corp, but no one knows of their existence, or their involvement with Lux Corp. I've never met one, but Papa talks about them a lot, especially M. Johnson—mostly because his pocket is the deepest, and he's the most silent. Which makes him the perfect buyer for the ring. Not that I'm sparing any thoughts for the mafia's feelings, nor do I care about his stupid rules; I just don't feel parti
[Juliette’s POV] Papa? I called out to the silhouette. I know it’s my father. But he didn’t respond. He just stood there. I reached out a hand to grab something so I could haul myself over to him, but my fist was empty. My feet were working hard to get me to him, but no matter how hard I ran, I couldn’t seem to reach him. Papa! I yelled desperately. But there was only silence. Do it for me, Juliette… Honour my promise to the Virtus. Papa’s voice filled my head. Papa! I cried out to him, watching helplessly as his kind smile melted into the evil grin of a gargoyle. I jerked back with disgust and the devil’s face swirled into a cloud of vivid colours. I panicked and screamed, Papa! Wait, don’t go! What’s the truth? You didn’t owe Ralph Virtus anything, did you? Help me, Juliette…His pleading voice faded as the vibrant colours morphed into a giant ball of crystal white light that consumed me…. I pushed my lids open. A vast creamy ceiling greeted me. Realising that I was lying do