"I need the payment before the end of the week, Cassie, regardless of how you go about it. If not, we’ll have to evict you."As I gazed at the paper, shaking hands, the words became jumbled. The red lettering shouted at me, "EVICTION NOTICE." Breathing became difficult, and my heart thumped in my chest."Hey? Cassie? Are you still present? My world was collapsing in the present when I heard the landlord's voice crackle over the phone.I stumbled, "I—I’m here," and tried to calm my voice. "I'll come up with something. I require further time.Even I could see the doubt in my voice, though. More time? Time was running out.After a little silence, he let out a sigh that sounded like the weight of the entire planet. "I apologize, but I am unable to do that. You've fallen behind by three months already.I was terrified I would faint from the vertigo, so I buried the heels of my hands in my temples and closed my eyes. The one thing I had worked for, battled for, and loved more than anything
"Miss Hart."I was chilly when I heard an audible voice at the event. My heart skipped as I turned to face the man who had spoken. His tuxedo appeared to have been built to order, and he was tall.His angular jawline caught the light in a way that suggested power, and his dark, almost black hair fell neatly around his ears. But I wasn't anchored by his appearance. He evaluated me in a way that made it seem like he could see right through me."Yes?" I could do so, my voice revealing the discomfort in my chest.Though it didn't reach his eyes, a faint smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. His eyes were fixed on me as if I were something he was still trying to figure out."I didn't mean to startle you," he added casually as he moved in closer. "But I've been watching you for a while now."I scowled and took a step back out of habit. "And why is that?" I asked, attempting to remain somewhat composed.A grin twitched over his lips, but it was icy. "Because you are unique. As though he
Nicholas spoke the word "marriage," which fell between us like a grenade.Confident that I had misheard, I blinked. "Excuse me?""You heard me," he said in a cool, collected tone. "I'm suggesting a marriage contract. Naturally, it will be temporary and on terms that are advantageous to both of us.”I let out a sour, acrid laugh. "You can’t be serious."Nicholas's face, however, remained unwavering. He stayed calm, staring at me with his sharp eyes as if he were analyzing every idea that was going through my mind.I got out of his office's velvet chair, which I hadn't even wanted to sit in.I said, "This is absurd," as I paced in the direction of the floor-to-ceiling windows. Below, the city lights glowed, taunting me with their brightness."Why would I ever agree to something like that?"Nicholas said, "Because it solves both our problems," in a level tone. His posture was as rigid as the tone of his words, and he remained seated. "You must have enough money to keep your art center op
"Miss Hart, carefully read it. I don't want you to subsequently claim ignorance.As he moved the heavy contract across the desk, Nicholas spoke in a cool, collected tone. It was heavier than paper should have been as if the weight of my future were contained in the ink that bound its words.I snatched it up and skimmed the exact words that described the conditions of this strange arrangement. A marriage of one year. Restrictions on appearances in public. Clauses of confidentiality. Monetary arrangements that would keep the art center afloat for many years to come. The chilling fact that I was going to trade my freedom was buried deep behind the clinical legalese.I murmured, "This is... detailed," with a little tremble in my voice."Of course," said Nicholas, reclining in his seat. "Success depends on the details. Do you find the terms satisfactory?”Are you happy? No. Captured? Totally."I need one thing added," I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady.A tiny glimmer of astonishme
Chandeliers shone throughout the ballroom, illuminating an ocean of immaculately attired guests with golden light. The aroma of champagne and roses filled the air, and the murmur of courteous conversation was broken up by sporadic laughter. The entire room exuded luxury, and I felt like an unexpected guest at the wrong party.My satin gown's magnificence didn't conceal the pain that was scuttling beneath my skin as I adjusted the strap. A few feet away, encircled by a group of admirers, stood my new spouse. Since our arrival, I have hardly heard fromNicholas Scott, the man whom everyone in this room appeared to respect.One of the voices by my side purred, "You look stunning, darling,"An older woman with a smile that stopped short of her eyes caught my attention. She evaluated me with carefully veiled contempt while her diamond necklace glistened."Thank you," I said, maintaining a calm tone.She went on, "You must be thrilled." Nicholas is really attractive. However, I have to admi
"I don't require assistance unpacking." The maid hovered close to the boxes stacked just inside the penthouse door, and I could scarcely maintain a pleasant tone."Mrs. Scott," she replied in a submissive tone, "Mr. Scott demanded that I help—" "I'm capable of handling it," I smirked tightly as I turned away from her and moved farther into the expansive area that seemed to be mine now.The penthouse was incredible. A limitless city skyline, glistening in the late afternoon sun, was framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. Everything was immaculate to sterility, with smooth surfaces and modern furnishings shining. I couldn't eliminate the feeling that I was an invader, and it felt more like an exclusive hotel than a house.I turned as a quiet cough came from behind me. Nicholas Scott stood in the doorway, his gaze impassive, his dark suit as crisp as ever. As if nothing could touch him, he studied the situation with the same air of detachment he always carried.With a clipped voice, he inq
"Is this what married life is supposed to feel like?" I whispered, my voice drowned out by the penthouse's eerie quiet. It was morning, and sunshine poured like liquid gold across the marble flooring from the enormous glass windows. I sat on one of the kitchen chairs and put my hands around a steaming mug of coffee. The mansion-sized penthouse was so large, immaculate, and completely dead that it could have passed for a museum.Nicholas Scott curated this void. Even when he wasn't around, his presence persisted. In this huge, soulless room, the gentle tap of my fingertips against the porcelain mug seemed like a scream. He's most likely going to some Scheming global dominance in a boardroom.Though it was close to the truth, the notion should have been sardonic. Nicholas has been a ghost for the last week. Always immaculately dressed, his visage an unreadable mask, his suit wrinkle-free, he arrived home late.If he did recognize me, it was to say something like, "Good morning," or "
Oil paints, turpentine, and the art center's subtle earthy fragrance of clay were constantly present. No matter how chaotic life got, I could always find serenity in that scent. I let familiarity overwhelm me as soon as I entered that morning. The space was unpretentious; paint-splattered tables, worn easels, and cracked tiles revealed years of arduous labor. "Cassie!" One of my art teachers, Nina, came out of the rear studio with her wavy hair clumsily tied up with a red scarf. "The furnace is misbehaving once more. It has a consciousness of its own, I promise. I let out a sigh. "We'll get by. Tell the students to dress in layers for the time being. Later, I'll call the repairman.”My phone buzzed in my pocket as Nina made her way back. I looked at Nicholas Scott on the television. Now, what does he want? Something forced me to pick up even though my thumb was hovering over the ignore button."Yes?" I asked, attempting to sound polite."Where are you?" He spoke in a cool, clippe
Nicholas Scott's business was founded on honesty, foresight, and an unwavering determination to build a sustainable future. But Derek Langston's well-planned smear campaign destroyed his reputation in just a few weeks.The media had been relentless, and accusations of financial malfeasance were featured in the headlines. Partners left, investors paused, and even the public, who had previously been captivated by Nicholas's environmentally conscious vision, started to doubt him.However, Nicholas didn't allow other people to control his destiny.That was going to change tonight.Nicholas was in his home office with his top executives and son, Ethan, reviewing the most recent discoveries. Ethan had been crucial in exposing Langston's façade weaknesses and had inherited his father's keen business sense."Dad, this is it," Ethan informed him, tapping his laptop screen. "Derek's been funneling money through a web of offshore accounts. It's textbook money laundering, and he's been covering h
Nicholas sat in his private office, staring at the phone, Derek Langston's last words still echoing in his mind. "You don't know what's going to take place next." He felt a chill run through him. Derek was too familiar to him. The man's threats weren't baseless.With a strained attitude, Cassie walked inside the room. "I just hung up with Julia on the phone. Although the media is still quite active, public opinion is shifting back in your favor.Nicholas let out a sigh and put the phone down. “That's excellent. Derek won't be deterred, though. This was only his first tactic.”Cassie folded her arms. "After that, we must be prepared for whatever comes next."David Clarke, Nicholas's assistant, called as if on cue. He was put on speaker by Nicholas."We have a problem, sir."Nicholas gave his temple a rub. "Now what?"David spoke in a somber tone. "Someone just breached our company's servers. Private documents were viewed.Cassie's gaze expanded. "Who do we know?"David paused. "We id
It was a tidal wave of a storm.Nicholas Scott was scrolling through his phone in his office as a deluge of remarks, tweets, and news pieces arrived. The headlines were filled with accusations, portraying his company as unethical, exploitative, and crooked. The public outrage was increasing by the second, and the story appeared to have been picked up by every news outlet.With an expression that was a mixture of disbelief and rage, Layla rushed into the room. "Nicholas, have you seen this? They're saying you've been using offshore accounts to evade taxes and manipulating stock prices!"He put his phone down and let out a deep exhale. "I've seen it."His thoughts were immediately racing, trying to figure out where the leak might have come from. He had been making sure his business dealings were ethical for years. Someone had planned this attack to take him down, so it wasn't just any strike."This isn't just a smear campaign," Layla went on, pacing the room. "It's detailed. They have f
Sitting in her art studio, Cassie Scott gazed at the blank canvas. The air was filled with the familiar smell of oil paint and turpentine, which is typically reassuring. However, it felt oppressive today.The brush seemed heavy and unfamiliar in her fingers, as though she had forgotten how to handle it correctly.She hadn't painted anything for herself in weeks. She spent her days organizing exhibitions, teaching aspiring artists, and helping students on their artistic paths. She had pushed them to find their voices and supported them.However, she had lost her own in the process.She waited for the recognizable burst of inspiration as she pressed the brush's bristles on the canvas.Nothing arrived.With a harsh exhale, Cassie threw the brush on the table.What's the matter with me?This was the hardest she had ever struggled. Her passion and escape had always been art. But now she was just frustrated as she stared at the blank canvas.And anxiety.Cassie stood in front of her mentors
Nicholas Scott looked out at the skyline from his glass-walled office, high above New York City. Below, everything went according to its normal rhythm: buildings shining in the afternoon sun, cars honking, and people hurrying.However, anarchy was developing inside Scott Enterprises.His company was under siege. It had begun quietly, with a few unfavorable headlines and rumors of scandal. Then, it blew up into a major crisis.Breaking: Is Nicholas Scott's Eco-Initiative a Scam? Terra Vision is under fire.”Examiners looking into "unethical” business practices—TERRA VISION STOCK PLUMMETS.Nicholas's jaw tightened. Every one of the charges was false.And he was fully aware of its perpetrator. Langley, Victor.An old ghost. He once had a crush on a businessman. He had returned with a vengeance.Nicholas moved away from the window and spoke to his head of security, Daniel Reeves, and his public relations strategist, Cynthia Lawson, his eyes glimmering with icy resolve."Explain the comple
Emma and Ethan Scott, twins, have lived their whole lives in the shadow of grandeur. Expectations were always high because their mother was Cassie Scott, and their father was Nicholas Scott. Being "the billionaire's children" was never enough for them, they had spent countless hours creating their legacies.At this point, they were about to prove themselves.Emma had recently finished her first solo painting show in Paris, continuing her mother's artistic legacy. Critics hailed her art as "the fresh new voice of modern impressionism."The tech-savvy twin, Ethan, was preparing for something even more significant.Ethan spent the previous two years creating a ground-breaking artificial intelligence program to make cities more effective, sustainable, and climate change-adaptable. His biggest test came today, even though his business, Scott Tech Innovations, has been making headway in the tech sector.If he is successful, he will introduce investors, engineers, and world leaders to his AI
With the floor-to-ceiling windows of Scott Enterprises' headquarters framing his shadow, Nicholas Scott stood at the front of the spacious conference room. Behind him, the skyline of New York reminded him of his progress and future goals.Anticipation permeated the atmosphere. His senior executives, board members, and investors, who had faith in his leadership, were seated before him. Today, however, was different. He was starting a revolution today, not merely announcing another business milestone.Behind him, the enormous LED screen flashed to life, revealing the audacious new moniker of his most recent endeavor:The room echoed with gasps.Before he spoke, Nicholas inhaled steadily. "The future is this. This is what we left behind.”He looked around, reading the faces of those present, some interested, some doubtful, and others opposed. That was anticipated. Upending an industry had a price."As we enter a new era, accountability will become as crucial to business as profitability.
Cassie has always thought that people may change people's lives. Hers, for sure, had been altered. From an early child drawing on napkins in her mother's café to a world-renowned artist, she has led a colorful, passionate, and inventive life. However, something has changed recently.She continued to enjoy painting because she could express stories with her brushstrokes that words could not. However, a voice inside her had been urging her to do more for months.As soon as Emma entered her studio with a big envelope in her hand, the whisper became a loud shout.Emma, barely controlling her joy, added, "Mom." "This arrived just now. The Global Art Initiative is its source.”As Cassie brushed paint off her hands, she arched an eyebrow. "The International Art Project?"Emma virtually bounced on her feet as she nodded. "They want you to coach Ghanaian new talents! This six-month program in Kumasi works with exceptionally brilliant students from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are providing
Nicholas Scott has outmaneuvered vicious adversaries, negotiated billion-dollar agreements, and established empires. However, when he sat in his home office and gazed at the business plan, he experienced a strange feeling: uncertainty.Neither a competition, an investor, nor even an old buddy made the idea.His son gave it to him.Ethan made a daring, audacious, and ambitious pitch. A sustainable energy technology firm aims to eliminate intermediaries and make renewable energy available to everyone by delivering off-grid solar solutions to underprivileged regions.It was an innovative concept with the potential to change the industry.It was risky, though.Nicholas was aware of the harshness of the energy industry. Ethan might lose power if he chose the wrong investors. His reputation would suffer if the technology failed.However...Never before had Nicholas been so pleased with his kid.Holding a cup of tea, Cassie came into the office. She could tell exactly what her spouse was thi