Even though the day started normally, Cassie had a strange feeling when she woke up. She attempted to dismiss it as another pregnancy symptom because, after all, having twins was no easy task. However, the pain in her lower abdomen intensified into a dull, enduring agony as the hours passed.In a rare moment of optimism, Cassie was in the nursery sorting baby clothing she had bought with care when she felt lightheaded. Her eyesight blurred as she held onto the crib's edge for support."Cassie?" She was shocked to hear Nicholas's voice. His keen eyes narrowed as he stood at the doorway, taking in her pale face and shaking hands.She forced a feeble smile and hurriedly said, "I'm fine."Nicholas, however, wasn't persuaded. "You don't appear well." He took a few steps across the room and touched her arm. "Take a seat. Right now.”Cassie began to protest, but she was forced to stop when her stomach erupted. She sank into the swinging chair and clutched her stomach.Nicholas's face changed
It was a very calm night in the house. They finally had a moment of calm after the day's turmoil, which included the media hysteria, Cassie's residual fatigue, and Nicholas's barely contained rage at the leak. However, the atmosphere between them felt dense, with unsaid words hanging over them like impending storm clouds.With her hand resting absently on her expanding belly, Cassie sat curled up on the couch. She kept thinking about what had happened at the hospital and how someone had violated their privacy. Nicholas's figure was tense and melancholy as he stood by the window and gazed out into the darkening cityscape."Will you spend the entire night standing there?" At last, Cassie inquired in a softer tone than she had meant.With an inscrutable expression, Nicholas turned. He moved slowly and deliberately across the room before settling into the armchair across from her. He just stared at her for a minute, his eyes fierce but not cruel."I've been thinking," he said in an unusua
Everything was painted in shades of gray and silver by the gentle illumination of the moonlight that streamed into the space. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Cassie's mind was a maze of doubt. She was unsure of how to respond to the ticking time bomb that was the message on her phone.Nicholas stood close to the window, gazing out onto the city skyline with his hands stuffed deep in his pockets. His mouth was clenched in stress, and he had hardly spoken since reading the note.Cassie finally broke the silence. Do you believe that someone is attempting to trick me? or beside us?His eyes were still clouded by stress, but his expression softened as he turned to face her. "I'm not sure.” However, I don't appreciate that they are playing games, regardless of who it is.The protectiveness moved something in her in his voice that stood in stark contrast to the icy pit of uneasiness in her gut.She whispered, more to herself than to him, "Perhaps I shouldn't go."Nicholas took a few steps ac
Cassie watched the bustle in the gallery below as she leaned against the doorway of her office at the art center. Volunteers hustled about in preparation for an impending exhibit that was expected to generate much-needed attention—and funding. She couldn't escape the nagging fear in her chest, even with their excitement.The last of her hopes had been snatched away by a depressing email from earlier that morning. At the last minute, a foundation that had been a lifeline for the art center—one of its biggest donors—withdrew its financing.The email had said, "I'm sorry, Cassie," as if those words could compensate for the huge hole it had made in her spending plan.Cassie's stomach was churning from worry, not merely pregnancy-related nausea, and she had been unable to eat much during the day. As if to protect the twins from the tempest building inside her, she put a hand on her expanding tummy.Margo, her assistant, emerged from the doorway with an expression as strained as Cassie's.M
Standing in the kitchen with trembling hands, Cassie meticulously framed the twins' most recent ultrasound pictures. It was a modest gesture, something to help her feel rooted in the chaos that had taken over her life. Even this silence, however, was short-lived.As dominant as ever, Nicholas swept into the room. A furrow on his brow had not previously existed despite his fitted suit being spotless."You missed breakfast once more," he observed in a tone that wavered between apprehension and censure.Cassie avoided looking at him and answered, "I wasn't hungry."His voice tightened as he stated, "Cassie, you're carrying twins." You cannot afford to go without food. Your body requires—She interrupted him with a biting edge, saying, "I know what my body needs."Her tone had a harsh edge. "You don't have to watch every bite I take."With a groan, Nicholas combed through his hair. "I'm not attempting to dominate you. My goal is to ensure the safety of both you and the infants.Cassie tur
Cassie stood looking at the colorful paintings that lined the walls of the main hall of the art center. The atmosphere was full of inventiveness, and the sound of students working on their assignments calmed her jangled nerves. She had always found solace and passion in this place, and now more than ever, she needed a reminder of her identity beyond Mrs. Scott.When her phone buzzed on the desk beside her, she felt sick when she saw Nicholas' name on the screen.She paused before responding."Hello?""Where are you?" Nicholas's annoyance was evident as his speech sounded clipped.She answered calmly, "At the art center.""You left the house without telling me. Given what transpired yesterday, you ought to be sleeping.Cassie closed her eyes and forced herself to remain composed. "I'm all right, Nicholas.” As long as I take caution, the doctor gave me the all-clear to resume my routine."It doesn't mean you should push yourself," he remarked almost authoritatively.With a sharper tone,
In his home office, Nicholas sat by himself, the space filled with lengthy shadows from the warm glow of his desk lamp. As he relived his most recent dispute with Cassie, his mind raced. Her words, "I won't let you bulldoze me into submission," had pierced him like a razor.The biting burn of whiskey did little to ease the anguish in his chest as he swirled the amber liquid in his glass. Somewhere along the road, his craving for control had entangled his ambitions. His defense of her had turned into a cover for his fears, fears he now had to confront.Nicholas took a deep breath, put down the drink, and opened his laptop. He couldn't make the necessary changes on his own.A bouquet of wildflowers was waiting on Cassie's desk when she arrived at the art center the following morning. Alongside them was a little message that said, "For the woman who inspires me every day. - Nicholas."Despite her determination to keep her distance, her heart raced as she gazed at the note. This unexpecte
The St. Regis' magnificent ballroom glistened with luxury. Chandeliers threw a warm glow over a sea of smartly dressed attendees, the hum of conversation mixing with the mellow strains of a live orchestra. Nerves simmering beneath the surface, Cassie stood close to the edge of the room, smoothing the fabric of her midnight-blue gown.For her art center, this was a crucial evening. In addition to raising money, she used the charity event to remind herself and everyone else that she was more than just Mrs. Nicholas Scott.Nicholas materialized by her side as though her thoughts had called him. He looked every inch the powerful millionaire, his tailored tuxedo fitting him perfectly, his confident posture.Demanding attention. However, he had a softer expression tonight that caused her heart to race despite Cassie with a hushed voice, he replied simply, "You look beautiful."Cassie gave him a glance as a tiny smile formed on her lips. "You do a good job cleaning up."Nicholas gave a boyis
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
There was a buzz around the Scott estate that had nothing to do with charity galas or business meetings. The stirring of transformation was something more intimate, more personal.Once intertwined as kids, Ethan and Emma were now on opposite sides of their pathways, ready to make their way in life.While enjoying her morning tea on the balcony, Cassie observed her children, who are now young adults, as they navigated their aspirations.With her fiery inventiveness, Emma had decided to follow in her mother's creative footsteps. At the same time, Ethan, who was always meticulous and exact, had immersed himself in the realm of science and innovation.Despite their shared heritage and blood, they were very different twins.Cassie smiled at herself.After putting down his coffee cup, Nicholas joined her and planted a kiss on her temple. He whispered, "They're growing too quickly."Cassie let out a sigh. "I understand. They were racing around the home, covered in dirt and paint, and it seem
A thousand golden lights glistened in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's grand ballroom. The tastefully attired guests were bathed in a gentle glow from the chandeliers, and the gentle sounds of a classical orchestra blended with their chatter and laughter. In keeping with the milestone being commemorated—the tenth anniversary of the Scott-Hart Initiative—the air was filled with the aroma of vintage champagne and fresh roses.With her fingers delicately brushing the rim of her champagne flute, Cassie stood close to the tall glass windows. She observed how the program changed the lives of many who had previously just dreamed—young artists, struggling business owners, and ambitious philanthropists—and how they now confidently strode through the room.Her eyes strayed over the ballroom before settling on Ethan and Emma, who brought her incredible pride.Emma's eyes glimmered with joy as she discussed her most recent exhibition in Florence during a heated conversation with a well-known art
Long shadows were cast over the countless rows of grapevines as the expansive wine estate was bathed in the golden brightness of the Tuscan sunset. The crisp aroma of home, fresh earth, and ripe fruit filled the air.As Cassie got off the private flight, she clasped Nicholas's fingers together. She was excited because this was the longest time they had been separated from their kids since moving to Italy."I'm still in shock that they're residing here now," she said, holding Nicholas' hand tightly.With a smile, Nicholas looked around the villa on the hill. “It works for them. Emma is succeeding in the art industry, and Ethan is learning responsibility.”Cassie let out a sigh. "I simply miss them."The villa's magnificent wooden doors sprung open before Nicholas could reply, and a flurry of activity surged in their direction."Mom! Dad!"With her laughter resonating around the courtyard, Emma flung herself into Cassie's arms. Ethan followed more slowly, his warm smile effortless.He e
The warm, golden light of the morning sun filled the estate through the verdant trees that bordered the driveway. With a heart whole of feelings she couldn't describe, Cassie stood on their penthouse's balcony and watched the city awaken.It was a significant day.Ethan and Emma, their twins, were about to graduate from high school.She had held them as infants only a day before, their tiny fingers around hers, their naive eyes gazing up at her with love and confidence. They were now entering adulthood and prepared to forge their careers.She was shocked out of her thoughts by a soft knock on the door. Nicholas rested against the doorway in a crisp black suit that perfectly fit him."Are you going to remain there for an entire day, or are you coming with me?" he asked in a deep, funny voice.Cassie grinned as she turned. "Just taking it all in."Nicholas moved forward and encircled her waist with his arms. His lips touched her temple as he said, "I know what you're thinking.""You do