Like all mornings, it began with a flurry of rushed footsteps, laughter, and juice spills. As Nicholas tried to control Ethan's untamed cowlick and Cassie juggled breakfast plates, Emma and Ethan ran around the living room, their laughter resonating throughout the space.As Ethan writhed away, Nicholas laughed and whispered, "Hold still, and buddy.""You're bad at this, Daddy!” When Nicholas poked his side, Ethan objected, his pout turning into a smile.Cassie looked over her shoulder, the image making her heart race. Moments like this made her realize how far they'd come as a family despite the difficulties they'd just encountered.But when Emma abruptly paused in the middle of her pursuit, her tiny hand gripping her chest, the perfect morning took a dramatic turn."Mom...” With a weak voice, she remarked, "I feel funny."Cassie was devastated. She hurried over to Emma and grabbed her before her tiny legs failed. "Hey, Nicholas!” She called, her voice laced with panic.In a moment, N
The uncomfortable calm that had descended upon the vast living room was in stark contrast to the distant bustle of the city outside Nicholas and Cassie's house. Nicholas was standing close to the fireplace, staring at the flickering flames while holding a cup of water. With her sketchbook closed on her lap, Cassie sat on the couch and watched him with a mix of hope and worry.After a minute, Nicholas remarked, "She's coming today," in a flat but tense voice.Cassie gave a nod. “What are your thoughts about it?"His jaw tightened as he turned to look at her. "I'm not sure. I've been angry with her for years, believing that she let my father act in this way. And she wants to make things right now?"She's your mom, Nicholas," Cassie said. This may be her attempt to make things right. Individuals are subject to change.”Nicholas shook his head and laughed bitterly. "Modification? Cassie watched as my father attempted to ruin everything. She never stood up for me. How can I trust someone w
A magnificent mansion turned gallery hosted the spectacular grand launch of Cassie's International Art Center in Paris. The sound of a live orchestra filled the chilly evening air as golden lights filled the expansive gardens. Art collectors, benefactors, and powerful people from all around the world wandered about in their best clothes, enjoying champagne and the artwork on display throughout the space.Cassie, wearing a floor-length gown that glistened like liquid silver, stood close to the entryway. A simple diamond necklace, a present from Nicholas, decorated her delicate neck, which was beautifully brushed up. The enormity of the occasion staggered her as she looked around the room. This was the realization of her dream.With his hand softly resting on the small of her back, Nicholas materialized by her side. Wearing a fitted black tuxedo, he looked like the ideal companion, authoritative yet encouraging.“Nervous?” In a soothing, low voice, he inquired.With her fingers fumbling
Their Parisian penthouse's floor-to-ceiling windows let in the early sun, which gave the sophisticated yet comfortable living room a golden tint. With her hands encircling a steaming mug of chamomile tea, Cassie sat on the soft couch. Her thoughts were anything but tranquil, even though the surroundings were peaceful.She had been experiencing extraordinary exhaustion and nausea for days. She had initially blamed it on stress from the foundation's dinner and the fallout from the media frenzy. However, a persistent notion started to grow in the back of her mind as her symptoms continued.She had finally followed through on it today, slipping out early to get a pregnancy test at a neighboring pharmacy. The little white stick now lay on the coffee table in front of her, its outcome hidden behind a box turned upside down.Cassie took a long breath to calm herself. She looked to the kitchen, where Nicholas was standing, making breakfast for the twins while singing quietly. Her heart filled
A warm, golden glow from the early morning sun illuminated the Nicholas-Scott estate's expansive lawn. The twins' laughing filled the crisp air as Cassie stood on the patio and watched them toddle after one another. She felt a great feeling of calm at the sight, yet the weight of what had happened to her remained.Shortly after, Nicholas joined her, putting his arms around her waist while they looked out at their kids. His calm heartbeat reminded them that they were all in this together, no matter what obstacles they encountered."What are your thoughts?” In a soft, calming voice, he inquired.With her hand naturally resting on her expanding belly, Cassie leaned into him. "I've been considering what we're constructing here, not only the art center or the foundation but also for our family. What sort of legacy will we leave for the infant and the twins?”With his chin grazing her shoulder, Nicholas nodded. "I've also been considering that. I want to make sure kids understand what truly
The piercing ring at the doorbell broke the still morning at the Nicholas-Scott mansion. Cassie, who was in the living room arranging flowers, looked puzzled toward the front door. Anyone who knew them well would typically phone ahead, and they weren't anticipating guests.With a grimace on his face, Nicholas came out of his study and made his way to the door. Cassie trailed behind, using a dish towel to wipe her hands.The last person they anticipated was on the threshold as Nicholas opened the door. Nicholas's estranged father, Charles Scott, appeared older and more worn than when they had last seen him. His normally commanding demeanor became muted, almost depressed, as lines of sorrow softened his once sharp features.Nicholas said, "Dad," in a startled and cautious tone.Charles answered, his voice hoarse with unsaid passion, "Hello, son." He nodded as his eyes moved to Cassie. "Cassie."Unsure of how to react, Cassie gripped the towel tighter. Charles had left pandemonium in his
Tension hummed through the Nicholas-Scott estate office. With papers strewn all over his desk, Nicholas sat. In two weeks, his foundation project—a ground-breaking program to assist impoverished artists and entrepreneurs—was about to debut, but an unforeseen setback derailed their preparations.Nicholas's jaw tightened as he gazed at the city zoning board's email. The flagship center's construction has been put on hold due to a last-minute zoning restriction. Nicholas was aware that the board's assertion of "unresolved safety concerns" was sabotage, most likely carried out by a rival with political clout.With two steaming coffee mugs on a tray, Cassie came into the room. After glancing at Nicholas's face, she put the platter down."What took place?” Her voice was laced with apprehension as she asked.Nicholas massaged his forehead. “The zoning board disallowed the launch. Despite their claims of safety infractions, it is obvious that this was a political maneuver. Nobody wanted this
As the sun started to drop over the Italian vineyard, the infinite fields of grapevines that extended into the distance were bathed in a golden glow. It was a scenario from a novel of science fiction.Fairy lights hung across the outdoor space glistened against the dusk, and the altar was surrounded by an archway bordered by white roses and ivy.Nicholas and Cassie's vow renewal ceremony, which celebrated their love, resiliency, and all they had conquered together, took place in the ideal location.In one of the villa's private suites, Cassie stood before the mirror, adjusting the exquisite ivory gown's lace. The outfit was simple yet beautiful, with a floating skirt that seemed to speak as she moved. She framed her face with a few curls and kept her hair free in a chignon. "You appear like a princess, Mommy," a tiny voice murmured behind her.Their twin children, Emma and Ethan, were standing in the doorway when she turned around. Ethan looked handsome in a small tuxedo, while Emma
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