As Jace's executives left the meeting room, the air was tense with stress. Their minds were spinning from the weight of their new responsibilities. Jace stayed behind and looked at the empty seats. Each one made him think of the weight he was now carrying. He took a deep breath, put his racing thoughts together, and then went back to his office.After a short time, he came back outside to see what was going on.Rachel was at her desk already, typing quickly. She didn't even look up when Jace got close."Rachel," he answered quietly, even though he was upset. "Any progress on the audit team?"She stopped and looked at him with fixed focus. "I got in touch with our top inspectors. They will begin the study first thing tomorrow morning.""Good. "We need answers fast," Jace said, his tone sharp. "Let me know if you hit any roadblocks."Rachel nodded and returned to her work while Jace walked down the hallway. As he passed Mark's office, he caught a short exchange."I understand the urgen
Rachel was deeply focused on what she was doing on the desk computer when she observed a familiar figure enter the reception area. She blinked twice to ensure that she was not seeing things. But there was no mistake - Elena, Jace's former secretary, was walking deliberately to her desk."Elena," Rachel said, trying to keep her tone calm. "What brought you here?"""I need to see Jace," Elena stated, her tone urgent. "It's important."Rachel stopped, looked at her calendar. "Jace is quite busy right now. "Maybe you could...""I need to see him now," Elena said, her voice strong. "It's a very urgent issue.. about the company."Rachel's eyes narrowed slightly, judging Elena's haste against her need to keep Jace away from any extra distractions. With a sigh, she answered the phone and called Jace's extension."Jace, this is Rachel. Elena is here to see you. She says it's important."After a brief hesitation, Jace replied with a tight voice. "Send her in."Rachel hung up and nodded at Elena
The sun dropped behind the skyscrapers, throwing deep shadows over Jace's office. Rachel's fingers danced over the keyboard, her gaze drawn to the system diagnostics running across her screen. Each abnormality felt like a time bomb about to go off.Elena had just revealed Mark to be a traitor in the company, confirming Rachel's suspicions. "Elena," Jace interrupted the awkward silence, "I need you to tell me all you remember about Mark's involvement. "Any detail could be critical."Elena nodded, her face set. "Mark was the one who fabricated the majority of the documents. He is diligent, almost obsessed about his work. If he's involved, there will be traces, minor irregularities that can reveal the forgeries.Jace sat on his desk, arms folded, and studied Elena. "And you're sure he's the one who can identify Liam's contact at TerraCorp?""He was their point of contact," Elena explained. "Liam maintained the circle tight, although Mark slipped once by mentioning a name during a meetin
Liam’s phone vibrated again, this time with a text message. He took a quick glance at it and smirked slightly. "Avalynn just texted me. She wants to meet up."Kevin's mischievous smile grew. "She’s still playing her part well. What does she want?"“She didn't really say. I'm kinda curious tho” Liam said, shaking his head with amusement. “She’s never been the first to ask for a meet up so I'm sure this is definitely something serious.” “Do you think she found out about the picture?” Kevin asked. “The picture? Hmmm.. well, I don't think so but if that's it, trust me to play the game well.” Liam responded, a little smirk playing on his lips. Kevin chuckled. "She has no idea she’s part of the game. It’s almost too easy."Liam’s expression turned serious. "Remember, Kevin, we can't get complacent. Jace is desperate, but he’s not stupid. We need to be smart.""Agreed," Kevin said, his tone matching Liam’s seriousness. Liam Arstor leaned back in his luxurious leather chair, a contented g
The huge warehouse loomed in the darkness, its massive structure lit in the bright glow of streetlamps. As Liam moved toward the center of the big, empty area, his footsteps echoed on the concrete floor. The cold, musty air filled his lungs as he braced himself for the encounter.From the dark, a man emerged. Liam recognized the silhouette as Nathan Harris, TerraCorp's main contact. His face was unreadable, his eyes hidden beneath dark spectacles."Nathan," Liam said, his tone perfectly calm. "What's so urgent that it couldn't wait until morning?"Nathan removed his spectacles, showing a harsh, almost predatory expression. "I assumed you'd want to know right away," he continued, his tone chilly. "We have a serious problem, Liam."Liam wrinkled his brow slightly. "I am aware. TerraCorp is pulling out. But I want to know how they found out."Nathan curled his lips into a faint smile. "Elena has misled you. She's been giving Jace information for several weeks. TerraCorp received the fin
Liam's car came to a stop in front of his luxurious mansion. His mind was a clash of ideas, each more stormy than the last. The fact that she had betrayed him didn't stop moving in his mind and the agony of her deceit burned deep even though he knew she wasn't lying and was so confident in what she had done, didn't see anything wrong in it all. He should have known Elena wouldn't betray Jace like that. Even though he didn't know what really transpired between them, when Mark gave him the information of her fire and the fact that he could use her, he had made her seem so desperate and even when he approached her, she didn't show an iota of sign that she was going to switch up at the last minute, at all. Damn. Liam groaned. As he entered his apartment, the silence seemed oppressive. He poured himself a glass of whiskey, seeking to quiet his racing mind. The amber liquid burned as it went down, but it did little to calm his rage.He knew he couldn't think on Elena's betrayal for long
Jace's office was buzzing with happiness. The TerraCorp deal was more than a success, it was a milestone for the Malvis company. Jace stood at the head of the meeting table, dominating attention. Around him, his team rejoiced, the stress of the previous weeks melting away into joyous laughter."We did it!" Jace announced, raising his glass of champagne. "TerraCorp is officially ours. This marks a new era for our company!"Cheers erupted, glasses clinking together. The excitement was tangible, in stark contrast to the simmering tension that had existed for so long. Jace watched his team with pride. They had toiled tirelessly, and their efforts had finally paid off."To Jace!" someone exclaimed, and the entire audience echoed the emotion. Jace grinned, but his mind were already going toward the next stages.After the initial thrill subsided, Jace signaled for attention. "There's one more announcement," he added, breaking through the noise. "Elena, could you step forward?"Elena came ca
Liam Arstor sat alone in his office, the busy city hummed softly behind his window. The office was dimly lighted, with a single desk lamp producing lengthy shadows on the glossy surface.He leaned back in his chair, his gaze concentrated on the photo he held in his hands- a portrait of Avalynn snapped by him years ago at a family function. He was certain Avalynn had no idea they had met before. Her smile was brilliant, and her eyes were filled with love and hope. It was a smile he once thought was intended for him.He could recall the day he first saw the news. The television in his workplace was on, with the normal background hum of financial bulletins and market updates as a regular companion. But then, the headline appeared on the screen: "Jace Wins Again - Marries Avalynn in Grand Ceremony."His heart had stopped, and his breath caught in his throat as he stared at the television, stunned.Jace and Avalynn smile at the cameras, their hands clasped. The image was etched in his b
EPILOGUE: The air in the Malvis estate was filled with the soft hum of life.. the distant chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze.Avalynn stood on the terrace, her eyes drifting over the landscape as the day slowly gave way to night. The previous few months had been a blur as she adjusted to her new position in the family business, planned the wedding, and experienced the pleasures of married life. She had, however, had a profound sense of joy and happiness throughout it all that she had never experienced before. With a little smile on her lips, she carelessly stroked her expanding tummy. Even though everything had changed so rapidly, life yet seemed quite right. The days had been full with love, laughter, and a wonderful sense of what was ahead.Silently, Jace walked into the room behind her, his light hardwood floorsteps. With his chin resting on her shoulder, he encircled her with his arms from behind and followed her look out the window. With a low g
Avalynn stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection with breathless eyes. Her body fit the ivory gown, which seemed a second skin with brilliant veil cascading down her back and delicate lace flowing down her arms. Grateful for the pearls' coolness, she ran her fingers over the beaded bodice.Lisa was behind her, adjusting the finishing touches, tucking the dress's train and setting the veil.With a note of wonder in her voice, she said, "Ava, you look amazing."Avalynn shifted slightly and looked into Lisa's mirror. With tears still welling up in her eyes, she said, "I can't believe this is happening. I never thought this would happen."With a kind grin, Lisa squeezed Avalynn's shoulders. "You are deserving of everything." You will make the most stunning bride when you tie the knot with the love of your life."Avalynn inhaled deeply and then looked at her mirror again.The girl who was gazing back at her appeared to be a dream - graceful, dazzling, and brimming with joy
With the sun rays coming in through the transparent curtains and lightning the room in a warm, golden glow, Avalynn stirred in her deep sleep.The blankets hugged her body tightly, leaving the remains of last night's excitement still visible on her skin.Jace stirred at her touch, his eyes slowly opening. When he saw her, a slow, lazy smile spread across his face, and he tightened his hold on her, pulling her closer. “Morning, beautiful,” he whispered, his voice husky with sleep.His features, softened by the dawn light, were relaxed in sleep, a far cry from his usually controlled and powerful look.Her heart became big with love and happiness as she reached out and gently brushed a lock of hair off his face. Peace, love, and the man who had become her whole world were all she had ever wanted.At her touch, Jace moved and slowly opened his eyes. A slow, lazy smile crossed his lips as he spotted her, and he tightened his grip, drawing her in. He whispered, "Morning, beautiful," his vo
The dim light of the bedside lamp cast a soft glow over the room, creating a cozy atmosphere that enveloped Jace and Avalynn as they lay side by side on the large bed. The events of the past weeks had been intense, but now, everything seemed to have settled into place. The room, decorated in muted tones of gray and blue, felt like a sanctuary from the outside world.. a place where they could finally breathe and enjoy the calm after the storm.Avalynn laid her head on Jace's chest and made gentle circles over his skin while she listened to his heartbeat.They had a comfortable stillness that was laced with the warmth of unsaid understanding and shared experiences. Thinking about how far they'd come and how a one-night encounter had brought them to this point, she grinned to herself."Remember the night we first met?" Avalynn has a hushed, almost dreamy voice.With a chuckle, Jace ran a hand through her hair. "How could I overlook that? You were the most stunning woman in the club, an
Two weeks had passed since the whirlwind of revelations that had shaken the foundation of Avalynn’s world. But now, the dust had settled, and with it, a newfound clarity and peace had emerged. Avalynn had come to terms with her heritage, her place in the Malvis family, and most importantly, with Jace. The man she loved, who had been her anchor in the storm, was no longer just the man she thought she knew; he was so much more.The Malvis house was a hive of joy tonight. The huge hall gleamed with wealth and grace, decorated with crystal chandeliers and high ceilings. The walls, which were covered with pictures of the Malvis ancestors, appeared to witness to the importance of the evening.. the official recognition of Avalynn as a real Malvis and the celebration of the family's victory over the Rinders, longtime enemies.Guests started to pour into the hall as the evening sun started to set, soaking the estate in a warm, golden glow. With the quiet hum of string instruments playing
With a deep breath, Jace's grandfather looked at him and Avalynn who were seated across from him. There was a tight, stifling silence as the weight of the information he was about to impart seemed to drain the room's very oxygen. As Jace's jaw tightened and his eyes locked on the elderly guy, Avalynn shifted in her seat, her heart pounding rapidly in her chest.The grandfather said, "Jace, Avalynn," in a tone that was serene but full of a gravity that made Avalynn's skin crawl. "The results of the DNA test are in."The words, thick with anticipation and terror, hung in the air like a fog. Avalynn braced herself for what was about to happen, her fists clenched in her lap and her claws digging into her hands. Jace leaned forward a little, his eyebrows furrowing in a startled yet nervous way.The grandfather stated, "The test proves that Avalynn is in fact my late son's biological daughter."A painful gasp from Avalynn's lips as her breath caught in her throat. The words echoed in her
Apart from the soft buzz of the equipment deciding their fate in a moment, the room was quiet. Avalynn sat on the brink of her seat her fists clenched in her lap and her knuckles white from the pressure. Jace walked back and forth, his body stiff from all the questions flying about in his thoughts.As they awaited the start of the DNA test, a distinct sense of apprehension filled the air.Grandfather Jace was standing close to the door, his face expressionless. Unwilling to allow the doubt to linger any longer, he had insisted on the test being conducted right away. Avalynn was so preoccupied with the idea that her whole life had been a lie that she had hardly noticed the trip to the private clinic. The idea of having Jace as her brother and becoming a Malvis by blood was too much for her to fathom. However, they were now facing the moment of truth.A nurse arrived with the required supplies in the room. "Miss Avalynn and Mr. Malvis Senior will need to provide samples," she stated
Avalynn gazed at the picture, her eyesight going blurry. Her mother’s image, frozen in time, looked back at her with a familiar smile that now felt hauntingly distant. She swayed on her feet as the room appeared to tilt and a sensation of vertigo overcame her. Her palm trembled as she attempted to settle herself, her fingertips grazing the edge of the desk, a sign of her mounting panic.In an instant, Jace was by her side, his arm encircling her waist and supporting her before she could pass out. He pleaded, "Ava, breathe," in a worried-sounding voice. Though his hold was tight, the panic that overcame them both was reflected in the shaking in his voice.From behind the desk, his grandfather observed them with a normally calm expression that broke into a look of uncertainty that Avalynn had never seen before. The man who had always been a tower of strength appeared lost, as though the world was collapsing around him."I'm not sure I get it. How is this even feasible?" Avalynn's li
As the tension in the room increased, Jace's eyes darted between Avalynn and his grandfather, making it obvious that he was confused.“You didn’t mention she would be here,” Jace finally said, his voice tight, barely concealing his frustration. His brow furrowed in a way that made Avalynn’s heart ache. His grandfather remained seated, his hands folded calmly on his desk. “You’re right, Jace. I didn’t. But I didn’t think I could sit back and watch you continue like this. You’ve been shutting yourself away, wallowing in self-pity and loneliness. You need someone by your side.. someone you trust. And there’s no better woman for you than Avalynn.”A beat skipped by Avalynn's heart. She had rarely seen Jace's face of vulnerability, and it completely shocked her. With words stuck in his throat, he remained motionless, and the ensuing stillness was replete with unspoken realities.With black eyes filled with emotions he couldn't seem to control, Jace turned to face her. His regret-filled