Chapter 63“Olivia, come see this”, Ruth quickly whispered. Olivia shot herself to Ruth’s side. She gasped in shock as soon as she saw the headline. Her heart started to thump in her chest. This headline is really damaging, especially to Christian, since he was at loggerheads with his company’s board members.“Olivia... this is ridiculous. Who would...?” Ruth’s words faded, also knowing full well the damage a headline like this could do to Christian’s reputation, not to mention Olivia’s.Olivia took a deep breath, trying to keep her composure. “I don’t know, Ruth. I... I thought this part of my life was behind me.” Her voice trembled, a raw edge breaking through her calm front.Ruth reached across the table, squeezing her friend’s hand. “This isn’t your fault. Don’t let them get to you. What you should be worried about right now is Christian’s reaction to this."Olivia nodded as she took her phone. She needed to talk to Christian, to hear his voice and know he wasn’t as rattled as she
Chapter 64As Olivia and Eunice left the ice cream parlour, she held tightly to Eunice’s small hand, the child’s chatter easing some of her tension. She forced a smile as they strolled back to the car, though her mind spun with the implications of the scandal and the leverage Rock Assets was trying to gain. Christian had been so resolute and calm, but Olivia knew his drive to protect her could make him vulnerable.By the time they reached home, the sun had started its descent, casting a warm, amber glow across the city. As Olivia and Eunice walked into the living room, the comforting sight of their cozy space brought Olivia a slight sense of relief, a place where they could momentarily shut out the world.Eunice skipped off to her room, excited to arrange her collection of new art toys, leaving Olivia a moment of quiet in the living room. She sank onto the couch, scrolling through her phone and catching glimpses of articles analysing the scandal.It was unbearable—these strangers piec
Chapter 65Olivia’s heart raced as she read Christian’s message. Does your car have a dashcam? The question seemed harmless, but she sensed a layer of tension behind it. She quickly typed a response.I think so. Why?The reply came almost instantly.I’ll check it out when I get home. We might have a lead.A lead? She replayed their last few days in her mind, wondering what Christian could be after. Rock Assets? Or perhaps something else connected to the persistent interference that had only escalated recently. Her fingers hovered over her phone, tempted to ask for more details, but she knew he’d tell her in his own time. Instead, she slipped her phone into her bag and turned to Ruth, whose gaze was expectant.“Everything okay?” Ruth asked, glancing at her with curiosity.Olivia nodded, forcing a smile. “It’s just Christian. I think he’s trying to find some lead”. She didn’t want to get too excited and jinx herself, so she wasn’t sure of how much to divulge. Ruth seemed to sense her he
Chapter 66“Mom, please tell me the truth. Are you the one behind the smear campaign on Olivia? Because she’s stopping you from realising your dreams?" the daughter asked her mother tentatively.“Are you sick in the head? Is that how you talk to your mother? And why are you suspecting me?" the woman shouted back at her daughter.“If you’re my mother, you should care about what I want and my happiness. Imagine my boyfriend hears this little scheme of yours, he’ll feel insulted. Why are you doing this to me?” she retorted.The woman’s eyes flashed with indignation, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Your happiness?" When did your happiness start to matter more than your family legacy? I’ve worked far too hard for you to throw it all away because of... Olivia.”The daughter sighed with her head down. “Why are you bringing Olivia into this? You’re clearly the problem here... I never liked Christian, for as long as I can remember, and I know he feels the same about me. Stop disrupting hi
Chapter 67Christian’s grip on his phone tightened as he processed Josh’s message. Troy Carey. The name alone stirred an old bitterness that ran deep, as if his father’s warnings were echoing through time to this very moment. A rival’s involvement, especially one as entrenched in family history as Troy, meant this fight wasn’t just about Olivia’s reputation or even Mason Enterprises. It was personal.Olivia noticed the hard set of Christian’s jaw. “Troy Carey... I’ve heard the name before. But why would he support Rock Assets? What does he have against you, Christian?”He turned to her, exhaling slowly as he searched for the best way to explain the bitter feud between their families. “It’s a long story... one that goes back years, even before Matthew was born.Carey was once close to my father. They started in the industry together, young and ambitious. But Carey... he wasn’t satisfied with sharing success. He wanted it all.”Olivia nodded, listening intently, and he continued.“Carey
Chapter 68Christian woke up before dawn. The silence of the house was both calming and isolating. His mind raced, cataloging every piece of information Josh had uncovered, every move Carey could make, and every possible way to counter him. Yet, amidst all the strategies, it was the faces of Olivia and Eunice that lingered in his thoughts. For years, Christian had built his life around the singular purpose of protecting his family’s legacy. But now, he realised he was fighting not just for the past, but for a future he actually wanted.As light filtered into the room, he rose, preparing for what would be another pivotal day in the unfolding battle. Before he headed out, Christian took a moment to ground himself, glancing over at a picture he’d recently placed on his desk—a candid shot of Olivia and Eunice laughing at something he couldn’t remember. It reminded him that while he was ready to fight, he had more than his reputation on the line this time. He wasn’t going to let Carey or a
Chapter 69"Huh?" Olivia replied, confused about what Christian was implying.“This afternoon, after my meeting with the investors ended”, he began. “A representative of Carey’s arrived”.Not long after the meeting ended, Christian’s office assistant appeared at his office door. Her expression was tentative. “Mr. Mason, someone from Troy Carey’s office is here to see you. He insists it’s urgent.”Christian’s eyes narrowed. The last thing he wanted was another confrontation, but curiosity got the better of him. “Send him in.”The man who entered was tall and polished, every bit the corporate emissary. His smile was thin as he extended a hand. “Mr. Mason, I’m here on behalf of Mr. Carey. He wanted to propose an opportunity.”Christian didn’t return the smile, remaining silent as he gestured for the man to continue.“Mr. Carey feels that this longstanding rivalry between your families is... unnecessary. He believes a partnership, perhaps even a merger, could benefit both parties. After a
Chapter 70“Olivia, are you in there?” The little girl’s voice was barely above a whisper, yet it carried with it the urgency only a child could bring.Olivia exchanged a quick look with Christian, her heart rate quickening. As lovely as the night had been, the morning was a reminder of all their responsibilities. Christian gave her a nod, indicating she should answer.Olivia rose quietly, pulling on a robe as she went to the door. She opened it to find Eunice, her curly hair messy from sleep, clutching a small stuffed animal—a pink unicorn Olivia had gotten her a few weeks ago.“Good morning baby,” Olivia greeted her with a warm smile, kneeling down to her eye level.“Good morning,” Eunice replied, eyes darting behind Olivia and catching sight of Christian, who was now sitting up and grinning at her. She waved excitedly. “Hi, Uncle Christian!”“Hey, munchkin!” Christian replied, his tone softening immediately, his serious, corporate demeanour melting away at the sight of his niece. “
Epilogue Nine months later. The sun streamed gently through the tall windows of the new Matt & Rose Foundation building, casting a warm glow over rows of seated attendees—executives, students, members of the press, and friends. The air held something rare: hope. Christian stood at the podium in a tailored navy suit, a small white ribbon pinned to his lapel. His gaze swept across the audience, lingering on the front row, where Olivia sat beside Ruth. Ruth wore a floral midi dress and a guarded smile. Next to her sat Roosevelt Lee—a former college buddy of Christian’s, and for the past month, Ruth’s quiet comfort. Eunice sat on Olivia’s lap, her legs swinging under her dress shoes, proudly sporting a glittery badge that read Junior Ambassador. She waved when Christian looked her way. He winked, then returned his attention to the microphone. “Today,” Christian began, his voice carrying with ease, “we honour two people whose kindness shaped who I am. My brother and sister-in-law
Chapter 120 Another four months had passed since Josh’s first court appearance. Today was judgment day.The courtroom felt colder this time—not from the air, but from the finality clinging to the walls like frost. The trial had dragged on for weeks—meticulous testimonies, irrefutable digital evidence, and the haunting voices of those Josh had manipulated or destroyed. Ruth had testified. So had Olivia. And Christian had taken the stand with quiet resolve, walking the court through every calculated step Josh had taken in the shadows.Now, there were no whispers. Just silence. The sentencing.Christian sat in the front row once again, between Ruth and Olivia. His hands rested on his knees, spine straight, jaw tight. Behind them, rows of strangers watched history unfold.Olivia wore a black blouse and slacks, her eyes fixed forward, unreadable. Ruth had opted for navy this time—a subtle, steady colour that matched the calm she was trying to summon.Josh was brought in, flanked by office
Chapter 119 Four Months LaterThe car ride to the courthouse was silent and tense. Christian drove, while Ruth and Olivia sat quietly in the back.The Massachusetts Criminal Courthouse loomed ahead, grim beneath a brooding sky. The winter air cut through even the thickest coats. News vans lined the perimeter like vultures, antennas raised like mechanical spines. Cameramen and reporters crowded the steps, lenses trained on the entrance, waiting for the man at the center of a storm no one had seen coming.Inside, the courtroom buzzed with restrained energy. Whispered conversations rose and fell like waves. Every seat was filled—press, family members, curious onlookers. The case of State vs. Joshua Smith had gripped the city: betrayal, murder, power, secrets.Christian sat at the front beside Olivia and Ruth, his expression carved from stone, but his eyes— his eyes burned. He hadn’t slept well in days, not since the indictment was finalised. The time between discovery and justice had fe
Chapter 118 Detective Harris shone his flashlight into the dark cavity beneath the floorboards, brushing aside layers of dust and cobwebs. “There’s definitely something down here.”Christian knelt beside the hole, squinting into the shadows. “What do you see?”“Some kind of box.” Harris reached down carefully and pulled out a dusty metal tin, about the size of a shoebox. It clanked faintly as he set it beside him. “It was wedged under one of the boards.”Detective Fisher stepped forward, gloved hands steady, and popped the lid. Everyone leaned in.Inside, nestled between scraps of old cloth, were two flash drives, a sealed plastic sleeve containing a small memory card—and, folded neatly at the bottom—a shirt.Fisher’s brow furrowed as he lifted the drives. “Bag these,” he instructed, handing them to another officer. “Handle with care. They could be encrypted.”Christian’s gaze narrowed. “What kind of shirt is that?”Fisher gently unfolded the fabric. It was a large-sized, worn men’s
Chapter 117 Olivia grabbed his arm before he could finish.“Christian.”He stopped and sank into the nearest sofa, the tension radiating from his frame.“Sweetheart,” he said gently, “come here. Let Uncle ask you something.”Eunice nodded and skipped forward. Christian crouched in front of her, his hands resting lightly on her small shoulders. His expression was calm, but there was an intensity in his eyes that hadn’t been there before.“Eunice,” he said softly, “what do you mean by a secret room?”Eunice beamed, clearly delighted to finally share her secret.“The one behind the big bookshelf in the living room! Daddy and Uncle Josh used to go there all the time. I saw them!” She puffed out her chest proudly. “They thought I didn’t know, but I did.”Christian’s grip tightened slightly. Olivia noticed the tick in his jaw.“When did you see them, sweetheart?” she asked gently, kneeling beside them. “Was it a long time ago?”Eunice nodded, her little hands tugging at the hem of Olivia’s
Chapter 116 The Mason mansion was quiet that night—the kind of stillness that carries the weight of things unsaid.Ruth sat curled on the plush living room couch, a blanket draped around her shoulders. But the warmth did nothing to ease the chill in her chest. The day’s events played on a loop in her mind— every word, every lie, every trace of Josh’s deception. She had spent months loving a man who never truly existed. Now all that remained was the rubble of a future that had never been real.Olivia sat beside her, close enough to offer support, but not suffocating.“Are you sure you don’t want to go upstairs and try to sleep?” she asked gently.Ruth let out a scoff and shook her head. “Sleep? Not a chance. Every time I close my eyes, I hear his voice. I see that smug smile he gave me—like he still had me wrapped around his finger.” Her voice cracked, raw with disbelief. “God, he really believed I was still his.”Olivia reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “He’
Chapter 115 Ruth tightened her grip on the steering wheel as she pulled into the detention center's parking lot. The morning sun glared off the pavement, but its warmth couldn’t touch the cold knot twisting in her stomach. She exhaled slowly, bracing herself. This wasn’t a visit for closure. It wasn’t to ask for explanations.She needed to see the manipulative monster Josh truly was—again.For the past twenty-four hours, she had replayed every moment: every conversation, every touch, every whispered promise. All lies. Carefully crafted. Skilfully delivered. And she had believed them —believed him—because she thought he loved her the way she had loved him.She stepped out of the car, her heels clicking sharply against the asphalt as she walked toward the entrance. The moment she passed through security, the weight of the situation settled squarely on her shoulders. Cold fluorescent lights hummed overhead as officers led her down sterile hallways. And then, at last, she was there—facin
Chapter 114 The rhythmic clicking of Christian’s pen against his desk was the only sound in the vast office as he sat, deep in thought. The morning had started like any other, with reports to review and meetings to prepare for, but the weight of last night’s revelation pressed down on him like a storm cloud.Josh.He had spent quite some time going over every detail from the journal Ruth had found. The words scrawled across the pages painted a picture of a man who had been living a double life—outwardly charming, supportive, and loyal, yet seething with resentment beneath the surface.A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. “Come in,” he called.The door opened, and Secretary Pitcher stepped inside, his expression neutral but professional. “Detective Fisher is here to see you, sir.”Christian straightened, nodding. “Send him in.”A moment later, Detective Fisher strode into the office. He was a middle-aged man with graying temples, sharp eyes that missed nothing, and an air
Chapter 113 "Make sure you have all these files assessed by the necessary departments and submitted to me by noon tomorrow," Christian said in a commanding tone."Yes, sir," Pitcher replied."As for what I told you about, continue directing them and see what they have to do about it. Also, reschedule my appointment with Mr. Manchester—I have to go pick up Eunice from sch—"Christian was interrupted by the buzzing phone on his desk. He quickly picked up the call as soon as he saw the caller ID.Olivia’s voice had been tight with urgency when she told him to come home. The undercurrent of alarm in her tone was enough to send his pulse spiking.By the time he strode into the Mason mansion, Olivia and Ruth were waiting for him in the living room, their faces pale.He was surprised to see Ruth with Olivia. Hadn't they just had a huge argument days before? Before he could ask anything, he noticed the thick, black journal sitting on the coffee table between them."What’s going on?" Christia