Chapter 71Christian leaned forward, his sharp gaze sweeping over the faces of those assembled in the conference room. The soft hum of the city outside barely penetrated the tension-filled space.“We need to counter Carey’s narrative,” he began, his voice firm yet measured. “If he’s using optics to paint himself as the solution, we’ll present facts that reaffirm our stability and strength. Perception is half the battle, and we have the upper hand with real performance data. Let’s make sure everyone knows about it."Mrs. Badenoch nodded, flipping to the next slide of her presentation. “We’re already preparing a media campaign that highlights Mason Enterprises’ milestones from this quarter—record profits in energy, new patents in tech, and strategic expansions in real estate. We had a meeting with the PR team and they are ready to roll out a series of interviews and articles to solidify our standing.”“Good,” Christian said, his mind racing. “But it can’t just be media buzz. What about
Chapter 72Christian’s fingers tightened around his phone as he re-read the message. A surge of confusion and unease twisted in his chest. Eunice M. and Rosemary B.? Why would Carey use their names to purchase property?Olivia, noticing the shift in his expression, tilted her head in concern. “Is everything okay?” she asked gently, drying her hands on a towel.Christian’s gaze softened when he looked at her, but tension remained. “I’m not sure,” he admitted, his voice low. “Something’s come up that I need to figure out.”Her brows knitted, but she didn’t press further. “If you need to make a call, go ahead. I’ll keep Eunice occupied.”He nodded, appreciating her understanding. “Thank you.”Christian stepped into his study and dialled Secretary Pitcher, who answered on the first ring.“I need more details about those properties,” Christian said without a preamble. “Where are they located?" When were they purchased?”“They’re all in the same upscale building in Midtown,” Pitcher replied
Chapter 73The warmth of spring filled the air, and the sound of birdsong drifted through the open window of Christian’s study. The past month had been surprisingly calm, a reprieve from the chaos Carey had inflicted on Mason Enterprises and Christian’s personal life.Christian leaned back in his chair, his gaze resting on the family portrait Eunice had drawn weeks ago. Her colourful depiction of their little family was now framed on his desk. It served as a reminder of what truly mattered, Eunice’s happiness and their stability.Outside, the voices of Olivia and Eunice filtered through the air. They were in the garden, laughing as Eunice practiced riding her bike. Christian had caught glimpses of Olivia’s patience and joy as she guided his niece, and it never failed to make him smile. He couldn’t help but think about how different his life had become since Olivia entered it.Just as he began reviewing a proposal on his tablet, his phone buzzed. It was Secretary Pitcher.“Sir,” Pitche
Chapter 74The hospital room fell silent, Ruth’s words hanging in the air like a heavy cloud. Olivia blinked, trying to process what she’d just heard.Before she could respond, Eunice approached the bed, holding out a drawing she’d been working on.“Look Ruth!” Eunice said brightly. “I made this for you.”The picture showed a garden full of colourful flowers, with a smiling figure in the centre labeled “Ruth.”Ruth’s eyes softened as she took the drawing. “Thank you, Eunice. This is beautiful. I’ll hang it up as soon as I get home.”Eunice beamed and skipped back to her colouring book, leaving Olivia and Ruth to share a quiet moment.“Ruth,” she said softly, taking her friend’s hand again. “What makes you think that? Josh adores you. He’s practically glued to your side most of the time.”Ruth let out a shaky breath, her eyes darting to Eunice, who was still engrossed in her colouring. She leaned in closer. “He’s been distant lately. Canceling plans, working late, and... there are cert
Chapter 75Olivia’s mouth gaped, refusing to close. “I can’t believe this. I would say we should give him the benefit of the doubt, but you know men."Ruth smiled mockingly. “I really thought I was being delusional. Or it was a brand name. I flipped through all the possibilities, and cheating is the conclusion I could come to.”“Have you asked him anything about it? Maybe subtly or...?” Olivia asked.Ruth nodded. “This morning before he left, I asked him if he had anything to tell me. He said no, kissed me and walked out like nothing had happened.Olivia huffed a bit. “Let’s calm down for a while. Forget about him for now. Focus on your surgery.Ruth nodded with a weak smile. “I also don’t plan on asking him anything about it for now. I’ll just watch from the sidelines."Ruth ran her fingers through her hair, sighing deeply. “Maybe I’m overthinking everything. Josh isn’t the type to cheat, but then again, people change. Besides, we’ve not known each other for a long time.”Olivia lean
Chapter 76Josh stood in the doorway, looking slightly out of breath but composed. He held a small bouquet of white lilies in one hand and a bag of snacks in the other. His eyes met Ruth’s, and for a brief moment, there was something unreadable in his gaze—guilt, perhaps, or maybe just the weight of her earlier question lingering between them.“I came straight from work,” he explained, setting the flowers and bag on the small table beside Ruth’s hospital bed. “Figured you might want something to munch on before surgery.”Ruth looked at him unbelievably. “You really dislike me, don’t you?”“What’s wrong? Can you not say that? Did I do anything?” Josh crouched beside her and asked sincerely.“She cannot eat anything within the 12 hour period prior to her surgery. Have you forgotten?” Olivia said from behind to remind him. “And you’re bringing snacks minutes before surgery. Great job!"Josh looked at Ruth again. “I’m so sorry. I’ve been forgetting things a little too much lately”.Ruth h
Chapter 77Olivia turned around to see Josh looking at her. He seemed quite flustered. “Josh?” she called out to him."Hey Olivia. I thought to look around for you”, Josh said, scratching his neck awkwardly. “And thank you for staying with Ruth”.Olivia smiled. “Ruth will always do the same for me. Besides, we’ve known each other since forever, so we value each other more than our men".Josh cleared his throat. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he couldn’t find the words. “Is it about you and Ruth?” Olivia asked first. Josh nodded a bit in affirmation.“I am trying my best to reassure her that you won't hurt her. But Ruth is still hurt, she thinks you’re tired of her and the relationship”, Olivia said with a sigh. “No matter what you’re going through, she’s your girlfriend, you should be able to confide in her”.“I know," Josh began. “But Carey is the biggest concern right now. I also don’t want anything to trouble her. But it didn’t occur to me that I might be hurting he
Chapter 78Ruth’s question hung in the air, a sudden shift in the calm atmosphere of the hospital room. Josh’s hand faltered slightly in hers, his fingers tightening reflexively before he gave her an unsteady smile.“Annette Fournier?” he repeated, as though the name itself had only just registered. "I don’t know who she is. Why would you ask about her?”Olivia, who had been standing by the window, suddenly turned around. Ruth told her about this name just the day before. She heard the tension in Josh’s voice and she frowned. Ruth’s gaze was steady, unwavering, and Olivia knew there was no backing down from this question. Ruth, with her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude, wouldn’t let it go.“Don’t give me that,” Ruth said with a wry smile. “You know who she is, you’ve been avoiding me for days, and I’ve been putting up with it. But I need an answer, Josh. Who. Is. Annette?”Josh opened his mouth to speak but hesitated, his thoughts running faster than he could process them. How did R
Chapter 90The mansion felt emptier than ever, even with everyone inside. Olivia sat in the dimly lit living room, staring at the untouched cup of tea Ruth had placed before her hours ago. Christian hadn’t spoken to her since they returned from the failed rescue attempt at the warehouse. Not a single word, not even a glance in her direction. His silence was louder than any accusation could have been.From across the room, Ruth watched Olivia carefully. Her brows knit with concern. Josh entered, his laptop tucked under his arm. “Any updates?” Ruth asked softly.Josh shook his head, his expression grim. “No leads." The trail went cold after the warehouse. "I've got a few people digging into Elise’s connections, but...” He hesitated, glancing toward Christian, who stood by the window, his back to everyone.Olivia couldn’t take it anymore. She pushed herself up from the couch and crossed the room to meet him. “Christian,” she began, her voice small but steady. “We need to talk.”He didn’t
Chapter 89Olivia and Ruth were pacing around in the in the stifling atmosphere. Olivia sat on the edge of the couch, her hands twisting the scarf that had now become a cruel reminder of Eunice’s abduction. Ruth hovered nearby, her calming presence a balm Olivia desperately clung to. Meanwhile, Christian and Josh were locked in a flurry of activity, coordinating with law enforcement and private investigators. Every phone call, every lead, seemed to come up short.Olivia’s chest felt like it was being crushed under the weight of helplessness. Eunice is out there somewhere. Alone. Frightened. The thought nearly undid her. She forced herself to focus on Christian’s promise. He would move mountains to bring Eunice home. He had to.“We’ve got a lead,” Josh announced, though his tone lacked the confidence she had hoped for. “The car was spotted in an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. A team is already on the way.”Olivia bolted to her feet. “I’m coming with you.”Christian’s
Chapter 88There was a long, tense pause before Christian responded, his voice cold and clipped. “I’m on my way. Stay there and don’t let anyone leave until I get there.” Olivia ended the call, her mind racing. Who had taken Eunice, and how had they known enough to impersonate Christian? As fear churned in her chest, she forced herself to stay calm, knowing she needed to keep her head clear.Olivia quickly dialled Josh’s number, her hands trembling. He picked up almost immediately. “Olivia? What’s wrong?” Josh’s normally laid-back tone was laced with alarm. “Eunice... she’s gone,” Olivia said, barely able to keep her voice steady. “The teacher said someone who looked like me picked her up. Christian’s on his way, but I need you and Ruth to check if she somehow made it home.”“What?!” Josh barked, his disbelief evident. In the background, Olivia heard Ruth asking what was happening. “We’re on it,” Josh said firmly. “Stay calm. We’ll call you back as soon as we check the house.” Olivia
Chapter 87The sun rose over the Mason mansion, bathing its grand façade in golden light. Christian stood in the kitchen, dressed in a sharp navy suit, scanning through his emails on his phone while sipping his morning coffee. The distant sound of Eunice’s giggles echoed upstairs, followed by Olivia’s cheerful voice coaxing her to finish her breakfast.The excitement of the day was palpable. It was Parents’ Sports Day at Eunice’s school, and the young girl could barely contain her enthusiasm.“Uncle Christian! Olivia!” Eunice’s voice rang out as she bounded into the kitchen. She wore a bright yellow T-shirt with the school logo and black athletic shorts, her hair tied back in a ponytail that swayed as she moved.Christian smiled, setting down his coffee. “Ready for your big day, champ?”“More than ready!” Eunice grinned, clutching a water bottle and a small towel. “Are you coming with us?”Christian crouched to her level and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. “I’ll drive yo
Chapter 86It was September already. Two months since Carey’s arrest and the end of their misery. The air was cool and filled with the faint scent of fall, signalling the start of a new chapter. Sunlight poured through the grand windows of the Mason mansion, casting a golden glow across the marble floors as the household stirred awake.Eunice’s excitement was infectious. She bounced down the stairs dressed in a neatly pressed uniform, her hair tied into two perfect braids adorned with small blue ribbons that matched her school colours. Her backpack was almost as big as she was, but the confident grin on her face made it seem like nothing could weigh her down.“Olivia! Uncle Christian! Are you ready yet?” Eunice called out, her voice echoing through the halls.“Someone’s excited,” Christian said, emerging from the kitchen with a cup of coffee in hand, dressed impeccably in his tailored suit. He ruffled Eunice’s hair playfully, earning a giggle.Olivia appeared moments later, balancing
Chapter 85The Mason mansion is suddenly alive with an air of celebration and gratitude, a stark contrast to the tensions that filled its halls for months until the day before. The soft glow of chandeliers reflected off the polished floors as Christian stood in the centre of the living room, his expression relaxed for the first time in what felt like forever.Olivia entered the room carrying a tray of champagne glasses and juice boxes. Her simple dress highlighted her elegance. Eunice trailed behind her, holding a plate of cookies, her face beaming with excitement.“Is everyone here yet?” Olivia asked as she set the tray down on the table.“Almost,” Christian replied, his gaze softening as it landed on her. “Josh just called. He and Ruth are on their way.”“Good,” Olivia said with a smile, glancing down at Eunice. “Go wash your hands before they get here, sweetheart.”Eunice nodded and hurried off, her footsteps echoing faintly in the distance.Minutes later, the doorbell rang, and Ch
Chapter 84Olivia perked up on the bed. “What good news? Is it about the recent happenings?" she asked eagerly.“Yes and no”, Christian said vaguely.“What do you mean by yes and no? Just choose one. Yes or no," she said, glaring at him.Christian sighed. “Josh didn’t say everything. He says he doesn’t want to jinx it, but when he confirms, he will tell me about it in the morning. We just need to wait."Olivia nodded in response, while Christina got on the bed and turned off the lights.The next morning, the first rays of sunlight spilled through the curtains of the master bedroom. Christian stirred, his arm resting protectively over Olivia as he blinked himself awake.Olivia lay beside him, still fast asleep, her features peaceful despite the storm they had faced. He watched her for a moment, marvelling at her resilience, before carefully slipping out of bed. He couldn’t afford to waste time—not with the opportunity they now had to strike back.Downstairs, Christian poured himself a
Chapter 83Time quickly rolled by, and it was already evening. The sun had already set on the other side of the city. Inside the Mason mansion, Olivia had just finished making some spaghetti. She stood by the kitchen window, watching Eunice play with her dolls in the dining room. Her earlier resolve to tell Christian about the phone call lingered in her mind, but the worry had begun to twist in her chest like a persistent ache.The sound of the front door opening broke her thoughts. Christian’s familiar stride echoed through the hall. He appeared in the kitchen doorway moments later, his tie loosened and a tired yet relieved look on his face.“Hey,” he greeted, his voice softening as his gaze landed on her. “Hey,” Olivia replied, brushing a stray curl off her face.Christian’s eyes shifted toward the patio. “She looks happy,” he said, nodding toward Eunice, whose laughter floated through the air.Olivia smiled faintly. “She had a good day. Her scrapbook is coming along. Glitter everyw
Chapter 82The dawn of a new week painted the Massachusetts skyline in hues of gold and rose. Inside the Mason estate, a tranquil scene unfolded. Olivia, with a gentle hum, prepared Eunice’s breakfast. The little girl, her usual sparkle dimmed by the post-graduation blues, was greeted with a plate of whimsical star-shaped pancakes. The sweet aroma of maple syrup filled the air, a comforting reminder of simpler times.Eunice’s eyes lit up, her frown melting away. She took a bite of the fluffy pancake, a smile spreading across her face. Olivia watched her daughter with a fond smile, relieved to see the return of her cheerful spirit. As they sat together, the warmth of the morning sun and the joy of a shared meal filled the room. It was a simple start to a new week, but it was a start filled with love and hope. Of course, threats from Carey and other unknown sources lurk behind the shadows somewhere.Christian entered the kitchen, already dressed in a sharp charcoal suit. He stopped to p