“Why have you done this to yourself, son?” Maggie’s voice was soft, filled with concern as she looked at Jeremy. Her eyes, though kind, held a deep sadness. It pained her to see her son like this. So weighed down, so lost.Jeremy, seated across from her, barely looked at her. His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of the chair, betraying his unease. “Because it’s the right thing to do,” he said finally, his voice hollow, but not convincing.Maggie exhaled sharply, studying him. He looked exhausted. His usual sharp, confident demeanor had become dull, replaced by something she struggled to define. “But you’ve become so unhappy. You’re clearly unhappy,” she pointed out gently.Jeremy looked at her and looked away.“You can still perform your duty as a father without being with Sarah. Don't do this, son. You'll regret it forever,” Maggie said.Jeremy tilted his head. “But parents sacrifice their own happiness for their children, don't they? You wouldn't understand that thoug
Conrad entered the basement in Big Margaret's house, his footsteps echoing as he walked towards the safe. The safe was there, staring at him, silent and unyielding, like a guardian of untold secrets. Certainly, it was something of great value.He licked his lips, staring at the steel box embedded in the wall, its numerical keypad waiting, daring him to unlock it.This was his chance. His golden ticket.Conrad had given years of his life to Big Margaret. What did he have to show for it? Peanuts. Scraps. He had been her errand boy, her enforcer, her puppet in the shadows. He had done things for her that would haunt him for the rest of his life. He had even satisfied her sexually, a degrading act of submission that had left him hollow inside.And for what? Nothing.Sarah had left him, spitting in his face about how he was a useless man who could never give her the life he had promised. And now, she was with Jeremy, even though she was carrying his child. He knew it was his child even tho
Sarah was sipping from a glass of wine as she admired her reflection in the mirror.Her life had taken a drastic turn suddenly. Leaving Conrad had been the best decision she had ever made. He was a failure, a man too weak to give her what she wanted.She was glad that she schemed her way back into Jeremy's life.Just as she was about to take another sip of wine, her phone rang. The unfamiliar number flashing on the screen made her hesitate. Normally, she ignored calls from numbers she didn’t recognize, but something told her to answer this one.She picked up but didn’t say a word. Instead, she waited, listening to the silence on the other end.Then, a thick, hoarse voice broke through.“Hello, Sarah.”“Conrad,” she muttered, her voice dripping with irritation. “Why the hell are you calling me?”“We need to talk,” Conrad said, sounding miserable.Sarah scoffed. “There's nothing to talk about. Please, stop calling me,” Sarah said and hung up abruptly, tossing the phone onto the nightst
The very next day, after Jeremy and Sarah had met Leah and Noah at the mall, was Big Margaret's court hearing date.Jeremy didn't go. He couldn't stand seeing Leah with Noah like that, as a couple. He knew now that he was making a mistake by considering marrying Sarah because she was pregnant.He was miserable with her. His heart, body and soul belonged to Leah. He thought about her all the time. He yearned for her. He longed for her warm touch and her sweet kiss. Oh, he missed her.But she had moved on, and too quickly. It hurt him like hell. He was so pissed. But he wasn't supposed to be. Leah wasn't his anymore.Sarah came to the living room to see Jeremy watching the news. She picked the remote and changed the channel. Then she sat beside him. “We should go to the hospital and do a scan. You know, see how the baby is doing. Hear the baby's heartbeat,” she said.Jeremy didn't respond. His mind was far away.“Jerry?” She called out.“Um, yes. You were saying,” Jeremy snapped out o
“Ahan. Perfect family reunion,” Big Margaret said, clapping her hands. “Except the kids aren't here. I should have them brought here.”Leah stood up and walked up to her. “Stay the hell away from my siblings!”“What do you even want here?” She asked, looking at Big Margaret straight in the eyes, overdosed on confidence.Noah, who had remained stiff and silent, finally spoke. “Don't worry, Leah. I'm sure Anthony and his team will be here shortly to capture her again.” He was standing rigidly.But Big Margaret only laughed. A slow, taunting laugh that sent a shiver down Leah’s spine.“You must think I am foolish, don't you” Big Margaret said, laughing. “Let them come.”“I really do not get why you keep coming back here. You've taken everything from us, yet you won't let us have peace. Can you leave us the hell alone?” Leah vented, sounding frustrated.Big Margaret sighed dramatically, feigning disappointment. “Oh, Leah. I hate coming here too.” She tilted her head and let her gaze drif
“So, this is Jeremy Harper,” Ambrose asked, over dinner.“Yes, grandpa,” Leah said.Jeremy smiled knowingly him. “I came with Leah to see you at the nursing home just recently.”“What do you think? That I don't remember? I know it was you,” Ambrose said, chuckling.“It was all an act,” Leah said, joining her grandpa in the laughter.Mama shook her head. “You've always been mischievous, father in-law,” she said, smiling.Turning to Jeremy, she said, “thank you, Jeremy. I couldn't think of anyone else to call after I received the warning from my father in-law.”“It was nothing, ma'am,” Jeremy said modestly.“Thank you so much, Mr Harper,” Keira said sharply.Jeremy smiled. “ Please, call me Jeremy. I'm glad you're okay,” he said, modest.Even though the atmosphere seemed cheerful, Leah could sense the tension within.She noticed Noah has been awkwardly quiet.“Grandpa, you do remember Noah, don't you?” Leah asked.“Of course. Your little husband,” Ambrose said, laughing heartily. “Are y
“Why do I still feel so tired?” Leah said as she yawned, walking to the kitchen to drink some water.Her eyes caught her grandpa Ambrose still lying on the couch.“He slept here?” She said, shaking her head. He was still lying in the exact same position she had left him. But something was wrong. His chest wasn’t rising. His body looked too still.“Grandpa?” she called softly, stepping closer.There was no response. Then she tapped him. “Grandpa.”She shook him gently. “Grandpa,” she called again, softly. Her voice cracked, panic settling in.Still nothing.Her hands trembled as she reached out to touch his face. Cold.“No…” she whispered, shaking her head. “No, no, no. Grandpa, wake up. Please!”Tears blurred her vision as she pressed her ear against his chest, desperate to hear a heartbeat. But there was none.A sob escaped her lips.She shook him harder this time. “Grandpa! Wake up!”Still, nothing.The realization hit her like a speeding truck.He was gone.A wail tore from her t
“Hey,” Jeremy said, his voice calm yet steady.“Hey,” Leah replied.“Maggie told me what happened. I'm so sorry,” Jeremy said sympathetically.“Thank you,” Leah said.“Can we see, please?” “Why?” Leah asked.“Just…please…I'm outside your house,” Jeremy said.“Outside? Right now? Jeremy, I can't…..”He cut her short. “I'll be waiting. Please, Leah.”Leah sighed. “Okay. Just a minute.”After hanging up, she stood in front of her mirror, observing her reflection. Her face looked tired, drained from the weight of everything she had been dealing with. She ran a hand through her hair, then decided to tie it up. She adjusted her dress, and took one final glance at herself before heading for the door.When she came out, she didn't see Jeremy. His car wasn't parked outside too.Her brows furrowed. He said he was outside, so where was he?And she left her phone inside. Or was he still on his way, but just wanted to get her to agree to come out?She decided to go inside and call him.But sudden
The trap had been set perfectly.As it had been predicted, Clara made her move. And she didn’t waste time.While Jeremy and Leah were at the penthouse, still trying to find out where Maggie, Mama, Ivan and Keira were, the clock started ticking toward a confrontation that would define the future of everything they had fought for.Inside the boardroom of HARPER CORPORATION, Clara was already executing the plan.Foster, Jeremy’s trusted man stationed inside the surveillance control room, caught sight of it happening through the cameras. His heart skipped a beat when he saw Clara standing confidently at the head of the polished, obsidian conference table, facing the assembled board members.Without hesitating, Foster grabbed his phone and started texting furiously.—Foster: Sir, she’s here. It’s happening. Boardroom. Emergency.—Foster: She’s gathered everyone. She's making a move.—Foster: Live feed showing now. Urgent.Jeremy's phone buzzed in his pocket. He had strictly instructed Fost
The low hum of the airplane filled the silence between Jeremy and Leah. The private jet flew through the night, taking Jeremy to a challenging situation he wasn't sure he could handle. He stared out the small oval window, watching the dark clouds swirl and the endless black stretch before him. His mind was filled with worrisome questions, none with answers he liked.His father.Alive.The man Jeremy had mourned, idolized, defended even when others accused. The same man who had once filled his childhood with warmth and strength… yet had also, in hidden shadows, betrayed his mother with Big Margaret — the woman who had caused more havoc than Jeremy could have ever imagined.If he had been alive all these years, why hadn't he reached out? Why had he allowed Jeremy and Maggie to suffer, to believe he was dead, to build their lives on lies and pain? Why had he joined forces with Margaret, forming something as monstrous as Ares Protocol?Jeremy closed his eyes briefly, exhaling slowly throu
The phone slipped from Jeremy’s fingers. He barely caught it before it hit the floor. His heart pounded violently against his ribcage, a deafening rhythm in the stillness of the office. He looked at Leah, his face expressed disbelief—shock. Perhaps he was hoping that she might confirm that this wasn’t real, that it was some cruel illusion crafted by his stressed mind."I... I don't understand you," Jeremy said finally, his voice rough and uneven, still battling the reality Maggie had just thrust upon him.Maggie's voice trembled through the speaker. "It's true, Jeremy. He's here… at the penthouse in Japan."Jeremy's lips parted, but no words came out. His hands tightened into fists at his sides. His wide, unblinking eyes stared through Leah, through the walls, through everything.His head was filled with thoughts.How?And if true, why?Why had the man stayed away all these years?Was he here now out of love and loyalty or was he plotting something sinister with those who had been tr
Jeremy frowned as he dialed Maggie’s number for the third time. Again, the call didn’t go through. The automated voice repeated, "The number you're trying to call is currently switched off. Please try again later."He pulled the phone away from his ear, staring at the screen like it would change the outcome."Her phone is still off," he said, puzzled.Leah turned to him from across the desk, arching a curious brow. “Maggie’s phone is off?”“Yeah. It's weird. Her phone is never off,” Jeremy muttered, eyes narrowing. “Something feels off. She always picks.”“Try again?” Leah suggested, though her voice lacked urgency. Her gaze had shifted. Like she was less focused on the problem at hand and more on him.Jeremy was about to dial again, but when he glanced up, Leah was staring at him… differently.Her head tilted ever so slightly, her lips parted just enough to reveal a hint of a sultry smile, and her eyes darkened with unmistakable mischief. Slowly, she rose from her chair and walked ar
Leah could perceive the sweet aroma of freshly baked croissants and sizzling eggs as she stepped into The Maple Grove, a quaint yet upscale eatery nestled between two tall buildings on Eastbourne Street. The morning rush hadn’t quite begun, so the place felt warm, inviting, and quiet—just as she remembered. It was the kind of place that offered comfort in chaos, and today, she needed that comfort.The hostess greeted her with a soft smile and recognition in her eyes. “Ms. Leah! It’s been a while.”Leah smiled back, her voice a little strained from the weight of everything she’d been carrying. “Yeah, it has. Just stopping by for breakfast.”“Jeremy not with you today?” the hostess asked, leading her to their usual corner table by the window.Leah shook her head. “No, he’s at the office. I’ll be taking some breakfast to him, too.”The woman nodded knowingly, placing the menu before Leah. “The usual?”Leah nodded. “Yes, please. Two of everything.”As she waited, she looked out the window
The morning sun shone brightly, lighting up the Fisher estate. The living room was quiet—a calm before a storm everyone could sense but couldn’t see. Leah sat at the edge of the sofa, her hands folded across her lap, trying to hide her nervousness.Jeremy stood by the window, staring out with a pensive look, his jaw tight. His phone buzzed on the table, and he glanced at it before ignoring the call. His mind was elsewhere, calculating, preparing.He turned and looked at Leah, concern evident in his eyes.“Sure you’re strong enough to go with them to the airport?” he asked gently, stepping toward her.Leah looked up at him, offering a small but determined smile. “Yeah, I am. Don’t worry.”She knew her body wasn’t in top shape as she was still recovering, but her spirit, her will, wouldn’t let her stay back. Not when the people she loved were being sent into hiding, even temporarily. She had to be there. She needed to see it for herself—that they were safe, that they got on the plane, t
Outside of town, in a secretive, quiet place, a lady was standing; waiting, her arms folded across her chest, her breath coming out in even mists as the evening chilled. The only sounds were the distant calls of birds settling in for the night and the subtle crunch of gravel beneath approaching footsteps.Clara appeared moments later, dressed in dark jeans and a loose sweater, her blonde hair tucked beneath a cap. She moved quickly, glancing over her shoulder every few seconds. Her heart was beating fast, but not from fear—at least not entirely. There was something else pulsing through her veins: adrenaline, purpose, the knowledge of what they were about to set in motion.The lady had a striking resemblance with Clara. Their face, height, complexion, everything. They were mirror images. The only difference was that she had sharper edges and a colder aura."Update," the woman said, her tone brisk, as though she wasn’t interested in pleasantries. Even her voice echoed Clara’s, but wit
Morning light came through the curtains, casting soft lines on the walls. Leah woke up, still feeling the effects of the previous night. She lay in bed for a few seconds, enjoying the warmth and Jeremy's gentle breathing—the faint scent of him lingering in the pillows.Slowly, she got up from the bed, careful not to wake him. She yawned as she sat upright, her bare skin kissed by the gentle chill of the room. It was then she realized she was completely naked, her breasts still standing and pointed; sensitively alive, a sweet reminder of how passionately they’d expressed their love just hours ago.Last night had been more than sex. It had been soul meeting soul, a temporary sanctuary from the chaos that constantly clawed at their lives. With Margaret’s evil still echoing through the walls, with betrayal and secrets swirling in every corner of Empire Hub, and possibly Fisher Enterprise, they'd found comfort in the only place that still felt safe: each other.Leah slipped into her silky
Leah had gone with Jeremy to see Ivan. “Please wait for me. Let me go in alone,” she said to Jeremy.“Okay,” Jeremy said without any argument.He trusted Leah so much, more than himself even. She was extremely smart and her gut feelings were usually right.Leah walked in and the warder went to bring Ivan out.Ivan couldn't look at Leah. He bent his head, avoiding her gaze.“Look at me,” Leah said, her tone firm.Ivan didn't look up.“Ivan, look at me, I said!” She sounded authoritative this time.“I can't. I'm too ashamed,” Ivan admitted, crying softly.“You were brainwashed. Big Margaret was very manipulative. I don't blame you, Ivan,” she paused and stretched her hands to his. “I'm getting you out of here, I promise.”Ivan finally raised his head up and looked at her, surprised at her words. She would help him after everything?Leah nodded as if she could hear his thoughts.— — —Jeremy was still being troubled about Clara or Claudia or whoever she was. She was an infiltrator and s