The Landry ResidenceThe night lights cast long shadows across the opulent living room as the Landry family returned home after the tense dinner meeting with Grandma Margaret.Claire slammed the door shut, her face twisted in anger. "That your mother, she has lost her mind. Handing everything to Lucas?"Landry's eyes blazed with resentment as he poured himself a whiskey. "She's always favored him, Claire. But this is a betrayal, I’m clearly the one who inherits the company yet she handed the business over to her grandson?"Claire paced across the opulent living room, her heels clicking on the marble floor. Landry sat on the couch, his expression nothing close to calm, his eyes burning with resentment."How could she do this to us?" Claire demanded, her voice laced with frustration. "Handing the entire empire to Lucas, without even considering our family's interests?"Landry's gaze never wavered. "It's not just about us, Claire. It's about the company's future. She believes Lucas is th
The faint morning light seeped into the mansion, casting a cool glow through the large windows. Emily sat at the breakfast table, her eyes fixed on her phone as she scrolled through messages. She hadn’t heard back from Lucas since last night, and his absence felt like an ache she couldn’t quite ignore. Though she understood his dedication to his work, she longed for a moment to talk to him, to share her thoughts and plans.A soft knock pulled her from her thoughts, and Janet entered, setting down a freshly brewed pot of coffee. “Good morning, Mrs. Cole,” Janet greeted with a gentle smile.Emily returned the smile, grateful for the familiar comfort of Janet’s presence. “Good morning, Janet Ma.”“Did Mr. Lucas return late last night?” Janet asked, a touch of concern in her voice.Emily shook her head. “I don’t think he came home at all. He must have stayed at the office.”Janet’s brow furrowed. “He’s been putting in such long hours lately. This transition has been tough on him, especial
Emily's thoughts swirled as she lay in bed, Lucas's words echoing in her mind. College? Could she really do it? The excitement of possibility warred with doubts and fears.The next morning, Emily found Lucas in the study, sipping coffee and scanning documents. "Hey," he said, looking up."Hey," Emily replied, sitting beside him. "I've been thinking... about college."Lucas lifted his face. "And?""I want to do it," Emily said, her voice firm. "But I’m not sure, I’m scared. I don't want to fail."Lucas set his coffee down. "You won't fail, Emily. You're talented and smart. I'll support you every step of the way, I promise."Emily's heart swelled. "Thank you, Lucas. That means a whole lot."“Is there any specific one in mind?” Lucas asked her.“No, not exactly. I’ll just make some research.” Emily responded, thoughtful.Lucas nodded, his eyes gentle. “I’ll be here if you need anything.”Emily returned to her room, researching prestigious fashion design schools, exploring her options and
Emily couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this nervous. Standing in the middle of campus, surrounded by students hurrying between buildings, she clutched her new books against her chest, inhaling deeply. The familiar scent of paper and ink filled the air, mingling with the crisp autumn breeze. She’d dreamed about this moment for so long, but now that she was finally here, it felt surreal.Her phone buzzed in her bag, and she fished it out to find a message from Lucas:“How’s it going, college girl?” She smiled, feeling her nerves ease a bit as she typed a reply. “Overwhelming, but good. Thanks to you, Mr. Cole.”“I’m proud of you, and I’ll see you later. You’ve got this.” He messaged back.Slipping her phone back into her bag, Emily took a steadying breath. She knew she still had a lot to learn, not just academically but about how to fit into this new world. But she reminded herself she had fought for this opportunity, and now it was hers.Back at Colecrest, Lucas prepared h
At Vincent’s media company Vincent sat in his office his eyes scanning documents, he was rarely at the office and had a lot to approve, especially after signing a new business deal.Ryan, Joel’s trusted assistant and the company’s finance officer knocked on the office door, his expression grim."Sir, there’s something you must know about"Joel looked up from his computer, his eyes searching Ryan’s worried face."What's wrong, Ryan?"Ryan hesitated. "I've noticed some unexplained financial activities. Transactions that don't add up, payments to unknown vendors... I think we might be having a serious problem."Joel's expression turned serious. “How’s that possible? And why am I only hearing about this now?” He bellowed, his tone laced with undeniable anger."Get the board together. We’re having a meeting. Now!”The conference room filled with worried faces. Joel Vincent, stood at the head of the table, pacing to and fro every now and then."Gentlemen, ladies, It has been brought to my
Emily couldn’t sleep after hearing the news. Her mother was awake. It was a miracle she had barely dared to hope for, and now, it was her reality. Every few minutes, she found herself looking at her phone, as if the call had been a dream. She would wait for that video call, but she already felt lighter, as if a weight she’d carried for years was finally lifting.Lucas noticed her restless energy as he came home that night. He set down his briefcase, watching her pace by the window, her eyes distant.“Emily?” he called softly, and she turned to him, her face alight with emotion.“Lucas… my mom’s awake,” she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.A smile spread across his face as he walked over, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Emily, that’s incredible news. She’s really okay?”“She’s recovering. Dr. Maxwell said she’s still weak, but… she’s awake.” Tears brimmed in her eyes, and Lucas gently brushed them away.“Then we’ll go see her as soon as she’s ready. I’ll arrange everything,”
Joel's eyes lingered on the door, his mind swirling with doubts. Could she be right? Was someone close to him betraying him? He shook his head, refocusing on the task at hand.The next morning, Lucas received an update on Vincent Media's financial status. The embezzlement allegations had sparked a frenzy among investors, and Joel's company was on the brink of collapse."Sir, it's getting ugly," his assistant, Leo reported. "Vincent Media's stock has plummeted, and there are rumors of a takeover."Lucas's expression turned thoughtful. This could be the opportunity he had been waiting for. He had watched how Emily was treated in that family and had vowed to return the favor, without Emily’s knowledge of course."Prepare a team to review Vincent Media's financials," Lucas instructed. "I want to know exactly what's going on and who is responsible.”Meanwhile, Emily's mother was making steady progress in her recovery. That evening, Emily finally got the call she had been waiting for. Emil
The campus of Lumina Arts and Fashion was a hive of creativity, filled with students rushing around with fabric swatches, sketchbooks, and mannequins. Emily adjusted her bag strap as she stepped into the main building, marveling at the energy in the air. It was worlds apart from the chaos of her past life. Here, she felt a spark of hope, an opportunity to redefine herself. She entered her fashion illustration class, choosing a seat near the back. A girl with dark curls and warm brown eyes slid into the seat beside her, offering a friendly smile. “Hi, I’m Kathrine,” she said, extending her hand. Emily smiled back and shook it. “Hi, I’m Emily. Nice to meet you.” The two quickly fell into an easy rhythm. Katherine's bubbly nature helped ease Emily’s nerves, and by the end of class, they were chatting about their shared interest in sustainable fashion. During a break, Katherine leaned closer, her voice dropping. “So, Emily, you’re new here, right? What’s your story?” Emily he
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Lucas's mansion, casting a warm glow over the opulent decor. Emily stirred in her bed, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness as she prepared for her first day back at fashion school. She had agreed to have bodyguards accompany her to and from school, a precaution that Lucas had insisted on after the recent threats from Lara.Meanwhile, Lucas was already up and getting ready for work. He had insisted on driving Emily to school himself, despite her protests that she could take a car service or have one of the bodyguards drive her. He wanted to make sure she was safe, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside him even after Lara's arrest.As Emily came downstairs, Lucas was waiting for her in the foyer, looking handsome and imposing in his tailored suit. He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and Emily felt her heart skip a beat."Ready to go?" he asked, gesturing with his h
Lucas sat behind his massive oak desk, his attention fixed on the stack of reports Leo had compiled about Lara’s suspicious activities. Each piece of evidence pointed closer to her involvement, but nothing was solid enough to confront the authorities. It frustrated him to no end. The intercom on his desk buzzed. “Mr. Cole,” his assistant’s voice came through, hesitant. “Mrs. Lara Jones is here to see you.” Lucas’s jaw tightened. “Send her in.” The doors to his office swung open, and in walked Lara, her every step calculated, her red dress clinging to her figure like a second skin. She carried herself with the confidence of someone who believed she still had power over him. “Lucas,” she purred, her voice dripping with faux innocence as she closed the door behind her. “You look as handsome as ever.” He didn’t rise to greet her. Instead, his piercing gaze stayed locked on her, cold and unyielding. “What do you want, Lara?” She moved closer, leaning on the edge of his desk, he
The tension in the air was palpable as Lucas sat at the head of the dining table that evening, his mind preoccupied with Leo's revelation about Lara. He had always known she was manipulative, but if she was involved in Emily's poisoning, she had crossed a line he could never forgive. Emily sat opposite him, her delicate fingers tracing patterns on the edge of her glass. She could sense Lucas’s distraction, his usual warmth replaced by a cold, distant aura. Though she wanted to ask what was bothering him, she hesitated. He had always been guarded about certain aspects of his life, and tonight seemed no different. “Lucas,” she finally said, her voice soft but steady. “Are you okay? You’ve been quiet all evening.” His gaze snapped to hers, softening immediately. “I’m fine, Emily,” he said, though his voice lacked conviction. “Just work.” Emily frowned but didn’t press further. She knew Lucas well enough to understand when he didn’t want to talk. Still, the growing wall between th
At a luxurious mansion in the heart of the city, Lara Smith, a stunning young woman with long, curly brown hair and piercing green eyes, sat on a plush velvet couch, staring intently at a photo in her hand. Her flawless olive skin seemed to glow in the soft light of the room, and her full lips were pursed in a mixture of anger and jealousy. She was dressed in an elegant white gown that accentuated her slender figure, and her delicate fingers were adorned with sparkling diamonds.As she gazed at the photo, her eyes narrowed, and a glint of resentment flashed in their depths. The woman in the photo was Emily, and Lara couldn't help but feel inferior to her breathtaking beauty. Emily's skin was radiant with a subtle sheen that seemed almost otherworldly. Her face was a perfect oval, with high cheekbones and a small, pointed button nose. Her eyes were a deep, shining black, fringed with thick lashes that seemed to sparkle with innocence.Lara's gaze lingered on Emily's face, and she fe
As the days passed, Emily settled into a comfortable routine at the mansion, somewhere she now comfortably called home. She spent her mornings resting and reading, while Lucas worked from home or attended to his business obligations. Janet Ma continued to spoil her with delicious meals, saying she was too thin and needed to eat more to look stronger.Grandma Margaret on the other hand visited regularly, sharing stories and laughter. Their relationship was growing stronger each day and Emily found herself getting attached to Lucas’s grandmother’s company that she worried what would happen if she and Lucas were no longer together.Despite the warmth and comfort of her surroundings, Emily couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty about her future. She knew that her contract with Lucas was temporary, it was already coming to an end and the thought of leaving him and his family was becoming increasingly difficult to bear.She would watch Lucas smile at her each day, his gaze soft, his
The days after Emily’s release from the ICU passed in a delicate balance of healing and avoidance. Lucas rarely left her side, taking his laptop and work calls in her hospital room while she rested. He ensured her meals were delivered on time, adjusted her pillows when she seemed uncomfortable, and held her hand whenever her gaze seemed distant. But between the shared silences and fleeting smiles, there was a weight neither dared to fully address—the contract, and the looming end of their arrangement. One evening, as the hospital lights dimmed and the quiet hum of machines filled the room, Emily broke the silence. "Lucas," she said softly, her voice tinged with hesitation. He looked up from his laptop, setting it aside immediately. "What is it?" She took a deep breath, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of the blanket. "I’ve been thinking... about what happens after I leave here." Lucas’s jaw tightened imperceptibly, but he kept his expression neutral. "You’ll go home,
CHAPTER 47 The phone call he had received earlier echoed in his thoughts: “Lucas Cole, you’ll never win.”The voice had been distorted, impossible to trace, but the words clung to him like a shadow. He shook his head, forcing himself to focus. This wasn’t the time to let his mind spiral. Emily needed him, and he had a business to run. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, the call lingered. Was it connected to Lara? To Jane? To someone else entirely? He shook his head and exhaled sharply. He couldn’t let this phone call consume him. Emily needed him now, and so did his business. With Jane in custody and Leo hunting Lara down, there was no room for distractions. He slipped his phone into his pocket, forcing his mind back to the present. For the next few hours, Lucas busied himself with work. He made calls to ensure his companies were running smoothly despite his absence. But even while immersed in reports and meetings, his mind kept wandering back to Emily. Finally, the wait was
Lucas's eyes locked onto the apartment complex, his mind racing with determination. He was going to find Jane Thompson, the fake nurse, and get to the bottom of this.He quickly made his way to the complex, his heart pounding with anticipation. As he arrived at the door, he could feel his adrenaline surging.He turned the door knob but obviously it was locked from the inside. He knocked on the door, his voice firm. "Jane Thompson, I know you're in there. Open up."There was no response. Lucas's eyes narrowed. He knew she was in there.Suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps, followed by the slamming of a door. Lucas's heart sank. She was escaping. He kicked the door with his foot sending it sprawling to the ground, hastily making his way into the apartment but as expected, Jane was nowhere to be found.He quickly ran around to the back of the building, but by the time he got there, Jane was far gone.Leo’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from Lucas. "Jane has escaped, I think she
Lucas's eyes never left Emily's pale face as he waited for her to stir again. The hospital room was quiet, the only sound was the steady beeping of the machines monitoring Emily's vitals.As the hours ticked by, Lucas's anxiety grew. He couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out, that Emily's life was slipping away from him.Just as he was starting to lose hope, Emily's eyelids fluttered open. Lucas's heart leapt with joy as he leaned forward, taking her hand in his."Emily?" he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. "Can you hear me?"Emily's gaze was unfocused, but she nodded slightly, her lips parting in a faint smile.Lucas's eyes welled up with tears as he squeezed her hand. "I'm here, Emily," he whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."As Emily's eyes drifted shut again, Lucas felt a sense of relief wash over him. She was going to be okay. She had to be.But as he sat back in his chair, his mind began to wander. Who had done this to Emily? And why?He knew that he ha