Around 5 or 6 in the evening, Madeline came home and ordered the servants to prepare dinner. The family gathered around the dining table for a meal.For the first time in ages, Aurora joined them for dinner. Her weight loss had been going well, stabilizing around 110 pounds. Coupled with exercise, she looked incredibly slim now.Sebastian had been swamped with work lately and often missed dinner at home. At the table were only Madeline, Maxwell, Sophia, and Aurora. Grandpa was probably dining at the old house.During the meal, Aurora casually mentioned, "I went to the suburbs today and thought I saw mom. Was that her?"Madeline's face visibly tensed, and she replied sharply, "You must be mistaken. I was playing cards with some ladies. How could I be in the suburbs? Where did you see me?"Aurora grinned and deliberately said, "In the east suburbs."Madeline's face relaxed, and she said, "I've never been to the east suburbs."Aurora smiled softly, "Then I must've been mistaken."She took
"What am I gonna do? The dinner party starts in just over half an hour, and where the heck is Aurora gonna find a dress?"She sat on the sofa, fretting. She considered raiding Evelyn's closet, but wearing someone else's hand-me-downs? That's just embarrassing.Just as she was torn, Grandpa walked in and called out, "Aurora, sweetheart, come here."Aurora stood up and walked over, asking, "What's up, Grandpa?""What's up with you? You look like you lost your best friend. Haven't visited me in days," he complained."Grandpa, I don't have a dress. I can't go to the Song family's dinner party," Aurora said."Tsk, always unreliable when it matters most," Grandpa retorted."Grandpa, are you here to kick me while I'm down? I'm your granddaughter, you know!" Aurora shot back."Miss Aurora, don't look so glum. Look what I've got here." Mr. Leen came from behind Grandpa, holding a beautifully wrapped gift box.Aurora walked over, untied the ribbon, and opened the box. Inside was a stunning haute
Heath stood in a corner, watching Aurora's sly performance with a smirk on his lips.Kieran, standing behind him, couldn't help but think: Just a couple of days ago, the boss had adamantly refused to attend the Song family's banquet. And now?Upon hearing that the dress shop had sent dresses to the Pendleton home but left out Aurora, Heath had made a call. Soon after, a dress was delivered to Grandpa, specifically for Aurora.But even after lending her money and sending her a dress, the girl hadn't even called him.Heath had been in a foul mood all afternoon, snapping at everyone in the branch office. Whether it was the finance director's minor mistake on a report or the sales manager's poor performance, he was dissatisfied with everything.Kieran, ever the loyal sidekick, chose this moment to hand over the Song family's invitation. "Boss, the Songs do business with us. Maybe you should make an appearance for the sake of good relations."In other words, it wasn't about seeing Aurora; i
Aurora gasped, "Heath?"Heath reached for the light switch on the wall. With a "click," the small storage room was illuminated. He was dressed in a light gray suit, no tie, and the top two buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing his attractive collarbone.Heath had one leg over Aurora, one hand gripping her slender wrist above her head against the wall. His other hand lifted her delicate chin, his eyes probing into hers.This position was, no matter how you looked at it, utterly embarrassing.Aurora shifted her head uncomfortably and said, "Let go of me."Heath didn't move. "Who taught you those moves?"Aurora sighed, "Self-taught. There are plenty of fighting classes out there. 200 a lesson, not expensive."Heath chuckled. Did she think he was that easy to fool?The training classes out there were all show, no substance. Aurora's moves were deadly and incredibly fast, almost instinctual.She was a puzzle—her personality, her actions, her financial dealings, her skills—all enigmat
Aurora remained silent, casting a sarcastic gaze at her."Sis, no matter what you think of me, I can't let you continue like this. We're sisters, and I can't stand to see you go down the wrong path!" Sophia spoke earnestly. "Even if you hit me or yell at me for the sake of others, I won't let anyone bully you anymore!"As soon as she said this, the room erupted. Sophia was earnestly advising her sister, and yet Aurora had beaten her to this state!No wonder Madeline didn't like Aurora. She didn't even prepare a dress for her. Turns out, Aurora was just too dirty to deserve the status of a Pendleton daughter!Upon hearing this, Madeline immediately stood up and asked, "Sophia, what did you say? The bruises on your face, did Aurora do this?"Sophia quickly stepped in front of Aurora and said, "Mom, no, it was my fault... it wasn't her..."This clumsy attempt to cover up only confirmed everyone's suspicions. Sophia was so kind, yet Aurora could be so cruel.Ethan rushed over, looking at
Aurora took out her phone and hit play. A clear voice rang out, "Just like your mom, huh? Always playing the flirt and messing with guys!""Sophia, my mom has been dead for years. Show some respect and don't insult her!""It's because your mom was short-lived that she died young! She only gave birth to a little wretch like you! My mom outdid yours in stealing men!"In just a few sentences, everyone could hear Sophia's multiple insults towards Aurora's deceased mother, even going as far as to call her short-lived."Sophia, you've been the little princess at home, spoiled rotten. I can't compare to you. But my mom is gone, how could I not be angry when you insult her like this?" Aurora wiped the corner of her eyes, looking pitiful and helpless.Ethan looked incredulously at Sophia, his own sweet girlfriend, unable to believe the venomous words she'd just spewed."Ethan, she's lying! It's not like that, it's not!" Sophia hastily tried to explain, but saw a
"Thanks a lot, you two! I'll treat you to dinner this weekend!" Aurora cheerfully agreed."Dinner? Heck yeah!" Lysander was over the moon. But then he felt a chill down his spine, turned around, and saw Heath staring at him with icy eyes. He gulped, "Ahem... actually, I just remembered, I've got plans this weekend. You guys go ahead."Aurora couldn't help but roll her eyes. Was Heath really that petty? Would one more person really eat him out of house and home?"I'll treat Heath first then, and we can do yours another time!" Aurora said, considering Lysander had also been a big help.Lysander's eyes twitched. Was Aurora trying to get him killed by Heath?He looked back at Heath's icy gaze and internally begged for mercy. Why did he have to open his big mouth? Should he agree or not?Heath just kept staring at him, making Lysander feel like crying. He was still a baby, okay?Just then, Kieran walked over and whispered something to Heath. Heath paused and asked, "The media knows?""Yes,
"Dad, what brings you here?" Sebastian asked."You think you're gonna kill Aurora today? She's your daughter, how could you lay a hand on her!" Grandpa was so furious he jabbed his cane into the floor, making a loud "thud.""Dad, Aurora messed up. As her father, I have to discipline her," Sebastian argued."Aurora messed up? Your darling wife slandered her for getting pregnant before marriage, and your precious daughter Sophia even had the audacity to hire someone to assault Aurora. Tell me, what did Aurora do wrong?" Grandpa roared."Dad, Sophia has always been well-behaved and sensible. How could she do such a thing? You can't just believe Aurora's side of the story. She's been messing around outside and now she's come back to tattle on us," Madeline quickly defended Sophia."Tattle? Aurora hasn't said a word about what happened at the party since she got back! I asked her, and she wouldn't say a thing. How could she be tattling?" Grandpa was so angry he felt chest pains. He had tho
The next morning, Vespera was woken up at dawn, barely getting a few hours of sleep. Known as a dedicated designer, she was usually the first one awake, but today she could barely keep her eyes open. As the stylist worked on her hair and makeup, Vespera sat half-dazed, drifting in and out, completely unaware of the hands tugging her in all directions.Two hours later, with her hair and makeup done, Vespera finally slipped into her wedding dress. The reality hit her, and for the first time, she fully realized she was about to get married.Memories flooded back, particularly that first encounter with Alaric. He’d been sprawled on the steps outside, a bit too tipsy, looking up with half-closed eyes, asking, “What’s wrong with me?” Vespera, surprising even herself, had replied, “Nothing at all.”Back then, he was just a bright, headstrong young man, carrying so many dreams and frustrations. Somewhere along the way, he’d grown into this strong, grounded man. And somehow, after everything,
It wasn’t until a few days after their engagement that it even crossed Vespera’s mind to ask about the villa.Alaric confirmed he’d bought it, explaining that he’d thought she might like it and decided to go for it. As for renovations, he wanted to wait until she officially agreed to everything; after all, they’d eventually need their own place—living with Zane forever wasn’t exactly an option.By now, the news of Alaric and Vespera’s engagement had spread everywhere. Alaric was practically ready to announce it to the world on social media, but thankfully, Aurora stepped in, suggesting he keep things low-key since he was the company CEO. Plus, Vespera wasn’t exactly a fan of the public spotlight.Alaric reluctantly held back but couldn’t resist dropping hints in his friend group chat every other day. Heath and the rest were used to it by now—except Lysander, who constantly complained that he was drowning in a sea of "lovey-dovey vibes," being the lone single guy among them.When Auror
The next morning, Alaric woke up, remembering last night’s events. He pinched himself—no, it wasn’t a dream. Vespera had actually said yes.He jumped out of bed, showered, changed, and even straightened his tie before driving to her studio. There she was, focused on work, wearing a stylish dress and light makeup, looking absolutely radiant.When he walked in, Vespera looked up, surprised. “Finally awake?” she asked with a smirk.Alaric simply nodded, taking her hand without a word and leading her downstairs. She stumbled after him, asking, “Where are we going?”Alaric gently nudged her into his car, driving her toward a villa. Vespera was clueless and a bit shocked, glancing around, unsure of what was happening.They finally arrived at a beautiful villa. Alaric opened the door, and she asked, “Did you just buy this?”&n
The next morning, Alaric was finally over his fever. When Vespera woke up, he was already waiting in the living room. After breakfast, they both headed to their respective offices.Aurora’s team reported they’d successfully returned to the Whitmore family’s estate. For her, that had been a fierce battle. For Vespera, however, the real challenge lay ahead: the design competition.Ever since her last conversation with Yvonne, where Yvonne had hinted that everything she had was due to Aurora and Alaric’s support, Vespera had been determined to prove herself. She wanted to be worthy of Alaric and was pouring all her energy into this competition.After submitting her designs, Vespera anxiously waited at home for results. When the winners were finally announced online, she saw her name in second place. The relief and pride were overwhelming. She had finally achieved something worth sharing with Alaric. Now, with the award ceremony in the UK, she had no choice but to let him know.Expecting
Vespera had reclaimed her brand, and Alaric seemed to be maturing by the day, treating her like she was his entire world. Everything seemed to be falling into place.After that showdown in Alaric’s office with Elowen, she hadn’t shown her face again. Vespera figured it was over, that Elowen had finally given up. Everyone else thought the same.But on the day they took graduation photos, Aurora disappeared. Heath and Alaric eventually tracked her down — Elowen had taken her. Vespera was frantic, blaming herself for not protecting Aurora better.Heath and Alaric couldn’t stop Aurora’s flight at the airport, so they booked tickets to the UK to get her back. Vespera had too much to handle here to join them, so she only saw Alaric off at the airport.He held her close, whispering, “Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon, and Aurora will be safe.”Vespera hugged him back tightly. She trusted him. Alaric and Heath would get this done — Elowen had crossed a line that couldn’t be ignored, and she knew
This past week, Aurora had been tirelessly setting up to counter Evelyn and her allies, Yvonne and Elowen. Meanwhile, Alaric, working alongside Aurora to reclaim Elowen’s brand.A week later, the press conference went ahead as planned. Alaric helped Vespera pick an outfit, stayed until she’d finished her makeup, and then drove her to the venue himself.The conference, led by Evelyn, was a disaster for her team. They failed to take over Aurora’s company, couldn’t drive her out of the Pendleton family, and made no progress in placing Yvonne and Elowen as CEO and head designer. Their plans had backfired entirely.Leaving the venue, Yvonne, clearly shaken, stepped in front of a car without looking and was hit, blood pooling around her. Vespera, stunned and dizzy at the sight, would have collapsed if Alaric hadn’t steadied her.Frantically, Vespera fumbled with her phone to call home, stammering, “It’s Yvonne… she’s bleeding so much…”As someone unaccustomed to such violence, Vespera was t
Alaric looked at Vespera with an innocent expression and said, “It’s not what you think. I’m not a creep.”“Not a creep?” Vespera glared at him. “Then what were you doing in my room?”Alaric almost groaned. “If I told you I was here to give you a massage, would you believe me?”“Total creep!” she shouted. “Sneaking into my bed while I was asleep!”Alaric shot back, “I did not! When I woke up, you were the one curled up on me!”Vespera paused, recalling the moment she woke up. Okay, maybe she had been cozying up to him. Wait a second—was he implying she was the one acting out of line?Seeing her hesitation, Alaric grinned smugly. “See? You were just as comfortable with it!”“Get out!” Vespera yelled.Alaric left the room, trying not to smile too much. Sure, nothing happened, but just getting to hold her felt amazing. Although… his shoulder was sore from her leaning on him all night, so he headed back to his room to grab a few more hours of sleep.Vespera, alone in her room, listened as
Vespera walked ahead, casual and carefree in a T-shirt and shorts, no makeup, and even bare of high heels, while Alaric trailed close behind with a jacket in hand, grinning like a fool. Everyone in the lobby couldn’t help but notice—their usually composed CEO was tagging along, practically beaming.Catching up to her, Alaric draped his jacket over her shoulders. “How could you leave without dressing warmer? You’ll end up with a stomach ache tonight,” he said, his voice soft with affection.Vespera felt a warm flutter in her chest but stayed quiet, letting his jacket settle around her as they walked out. Alaric was thrilled she hadn’t brushed him off; emboldened, he slipped his hand into hers, wrapping her cold fingers in his.For a moment, she stiffened, then relaxed, letting her hand nestle securely in his. Together, they headed to the parking lot, Alaric practically floating with joy. This felt better than winning the lottery!Bringing her home, Alaric felt out of his depth—things h
Alaric stood in his office, with Elowen right in front of him, her hand tugging at his tie, a faint smirk hidden beneath her slightly indignant expression.Seeing the scene, Vespera nearly turned around and left right then and there. But she reminded herself of her purpose for coming today. She was done hiding from Elowen. Even if Alaric wasn’t hers in the end, she’d be damned if he ended up with someone like Elowen.So Vespera strode into the office, fixed her gaze on them, and asked, “What’s going on here?”At the sound of her voice, Alaric spun around, fumbling to free his tie from Elowen’s grip. But Elowen held tight, glancing over at Vespera with a slight smile. “Miss Thornfield? You’re here?”Vespera closed the door behind her, gave a slight nod, and asked again, “What exactly is this about?”Elowen smirked. “Oh, it’s nothing. I just wanted to ask Alaric if I could borrow a few people to help promote my new fashion line. Not sure if he’s on board with it, though.”“Not a chance,