Although Maxwell didn't suffer any harm this time, the moment he awoke and didn't see Aurora by his side, he insisted on leaving the hospital. Madeline, naturally, was displeased. How could her darling son be so entangled with Aurora, that girl seemingly from the nether?Madeline had intended to storm to the family patriarch in outrage, but to her surprise, Aurora barred them from even stepping foot inside, making Madeline wonder if the old man was on his last breath, given his recent hospitalization.With the patriarch's health in question, Madeline couldn't stand the thought of Aurora guarding him alone. What would become of the shares once the old man passed away?Fueled by this thought, Madeline shoved aside the servant holding her back and burst into the villa, screaming, "Dad! You must stand by us!"Aurora, startled by her outburst, rushed to intercept her, but Madeline was too quick, darting into the living room in a blink.There, Grandpa sat, engrossed in a game of chess, only
Heath scanned the documents before him and questioned, "Eamon, you're not trying to tell me that Aurora is Olivia, are you?""Isn't it obvious?" Eamon retorted, having thoroughly investigated Dominic Ashcroft's background. "This renowned Dominic Ashcroft is the sole male heir of the Ashcroft family, which originated from the mafia. Though they've gone legitimate now, Dominic Ashcroft indeed commands his own squad, a force with combat capabilities comparable to mercenaries! And within this squad—" Eamon pointed to a photograph on the table. Beside Dominic stood a girl with a face identical to Aurora's, only her expression was colder, her gaze sharper. He coldly stated, "This ace assassin under Dominic, this face, we all recognize it, Aurora Pendleton!"The photo lay clearly before them. Eamon had indeed done his homework. The Abyss had its own assassins, each trained to be elite spies. And this girl, Dominic's trump card, had been involved in countless internationally renowned missions
At the hospital.Aurora stood vigil outside the emergency room. Suddenly, the lights above flickered off, prompting Aurora to leap to her feet, a wave of dizziness washing over her. She steadied herself and rushed to the emergency room entrance.As Lysander emerged, Aurora besieged him with questions, "How is he? How's my grandpa?"Lysander sighed, "Aurora, I've told you before, the last surgery was perilously close to disaster. He cannot endure even the slightest disturbance.""I know, it's my fault. I didn't take good enough care of him. How is he now?" Aurora was so anxious she was nearly ready to burst into the emergency room herself."He's stabilized for now, but he's not out of the woods yet. I've done everything I can; the rest is up to your grandpa's own luck," Lysander spoke gravely.To a doctor, there might be no more moves to make, but for Aurora, this felt like a death sentence for her grandfather.Aurora watched numbly as nurses wheeled her grandfather into the intensive
Lysander approached, embracing Aurora with a voice trembling as he said, "Aurora, I'm so sorry. Please, find peace in this time of sorrow."Originally motionless as if frozen, Aurora suddenly pushed Lysander with such force that he nearly stumbled.She rushed to her grandfather's bedside, ripping away the detested white sheet, and cried out, "Grandpa! Grandpa! Aurora is here, look at me, please wake up and see me! I'm about to get married, didn't you want to be my witness? I'm really upset with you for just lying there!"Lysander and Jay attempted to console her, saying, "Aurora, please get up."Shrugging them off, Aurora clung to her grandfather as if he were a lifebuoy in her moment of despair. "Grandpa, please wake up. I don't want to be alone... Grandpa, take me home..."Little Fish stood by, tears streaming down her face, and even Jay and Lysander, two grown men, had eyes brimming with tears. They all knew that to Aurora, her grandfather was her only real family.Leen, tears stre
Even after Evelyn's face was marred with a bloody scratch, Aurora's grip on her throat remained unyielding, as if determined to choke the life out of her right there and then.Evelyn's vision darkened in waves, until a furious roar pierced the air: "Stop!"Barely opening her eyes towards the door, Evelyn saw Maxwell rushing over. Extending a trembling hand for help, it took Maxwell considerable effort to pry Aurora's fingers loose.Shoved aside, Evelyn coughed violently, as though she had just skirted the edge of death, and cursed, "Aurora! You maniac!"As Maxwell went to help Aurora up, he asked, "Aurora, what are you doing?"Aurora shrugged him off with a scoff, "What does it look like? I wanted her dead! All of you, dead! Maxwell, weren't you in a car accident? Grandpa was so upset over you, he had a stroke. Why didn’t you die in the hospital?"A shadow flickered in Maxwell's eyes. He opened his mouth, but words failed him. Aurora wasn't entirely wrong in blaming them for grandpa's
"Eamon! It wasn't me! I haven't been able to contact him for days!" Aurora shouted.Eamon approached, pressing the muzzle of his gun against Aurora's forehead, saying, "I'm giving you one last chance. Are you going to talk or not?"Aurora's expression turned cold, and she signaled Jay with her eyes. Jay charged at Eamon, allowing Aurora to grab Eamon by the neck with her gloved hand, tightening a rope around his throat and kicking the pistol out of his hand.Jay, quick to react, picked up the gun and pointed it at Eamon's head, instantly reversing the situation. Eamon had indeed underestimated them, thinking that simply binding them would be enough."Eamon, I don't want to hurt you. Let your people release us!" Aurora demanded."Never! After everything Heath has done for you, this is how you repay him? By lying and deceiving him all this time! You're unbelievable!" Eamon cursed.Jay hit Eamon on the head with the gun, saying, "Are you stupid? Olivia is already dead. Aurora is a daught
As soon as she touched down, Aurora, relying on the intelligence she had previously acquired, conducted another sweep and quickly pinpointed the location of Heath. There was only one stronghold that had recently seen increased activity and bolstered security.Aurora sent Jay to the black market to purchase firearms. He grabbed her arm, questioning, "What are you planning to do? You're not just going to walk into their den like that, are you?"With her head down, she inspected the gun in her hands, nodding as she replied, "Yes, is there a problem?""Is there not a problem? With your small frame, you'll be chewed up and spat out. Do you think this is a movie?" Jay shouted in alarm.Aurora holstered the gun at the small of her back and tucked a miniature pistol into her boot. Clad in black tight pants and a dark red leather jacket adorned with a vibrant rose on the chest, she let down her hair, letting it flow seductively down her back.She flicked her hair and declared, "Since even you
Upon hearing someone enter, Heath, with his eyes closed, said, "I won't tell you where Eamon is."Ludi gave a sinister chuckle and replied, "I've got a wedding to celebrate today, no mood to interrogate you. Let me introduce you to our VIP, the infamous Olivia, have you heard of her?"Heath's body jolted, and he struggled to sit up, clearly in pain from his injuries, making even the act of sitting an effort.Heath looked past Ludi and when he saw the girl wearing a mask, his expression froze.He recognized Aurora at a glance. The young girl, clad in black leggings that accentuated her slender waist and smooth legs, looked more mature in her dark red leather jacket, and with the black mask, she was undeniably sexy and alluring.But Heath knew this was Aurora."Is... is she Olivia?" Heath asked.Ludi laughed, "Yes! A top international assassin has joined my team. One day, I'll find Eamon and make him pay in blood for his crimes! Olivia, I've heard your assassination record is spotless.
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,