“A strange entry is contained in Liam's medical records. At the age of two, he underwent a DNA test, but the result is confidential. However, the copy that we were able to acquire does not match any known DNA profiles." Kingsley's gaze grows wide. "What does this mean?""It means Liam's father is unknown; Mr. Wills and Miss Emerson have taken great care to keep it that way," Lyon reports.Different options runs through Kingsley's mind. Is Louisa concealing the truth to protect Liam or for her safety? He knows he would have to face her once more.“I'm grateful, Lyon. Your assistance has been really helpful.” Kingsley replies, ending the call.The investigation's conclusion only made Louisa and Liam's mystery much more complex. Kingsley becomes more and more determined to find out. ***********************************Evelyn spends the remainder of that week reliving her date with John in her head.She wonders if John is thinking of her too, and every time she think
With a determined expression on her face, Rachel nods.“Indeed, we simply need to somehow catch her in the act, cause her to make a mistake, or at least, get her to own up to her genuine motivations. She won't be able to use him to disparage you if we can make her appear terrible in front of Kingsley and other board members.” Cordelia says and then pauses.“It seems you're working on something, Rachel, with that mischievous mind of yours. Let it slip, come on.” Cordelia teases Rachel, her ears itching to hear how exactly they can make Louisa slip up.She knows Rachel well enough to understand that she never makes vague plans and suggestions. She is always very detailed."It's okay if Louisa wants to play games. We'll offer her an unforgettable performance that she won't soon forget.” A smile stretched across Cordelia's face as her eyes lit up. "I'm paying attention, Rachel; go on." With a careful nibble, Rachel breaks a cookie in two and picks it up. "We'll start by gathering as muc
The once comfortable room feels claustrophobic now, the menacing message stifling their laughs.Fear creeps in as Cordelia's gaze meets Rachel's. "Someone knows." Rachel furrowed her brow as her eyes skimmed the message again. "The question is who?" As their pleasure and laughing fades, uneasiness takes its place. Cordelia's voice becomes hardly audible. "Do you think Louisa found out?" Rachel's face grows stern. "We can't back down now.""But what if we're walking into a trap?" Cordelia's hand clenches around her cup.They exchange anxious looks, their confidence is shaken. "We need to know who's behind this." Rachel eventually states, reaching for her cell phone in her clutch purse.“Who are you gonna call?” Cordelia asks, seeing Rachel dial a number in her phone.“Whoever sent that message is someone close to you or someone who is watching you. Either way, there's a person who can find out.”However, Cordelia's cell phone buzzes again signaling an incoming call.She peers at th
The sun rises above the city as Linda stands in the rest area of the hospital building, staring out the window. She inhales deeply, allowing the warmth to fill her lungs."I can control my actions, but I can't control my heart." she soliloquizes. Even if Fred doesn’t feel the same way, Linda is determined to keep being her amazing self. In the days that followed her confrontation with Fred, she had remained cordial with him throughout. She would bring him coffee, listen intently to his worries, and give him wise counsel. But Fred's lack of interest persists. Whenever Louisa's name comes up, Linda's heart would throb but Fred's eyes would light up. As they take a break after the afternoon rounds a few days later, Fred enthusiastically gives Louisa updates on the development of her son over a call while Linda listens to his excited voice."Louisa's been amazing, helping him through this tough time," Fred says to Linda with a smile, after ending the call with Louisa. Despite her
“It's okay, honey. I'm glad to be here with you.” Louisa says, looking affectionately at Liam. Something comes to her mind and she looks up at Fred, who is standing beside her, his hands buried in his lab coat.Fred raises his eyebrow inquisitively and Louisa stands and walks him towards the window, away from Liam.“Fred, I hope this won't affect the timeline of the transplant?” “About that, we'll observe him till evening and decide,” Fred hesitates, then adds “but it's unlikely, he's stable.” Louisa sighs and returns to her seat beside Liam, spreading her lips into a thin line. “Is there anything you would like to eat honey?” Liam replies in the negative, shaking his head. ****************************Leaning back in his high-backed leather chair, Kingsley Wills gazes out the large glass windows framing the cityscape below.With unrivaled wealth, influence, and reach, Wills Corporation, USA looms over the metropolis. However, for the first time in a while, K
Before entering CEO Alan's office, Cordelia inhales deeply. She composes her face in a professional manner, but underlying it, is a surge of excitement.She had meticulously planned a string of chaos to unleash at the investors conference with Rachel, and it is almost ready to go.She is sure Louisa would be caught like a mouse in a trap. She after all, had gone to great lengths to guarantee the result. Though she is cautious not to show it, the thought fills her with a delighted anticipation.As Cordelia walks in, Alan, who is seated behind his large, spotless desk, raises an eyebrow in silent question. A tiny smile flashes on his lips as his icy, evaluating stare softens a bit when it falls upon her.Cordelia returns it with the same understated tenderness, but otherwise maintains a quick and effective manner. Holding out a well-organized packet, including all pertinent paperwork, she informs sharply, "The confirmation for the Palmer Tech investors' conference has come through,
On a Monday morning, Louisa stands with confidence, checking herself out in front of the half length mirror in the bathroom of Liam's private hospital room. She had practiced her presentation for the investors conference for many hours and even overnight, honing every little detail. She would have loved to spend the night on her comfy bed at home but for Liam's surgery scheduled for the following day. "Mom, you look sharp." Liam smiles adoringly at his mother as she exits the bathroom and takes a seat on a single chair, crossing her legs. Louisa grins, resolve gleaming in her eyes. "Thank you, my love. I'm sharp." Her phone beeps with a text from Dave, her research assistant and she reaches for it. "Miss Emerson, the technical staff will be ready to put up the presentation equipment at eight in the morning. I'll see you at nine.” With a mental cross off her list, Louisa nods to herself. Looking up at Liam, she says, “it's Fred's day off. He promised to stay with you til
Evelyn's eyes widens in bewilderment as she rushes into the facility. She had been called for a family emergency that morning and couldn't make it early. But a quick call to Luisa had assured her that she could take a few hours off since they have everything under control. But she arrives to meet chaos. She is especially shocked to see the presentation slides and her mouth hangs open. After all of their meticulous preparation, this was the last thing she had anticipated. Uncertain of what to do next, she freezes. But Dave eventually manages to take back control of the slides as Kingsley spoke. He gives Louisa a victorious thumbs-up, and the original Mist slides takes the place of the fabricated data. Louisa grabs the opportunity and speaks more forcefully than ever. “I'm grateful, Mr. Wills. We'll return to Mist's actual vision now, everyone, if you'll let me continue." Her enthusiasm and knowledge win back the audience as she continues to discuss the revolutionary eff
Kingsley's lavish mansion is illuminated by the golden rays of the setting sun, creating a fascinating atmosphere for Liam's fifth birthday celebration. Music, laughter, and the vivid hues of balloons and streamers fills the garden. With endless energy, a few children run around, their laughter mingling with the gentle murmur of adult conversation. With his arm loosely around Louisa's waist in a romantic manner, Kingsley steps close to the imposing fountain. They share a look that says it all: years of hardships, miscommunications, and heartache has brought them to this point, stronger and more in love than ever. Their entire world revolves around their baby, Liam, and this day is a celebration of both his life and their family's tenacity. As she watches Liam blow out his candles in front of his young buddies, Louisa murmurs, "Look at him," in a proud tone. "He's very happy. So deserving, he has been a strong boy.” Kingsley answers with a gentle kiss on her temple. "Just
"Martha?" Louisa calls in a scarcely discernible whisper. Martha stands there with a serene face and inquisitive gaze. "Louisa," she says quietly. Louisa feels fear take hold of her chest. How did Martha even know her house? Yeah well, she probably asked Evelyn. But why did she have to visit now of all times? Kingsley is inside her house, even though she had assured Martha that she would let go of him only a few hours earlier. Martha may misinterpret things if she sees him with her. But before Louisa can come up with an excuse, to dismiss Martha or go out with her, Kingsley speaks. "Who is it?" The sound of Kingsley's footsteps approaching was followed by his voice coming from behind her. Louisa's face becomes pale as she turns slightly. "It is….” When Kingsley comes into view, he spots Martha standing at the door, and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Martha?" Martha's expression is unreadable as her eyes darts between them. Now knowing the reason for Louisa's sh
Kingsley's heart races in his chest as he stands outside Louisa's apartment. He had been pacing his living room for hours, struggling with his feelings. Ultimately, though, he knows he has to speak with Louisa. They have to be together, no matter what happens. Louisa's face changes from surprise to a kind of reserved resignation as she opens the door. Silently, she moves out of the way to let him in. "Daddy!" Before Kingsley can speak, Liam's voice calls excitedly, his face lighting up with unbridled excitement as he rushes into Kingsley's legs. Kingsley kneels down and embraces Liam tightly. "Hey son. You were missed.” "I also missed you! Will you be here for dinner? Liam questions, hope glimmering in his eyes. With a gentle giggle, Kingsley runs a hand through Liam's hair. "No son, not tonight. But you need to go spend some time playing in your room, okay? I must speak with your mother.” Liam pauses, looking from one parent to the other. "All right, but promise y
Fred had been getting ready for the evening all day. He had selected one of the best bars in the city, renowned for its quiet jazz, cozy atmosphere, and wine selection that would please even the pickiest connoisseur. He had gone above and beyond by placing an advance order for Linda's favorite meal and a bottle of wine that she had mentioned in passing months prior during a conversation at work. Fred is early, straightening his tie and gazing around the table he had reserved at the window, which overlooks the lights of the city. It has to be flawless. Fred's breath sticks in his throat as Linda enters, looking stunning. She accessorized her figure-hugging black dress with subtle jewelry that gleams in the low light. Fred's pulse skips a beat as her hair falls over her shoulders and she walks with assurance. Her voice is pleasant, yet tinged with suspicion as she says, "Fred. It looks so good in here, " as she looks around, admiring the bar. Fred gets up and drags her
Standing before Martha's hotel suite door, Louisa pauses. She knocks softly after her knuckles briefly hover over the glossy wood. The door opens as the faint sound of footfall nears, and Martha appears, her face instantly changing from one of surprise to one of cautious mistrust. "Louisa?" Martha's hand tightens on the doorframe as she speaks sharply. "How are you aware of my lodging arrangements?" Louisa smiles slightly, disarmingly. "Martha, you're my friend. Even if you don't want me to, I would be aware of your location. Martha pauses, obviously surprised by the answer, but her skepticism remains unshaken. Reluctantly, she moves aside to let Louisa in. It is a tidy, impersonal room, the sort of transitory place that is less like a home and more like a waiting room. Louisa calmly and deliberately sits down in one of the window-facing chairs. Martha crosses her arms and stays upright. "Louisa, why are you here?" Martha speaks in a clipped tone. "You're wasting
Although Louisa is hardly aware of it, the R&D department at Palmer Tech is bustling as usual. The cursor on her computer screen is blinking impatiently as she sits at her desk and stares blankly. Her team is busy around her, talking about testing plans and prototypes, but their voices are muffled by the flurry of ideas racing through her head. "Miss Emerson?" A hesitant voice pierces her fog. One of her less experienced developers, Carter, is clutching a tablet. "I want to present the project's revised design specifications to you. I believe we've resolved the—” "Have you checked it again?" Louisa abruptly interrupts him with a snap. Carter blinks in surprise at her tone. "Yeah, but I figured you'd like to—" "Why bring it to me if you think it is good enough? Carter, do your job. I don't have time to obsess over every little thing.” There is silence in the room. Carter takes a step back, holding the iPad as her crew exchange suspicious looks. “I apologize. I'll che
With her mind full of unrelenting thoughts, Louisa frantically packs Liam's school bag as the morning light streams through the curtains. Simultaneously, her hands tucked in a folder of his drawings, a lunchbox, and a water bottle. With his unlimited enthusiasm, Liam, who is already wearing his school uniform, dances about the living room behind her. "Mom! I'm ready!” Liam yells. Louisa looks at the clock and says, "Just a minute, sweetheart." They are late. The doorbell rings as she zips the bag closed and sets it on the table. "I'll get it, Mom!" Liam shouts and runs to the door. "Hold on, Liam!" Louisa begins, but he has already flung it open. "Uncle Hardy!" Liam shouts, his voice full of happiness. "You're here!" Louisa's forehead furrows as she turns. Hardy's towering body fills the entryway as he stands there. There is a glimmer of something in his eyes that Louisa can't quite identify, but he is grinning as usual. "Hey, Liam!" Hardy ruffles his hair. "Ho
Evelyn rests her head on John's chest as she nestles up against him on his soft sofa. Soft music hums in the background and the room is filled with the warmth of the fireplace. John put an arm around her, his fingers idly making patterns on her shoulder while they laughed quietly at a ridiculous story from the day before. However, when the laughing subsides, John becomes aware of Evelyn's aloof expression. He tilts his head to gaze at her and remarks, "You're quiet tonight," gently. "Are you still concerned about us? Or is it about my family again?” With a slight smile on her lips, Evelyn shakes her head. "No, John, you are everything I desire, and regarding your family, I have already made up my mind. I will do whatever it takes to defend our love. That matter has been resolved.” John's hand moves to tuck a stray hair behind her ear as his lips form an excited smile. "That's my girl. As courageous and unyielding as ever.” His voice lowers to a playful whisper as he plants
The rumpled blankets are evidence of Kingsley's restless night as he sleeps, sprawled over his bed. Except for the dim golden light that filters through the borders, the room is dark and subdued, due to the closed drapes. The floor is littered with empty champagne bottles, a silent reminder of his fruitless attempts to block out his thoughts. His tie dangles loosely from the bedpost, and his suit jacket is crumpled in one area. He is startled out of his wits by a knock on the door. Unwilling to confront anyone, he moans, but the knock is louder this time. "Boss? It's Hardy. Are you inside?” Kingsley rubs his hand over his scruffy face and mumbles a curse. "Come in," he rasps at last. With a creak, the door opens, and Hardy enters, his worried features inscribed on his face. He looks around the room right away, soaking in the commotion. The bottles, the messy bed, and his boss's rumpled appearance present a picture that is very different from the calm and authoritat