CHAPTER 1: A Damsel In Distress Louisa Emerson makes silent elegant steps into the grandly decorated banquet hall, her heart racing rapidly, anxiously considering different approaches to execute her mission tonight. Normally, she does not attend these hypocritical formal gatherings, where people just sit idly around, sip expensive champagnes, and gossip. However, tonight is an exception. She has an agenda. Waking through the great hall, she is greeted by the stares of many admiring men, wondering about her presence. After all, she is known in the business world to avoid banquets. Louisa joins a group of men for a chit-chat. Most of the ladies do not like her anyways, they believe her to be a whoring bitch catapulting into the business world and making waves with nothing but her beautiful face and sexy figure. “Louisa! What a pleasant surprise to have you here.” Matthew, an acquaintance, greets, offering a polite hug. “Hi Matthew, good to see you. Hi everyone ……” Louisa replie
CHAPTER 2: Solicitude “Do not worry, my father will be touching ground tomorrow. I'll arrange a meeting with him as soon as he gets here”. Alan responds on the other side, speaking cautiously so as not to attract the attention of other people especially Cordelia, his secretary who is always glued to his side like a shadow.“How did you know Kingsley Wills? What is your relationship with him?” Alan probes. It is surprising that Louisa, who is just being recognized in the business world, would be familiar with the billionaire CEO of Palmer Tech. “Not your business” Louisa cuts in and immediately drops the call. She walks to her car, her mind filled with the incident earlier. She had agreed to seduce Alan publicly because she desperately needed his help to get to his father, the renowned Dr Craig. With Dr Craig performing the cardiomyopathy transplant on Liam, his chances of surviving would be raised to 35%. It is a great deal compared to if other surgeons were to perform the surgery.
CHAPTER 3: Mist (i)Louisa blinks, wondering what is going on. “Is everything alright Fred? Are you fine?”Deciding that now is not a good time to discuss his romantic feelings with her, Fred replies “yes, everything is fine, I am just worried about you. You should take good care of yourself more instead of putting other people first.”Louisa scoffs and rolls her eyes “come on, my son is not other people.”“I know, I understand but you need to learn to live more. You should enjoy life in your prime, you know?”“Okay Fred, I will. It's time to go home.” She said, opening the door and shoving him gently inside his car. ““Goodnight Louisa.”Louisa waves, walking back to the hospital building briskly.Getting back to Liam's room, she enters the bathroom and gazes at the image of herself in the mirror. “I look like hell.” She muttered, running cold water over her face and bare arms in order to refresh herself. **************************At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, time
CHAPTER 4: Mist (ii)Louisa blinks, unable to believe her ears. “You mean the same Wills Corporation in Australia?”“Yes Louisa. Chief Wills retired last month and his son has since assumed the position as the new CEO. He is here now for a Merger & Acquisition.” Mr Ashby explains patiently, before adding, “I heard you too met last night and you seemed to know each other.” Mr Ashby concludes, a hint of mischief evidenct in his tone.Louisa shifts in her seat, uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. “I don't, not really.” She lies, unwilling to take the conversation further.“Alright ladies, please get to work. Louisa, do not forget that you absolutely need to convince CEO Wills, okay? We need his cooperation and investment the most.” Mr Ashby replies, taking the hint but reiterating the need to get Kingsley Wills at all costs.“I'll try my best.” Louisa muttered, looking down at her toes, unable to meet Mr Ashby's gaze.“Get all the relevant documents from the appropriate
Chapter 5: The Power Tripping CEO (I)“The project manager is Miss Emerson sir,” Hardy reaffirms, surprised by his boss’s sudden outburst and quickly cleans the mess on the table. “She is the manager of R&D team 1.”Massaging his forehead with his finger tips, Kingsley let out a heavy sigh. Why does the beautiful, she devil keep crossing paths with him? “Wait!” he thought, “what if this is deliberate?” Knowing that woman, he wouldn't be surprised if she has deliberately planted herself in the project, knowing full well that he is the major investor. What if this is another scheme to plant herself in his life like a leech?” After all, she is the queen of deceit, judging by how she successfully deceived him five years ago.No, he can't let this happen. No, he won't. There is no way in hell he is going to watch her make a fool of him the second time. Once is enough. How dare she?“Listen to me Hardy.” Kingsley clears his throat and begins, taking a firm, serious tone. “I want you to cal
At the Mark Hotel penthouse suite, Kingsley reclines on the huge comfy sofa. He had just finished some paperwork and took a cold shower.He decides to rest for a few hours before proceeding with the monthly sales report of the company he had just acquired.Moreover, his heart had been palpitating for a while. He knew he needed a rest, having been working relentlessly since he arrived in New York. It seems strange though, he had been fine ever since he had his cardiomyopathy transplant five years ago. So, why is his heart acting up?But then again, he has not been consistent with his health check up for about a year now. Speaking of which, he has to get one, and as soon as possible too. He picks up his phone and dials Hardy, “I need you to book me an appointment with professor Wesley at Kings County Hospital Centre. I'd like to have a full body check up.”“Alright sir, I'll do that immediately.” Hardy replies from the other end of the phone.“And have you heard from Mr Ashby of Palme
“I apologize sir, but i am simply conveying my boss's position and it would be expected that a CEO of your caliber should know to be cordial and professional at all times.” Louisa states slowly and firmly, clasping her hands tightly around her handbag in front of her. Her face is devoid of any emotion and she appears unflinshed about Kingsley's outburst.This infuriates Kingsley the more. He had expected to see her recoil and probably cover her face in embarrassment. But here she is, undaunted and even lecturing him…the audacity.With his penetrating eyes fixed on her, he strolls towards her in slow steps, expecting her to cower and move back but Louisa stands her ground without moving a muscle, hoping desperately that she doesn't look as terrified as she feels.“You dare lecture me in my building? You're a fine one one to talk about manner and professionalism. I hope you're not impersonating someone by being here?”Louisa bit her lower lip nervously. That is one thing she is guilty o
They both made arrangements to see each other the very following day. They were so excited. On the set date, Kingsley arrived at their agreed location looking his best and pacing up and down, anxiously waiting for Martha. They agreed to meet by 2pm but she didn't show up. Kingsley felt she was probably just running late and decided to wait for her.After two hours, he started getting restless. He called her phone numerous times but he couldn't get to her. Still, Kingsley wasn't about to give up. He was prepared to wait for as long as he had to. But after three hours, he started feeling dejected and disappointed. He was about to leave and seek another way to get in touch with her when he saw a beautiful woman coming his way.He stood rooted at a spot as the lovely young woman with long golden brown hair strolled towards him. Kingsley's spirit, which had been dampened by disappointment, lightened up immediately, as he could see the unique handband , just like his own, tightly aroun
Louisa's concentration is constantly being disrupted by the distant hum of the metropolis outside. Her painstakingly prepared slides for the following day's pitch shine on her laptop screen. Her brow furrows as she sits at her dining table, tapping her pen on the wooden surface while clicking through bullet points. Except for the occasional rumbling of a passing car, the flat is abnormally quiet. Louisa has a rare opportunity to focus without interruption because Liam is out with his babysitter, Bem. Hearing a knock at the door, Louisa checks the time; it is 5:47 p.m. She lets out a sigh and lowered her shoulders. Fred frequently drops by without warning, but tonight, of all nights, she isn't feeling particularly up to it. Nevertheless, she proceeds to the door and opens it to see Fred standing there with his hands tucked carelessly into his jacket pockets. "Working again?" he inquires, his tone warm yet playful, his smile crooked. Louisa smiles at him wearily and
Louisa can't stop thinking about Liam as she goes about her duties at work. Her lack of concentration makes the day seem longer than normal. Unable to wait anymore, she makes Evelyn cover up for her for the rest of the day while she makes her way home. It is Liam's first day at prep school. Although it isn't the high-priced, private school in an exclusive setting that the boy had envisioned, she leaves work early to make his first day there memorable. She wants to be home early to hear the details of his first day at school, celebrate the new chapter with him, and probably take him for a walk afterward. But the sight that welcomes her makes her stop dead in her tracks as she arrives at her apartment in high spirits. Liam slouches on the center couch of the living room, writhing and crying loudly, uncontrollably. His backpack is thrown aside, and his school clothes are crushed. The nanny she had hired to stay with him during the day, Bem, is standing clumsily in a corner,
Kingsley holds Louisa's hand firmly but casually as he guides her and Liam to the parking lot. Taken aback by the gesture, Louisa looks at him but remains silent, determining it would be better to avoid adding to the tension in front of Liam. Kingsley's Bentley Azure shines in the sunlight as they pull into the parking area. Hardy, stands next to it, looking dapper as ever. As they get closer, Hardy smiles politely and bows respectfully. He holds out the door for them with a simple greeting, "Sir? Ma'am?" With a tone of satisfaction, Kingsley responds, "Hardy, always reliable." He gestures for Liam and Louisa to come in. But Louisa doesn't move. She glances back toward the hospital building, then turns to face Kingsley, “Fred is not here yet. We should hold off until he comes," she says nervously. Kingsley's countenance is contemplative as he rests lazily against the automobile. "That's fine,” he replies. Fred appears from the hospital hall with a deep
Louisa moves quickly but cautiously as she folds Liam's final Spider-Man T-shirt into his duffel bag. Even though it is still professional and clean, the hospital room feels strangely warm today. After being discharged, Liam is finally going to lead a typical four-year-old life. He is standing by the window, talking animatedly about the New York school he wishes to attend. And damn! His choice is a high-priced prep school that Louisa isn't sure she can afford. "Mommy, they have a large playground! Greater in size than the park one!” Liam exclaims with his tiny fists making broad arcs in the air. Louisa grins. "Dear, it sounds wonderful. There, you'll have a great time.” She inwardly rolls her eyes, ‘Great time indeed. Where did he even learn about this school? This is the result of idleness, he has so much free time to watch adverts and drool over photos in the papers’. Fred walks in with a smile as big as the duffel bag Louisa is carrying when the door slides open.
Although Louisa is always appreciative of his help and kind gestures, she had never looked at him this way–warmly, smiley, happily…….” He had communicated his feelings indirectly a number of times but she never reciprocates. But tonight, something about her gesture—the warm tone of her voice, the costly, thoughtful cologne—feels different. Perhaps her perception of him is changing. He takes his time to carefully open the gift. He raises his eyebrows at the sight of the brand. "This must be quite expensive Louisa, can you really afford to spend this much on me?” She answers, "Of course," with a casual air. "You deserve it." With a slight flush crawling up his neck, Fred grins. "Thank you, then. Really.” Fred smiles back at Louisa, who doesn't realize how deeply he is taking her comments. Liam doesn't pay the adults attention anymore, already engrossed in his new conundrum. Louisa glances back at him and chuckles softly at his enthusiasm. With hope in his hea
The faint hum of the day's work lingers in Evelyn's mind as she unlocks the door to her apartment. Tossing her car key onto the console table by the door, she lets out a sigh. Although the day had been good, with Ashby's treat and all, the prospect of curling up on her couch with a cup of coffee while pressing away at her phone is all she craves. Leaning against her couch, she rubs her forehead with her fingers soothingly, the soft hum of television filling the quiet room. After a moment, she kicks off her shoes, feeling relieved as her feet finally find freedom. Curling up under a throw blanket, with a cup of coffee by her side, a sudden knock at the door startles her. She hesitates. She isn't expecting anyone and it is too late for visitors. She ignores the knocks intuitively but it persists. She wonders who it could be and her curiosity quickly wins. She slides her feet into her fluffy home slippers, and pads to the door. Peering into the peephole, she bli
Alan's mind is racing, so he doesn't answer right away. For a while, he gazes at her, torn between curiosity and frustration. At last, he looks aside and massages his mustache. He pauses and then and then replies, "organize a pitch competition, invite multiple startups and companies to pitch their projects and have a panel of judges select the winner. Invite important personalities in business, as well as Palmer Tech, Louisa is their best hand, she'll be the one to lead her team. There, you have a crowd." Alan concludes, his gaze picking up the confidence in Cordelia's demeanor. Perhaps, this time will really be different. If it is true that Louisa is secretly grazing Wills bed in return for favours, then she deserves whatever comes to her. And if it really turns out to be true, it's won't be just Cordelia going after her, he will personally go after her as well. How dare she turn him down because she thinks he's a small fry? It better not be true. But fingers crossed,
The chiefs of main departments walk into Modu Tech's glass-walled conference room, the place is alive with silent expectancy. Alan Craig, the CEO, sits at the head of the elegant oak table, his presence stifling any conversation. His fitted navy suit is spotless. But his sharp gray eyes show the annoyance he is trying to hide. His assistant, Cordelia sits next to him, a little smirk indicating that she knows secrets no one else dares to reveal. Alan puts his hands on the table and leans forward. "Let’s get straight to it," he says in a composed but tensed voice. "Wills Corporation did not approve the last R&D project we pitched to them. We really missed the mark on this chance, which was supposed to be revolutionary.” The room's air becomes more dense. Nervously, eyes flashes about, but nobody says anything. Alan waits a moment for the hush to end before continuing. "Collaborations like these are essential to our future. Although Wills Corporation has the mean
Like the prelude to a hurricane, the air between them is electrified. Standing rooted, Louisa and Kingsley's eyes met in silent combat. His jaw tenses and his fist clench at his sides as he considers the woman before him. She's not the Louisa he thought she was. She exudes a blazing strength that really surprises him. He secretly blames himself. ‘How could I have been so wrong about her?’ He had anticipated a spectacle of desperation and pleading that he could manipulate. Instead, she has used her sheer resolve to corner him, preventing him from maneuvering his way as usual, from using her past to bully her. Kingsley inhales deeply and briefly closes his eyes, allowing his annoyance to subside. His priorities change as he thinks about Liam, a child he had come to adore, even before finding out about his paternity. His son. Their son. Doing what is right for Liam is more important than winning or losing to Louisa. His eyes become steady, softer, as he open