The luxurious restaurant buzzed with the sounds of clinking glasses and quiet murmurs, but the atmosphere felt charged with anticipation. The sleek, modern design of the space was nothing short of extraordinary—polished marble floors reflected the soft glow of crystal chandeliers above, and the tables were set with gleaming silverware and fine china. Every detail had been meticulously crafted to create an aura of exclusivity. It wasn’t just the food that made this restaurant famous; it was the people who dined here. Celebrities, politicians, and billionaires were regulars in these plush surroundings, and tonight, Theodore Thatcher had joined their ranks.The moment Theodore entered, the air seemed to shift. His presence commanded attention, even though he didn’t actively seek it. People couldn’t help but glance at the tall, confident figure striding toward a private booth. He exuded an effortless charm and power, qualities that had made him a name not only in business but also in the
Nadia walked into the hospital with a determined step, wearing a simple, unassuming outfit that didn't stand out. She pulled the hood of her jacket low over her face, doing her best to keep her identity hidden. She didn’t want any attention, especially not from anyone who might recognize her. As much as she had become entangled in Theodore’s world, she wasn’t ready for the kind of scrutiny that came with it.She walked through the sterile hallways, her heartbeat a little faster than usual, a mix of concern for Chris and the tension of staying out of the public eye. She finally reached her brother’s room and opened the door, finding Chris resting on his bed, his pale face a bit brighter than before. A nurse stood nearby, adjusting his IV.The doctor assigned to Chris, a calm man in his forties, approached her with a reassuring smile. “Ms. Vaccaro, I’m glad you could make it. Your brother’s condition has improved significantly. All of his necessary treatments have been provided, and his
The clock struck 6 PM when Theodore arrived at the house where Nadia was waiting. As he walked into the room, his gaze immediately fell on her. She was dressed in a stunning brown backless dress that accentuated her figure, yet there was something cold about her demeanor. She looked effortlessly sexy, but her eyes barely met his. She ignored him completely.Theodore, who had always been in control of every situation, was confused. Nadia had been distant since the moment they left the car. Her silence, her lack of eye contact—it was all too obvious. He couldn't figure it out. Why was she acting this way?They arrived at Leonora’s house, and the luxury of the estate immediately hit them. The grandeur of the mansion screamed wealth and status at every turn. The lush gardens outside, the marble floors, the chandeliers that illuminated the hallways—it was all just too much. It felt like stepping into another world, one that Nadia didn’t belong to.Theodore led Nadia inside, his mother’s se
The drive was long, but the moment they arrived, the sight before them took Nadia’s breath away. The car came to a halt by the cliff’s edge, the moonlight reflecting off the vast, dark ocean below. The waves gently crashed against the rocks, and the only sounds were the whispers of the wind and the occasional distant calls of seabirds.“Come on,” Theodore said, breaking the stillness. His voice was softer than usual, almost inviting. “Let’s take a walk.”Nadia followed him, stepping out of the car. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she removed her heels, holding them in one hand as she walked barefoot on the cool grass. Theodore couldn’t help but watch her for a moment, his brow furrowing in curiosity. Why did she take off her shoes so casually? It was a strange, simple gesture, but it made her seem… freer than he expected. It made him wonder about her, about the kind of woman she was beneath the surface. Theodore, noticing her discomfort, quickly removed his jacket and draped it o
Miranda handed Nadia a generous amount of money, instructing her to buy new clothes and shoes to make herself presentable for the show, as Theodore had ordered. Nadia felt reluctant, unsure about accepting the money, but she had little choice. With a heavy sigh, she tucked the money into her bag and set off alone to the nearest market, the task weighing on her.She was dressed casually in a white short, a navy long-sleeve top, and black sunglasses, trying to keep a low profile while shopping. Nadia didn’t want to draw attention to herself, especially with everything happening around her, but she had to go through with it.As she moved through the aisles of the market, lost in thought, she accidentally bumped into someone. She immediately apologized, looking up to see a tall, muscular man standing before her. His eyes were charming, and he offered a warm smile, his presence commanding yet gentle.“No need to apologize,” he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. “But I must say, I
Theodore was deep in the middle of a business meeting, his focus on the financial charts in front of him. His partners were discussing projections and strategies, but his mind was always ten steps ahead. The hum of conversation and the click of pens filled the air, but Theodore’s attention was momentarily interrupted by the buzzing of his phone.It was Miranda.He excused himself from the table, stepping into the hallway with a sense of urgency. “Miranda,” he answered, his voice professional but curious. “What’s going on?”“Mr. Thatcher,” Miranda’s voice came through, laced with concern. “I need to speak with you. It’s about your mother and Nadia.”The mention of Nadia immediately made him tense. “What happened?” he asked, his mind already racing.Miranda didn’t waste any time. “Your mother… she threatened Nadia. She humiliated her, said awful things. She told Nadia to stay away from you, even offered money to make her leave you alone. It was bad, Mr. Thatcher.”Theodore’s stomach tig
Victor Thatcher sat in his private study, staring out the expansive window that overlooked his vast estate. The news had hit him like a ton of bricks—Theodore was getting married. This wasn’t just any wedding. The timing was significant. In six months, once Theodore turned 30, the inheritance would be his—25 billion, alongside the properties and investments that had accumulated wealth for generations. Everything that Victor had worked so hard to position himself for, now at risk.Theodore was sharp, powerful, and intelligent—much more than many gave him credit for. Victor couldn’t deny that his nephew was a formidable opponent, and the idea that Theodore would soon have full control of the Thatcher fortune made Victor uneasy. Theodore had proven himself time and again, not just in business, but in strategy. If there was one thing Theodore was good at, it was calculating every move before making it. He had the mind of a tactician, and he was poised to take the Thatcher empire to greate
The room fell into a heavy silence the moment the glass doors opened.Theodore Thatcher entered, his tall, commanding presence immediately drawing everyone’s attention. His icy blue eyes swept over the room with that detached air of superiority that everyone had grown accustomed to. But what truly stunned the gathered business partners wasn’t just Theodore—it was the woman at his side.Nadia Vaccaro.Her grace was undeniable, each step she took exuding confidence and composure. She had been prepared for this moment—every question, every challenge—carefully coached by Miranda. She stood tall, confident in her answers, though her heart raced beneath the practiced facade. If anyone expected to rattle her, they would be disappointed.Theodore stopped in the middle of the room, releasing her hand with an almost dismissive gesture. His expression remained cold, unbothered.“This is Nadia Vaccaro,” he said in his usual tone, devoid of warmth. “My fiancée.”The room seemed to freeze. Not beca
The soft glow of morning filtered through the thin curtains, casting a golden hue over the room. The air was thick with the lingering warmth of the night before, a silent testament to what had transpired between them.Theodore lay awake, his arm resting under his head while his other hand absentmindedly traced patterns on the sheets. His gaze was fixed on the woman beside him.Nadia.Her head was nestled against his arm, her dark lashes resting against her cheeks, her breathing slow and steady. Strands of her dark hair had fallen over her face, and he resisted the sudden urge to brush them away.Even in sleep, she was breathtaking.He let out a slow exhale, his mind clouded with thoughts.He had been drunk last night, yes. But not drunk enough to forget. Not drunk enough to regret.And that was what he hated the most.The past few days, he had tried his best to keep his distance. Their arrangement was temporary,
The room was dimly lit by the faint glow of the city lights filtering through the curtains. The only sound was the rhythmic ticking of the clock and the slow, steady breathing of the man sleeping on the couch.Nadia sat up in bed, the sheets pooling around her waist as she glanced toward Theodore. His features, usually so tense and unreadable, were now relaxed in sleep. The sharp angles of his face were softened in the quiet, his dark lashes casting faint shadows over his cheekbones.He looked almost… peaceful. Vulnerable.A strange warmth spread in her chest as she watched him. She wasn’t sure why she got up—maybe it was the pull of something unspoken, something she wasn’t ready to name. Barefoot, she padded across the wooden floor, stopping just beside the couch.Her gaze drifted to his lips.The memories came unbidden. The first time, when she had leaned too close and accidentally kissed him while he was sleeping. The second time, on t
As the evening's festivities drew to a close, the once lively ambiance of the party gave way to a quieter, more subdued atmosphere. Nadia and Theodore made their way to the parking lot, the cool night air offering a refreshing contrast to the warmth inside. The sleek black car awaited them, its polished surface reflecting the ambient lights.Theodore approached the driver's side, his movements deliberate yet slightly unsteady. Nadia observed him closely, concern etching her features."Are you sure you're okay to drive?" she inquired, her voice tinged with worry.He paused, one hand resting on the car's roof, the other fumbling briefly with the keys. His gaze met hers, eyes sharp yet clouded."I'm fine," he replied curtly, opening the door and sliding into the driver's seat.Nadia hesitated for a moment before settling into the passenger seat, fastening her seatbelt with a soft click. The engine roared to life, and Theodore guided the car
Drake knew how to play his part.He had always been the charming one, the easygoing cousin who never took life too seriously. But tonight, he was more than just that—he was a man in love, a man ready to lay his heart at Nadia’s feet.At least, that was the role he had to play.Standing in the dimly lit corner of the lavish ballroom, he kept his expression carefully composed as he faced her. The golden light from the chandeliers bathed her features in a soft glow, making her look even more striking than he remembered. She was wary—he could tell by the slight tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes flickered toward the crowd as if seeking an escape.He couldn’t let her run.Not yet.Drake sighed, letting his gaze drop momentarily before meeting hers again. He made sure his voice was gentle, laced with just the right amount of vulnerability."Nadia, I owe you an apology for everything my father, Victor, has put you throu
The birthday celebration had officially begun. Guests laughed and chatted as the waitstaff moved gracefully between tables, serving plates of exquisite cuisine. The scent of rich, gourmet dishes filled the air, yet Theodore Thatcher had not taken a single bite.He sat beside Nadia, his fingers lazily swirling the wine in his glass, his sharp gaze unreadable. Unlike the others, who were indulging in the luxurious meal, he seemed content with nothing but his drink.Just as Nadia picked up her fork, she heard a familiar voice.“Glad you could make it, Nadia.”She turned to see Drake approaching with his signature easygoing smile. His presence alone attracted attention—Drake Thatcher was not only Theodore’s cousin but a well-known figure in the industry.Nadia returned the smile. “Happy birthday, Drake.”Drake chuckled. “Thanks. I didn’t expect you to come, but it’s a nice surprise.”Then his eyes drifted past her, and he bl
The sleek black car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the grand venue. The event was already in full swing, golden chandeliers casting a warm glow over the entrance, where photographers and guests lingered in hushed whispers.The valet stepped forward as the driver exited, swiftly opening the car door. A polished black dress shoe touched the red carpet first, followed by a tall, commanding figure.Theodore Thatcher.Dressed in a crisp white long-sleeved shirt and tailored black trousers, he was effortless in his confidence—no tie, no jacket, just sheer presence. His sleeves were neatly rolled up to his forearms, revealing strong wrists and a silver watch that gleamed under the lights.He barely glanced at the murmuring guests before turning back toward the car.A second later, a delicate hand, adorned with a simple yet elegant diamond bracelet, reached for his.Nadia stepped out next.And the moment she did, the atmosp
The soft hum of the blow dryer filled the spacious dressing room, blending with the faint melody of a love song playing in the background. The warm light from the vanity cast a golden glow on Nadia’s skin as she added the final touches to her look.Her reflection stared back at her—an intoxicating mix of elegance and seduction. The sheer black lace of her dress clung to her figure like a second skin, teasing glimpses of smooth flesh beneath its intricate patterns. The plunging neckline was daring yet tasteful, while the high slit running up her thigh was enough to make a statement without crossing the line into overt provocation.It was a dress designed to draw attention, to leave an imprint in the minds of those who saw her—and she wore it effortlessly.Her long, wavy hair cascaded down her back in soft, luxurious waves—not too curly, just the right amount of volume to frame her delicate features. She reached for the deep red lipstick, gliding it over her
Nadia stepped out of the car, her heels clicking softly against the pavement in front of Thatcher Enterprises. The towering glass building loomed over her, exuding power and prestige, yet she felt nothing but quiet reluctance.Beside her, Miranda, ever composed, walked with effortless grace.Three days had passed since the pictures of her and Theodore at the Bright Horizon Foundation went viral.Nadia had no interest in reading comments, but Miranda kept her informed—people were beginning to like her. The tide had turned in her favor, and in the process, Sheena had become the new target of public scrutiny.Nadia wasn’t sure how to feel about it.As they entered Theodore’s office, she instinctively searched for him.The moment their eyes met, the world seemed to pause.His sharp, calculating stare locked onto hers. A familiar intensity lingered in his gaze, one that made her heart skip—yet before it could settle, she look
Sheena Valerio leaned against the plush couch of her penthouse, her long, manicured fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. The rich aroma of red wine filled the air, but she barely noticed. Her mind wasn’t in the present—it was trapped in the past.She closed her eyes, letting herself drift back to the time when everything had felt certain.Theodore was her childhood sweetheart.Leonora Thatcher, Theodore’s mother, had always made sure that the two of them were close. They grew up together, attended the same gatherings, were seen as a pair long before anything romantic even started. It had always been an unspoken assumption—Sheena Valerio and Theodore Thatcher, the perfect match.Sheena had believed it. Everyone had believed it.But Theodore was different from other rich boys.He never cared about appearances, about power plays or social standing. While Sheena was basking in the spotlight, Theodore was pushing himself to the