Chloe wanted to force Elena into a corner.
However, if the latter was disobedient, then she didn’t mind using a crooked approach.
Hearing Chloe’s words, Andrew’s eyes lit up.
Initially, he had been racking his brains, thinking about how to clean up the mess, but Chloe’s suggestion enlightened him.
That’s right. As long as Elena turned a blind eye to his affairs, everything would be fine!
Sure enough, hooking up with Chloe was the best decision. She always prioritized him first and never caused him any inconvenience.
“Serve him together? Are you trying to disgust me to death?” Elena was so repulsed by her words she wanted to throw up. “I never knew you could stoop so low. What makes you think that after everything, I’d still want this trash?”
Elena’s words stung Andrew, and he immediately leaped to his defense. “Who do you think you’re calling trash?”
“Still asking?” Elena glared at him fiercely.
“Andrew, please, calm down,” Chloe urged, her voice laced with concern. “Elena is angry right now, but her words mean no harm. You have to be tolerant.”
Under Chloe’s coaxing, Andrew quietened down.
This scene, however, stung Elena’s eyes, intensifying the hurt across her face.
“One is trash while the other is as low as a gutter. You two are really a perfect match,” she mocked bitterly.
Wiping her tears, she looked at Andrew with determination. “I want a divorce.”
“No, Elena. Listen to me. You can't divorce Andrew. He really loves you.” Chloe tried to persuade Elena.
She tightened her grip around her, her long nails digging into Elena’s flesh.
Elena felt pain from her hold and flung her away. “Get lost.”
“Ah…”
Elena had barely pushed her, but Chloe landed on the ground with a loud thud.
“Bitch, how dare you!”
Smack!
A sharp slap landed on Elena’s face before Andrew rushed to help Chloe. “Are you all right?”
Chloe clung to Andrew and cried miserably. “Andy, I’m so scared. I really didn’t mean it.”
Andrew comforted her gently. “Don’t worry. I’m still here.” His furious gaze then landed on Elena’s disheveled figure as she stood rooted on her spot.
He grabbed her arm and flung her forcefully outside the apartment. “Get away from my sight. If you stay here for another minute, it won’t be just a slap.”
Initially, he felt guilty towards her and was unwilling to blow things up.
However, this damned woman did not appreciate his kind intentions and refused to stop.
Did she still believe he was the same naive guy from the past?
He, Andrew Elliot, was now a managing director at Elliot’s Corporation and the only heir to the Elliot empire!
In his position, he could easily take care of ten such women like her. How audacious of this woman of an unknown origin to challenge him?
Elena fell on the floor, her back hitting the wall.
She looked in a daze as her ‘husband’ slammed the door ruthlessly on her face and went to accompany his lover.
—-
The cool night air wrapped around Elena as she walked aimlessly through the empty streets.
Her mind was clouded with emotions, replaying fragments of her life with Andrew like a broken film reel.
Images of their happy times flashed in her mind.
The smiles, the promises, the hopes for a beautiful future together.
And now everything felt like a cruel illusion, mocking her for her stupidity.
With each step, Elena felt the weight of her shattered dreams pressing down on her shoulders.
And then, as if a dam had burst inside her, the floodgates of grief and despair burst open, consuming her whole.
In the middle of the street, Elena collapsed to her knees, her body trembling with hysterical sobs.
“Why!” Elena screamed. “Why did you do this to me?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks, mingling with her heart-wrenching cries.
Her husband’s betrayal crushed her spirit, leaving her bewildered, lost, and shattered.
Even now, she couldn’t understand where it had all gone wrong.
The surrounding street continued its chaotic rhythm, oblivious to her pain. However, at that moment, Elena’s heartache echoed louder than the city’s clamor.
Unknowingly, the young woman found herself in front of the prestigious “Azure Haven”.
Unlike the regular clubs, this place was exclusive only to the upper echelons of society.
The place was tightly guarded, and even a fly could not enter without permission.
The atmosphere was bustling as Elena made her way inside the club.
She took a seat at the bar counter.
Her mind was in a mess and she needed to divert her attention somewhere else in case she lost control of herself once again.
And what could be a better way than to drink in your sorrows?
Elena sank into the high chair of the elegant bar.
Her eyes darted from corner to corner, but there was no sign of the bartender anywhere.
It was then that her gaze fell upon a figure leaning against the wall at the other end of the bar, shrouded in shadows.
There seemed to be an air of mystery about him that drew Elena’s attention like a moth to a flame.
She rose from her chair and took a seat opposite him. “One Vodka Martini, please,” she cleared her throat, breaking the silence.
But there was no response.
The man remained engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to her presence.
Vexed, Elena tapped lightly against the table to draw his attention.
“I said one Vodka Martini, please,” she repeated, her voice tinged with annoyance.
The man finally looked up from his device, his brows raised in mild amusement.
The lady in front seemed to have mistaken him for a bartender. However,
“Coming right up,” he replied, a small smirk playing on his lips. He set aside his phone and moved behind the bar with ease.
He rolled up his sleeves, revealing a string of polished and smooth black Buddhist tassel beads on his wrist.
The stark contrast between the dark beads and his fair skin further added to the mysterious allure that surrounded him.
His movements were fluid and practiced as he skillfully mixed the liquids.
As he prepared the drink, Elena’s gaze never left him and two words surfaced in her mind ‘Immortal Demon’.
The man in front of her exuded a roguish aura, his tall frame casting a commanding presence. His lips were thin and looked very sexy.
Elena felt entranced by his bewitching appearance.
It wasn’t her first time seeing a good-looking person, but this man was different from anyone she had encountered before.
He was handsome, no doubt. But he exuded a hint of evilness that came deep from his bone.
No matter how she looked at him, he didn’t seem like a bartender.
The man slid the cocktail across the bar towards her, the chilled glass stopping just in front of Elena.
Yet, her gaze remained glued upon him in a daze.
The man chuckled and knocked lightly on the counter table.
The soft sound brought Elena back from her reverie, and she instinctively reached out to take the glass.
However, the man had yet to withdraw his hand.
Their fingers collided, and Elena’s nails inadvertently brushed against his hand.
The coolness of the touch sent a jolt through her body like a current of electricity, catching the two of them off guard.
Startled, Elena hastily retracted her hand, causing the drink to spill onto the man’s hand.
“I’m sorry,” Elena apologized, a hint of fluster appearing on her cheeks.
“It’s fine,” the man reached out for a tissue placed nearby, wiping the few stray droplets off his hand.
“By the way,” the man began, with a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I’m not the bartender.”
Elena froze.
A flush of red crept up her neck, and she immediately cursed in her head.
Tonight was definitely the unluckiest day of her life. How could she make such a stupid mistake?
“I-I’m sorry. I thought…” she trailed off, not knowing how to explain to him.
“It’s alright,” he said, before taking a seat at the empty chair next to her.
Still reeling from her embarrassment, Elena swiftly downed the contents of her glass.
The first sip burned down her throat, bringing a fleeting sense of numbness.
She suddenly raised her hand and patted her chest.
The man who was pouring himself a drink was taken aback by her movements and knitted his brows. “Is it not good?” He asked.
That couldn’t be.
He had confidence in his skills and dismissed any problem with the drink.
Elena raised her gorgeous dark blue eyes to look at the man.
The alcohol had taken its effects as the corner of her eyes turned red, giving her a seductive charm.
She shook her head and replied. “It’s just that… my heart is fluttering.”
“It’s just that… my heart is fluttering.”The darkness in the man’s eyes disappeared, and the corner of his lips curled up.His tall figure leaned closer to the counter and stopped when there was only an inch’s space between them.“Does your heart flutter after seeing me?” The man deliberately lowered his voice.The last syllable he said was seductive, as if it could move the wind by her ear.Elena nodded her head subconsciously.The man was pleased by her response and reached out his hand.Elena’s breath hitched as the man brushed his warm fingertips across her hair, removing a small piece of confetti that had gotten stuck.Ba-dump!At that moment, Elena’s heart started to pound violently against her chest.Currently, the two of them were very close, and Elena could smell a faint scent of agarwood on him.It made one feel calm and refreshing.The man lowered his eyelashes and noticed the woman still holding her breath.Her face was soft, and her lips were full and red, enticing him t
“Even if you do, it’ll be my honor.”The man paused, taken aback by her boldness.Then a low chuckle resounded in the space.“What a sweet mouth,” he said in amusement. “Is your mouth really that sweet, or…”“Why don’t you find out?” Elena interrupted him.“I want to, but I’m afraid.”“Afraid?”The man’s expression remained impassive, but there was a flicker in his eyes. “I’m afraid that once I taste it, I’ll become addicted,” he confessed.Straightening her body, Elena took a step closer and pressed her soft lips against the corners of his mouth. “For a drug, there’s always an antidote.”The man did not allow her to pull away.Without a word, his lips crashed down on hers in a fierce and hungry kiss.Holding the back of her head, the man couldn’t help but suck on her tongue greedily, savoring the taste of lingering alcohol on her breath.It was a feeling he had never experienced before, one that ignited a fire within him.Elena melted into the kiss, her body responding to his touch w
But there was no answer.Life seemed to lose all meaning as Elena cried, and unknowingly she fell asleep.When she woke up, she realized it was dark outside.Elena’s eyes felt heavy, swollen from the tears she had shed.No, this could not go on.When had she, Elena Walker, ever been in such an embarrassing state?She would not allow herself to suffer the grievances while the adulterous pair moved freely with no remorse.She pushed herself to her feet and went to the bathroom, determined to wash away the traces of her distress.Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Elena saw a glimmer of strength in her eyes.The defeated woman from the past was now replaced by someone strong and determined.She would gather evidence of Andrew’s infidelity, irrefutable proof that would expose him as the liar and cheater he was. Sue him for adultery and strip him of every penny until he begged on the streets.Not that she cared about this little of his money. But if she didn’t hit him where it hurt,
“I was just trying to be considerate, Lucas,” Samantha said embarrassedly. “I’m concerned about you just as I would for my children.”“Did I ask for your concern?” Lucas shot back. “Besides, I’m afraid that the woman you chose will be as cheap as you.”Elena silently gave Lucas a thumbs-up.For too long, Samantha had been strutting around like a proud peacock, exerting control over the lives of those around her.And as her daughter-in-law, Elena had the worst.But she never expected Lucas to humble her with just a sentence.Tears immediately brimmed in Samantha’s eyes as she appeared to be hurt by his words.“I know that you don’t like us and think that I’ve caused your parent’s separation but I never meant any of this to happen,” she protested weakly. “And I may not be your biological mother, but I have always considered you like my own.”“Do you think you’re worthy?”“Watch your words, Lucas. This is not how you speak to your mother,” Thomas cleared his throat in a warning.“I’m sor
Elena had never been one to follow her heart without considering the consequences.But something about Lucas had ignited a spark within her, a longing she had long suppressed in the confines of her marriage to Andrew.Hence, in a moment of recklessness, she succumbed to the passion as if nothing else mattered.But as she stood face to face with him, the reality of her actions came crashing down around her like a tornado.Of all people, why did it have to be him?How could she have been so blind, so foolish?It was as if fate had played a cruel joke on her.“Come here,” the man ordered.Elena stood frozen as Lucas’ commanding voice cut through the air.Her muscles tensed as she once again resisted the urge to flee.“Don’t make me repeat myself,” Lucas growled, his impatience palpable.Elena swallowed hard, the taste of fear bitter on her tongue.She took hesitant steps towards him, her eyes fixed on the ground, as she refused to meet his piercing gaze.Lucas’s patience was wearing thin
Knox’s shoulders relaxed, and he breathed a sigh of relief.After witnessing their boss’ interactions with that woman, they were afraid that the former might’ve taken a liking to her.But as quickly as the thought entered their mind, they dismissed it.Their boss was famous for being ascetic, and last night’s events were probably his testosterone bursting out for a breather.“In that case, I’ll inform the hotel manager that you’ll be going over,” Knox informed.Lucas raised a brow. “For what?”Knox felt a pang of confusion.Every time they visited Auburn Hills, his boss would always stay at the hotel.So why was he still asking?Lucas sensed his confusion and replied. “This is my house. Why should I stay in a hotel when I have my room here?”Knox’s mouth twitched, and he was rendered speechless.———Elena’s heels clicked against the pavement as she emerged from the lawyer’s office.The late afternoon sun cast long shadows, mirroring the desolation that enveloped her.After careful con
Elena cursed Samantha countless times for getting her into this predicament.Lucas nudged the food trolley and ordered. “Eat it.”“Huh?” Elena was confused.But when she realized the meaning of his words, she became infuriated.“You think I poisoned the food?” She gritted her teeth.Lucas shrugged, his answer obvious.Since he was suspicious, Elena wanted to ask him why he was still living in the mansion.Despite having a long day, she had prepared supper for him at this late hour; yet this man dared to question her motives.Did she look that free to him?With a sharp inhale, Elena grabbed the spoon.Glaring at him, she scooped up a mouthful of food and shoved it into her mouth, her jaw working furiously as she chewed.She savored every bite to show him she had eaten.After swallowing, she slammed the spoon back onto the table with a forceful clatter. “There, are you satisfied now?”Just when Elena thought he would let her go, she saw him shake his head. “No.”Lucas moved closer till
Mr. Harper, Andrew’s lawyer, stood up for his client’s defense.“Your Honor, my client refutes all claims of infidelity. The evidence they provided is not concrete enough to support the allegations against my client.”Then he turned to face the judge with a serious expression. “I request that an expert be brought in to examine the so-called evidence presented by Mr. Brown. Only then can we ensure the authenticity of these claims.”The judge nodded in agreement.“The court will not decide based on evidence that may be forged or falsified. Bailiff, please collect the evidence and examine it by an expert.”Elena’s stomach churned as she saw the bailiff collect the folder.With that, the courtroom fell into a tense silence as the expert inspected the photographs and documents presented by Mr. Brown.Every eye in the room was glued on him as he meticulously scrutinized each piece of evidence.After what felt like an eternity, the expert finally spoke.“Your Honor, after careful examination
Four years later.The snow-covered peaks stretched endlessly, a breathtaking expanse of white under the pale winter sun.“Again!”Ethan laughed, his bright eyes gleaming with excitement.He was bundled in a white ski suit, his tiny gloved hands gripping the ski poles.Lucas crouched beside him, adjusting the boy’s stance with practiced ease.“Feet apart, shoulders steady,” he instructed, his deep voice laced with patience. “And don’t lean too far forward, or you’ll—”Before he could finish, Ethan pushed off, wobbling slightly as he slid down the gentle slope.“—fall,” Lucas muttered, shaking his head as Ethan toppled over into the soft snow.A giggle rang through the air as Ethan flopped onto his back, arms spread wide.As Ethan grew older, his features bore a striking resemblance to Lucas, except for his gorgeous dark blue
Isabella’s lips trembled. “I—I thought—”“You thought?” Helen’s voice cracked, a bitter laugh escaping her. “No, Isabella. You chose. You chose Mike. You chose yourself. And you threw Lucas away again.”Helen’s chest rose and fell with the force of her emotions.Looking at Isabella, she felt nothing but bitter disappointment.“We never blamed you,” Helen said. “Not when you lied about your death. Not when you left your son behind to fend for himself,” she continued, her voice cracking. “And this is how you repay us?”A choked sob escaped Isabella’s lips.She reached for Helen’s hand, but Helen took a step back.“You could’ve asked for help. You could’ve told anyone. But instead, you sold out your own family. Your own grandson.”Helen looked at Isabella with eyes full of grief.“D
“I have lived long enough to witness the rise and fall of generations, but tonight… tonight, I feel truly blessed. This child is not only the blood of our Evans family but the future that will carry our legacy forward.”He turned toward Lucas and reached out his aged hands.Lucas stepped forward, carefully handing Ethan over to his great-grandfather.Harold cradled the child with surprising gentleness, his usually stern eyes softening as he looked down at the tiny face.Under the watchful eyes of the entire Evans family and the influential guests present, Harold personally opened the ancient Evans family record book, an heirloom that had documented the bloodline for centuries.With a brush dipped in ink, Harold carefully wrote down the name Ethan Lucas Evans in bold strokes.The moment the ink touched the paper, it symbolized Ethan’s official entry into the Evans family tree, a position that no one could ever challen
He nudged Elena, who carefully handed the baby over.Everyone watched as Harold’s rough hands, once used to commanding empires and instilling fear, trembled slightly as they cradled the tiny life in his arms.The moment the child settled against him, Harold’s fury melted away.Helen stepped closer, her own hands clasped over her chest as she peered down at the baby. “Oh my God, he’s so handsome.”Harold’s eyes reddened once again.This was the blood of the Evans family…“Look at him,” Harold’s voice cracked. “He’s got the same sharp brows as Lucas when he was a baby.”Lucas’ eyes softened.The little one stirred slightly, his tiny hand clenching into a fist.A faint smile spread across Harold’s face as he gently patted the baby’s chest.“From this day onward,” Harold announced, his voice filled with pride a
ACE’s face immediately turned terrifying.“Winter.” He said warningly. “You’re not allowed to joke about that.”Her heart skipped a beat.No one knew better than her how scary this man was once he got angry.Wrapping her arms around his neck, she rubbed her face against his cheek. “All right, all right. Don’t be fierce.”ACE sighed helplessly.He could make world leaders shut up with a single glance, yet before this woman, he was always at the losing end.No matter how ruthless he was outside, when it came to Winter, he had no bottom line.He let her act coquettishly and turned around. “What do you want to eat?”Winter’s eyes instantly lit up.Her hubby was so good to her.She latched onto his arm without hesitation, her voice filled with excitement as she rattled off a long list of dishes.“…”Jayden, w
Lucas only smiled.Back when he resided in Country K, Lucas had found himself entangled with the Black Vipers, a ruthless underground syndicate known for their brutal dealings in the underworld.To survive and walk out alive, Lucas went undercover as Rocky.He played his role flawlessly, climbing their ranks, gaining their trust, and dismantling their core operations.By the time he left Country K, he thought he had completely destroyed them.Yet, fate proved him wrong.Like cockroaches that thrive in darkness, they waited for the right moment to resurface.Lucas knew their weaknesses.Their hideouts and the fractures in their foundation.The cops knew it, too.That’s why they came to him, not as a suspect, but as an asset.They needed someone who could infiltrate deep, someone with a personal stake in bringing the Black Vipers to their knees.And when the authorities realized the extent of his
Jayden Luxton strode toward them, his sharp gaze sweeping over the scene.Dressed in all black, he exuded the same air of danger and authority as Lucas, but his approach wasn’t hostile.Not this time.“Everything is ready.” He said, giving him a small nod.Behind him, the hospital staff rushed forward, quickly transferring Elena onto a stretcher.As the stretcher started moving, Elena’s fingers slipped from Lucas’.She stirred slightly, her fingers weakly grasping at his sleeve before her strength gave out.The sight nearly shattered him.The stretcher was wheeled straight into the emergency room, disappearing through the doors.The woman, who had been by Elena’s side the entire time, turned to Lucas. “I’ll take care of it.”Before she could enter the operating room, Jayden’s arm shot in front of her.Wariness flickered across his face.The
Elena’s pulse quickened. “What—”“Just do it.” His tone left no room for argument.Ten minutes later, a sharp, piercing scream resounds from inside the bedroom.The guards patrolling rushed inside, and what they saw blew their minds.Elena lay on the cold, hard floor, her body curled in on itself.A dark pool of blood spread beneath her, soaking through her dress.Her face contorted in agony, sweat beading along her forehead as she gasped for air.Before her stood Hunter with his fists clenched at his side.His usually sharp gaze was unfocused, drowning in a drunken stupor.One of the guards cursed under his breath. “What the hell did you do, Hunter?!”Hunter swayed slightly, his movements sluggish. “I just wanted to… wanted to hold her hands. But she wouldn’t let me.”“The baby…” Elena rasped, her lips trembling. &l
Elena’s face turned pale.“Don’t overdo it, Hunter. We can’t afford any accidents before the smuggling.” Reed reminded him.“Relax,” Hunter replied coolly.He grabbed Elena’s chin, his thumb dragging across her cheekbone as he tilted her face left, then right.“Damn. What a pretty face,” he mused, his tone almost appreciative. “That b***ard Lucas really lucked out, huh?”Elena pulled away her face from his grip and glared at him. “Don’t take his name from your filthy mouth.”Hunter sneered. “Touched a nerve, did I?”Elena’s glare was colder than ice.Hunter crouched before her, bringing his face level with hers. “I don’t have a good temper, woman.” Hunter continued, his voice slow, deliberate. “So, if you dare piss me off…”A cold metal suddenly touched Elena’s belly.