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
Clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, Lucas strode forward, his presence commanding and cold.With a thin wisp of smoke curling from its barrel, he kept the gleaming handgun aimed at Andrew.Lucas’s piercing eyes locked onto Andrew, making the latter feel as though someone had drenched him in a bucket of ice water.Andrew staggered backward, his fear evident in the way his legs wobbled.Lucas stopped a few steps away, his imposing figure towering over the room like a dark shadow.“I see you don’t understand human language,” he said, tilting the gun. “Coincidentally, my gun doesn’t understand either. But it’s very good at making its point.”For a moment, Andrew forgot Lucas had shot him.His face twisted in rage as he shouted at the man before him.“You damned man! Why weren’t you picking up our calls, huh? The Elliot Corporation is in crisis, and you’re here doing nothing! Aren’t you too capable?” Andrew sneered. “Why haven’t you saved the company yet?”“Why should I save the compa
“All this time, I thought you’d be miserable without me. But I didn’t expect you to actually be… sponsored by a sugar daddy.” Andrew scoffed, the disgust in his voice apparent.“If all you wanted was to be a mistress, then what was wrong with being with me? Do you think I couldn’t provide you?”Hearing his ridiculous words, Elena was so angry that she vomited blood.But before she could respond, a sweet voice interrupted her.“You’re focusing on the wrong thing, Andrew,” Chloe looked at her husband.Then, she turned to Elena with a smile that was anything but friendly. “Since you’ve latched on to someone powerful, why don’t you use that to help our company? On account of the friendship we’ve shared before, you can surely do that, right?”Andrew’s face lit up.He turned to Elena promptly and said. “She’s right! You should talk to him. Convince your sugar daddy to invest in the Elliot Corporation. This is the perfect chance to redeem yourself.”Elena stared at him before a sharp laugh e
“I’ll need you to join us as well.”The words sent a chill down Andrew’s spine.A wave of disgust and rage surged through him.“No,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “That’s too much. I refuse!”Mr. Dexter laughed. “Beggars can’t be choosers, Mr. Elliot. But let me remind you, the banquet starts in a few hours. If you want those invitations, you do as I say.”Andrew gritted his teeth.This banquet wasn’t just an event; it was their last hope to salvage their crumbling empire.Although the thought made him sick, the benefits of what the invitations could bring were intoxicating.As for Mr. Dexter…He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.It was just a one-time thing.Not like he hadn’t played with the same sex before.With a deep breath, Andrew forced himself to meet Dexter’s gaze.“Fine,” he said. “I’ll do it.”“That’s more like it,” Mr. Dexter raised his glass in a toast.Chloe gloated as she watched Andrew squirm in the same situation as her.But when she thought ab
Chloe cradled the toddler, rocking back and forth in her arms, but nothing worked.The baby’s cries filled the space, and it was now beginning to annoy her.She was exhausted, physically and emotionally, and this wasn’t helping.Andrew was more direct.He was already in a bad mood and the non-stop cries made his anger explode.“Can’t you make her stop?” he snapped.Once again, Chloe tried to hush her daughter.But the child’s wails continued, and Andrew’s irritation deepened. “Why did you even bring her?” he hissed.Chloe finally looked at him, her eyes revealing a hint of exhaustion. “And who would’ve looked after her back home? You think we have the luxury of nannies anymore?”The little girl’s face was bright red, her small features scrunched up in discomfort.But as a first-time mother, Chloe did not know what was wrong with her daughter.What was worse was she did not try to find out, either.“Both of you are nothing but a liability,” Andrew spat, his voice dripping with venom. “
Thomas nodded grimly. “Yes. Throw them to the public while we quietly secure whatever remains of our empire. It’s the only way.”Richard took another drag from his cigarette before crushing it into the ashtray.In fact, he had the same thought in his mind.Facing a calamity, the Elliots never hesitated to go to extreme lengths.Back then, he had also thrown his ex-wife out.If he can do it once, why wouldn’t he do it again?Just as he was about to agree, the door burst open with a loud bang.Samantha stormed inside, her face contorting with disbelief and anger.“How dare you!” she roared. “How dare you even think of throwing us out like this? After everything I’ve done for this family.”Richard’s icy gaze landed on Samantha. “You and your son have done enough for this family. Now it’s time for you both to pay the price,” he said mercilessly.“No…” Samantha’s voice trembled as she shook her head. “You can’t do this to us, Richard. We’re your family. We’ve stood by your side through eve
The launch of “Elara”, Pristine Enterprise’s first jewelry line under Elena's leadership, was finally live.The ballroom of the most luxurious hotel in Country C was transformed into an ethereal fairy tale.The venue was filled with anticipation, as every seat had been claimed by the crème de la crème of society.As the lights dimmed, an enchanting melody filled the hall.A hush fell over the crowd.One by one, models glided down the runway, each adorned in pieces that were nothing short of masterpieces.Necklaces, earrings, and bracelets sparkled like constellations, dazzling the audience with their brilliance.But the true highlight of the evening came with the showstopper piece, a jewelry set aptly named ‘The Rising Phoenix’.Gasps filled the hall as the last model took the stage.Cameras flashed incessantly, capturing every angle of the masterpiece.Every piece in this collection was crafted with the finest gemstone.The vibrant reds, fiery oranges, and shimmering golds within the
Vanessa rose from her chair and stormed out of her private room.The doors to Room No. 6 loomed in front of her, and without bothering to knock, she pushed them open.Inside, seated comfortably on a leather chair, was a man Vanessa had never seen before.He was tall and composed, with dark brown hair styled, and piercing eyes that glimmered with amusement.The corners of his mouth curled into a smirk as if he had been expecting her.“Hello, Miss Walker,” the man said lazily, swirling the champagne in his glass. “I was wondering how long it would take for you to visit me. You’re quicker than I expected.”Vanessa paused for a split second.Then her fiery temper flared.“Who the hell do you think you are? Are you purposely trying to mess with me?” she snapped.The man chuckled, feigning innocence. “Mess with you? Oh no, Miss Walker. I’m simply participating in the auction. Isn’t that what we’re all here for?”The nonchalance in his tone made Vanessa grit her teeth. “Enjoying the auction?
The weight of her words hung heavily in the air.Now no one could accuse her of nepotism or use her parents’ influence to shield herself from risk.One of the older directors couldn’t hold back his curiosity and spoke. “You’re willing to shoulder the entire financial risk of this project… on your own. Can I ask why?”“Yes,” Elena answered without hesitation. “Because I believe in this project. And I believe in myself.”Elena’s confidence wasn’t born out of arrogance.The partnerships she proposed were strategic and, if executed well, could elevate the Pristine Enterprise’s status globally.Elena’s lips curved into a faint smile as she continued. “I spent the last few years observing, learning, and strategizing. I may have been away from the company physically, but I’ve been monitoring everything. The Pristine Enterprise is my family’s blood and sweat, and I intend to protect it.”The shareholders exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of respect and intrigue.It wasn’t every day s
The news about Elena becoming the next CEO spread like wildfire, but the outcome was unexpected.Inside the Pristine Enterprise.The long mahogany table stretched across the room, surrounded by a dozen stern-faced directors.Dylan Walker sat at the head of the table.While Elena sat beside him, her back straight and her face expressionless.The conference room buzzed with tension as the board members voiced their frustrations.“Chairman,” one of the senior directors, Mr. James, began, “Miss Elena has been absent from the family business for years. How can we trust her to suddenly manage an empire she hasn’t been a part of?”Another director chimed in, her glasses perched low on her nose as she stared at Elena. “We’re talking about the Pristine Enterprise, one of the largest conglomerates in the country. This isn’t some playhouse where positions can be handed out based on family ties.”Murmurs of agreement rippled through the table.“Chairman Walker,” Mr. Lee, one shareholder, interjec