The room froze.“What did you just say?” Andrew’s head snapped toward her. “How dare you—”Lucas’s lips curved into a faint smile as he nodded. “Sure,”In one smooth, deliberate motion, he pulled Elena to his side.He didn’t even glance at Andrew as he addressed Thomas.“Grandfather,” Lucas said in a calm but unwavering tone, “You won’t mind if I take her away, right?”Thomas exhaled heavily, leaning back in his chair as if the weight of the family’s chaos had finally worn him down.He had always believed in control, in maintaining order and appearances.But now, faced with the undeniable determination in Lucas’s eyes, he relented.With a tired wave of his hand, he muttered, “Do as you see fit.”As Lucas and Elena disappeared through the doorway, Andrew’s face contorted in fury.“You think you can just take her?” he snarled, as he started toward the door.But before he could go any further, Samantha grabbed his arm and held him back.“Don’t,” she whispered, her voice filled with a quie
“I’m already past my retirement age and want to live the rest of my life in peace. Hence, as a token of my love for the future generations of the Elliot family, I have decided to gift 10% of the company’s shares to the first great-grandchild born into our family.”The promise of ten percent stunned everyone in the room.As Thomas laid out the offer, Samantha’s lips parted in shock, while Andrew became excited.Even Richard looked intrigued.Only Lucas’ handsome face darkened as he pieced together the situation.So that was it.All this time, he’d thought she was standing up for herself, for some shred of dignity. But it was only about the money.Andrew’s attitude immediately took a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn.He leaned over, his voice oozing with sweetness as he held Elena’s hand. “I know we’ve had some misunderstandings lately, but I promise I’ll do better, Elena. Let’s make this work.”Elena glanced at him.There was no warmth in her response as she nodded lightly.Samantha
Elena rushed into her room.She slammed the door shut with force and pressed her back against it.Her breath came ragged as she slid to the floor, pulling her knees to her chest.Burying her face in them, her shoulders trembled as the tears flew freely.She hated this.Hated how their words cut her, how her silence felt like surrender.But more than that, she hated herself for letting them see her crack.The sobs came harder, each one tearing from her throat.The room was silent, but inside her head, it was chaos, with no relief in sight.———The crackle of the bonfire sent sparks spiraling into the cool evening air.Laughter and the hum of casual conversation filled the atmosphere, but Elena felt anything but at ease.The heat of the fire was no match for the cold knot twisting in her stomach.She had tried to convince Andrew to skip the event, but he had insisted on coming.And now they were here, seated awkwardly among strangers.Elena’s eyes scanned the area nervously, hoping that
Elena’s tears flowed, wracking her entire body.This was not the first time he had promised to give her the Elliot Corporation.And Elena knew that Lucas’ words were not just empty promises.Seeing him like this, she wanted to tell him the truth.But thinking about the phone call, her resolve wavered.The torment in her eyes made Lucas falter, his anger dissolving into something gentler.Without thinking, he reached out, his thumb brushing away her tears.The simple gesture was irresistible, almost tender.“Don’t cry,” he murmured.Before Elena could respond, his lips found hers again.This time, the kiss was slower, deeper, and tinged with more than just anger or desire.It was as though he was trying to pour every unsaid feeling into that moment.Elena didn’t resist.She couldn’t.Her own emotions were a tangled mess, and she let herself get swept away.Her hands clung to him like he was the only thing keeping her grounded.They stumbled, their bodies entwined, as Lucas guided her t
“It’s positive,”Andrew ran over and held Elena’s hands. “Are you really pregnant? I can’t believe it. We’re going to have a baby!” he exclaimed.Thomas also beamed with happiness. “A great-grandchild. What a blessing!”Lucas sat deathly still, his face expressionless.His knuckles, however, had turned white as he gripped the wine glass.Behind his composed facade, a storm was brewing.He glanced at Elena, his gaze dark and brooding, before looking away sharply.Andrew and Samantha continued to share in the excitement, while Thomas and Richard listened to the animated conversations around them.Meanwhile, Elena’s heart skipped a beat as she looked at the devil before her.She had excused herself under the pretext of not feeling well, but she did not expect to face Lucas the moment she was alone.He took a step closer and held her arm tightly.His red-rimmed eyes bore into hers, sending a chill down her spine.“Tell me the truth, Elena. Whose baby is it?” he demanded, his jaw tightenin
“I’m pregnant,”Her words hit Andrew like a thunderclap.His mind struggled to grasp her confession.Pregnant?That had to be some sick joke!The commotion was loud, and the rest of the family appeared just in time to hear Chloe’s confession.“Well, a leopard never changes its spots, does it?” Elena scoffed, her voice dripping with mockery.Thomas stepped forward and pinned Andrew with a glare. “What is going on here?”Before Andrew could respond, Chloe took a step forward.“It’s my fault,” she looked at Thomas with wide, watery eyes. “We didn’t—didn’t take precautions, and… and now I’m pregnant.” She bowed her head, her hands clutching her dress nervously.Thomas’s expression darkened, his fury barely restrained. “Don’t insult my intelligence, girl. You think I don’t see through your little ploy? You can fool Andrew with your act, but not me. Whatever scheme you’ve cooked up, it won’t work here.”Andrew’s face burned with embarrassment at his words.“That’s not true.” Chloe shook her
Elena was surprised. “What do you mean?”“What I mean is that I only intend to acknowledge the child. That woman will have nothing to do with this family. I’ll ensure she doesn’t pose a threat to you or the family.”Thomas had only met her once, but he could deduce what kind of person she was.Chloe was cunning, ambitious, and desperate to latch onto this family for her gain.Only Andrew, that fool, can’t realize she’s playing him.Elena’s chest heaved as she fought to scream at the unfairness.But deep down, she knew Thomas wasn’t asking for her opinion; he was commanding.And refusing him would come with consequences she wasn’t ready to face.Not at this stage.Meanwhile, Andrew and Samantha lingered outside the room, eavesdropping on the conversation between Thomas and Elena.When the conversation finally ended, Andrew turned to Samantha in confusion.“Mom, what does he mean by not acknowledging Chloe?”“Then are you dreaming of having two wives?” Samantha snapped at her son.Andre
Chloe froze. “What are you talking about?”Elena’s lips curled into a smirk. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”Without waiting for a response, she strolled away, leaving Chloe standing amidst the roses.The grand room buzzed with energy as the Elliots celebrated the 50th anniversary of their corporation.From business magnates to politicians, the room was filled with influential figures.Lucas entered alongside Thomas as they walked toward the main reception area.Today, Lucas wore a custom-tailored three-piece black suit that clung perfectly to his tall, athletic frame.The sharp cut of the fabric emphasized his commanding presence while adding a touch of restrained elegance.His hazel eyes scanned the room lazily.Lucas’ mere presence was enough to hold the interest of even the most jaded attendees.There was a confidence in his stride, an authoritative charm that seemed to silence conversations wherever he passed.The murmurs of admiration followed him, though he paid them
Helen Evans was a big fan of pastries, especially the ones from La Petite Délice.Their delicate mille-feuille, buttery croissants, and signature fruit tarts were her absolute favorites.Whenever she had time, she would stop by to enjoy a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea and her beloved pastries.And today was no different.It was at La Petite Délice where she would meet Elena today.Elena stepped into the bakery.The warm scent of butter and vanilla lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee.Though the place was luxurious, it wasn’t ostentatious.Every detail, from the gold lighting to the delicate porcelain teacups, spoke of understated elegance.An assistant led her through the café until they reached the backyard.The sight that greeted Elena was nothing short of breathtaking.A serene lake stretched beyond the terrace, its surface shimmering under the afternoon light.A gentle breeze rustled the trees, carrying the scent of blooming jasmine.Hel
Lucas inhaled sharply as his phone buzzed for what felt like the hundredth time that week.Elena: “Did you eat?”“How’s your injury?”“Are you resting properly?”He stared at the message, debating whether to block her.Initially, he was enjoying the attention she gave him.But now, it was getting out of hand.If she wasn’t texting, she was calling.If she wasn’t calling, she would send voice messages.She was relentless.With an irritated sigh, he tossed his phone onto the coffee table and leaned back against his couch.He had already blocked her, but he still felt uncomfortable.Ding Dong!The doorbell rang.Grumbling under his breath, he walked to the door.The moment he swung it open, his irritation morphed into disbelief.“Why are you here?” His voice was laced with impatience.Elena crossed her arms and gave him a pointed look. “Hello, to you too. Since you refuse to give proper updates, I had no choice but to come here myself.”Lucas pinched the space between his brows. “I alrea
Elena’s eyes widened when a dark figure shot out from behind, shielding her from the attack.“Lucas!”The dagger, which was aimed at Elena’s chest, sank deeply into Lucas’s shoulder.The sound of the steel slicing through flesh echoed in the night air.But Lucas barely flinched.His grip on Elena remained firm, protective.Chloe’s eyes widened in disbelief.“You—” She raised her arm to attack again, but Lucas’s hand shot up like lightning, clamping around her wrist.His gaze was chilling.Cold. Murderous.“It seems you don’t remember your lesson,” he said, his voice dangerously low.Chloe trembled and her eyes flickered with alarm.Lucas twisted her wrist mercilessly, forcing her to drop the dagger.Then, without warning, a powerful kick landed in Chloe’s midsection.The force was so brutal that Chloe was sent sprawling backward.Her body twisted through the air before crashing onto the pavement with a harsh thud.Elena snapped out of her shock and held onto Lucas’ arm. “You’re hurt!”
Seated gracefully on the velvet sofa, Helen Evans, Lucas’s maternal grandmother, placed her porcelain teacup down with a soft clink.She was dressed in an exquisite silk ensemble, and her silver hair was styled in a neat updo.Despite her age, her piercing hazel eyes still held the same sharpness as before.A soft chuckle rippled throughout the room.Her words immediately embarrassed Lucas.Seated beside Helen was Jane Evans, Louis’s mother.With a gentle voice, she asked. “Lucas, would you like something to drink?”Before Lucas could respond, Louis said, “Mom, just prepare a hangover tea for him.”Everyone in the Evans family knew about the court trial.Whatever happened must’ve undoubtedly affected Lucas a lot, which was why they asked Louis to drag him home.Growing up, Lucas had always liked to be on his own.However, they wanted him to accept that he wasn’t alone.His family was still here.At that moment, Harold Evans, Lucas’s maternal grandfather, entered the living room from t
“She came?” Knox muttered in disbelief.Mason pushed up his glasses, hiding the flicker of surprise in his eyes. “Well, it seems she does care, after all.”Knox’s mouth twitched before he shot Mason a meaningful look.He tapped his earpiece and instructed, “Let her in.”Moments later, the grand iron gates of the manor creaked open, and a black Bentley drove inside.Elena walked up the pathway leading to the entrance.As soon as she entered, she spotted Knox and Mason coming out to greet her.Knox parted his lips to speak, but before he could say anything, Mason grabbed his arm and pulled him back.“He’s on the first floor. Third door down the hall.”Then, without wasting another second, he dragged Knox and disappeared into the night.Nodding, Elena turned on her heel and climbed the stairs.The moment Elena stepped onto the first floor, her gaze was instantly drawn to the enormous winery before her.She was in awe of the grandeur.The towering shelves were each stocked with the finest
The entire courtroom erupted into chaos.The judge banged his gavel and silenced the room.After the chaos subsided, the judge delivered the final verdict.“The court, after reviewing all evidence and witness testimonies, finds the accused—Thomas Elliot, Richard Elliot, Samantha Elliot, and Andrew Elliot- guilty of multiple charges.”“For their crimes, Richard Elliot, given his direct involvement in multiple heinous offenses, is sentenced to a lifetime in prison without parole. Having played an active role in coercion and abuse, Samantha is sentenced to thirty-five years. Finally, Andrew Elliot, who is convicted of multiple violent offenses, is sentenced to fifty years with no chance of early release. However, since Andrew Elliot is now disabled, he is to be moved into the special cell.”After the verdict was announced, Samantha collapsed to the ground, wailing uncontrollably.Richard was motionless as the cops handcuffed him and took him away.The judge banged the gavel one last time
For the first time, fear appeared in Richard’s eyes.The Elliots had relied heavily on their connection to the Evans, and if that bridge burned, they would be reduced to ashes.That night, Richard didn’t touch Isabella.But Lucas knew this peace wouldn’t last.Isabella’s suffering came to a halt, but by then, the damage had already been done.For years, she had lived under the illusion that Richard loved her.That beneath his cruelty, there was still a heart that once beat for her.She had clung to that deception with desperate hands, even as he shattered it repeatedly.When he cheated, she swallowed her pride and stayed.When he humiliated her, she wiped her tears and smiled.When he raised his hand at her, she convinced herself it was just a moment of anger, that he would change.But he never did.And Isabella didn’t know if she could leave.Her heart was wrapped in fear.Fear of an uncertain future, of being alone, of losing the man she had loved for so long.She kept telling herse
The atmosphere shifted in an instant.The crowd’s murmurs were replaced by the sound of a chair scraping against the floor.All eyes were now on the person whose presence was quiet but powerful.And who else could it be other than Lucas Evans?The Elliot family’s blood ran cold.Whether it was Thomas, Richard, or Samantha, everyone sat frozen in place, their eyes widening in sheer horror as they watched Lucas rise from his seat.No one expected him to be the final blow.The judge nodded toward Lucas. “Please state your name.”Lucas took his seat in the confession box, his sharp gaze sweeping over the Elliots before returning to the judge.“Lucas Evans.”The moment his voice echoed through the courtroom, whispers erupted.“The Lucas Evans? The one who severed ties with the Elliots?”“He was Isabella’s only son, wasn’t he?”The judge banged his gavel before turning back to Lucas. “You have been called as a prime witness. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but t
“For now, I only want to focus on building my career.”Only when she was strong enough could she stand confidently in front of the world.Hearing her words, Dylan nodded in approval. “That’s my girl.”Yvette reached for Elena’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “As long as you know what you want, we’ll always support you.”Elena smiled, feeling the warmth spread through her chest.However, the moment she turned away from them, a wave of inexplicable sadness washed over her.She didn’t understand why.Her words had been true.She genuinely wanted to focus on herself and her career.Then why did it feel like she was trying to convince herself rather than just her parents?———Lucas’ ultimate attack on the Elliots began.After years of committing crimes and misdeeds, the pots of their sins were full.And there was no escape this time.The court summoned the entire Elliot family.Just as they processed this catastrophe, another devastating blow struck them.Late at night, the sound of scr