Yvette’s eyes flickered, but she feigned innocence. “You’ll see soon enough.”The grand estate of Emerald Ridge was bathed in soft lilac hues.From the cascading floral arrangements adorning the marble staircases to the delicate crystal chandeliers shimmering overhead.Every detail was a testament to the prestige held by the Walkers.Powerful politicians, elite business moguls, and aristocrats from prominent families all appeared at the banquet.They were all people the Elliots would never dream of approaching.While the Elliots were revered in Auburn Hills, their reach was confined to that city alone.The Walkers, however, were an unshakable force in the capital.One of the oldest aristocratic families with roots running both into wealth and power.But this empire wasn’t built overnight.Dylan Walker, the patriarch, had carefully expanded their business, Pristine Enterprise, into multiple industries.However, they mostly focused on the jewelry empire.And at the heart of this empire
“Quite the evening, Miss Walker.”Elena froze mid-step.Her eyes constricted as they locked onto the man who appeared before her.Lucas Evans.The man stood with his usual cold, commanding presence, but his expression was shrouded with darkness.His towering figure loomed before her, like a predator in a finely tailored suit.Lucas took a step forward and suddenly pointed a gun at her head.“You…”Elena’s heart pounded in her ears as she instinctively stepped back.“How many more secrets are you hiding, Elena?” he asked, his voice laced with menace.Elena’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.The man who had once saved her life was now standing in front of her with a weapon aimed at her head.“Answer me.” Lucas’s voice dropped further.The cold steel of the gun pressed against Elena’s forehead, but she didn’t flinch.Instead, her delicate fingers wrapped around the barrel, her dark blue eyes locking onto Lucas with an intensity mirroring his own.“This wasn’t part of our deal
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
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
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 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
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 ever
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. “
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