“Cheryl,” Shawn called, his voice giving a hint of fear.“What are you doing out here?” She asked as Shawn realized she didn’t catch in on what he was saying earlier on the phone. He chuckled lightly and walked up to her. “Problem at work,”“Oh…” Cherly nodded lightly. “Come on in, it’s cold out here,” Shawn nodded as she opened the door and walked in. Shawn trailed after her. “The doctor said Andrew’s better now,” he said, his voice filled with relief."Yeah, thankfully," Cheryl replied, turning to look at him."About work..." she began, and Shawn felt a sudden chill in his hand. "Is everything okay?" She raised an eyebrow, concern etched on her face."Yeah," he replied almost immediately, shrugging it off. Cheryl paused and turned to walk away, but then swiftly turned back to face him. "Helen told me you sent a proposal to the company. And..." Cheryl paused, licking her lips. "I rejected it," she confessed, a tinge of guilt in her voice."It's fine," Shawn reassured her with a cool
“Congratulations boss, I can’t believe we did it,” Jeff grinned as he stood in front of Shawn in his office.“Yeah, I guess we did,” he affirmed. “How did you convince her,” Jeff held his chin thoughtfully.“Convince who?” They both turned to see a third party. They didn’t notice when Amy entered the room. She was looking smartly dressed as usual, her hair in a ponytail and her eyes glittering as always.“Hi, Amy,” Shawn said as she darted her eyes from Jeff to Shawn."Uh... I should get going, boss. I have something to finish," Jeff hastily excused himself, understanding the need for Shawn and Amy to have some privacy.Amy observed Jeff's swift exit and then focused her gaze on Shawn. "So..." she prompted, raising an eyebrow, eager to know what had transpired between him and Jeff."Castle Corp accepted our proposal," Shawn began as Amy took a seat across from him at his desk. "Now, the shareholders have no choice but to appoint me as their CEO.""Oh..." Amy nodded, processing the in
"Cheryl?" Shawn's brow furrowed in surprise when he spotted Cheryl approaching, accompanied by Eric. Amy followed his gaze, her eyes fixated on Cheryl, her expression revealing her displeasure at their unexpected presence."Hi," Cheryl greeted them with a sheepish smile as she reached their table. Eric nodded in greeting."What are you doing here?" Shawn asked, a surprised yet welcoming smile on his face."Just here to grab a bite," Cheryl replied casually, shifting her gaze to Amy, who continued to gaze at her with a hint of disapproval.Good for you, Cheryl thought happily, sensing Amy's reaction."Oh," Shawn nodded skeptically. "Have you eaten yet? Maybe you should join us. You don't mind, right?" He turned to Amy, who reluctantly turned to face him."Yeah, sure," Amy forced a smile, and they signaled a waiter to bring two more chairs to the table."I must admit, Cheryl, you have great taste. This restaurant is one of the best," Amy began once they had settled and placed their orde
“A man came to the company this morning, very early this morning. He said he would be in charge of all of Antonio corporation welfare till the end of the project,” Jeff said.Shawn struggled to comprehend the situation. His voice trembled as he addressed Jeff, barely audible to his own ears."What?" Shawn's words hung in the air, a mixture of disbelief and confusion. He desperately sought guidance amidst the chaos. "What should we do, boss?" Jeff inquired, his concern evident."How can they do this? When was this agreed upon?" Shawn's mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle. It seemed nothing had been agreed upon, yet they had apparently become the largest shareholder in the corporation."Fuck!" Shawn spat in frustration, catching the worried gaze of his son Andrew. Shawn forced a smile, patted the boy's head, then distanced himself, needing a moment alone to process the situation."When did they acquire shares? How come all of this is happening?!” “I’m not sure boss, but it
“Hi Cheryl,” The man on the seat said, giving her a calming smile. “You grew up to be a fine woman,” he commented as Cheryl still had a confused look.“Rafael?” Cheryl called her lawyer that stood at the right hand of the unfamiliar man.“Miss Cheryl, let me introduce you….Meet Mr. Allen, your father,” he said. “And the chairman of Castle Corp,” “What?” Cheryl asked, her voice barely audible.The man that was introduced as her father stood up, his steps slow and determined as he advanced towards her. “Sorry for introducing myself this late, I’ve always wanted to meet you, my sweet girl,” Cheryl parted her lips to speak but closed it back. What was he talking about?“Who are you?” She gave a burst of incredulous laughter instead, her voice hinting with fear.“Your father, as Rafael has said,” Cheryl shook her head and darted glances at all the men in the room. “Are you all crazy? You said my parents are dead. Y’all fucking came to me to say I needed to take over this country because
"You've only known me for a few minutes, and yet you're already passing judgment," Allen retorted, studying Cheryl intently.Cheryl sighed and rose from her seat. "I'm not being judgmental, Mr. Allen," she countered, dismissing the disapproving look on his face as she addressed him formally. "I simply don't think Shawn should suffer for the misdeeds of this man. They aren't even related. Antonio Corp is innocent."Allen observed her for a moment as she stared back, her gaze unwavering. "You may be right, Cheryl. You may be the CEO, but I am still the chairman," he said, eliciting an incredulous chuckle from Cheryl. "Now you want to take my company, huh?""Everything I have is yours, Cheryl. You are my only heir," he replied, his gaze softening, but Cheryl remained unmoved."I don't trust those people—Shawn or whoever. And besides, Nathaniel will be in charge for the time being, until the project is completed. You've invested a substantial sum. It's only proper to exercise caution," Al
“She started hanging out with this Eric,” Bane mentioned as Magnus waved his hand. “You know how Isabella is. She doesn’t stop at one man,” Magnus said.“Yeah but this one’s different. It looked like she is serious about him,” Bane Clarified as Magnus nodded slowly.“It’s good news then. I won’t have to worry about the kind of man she hangs out with everyday, why are you telling me about this again?” Magnus frowned. “It’s totally irrelevant.”“You’re mistake, boss. Eric has some kind of relationship with Cheryl,” Bane said as Magnus abruptly turned to look at him. “What!” His eyes shone.“I told you to keep your eyes on her and avoid any kind of meeting with those people!” Magnus fired.“I though he was like the other men she flirted with. I never knew she would pursue this one,” Bane said quickly.“Damn it!” Bane cursed.“What are we doing to do boss?” Bane asked as Magnus sighed, his thoughts juggling at each other. “Follow her everywhere and whenever she plans to meet that Eric, d
"Daddy?" Andrew’s eyes widened as she asked, "Did you two have a fight?""Why do you ask?" Cheryl furrowed her brow, hoping her expression hadn't given everything away."You argued this morning..." Andrew pouted, his frown deepening. "He even raised his voice at me," he added, and Cheryl sighed, knowing this conversation wouldn't be easy."Does he hate me?" he asked, and Cheryl quickly shook her head."Where are you getting these ideas?" she asked, her expression filled with concern.Andrew shrugged nonchalantly, but Cheryl knew her son. He was hurting but trying desperately to conceal it."I just thought so..." Andrew stared at her intently. Cheryl removed her hands from his shoulders and held his hands. "Daddy loves you. I love you even more," she chuckled bitterly, aware that her words wouldn't alleviate their concerns. But her nerves refused to calm down."Is he leaving us?" Andrew asked once again, and Cheryl pursed her lips."How would you feel if you didn't see him again?" she
“I’m sorry for interrupting,” Cheryl said quickly and walked off.“Fuck.” Shawn cursed and made to run after her but Any blocked his path.“Amy,” he started with a pleading tone.“Her? Again?” She accused.“You shouldn’t have done that.” Shawn was accused immediately.Amy’s mouth dropped. “What?”Shane brushed his hand through his hair. “Why did you kiss me? What was that for?”“Are you dumb? Do you even need to ask,” Amy turned her back to him, angry? But she could hear her heartbeat now. She was losing and she hated it.She heard him draw a deep breath. “No matter what happens between me and Cheryl. I will always love her.” She heard him say.“Wow.” She turned to him with a bemused smile, laced with pain. “How sweet for you to tell me to my face.”“I wasn’t trying to…”“I don’t need your pity, Shawn. Just leave.” She snapped.“I don’t just pity you, Amy. You are my best friend. I care about you a lot.” “Well, I’m not too sure about that. Leave Shawn. Go meet her, but don’t come bac
“I won!” Andrew’s cry of delight cut into the night as Isabella fumbled with the cards and started reshuffling.“You were just lucky.” She said absentmindedly as Andrew chuckled.“You can hardly call winning three times in a roll a luck.” Andrew grinned as he shifted on the floor he sat.Isabella narrowed her eyes at him. “I will think whatever I want. You a just a kid.” Andrew made a mocking face at her when she wasn’t looking. “I saw that.” She turned to him with a stern gaze.“You’re just a sore loser.” Andrew mockingly retorted.“I’m not!”“You are!”“What?” Isabella chuckled incredulously.“You’re sulking because I beat you. You shouldn’t be. Eric and Mum are not a match for me.” He said, more interested in showing his prowess than comforting her.Isabella rolled her eyes. “Really?”“I wouldn’t lie if you could easily ask Eric.”“Who taught you then?” “No one. I played cards with myself most time. Because I don’t have friends. No one wanted to be friends with me because I didn
“You would agree with me that Shawn doesn’t deserve her. You do, Eric.” Allen gave him a weak encouraging smile.“All this while…” he took a deep breath. “Ivey has been watching Cheryl in the dark. And the one reason why I didn’t reveal myself quickly was partly because you were around….with her.” “That’s..” Eric chuckled nervously. “That’s great to hear, sir.”Allen nodded. “That’s why you should pursue her Eric. Please do.” He stood up and walked up to him. “I support you.” He tapped his shoulder and walked out of the room. Eric stood there transfixed for a while then found his way back to his office. He rested back on his chair as he reminisced over what Allen said. This was exactly the push he nodded. The support. But then, where was Cheryl?Maybe he was right. Shawn was bad. He affects her too much. Negatively. His phone dinged as he checked the notification. It was a voicemail from Cheryl.“Hey, Eric. Don’t freak out. I’m not dead. I just need some time alone. Could you help
“Shawn would do anything for you right now. Katherine’s life is at stake and he loves her so much. At least we are sure of that.” Clary started.“Specify. What should I do?” Amy said impatiently.Clary stared at a for a while then burst into mocking laughter as Amy stared at her with a frown.“What?”“Just shocked you’re suddenly interested.” Clary eyed him as Amy pressed her lips together. “I’ve given up everything for Shawn. It’s crazy to give up now. And Cheryl isn’t good for him. They separated then, now shouldn’t be any different.” Amy mused.“Ugh? Who are you saying that?” Clary gave her a quizzical look.“Shawn was genuinely happy before she came back to his life. She’s just a bitch.” Amy sighed.“What was that sweet gesture you showed her when she was here?”“I promised Shawn not to act weirdly because of the kids.” She drew in a deep breath. “She won’t get funny ideas. Cheryl is a smart woman. What plans were you talking about before.” Amy swiftly changed the subject as Clary
Amy drew a deep breath and bit her lower lips. “You were the sole cause of their fight. If the kids keep fighting over you, worse things could happen.” “What? What do you mean by sole…”Shawn paused as he sighed. “You can’t do this, Amy. I can’t just shut Katherine out of my Life.” “Oh…You already chose sides. It’s Andrew, ugh?” Amy gave him a painful smile.“Come on, Amy. Don’t do this.” Shawn begged desperately.“Okay.” Amy started after a moment of silence. “I allow you to be with Katherine. How would Andrew feel next time? This time, it was just a push. I saw how you defended them today. You still want her, right?”“I….”Shawn parted his lips to talk but closed it abruptly. “I needed to comfort both parties.”Amy stared at him for a while as if contemplating something. She moved close to him, closing the distance between them. Shawn stared at her, as he took note of the painful look she gave him. She moved her hand to his….and slipped the phone from his hand.“Don’t…”Amy looked u
He rushed towards her as Isabella raised her gaze to meet Eric’s. She smiled at him but Eric wasn’t looking welcoming. “What are you doing here?” He asked with a tone of urgency.“I am officially homeless.” She drawled sarcastically as Eric watched her in disbelief.“What?”“Dad asked me to leave. I don’t have anywhere to go.” She pouted as Eric cursed under his breath.“How is that my business?” “You are the cause.” She said curtly.“How? What the hell are you talking about?” He mused.“Dad asked me not to see you. But I’m too obsessed. I can’t seem to get over you.” Isabella said like it was normal.“Can you listen to yourself? Don’t you have an atom of shame?” Eric asked, utterly irritated.“Can we go inside?” Isabella said as if she hasn’t been listening to him.“I’m cold.” She added as Eric sighed in frustration.“Then you should go home and beg him. Or go to your friend’s. I don’t care.”“I don’t have any friends.” She said with no hint of emotion. Eric watched her, how could a
“Mr. Antonio here is Andrew’s Mum.” Ms. Lambert introduced herself as Shawn watched her.“I'll leave now. I have to go back to school.” The teacher excused herself and left almost immediately.Cheryl too was more stunned to speak. What was Shawn doing here? Why was he related to Katherine’s parents?“Daddy!” Andrew shouted as he rushed to Shawn. The older man opened his arm willingly as the boy walked into his embrace.“Hey….” Shawn bent down as Andrew pouted.“What are you doing here?” Cherly was the next to speak.Shawn looked up to her. As he could see a renewed hatred she had for him.“I…”“Shawn!” Another woman shouted from afar as they all turned to see Amy.She rushed towards him like a deranged woman. “My daughter…..” she said quickly. Then it dawned on Cheryl. Katherine was Amy’s Kat. That was why Shawn was here. He came as her father. What mess. She thought angrily.“She is fine. The doctor is monitoring her.” Shawn said quickly. “Ugh? Why did she get into an accident in th
“What are you….”“Don’t get me wrong,” Isabella interjected with a sarcastic look. “I came with my date. I wasn’t following you around.” Eric cursed under his breath as he took a quick glance at Cheryl who had a confused look.Isabella had a gaze turned to Cheryl. “Hi….I’m Izzy. And you must be….” She narrowed her eyes to Eric, she noted his discomfiture at her appearance. And to be honest, she was enjoying it. She planned to play with him till the end. “Eric’s girlfriend.” She said gleefully.Eric turned to Cheryl. “Give us a minute.” He said nervously and dragged Isabella away. “I didn’t get your name!” She shouted back as Eric dragged her away.“What game are you playing?” Eric asked in a low angry tone.Isabella blinked as if trying to understand what he was saying. “What do you mean?”“You know what I’m talking about!” Eric snapped. Isabella pouted as if hurt. Eric closed his eyes for a while as he tried to control the growling anger in him. This girl was driving him crazy.“Fuc
"What is this, Bane?" she asked, her voice dripping with anger."It's the boss's orders, miss," Bane replied apologetically."Screw you, Bane!" she fired back, her anger intensifying. She turned to face the group of men, determined to leave no matter what. However, their resolute expressions matched her determination, hindering her escape."You'll pay for this," she warned, directing her gaze back at Bane, who remained unfazed. Frustrated, she faced the men again, their stern looks discouraging her further. She unzipped her bag and pulled out a wad of cash. "Who wants this?" she taunted, searching for any signs of surrender, but they remained unyielding."Drop it, Miss. We've been ordered to keep you here," Bane spoke from behind. She turned and briskly walked towards him. "I have a damn party to attend," she feigned a smile."We both know you're lying, Miss," he responded, causing Isabella to furrow her brow in confusion."I'll make sure you lose your damn job," she threatened, pokin