StepbrotherAdrian's POV"It's none of your business" I snapped, glaring hard at me. "Leave my office, George."George let out a throaty chuckle. "Come on, man. Why are you so worked up about it? I'm not done talking to you yet. I still have a piece of news from Mom for you. I'm just curious about the lady. Is she an employee?""No, she's not" I replied curtly, trying hard not to squeeze the papers in my grasp. "Say whatever it is you want to say and leave my office now.""Haha...well, that lady is drop-dead gorgeous" George laughed out. "I'll keep an eye out for her, just in case she comes back. If you're not going to tell me about her, I'll confront her myself.""Don't....." I trailed off, realizing I was revealing too much.I instantly regained composure and pretended not to care. The only thing I could do was make sure Luisa never got to have a conversation with him.He was carefree, jovial, and had a friendly personality that naturally drew people to him. It was these traits I wa
Public harassmentLuisa's POV"Luisa, is that you?" I heard a voice call.I didn't want to respond, thinking it was one of my fans. I acted oblivious until I felt a hand grip my shoulder. I turned sharply, ready to use my taekwondo skill, but when I recognized the face of the person, my hands froze in the air and my mouth agape."Sarah" I gasped in shock, my mouth agape."Luisa" She called again, her lips curved into a smile that made me shudder in fear.A normal passerby would see her approach as a friendly one, but we both knew what was hidden beneath her facade."It's so lovely to see you again" She added, her smile broadening. "I see you still work here?""Yes, I do" I replied coldly, staring at her with great apprehension. "Why are you here?"Sarah snorted. "Come on, girl. The road was built for anyone to walk on. Besides, I've been away from Asia for three years now, so I haven't been keeping up with the current happenings in our country. Tell me, how popular are you now?""It's
A lessonAdrian's POV"For how long have you been working for this company?" I questioned, my fixed on the iPad in my hands.I expected a quick answer, but it seemed the man was still trying to process the fact that he was standing before me in my office. Yes, I understood that workers rarely saw my face, and even some of the higher-ups had barely seen me before, but the guy was annoying."Speak, Mr. Diego" Miguel warned sternly. "You do know your job is at stake, right?""Ye... Yes, sir" Diego stuttered in reply and looked at the ground. "It was my assistant that failed to review the report before sending it to me."I smirked. "Miguel, where's the company's logbook?""It's over here" Miguel replied, digging out a mini book from his pocket. Our rules and regulations were written neatly in it."Give it to me. Let him ready number 105 of the company's ethnicity" I stated.Miguel obeyed, but Diego was reluctant to take it."You're wasting my time" I snapped.He took the log book and open
The ElderAdrian's POV"Thank you" Luisa sighed in relief. She took a deep breath and looked at me, her face morphed into a frown. "What in the world happened to your face?""Ugh..." I scoffed. "You want to know?""Yeah. I mean, your face wasn't this swollen when I left your office" Luisa stated. "Did you get into a fight?""Ugh..." I scoffed again. What did she take me for? A petty human? I was infuriated, so I decided to keep it to myself."Don't bother. It's not like you care" I snarled, expecting her to probe, only to be highly disappointed.The annoying figure on the bed simply shrugged and looked away. At that point, I was sure my veins could burst out of my skin if my fury wasn't managed.Something popped up in my mind and I turned to her."Luisa, what was your nightmare all about?" I questioned."What are you talking about?" She questioned with an apprehensive gaze. "What nightmare?""You looked like you were fighting something in your sleep" I tried to explain. "You were toss
A fianceeAdrian's POV"Elder Martinez," I called coldly."Hmph... You unfilial child" He snarled.I snorted in disgust, my tone frosty and unyielding. "And why's that? I most certainly do not see myself as one.""What was the deadline given to you?" He questioned, raising his voice slightly. "2 pm but you arrived an hour late. Tell me, what should I do to you?""It's simple" I shrugged. "Tell me your reason for summoning me. I plan on leaving immediately."He could dash out threats for all I care. I wasn't the same fearful child I used to be back then.I heard him chuckle. "As the future head of the Martinez family, you've been spoiled rotten. I didn't train you to lack courtesy.""Too bad, because I already do" I retorted with a cold smirk. "You're just going to have to bear with it till your last day on earth.""Tch... You brat" He cursed. "When was the last time you visited your stepmother? George told me you've refused to heed her call. I understand you hate this place so much,
Sowing discordGeorge's POVA deep sense of hatred surged through my body as I watched the proud brother of mine walk past me like I was nothing.It had always been like that. Ever since we were kids, he had always seen me as someone of less importance, because I was the family's illegitimate child; born out of wedlock.Yes, my mother was our father's mistress until he married her in court. Unfortunately, the foolish man died of a heart attack before he could marry my mom properly and announce their union to the whole world.I had always looked up to him as my elder brother, but the days passed by and my admiration gradually turned into hatred. It felt like leeeches were on my skin and I was desperate to get them off."Second Young Master" I heard someone call, and I turned to see Grandfather's butler staring at me with those empty eyes of his."Why were you staring at Young Master like that?" He berated, his eyes squinting.I scratched the back of my hair nervously. "I'm sorry. I was
DeceitGeorge's POV"Why did you come if you knew you were going to leave?" She queried, her words dripping with displeasure. "Don't bother coming back if you don't intend on staying."I knew she was upset. I should have stayed to pacify her, but Elizabeth's message couldn't be ignored at the moment."I'm sorry, mum. I'll be back to spend the weekend with you" I said and turned to leave.I rushed to my car and drove out. My phone buzzed again.It was another message from Elizabeth. I opened it to see an address different from her family mansion. I found it on Google Maps and followed it, wondering why she chose a new spot.We had always met at her house when her parents were out. When she called, I assumed her parents were not in, so I didn't bother questioning her about it.Within thirty minutes, I arrived in front of a gate. A man dressed in a security uniform came out with a baton and knocked on my window."Your name, please?" He asked with a firm but polite voice."George Martinez
Best BuddiesAdrian's POVI had to stop by the best wine-selling store in the city to get him his favorite wine. As much as I hated to admit it, it was the only way I could have a proper conversation with him. His carefree and nonchalant attitude was always getting on my nerves.I drove into a large villa with flowers surrounding it. I stepped down from the car to see a familiar face staring at me with a welcoming smile on his face."Welcome, Young Master Martinez" He greeted politely."Hello, Sebastian" I responded, looking past him. The doorstep was right there."Where's Javier?" I asked."He's in the living room" Sebastian replied. "I'm glad you came. He's been so bored lately.""Yeah.. he's always bored when he has no party to attend or a woman to flirt with," I said with sarcasm in my voice. "Let's go in."I carried the package I got along with me and walked into the house with Sebastian behind my trail.True to his words, the silly fellow was sitting in the living room, watching
Sent to her graveRachael's POV"You bitch!!" Louis cursed furiously, banging his fist on the iron bar of the cell. "Find a way to get me out of here. I don't care about that spoilt brat you call a daughter; one more night in this cell and the company will crumble... I'm pretty sure you don't want to go back to the slum you came from."I shuddered, hearing his words. "But.. but the lawyer isn't responding" I stuttered, avoiding his disdainful eyes.Louis snorted. "Who cares? Lawyers aren't the only ones who can help. Find someone else. You can bribe the police officers."I swallowed hard. "But we need a huge amount of money for that. The company can't bear any outrageous cost at the moment. Our private accounts have also been frozen.""What?!" Louis spat in disbelief. "That old bastard went too far."Silence reigned as he seemed to be thinking of the next suggestion to make. Ever since I woke up on the hospital bed, I'd been running helter-skelter, looking for ways to get my family ou
Strange newsLuisa's POV"Of course not" I fired, swatting his hands away forcefully.I could tell my face was burning hot. I couldn't believe my outburst; it made me ask myself a weird question - was I jealous?No way!There was no way I was falling for him.Suddenly, I felt something hot brush against my skin."You seem lost in thoughts. Don't tell me you're confused" He whispered into my ears, causing me to freeze.It took me a few seconds to recover myself. I pushed him away and stumbled backward."Why does it have to be you in my head?" I snarled, my voice full of conviction. "I have other important things to talk about.""Oh?" He smirked playfully. "You know what? To prove your words, I want you to stand so close to me for five minutes."I was baffled. "What?!""Yeah, five minutes" He repeated his last two words. "If you can stand for that long without being affected by my charm, I'll be convinced that you feel nothing for me."What? Such a challenge was way beyond my imaginati
Her weaponAdrian's POVAn heir?Haha... So funny of me to make such demands from someone who still saw our marriage as a sham. I wanted to make things work, but I guessed I wasn't so good with romance.An heir? Sleeping together? All these were just demands I made out of the blue. Now, I have to flow with it. Funny for me, I couldn't stop myself from pulling her close. It was so strange that I found her attractive despite my strong aversion to many women.As for Valerie, she was a mistake I made when....."Let me go," Luisa said, struggling. My thoughts ended abruptly and my focus was now on her.I was so eager to test her patience."Or what?" I smirked.Her cute pout fueled something in me. I simply followed my instincts when I confirmed that we were so close to the bed. Without a second thought, I pinned her to the bed and planted a soft kiss on her lips.I waited for any form of resistance, but she seemed fine with it so I proceeded to the next phase. I deepened the kiss without p
Mixed feelingsLuisa's POVThe moment Valerie sauntered out of the house, I realized I was holding my breath. Somehow, I believed her words weren't mere threats. She was a danger in a human form.What was more shocking was the look of concern on Adrian's face. It was the same look I got at the hospital that made my heart skip a beat."Are you okay?" He asked with a softened voice, placing his right hand on my left cheek. "Did she harm you?"I shook my head slowly, taking a deep breath."You saw I was the one who hit her" I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I thought my safety was guaranteed in your territory.""It is, Luisa" Adrian assured. "I wasn't expecting her to get out of the asylum.""An asylum, huh?" I laughed wryly. "She's indeed a maniac."Adrian sighed deeply. "You'll be fine, I promise. As my wife, I must protect you.""Yeah, whatever" I rolled my eyes. "It's forced anyway. You didn't have to protect me twice. I don't have much to repay you."Adrian smirked. "Do
A huge threatAdrian's POV"You're wasting our time, Mr. Alvarez" Miguel voiced out sharply, his gaze fierce. "Make your choice now - sign those documents or leave this place to see your video all over the internet."The old man sighed deeply, wiping his sweaty face with the handkerchief in his hands."This is blackmail" He scowled."Who cares?" Miguel smirked. "This is strictly business, Mr. Alvarez. Every competitor would seize the opportunity to take down their rivals. This is just one of many events."Silence reigned for a moment. I simply sat, waiting for his decision. I had spoken; he was left to agree or decline, a choice that would decide his future and that of his family.Miguel was getting impatient. I was too, but my self-restraint was quite powerful."Think about it. You get to enjoy some benefits from us after a few years" Miguel added, and the old man banged his fist on the table."That's after a few years, damnit!" He roared. "What if I get to my grave before the time c
ApprehensionLuisa's POV"Madame, do you need something?" A male voice startled me.Immediately, the maids stopped what they were doing, and shifted their gazes to me. I tilted my head to see Charles standing before me with his questioning gaze fixed on me."Er... Well, I...." I drawled, sparing the two women a glance. "Came to get something to eat.""Is that so?" He probed, frowning.I swallowed the lump in my throat, looking around to avoid his gaze."Yes, isn't it time for dinner?" I asked, my voice softened.He sighed, checking his wristwatch. "Dinner is at 6pm, Madame. The time is just half past five; we still have thirty minutes left. The master will be coming to join us.""Huh...." I pouted in shock. Adrian was coming back today?I hadn't seen him since we last spoke at the hospital. I still needed to thank him for his help. Yes, I needed to make him know that I wasn't going to owe him anything."Madame, Madame...." Charles called repeatedly, snapping me out of my thoughts."Wh
Valerie's POV"You mean you let Dad sleep with another woman?" I queried, dumbfounded by just the thought of it.The two exchanged glances for the umpteenth time with somber expressions on their faces.Their actions infuriated me, most especially the gullible woman sitting next to my father."I'm talking to you, mother" I snapped, throwing her a hard glare.She pursed her lips and looked away. "It's none of your business. We did it to save our home.""Oh?" I snorted in laughter. "You call.....""Enough, Valerie" My father snarled, cutting me off. "Don't speak to your parents like that. You of all people do not have the right to question our decisions.""I see..." I nodded, my expression darkening. "I won't blame you since you never considered me as your daughter. I mean, who would want a crazy child who just spent the last five years of her life in an asylum? It's obvious you don't see me as your child anymore but as an outcast."Tears welled up in my eyes as I added. "But you did not
A high demandAdrian's POV"Big boss, I just saw something" Miguel voiced out as we walked into the company, his voice laced with a hint of fear.My curiosity was piqued. "What's that?"He inhaled sharply. "It's Valerie.""Who?" I probed, trying to understand why the name sounded so familiar.Miguel looked at me with a funny expression on his face. "Sir, don't tell me you've forgotten so quickly. The girl you sent to an asylum five years ago because she wore a pink dress to an all-black party?"It finally clicked. "Valerie Cruz?""Yes, Big boss. You got that right" Miguel confirmed.I sighed as memories came running back into my mind."What about her?" I asked coldly."She's been released" Miguel revealed, and I halted abruptly."What?!" I spat. "Who would dare release her without my permission?""I'm yet to figure that out, but she's out of the asylum right now as we speak" Miguel stated. "She should be with her parents."I scoffed in disgust. "Who let a crazy woman loose on the stre
A childValerie's POV"Madame, your parents are inside" My driver revealed, bowing as he opened the car.I snorted in laughter, flinging my long black hair. "That's their problem, Felix. We're going through the backdoor. I have no intention of having a conversation with them."Felix refused to move out of the way, his gaze hesitant.His actions fueled my irritation. "Out with it!""Your father said you must come to the living room the moment you step foot into his house" Felix replied, his voice laced with caution. "They're both waiting for you.""Tch..." I gritted my teeth in anger; angry with reality. It was their house, so I had to comply; coupled with the past drama before they tried to get rid of me.I ignored Felix and sauntered into the house. Everyone who saw me, including the maids, kept their distance but didn't fail to show respect. Honestly, I didn't care.My main goal for coming back was to dominate those who belittled me in the past; including that man.The two old peopl