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
BulliedLuisa's POV"Argh!" I growled in frustration as I kicked the air.It's been a few hours since I woke up and I was already bored. Staying at home had never been my thing. I had always been either at the Spotlight Desk or at a shooting scene.To crown it all, my stomach had grumbled for the umpteenth time today. I was tempted to go to the kitchen, but the last night's incident was still fresh in my memory.What if I got there to find the cupboards and refrigerator locked again?Unfortunately, the worms in my belly weren't ready to reason with me. Well, I could try to check it out.I jumped off the bed and put my slippers on, walking to the door. I opened it and stepped out. The corridor was quiet as usual.I trotted downstairs and headed straight to the kitchen. I strutted in to see two ladies dressed in maid uniforms cleaning up the kitchen."Good evening" I mumbled and walked straight to the refrigerator. I opened it and found a bottle of milk.I was about to grab it when I fe
PoisonedAdrian's POV"Javier" I called to make something clear. "You can't claim to be my friend if you plan to keep relying on your parents to take care of your needs. You need to find something important to do. You have the intellectual ability to lead the company. What exactly are you still waiting for?""I've been having that thought too," Javier said solemnly. "I want to take over the company, but there's a problem and I need your help in solving it.""What's that?" I inquired.Javier sighed deeply and leaned against the sofa with a somber look."It's the board members" He began. "They created a faction in the company that is threatening to vote my father out if he doesn't step down and hand over the CEO position to his stepbrother, my uncle.""Your father has a stepbrother?" I asked in surprise, realizing I didn't know much about his family whereas he was close to mine."I'm sorry" I added, seeing the accusing look on his face."Yes, my dad has a stepbrother" Javier replied. "M
A suspectAdrian's POV"Oh, hello, Mr. Gonzalez" Lydia smiled brightly, her words dripping with a mix of politeness and sincerity. "I was just about to call you."Her gaze shifted to me and wavered slightly. She clearly couldn't recognize me; not everybody could."What are you doing here, Lydia?" Javier berated sharply."I beg your pardon?" Lydia said, her brows raised in confusion. "The CEO passed out after his meeting was concluded. Everyone had left and I was the only one with him, so I asked the driver to bring us here immediately.""Oh, really?" Javier scoffed. "I thought he fired you."Lydia's expression darkened for a moment before it brightened up. "He did, but he called me back a few days after and pleaded that I resumed work the next day.""How come I didn't know about that?" Javier probed, his voice full of disbelief.Lydia shrugged as she fiddled with her hair. "It's probably because you show no interest in the company's affairs.""Er.. that's enough" Dr. Daniel interrupte
Defending himGeorge's POV"I believe every customer has been sent away" I questioned, my eyes following the movement of my assistant.Jeff nodded confidently. "Yes, they've all left. You have the building all to yourself. We've also given them the apology package you paid for.""Good" I commended. "Any text from the driver?""He is on his way with Miss. Fernanda" Jeff replied, his tone stern. "But he sent a text about being followed. I have a feeling the people on their trail are the bodyguards Mr. Martinez put in place to protect Miss. Fernanda."I chuckled amusingly. "Tell him to find a way to lose them.""Won't they inform Mr. Martinez about it?" Jeff asked with a raised brow.I smirked. "They will, and that's exactly what I want. Very soon, she'll be mine. I want that brother of mine to know he can't have everything he wants."Jeff sighed, his voice laced with caution. "Alright, sir, but I would advise you to exercise caution. We don't want a fight happening between you guys anyt
ResumingLuisa's POV"Hmmm....." I took a deep breath, staring at the name *Spotlight Desk* inscribed on the building in front of me.I still couldn't believe I chose to come back so early. Normally, I should have resigned, but my heart was still with them. I mean I grew my career here.With a deep breath, I took a slow and confident walk into the building. The receptionist at the front desk greeted me with a simple nod and a smile that took me by surprise.It wasn't just her. The workers did the same. They were all acting so nice that I almost puked.What was that all about anyway? Or was it because of the incident with Isabella and Rose?Well, I had just one way to find out. I made my way to Gabriel's office. A woman dressed in a black suit paired with black pants stood outside with a cold face."You can't go in, ma'am" She stopped me with a cold voice. "My boss is having a meeting with Mr. Gabriel. You have to wait."I shrugged and complied. "Okay."I sat in the lounge, keeping my
EscapeAdrian's POV"Ugh.. you can't just come here and act like the boss of everyone" Valerie scoffed."I can" I retorted, smirking. "That's how powerful my name is. You of all people should be aware of that. Make your choice now, Valerie.""Hmph..." She grumbled, listening attentively to the words are assistant was whispering to her.I had a bad feeling about it, but well...Gradually, her lips curved into a smile of triumph; one I found suspicious."Let Alicia's children go!" I ordered again."What makes you think I took them?" Valerie questioned with a raised brow. "She means nothing to me and so do those brats. Don't you dare accuse me wrongly?""Don't play with my intelligence, Valerie. You and I both know you kidnapped those kids" I argued firmly. "Let's settle this thing maturely."Valerie chuckled. "In your dreams, Adrian. Like I said, I don't know what you're talking about."I noticed Miguel trying to say something, so I leaned closer."What is it?" I questioned.He lowered
Plan BValerie's POVI took a deep breath, sparing Jude a glance. He understood immediately and moved around, placing a file on each person's table. As soon as he was done distributing it, I gave him an order."Go through it and tell me what you think. Remember, this is all about business.""Such impudence!" An old man roared, banging his fist on the table and standing up violently, causing his seat to fall backward. "How dare you? This is the highest order of disrespect."I burst into laughter. "Disrespect? Impudence? You use those words like those papers aren't telling the truth. They're authentic and just one mail to the police would get you all arrested.""We won't accept this!" Another board member yelled. "Who on earth gave you the audacity to dig dirt on us? Even your father doesn't have the guts."I shrugged, unaffected by their deathly glare. "That's one of the reasons why I intend to take over from him. He has been quite lenient with you all, which is the reason why you all
MadrilenoAdrian's POVGeorge of all people??She knew how to ruin the mood. We hadn't been on a talking note since last night. I was thankful she never answered my question last night.Meeting my grandfather was equivalent to opening the gate of hell. At this point, I wasn't ready for trouble. I would consider letting him in on the truth, but not anytime soon.As soon as I was done getting ready for work, I headed straight to the dining area. I met Charles supervising the maids to set the table."Good morning, Master" He greeted the moment our eyes met.I nodded in response. "Did she have breakfast before leaving?" I questioned.Charles shook his head. "Madame said she couldn't wait, but she'll surely come home for dinner."I scoffed. "Of course, she will. Unless she wants to test my patience."I sat down to have breakfast, and in just ten minutes, I was done.I grabbed my jacket and devices and strutted out of the house. Kyle was already waiting by the car. Soon, we hit the road.Ar
Dangerous ideas.Valerie's POV"Jude, have you sorted out my dress for the ball?" I questioned as he drove.He looked at me through the rearview mirror, his brows furrowed. "I thought you wanted to go pick your dress yourself. I already made a reservation for you.""Very good, but before that, kindly release a picture of that brat and the evidence of the surrogacy procedure" I ordered, smirking. "It's past the deadline and they haven't met our demands. Perhaps, they don't want to take us seriously. We need to show them we're not playing.""Alright, ma'am" Jude responded, holding his phone with one hand and controlling the steering with the other. "I'll text a friend of mine now."My eyes narrowed. "A friend?""Yes, he is the one who's good at the tech stuff. He's also very reliable and trustworthy" Jude explained confidently.I kind of had a bad feeling about it, but I brushed it off.My eyes brightened as I recalled something."Jude, what do you think we can do about Alicia and Jason
Ruined moodLuisa's POV"What's going to happen to them?" I questioned, breaking the awkward silence in the car.Adrian's sapphire blue eyes landed on me."Miguel will take care of it. I already sent him a text" He replied. "As for the video, it's been taken down. Those fools are only going to offer an apology to make things clear. You have nothing to worry about.""I know," I said, and cursed inwardly. What's that going to make him think I found him reliable?I looked at him, and our eyes met. I couldn't stop staring at his lips as it reminded me of the kisses we shared."I don't mind you staring" I heard him say, snapping me out of my daze.Damn! Can't believe I got lost in his eyes.I scoffed, and looked away, praying silently for an opportunity to get away from me. Though, I doubted that was going to be possible.A few minutes later, the driver drove through a large iron gate attached to a high fence. The outside was quite ordinary, but the inside......it was mind-blowing."Where'
ExposedDiego's POV"The young lady in there was never pregnant" The doctor dropped the bombshell, and my heart stopped beating for a moment.What?! That's impossible. In fact, why should I stay quiet and listen to such nonsense?"What are you saying, doctor?" I voiced out fiercely. "She told me she was pregnant with a pregnancy test result as proof."The doctor sighed. "Those kinds of things can be forged. It's easy to detect, especially when the hospital's seal is not on it. Most people tend to ignore the seal because of the shock or excitement, so I understand your plight."No way. She didn't just fool me with that. What for?My head was spinning as every other word I wanted to speak got stuck in my throat."Then what was the bleeding all about?" I heard my boss ask.The doctor let out a throaty chuckle. "It was just red wine stored in a ball. She put it in between her legs, and crushed it when the moment was right."Red wine? So hilarious!I still couldn't process the fact that I
Damages Luisa's POV “Oh, my”, I exclaimed inwardly, feeling uncomfortable. I could sense trouble brewing. I mean, why Diego of all people? The moment I got out of the car, and walked over to Adrian's side, I met our driver having a conversation with the annoying being. The argument seemed to be heating up, but Adrian wasn't moved one bit. "You have to pay for damages or get ready to face the consequences" I heard the driver say with a sharp undertone laced with a warning, but Diego wasn't willing to back down. I doubted he knew who the car owner was. "Pay for damages? Never!!" He snarled. "Why don't you go ahead and tell your so-called boss to get the hell out of here? Get your garbage car off the road." "Are you talking to me?" Adrian finally voiced out, his voice stern. Diego's head snapped to our spot, his eyes widened in shock, and his mouth agape. Good for you, I scoffed inwardly, anticipating what could happen next. "Sir... Sir, I... I didn't know it was you