The next morning, Chloe stepped out of her room, her cane tapping lightly on the polished wooden floor. She was dressed in a simple yet elegant navy-blue blouse tucked into tailored slacks, her hair flowing in soft waves around her face. Despite her blindness, Chloe always made an effort to present herself well, and today was no exception. The day ahead was an important one, and she could feel the pressure of it.Waiting just outside her door was Adam, who leaned casually against the wall, his own attire sharp yet slightly relaxed—a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and grey slacks, giving him an approachable yet polished look. When Chloe heard the sound of his footsteps and sensed his presence, she smiled. “Good morning, Adam,” she greeted warmly, recognizing the familiar sound of his light, steady breathing.“Morning, Chloe,” Adam responded, a smile in his voice as he straightened up. “Ready for breakfast before we leave?”Chloe reached out with her hand, and Adam immed
After leaving the hospital, Adam drove Chloe straight to one of the city's high-end boutiques for their shopping trip. The boutique was known for its exclusive designer collections, and today, Chloe would be picking out an outfit for the Billionare Club Business DInner. Though she couldn’t see the outfits, she was determined to make the best of the situation.“Alright, Chloe,” Adam said as they entered the boutique, his arm guiding her inside. “What’s your first request?”Chloe smiled softly, adjusting her cane as she stood by his side. “Let’s start with something classic, maybe an A-line gown, something that’s elegant but not too loud. I’ll need something that flows well... you know? I like those kinds of dresses.”Adam grinned. “You’ve got great taste. Wait here,” he said, guiding her to a seat. “I’ll get a few options.”Chloe sat patiently, listening to the soft shuffle of the boutique’s staff as they moved about. The scent of fresh fabrics and leather wafted through the air, rem
Stepping out of the sleek black car, Chloe felt the heat of the evening settle around her as she stood between her two brothers, Adam and Francis. She held onto Adam’s arm, her cane tapping lightly on the pavement beneath her. The low murmur of voices and the flashing of cameras was enough to let her know they had arrived.The red carpet beneath her feet was soft, totally different from the hard pavement they just left behind. Flashing lights assaulted her senses, though she couldn’t see them, but the frenzy of the paparazzi and reporters was undeniable.. Reporters were shouting questions left and right, their voices cutting through the cool evening air like knives, and the Westbrooks were at the center of their attention.The questions came fast, overlapping each other, shouted from every direction as they made their way toward the entrance.“Mr. Westbrook! Who’s your guest tonight? Is she in any way related to the Westbrook?”“Chloe! How does it feel being here with the Westbrook f
After Adam left Chloe at the bar, she allowed herself to relax a bit. It was peaceful, for a moment.Then a familiar voice pierced the air, sharp and biting, cutting through the tranquility like a knife.“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the little blind imposter.”Chloe’s breath caught in her throat, her entire body tensing at the sound of that voice. She hadn’t heard it in years, but she would never forget it.Nancy.Chloe’s hand tightened around her cane as a chill swept through her. She had thought Nancy was out of her life for good, a ghost from the past that had long been buried. But here she was, standing close enough for Chloe to sense the cold venom in her voice.The hairs on the back of Chloe’s neck stood on end, her heart pounding in her chest as Nancy’s presence loomed. Chloe’s mind raced. What was Nancy doing here? Was it a coincidence or something? And more importantly—what did she want?“I never thought I’d see the day you’d crawl your way back into high society,” Nancy c
But before Nancy could finish her sentence, they were interrupted by a deep and smooth voice. “Is there a problem here?”Chloe’s heart skipped a beat. She recognized that voice instantly.Leo.The air around them seemed to shift as Leo’s presence filled the space. Chloe could feel it—the quiet strength, the controlled power that radiated from him like a force field. She hadn’t expected him to be here tonight and she couldn’t help the relief that washed over her.Nancy, startled by the interruption, turned sharply, her anger momentarily faltering as she took in Leo’s tall, imposing figure. He stood with a calm yet intimidating posture, his dark eyes locked onto Nancy’s with a look that made it clear—he wasn’t someone to be trifled with.Leo stepped closer. “I believe Chloe has made herself clear,” he said, each word measured but carrying an unmistakable edge. “There’s no need for this to go any further.”Nancy’s gaze shifted from Leo to Chloe, her lips curling into a bitter sneer. “An
“Alright,” Francis said, his tone softening. “But let’s not let Adam off the hook so easily.”Chloe chuckled softly, her mind still lingering on the warmth of Leo’s hand and the feeling of safety he had given her.They took a few steps and Francis paused. “You know what? We should probably get going,” he said gently, taking her hand and guiding her toward the exit. His voice, though steady, carried an edge of concern. “I know tonight was a lot.”Chloe nodded, gripping his arm lightly as her cane tapped beside her. “It was... more than I expected,” she admitted, her thoughts still partially on Leo and the unexpected connection she felt with him.As they reached the waiting car, Adam joined them, looking apologetic as he helped Chloe into the backseat. “I’m sorry I left you alone for so long,” Adam said, his tone genuinely remorseful. “I got held up, but I shouldn’t have left you by yourself.”Chloe smiled, shaking her head. “It’s alright, Adam. I wasn’t alone for long.” She didn’t elab
As she approached the main hallway, she heard faint voices. She stopped, her senses heightened as she strained to listen. The conversation seemed to be coming from the sitting room, where her brothers were meeting Uncle Henry.Chloe paused, her curiosity piqued.“I still think it’s too soon,” she heard a gruff voice say—likely Uncle Henry. “How do we know she’s even a Westbrook? Have you done the DNA test yet?”Chloe froze, her breath catching in her throat.“How sure are we that she’s really your sister?” the voice continued, doubt lacing every word. “I’m just saying, it’s a bit convenient, don’t you think? After all these years, she shows up, and suddenly she’s part of the family?”Chloe’s heart sank as she listened to the cold, calculated tone in Uncle Henry’s voice. He didn’t believe she belonged here. He thought she was an imposter.Her heart pounded in her chest as she remained frozen in place, straining to hear more of the conversation from the sitting room. She knew she should
The next morning, sunlight gently filtered through the heavy curtains in Chloe's room, casting a soft warmth over her bed. She stirred, slowly waking up to the quiet stillness of the Westbrook mansion. Her mind was still clouded with the echoes of last night—Uncle Henry’s doubts, the hidden conversation she overheard, and the sting of being questioned by her own family.A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.“Chloe? Are you awake?” It was Adam’s calm and steady voice.“Yes, come in,” Chloe called out, sitting up and brushing her hair back from her face.The door creaked open, and she heard Adam’s familiar footsteps as he entered the room. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I wanted to let you know there’s a board meeting today. Francis and I think it’s important for you to attend as…” He paused briefly. “Well, we’ll be introducing you to the entire board.”Chloe's heart skipped a beat. A board meeting. It was no coincidence after last night’s conversation
The days after her confrontation with Leo passed in a haze of confusion and regret for Chloe. She hadn’t meant to push him away with her words. All she wanted was honesty—a glimpse into the shadows he seemed to live in. Yet, she had managed to create a chasm between them.She shook her head as she sat in her office, braille documents under her fingers. It was foolish to keep thinking about him. She didn’t have the luxury to let herself get distracted—not now, not with everything else spiraling around her. Perhaps it was the universe’s way of telling her to focus on herself and the challenges ahead.Still, every so often, her mind would wander, and she would find herself wondering where Leo was. Was he angry? Hurt? Or worse—indifferent?Her frustration simmered as the hours wore on. By the time Marcus helped her into the car that evening, Chloe felt the exhaustion weighing on her, both physically and emotionally.“Rough day?” Marcus asked as he slid into the driver’s seat.“Rough wee
Chloe's gentle breathing created a calm atmosphere in the still living room while Leo tucked the blanket around her shoulders. Her head lay gently on the soft pillow, her face calm in sleep. For the first time in what seemed like days, she appeared genuinely relaxed, causing him to pause before stepping away from her.As soon as he went outside, the calm appearance faded away. The cool evening air touched his skin, but it did not calm the restless energy flowing inside him. His thoughts raced, each one more intense than the previous, as he walked toward the side of the house where Anton was waiting.“Anton,” Leo said, his voice sharp.Anton moved out from the dark corner of the patio, his big body fitting well into the low light. “He’ll be here soon,” he said, his deep voice calm and steady.Leo nodded, his jaw clenched as he folded his arms. “Okay. I would like this completed promptly.”Their tension was clear as the minutes went by, broken only by the soft chirping of crickets. Le
“And yet, you’re still here,” he teased gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face.Chloe’s lips curved into a genuine smile, the weight on her shoulders feeling just a little lighter. For the first time in weeks, she allowed herself to hope—not just for a resolution to her troubles, but for something more.Leo’s hand lingered on Chloe’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. The intensity of the kiss they’d just shared hung in the air between them, thick and electric. Chloe’s breath was uneven as she tilted her head slightly, her lips curving into a faint, self-conscious smile.“Leo,” she began, her voice soft but steady, “I—”Whatever words she had been about to say were cut off as Leo leaned in again, his lips capturing hers in a kiss that was as deliberate as it was tender. This time, there was no hesitation, no unspoken tension—only the quiet reassurance of two people finding solace in each other. Chloe’s free hand slid up to rest on his chest, feeling the stead
Leo King sat in his office, scrolling through his phone while sipping his usual black coffee. The sharp taste of the drink combined with the usual flow of emails created a clear difference from the surprising news alert that suddenly appeared on his screen.BREAKING NEWS: WESTBROOK ENTERPRISES INTERIM CEO ACCUSED OF EMBEZZLEMENT.Leo’s heart sank. Chloe. He set the coffee cup down with a soft clink, his jaw tightening as he read further. Every line painted her as a calculating executive funneling funds into offshore accounts. It was a clear attack, and yet the media presented it as gospel truth.Without hesitation, he dialed her number. Chloe picked up after a couple of rings, her tone steady but tired. “Leo.”“Chloe, I just saw the news. What’s going on?”“I don’t know who’s behind this,” she began, her voice measured but tinged with frustration. “Someone planted false evidence. Marcus and Adam are helping me—”“I don’t care what the media says,” Leo interrupted firmly. “I care ab
The mall buzzed with the usual hum of activity: children’s laughter echoing from the play area, the faint clinking of plates from the food court, and the soft strains of background music weaving through the air. Sofia Sawyer strolled through the upscale shopping district, her heels clicking against the polished floor. She carried an aura of determination, masking the simmering bitterness she’d harbored since her last encounter with Chloe.She turned into a designer store, her fingers brushing over racks of meticulously crafted garments. Sofia hardly noticed the clothes—her mind was too busy running through scenarios to regain control of her crumbling image. She needed leverage, an edge against Chloe.“...She thinks she’s untouchable,” a sharp voice cut through Sofia’s thoughts.Sofia turned slightly toward the sound, her curiosity piqued. Near the store’s expansive glass windows stood Nancy Greyson, phone pressed to her ear. Nancy’s body language was as cutting as her tone—shoulder
The sound of tires crunching against gravel echoed through the Westbrook mansion driveway, drawing Chloe’s attention from her seat in the drawing room. The faint creak of the front door followed moments later, and Marcus’s measured footsteps approached.“Miss Chloe,” Marcus said from the doorway, his tone careful. “A delivery has arrived for you. It’s... several large boxes.”Chloe tilted her head slightly. “From whom?” she asked, her fingers instinctively tightening around her cane.Marcus hesitated. “Mr. Dan Sawyer.”The name made her chest tighten, her pulse quickening. She forced herself to remain calm, though her voice sharpened. “What’s in the boxes?”“Baby items,” Marcus replied evenly. “A crib, toys, clothes… a few other things. It looks like he was preparing for the child.”Chloe’s lips pressed into a thin line. Her heart sank, and her anger simmered just beneath the surface. “Return them,” she said coolly. “The truck left already, Miss.”“Then call another delivery service
The next few days passed in a blur of happiness and healing for the Westbrook family. The once somber atmosphere of the mansion lightened with each passing day. Adam had taken to cracking even more jokes, and Francis—despite his grumbles—was slowly warming to the teasing camaraderie. Their father spent long afternoons sitting with their mother, the two of them quietly reconnecting after the long, frightening separation.Chloe, too, felt a change within herself. Though her mother’s recovery was still in its early stages, each visit left her feeling more connected. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel like an outsider.On a crisp Thursday morning, Chloe stood in the foyer of the Westbrook mansion, adjusting her cane and dress as she waited for Adam. Adam’s voice rang out from upstairs, muffled but still audible.“Chloe! If you don’t wait for me, I’m charging you rent for the ride!”Chloe chuckled softly, her grip tightening on her cane. “You’re the one who’s late, Adam.
Adam's words lingered in the air, each sound affecting Chloe and Marcus like a pebble dropped into calm water.“She’s awake. Mom… Mom is awake.”Chloe’s grip tightened on her cane, her lips parting slightly in disbelief. “Oh my God,” she whispered, the weight of the words settling in her chest. “That’s… That’s incredible news.”Adam’s grin spread, a mixture of relief and excitement lighting up his features. “After a month plus,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “She’s finally awake.”Chloe steadied herself, taking a slow breath as her heart raced. “We need to go,” she said, her voice firm with urgency.Adam was already dialing on his phone. He pressed it to his ear, pacing as the call connected. “Francis? Yeah, it’s Adam. Listen, I just got a call from the hospital. Mom’s awake.”A muffled gasp came from the other end. Adam nodded as though Francis could see him. “Yeah, I know. We’re on our way too. Just... don’t try to drive yourself, alright? We’ll pick you up.”As he ended th
The gift store bell jingled softly as Chloe and Adam stepped inside, Marcus trailing a step behind them, his expression as unreadable as ever. The air carried a faint mix of lavender and vanilla from the myriad of candles and potpourri sachets scattered throughout the shop. Chloe tapped her cane lightly on the floor, the sound echoing faintly as her feet felt the polished tiles beneath her.“I don’t know why you insist on dragging me into this,” Chloe said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “It’s not like I can help much with picking things out.”“That’s nonsense,” Adam replied, his voice full of mock offense. “You’ve always had impeccable taste. Besides, I need someone to rein me in before I buy something ridiculous.”Marcus’s low murmur cut through. “Before?” It earned a soft chuckle from Chloe.Adam shot Marcus a mock glare. “I’ll have you know, I have exquisite taste. But, for your information, restraint isn’t one of my strengths.”“Exquisite taste?” Chloe tilted her head, her s