Sofia followed the nurse down the long hallway, her heels clicking softly against the polished tile floor. Her mind was elsewhere, replaying the argument from earlier that morning and the sting of Dan saying Chloe's name during an intimate moment. She maintained a calm expression, but anger bubbled just below the surface. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about Dan’s insistence on coming to the hospital today.As they reached the exam room, Sofia paused, suddenly remembering she had left her phone in her bag back in the doctor’s office. “Oh, I forgot something,” she told the nurse, turning on her heel and heading back down the hall.Her pace quickened as she neared the doctor’s office, the sound of Dan’s voice reaching her ears. She slowed; her curiosity piqued. Something in his tone was different—more urgent. She edged closer, just outside the door, her hand hesitating on the handle when she heard Dan speak.“...did you notice anything unusual about Chloe the las
The rooftop restaurant had a quiet elegance, secluded from the hustle and noise of the city below. Dimly lit by warm, amber sconces and lanterns placed delicately along the perimeter, it offered a sense of intimacy despite its open-air design. The view of the skyline was spectacular—twinkling lights stretching across the horizon, contrasting with the deep indigo of the night sky. A soft breeze carried the faint scent of jasmine, mingling with the aroma of the gourmet dishes being served.As Chloe sat at the table, the city spread out below, she could feel the tension in her shoulders. Though she couldn’t see it, the atmosphere wrapped around her like a heavy blanket. It was as if the world was closing in, and all she could do was hold her breath and hope the walls didn’t crumble. She heard Marcus step away, giving her and Leo privacy. For a moment, she wished he hadn’t left.Leo settled back into his seat across from her. She could sense him watching her, his attention intense but
The drive home from the hospital was unnervingly quiet. Dan kept his eyes on the road, his thoughts far away, replaying the revelation about Chloe’s pregnancy. The news felt like a heavy weight in his chest. He tried to maintain his usual calm exterior, but his mind kept drifting back to what Dr. Jackson had said.Chloe, pregnant. His child.Dan wasn’t sure how to feel—surprised, angry, confused. But more than anything, he needed answers. Why hadn’t Chloe told him? Was she planning on keeping it a secret?Beside him, Sofia sat in the passenger seat, her posture stiff, arms crossed over her chest. She hadn’t said much since leaving the hospital, just the occasional small talk about her check-up that Dan responded to absently. He had no idea that she had overheard his conversation with the doctor.As they pulled into the driveway of their house, Dan glanced at Sofia, noticing her tight expression. She hadn’t looked at him once during the entire drive, and now that they were home, she
The next morning, Chloe sat behind her desk at Westbrook Industries, her fingers brushing over the smooth, cold surface. The office was quiet, but it did little to calm the storm brewing inside her. After last night’s dinner with Leo, her mind was swirling with emotions and decisions she wasn’t ready to make. Leo’s offer, as generous as it was, hung heavily over her.She had hoped for a quiet day to think things through, but there was no such thing in her world. The board was breathing down her neck, the company was on the brink, and now, her personal life was creeping dangerously into her professional one.In an attempt to keep herself sane, she reached for her phone and opened the audio novel app she had installed on her phone. It was one of the things that kept her busy while she was with Dan, and she needed it right now. To lose herself in a fantasy world.She had learnt to navigate that app, alongside the call app so it wasn’t an issue for her without her sight. The episode she
The luxury spa was a place to unwind, with its simple design and gentle background music creating the ideal atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon of pampering. The air smelled strongly of lavender and eucalyptus, which was calming and refreshing. The sound of water flowing from a nearby fountain added to the peaceful atmosphere.Nancy Greyson reclined in a plush lounge chair, a glass of champagne balanced delicately in her hand. Her friends, who were also wealthy socialites, were gathered around, chatting softly and laughing. Nancy’s perfectly manicured fingers drummed lightly against her glass as she stared out of the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. The sun cast a golden glow over the skyline, but Nancy’s mood was far from bright.The conversation around her was nothing more than background noise—until one of her friends, Sabrina, broke through her thoughts."So, Nancy, what do you think about your step-sister being CEO of Westbrook Industries now?" Sabrina sounded am
The sound of Dan’s voice echoed in Chloe’s mind long after the call had ended. The moment he’d threatened to reveal her pregnancy, a chill had run down her spine, and she knew she couldn’t afford to ignore him. He had leverage now, and that made him dangerous.After leaving the office, Chloe couldn’t shake the tension. She needed to clear her head, to be with people she could trust.“Marcus, take me to City General,” Chloe instructed in a steady voice, though her hands trembled slightly.“Yes, ma’am,” Marcus replied. He understood Chloe well enough to know when she needed quiet and didn’t push for conversation during the ride.The drive to the hospital was short but felt longer than it should. Chloe leaned back in her seat, her mind racing. Dan’s words kept replaying in her head. Pregnant... That one word could tear her life apart. The board, already doubting her ability to lead, would see this as proof she was too vulnerable. Too weak. And Uncle Henry—he wouldn’t hesitate to use it
Chloe was still replaying the conversation with her brothers in her mind when her phone buzzed in her hand. The vibration cut through her thoughts, pulling her back into the present. She glanced at Marcus, who was guiding her out of the hospital, before answering.“Hello,” she said, her voice steady despite the swirl of emotions inside her.“It’s Dan,” the familiar voice on the other end stated, a coolness in his tone that Chloe had learned to despise. “I’m sending you the address. I’ll see you there in an hour.”Chloe’s grip on the phone tightened. She didn’t need to ask what the meeting was about; she already knew. “Fine,” she replied curtly, ending the call before he could say anything else.“Marcus,” she said, her voice firm but quiet, “do you know a place called The Ember Lounge?”He glanced over at her. “Yes, ma’am. It’s a discreet café, not too far from here.”Chloe paused, weighing her options. Part of her wanted to get the meeting over with as quickly as possible, but she cou
The boardroom at Westbrook Industries was filled with a heavy sense of tension. The sleek glass walls did nothing to ease the heavy atmosphere inside. Chloe sat at the head of the long table, sitting up straight, but she could feel the intense gaze of the board members on her. They weren’t just looking for answers; they were waiting for her to fail.The soft hum of the air conditioning did little to silence the rustling papers and shifting chairs as the board members prepared for the meeting. Chloe could hear the low murmur of whispers between some of the more senior members, including Mr. Sterling, whose deep voice carried over the rest. She could almost feel his disapproving glare from across the table.As Marcus handed out the agenda, Chloe took a deep breath, mentally steeling herself for what she knew would be a difficult meeting. The company’s stock had continued to plunge, and the board was growing restless. Uncle Henry, sitting comfortably at the far end of the table, hadn’
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