Mum, can you leave us alone? I need to speak to Karen about something, then I’ll drop you off at the office,” Kris finally said, surprising them both.“Leave you two alone?” Linda asked nervously. “Why?”“There’s just something I need to discuss with her, and I’d prefer if you left us alone.”“Okay,” Linda nodded. “I’ll be in the waiting area. Don’t take too long.”She looked at Karen. “Goodbye, Karen.”To Karen, that goodbye held a thousand warnings, making her swallow nervously as she watched Linda leave.“What did you want to talk to me about?” she asked Kris.Kris stepped closer to the bars, his gaze intense and his voice dangerously low as he spoke. “Thalassa recorded the conversation you had when she came to see you. You told her that my mother was behind everything that happened to her. What evidence do you have to prove it?”Even though Linda wasn’t present, her earlier threats were still engraved in Karen’s mind, making her shake her head.“I have no evidence because it was a
“What do you think, Mr. Phoenix? Is this recording enough to nail Linda Miller?” Thalassa asked after playing the recording for her lawyer, who had been recommended by Zeke some time ago.The lawyer pondered for a moment before letting out a sigh. “I’m going to be honest with you, Miss Thompson. The only damage that recording might do is prompt the police to take Linda Miller in for questioning. But unless Karen Blade has substantial evidence that proves that Mrs. Miller is truly responsible for everything, she will not be arrested be arrested.“She can also, and I’m sure she will, counterclaim that Karen Blade made those accusations against her because part of the recording suggests that you offered her an incentive to free her if she told you the truth about Mrs. Miller.”“So there’s nothing this recording can do?” Luisa questioned in disbelief.The lawyer nodded. “I’m afraid so. For now, it’s just Karen Blade’s word against Linda Miller’s. But rest assured, as your lawyer, I’ll do
“Mum?”The woman in front of her was Rita Blade, Karen's mother. Thalassa called her “Mum” because that was what the woman had asked her to call her on the first day they met.She still remembered that day perfectly. After the death of her mother when she was just a child, she had been sent from one foster care home to another, always being rejected for one reason or another, as if she wasn’t good enough.When she became a teenager, through hard work and determination, she managed to earn a scholarship to an elite high school—the same high school Karen attended.Almost all the students rejected, mocked, and bullied her for being a scholarship student. Those who didn’t bully her didn’t even bother to notice her.One day, while she was being bullied, Karen came to her rescue and defended her from her tormentors, and that’s how they became friends.Since then, they had been inseparable because Karen was always there for her—supporting her financially when she needed it and defending her
Thalassa’s body went absolutely stiff—her expression, her movements, even her voice—as she stared back at the woman she considered a second mother. Though she’d expected the request, the sting of betrayal was too hard to escape.“Aren’t you going to say anything?” Rita asked after several seconds had passed.Thalassa finally found her voice, but she was unable to eject the bitterness from it as she spoke.“Do you realize what you’re asking of me, Mum? You’re asking me to forgive the person who did everything to ruin my life.”Shame reddened Rita’s cheeks as more tears streamed down her face. “I know, I know what I’m asking of you. I know I’m not being fair to you.”But Thalassa wasn’t done. “She drugged me and assaulted me with a man so that she could take naked pictures of me and convince Kris that I was cheating on him. She was Linda Miller’s accomplice in framing me for the embezzlement, and she’s been that woman’s accomplice in every plan against me. How can you expect me to forgi
“What is taking her so long?” Kris gritted out to Alden, who was sitting in the visitor chair next to him.“Forgive me if I sound too smart, but since this is a hospital, she’s probably attending to some patients. Don’t be so impatient,” Alden mused sarcastically.Kris glared at him and continued stewing in his impatience. A few minutes later, the door opened, and the doctor in question waltzed into the office.“Forgive me. There was a complication with a patient that required my attention,” she explained as she walked to take her seat.Alden smiled smugly at Kris with an I-told-you-so look before turning to the doctor. “It’s alright, Doc. The patients come first.”“Thank you.” The doctor smiled gratefully, then looked at Kris. “Mr. Miller, how might I help you?”“You’re the doctor who took care of Thalassa, aren’t you?” he asked, his serious expression and tone making her nervous.“Yes,” she answered.She didn’t need to ask who he was talking about since his private investigator had
In Thalassa's office, after her call with Kris, Luisa and Millie were staring at her with varying degrees of shock and confusion.“I can’t believe this! You’re really willing to let Karen out of jail?!" Millie exclaimed.“All because of what her mother came here to say?” Luisa fumed. “What if the two of them were in cahoots to deceive you?”“Rita is an honest woman and would never connive with anyone, not even Karen,” Thalassa replied calmly.“Even so!” Luisa stared at her like she was going crazy. “I thought you wanted Karen to pay for everything she has done to you. I can't believe you’re just letting her get out so easily.”Though Thalassa was exasperated, she could also understand her friends' frustration and confusion. Sighing, she stood up and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window on one side of her office, which overlooked a breathtaking view of the city.“Luisa, do you remember my main motive for coming back to Baltimore?” she asked, still looking out the window.“Yes. You wan
Karen's hands shook as she raised her head to meet Kris's cold eyes. "I don't... I don't understand. What is this?"His nostrils flared impatiently. "I don't remember you being illiterate.""Divorce? Kris, you can't divorce me," she protested."Do you still doubt something even when you have evidence in your hand? Just sign the divorce papers, Karen. I can't continue being married to a woman like you. This marriage shouldn't have happened in the first place.""But... but what about the luggage? Why have you brought all my things out?"Kris glared at her. "Since you seem to have lost your comprehension abilities, I will explain it to you. I don't want you in this house, not in my life.""But... Tessa... what about our daughter? You can't separate me from her," Karen said, turning her panicked eyes to her mother, who was standing behind her. "Mom, please tell him that what he's trying to do is wrong."Rita felt helpless, u
"Then the twirl... No, no! How many times do I have to tell you to twirl the dress in tune with the turn at the endpoint?....I need a bit more elegance and grace....What is this? What is wrong with you today, Carmen?.....No, that's not it! Why are you so rigid?" Thalassa continued making comment after comment as she watched the model on the makeshift runway walking back and forth in one of their top dresses. Nothing the model did seemed good enough for her. Carmen, the model, looked like she was about to cry, no longer knowing how to move her body to Thalassa's liking. "I'm sorry, Lassa." Thalassa scoffed. "I don't need your apology, Carmen. I just need you to put in the right effort. Is that too much to ask for?" "Lassa!" Luisa hissed as she finally decided to intervene. "What is wrong with you? Why are you talking to her like that?" She looked at the model. "Carmen, please go and take off the
Gendry shook his head. “No, it's not that. It's just... I'm scared we might hurt the baby.”“No, we won’t. I heard it's safe to do it even when pregnant,” Tessa said, chasing his lips again.It had been too long. Too fucking long. And God knew how much she wanted him inside her again.Initially, Gendry kissed her back hesitantly, but his reluctance soon vanished. His lips trailed from hers and ran down her neck while he wedged his hands between them to fondle her breasts. His hard dick was pressing against her thigh, filling her with even more anticipation. But before they could undress each other, the jarring ring of her cellphone shattered the moment.Tessa tried to ignore it, but the sound was too grating. Gendry broke the kiss, and they both sighed as she reached for her phone. It was her brother calling. She answered.“Tessa!” Alex’s relieved sigh came through the phone. “Mum and Dad called me this morning and told me what happened yesterday. Are you... Okay, we know you're safe
Taking in the earnest, almost desperate look in Gendry's eyes, Tessa felt warmth spread through her chest. But she couldn't help but mess with him a bit.“Did I?” She shrugged, turning her gaze away from him. “I don't remember saying that. I must have been really tired.”“Oh.” She saw Gendry's expression sink from the corner of her eye. “I... you said... I thought…” He pursed his lips, struggling for words. “Tessa, you... I...”Tessa couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst into laughter. “Oh, Gendry...” She chuckled, finally looking back at him. “Of course, I remember, and of course, I meant every word.”The smile that crossed his face was the most beautiful thing Tessa had ever seen.“You evil woman,” he growled playfully. “Did you want to give me a heart attack?”And then he pounced, tickling her until she was on her back, peals of laughter vibrating through her.“Gendry, stop,” she pleaded between gasps, but he didn’t listen, dipping his head to nuzzle her neck and using his lips
After Tessa drifted off to sleep, Gendry slowly lifted her head from his shoulder, moving carefully so he wouldn’t wake her.Then, he gently scooped her up in his arms, carrying her bridal style to his bedroom. He laid her down softly, ensuring she remained undisturbed. She stirred slightly, scratching her chin for a second, but she didn’t wake up. Her breathing soon returned to its deep, steady rhythm.Smiling at how adorable she looked, he reached down and carefully removed her heels. She had, hands down, the most beautiful feet he had ever seen. He felt a sudden urge to suck on her toes.But not while she was sleeping. Maybe later.He let out a quiet chuckle at his own ridiculous thoughts. Was there anything about this woman he didn’t find attractive?He could worship every inch of her body for days, especially now that he knew she felt the same way.A heady thrill zapped through him.Oh, God. She loved him.She’d told him she loved him. It was the last thing he had expected. At le
When Tessa didn't respond after some seconds, Gendry pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her protectively as he guided her to the couch. The worry in his chest deepened with every shaky breath she took."Please, tell me," he urged gently, his voice low, coaxing. "What's wrong?"Tessa hesitated for a brief moment, then let it all out.She told him everything—meeting her biological father, the horrible lies he had spun about her parents, and the devastating truth that he had once tried to sell her. Her voice was steady at first, but as the words left her lips, it became raw, filled with emotions she had been holding back.By the time she finished, Gendry sat there in stunned silence. His fingers twitched as he clenched his fists on his lap. “Jesus Christ, Tessa…” His voice was hoarse with restrained anger. He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm down. “If you hadn’t just told me all that, I would’ve never guessed Kris and Thalassa weren’t your biological parents. You guys a
The moment her eyes landed on Wendy, standing so close to Gendry, dressed in a sleek, skin-tight black dress that left little to the imagination, Tessa felt like she had walked into something she wasn’t supposed to see. Her stomach twisted painfully, and her throat suddenly felt tight.“I...I’m sorry,” she stammered, taking a step back. “I didn’t know you had company.”Gendry’s brows furrowed. “Tessa, wait—”But Tessa was already retreating toward the elevator. It had obviously been a mistake coming here.Just as she turned, Wendy’s voice stopped her.“There’s no need for you to leave,” she said, reaching for her purse on the couch. “The one who will be leaving is me.”Tessa stopped mid-step, glancing back warily. Wendy walked toward the door, her heels clicking softly against the floor. As she reached Gendry’s side, she turned her gaze to Tessa, her sharp eyes scanning her from head to toe.Gendry tensed, hoping that Wendy wasn't planning to say something that would offend Tessa.The
Gendry tossed the empty pizza box into the trash, rubbing a hand down his face. He was just about to grab a beer from the fridge when the doorbell rang.Frowning, he strode out of the kitchen and made his way to the front door. Pulling it open, his body tensed up when he saw who it was.Wendy.She was leaning against the doorframe, her lips curling into a slow, sultry smile. Dressed in a deep red, body-hugging dress that barely reached mid-thigh, with a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination, she was the picture of seduction. "Hey, baby," she purred, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation.Gendry shut the door and turned to face her. “I went by your apartment today.”Wendy barely glanced at him as she walked deeper into the room, swaying her hips deliberately. “I was out.”He folded his arms. “Did you leave your phone? I called you several times.”She spun to face him, tilting her head playfully. “I know.”Gendry raised a brow. “And you didn’t pick up becaus
Kris dragged in a deep breath, his features softening slightly, but there was still an emotion that looked like remorse in his eyes.He took a step forward. “I won’t stand here and pretend I’m perfect, sweetheart.” He exhaled slowly, shaking his head. “But I never mistreated Karen. The only woman I ever mistreated—” his gaze shifted to Thalassa, and his voice grew quieter, “—was her.”He pursed his lips. “It’s not something I’m proud of. I let myself believe horrible things about her, and I treated her in ways she never deserved.” His throat worked, his voice thick with regret. “That’s why it took me more than three years to finally have her back in my life.” His eyes darkened with emotion. “And I’ll never stop making it up to her.”A smile curved Thalassa's face. She reached out and gently stroked his face. “You’ve more than done that, baby.” she whispered.Kris turned his face into her palm, closing his eyes briefly.The moment was so tender that Tessa’s chest squeezed at the obviou
Tessa gripped the steering wheel, staring blankly at the closed door of their home. She had driven onto the driveway but had not turned off the ignition, so the engine was still on. Yet, she barely heard it over the chaotic thoughts pounding in her head.Henry.Her father.No; her biological father.The words felt foreign. She repeated them in her mind, trying to make them feel real, but they didn’t fit. They didn’t belong to her. They couldn’t.Her hands trembled in her lap, her knuckles still tight around the steering wheel. She should go inside. She should push this evening far, far away. She should act like it never happened.But how?Her father, the only father she’d ever known, was Kris Miller. And now, suddenly, there was this man. This stranger, claiming to be the one who had been robbed of her.Tessa squeezed her eyes shut.A sharp knock on the window made her jerk upright. She turned her head to find one of the security guards standing beside her car, his face creased with c
Tessa’s breath hitched. Her heart pounded so hard it drowned out the noise of the cars around her.No. This wasn’t happening. This couldn’t be real.She stared at the man before her—the man who had just called himself her father. Her mouth felt dry, but she forced herself to speak. “No. That’s not possible.”The man let out a shaky breath, his eyes shining with unshed tears. “It is, dear. I know I must look different now, but it’s me. I swear it.”Tessa took a step back, clutching the car door for support. Her mind whirled, her pulse racing.She knew Kris and Thalassa weren’t her biological parents. They had never hidden that from her. But this man, this stranger... he couldn’t be telling the truth.As far as she knew, her biological father had never been in her life. She'd assumed he was deceased. Otherwise, why would he have been out of her life for so long without ever trying to find her?The man took a hesitant step forward. Tessa flinched, her body tensing.“I don’t want to scare