Alexander only hummed, completely unbothered. "It’s actually quite funny. They think Seb came to ‘claim’ you, but instead of taking you, he had to ask me for permission to even get the PR team to clear the rumors.”Sarah froze.Then she groaned. "You set him up on purpose."Alexander didn’t deny it. He just smiled, tilting her chin up. "It’s simple, my love. I don’t need to let you go. Because you’ve always been mine."Sebastian ran a frustrated hand through his hair, leaning against the sleek marble counter in Alexander’s living room. His sharp gaze was locked onto the man lounging effortlessly on the couch, sipping a glass of whiskey like he hadn’t just let the entire world believe his wife was caught in a scandal."Alright, Blake," Seb sighed, crossing his arms. "What game are you playing?"Alexander smirked but didn’t look away from his drink. "I have no idea what you’re talking about."Seb let out a humorless chuckle. "Oh, don’t give me that bullshit. You’re letting the world run
Sarah just stared at him, arms still crossed. "Let me get this straight," she said slowly. "Your grand plan to fix the scandal… is to throw a wedding sequel?""Precisely."Seb let out a low whistle. "I can’t believe this is actually happening."Sarah sighed, pressing two fingers to her temple. "And what if I say no?"Alexander smiled. "Then I suppose I’ll just have to suffer in misery, surrounded by all the gifts and love my adoring fans have been sending me."Seb let out a laugh, shaking his head. "You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?"Alexander’s smirk widened. "Immensely."Sarah exhaled, closing her eyes for a moment before finally looking up at him. "Fine. But I want full control over the event."Alexander tilted his head. "Full control?""Yes. No media circus unless I say so. No ridiculous grandstanding."Alexander considered for a moment, then nodded. "Deal."Seb raised a brow. "Wait, that’s it? You’re agreeing just like that?"Alexander smirked. "I always let my wife have he
Gerald sat in the dimly lit room, his fingers steepled together as he stared at the flickering television screen. The breaking news banner scrolled across the bottom, "BLAKE HEIR ANNOUNCES GRAND VOW RENEWAL WITH WIFE, SARAH BLAKE."A slow, cruel smirk spread across his lips. Ah, Alexander... so careless. So arrogant.He hadn’t expected his dear nephew to make such a bold move, not when he should have known better. Not when he, Gerald Blake, the man everyone thought was long buried in the past, was still alive and waiting."Foolish boy," he murmured, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Did you really think I’d stay in the shadows forever?"The vow renewal was the perfect opportunity. The event would be grand, extravagant beyond measure, drawing in the biggest names in society. It would be the ideal moment to strike.He leaned back, exhaling slowly. He had spent years biding his time, watching Alexander rise to power, watching him consolidate the Blake fortune, making enemies, crus
For a long while, Victoria looked uncertain.Cecilia watched her closely, waiting to see if she would back down, if the fear of what could happen would make her rethink this reckless idea.But then, slowly, Victoria’s lips curled back into a smile, this time colder, sharper.“That’s exactly why we have to move first,” she murmured. “Before she does.”Cecilia’s breath hitched. “Victoria...”Victoria stood, eyes gleaming with dangerous resolve. “Sarah thinks she’s the only one who can play the waiting game? Fine. Let’s see how she handles it when she becomes the target.”Cecilia hesitated. Something about this felt like they were walking straight into a trap, but the taste of revenge was too tempting.“…Fine,” she finally muttered, rubbing her temples. “But if this backfires, I’m blaming you.”Victoria smirked. “Trust me, Cecilia. This time, we won’t lose.”...............................Sarah stepped into the office, her heels clicking softly against the polished floors.The entire bu
The morning before the Mountain Rose showroom, Sarah and Raven arrived at the grand venue, a luxurious ballroom adorned with crystal chandeliers, golden accents, and a sprawling runway set up in the center.The entire place exuded class, and Sarah felt a deep sense of satisfaction seeing her vision come to life.They had spent months preparing for this, securing the best venue, inviting the elites of the fashion and jewelry world, and crafting an unforgettable showcase.Now, it was all coming together.Sarah glanced around as staff bustled about, finalizing details.The seating was arranged meticulously, VVIPs, including the most influential figures in the industry, had front row seats, followed by VIP guests, then regular guests and the general audience. Every little detail had been planned to perfection.Raven, holding a tablet, ticked off points from their checklist. "Alright, seating is done. The models have their lineup. The jewelry pieces are secured and ready to be showcased. T
Alexander narrowed his eyes at her. "It’s your fault," he shot back. "You’re the one who insisted on making me a model at the last minute. I don’t want to ruin your show, so I figured I should at least try to do it right."Sarah's laughter softened into a warm smile. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it gently. "You could walk up there in a potato sack, Alex, and the world would still bow at your feet. But... I appreciate you putting in the effort for me."Alexander sighed, leaning back against the couch, his other hand rubbing his temple.Sarah grinned mischievously. "I should’ve recorded you for the future. Maybe show our kids one day..""Don’t even think about it." Alexander shot her a warning look, though there was a hint of amusement in his gaze."Fine, fine," Sarah said, standing up and stretching. "Now, let’s get ready. We have a grand event to attend, and you, my dear husband, are going to steal the show."Alexander scoffed. "If I embarrass myself, you’re making it
As the doors to the showroom prepared to open, the excitement reached a fever pitch.The world was about to witness the unveiling of Mountain Rose like never before, and everyone wanted to see just who was behind the brand that had the entire industry talking.Inside the grand showroom, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The air hummed with an underlying tension, a mixture of excitement and curiosity as guests settled into their designated sections.Elise, perched comfortably in the VIP section, adjusted her dress and sipped from a crystal flute of champagne, acting as though she belonged among the industry’s top figures. Meanwhile, Victoria and Cecilia sat stiffly in the regular section, forced to endure the humiliation of being placed so far from the elites they once stood alongside.The stage was illuminated by soft, ambient lighting, and the sound of classical instruments blended seamlessly with a modern beat, creating an elegant yet thrilling ambiance.The MC, a well k
Elise, comfortably seated in the VIP section, felt her confidence waver for the first time that evening. Her hands clutched the armrest of her seat as she watched the living legend walk in.Meanwhile, Victoria and Cecilia, stuck in the regular section, were rendered speechless.Cecilia, who had been sipping on her cocktail with a detached air, almost dropped the glass. "You’ve got to be kidding me," she muttered under her breath.Victoria swallowed, shifting in her seat. "Margaret Windsor? Here? Of all places?"Neither of them had expected this. Margaret was known for being selective with the events she attended, and her appearance tonight elevated the Mountain Rose Showroom to a whole new level of prestige.The murmurs grew louder as people craned their necks to get a better look at the woman who had shaped the modern jewelry industry.And as she made her way toward the VVIP section, Liam Carrington stood out of respect, offering her a nod. Margaret acknowledged him with a slight smi
A famous editor from Lune Mode stepped into her path, clutching her designer clutch like it might fly away if she didn’t grip it hard enough. “Darling, that was revolutionary. I haven’t seen a collection that bold and sensual since Windsor’s early years. I must get the exclusive on your next line.”“I’m honored,” Sarah said, already sidestepping. “But for now, we’re committed to in house content through Blake Media Holdings.”Each answer was the same.Each decline delivered with grace.Each proposal deflected without arrogance, but with a poise that asserted her position clearly: She wasn’t desperate for the industry. The industry was desperate for her.And all the while, Alexander walked silently beside her.A quiet shadow to her shining light.He didn’t mind.In fact, he seemed... content. Every glance from the crowd, every stare of awe, every whisper that mentioned “Sarah” and “genius” and “how did we not see it before”, he took it in stride. His pride was personal. Private.And un
Sarah had built an empire in secret.Sarah had mastered the world they had assumed she was too weak to handle.Eleanor placed a trembling hand over her mouth, mourning the loss of the future they could have had.“If we had known,” she whispered, blinking back tears. “If we had known she had this potential…”If we had treated her differently.If we had fought for her.If we hadn’t cast her aside.The showroom had been electric, but now, as the event neared its conclusion, the air hummed with anticipation. Every guest, socialites, industry moguls, designers, and critics, sat at the edge of their seats, hanging onto the night’s final moments.The grand reveal had sent shockwaves through the fashion world. Sarah was Mountain Rose.And now, all eyes were on her.The MC, a well known fashion journalist, stepped forward, adjusting her mic with a knowing smile. “Ladies and gentlemen, before we close this unforgettable night, we believe it’s only right to hear from the woman who has shaken the
Cecilia let out a sharp, disbelieving laugh.It was short, almost bitter, before she clapped a hand over her mouth, as if she couldn’t believe the sound had come from her.Sarah? Sarah was behind Mountain Rose?The woman she had looked down on? The woman she had once mocked, dismissed as nothing more than an inconvenience in her pursuit of Alexander?Cecilia let the truth settle in her chest, and for the first time, she felt something other than resentment.She felt... understanding.This was why.This was why Alexander had never looked at her the same way again.Why he had stopped seeing her, stopped caring for her the way he once had.It wasn’t just because she had betrayed him.It wasn’t just because she had once been the woman meant to be by his side but had chosen herself over their engagement.It was because he had Sarah.And Sarah was everything.Cecilia’s fingers curled into the fabric of her dress as she exhaled slowly.The realization was almost... freeing.For so long, she
There was an unmistakable challenge in his tone, daring anyone to dispute it.Liam, who had been watching the exchange with quiet intensity, clenched his jaw. His fingers curled around the rim of his glass as he observed the way Alexander looked at Sarah, the quiet devotion in his eyes, the absolute certainty in his words.There was no denying it.Alexander Blake was in love with his wife.Liam exhaled slowly, schooling his features into a mask of indifference, but a flicker of something unreadable lingered in his gaze.Seb, standing further back, simply smiled, a rare, genuine one.Unlike Liam, he had long accepted that Sarah would never be his. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t be happy for her.He had always known she was extraordinary. Now, the rest of the world finally saw it too.As the applause resumed, this time stronger, unanimous, Sarah let out a slow breath.She had won.She had truly won.And as she met Beatrice’s furious, defeated glare, Sarah smiled, a slow, knowing curve
The entire room followed her gaze.The tension was a living thing, thick and suffocating, as realization began to dawn on the guests.“You see,” Beatrice continued, her lips curling into something resembling amusement, “this entire spectacle, this supposed ‘legacy of brilliance’, it’s the work of none other than Sarah.”The name hit the crowd like a dropped glass, shattering the carefully crafted atmosphere of admiration and intrigue.Sarah, standing frozen in place, met Beatrice’s gaze head on. She had expected sabotage. She had even anticipated drama. But she had not expected this level of public exposure, this deliberate act of humiliation staged before the most powerful individuals in the fashion world.“This woman,” Beatrice went on, her voice sharp, “who was fortunate enough to marry into the Blake family, has been deceiving us all. Parading in our world as if she belongs, as if she has earned this level of prestige. Tell me, Sarah...” she tilted her head with faux curiosity, “.
The energy in the room remained electric as guests continued to mingle, sip on champagne, and trade speculation about the mysterious force behind Mountain Rose.Sarah, however, was far too preoccupied to let the gossip faze her. Seated in the VVIP section beside her mentor, Margaret Windsor, and Liam Carrington, she allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction."I must say," Margaret began, her sharp eyes scanning the room with admiration, "you have played this game masterfully, Sarah. Even now, they’re all in a frenzy trying to figure out who’s behind this grand spectacle. Not one of them has guessed correctly."Sarah smiled, taking a slow sip of her champagne. "It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Too many people wanted to see me fail. I couldn’t afford to let my identity be known too soon."Liam chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "And yet, look at them now. Scrambling for answers, when the woman they’re all dying to uncover is sitting right under their noses."Margaret nodded a
Mrs. Beatrice Blake wasted no time. The moment Alexander stepped off the runway and into the luxurious VVIP lounge, she was already there, standing with a wine glass in hand, her expression composed yet sharp."Alexander," she called, her tone holding the perfect balance between curiosity and demand.He turned leisurely, as if he hadn’t just caused an uproar in one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year. He took his time, undoing the top button of his tailored suit, adjusting the exquisite brooch still pinned to his lapel.His mother didn’t even glance at the jewelry. Her focus was entirely on him."Why did you do it?" she asked smoothly, her voice low enough for only him to hear.Alexander smirked. "Do what, Mother?""You know what I mean," she snapped, keeping her tone controlled despite her growing frustration. "Why, in the name of everything logical, would you, Alexander Blake, walk on that runway? For Mountain Rose?”She took a deliberate sip of her wine before contin
Among them, Elise sat frozen, her carefully constructed confidence cracking.This wasn’t what she had expected.She had been so sure her designs would turn heads tonight, that she would steal the spotlight and bask in the admiration.But now?She wasn’t even an afterthought.Everything, the attention, the speculation, the whispers, was all about Mountain Rose.And worse?No one even knew who was behind it.Elise’s jaw clenched, her nails digging into her palm as she shot a sharp glance at Victoria and Cecilia, who looked just as shaken."We need to find out who the hell is running this brand," Victoria muttered under her breath, barely able to keep the venom out of her tone.Cecilia wasn’t listening.Her mind was spinning in another direction entirely.Because there was only one person she suspected.And if she was right, if Sarah was behind all of this, then this wasn’t just a victory.It was a message.A warning that she wasn’t done yet.That she was coming for them.And Cecilia was
Seb, aware of the chaos, allowed himself a leisurely glance at the audience, his eyes deliberately locking onto the ones who stared a little too hard, a little too long.Then, in the most sinfully taunting way possible, he let his smirk widen, dragging his tongue over his lower lip for just a second...A calculated, devastating move.The reaction was instant.Several gasps.Some audible giddy shrieks.A few not so discreet lip bites.One particularly bold woman in a crimson gown reached for her champagne glass, fingers trembling slightly as she whispered to her friend, "I need to have him."The raw, undeniable tension in the room was tangible.Seb knew it.He reveled in it.Because this?This was the effect he had.The moment he reached the end of the runway, he paused, not because he needed to, but because he wanted to let them ache for more.He stood there, under the bright spotlight, exuding dominance in a way that was effortless, natural.Then, with the same lazy arrogance, he lif