The Paris Fashion Week loomed on the horizon, and the tension at the Blake Group was palpable.Elise, the lead designer with an icy demeanor and an obvious disdain for Sarah, had her designs chosen as the company’s submission.It was a major milestone for the jewelry division, one that carried the weight of Alexander’s ambitions to reclaim his CEO title.The entire office buzzed with preparations, and Sarah, despite her lower position, found herself drawn into the flurry of activity.As the day ended, Sarah wrapped up her tasks, her mind preoccupied with the secret she had been guarding so carefully.The pieces for her Mountain Rose collection were ready, and Margaret had assured her that the Paris Fashion Week stage would give her brand the visibility it needed. Yet, guilt pressed heavily on her chest.She hadn’t told Alexander about her designs, or her mentor. As much as she wanted to trust him, the fear of jeopardizing his plans for the Blake Group held her back.That evening, as t
The morning began with the usual organized chaos of a high profile trip.The Blake household bustled as staff members darted through the halls, coordinating final details for Alexander and Sarah’s departure to Paris.Suitcases were stacked near the door, and the assistants were double checking itineraries and travel arrangements.Sarah, dressed in a sleek but understated outfit, exuded an effortless charm, though her mind swirled with conflicting emotions.She stood by the window, gazing out at the driveway as the car was prepared.The Paris Fashion Week was days away, and the pressure within the Blake Group had reached its peak.Elise’s designs were finalized and being polished for the showcase, but Sarah’s own designs, hidden under her Mountain Rose alias were also making their way to Paris.The collision of these two worlds was inevitable, and the weight of her secret felt heavier than ever.Alexander wheeled into the room, his movements fluid and practiced, but his eyes carried a
As evening fell, Alexander retreated to the study to finalize plans for the Blake Group’s presentation at Paris Fashion Week.Sarah lingered in the living room, her thoughts heavy.She wanted to go to him, to tell him the truth and bridge the growing gap between them. But every time she tried, the fear of losing his trust, and possibly his love, paralyzed her.In the study, Alexander sat in his wheelchair, his fingers steepled as he stared at the documents spread before him.His mind kept drifting to Sarah, to the phone call he’d overheard and the evasiveness in her eyes.He hated feeling this way, hated doubting her, but he couldn’t ignore the nagging sense that something was amiss.“I can’t let this distract me,” he muttered to himself, shaking his head.As the city lights of Paris twinkled outside, both Sarah and Alexander found themselves lost in their respective thoughts.She stood by the window, gazing out at the Eiffel Tower, her heart aching with the weight of her deception.H
The grand exhibition hall buzzed with excitement as the Paris Fashion Week runway show began to come to an end for the first day.The space shimmered with light reflecting off intricately crafted jewelry and lavish couture designs, casting an almost otherworldly glow over the audience.Sarah sat beside Alexander, her hands gripping her dress to keep them steady, her heart racing.She had played her part flawlessly thus far, ensuring her identity as Mountain Rose's designer remained under wraps. But as the show neared its pinnacle, her anticipation became nearly unbearable.Alexander, seated in his wheelchair, exuded quiet authority, though his eyes flicked to Sarah more often than she realized.Her glittering gaze and nervous demeanor hadn't gone unnoticed.What was it about this show that had her so captivated?The MC took to the stage, a poised woman with a voice that commanded the room's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, Paris Fashion Week has always been a stage for legacy and inn
The next morning began with a hum of anticipation as the buzz around the upcoming auction electrified the air.The designs from the previous day’s showcase would be bid upon by buyers, collectors, and investors, and the piece that fetched the highest price would cement its designer as the undisputed star of the event.Elise, Alexander’s head designer and a long standing rival of Sarah, was brimming with confidence as she approached Alexander during breakfast in the lavish dining hall.Her elegant outfit and perfectly styled hair screamed self assurance, but her smug smile was what grated on Sarah most."Good morning, Alexander," Elise greeted him with a flirtatious edge, completely ignoring Sarah’s presence.She leaned slightly closer to him, her voice a mix of syrup and steel. "I hope you’re as excited as I am for the auction. I can’t wait to see the Blake Group take the top spot. My design is guaranteed to steal the show."Alexander nodded politely, his expression neutral. “It’s a b
Sarah’s cheeks flushed. “Margaret introduced us,” she said quickly, her words spilling over each other. “She thought it might be helpful to connect with someone like Liam.”Alexander’s brow furrowed. His instincts were on high alert. “Helpful?” he echoed, his voice laced with skepticism. “Is that so?”Liam, sensing the tension, offered a smooth smile. “Purely professional, Mr. Blake. I’m sure you understand how connections in our industry can open doors.”Alexander’s gaze hardened. “I understand plenty.”An awkward silence fell between them, and Sarah fidgeted with the stem of her glass. “Perhaps we should all head toward the auction area,” she suggested, desperate to defuse the situation.Alexander’s piercing look lingered on Liam for a beat longer before he nodded. “Yes. We wouldn’t want to miss anything.”As they moved away, Sarah’s heart pounded.She felt Alexander’s presence beside her, his silence louder than any words he could have spoken.His hand briefly brushed hers as they
Alexander’s gaze flicked between the stage and Sarah, who sat poised but quiet.She seemed lost in thought, her eyes occasionally drifting toward the shimmering choker.Was she admiring Elise’s work, or was there something else on her mind?Alexander couldn’t tell, and it irritated him.He wanted to know what Sarah was feeling, thinking, but she remained a mystery, even to him.“Seventy thousand euros!” came a booming voice from the back.The room murmured in approval as the stakes rose higher.Elise’s lips curved into a triumphant smile. She glanced toward the bidders, her confidence building with each successive paddle raised.“Seventy five thousand!” another bidder declared.“Eighty thousand euros!”The bids continued, each one eliciting gasps and murmurs from the audience.Elise could barely sit still, her excitement bubbling over. She turned her gaze toward Alexander and Sarah, her smugness palpable.“It’s my design,” she whispered loudly enough for those around her to hear. “Thi
The room gasped audibly. Even the auctioneer paused for a fraction of a second before continuing. “Six million euros! Do I hear six point five?”Liam’s smirk faltered slightly. He leaned forward, clearly debating whether to press on. Then, with a nod, he raised his paddle again. “Seven million euros.”Sarah’s heart pounded as the bidding war continued.She wanted to shout at both of them to stop, but she was frozen, caught between fear and exhilaration.This wasn’t just about the jewelry anymore, it was about something unspoken and deeply personal.“Eight million euros,” Alexander countered, his tone icy as he shot a glare in Liam’s direction.Liam raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the tension. “Ten million euros,” he announced, his voice laced with challenge.The crowd was on the edge of their seats now, the stakes unlike anything they’d seen before.“Fifteen million,” Alexander said, barely looking at the auctioneer. His focus was entirely on Liam now, his jaw set with determinati
Seb took a deep breath as he stepped out of his hospital ward, the cool air of the hallway a stark contrast to the stuffy room he had been confined to for weeks.His body had healed significantly, but there was still an ache in his ribs, a reminder of the reckless choice he had made that day.Yet, despite everything, she had visited him. Just once.At first, he had convinced himself she was just busy, dealing with her own injuries, maybe even shaken up by what had happened. But as the days turned into weeks, he realized the truth, she had chosen not to come.And maybe she was right to.After all, he had nearly cost her life once before. Saving her now didn’t erase that fact.His steps were slow as he made his way down the long corridor toward the exit, each one feeling heavier than the last.The nurses at the front desk gave him small nods, offering polite smiles as he passed, but he barely registered them.His thoughts were elsewhere, tangled between regret and reluctant acceptance.
Cecilia sat stiffly in the waiting area, her nails tapping impatiently against the armrest of the chair.The minutes stretched into an hour, and yet there was no sign of Alexander.She had thought he would at least grant her a short meeting, even if only to scold her. But the silence, the deliberate, deafening silence, was worse than any confrontation.The whispers around her grew louder. Employees who once feared her were now openly staring, some even chuckling as they walked past.The great Cecilia, reduced to waiting like some nobody.Her jaw clenched, and she checked her phone again, nothing. Not a call. Not a message.This is humiliating.Swallowing the lump of pride stuck in her throat, she stood up, straightening her blazer. There was no use waiting any longer. Alexander had made it clear, he had no intentions of seeing her.Lifting her chin, she walked toward the exit, ignoring the murmurs and stares. But deep inside, fury simmered beneath her poised exterior.Fine, Alexander.
Sarah strode toward Alexander’s office with confidence, her heels clicking against the sleek marble floors.The lingering presence of Cecilia downstairs didn’t bother her in the slightest, if anything, it amused her. The once untouchable Cecilia had been reduced to waiting in the lobby, ignored and humiliated.Raven, however, had no interest in whatever was about to unfold between Sarah and Alexander. The moment they reached the executive floor, she casually veered off in the opposite direction. “Yeah, I think I’ll go… anywhere else,” she muttered under her breath, making herself scarce before Sarah could rope her into anything.Sarah smirked, watching her slip away.Typical Raven. She had an uncanny ability to sense incoming drama and dodge it like a seasoned pro.With a soft chuckle, Sarah pushed open the double doors to Alexander’s office without knocking. She never knocked.Inside, Alexander sat behind his massive desk, flipping through documents. He didn’t even look up as he spok
It didn’t take long for whispers to spread through the Blake Group like wildfire.Cecilia, the once untouchable ice queen, was sitting in the waiting area like a rejected employee.The same Cecilia who used to treat people like they were beneath her.The same Cecilia who had once strutted through these halls, turning up her nose at anyone she deemed unworthy of her attention.Employees who had once feared her exchanged amused glances.Some dared to sneak a peek as they passed by, trying to confirm the unbelievable sight with their own eyes.“She’s really just sitting there?”“She hasn’t moved for over an hour.”“What does she think is going to happen? Mr. Blake doesn’t want to see her.”Laughter and hushed conversations buzzed in the air, and soon, the news made its way to Sarah.Sarah raised an eyebrow when Raven relayed the information to her, the corner of her lips twitching in amusement. “Cecilia? Sitting in the lobby? Like an abandoned puppy?”Raven smirked. “She looks pitiful, I
She answered but remained silent, letting Cecilia break first.“You little snake,” Cecilia hissed. “You recorded me?”“What can I say? I like to be prepared,” Victoria replied, feigning innocence. “You were so quick to abandon me, I had to make sure I had a safety net.”“Delete it. Now.”Victoria chuckled, savoring the desperation in Cecilia’s usually controlled voice. “Why would I do that? You’re the one who tried to pin everything on me. Do you think Alexander won’t find out what you did?”“Victoria,” Cecilia's voice dropped into a dangerous whisper. “If you send that to anyone...”“What? You’ll come after me?” Victoria interrupted, her voice hardening. “Like you tried with Sarah? Or will you run, just like you did with Alexander?”Silence stretched between them.“I want a deal,” Victoria continued. “If you want this recording to stay buried, you better make sure Alexander’s focus stays away. I need to clean this up, and you’re going to help me do it.”Cecilia exhaled sharply. “What
Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell sat in their grand living room, confusion etched on their faces as they reread the message from Alexander Blake."You crossed a line. This is the end for you."Mr. Caldwell frowned, his fingers tightening around the phone. "What the hell is this supposed to mean?" he muttered, passing the phone to his wife.Mrs. Caldwell’s brows furrowed as she read the message, her eyes narrowing. "I don’t understand. We haven’t done anything to provoke Alexander."From the corner of the room, Victoria stiffened, her heart pounding violently in her chest.She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay composed. He knows. He had to.She had been careful, or so she thought. But if Alexander had sent this message, it meant one thing, he had figured it out.Her palms grew clammy as her mother looked up and asked, "Victoria, do you have any idea what this is about?"Victoria forced a confused expression, shaking her head. "Me? Why would I?"Mr. Caldwell exhaled sharply. "This is ridicul
Sarah stepped into her office, the scent of fresh lavender lingering in the air.The space was just as she had left it, elegant, minimalist, and filled with sketches and gemstone samples neatly arranged on the shelves.It felt both familiar and foreign after the chaos she had been through.Taking a deep breath, she walked around her desk and settled into her chair. Without missing a beat, she picked up the office phone and pressed the intercom button."Get me all the documents that need my attention. I want everything on my desk within the next five minutes," she said, her voice steady and authoritative.The response came immediately. "Right away, ma'am."As she set the receiver down, Raven plopped onto the couch, stretching her legs over the armrest. She looked around, then raised a brow at Sarah. "So… what exactly am I supposed to do here?"Sarah glanced at her with amusement. "Nothing."Raven blinked. "Nothing?"Sarah shrugged. "Just chill, have fun. Maybe go through my snack drawe
As soon as Alexander’s car rolled up to the Blake Group’s towering headquarters, Sarah took a deep breath.It had been a while since she was last here, and though she was confident in her abilities, she wasn’t looking forward to the inevitable whispers and judgmental stares from certain individuals.Raven pulled up right behind them, swinging off her motorbike in one smooth motion before striding toward them, helmet tucked under her arm.Her sharp eyes scanned the surroundings before she gave Sarah a subtle nod. “Ready?”Sarah exhaled, straightening her shoulders. “Ready.”Alexander, who had been watching her carefully, reached out and gave her fingers a brief squeeze before letting go. “If anything happens, call me. No hesitation.”Sarah rolled her eyes but smiled. “I’ll be fine, Alexander. It’s just work.”His expression remained unreadable, but Sarah knew him well enough to know that he wasn’t happy about this.Still, he didn’t argue further. Instead, he took her chin between his f
The room fell into a heavy silence after Alexander and Sarah left.The only sounds were the rhythmic beeping of Seb’s heart monitor and the occasional shuffle of footsteps outside the hospital corridor.Mrs. Hargrove, who had been quietly assessing the situation, finally turned toward her son, her sharp gaze filled with both concern and disbelief.“Sebastian,” she said in a voice that was deceptively calm. “What exactly is your connection to that girl?”Seb’s lips curled into an exhausted smirk, but there was a hint of something else in his eyes, something unreadable.He shifted slightly, wincing at the pain, before replying, “That girl? You mean Sarah?”Mrs. Hargrove’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Yes. Who is she to you?”Seb let out a slow exhale, staring at the ceiling for a moment before finally answering, “She’s Alexander Blake’s wife.”The silence that followed was deafening.Mrs. Hargrove’s breath hitched.Mr. Hargrove’s eyes darkened.“You mean to tell me,” Mr. Hargrove fin