The gala drew to a close, the glittering lights dimming as the event transitioned into quiet farewells. The crowd of fashion elite thinned, and the once buzzing atmosphere settled into the polite murmurs of guests departing for the night.Near the grand entrance, Alexander, Liam, Sarah, and Margaret stood in a loose circle, exchanging parting words.Margaret, ever the gracious mentor, reached out to clasp Sarah’s hand. “You’ve done brilliantly, my dear,” she said warmly. “Mountain Rose has left an indelible mark tonight. You’ve made me so proud.”Sarah smiled, her cheeks tinged pink from both the praise and the lingering tension of the evening. “Thank you, Margaret. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”Liam chimed in, his easy charm lighting up the moment. “She’s a natural. You’d better watch out, Alexander. Sarah’s destined to outshine us all in the jewelry world.”Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his hand instinctively tightened on the armrest of his whe
Alexander’s lips found Sarah’s in a kiss that started soft but deepened with an intensity that left no room for doubt.It was the kind of kiss that spoke of love, longing, and unspoken promises.Sarah responded in kind, her arms wrapping around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair as their breaths mingled and the world beyond their suite ceased to exist.Alexander’s hands, steady yet reverent, moved to Sarah’s waist, pulling her closer as though afraid she might slip away.Her scent, warm and inviting, enveloped him, and the warmth of her touch ignited something raw within him.He broke the kiss only to trail his lips along her jawline, planting gentle kisses down the curve of her neck.Sarah sighed, her head tilting to give him better access, her heartbeat quickening with every caress.Her hands roamed over his chest, slipping beneath his shirt to feel the heat of his skin.Alexander shivered at her touch, his restraint teetering on the edge. “Sarah…” he murmured against
They finally disentangled themselves from the sheets and began getting ready.Sarah hummed as she rummaged through her suitcase for something to wear, while Alexander leaned against the bathroom door, watching her with amusement.“Do you think Margaret will notice if we’re a little late? And why the sudden breakfast?” he asked casually.Sarah glanced at him, arching a brow. “She’ll notice. And then she’ll scold me for letting you sleep in.”Alexander smirked. “I don’t mind taking the blame if it means a few more minutes alone with you.”Sarah rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “You’re hopeless,” she said, shaking her head as she pulled out a dress.“Hopelessly in love with you,” he corrected, his voice light but sincere.Sarah paused, looking over at him with a soft smile. “Good thing I’m hopelessly in love with you too, then.”Dressed to perfection, Sarah adjusted the hem of her chic, pastel dress, the soft fabric flowing gracefully as she stepped into the room where Alexan
Sarah felt the weight of the moment settle over her.Her fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup as she glanced at Alexander.His protective demeanor was evident, his gaze unwavering as he watched her.“Did he mention specifics?” Sarah finally asked, her voice soft but steady.Margaret nodded. “He mentioned a meeting to discuss the details further, nothing is set in stone yet. But it’s clear he sees Mountain Rose as a valuable asset.”Alexander’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t trust him,” he said bluntly. “And I don’t want you walking into something that could compromise your independence, Sarah. You’ve built Mountain Rose from the ground up. You don’t need Blake Group to validate your work.”Sarah gave him a small, grateful smile. “I know, Alexander. And I appreciate your support. But if there’s a chance to expand the brand and bring it to more people without losing its essence, isn’t it worth at least hearing them out?”Margaret interjected gently, “You don’
Her hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened.Sarah responded in kind, her trust and love for him evident in the way she melted into his embrace.As Alexander’s lips brushed against Sarah’s, a soft sigh escaped her, her body instinctively leaning into his warmth.His arms wrapped around her with a firmness that spoke of both possession and tenderness, drawing her close until there was no space left between them.Her fingers trailed up his shoulders and into his hair, holding him to her as the world outside their embrace faded away.She felt the heat of his touch, the way his hands moved over her back, caressing her with an intimacy that sent shivers down her spine.Every kiss, every gentle stroke of his hand, unraveled her defenses, leaving her bare in a way she only allowed with him.Sarah’s breaths quickened as she surrendered completely, her trust in him absolute.In his embrace, she felt safe, cherished, and wholly loved.Alexander’s lips
Sarah stretched lazily, the first rays of dawn filtering through the curtains and spilling golden light over the room.Her gaze drifted to Alexander, still asleep beside her, his dark lashes resting against his cheeks and his expression softer than she was used to seeing.A tender smile curved her lips. In moments like these, he seemed so unguarded, free from the burdens he carried during the day.She reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her touch featherlight to avoid waking him.Carefully, she slipped out from under the covers, moving with the precision of someone defusing a bomb.She planted her feet on the cool floor and stood, her gaze flickering back to him once more.Just as she took her first step toward the bathroom, a strong hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her back toward the bed.She let out a surprised laugh as she tumbled back onto the mattress, landing against his chest.“Five more minutes,” Alexander murmured, his voice thick with sleep, t
The morning air carried a faint chill as Sarah and Alexander stepped out of their suite, freshly dressed for the day.Sarah’s outfit was a delicate blend of sophistication and comfort, while Alexander exuded effortless elegance in his tailored attire, sliding into his wheelchair with practiced ease.“We deserve a feast after last night,” Sarah said, her smile radiant as she smoothed out the creases in her dress.“You mean after you drained me,” Alexander quipped, a teasing smirk tugging at his lips.Sarah gasped in mock offense, swatting his arm lightly. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy every moment.”Alexander chuckled, his deep voice rumbling as they made their way to the hotel’s restaurant.As they entered, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting through the air. But as they approached their table, a peculiar silence fell around them.Heads turned, whispers erupted, and eyes lingered a little too long.The once welcoming ambiance of the restaurant now felt charged w
The decision to head back home came with mixed emotions.Paris had been a whirlwind of triumphs, challenges, and revelations, but as Alexander and Sarah made their way through the luxurious hotel lobby, the whispers followed them like a persistent shadow.A woman near the concierge leaned toward her companion, murmuring loudly enough to be overheard. "That’s her, isn’t it? The one who fell. Poor thing. And he couldn’t even help her. What kind of husband is that?”Sarah tensed, gripping Alexander’s arm instinctively.His jaw tightened, but his expression remained stoic as they continued walking.“It’s just noise,” Alexander muttered under his breath, though his sharp eyes scanned the room for anyone who might approach them directly.“They don’t know you,” Sarah said softly, her voice filled with an unspoken reassurance.They reached the elevators, and as the doors closed, muffling the world outside, Sarah exhaled a shaky breath. “Will it ever stop?”Alexander looked at her, his gaze un
Raven chased after Sarah, her motorcycle weaving through the street like a shadow, moving with a precision only a skilled rider could manage.Sarah had barely settled back into the rhythm of driving when she caught sight of Raven through her side mirror, closing in on her car at a ridiculous speed.With a smirk, Sarah rolled down her window just as Raven pulled up beside her, her leather clad figure leaning slightly as she gestured toward Sarah to get her attention.“Race you back to the Blake Residence,” Raven called out, her voice carrying over the hum of her engine.Sarah's grin widened. Oh, this was exactly what she needed.“Fun,” she said, her fingers gripping the wheel in anticipation. “You’re on.”The moment the words left her mouth, Raven twisted the throttle, and her bike shot forward like a bullet, disappearing down the road.Sarah cursed under her breath, shifting gears instantly as she slammed her foot on the accelerator.She knew there was no way she was going to beat a m
His fingers dug into the seat. “Sarah...”“You sound scared.” She grinned, completely unbothered. “You look scared too.”Seb exhaled sharply, forcing himself to let go of the dashboard, though his pulse was still racing. “I just don’t have a death wish.”Sarah hummed as if considering his words, then suddenly, with an exhilarating rush of power, she shifted gears and pushed the car even faster.Seb nearly choked.“Sarah!”Another laugh. “Alright, alright. I’ll slow down, for now.”True to her word, she eased off the accelerator slightly, though her version of “slowing down” was still leagues beyond what any normal driver would consider safe.Seb let out a breath, relaxing marginally. His heart was still hammering against his ribs, but at least now he felt slightly less like he was about to die.Sarah glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, her smirk widening. “Admit it, Seb. You had fun.”He shot her a flat look. “I was about ten seconds away from writing my will.”She chuckled,
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