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Chapter OneHundredOne
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2024-12-25 19:52:19
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The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwo
Two weeks later.The soft hum of Tyler's office air conditioning did little to cut through the heat of his thoughts.He leaned back in his leather chair, a glass of untouched scotch on the desk beside him.The past two weeks had been nothing short of a rollercoaster, each twist tightening the coil of tension in his chest.Julie had been quiet.. too quiet.After Robert's act of asking questions and trying to find the truth about something told about cracks in her story, Tyler had tried to maintain his calmness, waiting his time as the truth slowly fell apart ruined.He hadn't angrily stood up to her yet, but the weight of knowing she was likely lying bore down on him like an acting to cause death from not having air fog.Meanwhile, Caleb had been unstoppable.Tyler had learned about his rival's difficult to notice moves to ruin the reputation of him, whispering doubts into the ears of possible partners and people or businesses who give money to help start businessesIt wasn't anything
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredThree
And then, the vibration of his phone shook Tyler from his thoughts. He frowned, quickly looking at the screen. It wasn't Samantha.. it was an unknown number. Waiting for a moment, he finally answered. "Hello?" "Is this Mr. Tyler Wills?" a woman's voice asked, professional but extremely important. "Yes," he said carefully. "This is Mercy General Hospital. Julie Spencer is here. She's been in a car crash, and your number was listed as her emergency contact. We need you to come immediately." Tyler's heart suddenly moved, his grip tightening on the phone. "A sudden crash? Is she... is she okay?" "She's stable for now, but she needs medical attention. We'd appreciate it if you could get here as soon as possible." He didn't know what to think. The last thing he wanted was for anyone.. Julie.. to die, no matter how complicated things had become. He grabbed his keys, heading straight for the door. ********** Tyler drove like a man possessed, weaving through traffic with white-knu
Last Updated : 2025-01-15The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredFour
Tyler jogged through the hospital parking lot, his pulse pounding. He caught sight of Samantha's car just as she started the engine. The taillights glowed like a warning, and before he could call her name, she sped off."Damn it," he mumbled, rushing to his own car.Sliding into the driver's seat, Tyler started the engine and pulled onto the street, keeping a cautious distance behind her. She was heading toward the familiar route to her gallery. He squeezed tightly the wheel tighter.The image of her in the hospital flashed in his mind.. her shock, her disappointment, and the cold way she walked out.He needed to talk to her, to explain everything before she shut him out completely.Samantha parked in front of her gallery, stepped out, and slammed the car door with more force than necessary.She smoothed her skirt and straightened her shoulders, forcing herself to focus on work.The noise and confusion of the last few weeks had been very strong, and Tyler showing up at the hospital ha
Last Updated : 2025-01-16The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredFive
Next day.Samantha's heart raced as she slammed the car door, her phone still pressed against her ear."Rachael, slow down. What's going on?"There was rushing and upset rustling on the other end of the line."Ma'am, you need to get here. The news is all over the place! Rumors are spreading about you! Your name's everywhere.""What?" Samantha froze, her hand gripping the phone tightly. Her pulse quickened. "What? What are you saying?""I... I don't even know where to start. The media's calling it insider trading, theft of money, all these crazy statements that someone has done something bad. It's..." Rachael's voice broke, and Samantha could hear her fast breathing. "It's huge, Sam. You need to get to the gallery now. People are already showing up, asking questions."Samantha's mind spun.Theft of money? Insider trading?Her name, the one she'd worked so hard to build, was now being dragged through the mud. How?She didn't even have time to think.She ran inside the gallery, her heart
Last Updated : 2025-01-16The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredSix
Tyler sat at his desk, a faint layer of sweat on his brow.The phone sat in front of him, the screen flashing with missed calls and messages.He hadn't answered any of them. Not yet. Not until he had the answers.Robert, his ever-loyal personal helper, paced across the room, moving and wiggling around with a stack of papers in his hands.His usually calm behavior/personality was visibly shaken, a difficult to notice sign of the extreme importance they were both facing.Tyler's office was weirdly and unpleasantly quiet, aside from the occasional clink of a pen against the desk and the rustling of paper as Robert skimmed through another document."You're sure this is it?" Tyler's voice broke the silence, his tone tight.Robert didn't respond immediately, his eyes fixed on the document in front of him.Finally, he met Tyler's look, his face tightly stretched."I'm not sure about anything anymore, but this is as close as we're going to get. Julie's fingerprints are all over this."Tyler's
Last Updated : 2025-01-17The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredSeven
The soft glow of her phone screen lit the darkened gallery.Samantha sat alone in her office, her chair tilted back, eyes closed, trying to find a moment of peace in the middle of the storm.But peace was hard to see/hard to catch.The past few days had been a blur of media rushed craziness, statements that someone has done something bad, and questions she hadn't been able to answer.She felt like her life had been turned upside down, each piece scattered like glass pieces she couldn't quite put back together.Then, the phone rang.She reached for it, deeply wiping a stray tear from her cheek before answering."Hello?" Her voice was rough-sounding, still recovering from the weight of everything that had happened."Samantha," Tyler's voice cut through the static, familiar yet mixed with a tiny bit of a sense of extreme importance. "I need you to watch the news."Samantha felt a knot in her stomach tighten, a mixture of curiosity and a sick, upset feeling.What now?She quickly looked a
Last Updated : 2025-01-17The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredEight
It wasn't up to two hours after I arrived at the gallery the next day that Tyler came in.The door rang softly as he stepped inside, and I felt a tightness in my chest.He was exactly his typical self.. his presence commanding, that familiar air of confidence mixed with something else today... weakness (that could be used to hurt someone or something).His eyes scanned the room until they met mine, and for a moment, the world outside stopped to exist.I couldn't breathe. I didn't know if I wanted to feel the weight of him being here, or if I wished he'd just turn around and leave.I didn't know how to feel anymore."Sam," Tyler said softly, his voice cracking (a) little, like he hadn't spoken in days.Maybe he hadn't.He'd been working non-stop, trying to clear my name, working next to newspapers, web sites, and TV team, and even bringing in private investigators.All the things he'd done in the past few days... it was impossible to ignore the effort.I gave him a stiff nod, barely ab
Last Updated : 2025-01-18The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredNine
“Why both of us for dinner, Sam?” Daniel asked, his voice a curious blend of confusion and caution.Across the table, he met my gaze, eyes flicking to Tyler.. arms resolutely crossed beside him.Tension thickened the air, a palpable shroud that felt suffocating.I drew a deep breath, forcing a smile that barely scratched the surface, as my heart raced in protest.This was no walk in the park.I had to confront the truth, to lay my feelings bare before them both.“I needed to talk,” I stated, my voice quaking like autumn leaves in the breeze.I looked first at Daniel, my steadfast rock amidst stormy seas, then to Tyler, who felt like home, even in our complex history.Daniel arched an eyebrow, his features softening with a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.“Talk about what, exactly?”I flicked my gaze towards Tyler.His calm eyes locked with mine, steady as a lighthouse, yet filled with an undercurrent of tension.. he was waiting, needing something from me.After all this time keep
Last Updated : 2025-01-19
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The "EX" Factor Chapter Onehundredthirty (FINALE)
"I now pronounce you husband and wife."The words reverberated through the air as Samantha felt Tyler's warm hands cup her face. His blue eyes were so intense that her breath caught, and before she could blink, his lips were on hers. The kiss was slow and deep, sending goosebumps down her spine, and it sealed a commitment far bigger than any previous pledge. As guests stood clapping and whistling, cheers broke up all around them. White rose petals flew across the air, captured by the gentle evening breeze. Samantha let out a frantic giggle against Tyler's lips as he pulled her in closer. "We did it," she muttered. "We did," he said softly, leaning his forehead against hers. "And I'm never letting go." Samantha's heart felt fuller than ever as they went down the aisle together. Caleb was gone, the past was behind them, and a bright future awaited them. *** Six months later. Samantha sat in bed, fatigued but happy, her fingers tracing the newborn's small features cuddled again
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyNine
Four days later. Samantha stood in front of the mirror, her heart racing against her ribs. The smooth ivory fabric of her bridal gown clung to her body like a second skin, with beautiful lace accents cascading down her arms. It should have been the best day of her life. But something seemed odd. She inhaled softly, attempting to push the anxiety away. Perhaps it was simply nerves. After everything they'd been through... Tyler's health issues, her father's death, the inheritance drama, Caleb's reappearance... it was understandable to be on edge. A gentle knock on the door made her jump. Bella looked inside, her eyes lit up. "Sam, you look…" She placed a hand on her chest. "Breathtaking." Samantha smiled, but Bella's countenance immediately changed, indicating that something was awry. "You okay?" Bella inquired, coming closer. Samantha hesitated before shaking her head. "I do not know. "I just have this feeling." Bella frowned. "The bad kind?" Samantha nodded. Befo
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyEight
Samantha sat on the examination table and gripped the edge as the small, clean exam room was filled with the continuous beep of a monitor. With his leg hopping restlessly and his gaze darting between her and the closed door, Tyler sat next to her. "Blake, Samantha?" The physician came in, leafing through the file. She smiled politely and professionally and took the stool across from them. Samantha took a deep breath. "I am that." After looking over the chart, the doctor looked directly at Samantha. "Your bloodwork results have been returned." She hesitated. "You are expecting a child." There was a slight tilt to the room. Samantha blinked. "What?" The physician's grin grew softer. "You are roughly six weeks pregnant." From next to her came a sudden intake of breath. When Samantha looked back, she saw Tyler transfixed, his eyes wide, his lips slightly apart. He remained silent for a minute. Then his face changed, as though the realization had to come gradually. "You're..." He g
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentySeven
Despite the frantic energy pulsing through him, Tyler's hands remained calm as he adjusted the final candle on the table, filling the air with the aroma of fresh roses. As he had intended, the restaurant was deserted; he had rented out the whole place for the evening. The tastefully arranged table was bathed in a golden glow while soft instrumental music played in the background. He rolled his shoulders back and let out a breath. It has to be flawless tonight. He turned when he heard a familiar voice at the door. "Tyler?" Samantha stood in the doorway, looking both surprised and intrigued. With her hair falling over her shoulders, she looked stunning in a form-fitting emerald dress. Tyler took a deep breath. God, she's stunning. She glanced at the intimate scene and then back at him. "What's all this?" He moved forward and extended his hand. "Supper. Only us. After a moment of hesitation, she inserted her fingers inside his. Her tender touch stabilized and anchored hi
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentySix
Tyler exhaled sharply as he pushed himself up from the therapy bench, sweat dampening his shirt. His muscles trembled from exertion, but he gritted his teeth and steadied himself. Samantha stood nearby, watching him with careful eyes, ready to step in if he faltered. “Easy,” she murmured. He shot her a look. “I’m fine.” She crossed her arms, one brow lifting. “You nearly collapsed last week. Forgive me if I don’t take your word for it.” Tyler sighed but didn’t argue. Truth be told, he still felt the weakness lingering in his limbs, the occasional dizziness that reminded him he wasn’t at full strength yet. But he was improving. And that mattered. The physical therapist, a middle-aged man named Greg, clapped him on the shoulder. “That’s enough for today. You don’t want to push too hard.” Tyler wiped a hand over his face and nodded. “Got it.” Samantha handed him a water bottle, and as he took a sip, her fingers brushed against his. It was a small, fleeting touch, but it g
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyFive
Samantha paced the clean hallway, the only sound in the otherwise quiet room being the steady tapping of her heels on the shiny hospital floor. She detested medical facilities. I detested having to wait. She glanced at the clock, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Four hours. Tyler had spent four long, excruciating hours in surgery. She turned as she felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Owen standing next to her, holding a coffee cup in one hand and wearing a worried expression. He offered her the cup and added softly, "You must sit." Samantha gave a headshake. "I am unable to. Not until I'm certain he's alright. Owen leaned against the wall and moaned. "You have stood here the whole time. You're going to lose your mind. The lump in her throat was swallowed. "What happens if something goes right?" Her voice broke. "What if..." "Cease." Owen spoke in a friendly but stern tone. "Tyler is powerful. Additionally, he is being treated by one of the nation's top surgeons
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyFour
Samantha's heels hitting the marble floor echoed down the long hallway. Her phone buzzed in her fingers, and another notice appeared on the screen. SCANDAL UNVEILS: CALEB WINTERS ENGAGED IN FRAUD, EMBEZZLEMENT, AND CORPORATE SABOTAGE. She barely had time to breathe before another one struck. JAMES BLAKE'S LEGACY RESTORED: NEW EVIDENCE CLEARS HIS NAME.Her father's name. She grabbed the phone tighter, exhaling gently as she pushed through the spinning doors of the company's offices. The lobby was a bustle of activity, with reporters stationed outside, employees chatting in tight clusters, and security on high alert. It had only been twelve hours since Owen revealed the incriminating proof, yet the corporate world had already imploded. "You did it," Owen said beside her, his voice low but forceful. Samantha caught his gaze. He appeared weary, his tie unbuttoned and his sleeves rolled up after the all-nighter they had pulled. But there was a quiet contentment in his eyes, the sa
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyThree
The sound of my phone buzzing woke me up. I sat up abruptly, my heart thumping as the faint light of Tyler's hospital room formed frightening shadows on the walls. The sterile aroma of antiseptic entered my nose, grounding me in the moment, but my mind was already racing. I reached for my phone, shivering my fingers as I unlocked it. A slew of notifications illuminated the screen. News notifications. Social media tags. Emails. Bella's name appeared on the screen, and I immediately picked up. "Sam, have you seen it?" Her voice was sharp and urgent. I swallowed hard, already dreading the response. "Seen what?" "Caleb has just gone public. He revealed critical information regarding your father's business. He describes it as a 'legacy of corruption.' "The media is all over it." My face was emptied of blood. My hold on the phone intensified. "Sam, are you there?" I forced myself to breathe. "I'm here." But I was not. I was in a downward spiral. My father had only been gon
The "EX" Factor Chapter OneHundredTwentyTwo
I didn't think twice. Tyler's sickness worsened, so I temporarily closed the Art display. There are no explanations, no room for negotiation. My career had been my anchor for years, but just now, nothing was more important than being there for him. Now, as I sat in the dim hospital room, the only sound being the beeping of machines, I watched Tyler fall asleep. His face looked paler than usual, and he breathed slower and more measured. My fingers wrapped around his, and my thumb brushed lightly against his skin. I wanted to relieve his misery. I wished I could go back in time and make other choices to avoid this occurring again. But all I could do was stay here. The door creaked open, and Bella slid inside, holding two cups of coffee. She handed me one without saying anything and sat down beside me. “How’s he doing?” she inquired quietly. I exhaled and stroked my temple. "For the time being, things are stable. The physicians are still watching him. They'll decide soon wh
