"I paid your bill," William and Tessa turned towards the door, finding a beautiful and sexy woman standing there. She was tall with fair skin, clearly from a wealthy lineage. Tessa knew that the perfume the woman was wearing could probably equal a month's salary of an average employee.The woman's presence, her aura of sophistication and wealth, made Tessa feel small. If she stood next to this stranger, she would look like a rag especially since she felt her beauty had faded after giving birth. And now she was pregnant. Tessa didn't want to feel insecure, but that's exactly how she felt now.Who was this woman? And why did she pay their bill?Surprise and confusion filled William's face. "Cindy? Why are you here?"Tessa looked at William, her insecurity evident. William noticed her feelings and pulled her closer. "My wife, this is Cindy. My college classmate. Our parents were business partners."But Tessa was not happy with what she heard. She wasn't naive. She knew Cindy and William'
William and Tessa arrived home without any issues. They successfully discharged from the hospital with Cindy's help. Upon their return, the child welfare center promptly handed Mark over to them. Their sense of completeness overwhelmed them once again.William swore to himself that this wouldn't happen again. He loved Tessa dearly, and she didn't deserve this treatment from his family. He would never allow anyone to hurt his wife and child's feelings.He had learned his lesson. He had been betrayed twice by his parents, and he wouldn't pity them anymore, no matter what they did. After all, they were wealthy, and they hadn't given him his inheritance. He didn't need them anymore. He wouldn't let them back into his life!His body hadn't even cooled down from sitting on the wooden chair, yet he swiftly transferred money from his online bank to Cindy. He had been using this bank for a long time, and Cindy's details were saved there due to a past business transaction they had.He didn't wa
Tessa gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby boy. They named him Michael, their second child. Michael was handsome, resembling William a lot. Mark, their first child, was a perfect blend of both of them."Thank you, Lord. Despite the challenges Tessa and I faced, and her recent stress, you still gave us a healthy baby boy," William expressed his gratitude. Tessa also thanked God for smoothly delivering their child despite the difficulties. Michael was born through normal delivery, a relief for Tessa as she preferred it over a costly cesarean section.William chose to be practical. Instead of spending a fortune on hospital bills due to a cesarean delivery, they could use the money for their children's needs."Too bad, my parents are worthless grandparents. If only they had changed, their grandsons would be with them now. But sorry, I will never allow them to come close to our lives again," William promised.Years passed swiftly. There was no suspicion about Cindy's help. Michael wa
"Mommy! Daddy! Look what I’ve got!" Willow's joyful voice made William and Tessa turn around. Several years had passed since Tessa gave birth to Michael, and Willow followed him. Willow was the only daughter of William and Tessa.True to her husband's words, they had a daughter as their last child. They had no plans of having more children because life wasn't easy. Earning money was difficult, and you wouldn't find money lying around on the streets, not even ten cents.They were content with having a son and a daughter. They were happy because both William and Tessa were only children themselves. They also had no communication with William's powerful parents. The couple believed their lives were peaceful, and their livelihood had improved.Their charcoal business greatly contributed to their lifestyle. Their business expanded, and many people believed in their abilities as a couple. Now, they could say they were wealthy. They had two cars for their business and a brand new car for fam
"You know, I really don't understand why you dislike that woman until now. Aren't you giving up? She's your son's wife now. I think you need to give up," Cindy remarked, raising an eyebrow at William's mother.The elderly woman had summoned her today to discuss business, or so she claimed. But it seemed like Mrs. Reign had different intentions."Ah, you don't understand me, Cindy! You'll only understand my feelings if you were a mother like me! I'll never like Tessa, not until my last breath!" the elderly woman exclaimed angrily.Cindy merely laughed at her reaction. "Well, too bad. You have no choice but to accept everything. Unless they get a divorce, which I know is impossible to happen."William's mother glared at Cindy. "Why don't you seem bothered at all?"Cindy raised an eyebrow. "And why should I be bothered? I get it, I also don't like that woman, Tessa. She seems so simple and nothing else. But she hasn't done anything to me to make me angry at her. We both have bad tempers,
"Damn you, old hag! You can't do this to me! You can't use the fact that you helped my family back then against me!" Cindy shouted in anger. She didn't expect the old woman to bring this up.Mrs. Reign just laughed deviously. "And why not, Cindy? Your parents never paid me back anyway."Clenching her teeth in intense fury, Cindy retorted, "Because you never asked my parents to pay you! Tell me right now how much we owe you, and we'll give you the money today!"The old woman sat back comfortably on the soft couch. "Oh, come on. Why are you so angry, Cindy? We're not enemies. We're allies, remember? We only have one enemy, and that's Tessa," she tried to persuade her."Tessa is your enemy, not mine! She's yours and your husband's enemy! Don't drag me into your negativity, Mrs. Reign! I don't like Tessa, but I'm not angry at her, and I certainly don't consider her my enemy!" Cindy argued.The room filled with the old woman's laughter. "Don't worry, soon, you'll join forces with me.""Tha
"What?! Did that demon woman really say that? Hah! I can't believe she's this cheap! And she really wants to turn you into a mistress! Cindy, tell me you won't agree to what that demon woman said!" Cindy's mother shouted with wide eyes. Upon returning home, Cindy immediately recounted her conversation with William's mother to her mother, Jadah.Cindy shrugged. "Of course not, Mom! What do you think of me? Stupid? Mommy, I'm not that dumb! I won't agree to be a mistress!"Jadah, her mother, calmed down slightly. "That's good to hear. I thought she brainwashed you and forced you into it! Your father and I didn't struggle so much to raise you and provide you with a good future just for you to become a mistress. You know how much I despise mistresses! Honestly, I also regret that you and William didn't end up together. I wanted William for you because he's a decent man. But I know he has a wife and child, and I'm not foolish enough to force a relationship between you two!"Cindy nodded. S
The day had arrived when she would confront the daunting presence of the Reign family. With her heart racing, she steeled herself for the impending confrontation. Beside her, her mother Jadah wore a determined expression, her eyes reflecting the same determination that burned within Cindy.They both approached the imposing mansion of the Reigns, Cindy couldn't help but feel a pang of intimidation. The grandeur of the estate seemed to mock her humble existence. Despite her unease, she clenched her fists, refusing to back down.Inside the opulent living room, Mrs. Reign, a formidable woman with an air of authority, greeted them. "Ah, Cindy, dear. It's been a while," she said, her tone polite yet laced with underlying tension.Cindy nodded, mustering her courage. "Mrs. Reign, thank you for seeing us. We need to talk."The old woman's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the determination in Cindy's voice. "Talk about what, dear?"Jadah stepped forward, her voice steady. "We appreciate the hel
So the two of them stepped out of the bar, he couldn't contain his excitement. He was determined to make Sarah his, consequences be damned. He led her to his newest sports car, a sleek and shiny machine that screamed luxury."Wow, is this your car, Lucas?" Sarah asked, her eyes wide with awe.Lucas smirked, loving the way she looked at him. "Of course. I have a collection of sports cars in my villa," he boasted, opening the car door for her.Sarah climbed into the passenger seat, impressed by Lucas's display of wealth and power. As they drove towards her place, Lucas couldn't help but try to impress her even more."So, Sarah, tell me about your family. What do they do in life?" Lucas asked, trying to steer the conversation away from his own deception.Sarah hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. "My parents are in marketing, and many more," she replied finally. "They are constantly moving from town to another town because of business.”Lucas raised an eyebrow, intrigued
"I couldn't help but notice you from across the room. You look absolutely stunning in that emerald dress. I’m not gonna lie, when I tell you that,”Sarah smiled politely, but there was a hint of skepticism in her eyes. "Thank you," she replied. "And let me just say, you have the most captivating smile I've ever seen." He said, extending his hands.Sarah chuckled softly. "You certainly know how to lay on the charm, don't you?"Lucas grinned, feeling emboldened by her response. "I like to think I have a way with words. So, what brings a beautiful woman like you to a place like this?"He couldn't resist the urge to show off. He casually mentioned his successful businesses, subtly hinting at his wealth and success. "I own a few businesses myself," he said casually. "Nothing too fancy, just a few million-dollar ventures here and there."Sarah raised an eyebrow, impressed despite herself. "That's quite impressive. It must keep you busy?”He shrugged nonchalantly. "It does, but I always mak
The luxury high-end bar was highly recommendable in the town, with its glittering chandeliers, plush velvet couches, and marble-topped tables. Soft jazz music played in the background, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The place was bustling with well-dressed patrons, sipping on expensive cocktails and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.And inside of the place, Lucas Davis sat at the bar, a glass of whiskey in hand, a smirk on his face. Despite being engaged, he was determined to enjoy his night out and relish in the attention of others. He was known as the "life of the party,". He took a sip of his drink, Lucas's eyes scanned the room, taking in the scene around him. He saw his "friends," the sons of wealthy businessmen, approaching him with smiles on their faces."Lucas! You're here too! What the hell, man!" one of them exclaimed, clapping him on the back."Of course, I'm here. I'm everywhere," He replied with a cocky grin, reveling in the attention."But I heard you were very busy
Lucas Davis was seething with anger. His face was red, and his hands trembled with frustration as he paced back and forth in his office. Harper watched him with a smirk, enjoying his display of rage."I can't believe that old man, mom! Imagine that? He wasted my time! My time is too precious just to be wasted! How dare he decline us? They're the ones who set up an appointment with us! They're the ones who need us!" He shouted, his voice echoing off the walls.His mother chuckled wickedly. "Yes, the nerve of him! I can't believe William declined us. Well, he hasn't declined yet, he told us he'll think twice.""The nerve of him! Doesn't that old guy know who we are? We're billionaires! Everyone wants to get a partnership with me!" Lucas roared, his fists clenched in fury.Harper stood up, her eyes flashing with malice. "Hey, calm down, Lucas. We need to be strategic about this. You can't let our emotions control you!”Lucas glared at her. "I am calm, Mom! I just can't stand it when some
Finally, after like the end of the world, William and his wife got back home. The heavy feeling of the day seemed to hang heavy on his shoulders. He sank onto the sofa, feeling drained and stressed from the encounter with Lucas Davis and his mother.“Ahh! So tired!” He complained while massaging his neck.His wife watched him closely, her expression unreadable. "So, have you decided, William?" she asked, her voice tense.He rubbed his temples, feeling the beginnings of a headache. "I can't decide yet, Cindy. We just got home, please, not now." he replied, his tone weary.Cindy's face tightened at his response. She, too, was exhausted, but she knew they needed to make a decision soon. "I'm exhausted too! It's Not just you! But you need to decide soon. If you manage to sign the deal with Lucas Davis, then your mother will let you support your long-lost children," she reminded him, pretending to care for his children."I know that, Cindy!" William snapped, his patience wearing thin. "But
He can't help but chuckle bitterly. Now, he finally understood. His mother and Harper Davis have the same evil personality.They would do everything just for their gain. They're just both evil."You hate Harper, but you aren't aware that you're just the same as her, mom.”"How dare you compare me to that woman?!" she seethed, her voice sharp with indignation. "I would never stoop to her level!"His own frustration bubbling to the surface. "You're both willing to manipulate and use anyone, even your own family, to get what you want. How is that any different? You may not see it, but your actions speak otherwise. Using my children as pawns in your games is just as ruthless as anything Harper Davis would do!”His mother's eyes flashed with fury. "I've only ever wanted what's best for you and your children! How can you accuse me of such things? Why can’t you understand me, huh? Are we going to fight forever, William?”"Because it's true, mom! You blackmailed me, you used my children as le
They left the meeting room and went inside the elevator. After the doors closed, the tension among them was palpable. His mother's face was flushed with anger, and his wife's expression was a mix of frustration and disappointment."William, this is madness! How could you let this opportunity slip away? We could have had a deal with the Davis family!" his mother berated him, her voice echoing in the confined space.His wife chimed in, her tone sharp with accusation. "Yeah, I can't believe you! You had the chance to secure a partnership with one of the most influential families in the business world, and you just let it go!"He tried to defend his decision. "I couldn't agree to the deal without knowing all the details. I need to be sure it's the right move for our company."His mother scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "Details? What details? Lucas Davis offered us a golden opportunity, and you threw it away because of your stubbornness!""You never listen to anyone, do you?" Cindy looks ver
Lucas Davis entered the room with a casual swagger, his eyes flickering with a hint of amusement. He was well aware of the tension in the air, but it didn't seem to faze him in the slightest."Ohh, we have guests today! Mr. Reign, my apologies for the delay. Business calls, you know how it is," Lucas said with a dismissive wave of his hand, as if being late was a minor inconvenience.William felt a surge of irritation. "I understand that, Mr. Davis. However, being punctual is a sign of respect. It shows that you value the other person's time," he replied, his tone firm.Lucas chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Respect, Mr. Reign? In the world of business, respect is earned, not given. And I'm sure you'll agree, I've earned my fair share."He gritted his teeth, struggling to maintain his composure. He could feel his wife’s hand on his arm, a silent reminder to stay calm."I'm here to discuss a potential partnership between our companies, Mr. Davis. However, I must insist on professi
He can feel the tension in the room was palpable. Cindy and his mother were fidgeting in their seats, exchanging excited whispers, while he sat back, trying to remain composed."Why are you both so excited?" He asked again, his tone more insistent this time.His wife gave him an exasperated look. "Dear, are you stupid or what? Don't you understand? This meeting could change everything for us. The Davis family is a huge opportunity for our business," she explained, her eyes shining with anticipation."But what if it's not what we expect? What if it's a trap?" He countered, his skepticism evident.His mother chimed in, her voice stern. "William, stop being so negative. I’m sick and tired of you, son! We have to be optimistic about this. Besides, Lucas Davis is a brilliant businessman. We could learn a lot from him!”He sighed, knowing he wouldn't win this argument. He leaned back in his chair, resigned to the fact that he would have to go through with the meeting, whether he liked it or