Carmela stared at her daughter’s reflection in the mirror, her eyes brimming with tears.“I can’t believe this is happening,” she murmured. “You’re getting married, my dear.”Aurora forced a small smile, though a bitter feeling lingered inside her. She was already dressed in her wedding gown, the elegant white fabric hugging her frame perfectly. Her makeup was light, accentuating her natural beauty. She had always imagined this moment, picturing herself as a radiant bride.But in her dreams, she had been marrying Ethan.She had once thought she would walk down the aisle toward the man she loved, but fate had rewritten her story. Now, she was about to marry Lucian Blackwood—a man she barely knew. He seemed kind, but that didn’t change the fact that her heart wasn’t in it. Still, she had no choice. Her father made it clear that if she didn’t go through with this, she wouldn’t get the help she desperately needed.“Me too, Mom,” Aurora said softly. “I can’t believe I’m getting married.”C
At Blackwood Manor, Lucian stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the landscape outside. His posture was rigid, his hands tucked into his pockets. Behind him, Don Ramon Blackwood sat on the couch, sipping his black coffee, deep in thought.“You’re already married to her,” Don Ramon said, his voice measured. “What’s your next move, son?”Lucian inhaled deeply, his expression unreadable. “I’m already working on it, Father.”Don Ramon arched a brow and studied his son’s back.“I hope your focus hasn’t wavered. You still remember our plan, don’t you?” His tone carried a quiet warning. “Remember your past.”Lucian’s jaw tightened. His fists clenched at his sides.Forget? Never.He turned around, his dark eyes meeting Don Ramon’s. “Of course, Father,” he said firmly. “My revenge is still in motion.”A slow, satisfied grin spread across Don Ramon’s face.“Good.”—Aurora smirked as she stared at her phone screen.Another missed call from Ethan.It was his fifth attempt this morning, and she
Aurora gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove toward the Westmoor Division, her mind racing with all the possibilities. This branch wasn’t just any part of the Lancaster business—it was a critical division focused on manufacturing appliances, a steady and reliable source of income that supported many of their other ventures. Losing it would be disastrous.As she pulled up to the building, the sight that greeted her was disheartening. The parking lot, once bustling with activity, was nearly empty. The imposing glass doors of the entrance seemed to have lost their former luster, the once-thriving energy of the place now reduced to a dull, fading presence.Aurora pushed through the doors, her heels clicking against the marble floor of the lobby, the sound echoing in the near silence. Only a handful of employees wandered about, their faces downcast and tired. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere she remembered.A security guard approached her, stepping di
Mario’s eyes widened as he shot up from his seat, his expression caught between shock and forced enthusiasm.“Aurora! What a surprise! I had no idea you were back!” he said, feigning delight.Aurora smirked, tilting her head slightly. “Didn’t you? I’m pretty sure we sent you an invitation to my wedding. You never showed up.” She glanced around the room. “I can see why—you’ve been busy.”Mario chuckled nervously. “Ah, Aurora, this is nothing, really. Just a simple business discussion. Should we talk outside?” He took a step toward her as if trying to steer her away.Aurora raised an eyebrow. “About what? About selling the company?”Mario stiffened. His nervous chuckle faltered. “O-Oh… Haha! No! Of course not!” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Let’s talk outside,” he whispered, his tone more urgent, his face now serious.Aurora was amused by how desperate Mario was to stop her from speaking in front of the guests. Ignoring him, she turned her attention to the three individual
Aurora sat in her new office, her fingers drumming against the polished mahogany desk as she planned her next move. The events from earlier still lingered in her mind—her uncle’s betrayal, the attempted sale of the company, and the unexpected mention of Lucian’s interest in Lancaster Tech Innovations. Too much was at stake for her to waste any time. She needed to understand exactly what was happening within the company.She took out her tablet from her bag and put on her earpiece. The screen flickered to life, and soon, Red’s animated emoji face appeared.“Hello, Master! Do you need something?” Red’s lively voice chimed through the speakers.Aurora nodded. “Yes. Can you connect to LTI’s system?”“Of course, Master! It’s easy! Do you want me to proceed?”“Go on.”The screen shifted, displaying a series of flashing codes and security bypasses. Within moments, Red had successfully hacked into LTI’s system, granting Aurora access to everything—internal files, financial reports, and even t
Aurora stood before the vast glass window of her new office, the city lights below twinkling like stars captured in the night sky. The weight of the past few weeks settled on her shoulders—not with exhaustion, but with a deep, undeniable satisfaction. Lancaster Tech Innovations was back. And it was hers.She had spent countless hours undoing the damage her uncle had inflicted. One by one, she reinstated the talented employees he had unjustly fired—those who had once made LTI the powerhouse it used to be. She personally oversaw the restructuring of departments, making sure that no trace of Mario’s corruption remained. The siphoned funds? Retrieved. The reputation? Slowly, but steadily, being rebuilt.Now, Lancaster Tech Innovations was no longer a crumbling empire. It was standing tall again, its doors wide open to the public. And tonight, the world would witness its rebirth.A grand reopening gala had been arranged in her honor, marking her official return as CEO. It wasn’t just a par
The party buzzed with energy around Aurora, yet she felt disconnected from it all. The endless conversations, the clinking of glasses, the polite smiles—none of it truly reached her.For over an hour, she had stood among the city’s elite, shaking hands with businessmen and women who had once dismissed her. Now, they were eager to be in her presence, their words filled with flattery and shallow admiration. Yet to her, their voices were nothing more than background noise.Her feet ached, her legs burned from the constant standing, but the real exhaustion ran deeper. It was the weight of the charade, the ceaseless political games, the carefully measured words and masked intentions.She needed a moment. Just a brief pause.Scanning the grand hall, bathed in golden light from the chandeliers above, her gaze landed on her table—a quiet corner, untouched by the main commotion. Without hesitation, she made her way toward it, her stiletto heels clicking softly against the marble floor.Finally
The party buzzed with energy around Aurora, yet she felt disconnected from it all. The endless conversations, the clinking of glasses, the polite smiles—none of it truly reached her.For over an hour, she had stood among the city’s elite, shaking hands with businessmen and women who had once dismissed her. Now, they were eager to be in her presence, their words filled with flattery and shallow admiration. Yet to her, their voices were nothing more than background noise.Her feet ached, her legs burned from the constant standing, but the real exhaustion ran deeper. It was the weight of the charade, the ceaseless political games, the carefully measured words and masked intentions.She needed a moment. Just a brief pause.Scanning the grand hall, bathed in golden light from the chandeliers above, her gaze landed on her table—a quiet corner, untouched by the main commotion. Without hesitation, she made her way toward it, her stiletto heels clicking softly against the marble floor.Finally
"Ms. Lancaster, Mr. Calloway is at the lobby again. Demanding to see you."Aurora looked up from her documents, her gaze landing on Beth, her human secretary. A smirk tugged at the corner of her lips as she placed the papers down and leaned back in her chair.Ethan had been relentless. Over the past few weeks, he had repeatedly tried to get close to her, each time under the pretense of business. But Aurora knew better. He wanted more than just a business partnership. He wanted control."What does he need this time?" she asked lazily, twirling a pen between her fingers.Beth sighed, clearly unimpressed. "He wants to discuss a project with you. Says it’s urgent."Aurora rolled her eyes. "Of course, it’s urgent." She took a moment before making her decision. "Fine. Send him to the meeting room. I’ll come when I’m done here."Beth nodded. "Right away, Ma’am."Aurora watched as her secretary left the office, then let out a small chuckle. Ethan was persistent—desperate, even. It was almost
The party buzzed with energy around Aurora, yet she felt disconnected from it all. The endless conversations, the clinking of glasses, the polite smiles—none of it truly reached her.For over an hour, she had stood among the city’s elite, shaking hands with businessmen and women who had once dismissed her. Now, they were eager to be in her presence, their words filled with flattery and shallow admiration. Yet to her, their voices were nothing more than background noise.Her feet ached, her legs burned from the constant standing, but the real exhaustion ran deeper. It was the weight of the charade, the ceaseless political games, the carefully measured words and masked intentions.She needed a moment. Just a brief pause.Scanning the grand hall, bathed in golden light from the chandeliers above, her gaze landed on her table—a quiet corner, untouched by the main commotion. Without hesitation, she made her way toward it, her stiletto heels clicking softly against the marble floor.Finally
The party buzzed with energy around Aurora, yet she felt disconnected from it all. The endless conversations, the clinking of glasses, the polite smiles—none of it truly reached her.For over an hour, she had stood among the city’s elite, shaking hands with businessmen and women who had once dismissed her. Now, they were eager to be in her presence, their words filled with flattery and shallow admiration. Yet to her, their voices were nothing more than background noise.Her feet ached, her legs burned from the constant standing, but the real exhaustion ran deeper. It was the weight of the charade, the ceaseless political games, the carefully measured words and masked intentions.She needed a moment. Just a brief pause.Scanning the grand hall, bathed in golden light from the chandeliers above, her gaze landed on her table—a quiet corner, untouched by the main commotion. Without hesitation, she made her way toward it, her stiletto heels clicking softly against the marble floor.Finally
Aurora stood before the vast glass window of her new office, the city lights below twinkling like stars captured in the night sky. The weight of the past few weeks settled on her shoulders—not with exhaustion, but with a deep, undeniable satisfaction. Lancaster Tech Innovations was back. And it was hers.She had spent countless hours undoing the damage her uncle had inflicted. One by one, she reinstated the talented employees he had unjustly fired—those who had once made LTI the powerhouse it used to be. She personally oversaw the restructuring of departments, making sure that no trace of Mario’s corruption remained. The siphoned funds? Retrieved. The reputation? Slowly, but steadily, being rebuilt.Now, Lancaster Tech Innovations was no longer a crumbling empire. It was standing tall again, its doors wide open to the public. And tonight, the world would witness its rebirth.A grand reopening gala had been arranged in her honor, marking her official return as CEO. It wasn’t just a par
Aurora sat in her new office, her fingers drumming against the polished mahogany desk as she planned her next move. The events from earlier still lingered in her mind—her uncle’s betrayal, the attempted sale of the company, and the unexpected mention of Lucian’s interest in Lancaster Tech Innovations. Too much was at stake for her to waste any time. She needed to understand exactly what was happening within the company.She took out her tablet from her bag and put on her earpiece. The screen flickered to life, and soon, Red’s animated emoji face appeared.“Hello, Master! Do you need something?” Red’s lively voice chimed through the speakers.Aurora nodded. “Yes. Can you connect to LTI’s system?”“Of course, Master! It’s easy! Do you want me to proceed?”“Go on.”The screen shifted, displaying a series of flashing codes and security bypasses. Within moments, Red had successfully hacked into LTI’s system, granting Aurora access to everything—internal files, financial reports, and even t
Mario’s eyes widened as he shot up from his seat, his expression caught between shock and forced enthusiasm.“Aurora! What a surprise! I had no idea you were back!” he said, feigning delight.Aurora smirked, tilting her head slightly. “Didn’t you? I’m pretty sure we sent you an invitation to my wedding. You never showed up.” She glanced around the room. “I can see why—you’ve been busy.”Mario chuckled nervously. “Ah, Aurora, this is nothing, really. Just a simple business discussion. Should we talk outside?” He took a step toward her as if trying to steer her away.Aurora raised an eyebrow. “About what? About selling the company?”Mario stiffened. His nervous chuckle faltered. “O-Oh… Haha! No! Of course not!” He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Let’s talk outside,” he whispered, his tone more urgent, his face now serious.Aurora was amused by how desperate Mario was to stop her from speaking in front of the guests. Ignoring him, she turned her attention to the three individual
Aurora gripped the steering wheel tightly as she drove toward the Westmoor Division, her mind racing with all the possibilities. This branch wasn’t just any part of the Lancaster business—it was a critical division focused on manufacturing appliances, a steady and reliable source of income that supported many of their other ventures. Losing it would be disastrous.As she pulled up to the building, the sight that greeted her was disheartening. The parking lot, once bustling with activity, was nearly empty. The imposing glass doors of the entrance seemed to have lost their former luster, the once-thriving energy of the place now reduced to a dull, fading presence.Aurora pushed through the doors, her heels clicking against the marble floor of the lobby, the sound echoing in the near silence. Only a handful of employees wandered about, their faces downcast and tired. It was a stark contrast to the vibrant, fast-paced atmosphere she remembered.A security guard approached her, stepping di
At Blackwood Manor, Lucian stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the landscape outside. His posture was rigid, his hands tucked into his pockets. Behind him, Don Ramon Blackwood sat on the couch, sipping his black coffee, deep in thought.“You’re already married to her,” Don Ramon said, his voice measured. “What’s your next move, son?”Lucian inhaled deeply, his expression unreadable. “I’m already working on it, Father.”Don Ramon arched a brow and studied his son’s back.“I hope your focus hasn’t wavered. You still remember our plan, don’t you?” His tone carried a quiet warning. “Remember your past.”Lucian’s jaw tightened. His fists clenched at his sides.Forget? Never.He turned around, his dark eyes meeting Don Ramon’s. “Of course, Father,” he said firmly. “My revenge is still in motion.”A slow, satisfied grin spread across Don Ramon’s face.“Good.”—Aurora smirked as she stared at her phone screen.Another missed call from Ethan.It was his fifth attempt this morning, and she
Carmela stared at her daughter’s reflection in the mirror, her eyes brimming with tears.“I can’t believe this is happening,” she murmured. “You’re getting married, my dear.”Aurora forced a small smile, though a bitter feeling lingered inside her. She was already dressed in her wedding gown, the elegant white fabric hugging her frame perfectly. Her makeup was light, accentuating her natural beauty. She had always imagined this moment, picturing herself as a radiant bride.But in her dreams, she had been marrying Ethan.She had once thought she would walk down the aisle toward the man she loved, but fate had rewritten her story. Now, she was about to marry Lucian Blackwood—a man she barely knew. He seemed kind, but that didn’t change the fact that her heart wasn’t in it. Still, she had no choice. Her father made it clear that if she didn’t go through with this, she wouldn’t get the help she desperately needed.“Me too, Mom,” Aurora said softly. “I can’t believe I’m getting married.”C