"Uncle Owen, I was wrong. I never should have left home. I shouldn't have hurt you for an unworthy man. I'm so sorry." Owen Lowes, a man hardened by years of service, felt his gruff exterior melt away as he saw the tear-streaked face of his niece. He knelt before her, the polished medals on his chest glinting under the harsh overhead light, a stark contrast to the trembling girl huddled in a chair. His large hands, accustomed to wielding a rifle, were surprisingly gentle as he pulled her into a loose embrace. Her sobs, raw and guttural, echoed in the sterile room, a stark symphony of grief and bewilderment."There, there, Ev," he murmured, his voice a soothing rumble. "It's okay to cry. It's good to have you back." He held her patiently, a steady presence in the storm brewing within her. Her name, a single syllable, felt foreign on his tongue, a reminder of the gaping hole in their lives – her missing parents, his beloved sister and brother-in-law."Owen POV about the accident"Owen
"Grandpa..."Eva buried herself in Waldo's arms.Waldo, a weathered man with hands gnarled by years of hard work, watched his granddaughter crumble into sobs on the worn sofa. Her cries, raw and desperate, tore at his heartstrings, a stark contrast to the composed young woman she'd tried to be for so long. He shuffled closer, careful not to startle her, and settled a calloused hand on her back, offering a silent comfort he hoped she wouldn't reject."There, there, Ev," he rasped, his voice thick with unshed tears. "Let it all out, child. It's okay not to be strong all the time."Eva buried her face deeper into the worn fabric of the sofa, her body wracked with sobs that seemed to have been waiting for this moment to erupt. Waldo felt a surge of anger towards whoever had caused her so much pain, a silent promise to stand as a shield against any future hurt.Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the intensity of her sobs subsided. Eva pulled away, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks wit
A warm mug of chamomile tea sat untouched in Eva's hands as Jenny paced across the plush living room carpet. The afternoon sun cast long shadows through the bay windows, but the tension in the room felt heavier than any approaching twilight."Eva, for goodness sake, what are you even worrying about?" Jenny finally burst out, her frustration evident. "The Lowes' entire portfolio is set to be yours. It's practically a family inheritance at this point. Jayson has worshipped the ground you walk on since he was knee-high to a grasshopper. He wouldn't dare object to you joining as vice president."Eva sighed, the sound lost in the room's hushed silence. "I know, Jenny," she said, finally setting the teacup down with a soft clink. "But it's not that simple. Sure, the legal paperwork is in order, but taking over as VP… it feels different. Like I'm some vulture swooping down after Uncle Owen's passing."Jenny stopped mid-stride, her face softening with understanding. She settled beside Eva on
"See? I was right!"The air crackled with unspoken animosity as Marian swirled the ice cubes in her glass of chardonnay, the clinking echoing in the opulent in Blake's office room.Marian rolled her eyes disdainfully. "She hasn't even been gone for long but already her true colors are showing. She's unable to support herself so now she's sucking up to you. What she said about divorce is all fake! "Blake didn't reply. He opened the package in his hand. A bank card fell out. And there was a divorce agreement already signed by Eva.The crisp legal document, stark with its black and white lettering, felt heavy in Marian's hands. As she scanned the clauses, a cold dread seeped into her bones, chilling her from the inside out. The weight of the paper morphed in her grasp, transforming into a physical manifestation of the fracturing reality before her. When her gaze finally landed on the bold title screaming "Dissolution of Marriage," Marian's jaw slackened in a silent gasp, the carefully
The world seemed to shrink around Marian as she was ushered out of the very company she'd considered an extension of her own opulent living room. The hushed whispers and pitying glances of her former colleagues scraped against her like nails on a chalkboard. Blake, the man she'd believed to be firmly under her thumb, hadn't even flickered an eyelid at her outburst. The emptiness of his gaze, devoid of the usual spark of defiance he reserved for her, sent a fresh wave of humiliation crashing over her.Now, the silence in the once-bustling office felt deafening, a physical manifestation of the void that had opened up in her life. Yet, amidst the quiet triumph of ousting Marian, a different kind of storm brewed within Blake. A gnawing sense of emptiness gnawed at him, a hollowness that the sterile silence of the office only amplified. His mind, usually a fortress of logic and control, was now a battleground of conflicting emotions. Memories of Eva, vivid and poignant, flooded his thought
Eva, who was off the radar was trying to get her life back on track.Eva gripped the worn leather briefcase handle tighter, a bead of nervous sweat trickling down her temple. The imposing glass doors of Worlds Group shimmered before her, buzzing with the controlled energy of a well-oiled machine. Inside, a symphony of activity unfolded – employees in crisp suits hurried past, briefcases clutched like shields, their every movement imbued with a resolute purpose. A pang of longing, sharp and unexpected, pierced Eva's heart.As she observed this hive of ambition, a tide of regret washed over her. Three years. Three years spent trapped in a gilded cage, her own dreams sacrificed at the altar of a loveless marriage to Blake. The life she'd envisioned for herself, a life filled with professional challenges and the thrill of carving her own path, felt like a distant mirage. The woman staring back at her from the polished surface of the glass doors was a stranger, her spark dimmed by years of
Betty snorted at those words.Consumed by a pre-conceived notion that Eva's credentials, like her entire existence in their world, were a carefully constructed facade, Betty couldn't be bothered to spare them a single glance.On second thought, she figured that she could humiliate Eva more."I see. Since you are so confident, I have to test you".Under the astonished gazes of her colleaugues, Betty threw a document to Eva."I hope you are not all mouth. This is a chance to prove yourself."Eva took the document confidently.A bead of sweat trickled down Betty's temple as she squinted at the stark headline on the weathered project proposal: "Coastal Resort Development Stalled by Rising Seas." Disappointment gnawed at her. This wasn't just any project; it was the culmination of years of meticulous planning, a vision of luxury nestled amidst swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. But the once idyllic island paradise they intended for the resort now faced a harsh reality – the relentles
All the interviewers sprang up to their feet as soon they saw their boss, Jayson Allen.Jayson was a tall and handsome young man. His wearing a pair of gold-rimmed glasses sat on his nose. Hig jawline was well-sculpted. He usually had a gentle aura. But now, he was frowning as he looked at Betty."When did you all start depending on hearsay? Since Miss Torres was allegedly expelled from school for cheating, don't you think evidence should be provided?"All the three interviewers exchange eye to eye contact and they short of words, especially Betty. She had lied, so she didn't know how to provide evidence.Jayson sneered at her. "It seems you can't provide evidence because there's none, right? You're spreading untrue rumors to taint Miss Torres image. How despicable!"Betty's face turned pale."You are fired!" Jayson declared expressionlessly."I'm fired? But, why?" Betty asked, her eyes widened in disbelief."Isn't it obvious? An interviewer is supposed to be unbiased and fait. Howeve
Xian was still in a daze when the phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the lingering haze of confusion. As he reached for the phone, he saw Tally's name on the screen, and a wave of curiosity and anticipation washed over him. What could she want at this hour? Xian hesitated to answer the call before finally holding it up to his ear."Xian, have you seen Blake lately?" Tally spoke in a soft voice.Xian felt goose bumps all over his body. "Tally, what do you need from him?""It's been a while since I last saw him. He never answers my calls or comes to visit anymore," Tally whimpered, her voice trembling with worry. "Xian, can you help me find him?"In the past, Xian might have helped Tally without a second thought, but after the harsh lesson Blake had just taught him, he knew better than to risk angering Blake again anytime soon.As Tally sobbed over the phone, Xian tried to calm her. "Please, stop crying," he said gently. "Blake is at
Xian's hand flew to his cheek, cradling the stinging welt where a moment ago, Blake's hand had landed. Disbelief clouded his eyes. "Blake...?" His voice barely a whisper. "Why?"Blake's jaw was clenched tight, his features contorted in a mixture of fury and something else – perhaps regret, perhaps a deeper anger he couldn't articulate. "Don't even ask," he growled, his voice strained.Xian flinched at the venom in Blake's tone. The playful banter and easy camaraderie they once shared seemed a distant memory. Fear prickled at his skin, but a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes. He would get answers, even if it meant facing Blake's wrath.Xian trembled with fright and didn't dare argue with Blake.Owen stood aside and watched everything with disdain.If Blake hadn't attacked Xian's he would have punched Xian.Eva wasn't in the mood to worry about anything else. Her only concern was Owen's injury.In the heat of the battle, Owen had twisted his wound while attempting to attack Xian
Eva returned home with the gifts she bought after the auction.As if she was Santa Claus on Christmas, she distributed each of the items to her family. Uncle Axel wasn't home, so she had to send his item through international express.The Lowes family was overjoyed when they got the gifts from their girl."Ev, what would you like? Name anything, and I'll get it. you want that stars in the night sky? I'll pick them out of the air for you!" Owen soaked in his confidence, grinning.Eva quickly denied his offer, smilling. "Thank you, Uncle Owen. But it's just a fun little gift. There's no favor you need to return to me. Trust me, I'm saving you trouble."This wasn't fun at all. Gossip about Eva and Owen had stirred drama about them all across the city.If the media found out that owen was sending her a gift, no matter how big or small, their names were guaranteed to be the trending topic before long.She wasn't too worried about her own reputation, but Owen was a government official, and
Eva stiffened, her smile faltering for a fleeting moment. A flicker of suspicion sparked in her eyes as she leveled a cool stare at Brady. "Do you want to take back the painting?"The question hung heavy in the air, laced with unspoken accusation."Goodness, Miss Lowes, the thought never crossed my mind. This painting belongs to you now. It wouldn't be right for me to take it back. Actually, I was hoping we could become friends, if that wouldn't be presumptuous of me.""You want to be her friend?" Jenny piped up, looking at Brady cautiously."Absolutely! Your passion for art is truly refreshing." Brady leaned forward, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes. "You know, my family has a long history in the art industry. We've amassed quite a collection of antiques. If you're ever interested in seeing some unique pieces, I'd love to show you sometime."The intensity in Eva's gaze softened a fraction as she studied Brady's face. A flicker of something genuine – perhaps sincerity,
The situation had escalated beyond control and could no longer be swept under the carpet.The auctioneer looked at Eva apologetically.It would be rude to subject the painting to an authentication test after it had already been sold to Eva.However, failing to do so could damage the organization's reputation and potentially lead to a loss of trust and severed ties with their clients."Do you mind, Miss Lowes?" the auctioneer asked politely, his tone tinged with hesitation.Eva met his gaze and responded calmly, "No, I don't. Go ahead with it."Unfazed by the antagonism from most of the people in the hall, Eva folded her arms and stood confidently. Her poise was unwavering as whispers and skeptical glances filled the room. She knew the stakes were high, but she was prepared to face whatever scrutiny came her way. Her unwavering composure seemed to challenge her critics, daring them to doubt her judgment. The air was thick with tension, but Eva's steady demeanor began to shift the atmos
"Apologies, Mr. Torres. Don't worry, I'll handle the situation and make sure she quiets down immediately."Beads of sweat appeared on Curran's forehead as he pleaded with Blake, his voice shaky and desperate. Turning to Becky, he gave her a stern, warning look, masking the true emotions that churned within him. It was all just a show; deep down, he was elated that his goal had been achieved. The facade of fear and anxiety was a necessary act to maintain the charade, but inside, Curran felt a surge of triumph and satisfaction. His mind raced with the possibilities now open to him, and he relished the success that was finally within his grasp.Eva spent a fortune on what turned out to be a fake painting. Three million and five thousand dollars vanished in an instant! He believed she must have exhausted her entire net worth. The sheer enormity of the loss was staggering, and the thought of such a monumental mistake weighed heavily on him. He couldn't fathom how she had been deceived so e
The auction continued, and they placed a piece of classical oil painting for bidding.It was a portrait of a majestic general and his men fighting bravely with the enemy. The vivid image, strong color tone, and well-defined strokes offered a powerful visual effect.The auctioneer tapped the microphone and announced, "This oil painting, named Victory, is a skillfull work of art of the classical painter, Alexander Yebo, which depicts the victory return of General Theo Clark. Brady Lena has donated this piece of work."Eva fell in love with the painting the minute she saw it, and she soon joined the bidding."One million!""One million and one hundred thousand!" Curran immediately made a bid.He wasn't ready to compromise. The bidding was tense. He was determined to acquire the painting.The price of the oil painting gradually soared as the bidding proceeded. In the end, Eva and Curran were the only bidders left.The two immediately became the center of everyone's attention.Becky was si
"All heads turned toward the source of the voice.When the guests saw Blake seated beside Eva, shock rippled through the room."Oh my God! Is that Blake? Why is he sitting next to Eva instead of in a private room?""He claimed that all the items Eva donated tonight were his.""There's something suspicious here. When they were married, he rarely took Eva out, and she was hardly known by many. Yet now, after their divorce, they're always seen together. It doesn't add up."While a few of them were examining the relationship between those two, the wise ones realized something."The identity of the donor seemed inconsequential; what resonated was that Blake had personally funded the items. His deliberate mention of this detail appeared aimed at refuting the narrative Becky had been spreading, suggesting a motive to assert his influence or protect Eva's reputation amidst the speculation surrounding their relationship post-divorce.""The opportunity to catch the attention of the CEO of Torre
"Hey, cut it out!" he exclaimed, his tone sharp with suspicion. "Something tells me you're trying to stir up trouble here. How on earth can an emerald ring be worth just a dollar? Even a fake one would cost more than that!"Jenny sprang to her feet, her patience finally snapping as she turned sharply towards Becky.Becky sneered disdainfully, her expression dripping with contempt. She eyed Jenny from head to toe before shifting her gaze to Eva, her disdain evident in every glance."In my opinion, this emerald ring is worth no more than a dollar! You should be grateful I'm even bidding on it. The ring came from a country bumpkin who dropped out of middle school. Her possessions are worthless. It's utterly humiliating!"The other guests began to see sense in what Becky said. Those that wanted to bid for the ring gave up.No matter how exquisite the item was, they couldn't overlook the fact that its original owner was a countrywoman. The stigma associated with her background overshadowed