Jack licked the blood splattered on his face and sneered, "I didn't want to. But you wouldn't give up, leaving me no choice. "Don't worry, I won't let you die quickly. I'll carve you up slowly, slice by slice, until you're bled dry, then I'll send you off."I told you, for this stab, you're going to pay back a thousand times over!"He advanced with a wicked laugh, his knife poised to strike again.Lydia, fighting through her pain, suddenly grabbed Jack's legs. "Please, I'm begging you, don't kill him, don't do it!"Jack, Jack, let him go. He's your cousin, your own flesh and blood!"Jack paused, knife in mid-air. He crouched down, tilting Lydia's face up to his, "Let him go? When he ruined my family, why didn't he spare me, treat me like kin?"Trevon's expression darkened, he moved to pull Lydia away but Jack's knife swipe kept him at bay. Trevon glanced at his sliced clothes, his voice steady and unyielding. "The car crash, it was your dad's doing. You've been in jail, you shoul
Irritation flickered in Jack's eyes, and he spat out bitterly, "You're really laying it all on the line for him!"Facing him head-on, Lydia's expression was one of unwavering determination. "I love him! And I'd do anything for him, willingly. I've given you my word, now let him go!""Fine, fine, fine!" Jack repeated the word, his gaze dripping with disdain as he looked at Trevon. "Never thought I'd see the day, Trevon, when you'd be so low as to hide behind a woman. Pathetic."Trevon's face turned to ice. "I don't need your pity. Come at me if you dare!""No! Let him go!" Lydia's grip on Jack's leg was unyielding.Jack stood, pulling Lydia up with him and drawing her close. "Trevon, you know I've never been able to say no to Lydia. She's asked, so I'll give her that much respect."What he did not say was that he had already gotten word that the cops were on their way."Because of Lydia, I'll let you off this time. But just this once."He flashed a chilling smirk. "Just be caref
Lydia's slap landed fiercely on Jack's cheek."I told you to act, not to actually kill him!"Jack's head snapped to the side from the impact. He tasted the sting on his cheek and laughed mockingly, "Can't stand the thought of him hurt? You're so naive, he doesn't love you. You think playing the hero will make him love you again? Trevon's nothing but a heartless jerk!" Lydia snapped back, her hand raised in defiance. "You can't talk about him like that!" But that time, Jack caught her wrist in an iron grip. "Enough with the screaming," he growled. "You think you're still Redenbaugh City's darling princess? Without Trevon, you're nobody." He leaned in close, his voice a menacing whisper. "You'd better wise up."Lydia's eyes blazed with anger. "You're using me!"Jack's laugh was cruel and icy. "What a perfect chance to get rid of Trevon, right?" Lydia's fury turned to a desperate struggle, but Jack was too strong, he shoved her to the ground and pinned her down, his hand cruel o
Finding their seats, Madeline and Dallas settled in just as the lecture was about to kick off.Madeline caught sight of Sadie trailing behind Yash, a familiar presence. It clicked—both were Fergusons, likely kin. It had been ages since Madeline had soaked up a talk on oil painting, and Sadie soon faded from her focus as she was swept up in Yash's words."The transformative journey of Mandorla oil painting through history..."Yash was in his element, a true maestro of the brush, unveiling secrets and techniques that even made Madeline sit up and take notice.It was a reminder that no artist was an island, engaging with peers was key to growth and inspiration. The lecture wrapped up in what felt like a blink, and it was time for questions.But before Yash could pick the first inquirer, the doors swung open and in came a lively bunch. They were a group of foreigners, one of them clutching an object shrouded in black fabric.Madeline's memory jogged—it was the same group that had vie
Dallas leaned in close to Madeline and whispered, "Rocky really gets Mandoria culture, doesn't he? He talks like he's one of us."Madeline caught his drift.Rocky must have done his homework on Mandoria's ways, showing up just to give Yash a hard time, taking a jab at the whole oil painting scene.That tussle with Trevon over the Edo ceramic was not just for kicks either.Sadie could not bear to watch her great-uncle get pushed around as she snapped, "If you're clueless, then zip it!"Yash's face turned to ice, letting Sadie's sharp words fly.He had thought Rocky was there in good faith, looking for a painting fix. However, it was clear the guy was bad news.The lecture was not a closed-door affair. It was out there for the world to see.There were hundreds of people in the hall, and possibly thousands more glued to their screens. The oil painting big shots and the up-and-comers were all tuned in.If Yash flubbed that restoration, it was not just his name on the line—it would
Rocky went on."Mr. Yash Ferguson, I like it. Straight to the point. My buddy's a huge fan of Mandorian oil paintings, and he loves digging into the art of restoring the old ones. He's proposing to broadcast your restoration work live, inviting art lovers worldwide to tune in. If you're up for it, he's willing to promise that, no matter the outcome, those three paintings are yours to keep."Rocky smirked as he locked his gaze onto Yash with a casual ease.Was that really about not caring how Yash handled the restoration? It seemed more like a clever trap, pushing Yash to deliver flawless results or risk embarrassing Mandoria on a global stage.Yash frowned with concern—a clear sign he was aware of the challenge ahead.The seasoned experts in the room cast anxious glances his way, fully understanding the task's difficulty.Rocky, unfazed by the wary eyes on him, flashed a grin. "Mr. Yash Ferguson, if you're ready, why don't we get started? If you need a hand, just let me know. I c
The room's attention shifted to Dallas, following Sadie's urgent gesture.Dallas was caught off guard, not expecting to be thrust into the spotlight."Who is this?" Rocky asked, eyeing the unexpected volunteer.Sadie tilted her chin up a notch. "He's a restorer at my brother's gallery. Sure, he's no match for my great-uncle's talent, but he's got plenty of experience. Fixing up a painting for you? Piece of cake."Yash's brow creased in annoyance. Sadie should not have put Dallas down like that, not in front of everyone.Yash pointed a finger at Sadie, but the words just would not come out.Dallas did not seem to take offense. He knew he was not the best.However, fixing it was another story.That was being streamed worldwide. If he botched the painting on live TV, the backlash would be like a tidal wave of ridicule.Dallas tried to smile it off, ready to decline, but Sadie was already by his side, gripping his arm. "Turn this down, and you and your apprentice can forget about
Madeline could not have been more than twenty-something, fresh out of college, maybe not even done with grad school.How on earth could she have the skills to restore that masterpiece?If she touched it, she would probably just wreck it for good.After all, it was the 'The Four Seasons'—Mandoria's claim to fame, a legendary oil painting whose worth was beyond any price tag."Don't get ahead of yourself, young lady. Better let Mr. Scott handle it.""Yeah! Let Mr. Scott take over!"Anyone who knew Dallas knew he had the magic touch.He was the only one, besides Yash, who could actually save the painting.Yash had his vast knowledge, but Dallas had the hands-on experience and the keen eye.The crowd shot Madeline looks of skepticism, all echoing the call for Dallas.Sadie shot Madeline a venomous look. "Don't mess this up."If they started hounding Yash again, and his health took a dive, she would never let Madeline off the hook.Sadie reassured Dallas, "Mr. Scott, go for it.
That batch of red wine did not look too strong, but it packed a punch.As the trio kept drinking, they slowly started to feel the buzz.Yeneth, glass in hand, her cheeks a rosy red, ranted, "Don't employees' lives count for anything? Overtime, day in and day out! It's enough to wear out a horse!"That darn Camden, always harping on about performance, about profits! Is game development just about the bottom line? What happened to the heart? Rubbish!"For a moment, she thought she saw Camden's face, and in a fit of anger, Yeneth tried to slap it away, nearly tumbling into her wine glass instead.Madeline, startled, rushed to steady her.Yeneth, still wobbly, stood up on her own, fixing Trevon with a steely gaze and said icily, "You're just another greedy capitalist."Trevon sat there, calm and collected, but his delayed movements and the occasional glint of bewilderment in his eyes betrayed his inebriation to Madeline.When Yeneth spoke up, he turned his head slowly, locking eyes
Madeline, caught up in the conversation with Caleb and Yeneth, turned around in shock at Trevon's question.He had just declared he would not touch a drop, and he was suddenly reaching for the wine?However, she let it go without a question.The red wine was smooth and inviting. If he felt like drinking, why not?Trevon grunted a greeting into his phone. "Mr. Caleb Jabs."Caleb snapped out of his reverie, returning the greeting with a subdued nod, his gaze deepening.Yeneth, caught between awkwardness and concern, glanced at Caleb. She was about to speak when a glamorous doctor in a white coat appeared beside him on the screen.The doctor, Camila Jervis, peered at the screen, her smile teasing. "Mr. Caleb Jabs, are you chatting with your girlfriend?"Two women were on the screen, leaving it unclear whom she meant.Caleb shook his head, offering no explanation, and instead asked, "Dr. Jervis, what's up?"Camila arched an eyebrow, not prying further. "The professor's ready to s
Yahir sipped his cola, feeling utterly dejected.He had bolted from the Lewis family feast, even at the risk of getting caught, just to pocket two bottles of Lafite.They were not the prized '1982' edition, but they were still pretty decent.His mom's constant marriage talk was a drag, but her taste in wine was impeccable. He was all set for a night of no-holds-barred drinking with Trevon.However, Trevon dragged him over to Madeline's, and under the pretext of her pregnancy, confiscated all the wine.Then, it sat tauntingly in the wine cabinet.Yahir gazed at it, each bottle seeming to whisper seductively."Come on, come have a taste."It was pure torture!He took another swig of cola."Whoa!"Yeneth's shout came out of nowhere.Yahir choked mid-sip.The cola fizz popped like fireworks in his throat, sending him into a coughing frenzy, his face flushing a deep crimson as the soda splashed across the floor.Madeline jumped at his coughing spectacle, hastily grabbing a tis
Madeline swung open the kitchen door to find Yahir wrapping his arms around Yeneth from behind, as if he could not bear to let her go.Her mind, already a whirlwind of thoughts, was completely thrown."What in the world..."Madeline was puzzled as she returned from the kitchen. She had only stepped away to make a call, and then Yeneth and Yahir were locked in an embrace.Yeneth tried to explain, "Madeline, this isn't what it looks like. I was just—"However, Yahir clamped a hand over her mouth, grinning at Madeline. "We're just playing around, Madeline. Hey, do you have any wine glasses? We need four. Let's celebrate!"Trevon stepped out from behind Madeline, his composed facade unbroken. "Lost your head? She's pregnant. Think she can drink?"Yahir smacked his forehead. "Oh, man. I totally spaced on that."Once Yeneth wriggled free, she took a deep breath and delivered a sharp kick to Yahir's leg. "Get off me!"She kicked with all her might, hitting Yahir's shin and sending a
At that moment, Trevon seemed to freeze, then he straightened his posture. "Madeline, Liam's role is to be your close protection, to ensure your safety."Madeline had faced too many close calls, and he could not shake his concern for her.However, she was fiercely independent. If it were up to him, he would keep her tethered to his side.Madeline let out a derisive snort. She knew Xoan well enough to know he could dig up information on Yoana, but not with such speed and precision.Xoan claimed Liam was the one who had lent a hand.Madeline knew Liam. That had Trevon's fingerprints all over it."Do you really think I've become so dim-witted from pregnancy that I can't think straight?"Trevon looked at her, a mix of frustration and affection in his eyes.She had once been so sweet and compliant. Then, she became so sharp and quick-witted, a match even for him.However, he preferred her that way."Madeline, I'm just looking out for you."Trevon had an insatiable need to know ev
"Madeline, I've got the scoop on Yoana," Xoan said.Madeline was taken aback. "So soon?"Xoan let out a sly chuckle. "It wouldn't have been this quick, but Liam lent us a hand."Madeline stole a quick look at Trevon, then cast her gaze downward.Fifteen years back, Yoana was forced out of the Sanders Group—a victim of Cilix's cunning plot.It was not just a simple resignation as Bella had naively believed. Yoana was secretly saddled with a mountain of debt.Cilix did not stop there. He tarnished Yoana's name throughout the industry.She could not land a respectable job to save her life.Her personal life was total chaos.Her husband, Jim Livingston, who was once a low-level office worker, had dived into business on the back of Yoana's earnings and made a pretty penny.However, when the bill came due, Yoana hit a wall. Jim had sent all his cash back to his folks, leaving peanuts behind.Yoana was floored. A decade of hard work, and not a dime to show for it.When she begged
Madeline swung the door open to find Trevon on her doorstep, her eyebrows knitting together in a frown.Before she could get a word out, Yahir popped up from behind him with a grin. "Happy New Year, Madeline!"He waved a container of homemade goodies.Those two had nearly fought that morning, and then they were as chummy as can be—though Trevon looked like he would rather be anywhere else. However, he bit his tongue and kept quiet.With the Gibsons and the Lewises all cozied up for a New Year's feast, what on earth were those two doing there?Yahir's face fell. "Madeline, you've got no idea. My mom's a force of nature. Can you believe she's still dragging me to blind dates on New Year's Eve? I just had to bail."Madeline could not help but think about Liliana's earlier enthusiasm for rallying the troops and was at a loss for words."What about you, Trevon? What brings you here?" Madeline asked.Trevon pursed his lips. He was looking a little quiet too.Edith had been on his ca
Madeline walked into her house and immediately sensed something was up. She nudged the door wider and there was Yeneth, sparking an involuntary grin on her face."I thought you were going to be hibernating today?"Yeneth had been swamped with the Skylandia project, barely getting any sleep. She had texted Madeline about sleeping in on her day off.With a shrug and a smirk, Yeneth said, "Guess I'm just wired to work. Woke up at the crack of dawn, hung around in bed not to wake you, and by the time I showed up, you were already out and about."Madeline shut the door behind her, musing aloud."I've been turning it over in my mind. All this press and pest hunting is kid's play for the Sanders Group. To really take them on, we've got to… Yank the carpet out from under them?" Yeneth's smile was the answer Madeline needed as she shared her strategy."How's that sound?"Yeneth's thumbs-up was quick, but her frown came just as fast. "Fashion's a shark tank, and jumping in now? That's r
Madeline's request left Yoana taken aback.A wry smile crossed her face. "What can I possibly help you with at my age?"Madeline grasped her hand with conviction. "No, Mrs. Reed, you're the only one who can do this favor for me."Yoana looked down, her expression unreadable, and whispered, "You're giving me too much credit. Besides, with my background, there's no way I can go back to working with the Sanders Group. I have a couple of pairs of baby shoes here. Take them as a baby shower gift for your little ones."Madeline realized Yoana had gotten the wrong idea, thinking she was there about the Sanders Group or Cilix, and felt a twinge of disappointment."Mrs. Reed, please don't reject my request just yet. I'm planning to start my own fashion label. Everything Is underway, but I'm still missing one crucial piece—a designer."Madeline shared her vision.Yoana's eyebrows shot up in surprise when she heard Madeline's vision for her new company."That sounds just like the Sanders