“Chelsea, that’s enough! Stop belittling Amora. I’m the one who invited her here. Is that a problem? Aren’t we all friends? And besides, this is a public place. I believe everyone has the right to shop here. Don’t you agree?”Estelle, who had been quiet all this time, finally decided to speak up. She felt Chelsea’s attitude and words had gone too far. Nothing about it seemed remotely amusing.She turned to Gloria, the boutique’s owner, and asked, “Does this boutique have a rule that only certain people are allowed to shop here?”Gloria gave an awkward smile, glancing at Chelsea, who looked annoyed. Still, she had no choice but to respond, “O-of course not. Everyone is welcome to shop here, as long as they can afford it.”Chelsea’s lips curled into a smug smirk. “You heard her, didn’t you? As long as they can afford it,” she said, shooting another condescending look at Amora. Her eyes settled on the diamond ring adorning Amora’s finger.“I’m sure ... that ring she’s wearing is just som
Gloria’s anger only made Amora feel even more satisfied and amused. She found the chaos entertaining—watching the three women bicker because of her without her even lifting a finger.The heated arguments made Amora laugh inwardly. She had no intention of taking anyone’s side because, to her, none of them were trustworthy.What truly surprised her, however, was Estelle suddenly standing up for her. Amora never expected their strained relationship could improve over something like this.Yet, there was something Chelsea said that piqued her curiosity: the claim that Estelle had been forced into a marriage she didn’t want because of her.Amora frowned. The accusation made no sense, and she couldn’t accept being blamed for something she wasn’t aware of.Amora's gaze fell on Estelle and she interrogated her, “What did Chelsea mean by that? Why would your marriage have anything to do with me?”Before Estelle could respond, Chelsea interjected smugly, “You really don’t know, do you? Estelle h
"You ...."Chelsea pointed her finger directly at Amora's face, her head boiling with anger.Amora's sharp words had hit like a critical blow, doubling Chelsea's frustration and making her blood pressure soar even higher!Watching Chelsea's furious expression, Estelle's laughter grew louder. Seeing Chelsea at a loss for words to counter Amora brought immense satisfaction to Estelle.A cold snort escaped Amora's elegant nose. She ignored Chelsea's anger and walked past her.Stopping in front of the cashier, Amora decided to settle her shopping bills. She intended to leave the boutique quickly to avoid further souring her mood."How much is it?" Amora asked the cashier, who seemed visibly nervous.The cashier quickly tallied the amount and replied, "It’s $145 total."Suddenly, Estelle stepped up beside Amora, placing a few of her chosen dresses on the counter. “Include these with hers,” she said.Seeing this, Chelsea positioned herself beside Amora, her mocking tone dripping with disdai
"Let me go," hissed Chelsea, wincing in pain.She jerked her arm, attempting to free herself from Amora's grip. Yet her strength was no match for the woman before her.Despite Amora's slimmer figure, years of trials and tribulations had hardened her into someone much stronger than the average woman. While her strength might not measure up to men like Regis, taking on Chelsea was child’s play.‘Damn it! How is she this strong?’ Chelsea fumed internally.Desperate, she used her other hand to pull herself away, leaning her body backward. Just as she did so, Amora abruptly released her grip, causing Chelsea to stumble and fall backward. She landed right into a basket filled with unorganized clothes, sending everyone into stunned silence.Moments later, laughter erupted, filling the boutique. Amora couldn't help but chuckle at Chelsea’s misfortune, her previous anger dissipating into amusement.Even Estelle doubled over, clutching her stomach as she laughed uncontrollably. Gloria, meanwhil
"What are you looking at? Have you taken up spying as a hobby now?" Chelsea sneered nervously, quickly shoving her phone into her bag.Amora didn't respond. She turned on her heel and left the boutique, with Albert following closely behind. She paid no attention to the gazes fixed on her as she exited.Chelsea scoffed under her breath. "So arrogant for just being someone's mistress.""Your tongue really is like a venomous snake, Chelsea. Why didn’t you say that in front of that man earlier? I bet he’d have wiped you out completely," Estelle retorted sharply.Chelsea swallowed hard, nervous. The man's piercing gaze was still shaking her."Aren’t you afraid of karma for constantly bullying and insulting Amora?" Estelle pressed, her tone laced with disdain."Are you cursing me now?" Chelsea snapped, visibly angered."It’s not a curse; it’s just reality. Every good or bad deed gets its reward. I’m just worried you’ll end up dying a horrible death," Estelle replied with an icy smirk."You—
“N-no, Amora. Please don’t misunderstand me. That’s not what I meant. I just wanted to make sure the rumors I’ve heard aren’t true. I know you’re not the kind of woman who’d make rash decisions or give herself away just for money.”Estelle stammered, worried her words might backfire. She had come to speak with Amora to apologize, not to become her enemy.A soft chuckle escaped Amora’s lips before she said, “Seven years, Estelle. So much can change in seven years. The Amora Lysander sitting in front of you isn’t the same Amora Lysander you knew back then.”“And you, I can’t even be sure you’re the same Estelle Mauverick I once knew,” Amora added with a faint, bitter smile.Estelle gasped, biting her lower lip. “You’re right. Seven years isn’t a short time.”“Maybe I’ve become materialistic, but I’ve never stooped so low as to throw myself at sleazy men just to live a life of luxury,” Amora said, firmly emphasizing the principles she still held.Estelle fell silent for a moment, guilt w
A faint smile appeared on Estelle’s lips. She could understand Amora’s guarded demeanor and said, “It’s okay. I understand how you feel. You don’t have to rush to trust me again, Amora. But you’re truly incredible. I really admire you for managing to survive and hold on in your own way all this time.”The sincere compliment escaped Estelle’s lips. She genuinely admired Amora because, compared to what Amora had gone through, the challenges she faced over the past seven years seemed insignificant.“Thank you. I’ve made it this far because of my son and because God intervened in my life,” Amora replied, wiping the corner of her eyes that had begun to water.Amora couldn’t hold back her emotions. Reuniting with an old friend and revisiting her past was emotionally overwhelming for her.“What about you … is what Chelsea said earlier true? Did your father force you into marriage because of me?” Amora asked, trying to shift the topic of their conversation.Estelle gave a faint smile. Like Am
“What’s keeping you busy these days, Amora?”Estelle’s question snapped Amora out of her thoughts. She still hadn’t come up with any ideas for her business plans.Amora smiled faintly. “Right now, I’m a certified unemployed woman,” she joked.Estelle chuckled along. “That makes two of us,” she admitted.“You’re not taking over your father’s business?” Amora asked, confused.As far as she remembered, the Mauverick family still had a business. Being the only daughter, Estelle should have inherited it, even if the family wasn’t as prominent as it once was due to rising competition.“I sold my shares to my uncle, Amora. After my father passed away, I was appointed as his heir and expected to manage the company on my own. No one believed someone like me could handle it, and honestly, I wasn’t passionate about it either. Rather than letting it fail under my care, I handed it over to my uncle.”Amora nodded as she listened to Estelle’s explanation.Estelle’s gaze drifted to the diamond ring
A wide smile lingered on Regis' lips as he parked his car at his penthouse. He could barely contain his excitement to see the woman he adored. Even though the sky had only just turned orange, he was already home earlier than usual."Good afternoon, Young Master Lorenzo," One of his subordinates patrolling the parking area greeted him."Afternoon," Regis replied, making his subordinate's face twisted in shock.Why wouldn't he be surprised? Regis was usually indifferent to every one.The unexpected friendliness made his subordinate doubt whether he had mistaken him for someone else. But upon seeing the sharp glint in Regis' eyes, the man’s courage immediately faltered.Regis cleared his throat softly. He realized his expression was a bit excessive, but it was hard for him to suppress his happiness. He was sure Amora would be surprised to see him since he hadn’t told her he’d be home earlier than usual.He walked into the elevator, his arms full of gifts he'd picked up on his way back.T
Amora's thoughts raced as she scowled internally. 'What’s he planning now? He better not ask for something weird, 'she mused, her eyes narrowing at Regis suspiciously.The subtle shift in Regis's expression revealed everything. His irritation toward Albert gradually faded, replaced by an idea—he saw an opportunity to make Amora owe him.“Well?” Regis prompted again when his wife didn’t respond.“What kind of reward are you thinking of?” Amora probed, her lips pursed.“Would you really grant it if I told you?” Regis challenged, making her feel even more wary.Amora knew Regis was scheming. Yet, with Albert and the others' lives potentially in grave danger, she didn’t have the luxury to deliberate long. Her immediate instinct was to ensure their safety, even if it meant taking a risk.“Of course, as long as you fulfill my request,” Amora replied, keeping her tone steady.She trusted that Regis wouldn’t demand anything harmful or malicious—not after his heartfelt confession the night bef
"Where’s my husband, Mr. Carter?"Amora interrogated her husband's assistant, who stood stiffly in front of her. She was considering seeking out Regis to plead for forgiveness on behalf of Albert and the others.She would feel guilty if she didn't help them, especially since Albert had been incredibly helpful to her over the past few days."I’m sorry, Ma’am, I .…"Amora let out a sharp breath. Seeing Mark’s hesitation, she sensed that he was reluctant to reveal her husband's whereabouts."Never mind. Leave and wait for me in the lobby," Amora ordered firmly.Mark nodded and quickly left the room.After he was gone, Amora picked up her phone and searched for Regis’s contact. Without a second thought, she initiated a video call. It didn’t take long for him to answer.Regis’s face appeared on the screen. Amora had chosen video call to ensure she could see exactly where her husband was."Regis," Amora greeted nervously. This was their first video call. They usually communicated via text o
"So you told them?" Amora asked, probing."Of course not. Why would you want to get involved with people like that again?" Estelle chimed in."Smart. But I don't see any harm in using this opportunity to introduce our business to them, Estelle," Amora said, a sly grin spreading across her face as she shared an idea that suddenly popped into her head."Brilliant idea. Alright, then, let’s squeeze some money out of them," Estelle replied, laughing heartily.Amora could only shake her head. "But don’t tell them I'm Regis' wife. This is still top secret. I don’t want to deal with people like them," she reminded her friend."Relax. I’ll keep my lips sealed." Estelle mimed locking her mouth."Alright, if there’s nothing else to discuss, I’m going to have breakfast," Amora said, intending to end the call."Okay. But have you contacted Mr. Ritter? He was really worried last night. Poor guy," Estelle muttered, remembering his concerned expression."I’ll try to reach out to him later," Amora re
“Ma’am, you’re awake? I’ve come to pick you up.”Mark Carter stood at the door of Amora’s hotel room. As instructed by Regis, he was here to escort her.“My husband has already left?” Amora asked as she scanned the area around Mark.When she woke up earlier, Regis was nowhere to be found in the room.“Yes, Ma’am. The young master had some matters to attend to this morning. He asked me to come and check on you,” Mark explained, his head slightly bowed. He didn’t dare look her directly in the eyes or even glance at her.Amora’s appearance was quite disheveled; she had just woken up and was wearing a kimono-style towel provided by the hotel.Of course, she wasn’t trying to seduce anyone. She had simply taken off her dress last night, finding it too uncomfortable to sleep in.Her body was modestly wrapped in the kimono, but still, for a normal man like Mark, it was hard not to notice the beauty radiating from her.“Come in. I’m still having breakfast,” Amora said casually, walking back in
"I've already explained everything. I’m not involved! Don’t you get it? Get me out of here!"A middle-aged woman with heavy, smeared makeup leaned her face through the gap between the steel bars of the cell she was spending the night in. She had been yelling for over an hour, and her voice was now hoarse.Inside the dark and damp cell, she wasn’t alone. Sitting in one corner, hugging her knees tightly, was a young woman dressed in a once-elegant gown that now looked disheveled and dirty.The two women from vastly different generations were Julia Brown and Chelsea Harrison.Both had been detained at the local police station after undergoing separate interrogations for their crimes. The filthy, cramped cell with thick, dusty iron bars only added to Julia’s frustration.Standing by the bars, Julia shouted again, “I’m innocent! Don’t you know who I am?!”She couldn’t accept being treated this poorly by being thrown into a foul-smelling, filthy prison cell. The dim lighting in the tiny roo
"Ugh!"Amora struggled to keep up with Regis' increasingly passionate kiss. She felt completely overwhelmed as Regis greedily claimed her lips, leaving her no room to resist.Amora’s back was pressed tightly against the headboard as Regis’ hand moved to cradle the back of her head, deepening the kiss even further.Regis’s tongue was relentless the moment Amora parted her lips. The room was filled with the sounds of wet kisses and muffled moans.Amora’s thoughts were a whirlwind. She couldn’t even process what she was doing anymore, but one thing was clear—she was thoroughly enjoying the kiss.Seconds later, her chest tightened as her lungs screamed for air. She tapped Regis lightly on the chest, signaling him to stop. He finally pulled back, giving her a moment to catch her breath.Amora glared at him sharply, wiping her now-flushed lips with the back of her hand.Seeing her do this, Regis immediately leaned in and planted another quick kiss on her lips. Instinctively, Amora wiped the
Amora’s eyes darted nervously, her mind racing but completely blank. Every word she had planned to say vanished in the shock of the moment. She had no idea how to respond to the question Regis had just asked her.Truthfully, Amora didn’t even fully understand her own feelings. She wasn’t sure if she had broken her own vow never to fall in love again—a promise she had kept for the past seven years, haunted by fear and pain from her past.Her previous experience had left a deep scar on her heart. Yet, after spending nearly a month growing close to Regis, she found herself feeling an unexpected sense of comfort—a sensation she never thought she’d experience again.Still, Amora had repeatedly reminded herself not to make the same mistake twice. She had ingrained it in her mind: loving anyone meant opening herself up to disappointment.“Do I ... have feelings for him?” Amora wondered silently.Amora had considered the possibility that her feelings for Regis were nothing more than temporary
A nervous smile appeared on Amora’s lips as she tried to clear her mind, which had suddenly gone blank because of a strange question that popped into her thoughts.“I-I thought our relationship has always been mutually beneficial. What do you mean by saying you’re hurt? Aren’t we both grown-ups who can accept the risks of our actions? Do we really need to make a fuss over such a small accident?”Amora tried to keep an open mind. She still wasn’t sure if Regis had any special feelings for her.‘Have I not made my signals clear enough?’ Regis thought as he let out a weary sigh. He wasn’t sure if he was being too dense or if Amora was just too oblivious to pick up on the signs of love he’d been giving her all along.Suddenly, Regis placed his large hand on top of Amora’s head, ruffling her long hair playfully.“Regis, stop it! What’s wrong with you?” Amora complained, trying to fend off his hand, which seemed determined to turn her into his personal plaything.“You must be feeling better