Outside the café, Regis was already waiting to pick up Amora. But instead of staying in the car, he stepped out and stood by the vehicle.“What’s wrong? Why are you out of the car?” Amora asked, puzzled.Regis didn’t answer. Instead, he shot back, “Are you done?”Amora nodded.“Where were you earlier?” Regis pressed further.His sharp gaze fixed on her, scrutinizing her intently.“Earlier?” Amora frowned but soon realized what her husband was getting at. “You mean that phone call?”Regis cleared his throat and looked away, but his tone stayed firm. “Who were you talking to? I heard a man’s voice. Was he a friend?”As far as Regis knew, Amora planned to meet Gino Moonstone’s wife and her former colleague, Biana Curtiz, today. So, hearing her on the phone with a man had caught him off guard. What made it even stranger was that the man’s voice sounded oddly familiar, yet Regis couldn’t place it.That’s why he had gotten out of the car—to catch a glimpse of whoever his wife had been talki
“What do you mean by cooperation?”Amora’s hazel eyes narrowed sharply. She had a feeling Regis’ words carried a deeper meaning.“I’m going to increase security and surveillance around you. I hope you won’t reject this,” Regis explained, laying out his plan for her safety.Amora’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Wait, you mean … there will be people following me around once my identity is revealed?”Regis nodded. “It’s all for your safety, and this applies to Ray too. I hope you understand—there’s a risk someone might target you both,” he clarified.Regis felt it was necessary to increase their son’s security after the celebration as well. He worried that Xavier wouldn’t be able to handle everything alone.Amora rolled her eyes in frustration. “Your enemies are such a hassle,” she muttered.Amora let out a long sigh. While she understood Regis’ arrangements were meant to protect her and Rayden, she couldn’t help but feel burdened. Her longed-for freedom was slipping away, and it frustrate
Amora's eyebrows knitted further in confusion. She couldn't understand the reason behind her husband's drastic change in expression. She could see the anger mixed with anxiety in Regis's eyes, but she could not find the reason.Still overwhelmed with confusion, Amora repeated what she had said earlier, “I... I said I don't know him. But, I'm sure he's not a bad person.”“That's not it. I mean what did you say he was? Paralyzed?” Regis asked, trying to confirm he hadn’t misheard."Y-yeah. He was sitting in a wheelchair. Seems like he has some issues with his legs," Amora replied, trying to explain the condition of the man she helped earlier."So, I hope you don’t go around accusing people without understanding their situation first," Amora added, which Regis ignored.Regis clenched his fists tightly. His anger simmering. He glanced at Mark who also looked shocked at Amora's explanation.Although it was still just a hunch, somehow Regis felt that the strange man who met Amora by chance
“I just received word that Alejandro Volker officially announced yesterday that Cedric Volker will be the primary successor of Golden Snake. The news is expected to go public starting tomorrow.” Mark reported that he had read a fresh message from one of his contacts.A cold smirk curled at the corner of Regis’s lips. “Looks like he’s tired of sitting in that wheelchair and wants to play with fire, Mark.”"That’s what I think too. We can’t let him get away with this, Young Master," Mark replied, certain that Cedric was plotting something behind their backs.“Is our plan ready?” Regis asked.For the past few days, Regis had been meticulously preparing a surprise to deliver a crushing blow to Cedric Volker during the illegal transaction Cedric planned to carry out in the coming weeks.Regis was determined to show Alejandro that choosing his crippled youngest son as Golden Snake’s heir would only bring shame to the Volker name.“It’s ready, Air. All we need now is for Cedric to make his m
"Wait, you mean... Cedric Volker, the disabled son of the Volker family?"Xavier was stunned upon hearing that Alejandro Volker's son dared to approach Regis' wife at the café earlier.Regis nodded. "Yes, him. The café's CCTV was sabotaged by his men, but Mark managed to confirm through nearby surveillance cameras that it was Cedric Volker," he growled.Regis was still upset that Alejandro's son had managed to put on a mask of innocence and weakness to trick his wife. The thought made Regis want to punch Cedric's face and leave a few marks of his own.He hadn’t told Amora yet. Regis worried she wouldn’t believe his story about Cedric. Still, he planned to talk to her once she’d calmed down a bit."Wow, he’s bold. Is he trying to declare war?" Xavier exclaimed, his teeth gritting in frustration. He couldn’t believe Alejandro’s son would go as far as using Amora to put pressure on Regis."I’m not entirely sure of Cedric’s intentions with my wife," Regis admitted, exhaling deeply, "but I’
“Dad, do I really have to wear this?”Rayden asked his father who was watching his appearance in the full-length mirror that revealed his handsome and adorable figure.They were in an upscale boutique, where Regis had ordered a tailored suit for his son and a gown for his wife, both for the upcoming Royal Dragon anniversary celebration.Rayden was in the same fitting room as his father. His mother was in a different fitting room from them.Rayden is currently trying on a black tuxedo suit with a silver tie adorned with tiny diamonds. It was by far the most expensive outfit he had ever worn, and its weight was a bit much for his small frame.“You look incredibly handsome, son,” Regis complimented with a broad smile.“But it’s so heavy, Dad,” Rayden whined.Regis understood his son’s discomfort. The tuxedo was indeed a bit heavy—unsurprising, considering it wasn’t just designed by a renowned fashion designer but also incorporated cutting-edge technology that rendered it bulletproof.Reg
A wave of confusion swept over Rayden’s mind as he processed the question his father had just asked. He vividly remembered his mother asking him a similar question years ago, just before deciding to marry Regis.Back then, Rayden thought his mom was joking. After all, she had only asked for his opinion about Regis becoming his father, which made him happy since he had always wanted a father figure.This time, this similar question, with a different intent, certainly made Rayden think hard. He felt that Regis didn't just want to ask for his opinion, but there was another purpose that the man wanted to know from him.If he wanted to equate Regis with his biological father, of course, Rayden didn't like it. Although he had never met him in person and had no idea who his biological father was. In his mind there was only a negative assessment of the figure.Tilting his head slightly, Rayden fixed his sharp gaze on Regis.“Daddy is Daddy. There’s no way you’re anything like him,” Rayden dec
"Could he really be my biological father?"Rayden muttered to himself in front of the mirror. The thought had crossed his mind out of nowhere. Suspicion after suspicion began to bubble up, but he quickly shook his head.“No … no way. He’s not my real father,” Rayden mumbled, trying to push away his own analysis.“Where’s Mommy’s handsome prince?”Amora's voice interrupted Rayden's thoughts. He immediately turned his head and found his mother standing at the door of his fitting room.Amora looked stunning and elegant in a luxurious gown that highlighted her beauty.Rayden blinked, momentarily taken aback by her appearance.“Wow... my son is so handsome,” Amora praised enthusiastically. Her smile wide as she took in the sight of her son in formal attire for the first time.“You know, Ray, I almost thought you stepped right out of a fairy tale book,” she teased, giggling at her own imagination.Rayden gave her a shy smile as he walked toward her, gazing at her intently.“You’re beautiful
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