Jordan Ramirez was utterly shocked when the man who suddenly appeared claimed to be Amora's partner. He immediately recognized the man—none other than Noel Ritter.Amora was still in a daze, stunned by Noel's unexpected arrival by her side. It had been a long time since she last saw him, and she never imagined Noel would show up at the event.His presence was a lifesaver. On top of that, Noel's appearance tonight was very eye-catching with his tuxedo which Amora had never seen before."My apologies, Mr. Ritter. I didn't know she was your partner. This must be a misunderstanding. I hope this issue won't disrupt the main event," said the event organizer, recognizing Noel as an important guest from the Rowan family.Noel ignored him, his worried gaze fixed on Amora. "Amora, are you alright?"He had no idea what she had been through. The moment he entered the ballroom, his attention was drawn to Amora, who was being humiliated by an unfamiliar woman in front of the guests.Without hesitat
Noel's intense gaze made Amora's cheeks flush with a soft blush. She could easily understand the meaning behind his stare. Although Noel hadn’t voiced his feelings, Amora’s heart knew well enough that he harbored affection for her.Yet, Amora never gave him even the slightest chance. She didn’t want to be an obstacle to Noel’s future. In her eyes, Noel Ritter was a man of impeccable manners and character.Noel had a bright future ahead of him and came from a well-respected family. Amora couldn’t bring herself to drag him down by starting a relationship with her—a single mother.Especially now, her status had changed. She was a married woman. Amora had no intention of creating any scandal that could disgrace her or Regis.Although her marriage to Regis hadn’t been publicly announced, Amora didn’t want to stir up any trouble.Her current life was much better than before, and she didn’t want to ruin it. She believed Noel would find the right woman who could love him wholeheartedly.A sof
"Congratulations, Miss Harrison. May your wedding with the young Mr. Rowan take place soon."The stream of congratulations continued as Chelsea entered the grand ballroom. She maintained a radiant smile, nodding her thanks while scanning the room.Chelsea was elated. Today marked a pivotal moment that would change her life forever.As the newly recognized fiancée of the Rowan family's heir, her status would elevate, and everyone would treat her with even greater respect."Do you see her, Glo?" Chelsea whispered to her best friend, Gloria Barclay, who walked beside her. Maintaining her smile, Chelsea waved at several guests who greeted her."She's over there, Chelsea," Gloria replied after spotting the person they'd been searching for.Earlier, the two had been in the waiting room, snapping photos with friends when Gloria received a call from Miranda. The emotional call, punctuated by Miranda's sobs, described an incident that had just unfolded in the ballroom.Gloria relayed the disjo
Amora’s hazel eyes widened in shock as she stared at Noel, who was smiling sweetly at her. She wanted to deny everything, but doing so would label Estelle as a liar and humiliate Noel.Her eyes scanned the room nervously. She was deeply worried that some press member might capture this moment between her and Noel. Yet, she had no choice but to play along with Noel’s act.Hearing Noel’s direct confession, Gloria felt like a fool standing in that ballroom. When her parents introduced her to a competent and handsome potential fiancé like Noel, she had already developed feelings for him and eagerly anticipated meeting him today.But she had never imagined that her hopes would be crushed before they could even take flight.“Why are you still going through with this arrangement if you already have a girlfriend?” Gloria asked, her voice trembling.“I’m sorry, Miss Barclay. I can’t go against my father’s wishes,” Noel replied apologetically.Then, with a gentle look at Amora, he continued, “I
“Estelle.”A man’s voice drew Amora and Estelle’s attention. A stylish figure with wavy hair dyed in blue ombre strode toward them, exuding confidence.Amora frowned slightly, impressed by the man’s radiant smile. His appearance stood out—he was wearing a striking silver suit that was impossible to miss.“Gino!” Estelle greeted him excitedly, embracing the man, who returned the gesture with a light kiss.“He’s… your husband?” Amora asked, barely hiding her disbelief at Estelle’s rather “unique” taste in men.“That’s right,” Estelle confirmed proudly, quickly introducing her husband to Amora.“Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Moonstone,” Amora said, shaking Gino’s outstretched hand.“The pleasure’s mine. Estelle’s told me so much about you,” Gino replied warmly.Amora found herself slightly reassessing Estelle’s judgment. Gino Moonstone radiated positive energy—completely unlike Regis, whose stoic demeanor often intimidated those who didn’t know him well.“Really? You’re exaggerating, Mr. Moo
"Is there no way to get through this mess, Mark?"Regis's cold and commanding voice sent Mark's heart racing.Traffic was at a standstill in front of them. A truck had veered into the wrong lane, stalling out and blocking the road entirely.The blaring honks from cars, including the one Mark was driving, only added to the chaos."I'm sorry, Young Master. It seems impossible," Mark replied, glancing at the surrounding lanes jam-packed with vehicles. Their car was stuck in the middle lane, wedged tightly between two others.Regis didn't respond, but his silence spoke volumes.Mark's face showed a mix of anxiety and frustration. He and his boss, Regis Lorenzo, had just returned to New York a mere thirty minutes ago after an intense, non-stop work trip that had drained them both physically and mentally.Eager to see Amora as soon as possible, Regis had rushed through all his meetings in Las Vegas. They were originally scheduled to return tomorrow, but last night, Albert informed Regis via
"Just name the price, or if necessary, I’ll leave my ID as collateral," Mark said, still trying to convince the girl.Mark could’ve asked another rider for help, but borrowing from someone he knew made him feel more at ease.Biana didn’t respond and pretended not to hear his request. She turned her head away indifferently, started her motorbike, and prepared to leave. But before she could, Mark quickly said, "This involves your best friend, too."The girl’s head snapped toward him in panic. “What happened to Amora?”“It’s a long story. I need to catch up with my boss right now,” Mark replied, gesturing for Biana to get off her bike as he handed her a few bills.Biana hesitated, still doubting his brief explanation and suspecting that Mark might be lying again.‘Hah! Does he think I’ll fall for it again?’ Biana grumbled internally."Miss? Is this not enough?" Mark asked impatiently, feeling the pressure of time. But Biana stayed silent, ignoring his request. Finally, Mark decided to lo
Amora turned and found Noel already standing in front of her.“Where are you going, Amora?” Noel asked.Amora gave an awkward smile, her eyes darting to Chris, who hesitated to approach her since Noel had reached her first.“I-I was… looking for you,” Amora lied reluctantly. She silently cursed her luck for being caught in such a complicated situation.‘What kind of day is this?’ Amora grumbled inwardly, letting out a subtle, frustrated sigh.“Amora?” Noel called her again, looking at her in confusion.“Yes?” Amora quickly looked up and met his gaze.She froze in surprise when Noel extended his hand to her. “Would you dance with me, Amora?” he asked, leaving her stunned.“Noel, I … I’m not very good at dancing,” Amora replied, trying to decline politely.“Don’t be so modest. I know you can dance well. Have you forgotten we used to practice together?” Noel teased, chuckling as he reminisced about their childhood.Amora smiled nervously. “But .…”Amora was about to refuse again when she
“Young Master Lorenzo, congratulations on your new chapter in life. I was truly surprised to hear the news today, but I’m happy for you.”Regis gave a faint smile at the congratulatory words from one of his business partners. He had already received plenty of similar remarks from the guests attending the Royal Dragon event that evening.Of course, Regis knew these well-wishes were nothing more than a formality. Everyone simply wanted to maintain good relations with him, even if some disapproved of his choice of wife—especially the fact that he had a child out of wedlock with her. It was something none of them had expected."When will you be holding your wedding ceremony?" asked a young man from the Brooklyn family.Regis turned to Amora, who had been standing beside him the entire time. She was doing her best to carry herself properly, even though Regis had told her to just be herself.Still, Amora didn’t want to embarrass Regis. She could feel the judgmental stares from some of the g
"Ray, look over there!"Kimmy exclaimed excitedly as they entered the playground area inside the cruise ship. She and Rayden were currently exploring every room on the ship."Whoa! This place is like a real treasure trove!" Kimmy exclaimed again.The little girl couldn't stop admiring everything she saw. Rayden could only shake his head at her enthusiasm."Come on, Ray. Let's play over there." Kimmy pointed to the bumper car area within the playground."What's so exciting about that, Kimmy? Haven't you played it plenty of times in other playgrounds? I don't see how this one's any different," Rayden remarked indifferently.Albert hid a smile. The little young master's flat tone and cool demeanor reminded him of Regis Lorenzo."Seriously, kid? Can't you just go along with it?" Xavier scoffed, ruffling the hair of Regis' son.Kimmy's face soured at Rayden's dismissive response."I’m just telling the truth," Rayden said, completely unaware that he had upset her. Kimmy let out an annoyed h
"I didn't hear wrong, did I? What did he just say? Daddy? That boy is Young Master Lorenzo’s son?"Rumors spread like wildfire as whispers filled the air. Camera flashes went off relentlessly, capturing the biggest scandal of the night."You can go, but only if Xavier and Albert go with you," Regis responded to his son's request.A small smile spread across Rayden’s lips, revealing his adorable baby teeth. Liliana was stunned. The boy’s face reminded her of Regis when he was little."Alright then, I’m going now, Dad," Rayden said cheerfully as he rushed toward Kimmy. The little girl had been waiting for him beyond the crowd, standing beside her parents. Xavier and Albert were already on high alert, ensuring Rayden’s safety."Young Master Lorenzo, is that boy really your son?" One of the guests, a close relative of the Lorenzo family, gathered the courage to ask.Just like before, Regis openly acknowledged Amora and Rayden’s status to the public. He had no intention of hiding anything,
Meanwhile, inside the banquet hall, a commotion erupted, shocking the guests, the entire Lorenzo family, and the top executives of Royal Dragon.The music came to an abrupt stop, replaced by hushed murmurs spreading throughout the room. Conversations buzzed as all eyes turned toward Regis, who had just entered the hall with a young woman—none other than his wife, Amora Lysander.The media crew, permitted to cover the celebration inside the hall, rushed to capture the moment, eager to turn it into tomorrow’s headline.“Oh, My God. Didn't I see something wrong? Is Young Master Lorenzo… smiling?”One of the guests exclaimed loudly, drawing everyone’s attention. But as much as they wanted to dismiss it, they couldn’t deny the truth—they were just as shocked to see the rare sight of a smile gracing Regis’ lips.A smile that was almost unheard of since Regis rarely displayed it in public. And yet, here he was, looking at the woman by his side with an unmistakable gaze of affection.“I must
Alejandro scoffed. “You're trying to dodge again, Diego. I know you have the power to clear all the accusations against your son and turn the media in your favor. But I won’t forget the blood debt that you and your son still owe me,” he hissed.Diego felt no fear in the face of Alejandro’s threat—not because he thought Alejandro wouldn’t dare act on it, but because he was confident that both he and Regis could handle anything that came their way.More importantly, there was something Alejandro didn’t know, and Diego intended to reveal it now.Maintaining his indifferent attitude toward the hostility of the Golden Snake’s leader, Diego said, “Alejandro, I won’t make excuses for our past. But I strongly suggest you let go of your grudge—before it ends up choking you instead.”Alejandro let out a bitter laugh. “Let go of my grudge? Don’t be naive, Diego.”Diego responded with nothing but a smirk.“Don’t tell me you’re actually scared that I might do the same thing to someone you care abo
Murat's lips curled into a cynical smirk, followed by a low chuckle escaping from his mouth."Looks like you have no idea that Diego’s son orchestrated everything."The statement that left Murat’s lips made Alejandro’s expression shift. A flicker of anger flashed in his sharp, hazel eyes.Before Alejandro could respond to Murat Demir’s words, the cabin door suddenly swung open, revealing the person they had been waiting for.Diego Lorenzo stepped into the suite stateroom and took a seat on the sofa between his two guests. He glanced between them, immediately sensing the tension in the room."Did I come at a bad time?"Diego’s deep voice drew both Alejandro and Murat’s attention to him. There was no trace of warmth in their gazes as if Diego had just done something unpleasant to them.“Was the hospitality not to your liking?” Diego quipped, attempting to ease the tension. A faint chuckle, more of a formality than genuine amusement, escaped the lips of the Royal Dragon leader.However,
In the stateroom's guest lounge, two powerful figures locked eyes in a tense stare-down. The air between them was thick with an unspoken battle of dominance, each trying to outmatch the other’s presence.Alejandro Volker and Murat Demir sat face-to-face, neither uttering a word for the past ten minutes. Their subordinates exchanged wary glances, their tension mirroring their leaders'.When Alejandro was led into the cabin by Diego Lorenzo's assistant, he immediately noticed the presence of a man with dark brown skin and a scar across his right eyebrow, already seated in the room.That man, nearly the same age as Alejandro, was none other than Murat Demir, the leader of Levent!“I’ll step out for a moment to fetch my master. In the meantime, you can chat with each other. I think you two already know each other, don't you?” Pablo Varon remarked as he ushered Alejandro into the lavish private cabin.Alejandro didn’t respond. His gaze remained locked on Murat, who returned the same pierci
Diego gave a faint smile. His gaze shifted to the young woman, significantly younger than Regis. She lowered her head in fear as Diego observed her with sharp eyes.He remained silent, making the atmosphere around them increasingly uncomfortable. He thought to himself that Gordon was even willing to sell off his freshly graduated daughter just to establish ties with his family.Sensing her husband's thoughts, Liliana quickly took over the conversation. "Regarding the matchmaking, I'll discuss it with my son first, Mr. Watson."She looked at Melisa Watson warmly, easing the young woman's nervousness."Your daughter is very beautiful. She takes after Mrs. Watson’s beauty," Liliana praised, making Mrs. Watson beam with pride.Turning to the head of the Watson family, she continued, "I don’t think you need to worry about your daughter’s future, Mr. Watson. She’s still very young. There's no need to rush her into marriage."Gordon Watson could only force a thin smile. He knew this was a po
"Who is that woman?""Is she the mother of that child?""Is she Young Master Lorenzo’s wife?"One question after another spilled from the lips of onlookers, making Amora feel nervous. She could faintly hear the chatter around her and feel the sharp gazes directed at her."Which family is she from? It doesn’t seem like any high-ranking family has a daughter like her."The reporters began digging into the background of the woman who arrived with Regis. They tried to uncover her identity, but no one seemed to have any concrete information about her."They must be married! Look! Young Master Lorenzo and that woman are both wearing rings on their ring fingers."A female reporter pointed out her observation, sparking excitement among the media crew. Cameras instantly turned to focus on Amora, making her tense up slightly.Sensing her unease, Regis tightened his grip on her hand, drawing her attention back to him. He could see the worry in her eyes over how the public was perceiving her."Ig