I had finished breakfast when Darcy came out of the bedroom. She wore all black. Looking at her neat appearance, she was going somewhere. That woman was stubborn. She shouldn't have gone anywhere until her face recovered.However, I allowed her. Although she was mine, I had no right to control her life. Darcy owned her life. No human being liked to be restrained, not even me. She had today off and might have plans that couldn't be postponed.“I've finished eating. Why haven't you told me who ruined my face? Hurry up and tell me,” Darcy urged.I intentionally waited for her to finish eating, so my report wouldn't make her lose her appetite. “Take your medicine. Then, I'll tell you everything.”“You've been—” she protested.“ I mean it this time,” I said.Darcy grumbled as she took the medicine out of the bag. She took one tablet and swallowed it. “Tell me quickly,” she said.“There's a dangerous substance in your powder. The perpetrator mixed it in while you were dressing up, getting r
[Darcy]I wore a hat, sunglasses, and a mask before exiting the car. Scott followed me to the entrance of the meeting room. I removed my head and face covering at the inspection but put it back on when the officer found out why I was wearing it.I sat down in the available chair. The place was quiet, unlike my visit on Saturday. There was only me in the large room. The door to the room opposite me was open. An officer entered and held the door open for a woman.My heart squeezed tightly at the blue bruises on the woman's cheeks. Her right eye was as red as blood, although it had faded. What prison was it? Why did the guards let another inmate beat up a prisoner every week? My mom could die before finishing her sentence.“Darcy, thank God you came,” Mom sobbed. "I thought you were angry with me and didn't want to come anymore. I'm glad to see you're okay."My eyes heated up, but I refrained from crying. Thankfully, I wore sunglasses. So, Mom couldn't see the water in my eyes. What happ
Dad was pleased when I said goodbye. I bought his favorite food, and the warden let me give it to him. I left that place with a smile, but the visit broke my heart. I couldn't bear to see my parents suffer in prison.They weren't angels. Yes, they were cruel to people they didn't like, but they never sent anyone to beat others. They hurt with words and confronted their enemies directly, not hiding behind a hitman.The culprit was an ignorant coward. I didn't know how to find out the person behind the slanderous prisoner. I couldn't ask the warden to show me the security camera footage or bribe the culprit to confess.“Where to next?” Scott asked when we were in the car.My phone vibrated. “One second.”There was a new message from Taylor. She sent a picture of Jessica meeting a woman I knew. I scoffed. So, she paid that nanny to harm Edith? What a crazy rich woman!I copied the nanny's address and sent it to Scott's number. “Let's go there.”Unfortunately, that woman had moved. She di
Scott took cover behind the wall near the entrance. He watched our surroundings as he pulled out his phone. I stood behind him, letting him protect me with his body.I couldn't understand what was happening. Why did Scott pull me back to the lobby and protect me? What hit the pavers earlier? People around the place glanced at us and whispered with the person at their side. Others walked on without paying attention to us.“We can't get to the parking lot,” Scott said to the person on the phone. “Oh. Good.”“What's wrong?” I asked in confusion.“We're going to the car. Rocco's out front.” Scott took my hand and pulled me out.“You haven't answered my question. What's wrong?” I strode at his side.Scott looked around us as he opened the car door for me. “We'll talk later. Hurry up and get in.” He held my head to keep it from hitting the car roof.I sat down, and he closed the door. My heart was pounding. Scott's actions were confusing. He sat in the front seat next to the driver. After h
Bridget intended to cover my mouth with her hand, but Scott grabbed it and pulled it away from me. The woman took a step back. She glared at my bodyguard. All her protectors stood between us.I scrutinized her face. She looked uneasy after I mentioned Karl's name. What did she hide from me about the accident and the whereabouts of my husband's driver? I didn't want to believe it. Bridget and Sean couldn't have harmed their son."Don't make accusations without evidence. I can sue you for defamation." Bridget glanced at the door behind her. "If that's all you want to talk about, leave. Don't ever see me again."“I won't come if you don't interfere with my life,” I shot back.Bridget scoffed. "You're the one who disrupted our lives by flaunting your relationship with your new man shortly after your husband's death. Can't you stay out of our lives?“”You said our relationship was over. Why does everything I do have to do with you? Cullen is dead. There's no rule against me being close to
[Sinclair]I needed shareholders because I couldn't manage such a big company alone. They helped me when I was a new leader by buying shares, giving advice, and sharing their experience in entrepreneurship.However, I wasn't that young Sinclair Wyndham. My horizons were broad and my connections were numerous. I wasn't afraid of anyone's threats because even the biggest shareholders were replaceable. I had many acquaintances who wanted to buy shares in Wyndham Finance.Henry Swan was the largest shareholder after me. He held twenty-five percent while I held fifty-one. I agreed to some of his suggestions out of respect for him as a senior. However, his threats wouldn't deter me."I won't forbid you and the shareholders from withdrawing funds or selling your shares. I'll gladly buy them at their current value. If it's not big enough, I'm willing to add ten percent so you don't lose out," I said.“What did you say?” Henry was surprised by my response. “You don't have enough money to pay my
I left the secret corridor for the master room. The scene before me was one that I had witnessed many times and had ingrained in my head well. The chamber was empty. There was no one else but the house owner, who was lying stiffly on the bed.I approached the edge of the bed with my heart pounding and my body trembling. I whispered incessantly, hoping I would find a different state. However, God wasn't on my side. The scene was still the same.The handsome man widened his eyes and opened his mouth. The culprit surprised him but didn't torture him before killing him. However, that one fact didn't ease my anger. Hayward Wyndham was a good man, undeserving of such a horrible death.I closed his eyes and shut his mouth. Dad looked more peaceful with that expression. My eyes heated up. My lips trembled, holding back tears. Lionel held my hand, pulling me to save myself. However, I resisted. I wanted to be with my father for longer.I pulled back the blanket to sleep beside him, but seeing
[Darcy]I hadn't finished talking to Cullen but had to acknowledge the information regarding the accident. I left the place with a heavy heart and rushed to the car. Scott marched beside me while watching our surroundings.He was being very overzealous. People who wanted to kill me wouldn't wait long to attack me out in the open. They were bluffing. Therefore, they didn't follow me to the restaurant or the cemetery.To avoid a similar assault, I asked to meet Taylor in the city center. I requested that she get into the car. My cousin suggested dinner at one of the restaurants near us, but I declined.“Oh, my God,” she muttered when she saw my face."This is the reason I can't be in public. I've been wearing glasses and a mask all day," I explained.“What happened?” she asked worriedly.“You didn't ask to see me to talk about my situation,” I reminded her."You need to work on your attitude towards people who help you, Darcy. Your arrogant demeanor won't do you any favors at this point,
Olivia secretly sent photos and videos of Keane at night. We didn't talk or text because I didn't want to make it difficult for her. Bridget forbade me to see my son. She must have forbidden the nanny to have anything to do with me.“Why are you holding the phone? Where's Olivia?” I asked worriedly.“I caught this damn nanny sending pictures and videos of Keane to you. How dare you tell her to do that!” Bridget accused.I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm myself. Olivia couldn't get in trouble for secretly sending that message to me. I didn't want Bridget to fire and replace her with someone I didn't know.“Keane is my son, Bridget. I have a right to—” I said.“Keane doesn't have a stripper mom!” she screeched. “Stop bothering my grandson! I don't want you messing up Channing's good name. Enough, Darcy!”Bridget disconnected the phone just like that. My chest ached at the accusation. No, it didn't. It wasn't an accusation but a fact. I was a dancer, but I never performed n
“Hi, Darcy,” the beautiful woman greeted me kindly.“Hi,” I replied in confusion.Lionel directed the servants towards the room behind the door closest to the entrance. I invited the woman to follow them. The maids placed box after large box on the floor, couches, and tables. Three of the woman's assistants joined us.“Would you like some tea?” Lionel asked politely.“Yes, please,” the guest replied. She turned to me. “Don't look at me like that, Darcy. Sit down. We should get to work so I don't have to pay my assistant overtime.”The three women chuckled at that. They took clothes from a large box and held them in front of their bodies. I gaped at the beautiful clothes. It had been a long time since I had witnessed such a sight.“I couldn't bring a model to show off these dresses, but I brought your size. I guarantee these will fit you.” The woman looked at my body. “You're still the same size, right?”“Irene, I can't afford this stuff,” I whispered. “And how do you know I'm here?”S
There's a photo of Sinclair and I facing each other and holding hands. Another one was of our fingers pinning on our wedding rings. Looking at the picture taken without our knowledge, an idea popped into my head.I looked at the pictures carefully, looking for one suitable one to realize my plan. They were safe because no one could see either Sinclair or my face. If our photos accidentally spread, people could only speculate on the couple's identity.A picture caught my eye. I was putting a ring on Sinclair's finger. The angle was from my right hand. The engagement ring and wedding ring on my finger were visible. Those close to Sinclair would know he wore a titanium ring on his right thumb.I selected one of the numbers in my contacts and sent the photo. The woman must have been hysterical, knowing Sinclair was married to me. They knew each other first, but he preferred me to be his wife.“You have many enemies. Who else are you provoking?” Taylor glanced at my phone.“An ignorant wom
[Darcy]“This yard is too exposed. You should talk at home,” Scott scanned around us. He signaled for my cousin and me to walk to the porch first.I complied. It was quiet, but that didn't guarantee there wasn't someone somewhere pointing a gun at me. We walked up to the front door. A man opened it. He smiled kindly at Taylor and me.Scott cleared his throat when the man frowned at him. “Lionel, let me introduce you. These are Darcy Wyndham and Taylor Bailey.”I extended my hand to the man. “Darcy Bailey,” I corrected.Lionel smiled as he returned my handshake. “Lionel Dupont at your service, Mrs. Sinclair Wyndham,” he said.Taylor chuckled. “Darcy Wyndham sounds sexier,” she teased.“Shut up, Tay,” I said irritably.“Would you like to see your room?” Lionel asked.“Not now. My cousin and I need to talk. Is there a room where no one will disturb us?” I looked around me.The house was magnificent and modern on the outside. The inside was equally fashionable. It looked like Sinclair rep
“I'm not dealing with former employees.” I glanced at the door. “Is he waiting outside?” After Neil nodded, I continued, “Tell him to leave.”“Okay, boss,” Neil replied. He walked out of my office, but Wesley forced his way in.I knew he wouldn't give up that easily. Looking at his neat appearance and no facial injuries, he escaped Joaquin's house without fighting with his men. How could he do that? He came alone without a partner to protect him.“Boss, please listen to me first,” Wesley persuaded.“How dare you set foot in my office,” I said.“I'm not your employee anymore. I didn't violate the prohibition against club employees being in your main office,” he argued.Although people knew about my dirty business, they didn't discuss it. Employees and customers at Wyndham Finance didn't notice that SW Group was mine. And I wanted to keep it that way. I didn't want to lose customers who thought I funded the company with dirty money.“I can find that woman without your help.” I glanced a
[Sinclair]Darcy was smart. She was used to dealing with cunning and manipulative people. It would have been easy for her to discuss a prenuptial agreement when she had the upper hand.However, I didn't let that happen. I teased and took that woman's mind off the prenuptial contract. Because she had so many problems, she had a hard time focusing her mind. She struggled between taking her son or saving her parents.I didn't expect her to choose George and Diana over Keane. Her parents were evil. They borrowed money and couldn't pay it back, plunging Darcy into the nightlife. Yet she chose to save those two criminals.“Four,” Darcy whispered. “That's enough, Sinclair.”“Sin,” I corrected.She didn't respond. I look at her face. She was fast asleep in my arms. I turned her to lie on her back. Her face shouldn't hit the surface of the pillow. Seeing that her skin wasn't red, the doctor's medicine was working.Her face was much better than on Sunday night. Had she not left the house on Mond
“You'd better eat before we sign the contract. Mason and I had breakfast.” Sinclair glanced at the plate of food before me.“I'll eat in the car,” I refused.“Now,” he ordered.I sighed. Arguing with Sinclair was a waste of time. I quickly finished my breakfast. He or the waiter put a full breakfast menu on my plate, but I ate it in less than ten minutes.“Can we start now?” I asked after my mouth was empty.Mason placed a folder in front of me and Sinclair. “Please read the agreement carefully. I've revised it according to the results of your discussion,” he said.“We didn't discuss anything last night,” I complained.“I have included your conditions. Sin will protect your parents while in prison,” he reported.I was stunned. “Where are the conditions?” I asked.The contents of the agreement letter were the same as what I had read last night. So, I skimmed it, and nothing had changed. Only one part of Sinclair's obligations added up. He would protect my parents.I couldn't be with Ke
I put the document and envelope on the table. “I've told you. I don't want to marry you. Go ahead and kill me or my son, but I won't be your wife,” I refused.“What do you want?” Sinclair asked.I pressed my lips together. The pounding of my heart was so loud it deafened my ears. Oh, my God. Sinclair knew how to control the situation the way he wanted to. Of course, I had many wishes that I would never be able to fulfill.I wanted my son back in my arms. I wanted my parents to serve their sentences in peace. I could get out of debt by selling the house Cullen gave me. But I couldn't do that. That house was his only gift.“I will only grant one wish. Nothing more,” Sinclair continued.“I—” I mumbled.Oh, my God. My whole body was shaking. I didn't know who to choose. My son was precious to me, and I feared for his well-being if we were away for too long. I also loved my parents. They only had me to help them escape the wicked people in prison.However, Sinclair only granted one request
After storing my stuff in my locker, Lydia took me to the training room upstairs. I didn't know there was another practice room other than the one on the same floor as Sinclair's office. Remembering him, I realized that he didn't stay overnight.That was strange. Sinclair didn't miss a single night of sleeping at my place after we slept together. Did my facial state disgust him? I didn't care what he thought of my appearance, but I needed the money to pay off my debts.Dancing on weekends wouldn't do much to increase my income. The club's birthday had passed. Patrons wouldn't be as generous on a festive day when tipping me. Besides, they'd get tired of me if there were new dancers.“What's her name?” I asked.“Kirsten Green,” Lydia replied.I performed alone in my first four performances but was confident I could dance with other dancers. I was more experienced in group dancing than solo. I didn't mind sharing tips, especially since I only had thirty million dollars left.Raising twen