Extra 23: NoAt that moment, Gabriel was doing the math and moving money around his accounts to get the amount that man had demanded to bring him his beloved.He then looked up and saw the old photo on his desk that showed his mother and him as a young man.“God... see? I told you, you were wrong. Samantha was never interested in my inheritance... She loved me sincerely because her parents weren't as poor as you thought. In fact, they helped that idiot grow his fortune.”He really loved and hated his mother for everything she did.He loved her because she supported him, cared for him, pampered him... she gave him all the love a mother could offer her son. But... At the same time, he hated her because she ruined his life.It was her fault that he lost the love of his life simply because she didn't accept her as a daughter-in-law.Even though he begged and told her that Samantha wasn’t like that, that damn woman managed to blackmail him with her maternal love, claiming she knew wh
The older man frowned. “No... what I’m doing will be worth it in a few days when I talk to Samantha.”“Why not just talk to her in person instead of this crazy kidnapping idea?”“Women like bad boys.”“Those are the tastes of some young women, but let me remind you that Mrs. Samantha is a grown woman and even a grandmother now.”“So what?”“That means you’re an old man too, so you should act your age.”“...” Gabriel’s eye twitched. “You’re crossing the line,” he said, clenching his fists tightly.“No, I’m just speaking the truth. Instead of doing all this crazy stuff, how about I set up a meeting with Samantha?”“What...?”“You know, have a meeting at a café or restaurant to talk about old times.”“That sounds like something an old man would do.”“You are an old man; you’re 56 years old.”“...” Gabriel grimaced at his words.“Yes, I think that’s the best thing to do,” the assistant said, pulling out his phone.“Don’t you dare.”“I will because I don’t want to see you los
Extra 24: A Date?When Samantha ended the call, she let out a sigh—the conversation reminded her of the past.“Ah… you really haven’t changed one bit,” she commented, looking at her phone.“Mom.” She looked up to see her son walking into her office while reading some papers. “They just sent me the report with the quotes for the new tiles you want for the collection,” he said, handing her the papers.“That fast? Let me see,” she said excitedly, reading through the reports.“They said they could be ready in four days since it’s a simple design and they already have the geometric molds. It won’t be a challenge for the artisans,” he said, noticing the happiness in his mother’s eyes.“I know, and the best part is that this style is trending in the interior design world,” she said. “If they can make them quickly, it means a great profit for us. We’ll also continue offering our basic plain designs: the ones that look like paint splatters and those that imitate wood, marble, or stone.”
Extra 25: Past and Present“You’re welcome, Sam...” he said as he sat across from her. “So, tell me, how have you been? What’s life been like for you?”“Well, I can’t complain. I have good days and bad days, like everyone,” she said, looking him in the eyes.“You’re right.”“And I can’t complain either because I have the life I always wanted.”“What do you mean?”“Well, I found a wonderful man to share my life with, and we’ve built a beautiful family together,” she said, carefully observing his reactions.“Oh...” Gabriel felt awful hearing this, not the answer he had hoped for.“And you? How have you been? What have you been up to?”“Well... I’m good... I focused on managing several department stores.”“Oh, that’s great.”“Yeah...” he said, grimacing.“And did you get married?”“Well... yes, but don’t worry. My marriage only lasted a year before I got divorced.”“Oh wow, I’m sorry to hear that.”“No need to be. Honestly, I think it was for the best.”“Oh yeah? Why’s tha
“No, Sam... don’t say that to me.”“Gabriel, I don’t hold any grudges or anything like that, but there will never be anything between us, and actually, after what just happened... I don’t think we can even remain friends.”“What? Why?”“Because you’re not here to be my friend. Besides, you scared my grandson not long ago.”“But about that kid... why do you care so much? I mean... he’s not your blood, and—”“So what? I’ve been his grandmother since he was born, and you’re in no position to judge me or tell me what I can or can’t do.”“Sam...”“It’s Samantha,” she corrected him. “And you know, it hurts to find out that you’re the one harming my family... When I agreed to this lunch, it was to ask you: why are you doing this?”“Wait, Samantha, don’t say or do something you’ll regret.”“I don’t regret anything because I’m going to defend my family with everything I have,” she said, looking him in the eyes. “So, I hope you stop bothering my family or face the consequences,” she sai
Extra 25: Not-So-Innocent Prank Part 1After that conversation, things started to change for the better.Gabriel followed his assistant’s advice. After paying off the last lawsuits, Gate Construction closed down. Just as it had appeared out of nowhere, it vanished just as suddenly.The only good thing to come out of Gabriel’s attacks was that it taught a valuable lesson, not just to the Coopers but also to other companies: to keep some emergency funds on hand.Gradually, life for the Cooper family began to return to normal, settling back into their work routines and caring for the children.As the years passed, the four siblings grew up amidst laughter, games, and studies, which filled their parents with pride.James continued with his ambition to study and become a great architect like his father. He made sure to spend time with him and his grandfather at the company. In his free time, he played with the twins or worked out, as he had started following an exercise routine.Eliz
Extra 25: Not-So-Innocent Prank Part 2The black-haired woman felt triumphant, believing she was proving to her father that she could get anything she wanted, no matter the obstacle in her way.Unfortunately for her, her luck ran out when she realized the company had two elevators: one that went to all the floors and was for all employees, and another one that was exclusive for reaching the CEO’s office. In other words, she wouldn’t be able to reach “her grandfather” because that special elevator required an access card.“Damn it…” she muttered.“Ma’am, are you okay?” a child’s voice called out from behind her.“Are you having trouble, ma’am?” another child’s voice followed.“Who are you calling ‘ma’am’?” That word made her frown. She was only twenty years old, so she quickly turned to confront them, only to be surprised when she found two little kids watching her intently.“We called you ma’am,” Michael said.“Because you are one. You look old,” Nicole added mockingly.The wo
“I want to see my grandfather, and you won’t stop me. I have every right to be here since I’m a Peterson too. I also want to ask Grandpa for a favor, and—”“Let me guess,” James interrupted her. “You want an Ice Sapphire? That new and expensive jewel from the latest company collection, the one you want to show off at your graduation or some school party to make everyone think you’re related to us and not just adopted.”“Jerk,” she spat through gritted teeth.“If that’s it, I’m sorry to tell you it’s not going to happen because all the pieces we created sold out when they launched two days ago,” Erika stated. “But if you’d like, I can put in an order for a Spring Sapphire from the Fine Fantasy collection. We still have a few pieces of that model left.”“Fantasy?” she repeated, frowning. “Are you crazy?” she complained before turning her head to look at her father. “Dad, you promised me a real, expensive jewel for my graduation.”“Yes… it’s clear you’ve raised your daughter well, Ro