As luck would have it, Zach returned to the room just in time to see the door slightly open. His expression grew stern. He turned to the bodyguard and asked icily, "Who's been here today?""Margaret came in after her trip to the market. No one else," the bodyguard responded.Unconvinced, Zach decided to review the surveillance footage. The image of the child on the screen caused his frown to ease. Dalton had slipped his mind; amidst the chaos of Madelyn's illness, Zach had overlooked the boy.In the mall, Serena was picking out gowns for the upcoming art exhibition. She tried on several but noticed they didn't fit quite right around her waist. For a moment, she toyed with the idea of breast augmentation but quickly dismissed it. Eventually, she settled on a white gown that flattered her shape with its revealing cut.One of the bodyguards thought of something and mentioned, "It's been two days with no word from Jardin Corporation. It seems you can relax now, Ms. Smith."Serena laug
Fred had watched everything from the door and was impressed with her bravery. Mya, on the other hand, was terrified from just seeing him. It was just like seeing Zach. Both of them were like villains to her.However, even if she wanted to leave the car, it was too late. Serena's bodyguards had caught up and surrounded the car. She dared not get out of the car at that moment.Mya shrank back, unable to meet Fred's eyes as she stammered an apology, "I'm so sorry, sir. Your car looked just like mine. I didn't mean to get in, really. And that woman... she's bad news. Please don't throw me out, okay?"Fred gave her a cool glance. He wasn't mad, but there was an intense edge to him that was undeniable, his scar adding to his fierce appearance.Outside, Serena's bodyguards appeared ready to attack the car. Fortunately, its tinted windows shielded Mya, allowing them to see out while preventing Serena's bodyguards from seeing in.Fred's deputy lowered the window slightly, revealing his bad
Fred had the woman sit on his lap, his fingers daring to explore beneath the soft fabric of her skirt. She caught his wandering hand, her voice a blend of reprimand and invitation, "Not here, Mr. Turner. Eyes are upon us."He inhaled deeply, the perfume enveloping her was rich and unfamiliar, a stark contrast to Mya's subtle fragrance. Fred was a man whose interest waned with the moon; no woman ever marked more than a week in his orbit before he found them as forgettable as the last.As if on cue, a partition ascended, granting them a shroud of privacy. Her voice fluttered, a whisper of temptation, "Mr. Turner, might I assist you? This dress is quite delicate, after all." Fred parted his legs in silent assent, and she slid to her knees, a willing accomplice to their hidden dance.When Mya returned home, she was still thinking of how to ruin Serena Smith's life. To claim Madelyn's treasures as her own and flaunt them was an act of audacity that seared Mya's conscience. Never had sh
At Sky Studios, Clement's phone rang, and after a brief conversation, he turned to the crowd awaiting Leonardo. "Prof. Monet's been held up by unexpected business and will be delayed," he announced.Disappointment rippled through the students who had just arrived, hoping for a glimpse of the famed mentor. "We were supposed to meet him today," they murmured.One student's curiosity peaked, "And Madelyn? We never see her here, Clement. Where is she?"Another chimed in, "Especially after her award and the prize money last week. When will she grace us with her presence?"Curiosity buzzed through the room. "Isn't she the professor's one and only protégé? And who's this Madelyn Smith that's been in the news with the professor?"Clement, perusing his messages, replied without looking up, "Let's stay out of the gossip mill. You'll meet Madelyn when the time comes. For now, just focus on your art."He glanced up briefly, adding firmly, "And Madelyn Smith has no affiliation with Sky Studio
Everyone was present except for Leonardo. His attendance would elevate the event—his public appearances were rare, and his status in the art world was unparalleled.Serena, in the makeup room, applied the finishing touches. The scale of her setup outdid even Leonardo’s past exhibitions.Gazing at her reflection, satisfaction evident, she asked, “Is everything prepared as I requested?”“Yes, Ms. Smith. Everything’s in order,” came the reply.“Bring it here, let me have a look,” Serena instructed, her confidence unshaken. She was certain that Leonardo would take her on as his apprentice.Serena's eyes lingered on the antique painting the bodyguard had brought in. It was a genuine piece by a renowned artist, the very masterpiece Leonardo had long sought.Holding this, Serena was convinced it would be impossible for Leonardo to turn down her request. In her mind, she reassured herself, 'Everything is in place, just as planned.'...After Zach finished changing Dalton's diaper, the
Madelyn's subconscious was in turmoil, her dream echoing with the cries of her child. 'My baby... I hear you! Please, someone help my baby... Mommy's right here...' She felt trapped, unable to escape to find her child.Simultaneously, back in reality, Agustin entered the room and stood beside Madelyn's hospital bed. "You really do look just like her. She was my wife once.""Because of him, she was taken from me... But thankfully, I've been given you, who share her blood," Agustin muttered.His eyes brimmed with a fervent fixation as he reached out with quivering hands towards Madelyn's face, so like Alicia's. Leaning down, he inhaled her scent, his eyes shutting as he lost himself in memories of a past that seemed to hold beauty for him."M-My child..." Madelyn suddenly muttered. She thought, 'My child is still alive... My baby is back. Dal is my child.'It seemed her dream, her maternal instincts, were reaching out. After nearly four months in a coma, this was the first sign of M
Yet Serena had her own reputation abroad. "Thank you, Prof. Monet," she replied. "I anticipated your visit and have a special gift for you, in honor of your passion for art."A bodyguard approached, presenting an exquisitely crafted pearwood case. Serena began to unveil her gift, but Leonardo interrupted with a raised hand, "My visit today is to enjoy the art on display. Gifts are unnecessary."He studied a painting that captured an expansive seascape with towering waves beneath an azure sky. "Where is this scene from?" he mused. "Scenery like this is rare."To the uninitiated, the scene was merely stunning, but those with insight recognized there was more than met the eye.Serena responded, "It's been quite some time. I've forgotten. Why don't you come with me to see another piece?"Leonardo scoffed, "You don't even know what you've painted?"At that moment, Mya interjected, "This painting isn't hers."Leonardo waved his hand. Mya immediately kept quiet. However, some of the re
Leonardo replied, "I'm simply stating the facts. You invited me here, and here I am. My presence isn't without purpose."The nearby reporters stirred, their initial reason for attendance overshadowed by the unfolding drama—they sensed a significant story.Just then, a sleek Rolls-Royce glided to a stop at the entrance. A man emerged, impeccably dressed in a suit, his polished leather shoes clicking against the white steps. His steps weren't loud, but they resonated, drawing all eyes to him.A wave of surprise swept through the onlookers as they shifted their attention to the entrance. The question hung in the air among them, 'Is that the CEO of the Jardin Corporation?'Zach's presence was commanding, his intimidating aura palpable as he approached, a hand casually tucked in his pocket, while a chilly breeze trailed behind him, making everyone around shudder."Kevin," Zach's voice cut through the cold.Kevin responded, "Yes, Mr. Jardin."Approaching Serena, Kevin relayed, "Ms. Sm