I was stunned, then I snickered. "Finally showing your true colors, Maddie?"The bitch had been pretending to be as innocent and weak as a lamb for years. She would even put on a show of asking for my mercy whenever I was punished, just so she could play the saint.Well, the wolf was finally done cosplaying as a sheep."My true colors? I've always been this way. You're the one with issues," she retorted smugly."Whatever, man. I'm not interested in wasting my breath on you. Just tell your Eddy he should show up at the Clerk's Office by 2:00 p.m. It's hard to get a slot, so if he's dragging his feet, we'll have to reschedule for half a month later or something."I was about to hang up when she suddenly asked, her tone sharp, "Has he been seeing you lately, Taylor Jones?!"Her sudden spike in pitch, volume, and the use of my full name clued me in on something—these two had been fighting.I couldn't help but gloat a little. "Mm-hmm! What up?""How dare you?! He's my husband! You'r
It was clear that Cameron had been stewing in her rage for a long time, and I had called just when she needed someone to lash out at."I called Edward, not her. She was the one nosy enough to pick it up!" I protested. "If this is some sort of test from God, ma'am, you've been failing Him for an eternity. No wonder your daughter's never gotten any better!""Fuck you, Taylor!" Cameron shrieked, her voice cracking at one point. "You better pray you never fall sick!"I was done with this argument, so I returned to the point. "I didn't even mean to talk to her. Edward left his phone in her room—""He's your brother-in-law now! How could you even think of calling him after he married your sister?! Why couldn't you just send a messenger?"I bet you're just trying to win him back with your disgusting, slutty schemes! Maddie was smart enough to figure that out!" Cameron roared.I was trying to explain things for her benefit, and this was the response I got?! My words twisted into some fab
Edward was right about one thing: I was in a bind. Constantly—ever since I was a kid. It didn't matter how rich or powerful the Jones family was. It had nothing to do with me.I was a daughter of the Jones family in name only.Sure, the haute couture fashion house I founded was doing well, but it had only been a few years. Most of the money had gone into renovating that villa."Let's just discuss this once you're back. I won't try to take more out of it, anyway. Why would I, when it will just trigger Maddie into starting another bitch fit?"I ended the call before Edward could say anything more. I was simply too frustrated.I got into the car and cast one last, resentful glance at the Clerk's Office.My phone beeped. Edward had sent a text message.Edward: [Don't worry, Tay. Maddie won't know anything about this. You've given me so much… This is the least I can do to repay all of your sacrifices.]A lump formed in my throat. Tears welled in my eyes. So this piece of shit had a
Villains sure loved to torment each other most of all!"But I'm sure Maddie will manage to turn him back into a simp in record time. That's what scheming bitches are best at—they play men like it's bloody psychological warfare."They can throw all sorts of abuse at men and somehow manipulate them into drinking their bathwater with some of that sweet nothing," Jean, PhD in "How to Identify a Bad Bitch," stated."Whatever. These two belong together forever. May death do them part," I replied sincerely.Jean cast me a suspicious look. "Mm-hmm. You're sure you'll be able to say no to him if he comes back?""Of course! He humiliated and betrayed me! If I say yes to being with him again just because he asked, I'd be rightfully derided and laughed at everywhere!"They'd think I'm so obsessed with being with a guy that I'd eat a piece of trash!""Besides, you said it best. He might not have wanted me back because he realized he loved me. He just realized I provide more functionality and
"I can stay anywhere I want. It's easy when you're alone. Besides, I hate that house. Staying in it disgusts me," I said pointedly, exaggerating how much I hated it.The truth, however, was the complete opposite.Everything in that house was by my design. I loved every inch of it, but nothing was more important to me than reclaiming my mother's keepsake."Fine. How much do you need?""One million," I claimed.Frankly, both the furniture and the interiors should have undergone depreciation, meaning the price should have been lower.However, I wasn't about to play fair with this jackass—he was the one who had betrayed me first!"I'll give you 2,000,000 dollars," he said, unexpectedly generous. "We'll handle the transfer of ownership tomorrow, but you don't have to move out right away. You can stay as long as you like.""I just want 1,000,000. Nothing more than that. And I'll definitely move out as soon as possible."I was uncomfortable accepting his money.What if he used me as
"You know what? Cancel the plan. You should go and calm your little princess," I said, jumping to my feet.Unfortunately, Maddison had no intention of letting me go."Where the hell do you think you're going, Taylor Jones?! How dare you run away after being caught with my husband!" she shrieked, causing the entire hall to jolt in surprise.People began looking around in confusion.I waved at Maddison from a distance, smiling provocatively. "Oooh, can you even reach me, though?""You bitch!" she screamed, her voice rising as though she were ready to lunge.Edward hurriedly stepped in, pulling Maddie into a tight hug before she completely lost control."Stop it, Maddie! We're here to transfer ownership of the villa. You want me to sever all ties with her, right? Well, we still need to divide the properties in the divorce!"I snickered to myself. Just a few moments ago, he'd been the sweetest guy on the planet, sipping his hot chocolate, and now he couldn't wait to cut ties with m
Shocked, I pushed open the door and hurriedly exited the car. "Oh God, I'm sorry, Charles! The ride was so comfy I accidentally fell asleep! You should have woken me up...""Not to worry, Miss Jones! Mr. Kenway was the one who told us not to wake you. He thinks you must be too exhausted from work lately," Charles replied cheerfully, motioning for me to enter.As I stepped into the pavilion with my bag, Charles' words replayed in my mind."Um… Mr. Kenway saw me asleep?""Of course. He was on his way out when you arrived. John told him you'd fallen asleep, so he glanced through the window and instructed us not to wake you."Holy shit! This was embarrassing! He even saw me! Aaah!I frantically touched the corner of my lip. I wasn't drooling, was I? Oh my God, I just wanted to disappear…Before I could offer an explanation for my tardiness, Lisbeth gently interrupted, "Now, now. I know how exhausting it can be for young professionals. I think a rest is well-deserved. Besides, I wish
As though worried Soren might doubt my skills, I added, "I'll plan my time well so her dress will be done before her birthday.""Don't worry. You can just make two sets for the event if you're short on time. Honestly, I'd put your health first. Working too hard is far more damaging to the body than it seems."His words reminded me that he had seen me asleep just this morning. I felt embarrassed again.Soren could tell I was nervous. He stepped forward. "Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer. You have a meal to catch. We'll talk some other time."I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded hurriedly. "Yeap! Goodbye, Mr. Kenway.""Bye."I got into the car. To my surprise, he closed the door for me and waved through the window.I was beginning to wonder if I saw the "really rich guys" through rose-colored glasses.For some reason, anything that should have been ordinary—a smile, a frown, a shrug, a wave, even the way the wind tousled his hair—seemed magical and unique when it was him.
Had I not seen him just minutes earlier, I would have never guessed this man was some sort of king of the battlefield."No, Mr. Kenway. The pleasure is all mine. Sorry to disturb your work," I replied.I had instinctively addressed him as "Mr. Kenway" again—how could I not when I was reminded of the difference in status between us?Michael swiftly tidied up the table and tucked the documents under his arm before leaving.I feigned ignorance."Have you finished designing my shirt?" he asked, snapping me out of my daze.The words I wanted to say caught in my throat.Soren could tell I was hesitant and asked patiently, "Is my mother giving you trouble?""No!" I replied quickly.I hadn't brought any drafts with me, and I had nothing to discuss regarding his clothes!I had brought only the truth, and that was all I could offer."I… I'm sorry. I didn't come here to talk about your commissions," I admitted regretfully.He didn't seem angry. He beckoned toward the couch. "Take a se
I found it. Despite its austere exterior, it was imposing. Its only design was a line of words engraved on its wall: Serve and protect.Someone was waiting. I had seen him before—the man who had reminded Soren that he had to leave while we were talking at the gate of the Kenway residence.I parked my car and grabbed my bag.The man introduced himself politely, "Good morning, Miss Taylor Jones. I'm Michael Kidd, Mr. Kenway's personal assistant.""Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kidd."He led me into the building, past the security check, and into the lobby."Mr. Kenway is still busy. You'll need to wait for a while," Michael said.I smiled. "That's fine. I'm sorry to have scheduled this meeting on such short notice. It must have disrupted his plans."We reached the top floor, which appeared to be a wide, clean office space.Employees greeted Michael with deference as we passed by.I supposed this came with being their director's personal assistant. He essentially answered to no one b
I snickered. "Did I ask? You should stop thinking so highly of yourself. You could shove that money into my hands, and I'd smack it back in your face."Why? Because I don't want to disgust myself or my mom with the money of a traitor.""How could you say something so heartless?" Edward demanded."Actions are stronger than words, boy. Heartless actions are way worse than heartless words."I ended the call right then and there. I was so mad.But once the anger faded, anxiety crept in.If Edward knew, what were the chances Maddie knew as well? And since that woman was crazy enough to take anything I held dear, she'd definitely try to bid on that bracelet, wouldn't she?No! I wouldn't let that happen!I needed to gather enough money.However, the auction was in just two days. Where could I possibly find the funds?I forced myself to calm down. My mother always said never to give in to panic. Only a calm mind could devise a plan.I stared at the evening suit before me as an idea
Heh, a rape allegation. Divine retribution really was a bitch. Harry had finally gotten his comeuppance.My accidental laugh made Edward even angrier. "How could you?! Since when did you become so cruel?!""I learned from the best—you!" He suffered in silence, seething with anger."When you think about it objectively, can't you see I did nothing wrong? He was committing real crimes," I reasoned. "Even if you two are on the same side, I'd advise against being on the wrong side of the law, Ed. It won't end well for you either."He stayed quiet for a long time.I guessed he might have calmed down, realizing he didn't have much ground to stand on.Eventually, he changed the subject. "I heard you've been desperate for money. Why?""None of your business.""How much do you need? I'll give you the amount.""I want 13,000,000 dollars," I replied. "Got that much?""What do you need 13,000,000 dollars for?!" he exclaimed. "Is the company in financial trouble?""Nope."I suddenly ch
The woman stood naked, her voluptuous body on full display for anyone to admire.The elevator was bustling with guests, and news of the chaos had started to spread.People flooded the corridor, cameras trained on the unfolding drama.When the elevator doors opened, the first officer to step out barked, "Everybody, move aside! The police are here!"The crowd parted, creating a path to the central stage. Yet the police struggled to control the situation.Cameron was relentlessly beating Harry, who, despite wearing nothing but his birthday suit, seemed on the verge of fleeing.Ultimately, the officers had to forcibly restrain Cameron "War Goddess" Thompson to bring the fight to a halt.They arrested everyone involved under suspicion of public disturbance, assault, and prostitution.The accusation only fueled Cameron's fury. "What are you arresting me for? You should arrest these two for having an affair! What's wrong with a wife beating up a homewrecker, huh?""Pipe down and foll
I turned and watched the woman enter Harry's office.My gut instincts told me she had to be someone special.I got into my car and called Jean right away. "Jeannie, I need your help. Can you send someone to tail a person of interest?"If it weren't for the Kenways' commissions being my number one priority, I would have tailed them myself.-I thought it would take at least two or three more days for this to lead anywhere. But as it turned out, the prize showed up by evening.While I was working hard in the workshop, Jean texted me.Jean: [Yo, your deadbeat father just brought a woman to the Hilton Hotel. Room 8868. Wanna catch 'em in the act?]I set my needles aside and replied: [Nope. It shouldn't be us, Jeannie.]I called Cameron."What the hell do you want?!" Cameron yelled, her trademark impatience evident in her voice."Good evening, ma'am," I replied sweetly. "Is Dad home?""Of course not! I heard you went to his office to ask for money today. Have you no shame?! Madd
The next day, I went to Harry's office.The man glared at me coldly. One glance, and he started to scoff. "What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough to ruin our family?"I sat across from his desk. "I'm desperately in need of money. If you're not going to return Mom's shares to me, then give me the equivalent amount in cash."Harry froze. His glare darkened even more. "Are you stupid? I gave you half of your mother's shares, and you're still asking for more?""It was my mom's, so you should have given me all of them. Besides, if you hadn't stolen my grandparents' business, do you really think you'd still be here?"Harry's eyes locked onto mine.The awkward silence stretched for a few seconds until he suddenly pulled me toward the door. "Get out. Don't make me call security.""I'll go if you pay me 1,500,000 dollars," I said."What the hell?!" His voice cracked. "You're kidding me. I'd rather burn it than hand you that much money!""Shut up, Harry. What happens if Maddis
As though worried Soren might doubt my skills, I added, "I'll plan my time well so her dress will be done before her birthday.""Don't worry. You can just make two sets for the event if you're short on time. Honestly, I'd put your health first. Working too hard is far more damaging to the body than it seems."His words reminded me that he had seen me asleep just this morning. I felt embarrassed again.Soren could tell I was nervous. He stepped forward. "Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer. You have a meal to catch. We'll talk some other time."I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded hurriedly. "Yeap! Goodbye, Mr. Kenway.""Bye."I got into the car. To my surprise, he closed the door for me and waved through the window.I was beginning to wonder if I saw the "really rich guys" through rose-colored glasses.For some reason, anything that should have been ordinary—a smile, a frown, a shrug, a wave, even the way the wind tousled his hair—seemed magical and unique when it was him.
Shocked, I pushed open the door and hurriedly exited the car. "Oh God, I'm sorry, Charles! The ride was so comfy I accidentally fell asleep! You should have woken me up...""Not to worry, Miss Jones! Mr. Kenway was the one who told us not to wake you. He thinks you must be too exhausted from work lately," Charles replied cheerfully, motioning for me to enter.As I stepped into the pavilion with my bag, Charles' words replayed in my mind."Um… Mr. Kenway saw me asleep?""Of course. He was on his way out when you arrived. John told him you'd fallen asleep, so he glanced through the window and instructed us not to wake you."Holy shit! This was embarrassing! He even saw me! Aaah!I frantically touched the corner of my lip. I wasn't drooling, was I? Oh my God, I just wanted to disappear…Before I could offer an explanation for my tardiness, Lisbeth gently interrupted, "Now, now. I know how exhausting it can be for young professionals. I think a rest is well-deserved. Besides, I wish