The atmosphere in the room was thick and hard to breathe. Michelle stood still, her heart pounding so loudly that Millie's voice seemed distant and muffled, almost as if it were underwater. I said, Millie repeated as she stepped closer, there's something you need to know before you tell him your little secret. Raymond stepped in front of Michelle again, clearly protecting her. Millie, whatever you're trying to do, it stops now. You shouldn't be here. Millie replied, her smile unwavering, Oh, but I should. You see, this happy story you two are living? It was supposed to be mine. Michelle looked at her like she was an idiot. Didn't' you already tell us that before...? Millie turned her gaze, eyes cold. Michelle wasn't upset about what she just said. and it annoyed her. Did you really think Raymond chose you? She continued . That he just happened to fall for the sister nobody ever noticed?" Michelle winced slightly, a flicker of pain in her eyes. But Millie continued relentlessly. Ou
Millie's perfectly manicured fingers tapped rhythmically on the leather armrest as the car hurried through the dim streets of Manhattan. This city used to offer her everything she dreamed of, but now it only reminded her of what she'd lost—and what Michelle had taken away. Her phone buzzed beside her, but she let it be. She was done with being nice and just watching while Michelle took what should have been hers. Her call to Dante was dead serious, not just a threat. Dante Black was smart, cold, and ruthless. Known as Raymond's toughest rival. Millie had met him at a charity gala years back, when she was with someone she thought was her great love, the man she had even given up her own family name for. He was long gone now, leaving behind nothing but bitterness and the shadow of Dante’s ever-expanding empire, always lurking near Raymond's. Millie chose Dante not just because he had a score to settle, but because he despised Raymond enough to crush him without hesitation. And she lon
Michelle gazed at the message again, feeling a chill in her fingers as the threat weighed on her mind. The words You’re next flashed ominously on the screen. Beside her, Raymond stood with one arm around her, his expression fierce and determined. They're getting bold, he remarked, his voice low and serious. Too bold. Speaking softly, Michelle said, Raymond, this isn't just about the company anymore. I know, Raymond replied, already taking action. That's why we can't just defend ourselves. We have to put an end to this. By the next morning, Raymond's office was buzzing with urgency. Mason, the Chief Financial Officer, sat across from him while the head of cybersecurity rapidly went through files and server logs. The screens showed a jumble of charts, login histories, and IP addresses, all pointing to an organized assault. We've had multiple breaches, the tech expert explained. The attackers used fake companies and disguised IPs, but we found a link. Everything traces back to Bla
The next day , just after they've had breakfast and we're chatting. They suddenly heard a loud noise. Raymond turned quickly toward the noise, thinking, No, it can’t be. The elevator dinged loudly, signaling what he feared. Millie had returned. She somehow escaped from the security team and walked into the house, appearing furious. Her hair was wet and messy from the rain, her lipstick was smeared, and anger filled her eyes. She didn’t look like the composed socialite anymore. It was as if the mask she usually wore had shattered. "You think you can just toss me aside?" Millie yelled as she walked unsteadily forward. "You think it's over because your guards dragged me out?" Michelle took a careful step back. Raymond moved in front of Michelle, acting like a shield. "Get out, Millie," he said coldly. Millie’s eyes moved from Raymond to Michelle, then to Michelle’s hand resting gently on her belly. Millie stopped suddenly, her breath catching. Then she lost control. With a wild s
The morning started with a tender kiss on Michelle’s forehead from Raymond. The comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifted in from the kitchen. Today felt different—there were no loud noises, no police officers, and no surprise visits from her troublesome twin sister. Everything was calm and peaceful. Michelle held her growing belly gently with both hands as she walked into the living room. She was wearing a flowing light blue maternity dress. Her belly was becoming more noticeable, a gentle reminder that life continues despite any turmoil. Raymond was sitting at the kitchen counter with his laptop open and a plate of uneaten toast beside him. As soon as she walked in, his eyes lit up and softened as he looked at her. You slept a bit longer this morning, he observed, standing up to pull out her chair. She smiled, grateful for his thoughtfulness, and sat down. This baby seems to think 4 a.m. is the perfect time to start moving around, she joked. He chuckled warmly and leaned
The following morning, Michelle stood by the nursery window, arms crossed. Her eyes drifted over the New York skyline, glowing in the early sunlight, but she felt no warmth inside. She hadn’t been able to sleep because that email kept replaying in her mind. The message was clear: You can hide behind his name, but you can’t outrun your past. Though Raymond had tried to reassure her, uneasiness clung to her like a dense fog. Her past had stormed back into her life unannounced, and whoever sent that message wasn't just curious—they wanted to tear her life apart. She heard someone approaching from behind. “Still can’t eat?” Raymond asked softly, placing a comforting hand on her back. Michelle shook her head. “I tried, but the nausea is worse today,” she confessed. “Want me to call the doctor?” he offered. “No,” she whispered, leaning slightly against him. “It’s just stress, I think.” Raymond gently cupped her face, looking at her with both care and firmness. “Let me handle it, Mic
Raymond and Michelle arrived at the fancy rooftop lounge just before sunset. The city looked beautiful with the warm glow of the evening light, but the atmosphere between them felt tense. Michelle's stomach was in knots—not from hunger, but from a feeling of unease that had been bothering her for days. Walking toward the lounge felt like moving closer to something she wasn't prepared to face. Inside, Raymond held her hand tighter as they entered. The low murmur of conversations and the soft clinking of glasses became just background noise. The lounge was sleek and modern, with huge windows showing off the impressive city skyline. But they weren't there to enjoy the view. In the corner sat Celeste Monroe with a glass of champagne. The dim lighting softened the sharpness of her features, but her presence was hard to ignore. She looked poised and confident, clearly intending to be noticed. Raymond's jaw clenched at the sight of her, and Michelle felt a strange mix of emotions—perhaps
Michelle couldn't stop thinking about what her mother had said: "You should’ve never been born." These words felt like a sharp knife twisting in her heart. She always knew things were tough with her mother, but this was different. It was a cold cruelty she'd never imagined. Throughout the day, Raymond was her rock, always there to give her strength. His comforting words, We’ll handle this, Michelle. I promise you, were kind, but her mother’s words kept echoing in her mind. It hurt to think her own mother could hate her so much. It felt like her whole life was built on lies, and now it was all falling apart. Michelle realized she had to face the truth. Even though it was painful, she knew she needed to talk to her family, especially her dad, to move on. After a night of restless sleep, filled with dreams of her mother’s harshness, Michelle sat in the back of the car with her hands clenched. Raymond was quiet next to her, but his presence was comforting. He knew she needed time to th
Michelle woke up slowly with a headache and dry mouth. Around her, broken glass glittered like stars. In the distance, she heard sirens. The SUV lights flickered, casting an eerie glow. The driver was slumped over the wheel, groaning but clearly alive. Michelle felt aches everywhere, yet was relieved upon checking—no bleeding or sharp pain, just some wounds for now.Her hands trembled as she unbuckled the seatbelt. The SUV door was ripped open, letting cold air whip her hair as she struggled to sit up. A velvet box was on the floor, its lid open but otherwise intact. Inside, Chloe’s mother’s locket shone in the dim light. She reached for the locket as car headlights lit up the street. Another car screeched to a stop nearby. The driver had Informed Raymond about what happened.Michelle! Raymond's voice was loud and filled with panic, making her heart race. Moments later, he was beside her, arms around her with trembling hands. Oh my God, Michelle… What happened? Are you hurt? Talk to m
As Michelle stepped out of the black SUV that Raymond insisted she use, the city felt unusually quiet. The car was sleek and unmarked, with a driver Raymond trusted completely, but tonight, Michelle was going in alone.The meeting spot was an old estate on the city's edge, covered in ivy and wrapped in shadows and silence. Surrounded by tall iron gates and high walls, the building gave off an air of power and secrecy. Michelle’s shoes clicked on the gravel in the main courtyard, her heart racing and her head full of questions. Why was this happening now?Why involve Chloe? And why had the Ashfords dismantled Vivian so thoroughly? A tall man in a dark suit approached her. Mrs. Hawthorne, he greeted with a nod. This way. Michelle followed him inside the estate, feeling tense with each step. She had left her phone in the car, as requested, which felt like giving up her lifeline.Inside, the hallways were dimly lit, with oil paintings of the Ashford family lining the walls, their eyes see
The morning sun shone brightly through the tall windows of the penthouse, casting warm, golden light on the marble floors. Michelle stood by the kitchen counter, absent-mindedly stirring her tea while intently watching the TV mounted on the wall. The scrolling news at the bottom seemed surreal.BREAKING NEWS: VIVIAN DAVENPORT DROPS CUSTODY CASE AGAINST MICHELLE HAWTHORNE.Raymond entered just as the headline appeared again and paused, seeing the expression on her face. She really dropped it, Michelle said, almost in disbelief. Just like that. Even those investors supporting her have backed off.Raymond took the remote and turned up the TV's volume. A reporter was energetically explaining how Vivian suddenly withdrew her case, claiming she had a change of heart and new understanding of what was best for the children. Michelle couldn’t believe it. A change of heart? Really? she scoffed. She spent months trying to ruin me. That doesn’t just disappear. Raymond's expression turned serious.
The sound of the gunshot was still in Michelle's ears as the chaos in the room began to calm. Her heart was pounding hard, and fear surged through her—not just because of what happened, but from something deeper inside. Her instincts told her to act fast.The babies! she gasped, her eyes wide as she looked at Raymond. Where are they? Are they safe? Before Raymond could answer, the door swung open again. It was Chloe, holding both babies tightly, looking pale but calm.They’re fine, Chloe said quickly, her voice shaking a little. They’re okay, Michelle. I held them close when I heard the shot. They didn’t even cry. Tears filled Michelle's eyes, and she rushed to Chloe. Relief swept over her as soon as she touched her babies’ soft skin. Sebastian hurried to Chloe and took one of the babies in his arms, holding them protectively, as if he would do anything to keep them safe.Raymond shut the door behind them and locked it firmly. Sebastian quickly checked the room to make sure there was
A loud crash echoed from the hallway into the study, sending a jolt of fear through Michelle. Her heart pounded, and goosebumps rose on her neck. It seemed clear that someone had collided with the door. Even more frightening were the footsteps that followed, drawing nearer with a mix of caution and urgency.Raymond stood frozen, his body tense, listening closely with his hand hovering near the door, prepared for anything. The air was thick with tension. Stay behind me, Raymond instructed quietly but firmly, inching closer to the door. His eyes remained fixed on the hallway, preparing for whatever might come.Michelle held her breath, acutely aware of their vulnerability. The estate was secure, locked down against intruders, yet someone had managed to break in. She clutched the edge of the desk tightly and couldn't tear her eyes away from the door. Who’s there? Raymond called out, his voice steady and calm as he took another step forward. Silence. Only more muffled footsteps and an ind
The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the sprawling estate. Inside the penthouse, things were tense. Raymond stood by the large windows in the study, hands clasped behind his back. The stress of the day weighed on him, and tension filled the air. Michelle sat across from him, worried, tracing her teacup with her fingers.They can't do this, Michelle said quietly, feeling frustrated and surprised. Vivian can’t just—She can, Raymond interrupted firmly. The courts are on her side now. We have to follow her rules. We need to fight this legally, Michelle, and prepare for whatever she might do next. She won’t stop until she gets what she wants.Michelle’s grip tightened on the teacup. I’ve done everything right, Raymond. I’ve been a good wife, a good mother, everything she couldn't be. Still, she’s trying to destroy what we’ve built. Raymond crossed the room and knelt in front of her, gently lifting her chin to meet his gaze. You didn’t ask for this, but you’ve shown you’re stron
Michelle's hands shook as she held the court notice. It was hard to accept, but it was real. She had been summoned to court, and it felt like a battle for her identity as a Hawthorne, her life with Raymond, and her children's safety. The name at the bottom of the page, Vivian Davenport, sent chills through her.Raymond stood beside her, his expression angry and tense. He hugged Michelle, but his body was stiff, already thinking ahead about what they needed to do. He gently kissed her forehead and whispered, We'll fight this. We'll fight her.I can't believe this is happening, why is she doing this, and why is my father helping her? Michelle said, her voice cracking with emotion. She felt her anger fading into sadness. Vivian had already taken a lot from her, and now she was after the most important thing: her family. Raymond gently held her face, looking determined. Vivian will learn just how far you'll go to protect your family. We'll make sure of it. Michelle understood what lay ahe
The court notice felt heavy in the room. Michelle’s hands shook as she gripped the paper. The words blurred as she held it tight. It felt like the walls were closing in. Vivian’s legal challenge wasn’t just a surprise—it was an attack on all Michelle and Raymond had built with their children and new family. Raymond stood by the door, tense and quiet with anger. He hadn’t spoken since the letter came, but Michelle could sense his frustration. He was just as caught off guard by the court notice, yet his silence showed determination.Finally, Raymond spoke. I won't let her take anything from you, he said, calm but determined. Michelle looked at him, feeling her heart race. Do you think I’ll just let her ruin everything? You're wrong. Raymond’s face was serious. That’s not what I meant. I know you’ll fight back. But we need to be smart. We can’t let her pull us into her problems. If she’s willing to go this far, she'll do anything to discredit us . And we have to be ready too.Michelle th
Michelle's hands shook as she stared at the photo on her phone again, the screen's edges blurred because she was holding it so tightly. She's watching me, she whispered softly, her voice just audible over the gentle rustling of the wind by the window. Raymond's eyes narrowed with intense focus. Normally calm and composed, his face was now clouded with anger. He looked at Michelle in the photo. The photo was taken from above and was perfectly framed. It clearly wasn't by chance; it was meant to send a message.If she's watching us so closely. We need to watch her, too, he said in a serious tone. He grabbed his phone and started issuing orders to the head of security. Inspect every part of the house. Review the perimeter cameras. Ensure drones are up before sunrise. Michelle was breathing rapidly, pulling her robe close around herself. Raymond... if she was able to get that close to us without detection, what else could she do?Raymond crossed the room and took her hands firmly. She has