The feeling in the conference room at the Hawthorne estate was full of tension, like the air before a heavy storm. Despite the spring weather, a fire crackled in the fireplace—Eleanor probably wanted it for an extra sense of control. The long mahogany table stood as a barrier—Raymond and Michelle were on one side, Eleanor and Calvin on the other. There were no assistants or lawyers. It was just family, if that term still applied. Raymond's face was tight with seriousness, his fingers pressed together as he looked at his mother across the table. Michelle sat beside him, upright and with an unreadable expression, though clearly not indifferent. Eleanor looked composed as always, wearing a dark navy dress with pearls. Her eyes shifted from Michelle to Raymond. I agreed to meet, Raymond, because I'm worried, she said, her voice smooth. Not just for the company, but for your future. You mean you want control, Michelle said softly, noticing a slight tightness in Eleanor's mouth. I mean
The second meeting with Eleanor and Calvin took place just under two days after the first one, but this time, the atmosphere was much more tense and charged. The location was different, too. Gone were the large fireplace and the grand estate decorations. Now, they met in a modern, private boardroom on the top floor of Hawthorne Enterprises' skyscraper. The glass walls offered a stunning view of New York City, but inside the room, the mood was stormy. Raymond sat at the head of the table, with Michelle seated beside him, her hands tightly folded in her lap. Across from them, Eleanor looked composed and in control, dressed in a neat silk blouse tucked into her skirt, her hair styled in a polished bun. Calvin lounged next to her in his tailored suit, exuding the confidence of someone who believed he had already won. Eleanor spoke first, her voice clear and firm, tapping a slender finger on the folder in front of her. I assume you've gone through the quarterly reports, she said. The fig
The note remained on Raymond’s desk, its edges slightly curling, symbolizing the stress in the room. Michelle watched as Raymond paced, running his fingers through his hair—a clear sign of worry that was unusual for him. Finally, he halted and faced her. This isn’t just a warning, Raymond said in a low voice. It’s a threat disguised as concern. They’re testing us, seeing how much we can take before we collapse..Michelle, clutching the letter tightly with one hand and her arms crossed, asked, You think they’re ready to act? Yes, I’m sure they are. Raymond returned to his desk and picked up a folder Victor had given him the night before. He opened it and pointed to a document. Victor found hidden money transfers through multiple accounts. It’s a familiar pattern. The Ashfords are channeling funds to a fictitious company tied to Calvin. Michelle’s eyes widened. Why would Calvin work with the Ashfords? He knows their potential for harm..Calvin only wants one thing,.Raymond said emphati
Victor entered Raymond's office, and the sound of his footsteps echoed softly on the polished floor. The tension was thick in the room, almost as if you could touch it. Victor carried crucial information that could either protect or destroy everything they had built together. I've found more evidence, Victor said, wasting no time. He handed Raymond another flash drive. This isn't just about financial trails anymore. There are letters, coded messages about secret meetings, and a specific money transfer to a shell company linked to Wexler Holdings. Raymond took the drive, his jaw set tightly. Wexler, he murmured. So, Millie was telling the truth after all..Victor raised an eyebrow in surprise. Millie?.Michelle just got off the phone with her,.Raymond explained, dropping into his chair. Millie said she saw Calvin handing over documents to someone from Wexler at a party. Victor crossed his arms. That makes it more than just a coincidence. Calvin is playing both sides. He's trying to te
Raymond sat staring at the photograph long after the guards left. His thumb traced the clean edges of the threatening note. He saw Michelle, the twins—his family, his future. All were targets now. Anger and fear churned inside him, but he kept control. Instead of exploding, he took a deep breath and let the anger sharpen his focus. What had been just a threat was now a clear challenge—like a declaration of war. He picked up his phone and made a call. Victor, we act at dawn. But not the way they expect. Victor paused on the other end. Are you sure? Yes, Raymond replied firmly. It’s time to deal with Calvin, but we’ll do it by the book. Strategically. We’ll create a solid case and get allies involved. They have as much at stake if this company ends up with Wexler..Victor sounded a bit relieved. I’ll start reaching out. I know some board members who doubt Calvin. If we show them what he's doing behind closed doors, they’ll change sides. Begin with Amelia Tate. She’s been outspoken abo
The boardroom was filled with quiet chatter. Important people were present: decision-makers, top executives, and legal advisors, all chosen by Raymond. Behind him, the large windows showed the city glowing in the morning sun, but inside, the mood was tense. Calvin sat stiffly at the table's end, his eyes quickly moving between faces, gauging who he could trust. Eleanor sat beside him, looking calm but clearly stressed. They both seemed aware that their time was running out. Raymond stood at the table's head, tall and composed. Victor was next to him, and Amelia Tate sat on his left. In front of him lay a thick, unopened folder..Thank you for coming, Raymond began, his voice steady and strong. This meeting isn't just about numbers or goals. It's about truth and accountability. He opened the folder and slid some papers across the table. Amelia picked them up and began passing them around. These are reports, witness statements, and financial records from the last six months, Raymond ex
Michelle’s office was quiet and peaceful. Sunlight poured through the large windows, lighting up her whiteboard and sketches. She was building a new life for herself, one step at a time. It was her plan, her future. Her assistant came to the door with the phone. Michelle, there’s a call for you. The client with the phoenix card wants to talk. Michelle raised her eyebrow and picked up the phone. This is Michelle. A voice she knew spoke with confidence. Michelle Hawthorne. Happy we finally got to talk. It’s Victor Calloway. She straightened in her chair. Victor? He laughed a little. I hope the card wasn’t too mysterious. I wanted to catch your interest. You did get my attention, she said carefully. What do you need? He replied, It’s about what we can achieve together. I want to meet you. There’s a large project—one I've wanted to work on for years. I want you to be the designer. Michelle was surprised. Victor Calloway was a well-known, influential person who usually stayed behind the
Chloe clutched the birth certificate tightly. The name, Chloe Madeline Westwood, felt unfamiliar to her, like a stranger staring back in the mirror. The moment their car stopped at the Ashford house, Chloe got out quickly and marched up the steps. Her heels clicked loudly as she went. Sebastian followed her quietly, understanding that saying nothing at the moment was the best support. Roxanne answered the door, her surprise evident. Chloe immediately said they needed to talk. Dominic appeared, adjusting his sweater sleeves. He looked concerned when he saw Chloe’s expression but invited them in right away. The sitting room felt colder than usual. Chloe walked to the center and put the birth certificate on the table. This was left on my doorstep, she said, holding up a note that read, Now you know why they wanted you hidden. She demanded an explanation from Dominic. His expression barely changed, but the flicker in his eyes revealed he understood. Roxanne covered her mouth in shock.
The next morning, the sun shone through the villa’s big windows, filling the living room with warm, golden light. Michelle sat at the kitchen table with her sketchpad in front of her, a steaming cup of coffee in her hands. She hadn’t slept much because her mind was so active. After her call with Raymond, she had dug out an old box of pencils and notebooks. She flipped through nearly forgotten sketches and doodles. Her fingers were eager to create again, to bring the characters Raymond imagined to life. Now, she looked at the first page. It was a sketch of two small twins exploring a magical forest. She smiled. A new chapter. A new dream. It felt like coming home. Michelle picked up a pencil, enjoying how it felt in her hand. She started drawing slowly, but as the lines and characters came to life, she felt herself relax. Pure joy filled her heart. She would do it. She would illustrate their story—not for the publisher, not because she had to—but because it was their story. Something
Millie gazed at herself in the mirror, softly pressing down the smooth fabric of her dress. Her stomach felt a mix of nerves, and she couldn’t help but keep smiling. She was going to have coffee with Damian. Millie didn’t expect to say yes so easily, and she didn’t expect to feel this excited. She kept reminding herself it was just a simple hangout, nothing too complex. When she walked into the small bistro at the corner of the plaza, she spotted Damian already seated at a candlelit table. Her heart felt a sudden jolt. He stood up as soon as he saw her, a warm smile brightening his face. Damian looked effortlessly handsome in his navy shirt with sleeves rolled up and slightly tousled hair. You found it, he said, pulling out a chair for her. Millie nodded and sat down, nervously toying with her napkin. I almost got lost, but... she grinned, "it was worth it. They ordered some wine and local dishes, and soon they were chatting easily, as if they had been friends for a long time. Damia
Michelle looked at the blinking cursor on her screen for a long time. Finally, she sighed and leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. The idea of letting cameras into her home, even for just one day, made her feel uneasy. Her home had become a safe haven after everything she had been through. She wasn’t sure if she was ready to show even a small part of it to the world. Then, she thought about the bigger picture—the story she was sharing. It wasn’t just in her designs but also in the life she had rebuilt from the ground up. Maybe it was time to show a little of that new life. Carefully, Michelle typed her response: Hi Alice, Thank you for thinking of me! I’m open to filming at home, but I have one request: I do not want the children on camera. They are too young, and I want to protect their privacy. Looking forward to hearing more about the logistics. Best, Michelle. Before she could second-guess herself, she hit send. It was a boundary she felt comfortable with, and she hoped
Michelle gripped her tea mug a bit more as she listened to Chloe. From the next room, the gentle sound of Raymond reading a story could be heard. I thought we had a future, Chloe said, her voice trembling slightly. Michelle carefully set her tea down and moved over to hug Chloe. She didn’t say anything, offering just silent support. Chloe pulled back after a moment, quickly wiping her eyes with her sweater sleeve. She let out a shaky laugh. Now... I have no idea what's next. Michelle gently tucked a stray strand of Chloe’s hair behind her ear. Have you talked to him? Really talked? Chloe paused. Not yet. I’m scared. Michelle squeezed her hands reassuringly. He might be scared too. You won't know unless you try. Just then, as if by chance, the kitchen door opened. Sebastian stood there, looking serious but determined. Chloe, he said quietly. Can we talk? Michelle gave Chloe a supportive nudge and quietly left the kitchen to give them privacy. Outside, on the villa's porch under a sk
The next morning, Michelle stood on the edge of the construction site with her hard hat under her arm and the World Visions producer's card tightly in hand. She watched the vibrant scene before her: homes halfway built, gardens starting to grow, and the sound of workers' laughter mingling with the spring air. This was her dream built from nothing—a new beginning, and her second chance. She wanted to share it, but under her own terms. Michelle took a deep breath and dialed the number on the card. Alice answered quickly. Mrs Hawthorne! I was hoping to hear from you, she said brightly and professionally. Michelle managed a small smile. I want to proceed with the documentary, she stated, choosing her words carefully. But there are a few conditions. Of course, anything. Isabella responded warmly. We want you to feel at ease. First, Michelle said, steadying her voice, the focus has to stay on the project—the architecture and sustainability efforts. My family, especially my children, must
Michelle was in a small café's sunny courtyard in the middle of town. She felt a bit nervous as she stirred her cappuccino and kept checking the clock. Today was an important meeting with a potential investor. They chose this casual, public location to help her feel safe. Her sister Millie had offered to be there for support, but Michelle decided to handle the meeting alone. Staying professional and thinking clearly were crucial for Michelle because much was at stake. Soon, a fancy black car stopped on the cobblestone street, and a tall man stepped out. He wore a nice navy suit, with some gray in his hair. He scanned the café until his sharp eyes found her. Michelle stood as the man approached and extended her hand. Hello. I'm Michelle Hawthorne. He smiled warmly and shook her hand. I’m Oliver Grant. Thank you for meeting me. Michelle was taken aback for a moment. She knew his name. Oliver Grant was Adrien's former business partner, someone she had heard about but never met. Adrien o
Raymond spent the night walking back and forth on the terrace, holding the crumpled letter in his hand. He was torn between his responsibilities and his desires. As dawn broke, painting the sky with soft pink and gold colors, he finally made his decision. When Michelle entered the kitchen, she was still in her pajamas and holding a steaming cup of tea. She found Raymond already at the small breakfast table, his usually calm eyes showing some hesitation. Morning, Michelle greeted with a sleepy smile, placing her cup down. You're up early. I couldn't sleep, he admitted. He reached into his pocket, pulled out the letter, and slid it across to her. I need to talk to you about something. Michelle looked puzzled as she unfolded the letter. As she read it, she let out a soft gasp. Raymond, this is amazing! She exclaimed, her face lighting up. The Global Entrepreneur Excellence Award? That's a huge deal! Raymond managed a small smile. It is a big honor. You really have to go, she said immed
The following days were filled with a whirlwind of excitement and preparations. They dug out the suitcases from the closets and checked that their passports were in order. Michelle stayed busy writing lists of items to pack, tasks to cancel, and things to remember. The twins were overjoyed, running around the house and laughing about their upcoming trip on a huge airplane. At the dining table, Chloe and Sebastian were deeply focused on their laptops, discussing work matters. I think we should adjust the project timelines while Michelle is away, Chloe suggested as she reviewed the company’s main schedule. That way, if unexpected issues come up, we’ll be prepared. Sebastian agreed, tapping his pen. Yes, I'll take care of client meetings if necessary. We’ll make the transition smooth. Michelle, overhearing them from the kitchen while packing snacks for the twins, smiled to herself. She would miss her team dearly, but knowing Chloe and Sebastian were taking charge gave her peace of mind
The next morning, warm sunlight filled their living room through big windows, creating golden patterns on the wooden floor. Michelle was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed, staring at an email on her phone. The subject line felt huge and important. Across from her, Raymond was calmly sipping his coffee, quietly watching her. I can’t stop thinking about it, Michelle said, setting her phone on the table. It’s such an amazing opportunity... but I’m scared, Ray. Raymond put his coffee mug down and leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. Tell me everything, he encouraged her . Let's figure this out together. Michelle brushed a piece of hair behind her ear. The project lasts only three months, she explained slowly. It's about a small eco-community designed to be self-sustaining, combining nature and buildings in new ways. Raymond nodded encouragingly, urging her to continue. And they want me to lead the design, not just help. Lead. Michelle's voice wavered slightly with the