“We got a lead. I know it came as a shock, but we’re lucky that we got a hold of this news before the media finds out.”
Nikolai sighed. One moment, he was brimming with happiness with his family and in just a glimpse of an eye, everything was at risk. Not just his family, but everything that he worked hard for all his life.There are already articles written. Some whistleblowers have spoken. The little people that know about the issue have been monitoring how they are doing in the stock market. It’s hopeless. Nikolai and those who know the truth are waiting for their ship to finally sink while they are still inside.‘Data Deception Exposed: Corruption in the Energy Sector’The media are playing games on them. Even sending them anonymously a copy of what they will release on the internet tomorrow, which was even a date written with a tiny font below the title. That means they have less than twenty-four hours to fix an issue that would cause irreparAnother sigh of frustration escaped Belle’s mouth for what it seemed like the hundredth time today.‘I have to leave for an emergency. Don’t worry about it. I just need to fix this now. Will explain it to you soon.’That was the last text that Nikolai sent before leaving. It was still Sunday, and they were supposed to stay in the hotel until Wednesday and so far, it has been going well until Nikolai received that message.He must have left at midnight. No matter what problem it was from work, how urgent was it that he really had to leave that early in the morning?It wasn’t helping that Nikolai hadn’t been answering any of her messages or calls.“Mommy, is Daddy in his office?” Liam asked.She stopped looking at her phone screen and relaxed her face to show her son a sincere smile. It was hard to hide the panic and worry, but for Liam’s sake, she has to pull her shit together.“Yes.” she answered shortly, so he wouldn’t ask so much. “Why don’t you fall asleep for now and I’ll wake you
NIKOLAIA few hours ago.Nikolai received a lunch invitation that he badly wanted to decline. It wasn’t even sent in a text message. Someone sent him an invitation with not much detail. It simply wrote:‘La Château Gourmet. 11:30 am sharp. See you there, Nicky.’-JThere’s no better reason for such an invitation. It was merely for dramatic effect. Nikolai knew well that it was Juliette. He had been living all his life unaware of this woman’s existence and now, she’s popping out of nowhere in the most inconvenient time. That’s enough reason not to like her.He received endless phone calls and text messages. Nikolai didn’t even bother opening his email fearing that he might really lose track of things to do. At the moment, he’s helplessly drowning. A little more push and he might really sink.All he wanted to do was go back to that vacation and spend another day with his wife and son. Nikolai tried closing his eyes and imagined the green trees and the crystal ocean. He got all this mone
“We can just talk here. I told you. I'd say yes immediately if there's anything I can do.” Belle was desperate to help Nikolai.“You know I'm not that attached to the business before. I only felt forced to take over because no one else would. I had to give up practicing law and continue to run this business.”“Are you saying that you don't want to be involved with this?”“No.” His eyes were on the ground. Belle can feel the weight on his shoulders with those deep breaths. “Even if I'd want to, there's no way out of this. My face is on every article about the company. Backing out now is a cowardly move that would confirm what people are already saying about me. That I'm a ruthless and corrupt business person.”“You know you are not that kind of person.”“I know, but no matter what I’d do, they won’t believe me, Belle. It’s so easy to spread information these days. People won’t even bother verifying if it’s true or not.”Nikolai is right. You can defend yourself and use every channel av
Belle smiled at the few staff who recognized her. She tried not to grab anyone’s attention. Okay, maybe a little. She may have kept her silence, but she has been possessed with her flair for the dramatic. She wore the perfect black dress, hugging her curves perfectly, and dark red lipstick like a typical movie villain. She contemplated adding sunglasses but thought nah, that would be too much.She knew coming here at the law firm would be a hot issue in the making. People love to gossip as what can be observed with every eye trying to follow her every move subtly. She hasn’t left the area, but they are already whispering. For the first time after a long time, she didn’t care. It was nice to feel liberated even in this last stage of her short-lived marriage. It was a marriage that made whispering feel like screaming.Ah, there they are. She thought, spotting the conference room with glass windows. Perfect. She opened the glass door with a wide grin, showing her perfect set of white te
“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Laurent.” Belle wasn’t nervous… or at least, this is what she kept telling herself while earlier, she was looking at the mirror, combing her hair. Even after changing her mind for what felt like the hundredth time, she is still unsure if she chose the right dress. Heck, she was even nervous thinking about what type of makeup look she would be wearing today. There was no need for her to please the parents. Her actions, however, say otherwise. It was hard to show a sweet smile, but she managed just fine. On the inside, there was an uneasy feeling, an internal chaos she wouldn’t like to admit was happening. Their presence made her almost forget that Nikolai was in the same room. It was surprising to see Oliver Laurent smile. Nikolai has consistently described him as a strict father growing up, giving her the image of a grumpy old man. Adeline’s fake smile was easy to spot, on the other hand. It was a contrast to the intense stare Belle couldn’t help but no
This was a mistake, a huge one.In her head is a long list of all the actions she was starting to regret. On top of that list was meeting Nikolai. Nothing should be added. Enough stupid actions. Belle no longer cared if she packed her things messily in her suitcase; some were even scattered on the floor, but she was ready to squeeze everything into her luggage. The need to go home and forget what happened today was stronger than having well-arranged luggage.It has only been days, and she missed her child terribly already. They were never separated for this long, and she couldn't believe she left for something that turned out to be not worth it. Clearly, that would be Nikolai.She could have kept silent. Shut her mouth and just signed those damn divorce papers without slapping it on his face. It would hurt, and she'd spend some nights crying but at least, she could still have that peace she could never have now.After making sure nothing important was left behind, Belle clumsily close
Nothing came out of Stella’s mouth. No sign of agreeing or disagreeing. Too stunned to speak, Stella stared back at Belle’s eyes with immeasurable seriousness. “I mean it,” she said. “Why would I agree to this?” Belle couldn’t believe why there was still a need for her to explain her terms when it was clearly in favor of Stella. It was a good deal, a great deal in fact. She is asking for nothing from her side, no help, and no drama. “What’s in it for you?” Stella was suspicious, and it was written all over her face. Her eyebrow raised. “You are still his wife. The last time I remember, you still wanted him.” “Geez, that was a long time ago. I think I deserve to move on, right? It’s really simple, Stella. Go, have him. I even came here to give the divorce papers myself. If that doesn't work, I can do it again and again. Until I am free from that shit-hole I once called , marriage. Point is, I simply want to cut ties. That’s all.” “That’s all?” "Let me put it this way." Belle lazi
All lights are turned off at the law firm except for that corner where Preston was seated, staring blankly at his screen with a company's contract he has been trying to read for an hour now.The sigh that just escaped his lips was a sign of conceding. The words on the screen didn't seem to make sense when his mind was elsewhere. It would be better to stop and rest now than waste his time. This isn't efficient at all."Of course, you're here again. First to go to work and last to go home."Preston didn't have to look up to recognize the owner of her voice. When he did glance, even after seeing her face in the office all the time, Preston was still left mesmerized by how beautiful she looked. There he goes again, admiring her at the expense of his focus.She sets the documents and folders in front of his table and places a plastic bag with takeout food."Why did you come back?"He should know that she left earlier because Preston w