Attempting to confirm Logan’s interest, Alessia asked again, ‘So, are you sure you want to do the interview?’Logan’s response was measured. ‘I’ll need to hear more about it before I decide. After all, BuzzBeat, as a tabloid, isn’t known for its impartial coverage. I have to consider protecting the reputation of me and my company.’Alessia wanted to assure him that BuzzBeat was undergoing significant changes under Miss Wilda Hicks’ visionary leadership. ‘Don’t worry,’ she said, ‘BuzzBeat is transforming, and the profile on you won’t be a scandalous gossip piece. It’ll be an honest portrayal of you and your achievements.’Logan seemed intrigued. ‘I want to hear more about your plans for the interview. Why don’t we find a place to talk?’Alessia hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement. ‘All right, there’s a great dessert place not far from here. But this time, I’m paying.’Logan smirked. ‘Deal. Just don’t scratch me again.’He climbed out of the backseat and settled beh
Logan launched straight to the point. ‘Got your text. You can start tomorrow. Report to my office at nine in the morning sharp.’‘Great! I’m looking forward to it,’ Alessia said with a smile. ‘And, I was wondering if I could bring a cameraman with me. We can capture some footage for the multimedia interview.’‘I don’t think that’s necessary,’ Logan said.‘I agreed to the interview to spend more time with you, not to have a third wheel around,’ Logan thought to himself.Alessia was persistent. ‘Come on, Mr Wilde. It’s for the interview. We need some visuals to go along with the article. It’ll be much better for the readers.’Logan relented. ‘All right, fine. Maybe the day after tomorrow, but not tomorrow. I want some time to prepare.’‘Thank you! I promise it won’t be intrusive. We’ll capture some great shots.’‘You better keep your word.’‘I will, I promise. Goodnight, Mr Wilde.’‘Good night. And don’t be late.’Logan ended the call with a smile.It seemed that Heath’s idea had turned
Brayden’s face grew gloomy, and he said, ‘My wife is fine. She’s not dead. And it’s rude of you to say that.’Milo retorted, his tone disdainful. ‘Just as it’s rude of you to ambush my mother in the hallway. If you are not recently widowed, then why do you keep showing up here and making inappropriate and unwanted advances to my mother? I can only conclude you are eager to look for a new wife.’Alessia stared at her son, amazed.Sometimes she wished she had a sharp tongue like his.Brayden was red in the face, but whether from shame or rage, Alessia couldn’t tell.‘Milo, that’s enough.’ She threw a protective arm around his shoulder. ‘Brayden, please leave. We have nothing to discuss.’Alessia narrowed her eyes at Brayden.She took a deep breath and said, ‘My son is right, Brayden. Your visits here are unwanted and unwelcome. Please stop showing up.’Brayden’s jaw clenched as he glared back at Alessia. ‘I can’t just stay away, Alessia. You know how I feel about you.’Milo, standing ta
Mrs Henderson chuckled, impressed by Milo’s persuasive skills. ‘You’ve got quite the point there, young man. All right, I’ll take them. There’s a homeless shelter I know that can surely do some good with them.’Milo pumped his fist in victory, and Alessia and Veronica praised him for his quick thinking.As they exited the lift, Milo suggested, ‘If Uncle Brayden buys me toys again, I’ll ask him to send a truck of toys to the kids in kindergarten. They’d love it!’Alessia and Veronica laughed, marvelling at Milo’s caring and scheming nature.‘That’s a brilliant idea, little man!’ Veronica said, ruffling his hair affectionately.‘Absolutely,’ Alessia added.***Alessia took a deep breath as she stepped into the sleek and modern lobby of Wilde Enterprises, fifteen minutes ahead of schedule.Approaching the reception desk, she smiled at the young receptionist and said, ‘Hey there, I have an appointment with Mr Logan Wilde. I’m Alessia Jansen from BuzzBeat.’The receptionist glanced down at
The hustle and bustle of the city life below seemed like a distant hum, while the serene atmosphere of Logan’s office provided a sanctuary.A luxurious sitting area, complete with a coffee table and exquisite décor pieces, was strategically placed near the windows.This was probably where Logan often held meetings with clients, showcasing the grandeur of Wilde Enterprises and its top executive.Behind the desk, Logan’s executive chair was a masterpiece in itself—crafted from fine Italian leather and ergonomic design, it provided the utmost comfort and support during long hours of work.The desk itself was clutter-free, with state-of-the-art technology neatly arranged—a reflection of Logan’s efficiency and sharp business acumen.The office also boasted a private bar, stocked with the finest wines and spirits.Alessia silently admired the place, wondering how many years she’d have to work before she could afford an office like this—probably never.As she turned around, her eyes locked o
Brayden stammered for a moment, seemingly caught off guard by the question. ‘Well, it’s a long story,’ he finally managed to say, trying to sound nonchalant.Logan’s eyes narrowed, and he leaned forward, his voice laced with scepticism. ‘A long story, huh? You still seem pretty interested in your ex-girlfriend despite being married, don’t you?’Brayden shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting towards Alessia before averting his gaze. ‘Look, it’s not what you think. Alessia and I, we have a history, but it’s not just about romance,’ he said, attempting to justify his lingering feelings.Alessia’s fists clenched under the desk, her patience wearing thin at Brayden’s audacity to air their past like it was an open book.Logan noticed her irritation and decided to put her on the spot. ‘Is what he’s saying true, Miss Jansen? Did you and Mr Scott have something more than just a romantic relationship?’Alessia’s jaw tightened, and she shot a glare at Brayden, silently telling him t
Brayden was taken aback by Logan’s tough stance, unable to find a suitable response.His eyes shifted uncertainly between Logan and Alessia.Finally, he relented. ‘Fine, Mr Wilde. I’ll agree to twenty-five. When can we sign the contract?’Logan looked up. ‘Whenever convenient for you.’‘Tomorrow then,’ Brayden rushed to reply.‘Sure,’ Logan responded flatly.‘Since our business is concluded, can I have a word with Miss Jansen in private?’ Brayden asked.Logan smiled slightly and said, ‘I’m fine with that. But it’s not my call to make.’Then, he looked at Alessia.Alessia frowned. ‘Sorry, Mr Scott, I’m busy. And I have nothing to say to you. Goodbye.’‘Maybe some other time.’ With frustration evident on his face, Brayden left the office.The sleek modern office seemed to crackle with tension even though no one spoke for a long time.Logan narrowed his eyes.In a voice laced with a hint of jealousy, he asked, ‘Is Brayden Scott your ex-boyfriend?’Alessia’s expression remained composed a
Logan’s possessiveness was starting to irritate Alessia, but she didn’t want to create more drama. ‘Fine, I’ll take them. But I don’t owe him anything,’ she mumbled under her breath.Logan stood at the open doorway, his voice sharper than ever. ‘You can eat it or throw it away for all I care.’Alessia rolled her eyes, refusing to let his words get to her.Why must the man turn a kind gesture into a bossy order?She opened one of the lunch boxes and found a delicious spread of her favourite dishes.Despite her irritation, she couldn’t help but appreciate the thoughtfulness of the gesture.As she savoured the food, she couldn’t deny that Logan’s chef knew exactly how to make her taste buds sing.The flavours were exquisite, and she found herself enjoying the meal more than she wanted to admit.Alessia sat back in her chair, feeling content and satisfied after the delicious lunch.The flavours of the mouth-watering wagyu beef carpaccio still lingered on her taste buds, and she couldn’t h
The city lights shimmered through the window, casting a soft glow over Alessia’s hotel room.She sank into the plush armchair, exhaling a weariness that settled deep into her bones.The day had been a whirlwind of interviews and deadlines, leaving her both physically and mentally drained.With a flick of her wrist, she loosened the tight bun that held her long hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders in unruly waves.The laptop on the polished mahogany table beckoned, a testament to the professional demands that consumed her day.Alessia leaned forward, fingers dancing across the keys as she organized her interview notes, a meticulous symphony of clicks and clacks.She paused, her gaze shifting to the phone by her side.Two missed calls from an unknown number flashed on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.For a moment, hope surged through her—perhaps it was Logan.But as she listened to the voicemail, disappointment settled in.It was merely a wrong number, a mundane interrup
With the briefcase in hand, Logan left the office and got in his car.He did not involve Terence; the meeting could be dangerous.Besides, he had backup.Logan raced through the city streets, weaving through traffic with a desperate determination.The clock was ticking, and the warehouse loomed ahead like a dark, ominous secret.As he approached the entrance, the flickering neon lights buzzed overhead, casting eerie shadows on the crumbling walls.Logan stepped into the darkness, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the desolate space.A figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a hooded jacket to conceal their identity.Logan’s pulse quickened, his senses on high alert.‘I brought the money, now show me Sirena,’ he demanded, his voice steady but edged with a simmering rage.The figure chuckled, the sound echoing eerily through the cavernous space. ‘Impatient, aren’t we?’He pulled out a phone from his pocket.With a swift motion, he tapped the screen, and a small screen on th
The city lights glittered below as Alessia and Vince sat in a trendy rooftop bar in Hamborough, taking in the breathtaking view.The change of scenery had indeed granted Alessia a temporary escape from the complexities of her life back in Veridian.Alessia raised her glass, sipping a colourful cocktail. ‘Here’s to new beginnings and escaping the chaos,’ she said with a half-smile.Vince clinked his glass with hers. ‘To new beginnings,’ he echoed, a faint smile playing on his lips.As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere became more relaxed.The city buzzed around them, providing a backdrop for a momentary reprieve.Alessia found herself enjoying Vince’s company, appreciating the unspoken connection they had cultivated over the years.Amidst the clinking of glasses and the distant hum of the city, Alessia sensed an opportunity to share the intricacies of her life.She turned to Vince, her eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and determination.‘You know, Vince, Logan’s first marriage
Logan’s office at Wilde Enterprises was a haven of order in contrast to the chaos unravelling in his personal life.The sterile hum of fluorescent lights bathed the room as he sifted through paperwork, attempting to find solace in the routine of his professional responsibilities.His phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Heath’s name.Logan’s heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, the outside world fading away as he focused on the voice at the other end.‘Heath,’ Logan greeted, his tone carrying the weight of worry.‘We found her,’ Heath’s voice crackled through the phone. ‘She was at the BuzzBeat office. Got into a bit of a scuffle with Alessia.’Logan’s temples throbbed in response, the news striking him like a physical blow. ‘Alessia? Is she okay?’There was a pause on the line, and Logan could almost feel the hesitation in Heath’s response. ‘According to the colleague who filed the police report, she’s got a couple of scratches, but otherwise, she’s fine.’Relief washed
The room was cloaked in a muted glow from the bedside lamp, casting a warm light on the framed photographs that adorned the walls.Sirena moved silently, her eyes scanning each corner of her parents’ room as she began the meticulous search for anything of value.Ralph was still in intensive care, which meant Naomi wouldn’t leave his side, giving Sirena the time she needed for a thorough search.Her fingers brushed against the cool surface of a polished wooden dresser, adorned with small trinkets that echoed the laughter of her childhood.A porcelain figurine, a relic from a family vacation, stood alongside a faded picture of her parents and a much younger Sirena.The memories were bittersweet, a reminder of the life she had left behind.As Sirena opened drawers with deliberate care, the soft rustling of papers mixed with the creak of aged furniture.In one drawer, she found a stack of handwritten letters tied together with a ribbon.Memories of birthday wishes, expressions of love, an
The Veridian airport bustled with a kinetic energy that only a major transport hub could exude.Travellers weaved through the expansive terminal, navigating a sea of bustling crowds and rolling luggage.The air hummed with the constant murmur of announcements, the clatter of footsteps, and the intermittent symphony of departure gates chiming to life.Alessia, her eyes scanning the digital departure board, stood amidst the organized chaos.The Veridian airport, a sprawling architectural marvel, boasted high ceilings adorned with sleek modern designs.Concourse shops beckoned with an array of luxury goods, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from the bustling cafes.It had been a long time since she flew—juggling a job and raising two kids hadn’t left a lot of time for the luxury of flying.‘Hey, I thought that was you.’ Someone tapped her on the shoulder.Alessia, startled, turned around to find Vince, a smile playing on his lips.‘Vince, what are you doing he
Naomi scoffed, bitterness lacing her tone. ‘Make things right? Can you bring back the peace we had before you barged in with your promises and complications?’Logan shook his head. ‘I can’t change the past, Naomi, but I can help with the present. Let me take care of Ralph’s medical bills. It’s the least I can do.’Her expression hardened, and she retorted, ‘Money won’t fix the damage you’ve caused. Sirena is missing, Ralph’s heart is failing, and our lives are in shambles. Don’t pretend you can fix it with a cheque.’Her words were still ringing in his head hours later.Logan stood on the roof, smoking, lost in thought, until his phone rang with an urgency that cut through the air like a serrated blade.He glanced at the caller ID, and a sinking feeling gripped his stomach as he answered.‘Logan, what the hell is going on?’ Albert’s voice, usually a bastion of calm, resonated with a furious edge. ‘Alessia called me, all cold and distant, calling me Mr Wilde instead of Grandpa. And she
‘Ralph! Naomi, call an ambulance!’ Logan’s urgency cut through the stunned silence, and Naomi, her face pale with shock, fumbled for her phone.Panic swirled in the room as Ralph clutched his chest, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.He toppled backwards.‘Ralph!’ Logan caught the old man in time.Within moments, the wail of an ambulance echoed through the quiet neighbourhood.Naomi and Logan hurriedly helped Ralph onto a stretcher, his face strained with agony.The ambulance doors slammed shut, trapping the trio in a suffocating bubble of uncertainty.The ambulance tore through the city’s arteries, its siren piercing.Inside, the confined space thrummed with urgency.Naomi clung to the edge of her seat, her eyes unblinking as she watched the paramedics work on her husband.Ralph lay supine on the stretcher—his heart just stopped.The heart monitor emitted a relentless warning beep.Naomi’s hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, the medical jargon exchanged by the paramed
Naomi stirred the simmering chicken soup, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth.She glanced at Ralph, who was grabbing his keys.‘Ready to head to the hospital?’ he asked.‘Absolutely,’ Naomi replied, wiping her hands on her apron. ‘Hand me the thermos.’They were only allowed to visit Sirena once each day, the visit lasting no longer than half an hour.The doctor explained that the restricted visits were important to establish routine in Sirena’s life.As they prepared to leave, they heard a knock on the door.Surprised, they exchanged a puzzled glance before opening the door.Standing on their doorstep was Logan. ‘Can we talk?’Naomi and Ralph exchanged a wary look but nodded, allowing him inside.Logan took a deep breath, eyeing them both. ‘I’m sure you know why I’m here. I need Sirena to sign those divorce papers.’It had been almost three days since Sirena’s hospitalisation, and Logan had waited long enough.Naomi’s lips trembled. ‘Logan, we can’t believe you’ve moved on so