ALEXANDER "Why did you say that?" Iris was so surprised by Alex's sarcastic remark. "What is your angle here, baby? Giving the accusation about me getting you pregnant on purpose?" Alex asked her back again. Alex saw Iris staring at him in confusion. She did not know how to answer that question. He was also taken aback by her accusation. He did not think that way. When he said whatever it took to make her his — it meant a seduction. Not by taking away her choice to want or having a baby. That was why he was angry with her direct accusation. Realizing that she was crossing the boundaries, she gave an apology quickly. "I'm sorry, that was uncalled. And I don't mean to accuse you. Apologize for me overstepping the boundary." She said. His anger quickly dried down as well after she apologized like that. He released his breath and reached for her again. He did not like the situation where they were fighting like this. "Come here, baby…" he opened his arms. He was waiting fo
IRIS"You can leave, Alex. I am not a kid," Iris peeked from her eyelashes when Alex stood and rechecked her store."Just a moment. I want to make sure you are safe here." His reply made her heart melt a bit.Every small thing he did stack up and accumulate bit by bit successfully made her waver. How could it be possible she wanted to change her heart because of these things?"You said this Sebastian guy and his men are capable and reliable. So you don't have to worry. They will cover me well, aren't they?" A glare from Alex answered her rhetorical question. She smiled sheepishly."You are so cheeky!" Alex teased her and resulting in her feeling happy and giddy.
Julianne stared back at her with a curious glance as if she braced herself for Iris’ response. “Let’s sit.” Iris pointed to the tiny chairs and table so they could talk more comfortably. Julianne sat at the designated place. “You said you are his fiancee?” Iris repeated the question. “Yes, you see the news,” Julianne answered defiantly. “But Alexander said a different thing to me. He said that you guys don’t have any relationship whatsoever. The engagement was against his wish.” Iris explained in a neutral tone. She believed what Alex said to her. But it did not mean that she refused to hear Julianne’s story. Iris saw Julianne gulp and squeeze her luxury bag. “My father said the engagement is still happening, and he will marry me.” She added ultimately with emphasis. Iris put on her neutral face. She felt like Julianne did not want to continue the engagement with Alexander. And she came to Iris’ place because of the paparazzi and gossip news yesterday. “Have you talked
ALEXANDERHe felt it. The tension surrounded the office when his father and his men came into the board room for the emergency meeting this morning. All of the stakeholders already came and waited for the drama to unfold. His father was the president of The Browning Corporation. A vast business covered mineral resources extraction like oil and coal and doing some green investments in several countries in Asia for other resources like nickels, gold, and silver. The diversification of the business also included real estate and several investment projects. Almost a year ago, the company started to court Ruthfords's investment company to get fresh funds to expand to Asia Pacific. Alex knew this, but he was not getting involved because he was busy with the near collapsed business branches in Europe due to the economic slowdown. He was stationed in Europe, doing back and forth between the HQ and the European branches, so the last board meeting agreed for him to be solely responsible fo
Gossip was spreading like wildfire. Now the office was in shamble. The staff caught the news about the plan for Alex’s dismissal only several minutes after the meeting concluded this afternoon.They were aware now that the office politics would likely take place several months ahead. And they were waiting anxiously on who would come up as a winner. They only knew how much the rivalry between the company's father and son could affect their work.Alexander understood the sentiment. But he acted stoically and put on his best poker face. He would compensate the employees once he rose as the winner and successfully put his father behind the bar.Rlex was in his office with Brandon and Sheila in tow. They were discussing the impact of today’s meeting and mapping out who could support Alex in
Alex waited approximately around 10 minutes before the enigmatic Adam Moreno Navarro came to the private room of this high-end gentlemen's club establishment. By members only, and the senior members vetted each new member. A challenging and competitive entrance system, which made this club called 'The Finest Hour,' had a massive success among the elites."Alexander Ruthford?" A deep bass voice greeted Alex, who sat on the black sofa with Brandon. Alex forbade Sheila to come even though she begged to tag along. He firmly said no to protect her. He knew Adam's reputation and wanted Sheila to lay low and did not catch on his radar.Alex rose from his seat and extended his hand toward Adam. They shook hands tightly and assessed each other's strength and character in a few brief seconds.
IRIS Iris felt a bit headache after the catfight with Julianne today. Her scalp throbbed because of the hard yank of her hair. Thankfully, her hair was fine. But not her pride. It was bruised because she–for the love of God–experienced the catfight because of man! Ridiculous! So, when she was finished for today and closed her shop, she planned to have a hot bath with chamomile tea to lessen the dull headache. She was startled when she got Sebastian leaning on his sports car and waited for Iris there. “What are you doing here?” She might sound ungrateful to him, but she was exhausted and wanted to go home. “C’mon, I will send you home,” he said while opening the passenger door. She frowned. “Thank you, but you don’t have to do that. I have my car.” Iris refused. She jiggled her key car before him and tried to bypass his big body. “No, let me,” he insisted. He took Iris’ forearm gently, asking her to stop and talk to him. “Then how about my car?” she asked in confusion.
Iris woke up this morning in a contemplated mood. It was 5 AM, and she would usually go to the kitchen ten minutes later, take her tea, and prepare her simple breakfast. Later at 5.30, she would do twenty minutes of yoga and finish the morning in the shower. Around 6 AM, she was ready to go to her bakery shop and prepare to make the cakes and orders. Her life was simple and monotone in a predictable routine. But she liked it. She fought hard to get herself like this after her parent passed away and she was greaving them. She suddenly grew up as an adult without her parent's guidance. A routine that had to keep her sane and successfully distracted her from those depressing thoughts of living alone. But now, her life was turning to uncharted territory, and she had no maps to guide her. Sometimes s