Avery stood to her feet, taking a deep breath and opening her eyes as she ascended the steps to the higher seat. The eyes of the room were upon her, but she remained calm and collected, as if unfazed by the attention. She had been through much worse than this, and she knew how to handle herself with grace and poise.As she reached the top of the steps, she turned to face the crowd, her head held high. She was ready for whatever was to come."Hello everyone," Avery said, her voice clear and confident. "I am Avery Rodrigo, daughter of Richard Rodrigo, and I am here to take over the helm of Star Technologies. I hope we can all work together to take this company to the top."A hush fell over the crowd, as people whispered and exchanged looks. Some were skeptical, while others were intrigued. But all were watching her closely, waiting to see what she would do next.In the back of the room, Stephen was staring at her in a daze. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. His world was spinnin
As the crowd turned to see who had bid such an enormous amount, they saw Avery seated at the front of the room, her card raised high. She wore a sly smile on her lips, as if she knew something no one else did.Tamer shot her a look of disbelief. "What do you need with a musty old ledger?" he asked. "Even if you explained it to me, I wouldn't understand."Avery just shrugged. "That's the point," she said, still smiling. "There are some things you're just not meant to understand."Stephen's face grew red with anger. He couldn't believe that Avery had outbid him for the ledger. He had spent so much time and effort preparing for this auction, and now she had swooped in and taken what he had wanted. His heart pounded in his chest, and he could feel the heat rising in his face. He clenched his fists, trying to control his anger. But it was no use.The auctioneer brought down his gavel with a loud bang. "Sold!" he announced. "One hundred and ten billion to Ms. Avery Rodrigo."There was a mo
As Tamer's lips touched hers, Avery's senses were overwhelmed. His mouth tasted like peppermint, and his breath was warm and close. She felt a wave of panic rise up within her, and she wanted to push him away. But something about the moment held her in place. She was paralyzed, unable to move or speak.Tamer pulled back slightly, and their eyes met. His gaze was intense, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. "Avery," Tamer said, "is this what you want? Why can’t you stay away from me? What do you want from me that you took the ledger back?" His voice was steady, but there was an edge of pleading in his words.Avery's heart was pounding in her chest. She didn't know what to say. She didn't know what she wanted. On the one hand, she hated Tamer for what hes family had done to her.Was he any different?On the other hand, she couldn't deny the chemistry between them. She felt torn in two directions, and she didn't know which way to go.Suddenly, Avery's arm shot up and she slapped T
It was a warm Saturday afternoon, and the sun was shining brightly in the sky. Avery sat on the balcony of her new house, a gift from her father, and the wind blew her hair gently in the breeze. She closed her eyes and savored the feeling of the sun on her face. For a moment, she could almost forget about everything that was happening in her life.But the peace was fleeting. As soon as she opened her eyes, she was confronted with the reality of her situation. She was trapped in a world of politics and power, and she was not sure she could get out.Avery's hand went to her lips, her fingertips brushing over them lightly. She could still feel the sensation of Tamer's kiss from the night before. His lips biting against hers…It had been passionate, intense, and confusing. She was still not sure how she felt about him, or about the offer he had made her. She knew she had to make a decision soon, but she was not sure what the right choice was.As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, the
Avery's voice was firm but controlled as she looked Mrs. Anderson straight in the eye. "I'm afraid I cannot sign this contract, and I suggest you never bring up such a proposition again. You should never forget your place, Mrs. Anderson."Mrs. Anderson's expression changed from confidence to shock in a matter of seconds. Her eyes widened, and her mouth opened slightly as if she couldn't believe what she was hearing. She seemed to be thinking, "But Avery is my former daughter-in-law, she always agreed with me in the past, why is she refusing now?"Avery's words hung in the air like a challenge, and Mrs. Anderson felt a surge of surprise and even embarrassment. She had expected Avery to agree readily, given their past relationship and the fact that Mrs. Anderson had always gotten her way. But now, Avery was standing up to her, and it was clear that she wouldn't back down.Mrs. Anderson's face reddened slightly, and she struggled to find her composure. "Avery, dear, I...I don't understan
The exterior of the luxurious "Rodrigo Royale" hotel exuded opulence and sophistication, with its sleek glass façade, polished marble entrance, and intricately designed gold accents. The hotel's name was synonymous with wealth and exclusivity, catering only to the crème de la crème of society. Its prime location in the heart of the city made it a coveted destination for the rich and famous.Only those with deep pockets could afford the extravagant suites and unparalleled service that the Rodrigo Royale offered. The hotel's lavish amenities, including a private spa, rooftop pool, and fine dining restaurant, were reserved for the elite who demanded the very best.Inside the hotel, the top floor was abuzz with the who's who of high society, all gathered for an extravagant party hosted by none other than Shane Rodrigo, Avery's stepbrother. The room was filled with the sound of clinking glasses, laughter, and the smooth strains of a live jazz band.Shane, notorious for squandering his fat
Stephen stormed out of the party, his anger and frustration boiling over after the confrontation with Shane. He couldn't believe Shane's audacity, asking for his sister in exchange for help with Avery.As he exited the hotel, Stephen's phone buzzed with a text from Shane: "Can't help you with Avery, Stephen. She's not someone to be trifled with. But I'm still interested in Jane..."Stephen's grip on his phone tightened, his mind racing with ways to get back at Shane. He knew he had to protect his sister from Shane's clutches. Imbecile was more determined than ever to find another way to convince Avery to let him lead the project.He hailed a taxi and headed home, his thoughts consumed by the encounter with Shane. He knew he had to come up with a new plan, and fast before Shane caused any more trouble.As he arrived at his apartment, Stephen's mind was already racing with ideas, determined to outsmart Shane and get what he wanted without sacrificing his sister's well-being. The night h
Later in the evening, Avery made her way through the grand corridors of her father's mansion, accompanied by a soft-spoken maid. The maid, dressed in a crisp black and white uniform, walked ahead of Avery, leading her to the room prepared for her stay.As they glided down the hallway, the maid's heels clicked on the polished marble floor, echoing off the walls. Avery followed, her eyes taking in the beautiful decorations and priceless artwork adorning the walls.The maid stopped in front of a beautifully crafted wooden door, bowing her head slightly. "Your room, Miss Avery," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Avery smiled, nodding in appreciation. "Thank you," she replied, her eyes scanning the room as the maid opened the door.The room was stunning, with a plush king-sized bed, a sitting area, and a spacious en-suite bathroom. Avery's gaze wandered to the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offered a breathtaking view of the mansion's gardens.The maid bowed again, "If you need
Tamer stood on the terrace, watching as Avery disappeared into the crowd of guests inside the party. The cool night air brushed against his skin, and a slow, satisfied smile spread across his face. He hadn’t missed the way she’d avoided his question about the kiss. The way she had brushed him off with a smile and a casual “Goodnight” told him more than she realized. Avery was falling for him—slowly, maybe, but undeniably. And he knew exactly how to use that to his advantage.With a deliberate glance around to ensure no one was nearby, Tamer pulled his phone from his pocket and dialed a familiar number. He waited for a few rings, pacing slowly across the terrace as he did, before a voice answered on the other end.“Tamer,” came the smooth, confident voice of Susan Anderson—Stephen’s mother. There was a subtle edge of impatience in her tone, but also a hint of anticipation. “I was wondering when I’d hear from you. I assume things are going according to plan?”Tamer smirked, leaning cas
The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses echoed faintly behind them as Avery and Shane stepped out onto the quiet terrace, away from the prying eyes of the guests still reveling inside the party. The cool night air offered a much-needed respite from the tense atmosphere of the evening, and for the first time since the event began, Avery felt she could finally breathe.Shane, standing beside her, let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair in frustration. His earlier anger had subsided, replaced now by a look of guilt and exhaustion. He leaned against the railing, staring out at the city lights, his shoulders hunched as if the weight of everything was finally catching up to him.“I’m sorry, Avery,” Shane muttered, breaking the silence. His voice was low, but the sincerity in his tone was unmistakable. “I let Stephen get to me. I shouldn’t have let him manipulate me like that.”Avery turned to look at him, her expression softening. She had suspected as much. Stephen had alw
The atmosphere of the rooftop event had shifted once again, and as the night deepened, the celebratory mood began to settle back in. Guests mingled with renewed enthusiasm, sipping their drinks and exchanging business cards, oblivious to the simmering tension beneath the surface. Avery was standing by one of the high tables, deep in conversation with a few of the investors when she noticed Shane approaching from the corner of her eye.He moved through the crowd with a determined stride, his eyes locked on her. Avery could see the fire still burning in his gaze, though something about his expression suggested a deeper conflict. He was clearly still seething from the conversation with Stephen, but she could tell he had something on his mind.“Shane,” she greeted him warmly, a smile already forming on her lips. “What a perfect timing.”Shane paused, slightly taken aback by her welcoming tone. “Avery, I—” he began, but before he could finish, Avery reached for his hand, pulling him close
The aftermath of Stephen’s public display hung heavily over the gathering. Avery had made her stance clear, and though the whispers hadn’t fully subsided, she had asserted herself in a way that earned her a degree of respect from those present. However, the tension was far from gone.Stephen stood by the bar, nursing another drink, his mind swirling with frustration. He had hoped his little speech would stir doubts about Avery’s ability to lead, but she had turned the tables on him with her bold response. As he downed his whiskey, his eyes scanned the room until they landed on Shane, standing alone in the corner, watching everything unfold with a brooding expression.An idea sparked in Stephen’s mind. He had always been good at reading people, and Shane’s simmering resentment toward Avery was a tool waiting to be exploited. A cruel smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he made his way toward Shane.“Well, well,” Stephen said, his tone mocking as he approached. “The great Rodrigo
The air in the rooftop lounge seemed to crackle with tension as Avery stood by the edge of the gathering, her cheek still faintly red from the confrontation with Susan Anderson. Despite the uneasy calm that had settled over the event after the slap, the celebration continued, albeit with hushed whispers spreading throughout the crowd. Avery tried to shake off the lingering effects of the altercation, focusing on the well-wishers and sponsors who were still discussing the success of the GreenWave Technologies project.Just as she was beginning to feel like the night might regain its momentum, a sudden shift in the atmosphere caught her attention. A murmur spread through the crowd as eyes turned toward the entrance. People began to whisper, and the hum of conversation faded as Richard Rodrigo, Avery’s father, entered the gathering, supported slightly by Shane at his side.For a moment, Avery froze, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn’t expected her father to come, not in his weakened s
The evening sky was awash with hues of deep purple and amber as the party at Star Technologies’ rooftop lounge was in full swing. The event buzzed with energy as CEOs, tech giants, investors, and other high-profile guests mingled, celebrating the success of the GreenWave project launch earlier in the day. Waiters moved gracefully through the crowd, offering champagne and hors d’oeuvres, while soft jazz music played in the background, adding a touch of elegance to the gathering.Avery stood by one of the tall, open windows, a cool breeze brushing against her skin as she sipped her champagne. She was surrounded by a small group of sponsors, all eager to discuss the potential of GreenWave Technologies and how their respective companies could get involved. The evening had been nothing short of a success so far, and she felt a deep sense of pride in how well everything had come together.Across the room, more prominent figures entered the event, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries.
Avery stepped out of the sleek black sedan and into the bustling atmosphere outside Star Technologies’ headquarters. The building loomed tall above her, a symbol of the legacy her father had built, and today, it was the stage for the long-awaited joint project launch. The sun glinted off the glass windows, casting a hopeful light over the crowd gathering near the entrance. As she adjusted her suit and made her way toward the entrance, a quiet sense of purpose settled over her.Today was about more than just the project. It was about proving her place in the company, solidifying her role as the one steering Star Technologies into the future. And despite the tension that still lingered between her and Stephen, and even Shane’s outburst the previous night, she knew she had to stay focused on what mattered most—the success of the project.Justin, ever the reliable assistant, fell into step beside her. “Ready, ma’am?” he asked, offering her a confident nod.Avery took a deep breath and no
The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the mansion, casting long shadows across the polished floors as Avery made her way down the grand staircase. Her thoughts were still tangled from the conversation with Shane the night before. Doubts gnawed at her, questions that had no easy answers. She wanted to believe that her father’s intentions were pure, that he truly wanted to make amends before his time ran out. But Shane’s words echoed in her mind like a warning she couldn’t ignore.Her assistant, Justin, was waiting for her by the front door, his usual calm demeanor giving her a sense of steadiness amidst her emotional turmoil. He offered her a polite smile as she approached.“Ready to head to the company, ma’am?” he asked, his voice gentle but professional.Avery nodded, adjusting the strap of her handbag over her shoulder. “Yes, let’s go,” she replied, though her voice sounded distant even to her own ears.As they moved toward the door, something caught Avery’s eye. Jus
Avery stood in front of Shane’s room, hesitating as her hand hovered above the door. The earlier confrontation with their father replayed in her mind, and she couldn’t shake the guilt that lingered. She had to try to make things right, to understand why Shane had acted the way he did. He was angry, that much was clear, but there was something deeper—something that needed to be brought to the surface.She took a deep breath and knocked softly on the door.At first, there was no response. But after a few moments, she heard shuffling from inside. The door creaked open slightly, revealing Shane’s disheveled figure. His eyes were still bloodshot, his face twisted with a mixture of exhaustion and lingering anger.“What do you want?” he asked, his voice gruff.Avery swallowed her nerves and met his gaze. “I just want to talk, Shane. Please.”He hesitated, staring at her for a long moment before stepping back and allowing her inside. The room was dimly lit, the curtains drawn tightly against