The room got a little tense as delicate steps walked down the grand staircase.Seraphina appeared, her face pale, her wide, teary eyes searching the faces of those in the room. She had heard enough from upstairs to know something was wrong—terribly wrong. Her gaze landed on Armin, but instead of the man she had just shared an intimate moment with, she saw a side of him she had never imagined—calculating, cold, and dangerous. Her heart raced in her chest, her breath shallow as she processed the words she had overheard."Armin..." she choked, her voice trembling, struggling to find clarity amidst the whirlwind of emotions. "What are they talking about? Your wife?" Her eyes, filled with confusion and fear, searched his face for an answer. "I am your wife, right?"Gabriel and Lilian, who had been silently watching the scene unfold, exchanged cold, venomous glances with each other, their gazes then locking on Seraphina with a hatred so palpable it thickened the air. They had never liked
Ivan sat back in his leather chair, his fingers resting on the edge of the Jarl Project file he’d been about to open when Samuel, the Suegra security chief, entered the office with a look of urgency. Henry and his men exchanged uneasy glances, sensing the weight of whatever news Samuel was bringing.Samuel’s face was tense as he addressed Ivan, his words deliberate. "Mr. Anderson, your cousin Gabriel Rodriguez has asked for your help."Ivan's eyes narrowed with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. “What’s the matter? Is everything alright?”Samuel shook his head gravely. “No, sir. It’s your nephew, Bjorn. He’s done… substantial damage, wreaking havoc across Suegra State. Especially in the nearby village.”A shadow crossed Ivan’s face, and he rubbed his fingers along his lips, thinking. Of course. No one could control Bjorn, the family’s wild card, their “young prince” with a storm raging inside him. Ivan had warned Gabriel many times that bringing Bjorn into Suegra State would be a d
Bjorn shook his head, frustration twisting his face. “No one believes me, Uncle,” he said, his voice breaking with anger. “Maximilian was my best friend—I knew his secrets. He told me himself that he wasn’t focusing on his studies because he never planned on joining his father’s business, or taking over the Holland empire. He told me he had no interest in any of it. He was going to join the military instead.”Ivan exchanged a glance with Henry, who raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Bjorn, are you sure?” Henry asked carefully, his voice calm. “Did you actually see him join? See any evidence?”Bjorn shook his head, gritting his teeth. It was clear he had no hard proof, only the word of a former friend, and he knew that wasn’t enough for most people. It was no wonder they doubted him—he could see it in their eyes. But his instincts told him he was right.Ivan leaned forward, his voice low and steady, pressing Bjorn to think carefully. “Then how can you be so certain, Bjorn? What if Maximili
Henry handed the iPad to Ivan, his expression tense. Ivan’s eyes scanned the screen, and his breath caught, his chest tightening as the information sank in. Holland Hospital in Boston. It wasn’t just a hospital; it was a fortress, a sprawling empire in its own right. Half private, half government-funded, with access to resources he could scarcely believe. This wasn’t just a facility—it was an entire operation.“When the hell did this happen?” Ivan muttered, his voice low and laced with shock.The details on the screen were staggering. Holland Hospital wasn’t just any hospital; it was a massive, self-sufficient complex, housing a state-of-the-art medicine lab, a top-tier medical school, and a high-security research center. The place was so vast it was practically its own village—a carefully constructed empire, guarded by layers of influence and power. And Neil was right at the center, with government connections backing his every move. The resources he had there went far beyond the Hol
Erica gasped audibly, her body jolting with the revelation. She clutched her chest, stepping back instinctively, her eyes darting from Alysha to Neil, who stood beside the bed. Her gaze was full of disbelief, the weight of the words hitting her like a physical blow."No..." she breathed, shaking her head in disbelief. Her eyes widened even more as they locked onto Neil, who could only offer a helpless nod in response. Tears began to well up in Erica's eyes, the reality of what she had just heard sinking in."But Alysha is married to..." Erica stammered, her voice cracking, unable to complete her sentence as tears began to spill down her cheeks. The enormity of the situation was overwhelming—Alysha, Armin’s wife, was pregnant, and not with her husband's child, but with his uncle's. A scandal of monumental proportions.Alysha kept her gaze on her hands, her fingers trembling as they rested on her stomach. She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if every secret she had tried to keep hidden had
A few months later.Seraphina walked briskly down the pristine halls of Holland Hospital, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floors. She was heading toward the CEO's office when a familiar figure caught her eye, stopping her dead in her tracks.Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized the man standing in the hallway, talking with a nurse—her father, Neil Holland. A wave of realization hit her like a cold shock. Bjorn had been right. Neil was in the USA, and not just anywhere, but here, in this very hospital.But why? Seraphina's heart raced, her mind spinning as she tried to make sense of it. She moved cautiously, slipping closer to a window that looked into the adjoining room. Her breath hitched again, her eyes widening in horror.Alysha Jarl.Seraphina’s entire body shook with rage, her eyes narrowing as she took in the sight of Alysha lying in a hospital bed, her face pale but unmistakably there. The very sight of her made Seraphina’s stomach turn with fury.T
Neil Holland rushed into the hospital room, his eyes widening in shock as he took in the scene before him. The door slammed against the wall as he pushed it open, the sound echoing through the room. The sight of Alysha lying crumpled on the floor, blood pooling around her head, sent a chill down his spine. For a moment, he was unable to comprehend the horrifying sight."Alysha!" he yelled, his voice filled with both fear and desperation.He dropped to his knees beside her, his hands trembling as he reached out, carefully lifting her head from the cold, bloodstained floor. Her eyes were closed, her face ghostly pale, her breathing shallow. The blood continued to flow from the wound, causing his hands to become red.Neil's heart pounded in his chest as panic set in. "Alysha, stay with me," he whispered, his voice breaking, his eyes searching her face for any sign of consciousness.His thoughts raced, questions and fears blending into one chaotic mess. Who had done this? How had they mana
Seraphina Holland walked briskly down the hallway, her mind still buzzing with the chaos she had created. She had to make sure no one had seen her—she had to make sure Alysha was dealt with for good. But as she turned the corner, she suddenly stopped, her eyes widening slightly as she took in the sight in front of her.Standing there, in the middle of the hospital corridor, was none other than Bjorn Rodriguez. Seraphina's breath caught for a moment, her face betraying her surprise. What was Bjorn doing here? But her expression quickly turned into a knowing smile. Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence after all. If anyone could help her get closer to Armin and eliminate any threats, it was Bjorn.Bjorn saw her too, and his lips curved into a wide grin. His eyes locked onto hers, and an idea seemed to form in his mind. He needed Seraphina's help—she was the key to finding Andrine, and he knew it. His demeanor shifted slightly, his gaze sharpening as he took a step towards her.But before he c
Ivan gently took Alysha’s hand in his, his movements deliberate and filled with purpose. His piercing blue eyes locked onto hers, a soft smile playing on his lips as he brought her hand to his mouth, placing a tender kiss on her knuckles.Alysha’s amber eyes widened slightly, her cheeks flushing faintly as she looked at him, unsure of what to say or how to react.“I told you, Alysha,” Ivan said, his deep voice smooth and steady, carrying the weight of his confidence. “Once you marry me, no one will dare to say a word against you. Because you have no idea the powerful place you’ve achieved.”Alysha’s heart raced at his words, her mind swirling with questions and emotions. What does he mean?Ivan’s smirk deepened as he glanced at Seraphina, whose face was contorted in a mixture of shock and fury. He turned back to Alysha, his voice growing quieter, but no less commanding. “This Seraphina,” he said, his tone laced with disdain, “is still struggling to claim her place as a Rodriguez. She
Maria, a long-serving household servant, entered with a warm smile, completely oblivious to the storm she had just walked into.“Lady Suegra!” Maria exclaimed, her voice cheerful and genuine. “Good to see you!”Seraphina froze, her sharp eyes widening in shock. Her body stiffened, her mind racing to process what she had just heard. Lady Suegra? Did she hear that correctly? Alysha Jarl—Lady Suegra?Alysha, equally taken aback, felt her heart skip a beat. She glanced at Ivan, her eyes wide with uncertainty. Ivan met her gaze with a calm smile, his head dipping in a small nod as if to confirm it.Maria beamed, stepping closer. “Oh my God,” she said, her hands clasping in delight. “You are so beautiful and young. Master Ivan is so lucky to have finally found such a lovely lady for the entire family!”Alysha’s cheeks flushed, her confusion mounting, but she forced a polite smile. “Thank you, Maria,” she said softly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.Maria conti
In Suegra State.The soft murmur of guests faded into the background as the unspoken battle between the two men filled the room.Armin Rodriguez Suegra stood with a rigid posture, his sharp features twisted in barely concealed fury. Beside him, Seraphina Holland clung to his arm like a vice, her manicured nails digging into his sleeve. Her daring gaze was fixed on Alysha, her lips curved into a mocking smirk as if silently declaring her victory.Armin belongs to me, her look seemed to scream.On the opposite side, Ivan Anderson Suegra stood tall and unyielding. His piercing blue eyes locked on Armin with an almost casual dominance, his arm wrapped protectively around Alysha’s tiny shoulders. Ivan’s grip was firm but comforting, pulling Alysha closer to his chest. It was a silent declaration, a clear message to everyone in the room:Alysha is mine. My wife. My family.Alysha stood stiffly beside Ivan, her amber eyes darting nervously between the two men. She felt the weight of Seraphin
Alysha’s heart ached, but she forced herself to remain steady, to hold onto the resolve she’d found in the quiet of her own reflection. She took a step back, her voice gentle yet firm. “Ivan, some things can’t be undone. Sometimes… letting go is the only way forward.”He stilled, his face shadowed with a heartbreak he hadn’t prepared for, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the truth in her words. Yet, as painful as it was, he didn’t move, his gaze fixed on her, his silence a quiet acknowledgment of the distance that lay between them.Without a word, Ivan moved closer, his expression dark and determined as he scooped her into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Alysha’s breath hitched, her eyes widening in surprise as he carried her toward the bed, the resolve she’d clung to slipping under the intensity of his gaze.He laid her down gently, his weight settling beside her, his eyes locked onto hers with a heat that made her heart race. She couldn’t look away, captivated by the vu
Alysha turned away, her hand clutching the strap of the bag as she stood, moving toward the bedroom. And as she left him standing there in silence, Ivan understood that this was only the beginning of a long journey—one he was willing to walk, no matter how long it took.Alysha stepped into the bathroom, closing the door softly behind her, feeling the weight of the evening pressing down on her. The quiet hum of the house seemed to grow louder as she leaned against the door, exhaling a shaky breath, her hand pressed over her heart. She could still feel the intensity of Ivan’s gaze, his words echoing in her mind, a steady, relentless pull that she struggled to resist.She moved toward the mirror, her reflection staring back at her, raw and tired, emotions flickering across her face—anger, sadness, and something else, something that lingered beneath the surface, too complicated to name. Turning on the faucet, she let the water run, the sound filling the silence, grounding her as she let h
Heinz’s voice broke the tense silence in the foyer, his tone softer but carrying the weight of a command wrapped in concern. “Alysha, you must be tired,” he said, gesturing toward the grand staircase. “Why don’t you and Ivan go to your room? Take some time to rest.”Alysha turned to look at Heinz, her eyes wary, catching the subtle insistence in his tone. She could sense the layers beneath his words—the way he spoke as though her resistance were nothing more than fatigue, a temporary lapse that rest could fix. He was giving her no choice, and the authority in his voice reminded her just how deep the control in this family ran.Ivan, too, glanced at her, his gaze unreadable, though there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes, an unspoken plea. He took a step forward, his hand reaching out just slightly, as if to guide her. “Come on, Alysha,” he murmured, his voice low. “Let’s go upstairs.”Alysha held her ground, her jaw tightening. Her instinct was to refuse, to keep her dista
The convoy of sleek black cars pulled up to the sprawling gates of **Anderson State**, a place that had been shrouded in silence and mystery for decades. The estate was massive, its grand architecture looming against the gray Boston sky, surrounded by acres of well-manicured land that bore the scars of neglect. As the gates creaked open, Alysha peered out of the car window, her heart pounding. The sight of the mansion took her breath away—its towering columns and elegant stone façade exuded a timeless grandeur, but the faded paint and overgrown gardens hinted at years of abandonment. Sisi sat on Alysha’s lap, her tiny hands gripping her mother’s jacket tightly. She looked up at Alysha and whispered, “Mommy… big house.” Alysha managed a small smile, brushing her fingers through Sisi’s curls. “Yes, my angel,” she murmured, though unease prickled at the edges of her mind. Ivan, seated beside her, stared out the window, his jaw tight. His piercing blue eyes scanned the estate, hi
Little Sisi’s small legs carried her across the room as fast as they could, her soft giggles replaced by panicked cries. She didn’t understand the tension in the air or the argument unfolding between the adults, but she knew one thing for certain—she needed her mother, no matter what. “Mommy!” Sisi called, her voice trembling as she reached Alysha and grabbed the hem of her dress with her tiny hands. Alysha looked down, her amber eyes softening as Sisi clung to her, her little face scrunched with worry. Without hesitation, Alysha bent down and scooped her daughter into her arms, holding her tightly against her chest. Sisi buried her face in Alysha’s shoulder, her small body trembling as she whispered, “Mommy, no leave Sisi. Please.” Alysha’s heart shattered at her daughter’s plea. Tears welled in her eyes as she kissed Sisi’s head, her lips brushing against her soft orange curls. “Shh, my angel,” she murmured, her voice breaking. “Mommy’s here.” Sisi pulled back slightly, he
“What the fuck do you mean by ‘the decision is yours?’” Ivan growled, his piercing blue eyes blazing with fury. “You’re my wife! The mother of my child! And you think you can just stay inside a military camp surrounded by a bunch of men?”Ivan’s furious roar shook the room, his voice echoing off the walls like a thunderclap. Everyone froze, including Alysha, who stared at him wide-eyed, her breath catching in her throat.Alysha was stunned into silence, her body stiffening as the weight of his words settled over her. Her lips parted slightly, but no sound came out.Ivan took a step closer, his towering frame looming over her as his voice dropped to a low, menacing growl. “You don’t even have your memory, Alysha. You don’t know your past, your enemies, or the people who would happily see you destroyed. And yet, you think it’s safe to live like that? Alone, unprotected?”Alysha’s throat tightened, but before she could respond, Ivan’s gaze darkened even further. “Even your little sister