Ivan leaned back, swirling his drink slowly, a glint of intrigue in his gaze. “And when you do bring her here, what exactly do you expect will happen, Bjorn?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of a challenge. “Do you think that’ll be the end of it?”Bjorn barely heard his uncle’s words, his mind already racing with plans and possibilities. “I don’t care,” he replied defiantly, his eyes blazing. “All I know is, she’s mine. And everyone will see it.”With that, Bjorn turned on his heel, already marching toward the door, oblivious to the complexities and dangers that lay ahead. Ivan watched him go, a small, almost rueful smile on his lips. Young, reckless, and absolutely unprepared for the storm he’s about to unleash.As the door closed behind Bjorn, Ivan exhaled, shaking his head. “Good luck, kid,” he murmured to himself, amusement fading as he considered the chaos his nephew might very well bring to their doorstep.The answer was painfully simple, a truth Ivan had known but never spok
Ivan drained the last of his drink, the realization settling over him like a sudden flash of light. That wild, reckless boy had more depth than he’d given him credit for. Bjorn’s erratic behavior, his constant talk of bringing his “woman” to Suegra state—it all made sense now. Bjorn wasn’t just infatuated; he was driven by a primal fear. A fear that someone might take her before he could claim her properly, before he could bring her under the Suegra name and secure her place in his life.Ivan finished his drink and stood up, finally understanding the real reason for Bjorn’s obsession. Bjorn wasn’t just chasing after some random girl. He was driven by something more serious—fear. Bjorn wanted to make sure no one else would go near the 13-year-old girl he’d set his eyes on, worried that if anyone else touches her, the family would never accept her as his future wife.Ivan realized Bjorn’s desperation wasn’t about being impulsive; it was about protecting someone he cared about. Bjorn wa
In Jarl Palace.Ivan flicked his cigarette to the ground, crushing it beneath his shoe with a deliberate motion. His sharp blue eyes bore into Karol as he made the offer that hung heavy in the air. "2 billion dollars," Ivan said, his voice cold and matter-of-fact. "For your two daughters."Karol’s breath hitched, the staggering amount of money leaving him momentarily speechless. His gaze darted to Ingrid, who was equally stunned, her jaw dropping as the reality of the situation crashed down on them both. 2 billion dollars… such an unimaginable sum. It was enough to change their lives, to solve every problem they’d ever had. But at what cost?Karol, still reeling, tried to muster a response. "But we—" he began, his voice trembling.Before he could finish, Bjorn’s voice cut through the room like a whip. "You dare to argue with us?" he roared, his young face twisted with anger. Karol flinched at the outburst, his heart pounding in his chest. Bjorn, not even 18 years old, radiated a dange
Bjorn’s face turned red with fury, his hands shaking violently as he glared at Karol. "How dare you!!!" Bjorn roared, his voice breaking with rage. His eyes flicked around the room, his mind clouded with vengeance. "I will crush your entire palace!"Without warning, Bjorn lunged forward, his hands grabbing whatever he could reach. The sound of glass shattering filled the air as he hurled a vase across the room, its pieces scattering like jagged stars. His rampage was just beginning. He stormed toward a nearby cabinet, his powerful hands gripping the wood before he tore it apart with a loud, splintering crack. Karol and Ingrid stood frozen, watching in helpless horror as their palace descended into chaos. Each item Bjorn destroyed felt like a piece of their world being ripped away. The chandelier above them swayed violently as Bjorn slammed into a table, sending it crashing to the floor. The sound of splintering wood and breaking glass mixed with the heavy, frantic breathing of the en
Meanwhile, In Holland mansion.Neil’s suddenly blasted inside of Alysha and Andrine’s room.His eyes narrowed as he fixed his gaze on Andrine. "You talk way too much, Andrine!" he snapped, his voice sharp and full of authority.Andrine remained silent, her expression unbothered. She didn’t care about Neil’s anger, nor was she afraid. Her defiance only deepened the tension between them.Alysha, sensing the rising conflict, glanced nervously at Neil. She could feel the weight of his presence, and her heart raced in anticipation of what he would say next."You have no idea what your sister has done with her life!" Neil continued, his voice biting and cold. "She can never go to Armin! He will never accept her."Andrine, undeterred, shot back, "How do you know? She must talk to him."Neil’s anger flared, and he roared, "You seriously talk too much! I will not let you stay with Alysha anymore. You are poisoning her brain!" His frustration boiled over as he glared at Andrine, his patience ru
Neil's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin as Andrine stood her ground with defiant sharpness. "I will send you to the USA alone, Andrine," he said coldly, his words laced with frustration.Andrine, however, was not fazed. Her eyes met his with equal intensity, refusing to back down. "I’m a kid," she responded, her voice steady. "How can I go alone there? I need a guardian."Neil blinked, momentarily taken aback by her quick thinking. The girl was far too clever for her age, and it was clear she wasn’t going to let him have his way without a fight."I have people there for you," Neil said, his tone sharpening as he tried to regain control of the conversation.Andrine's lips curled into a sarcastic smile. "Your servants will raise me? Do you think I’m an orphan?" Her words stung like a whip, and Alysha, watching from beside her, felt her heart skip a beat. The tension in the room thickened, and she could see the storm brewing in Neil’s eyes.Neil clenched his jaw, the muscles in h
Alysha remained where she stood, her entire body numb as she stared at the door, horror widening her eyes. Her legs gave way, and she collapsed onto the bed, her mind spinning, her heart heavy with disbelief. The world she had known was crumbling before her eyes.Andrine quickly moved to her side, cupping Alysha’s face in her small hands. "Someone sent another man into your room, right?" she asked softly, her words filled with certainty.Alysha’s eyes widened as she looked at her sister. "What?" she breathed, taken aback."I heard them talking," Andrine continued, her voice calm but filled with quiet determination. "I think Seraphina did it."Tears began to roll down Alysha’s cheeks as the weight of Andrine’s words settled in. The truth was too painful, too shocking to bear. "What?" Alysha choked, her voice barely audible.Andrine’s eyes remained steady as she held her sister close. "Don’t listen to Neil Holland, Alysha," she said firmly, her words filled with fierce resolve. "Go to y
Bjorn’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white as he floored the gas pedal of his Bugatti. The engine roared, the sleek car tearing down the road like a bullet, its speed pushing the limits of control. His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, filled with a mixture of fury and excitement. Every ounce of his being was focused on one destination—Holland Mansion.Beside him, Ivan sat rigid, his normally composed demeanor shaken. His wide eyes flicked between Bjorn’s intense expression and the blur of the world rushing past them. The speed at which they were driving was reckless, even for someone like Bjorn, who lived for chaos."Slow down, Bjorn!" Ivan finally managed to shout over the roaring engine, his voice laced with shock. His fingers dug into the seat, bracing against the wild turns and the sheer velocity of the car. The tension between them was palpable, a shared understanding that whatever awaited them at Holland Mansion was no small matter.But Bjorn ignored h
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