Chapter: CHAPTER 115:Fifteen Feet Under.ALESSA'S POVThe car rolled to a gentle stop, and the bodyguards opened the doors with practiced precision. I stepped out gracefully, taking a moment to inhale the crisp air, the mansion sprawling behind me like a fortress of calm and luxury.I immediately said my thank you to Ethan and the remaining three bodyguards for their consistent efforts in looking after me everytime Michael gave them that role.Everywhere seemed empty because the staffs including Disha had already gone to the market to stock the house and prepare for the evening. Though the quiet was a welcome relief. The living room awaited me, empty, serene. I moved through it, shedding my workday composure like a coat, heading to I and Micheal’s bedroom to freshen up.The shower was warm, the water a gentle wash over the day’s tension, I let the water rain down my hair for a bit longer before changing into some light, comfortable clothing, soft linen, pastel tones, loose and airy. The house was silent, mummy and daddy w
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-01-23
Chapter: CHAPTER 114: Pieces On The Board.ALESSA'S POV After Sebastian left the room, I stepped back, letting Frank handle the rest of the process for the remaining candidates. “As for the other two positions,” I said, gesturing toward Frank, “I trust you to assign them appropriately.”Frank nodded, clearly aware that my attention was focused entirely on Sebastian, I guess he thought it was because Sebastian was so outstanding. “Absolutely,” he said. “Candidate number two, Emily Ross will be the Junior Production Manager, overseeing day-to-day production of snacks and cakes. Candidate number seven, Jessica Liu will join as Customer Experience Coordinator, managing catering orders and client interactions. I would dismiss the rest of the candidates.”Both ladies looked delighted as Frank congratulated them, discussing their roles, responsibilities and resumption. I offered them polite nods and smiles of acknowledgment, I also welcomed them to the team personally keeping my composure.Sebastian remained standing by the desk,
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-01-22
Chapter: CHAPTER 113: Seven Faces, One Choice.ALESSA'S POV I waited patiently still, hitting my nails on the table and nodding and smiling to whatever Frank was saying. Whereas my mind was so far away.Finally, the clock struck twelve.“Shall we begin?” Frank asked, standing and straightening his tie. He motioned toward the conference area outside his office, where the interviews would take place.I followed, quietly observing as the first candidates were called in. There were mid-level applicants, and a few with managerial aspirations. Seven interviews in total to attend to. Sebastian, of course, had not yet arrived.I watched as Frank asked his question, noting how each candidate responded. I leaned back in my chair subtly, assessing not only their answers but his technique, how he listened, how he probed, how he subtly guided conversations to uncover competence and character. By the fourth candidate, I had to admit to myself: this man knew how to interview, this man was living up to his name as an HR. There was skill in ever
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-01-21
Chapter: CHAPTER 112: A Polite Trap.ALESSA'S POV I stayed still with my hands folded on my chest thinking of how to approach Caleb without suspicion, I watched as Caleb lingered, organizing his documents with deliberate care, clearly unsure whether to leave or stay. I watched him for a moment before speaking.“Mr. Morris,” I said gently.He looked up immediately. “Yes, Mrs. Astor?”I stood, smoothing my skirt, the same gesture I have indirectly made since I got to the office, I offered him a courteous smile, warm and calm enough.“I didn’t want to take up time during the meeting,” I began, my tone easy, conversational hoping I sounded convincing. “But I wanted to ask, are there any new applications coming in lately? Or perhaps a new employee, you haven't introduced me to yet?”He blinked, slightly surprised. “We haven't hired anyone new in months but for new applications?”“Yes,” I said with a small nod. “I’ve been thinking about being a bit more involved with hiring again. Even if only briefly. I feel it’s important t
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-01-20
Chapter: CHAPTER 111: EXCLUDED.ALESSA’S POVMichael’s touch lingered on my fingers firm, warm, impossibly gentle. Every brush of his hand carried reassurance, a quiet promise of safety. Since my father’s death, no one had made me feel as protected as Michael did. He had sworn to make up for the role he played in my father’s demise, and in every possible way, he had paid that debt in full maybe he just didn't know.When the car finally came to a halt, he stepped out first, circling around to open my door. He kissed my hand softly before pulling me into his arms. He didn’t say a word about the plan, but his eyes spoke volumes, encouragement, confidence, certainty. I let him hold me. I let myself sink into the comfort of his embrace, even if only for a moment.Then he pulled away.He returned to the car, leaving me behind under the watch of four capable bodyguards including his favorite, Ethan. I tried to protest, but as always, Michael won without effort. I stood still, watching the SUV disappear down the road, my
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-01-19
Chapter: CHAPTER 110: Growing Pride.MICHAEL'S POVThe quiet of the night wrapped around the bedroom, soft and golden from the bedside lamp. Alessa’s hair fell across her shoulders like silk, still damp from being untied, catching the light just so. I reached out, brushing a loose strand behind her ear, my fingers lingering.“Promise,” she whispered again, her eyes holding mine, steady and soft.I gave a small smile, letting my hand rest against hers. “Promise,” I repeated, because some promises deserve to be repeated, not just spoken once and forgotten.Her lips quirked in that mischievous way I loved, and the tension in her shoulders softened. The warmth in the room, the quiet intimacy made the night feel infinite. But duty and worry had a way of sneaking in.“So,” I said, shifting slightly to make the conversation feel lighter, “about tomorrow… I’ve been thinking.”Her eyebrows arched in question. “About?”I leaned back, considering how to phrase it without making it feel like work was creeping into our night. “About
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2026-01-17
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