Novel-novel oleh L. Hart

CHAPTER 004THEODORE’s POV: Two days. Two days since my last visit to the auction and two whole days since I last saw that intriguing beauty. I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Olivia Carter. That captivating girl has somehow managed to grasp every shred of sanity I had left, occupying every corner of my mind with just one meeting. I stared at the documents scattered before me, massaging my temples as if the small action could help clear the fog that clouded my mind. They seemed nothing more than a blur, the digits almost invisible, and when I blinked, all I saw was her face across the paper. “Ugh. What’s wrong with you, Theodore? Focus.” I growled, my voice harsh as I chastised myself. Black coffee sat by my office desk, untouched. I ordered my secretary for it, hoping the bitterness would help me focus as it always had done before, but to no avail. “What spell have you over me, little feisty heiress?” My eyes concentrated on the company’s files

CHAPTER 003Hannah’s POV: The room fell into a deadly silence as Lucinda’s words echoed through the auction. Calmly, I leaned back into my chair, letting the silence persist and do all the talking. It seemed to work; the longer I waited, the more tension thickened. Lucinda shifted in her seat, her fingers gripping the edges of her chair tightly as if daring me to continue the bid.Hit them where it hurts must: their pride. I cleared my throat delicately, drawing every eye back to me. “Fifty million dollars,” I repeated Lucinda’s amount slowly, drawing out each syllable as though tasting the absurdity of the number. Then, with a sly, cunning smile, I lifted my paddle again. “And fifty cents.” The unbelievable gasp mixed with laughter erupted from the crowd yet again. Lucinda’s glare intensified, her smoky eyes narrowing into thin slits, but so did a cruel smile appear on her lips. She was annoyed, yes, I could feel it. But why the smile? After what felt like forever,

CHAPTER 002Hannah’s POV: “Sold to Mr Hargrove.” The auctioneer’s voice boomed, silencing the rather opulent auction room. I walked into the auction, my heels clicking rhythmically, the sharp sound dragging everyone’s attention. I kept my head and neck high, my back straight, and my gaze ahead. Just like I was taught.I could feel the weight of their gazes, like they were trying to tear through my facade. I dared not meet any of their eyes. I wasn’t here for them. Not at all. I was here for her. Lo and behold, the Queen herself. Lucinda Devereaux. She sat at the centre of the front row like she owned the room. Her posture is rigid, and her expression as sharp as her perfectly tailored suit. Her raven-black hair was swept into a low chignon that exposed the diamond necklace softly choking her throat. And her lips, they were painted in the same shade of red as the blood I imagined her hands were soaked in. I swallowed a curse, smiling, and strode towards her, and with a cal

CHAPTER 001Hannah’s POV: Lucinda Devereaux was taking too long to die. The sizzling meat spat grease as it shimmered, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread filled the small food stall where I stood. I flipped the patties on the grill, but my mind was far away, wishing and imagining that it was Lucinda’s lifeless body I flipped over instead. “My food’s burning, woman. Focus!” An angry voice snapped causing me to blink. I stared at the customer’s furious face. “Eh-eh… W-what?” I stammered in confusion. “The hell, woman. Aren’t you seeing my food getting crispy and burnt?” The man yelled, and I shifted my gaze to the grill, realizing the edge of the patty was charred black. Heat flushed my face in embarrassment. I grabbed the spatula, scraping the patty free before it stuck completely. “Sorry,” I muttered, smiling in apology as I packaged the overcooked patty into a bun and wrapped it up. No food could be wasted, especially now of all time. “I’ve just been a little dist