Novels by E.M. Novelle

Serena pov"Adrian, I'm so scared." He'd barely reached Helen's room when Elena threw herself into his arms, eyes red, trembling. "My mom just coughed up blood." He'd rushed over after her frantic call. Healers and nurses had arrived first and were examining Helen. Adrian held Elena, calming her. When the healer finished, he reassured them both. "Nothing to worry about. It wasn't true hemoptysis—just some blood in phlegm from ruptured capillaries during intense coughing. Minor issue—the body will heal itself." Elena exhaled in relief. After the healer left, she looked at Adrian sheepishly. "I panicked. I was terrified. You were the only one I could think of, so I called. I didn't interrupt your rest, did I?" "No. You can relax now." She smiled again, nodding vigorously. "Yes." "I'm glad you came." William arrived soon after. Once Elena explained, he relaxed too. "You've gone to a lot of trouble these past days," he told Adrian. "Elena's been exhausted caring for her mother. I'll take

Chapter 28The retort on the tip of my tongue died unspoken. I plastered on the polished, professional smile I saved for clients. "This hospital is a public place. If you two can be here, so can I." Adrian's brows drew together—he clearly didn't like my answer. Elena, however, seemed to remember something. "So someone in your family really is sick?" I almost laughed at the question. Did she think I'd lied last time about a family member being ill? That I'd made it up to stalk them? Who invents a story like that out of thin air? Adrian probably thought the same of me. But I no longer cared what he thought. I just wanted to get away, so I stepped past them without another word. Jack was still waiting where I'd left him. Seeing me return, his mouth curved into a warm smile. "I was wondering what took so long—turns out you went to get coffee." "Couldn't let you sit here thirsty," I said, handing him the cup. "It should be over soon." He glanced at his watch. Five hours had passed since Gr

Serena pov"What's wrong?" Elena looked up just in time to catch the odd expression on Adrian's face and asked with concern. Adrian casually pulled the letter out and tossed it in a drawer. "Nothing. I'm done—let's eat." "Okay." Elena was thrilled at the thought of dinner with him. … I arrived at the arrivals gate right on time. Jack spotted me the moment he emerged. "You actually came to pick me up." His mood brightened. I smiled. "I said I would. I don't break promises." "That's more like it." Jack bantered with me as we left the airport. I'd booked a restaurant in advance. After picking him up, we drove straight there. We arrived right at peak dinner hour—the place was busy. Once seated, I introduced Jack to the house specialties. He was pleased, but during the meal he noticed I only ate mild dishes. He couldn't help asking, "Didn't you used to love spicy food?" I explained, "My stomach's been bad these past couple years. The healer said no spice. To heal it, I stick to bland." "No

Serena povAll the grievances I'd endured in recent days crashed over me in that moment, like a tidal wave breaking against a dam. Even the strongest defenses I'd built crumbled in an instant. Emotion overpowered reason. In a rush of impulse, I wanted to confront Adrian and demand answers. By the time my head cleared a little, I was already standing below his building. The cold wind whipped relentlessly. I'd come in such a hurry I hadn't even grabbed a coat. Icy chills burrowed into my neck. Since I was here anyway, I decided to have an honest talk with Adrian. But just as I pulled out my phone, I saw his car pulling in from outside. The headlights blinded me. When my eyes adjusted, the car had already parked smoothly in his private spot. I opened my mouth to call out, but then Elena stepped out of the passenger side, eyes curved in a happy smile. The sound lodged in my throat. I couldn't make a single noise. Adrian got out, went to the trunk, and pulled out a small, delicate pink sui

Serena pov I asked casually, "What happened?" "That Elena—she vetoed every single project you'd lined up! Not one left!" Chloe was clearly hiding in the bathroom to vent, keeping her voice low. I paused. "All of them?" "Yes, all of them! Including the AI and gaming projects you were most excited about." Chloe sounded exhausted by it all. I frowned. "What did Adrian say?" "Adrian said nothing." My mind went blank for a second, but I quickly pieced it together. Adrian knew perfectly well which projects were worth investing in. He stayed silent simply because Elena was the one vetoing them. He was building her authority, making sure everyone in the pack office respected and submitted to her. As always, shielding and supporting Elena. "Do you think Adrian's been cursed or something? How is everything up to Elena now?" Chloe had nowhere else to unload her frustration but on me. "Simple. He's solidifying her position," I said. I'd already seen through it. Even if he announced he was handin

Serena povI had no idea why Adrian was here. And I didn't want to know. So I only glanced at him briefly before pulling my emotions together and walking straight toward the building entrance. He was standing right in the doorway. To get home, I had to pass him. At that moment, all I wanted was for him to pretend he didn't see me. Unfortunately, he wasn't blind. As I drew near, he spoke, his voice colder than the night itself. "Why are you back so late?" The tone was pure accusation, as if he had any right to question me. I almost laughed. What standing did he have to ask that? When I ignored him, he reached out and grabbed my arm. The movement tugged at the scrape on my elbow. I couldn't hold back a sharp hiss of pain. As if something clicked, Adrian let go immediately, his brows knitting even tighter than before. "Where are you hurt?" "Is it serious?" He sounded concerned. But that concern came far too late—and felt far too false. I didn't want it anymore. It left me unmoved. "If yo

Vivian pov At this moment, he chose to set aside his feelings, not wanting to drag me into trouble. Isaac Blackwood had already set his sights on me, and keeping our relationship as neutral as possible would only benefit me.Although he had recently sent people to protect me in secret, Isaac was cunning and could take advantage of any opportunity to strike.He had to act indifferent toward me, making Isaac believe that I was never his weakness.Just as he was about to instruct Fairfax to turn around and leave, he spotted Lincoln Walter speeding by in his flashy Ferrari. This reminded him of Lincoln's earlier phone call, where he mentioned he would personally make chicken soup for me.He pointed at Lincoln and said, "See that peacock over there? He’s driving me crazy. Get him out of my sight!"Fairfax smirked slightly; Dominic was indeed a man of contradictions. He claimed to let go, yet he couldn’t stand to see another man fawning over me.Lincoln Walter, holding a box of cut black c

Vivian pov The moment the car crashed, the airbags deployed, causing my head to throb and my ears to ring.The other driver showed no intention of getting out to apologize; they simply parked a short distance away.Fuming with anger, I unbuckled my seatbelt and wobbled over to the two Maybachs parked nearby.I raised my foot and kicked the car door hard. "Do you even know how to drive?!"The window of one Maybach rolled down, revealing a well-preserved face that, although middle-aged, still looked good. He smiled at me and said, "Vivian, it's been a while, oh wait, you’re divorced from Dominic Blackwood now. I should just call you Vivian."I remembered my first meeting with Isaac Blackwood three years ago. At that time, the Blackwood family had refused to attend my modest wedding, but Isaac had come alone, offering blessings and gifts."I'll help you fix your car, but I’m curious if you have time to join me for a cup of tea?"With his polite demeanor, I felt it was unnecessary to pre

Vivian pov Most people were criticizing me for being ungrateful, calling me a country bumpkin who, despite spending three years as a lady in the Blackwood Family, couldn't shake off her bad habits.Samantha Carter , on the other hand, was gaining sympathy from the crowd thanks to a video that painted her in a better light.Lia Kelvin stood up for me, saying, "It's so frustrating! Samantha Carter is the real villain here, yet this blind and foolish crowd has elevated her to a pedestal. Just wait, I’m going to defend you!"I shrugged, unfazed. "Let them say what they want. I’m not losing anything. Besides, the higher Samantha climbs, the harder she’ll fall. I actually hope she climbs even higher."As we left the café, I accidentally bumped into a solid chest, my body instinctively leaning back. A warm hand steadied my waist. "Are your eyes just for decoration? How careless can you be?"I didn’t need to guess who it was; it was Dominic Blackwood . But remembering that he had just saved

Vivian pov Samantha Carter was gasping for breath. Just as she was about to say something, the attending physician and medical staff pushed the door open. She immediately shouted for help, "Help! My sister is trying to kill me!""Vivian, calm down!"I suddenly kicked Samantha away, smirking, "Killing you would just dirty my hands."I had no intention of going that far; I just wanted to scare her a bit.But Samantha wasn’t convinced. She scrambled over to the medical staff, and only after confirming her safety did she start her performance."Doctor, please check on my sister! I think she’s been traumatized!"As she spoke, she casually tugged at her neck, revealing the marks left from a tight grip.The medical staff couldn’t help but think to themselves, how could two sisters be so different? One was cunning and ruthless, while the other was kind and innocent."We will conduct a thorough examination for Vivian," one of the staff members said as they approached.I quickly refused the ex

Vivian pov I seemed to have grasped the last lifeline, suddenly wrapping my arms around him, kissing his face while sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to, Mommy really didn't. Can you give me a chance in the next life to be a good mom?"Dominic Blackwood thought I was dreaming about the child I had lost, and his heart ached painfully at the thought.It seemed that the memory of that child was my torment, preventing me from forgiving him.Dominic wiped the cold sweat from my forehead and then gently dried my palms with a soft towel.Even in my sleep, I couldn't help but frown.At that moment, the attending physician walked in respectfully. "Mr. Blackwood, fortunately, you brought her in on time. Vivian is no longer in serious danger; she just needs a few days of rest."It turned out he had misjudged the situation.Dominic's expression darkened further, his voice cold. "When she wakes up, don't tell her I was here."The doctor looked bewildered. Just a mome

Vivian pov If Jimmy knew that I had died in such a tragic and humiliating way, he would surely be heartbroken.I could not die here!With the last remnants of my consciousness, I staggered toward the window...The flames grew larger, filling the room with chaos."Fire!"People immediately screamed and rushed toward the emergency exit, creating a scene of utter pandemonium.Outside, Dominic Blackwood was taking a breath of fresh air when he saw Marvis rushing out in a panic. He frowned and asked, "What's going on?""Cough, cough... The backstage suddenly caught fire. The firefighters will take some time to arrive, so we need to get out of this dangerous place quickly."Dominic's eyes suddenly turned red with concern. "Where is Vivian Carter?""She should have... already gotten out. The staff has their own exit.""I'm not asking for 'should have'!"Dominic turned and pushed through the crowd, determined to find me. Marvis grabbed his arm, saying, "Are you crazy? Right now, saving yours

Point de vue de VivianJ'ai eu l'impression de recevoir une gifle violente et je suis restée figée un instant, sous le choc, avant de pouvoir réagir. Je me suis forcée à retenir mes larmes et j'ai tenté de garder une attitude détachée en m'éloignant de Dominic Blackwood. « Excusez-moi, monsieur Blackwood, je ne voulais pas tu déranger », ai-je dit d'une voix calme.J'avais clairement entendu Scarlett Hayes parler de son rendez-tu avec lui plus tôt dans la journée. Sans mon intervention, ils auraient peut-être déjà conclu leur histoire.Dominic Blackwood détourna lentement le regard et se détourna sans se retourner.J'ai laissé échapper un rire ironique. Il doit regretter de m'avoir rencontrée et souhaiter pouvoir mettre le plus de distance possible entre nous.Scarlett Hayes s'avança. « Vivian, à quoi bon ? Une défaite est une défaite. Ne perds pas la face et ta dignité en même temps ; essaie au moins de te couvrir un peu. »Face à Scarlett, je refusai de montrer le moindre signe de f

Point de vue de DominicMon beau visage ne laissait transparaître aucune émotion, ma voix était calme et posée, une caractéristique typique d'une personne en position d'autorité. « Les fondations d'Achiever sont trop superficielles. Bien qu'elle bénéficie d'une certaine notoriété auprès de marques de niche, elle stagne depuis trois ans et ne convient pas comme partenaire. »Marvis Styles a ri : « Je me souviens que tu tenais absolument à débaucher Mieli, la créatrice d'Achiever, pour Vyx. Qu'est-ce qui t'a fait changer d'avis ? »« Le style de Mieli est certes rafraîchissant, mais une créatrice qui n'a rien produit depuis trois ans est manifestement à court d'idées et manque de valeur commerciale. Sommes-nous censés l'embaucher juste pour qu'elle prenne sa retraite ? » ai-je répondu.Marvis plaisanta : « Eh bien, tu pourriez l'embaucher comme stagiaire. J'ai entendu dire que la mystérieuse Mlle Mieli est jeune et belle. tu n'êtes pas sur le point de divorcer ? tu devriez peut-être y ré

Point de vue de VivianJ'ai levé les yeux et j'ai vu Scarlett Hayes et son amie Luisa Kim échanger des piques. Luisa se moquait de moi sans pitié, chaque mot empreint d'un sarcasme mordant, tandis que Scarlett faisait semblant de me défendre mais, en réalité, elle m'enfonçait encore plus bas.L'un était un manipulateur intrigant, l'autre un faux saint ; leur collaboration était parfaite, et cela m'a profondément dégoûté.Posant le magazine que je tenais entre mes mains, j'ai dit d'un ton détaché : « La prochaine fois, fais-toi vacciner contre la rage avant de sortir, comme ça tu n'aboieras pas partout. »Luisa, qui m'avait souvent harcelée auparavant parce que j'étais une « invitée d'honneur » conviée par Scarlett, fut décontenancée par ma réplique inattendue. Elle se pencha vers Scarlett et murmura : « Pourquoi ai-je l'impression que cette sotte est différente maintenant ? »Scarlett me lança un regard, la jalousie montant en elle. Avant, je ne me souciais guère de mon apparence, por

Point de vue de Vivian CarterLorsque la communication a été établie, j'ai failli grincer des dents en disant : « Dominic Blackwood, que me voulez-tu ? »Le ton de Dominic Blackwood était dénué de toute culpabilité. « Avant, tu gérais ce genre de choses, mais maintenant que tu as semé la zizanie, tu as ruiné mes plans. Bien sûr, j'avais oublié. »Sous-entendant que c'était à moi de tout gérer, il m'a reproché de ne pas avoir trouvé ses médicaments pour l'estomac. C'était du Dominic Blackwood tout craché : toujours me rejeter la faute, y compris celle d'être tombée amoureuse de lui et de l'avoir épousé. J'avais l'impression que tout était de ma faute.Je pouvais à peine contenir ma frustration. « Dominic Blackwood, nous allons divorcer. Tu devrais t'habituer à ce genre de vie ! »Je n'étais pas sa bonne, à son service. Franchement, il vaudrait mieux que cet homme souffre !Après avoir raccroché, j'ai immédiatement bloqué Dominic Blackwood sur Line et son numéro de téléphone, car j'avai

Point de vue de VivianAlors que la voiture filait à toute allure, mes yeux s'écarquillèrent d'effroi. Ce fou furieux, Dominic Blackwood !James Scott fut lui aussi surpris par la situation soudaine, ses membres lui paraissant inertes.J'ai brusquement tiré sur le volant, et la voiture s'est écrasée dans la végétation.La voiture de Dominic a frotté contre le côté d'une Mercedes, produisant un crissement de pneus qui a laissé une rayure bien visible sur le véhicule de luxe.James Scott regarda la voiture s'éloigner à toute vitesse, puis jeta un coup d'œil à la Mercedes endommagée, la colère explosant. « Mince ! Il a percuté ma voiture et s'est enfui ! Je vais le poursuivre en justice et lui réclamer tout ce qu'il possède ! »Le voyant sortir son téléphone pour appeler la police, j'ai murmuré : « C'est Dominic Blackwood. »James a rétorqué : « C’est ce salaud qui devrait être poursuivi en justice ! Tu étais avec lui pendant trois ans, et il ne t’a pas donné un sou lors de votre divorce

Point de vue de VivianAux yeux de Dominic Blackwood, je n'étais rien de plus qu'un pansement tenace dont il n'arrivait pas à se débarrasser. Tout ce que je faisais, pensait-il, n'avait d'autre but que d'attirer son attention.C'était ma faute. Je l'aimais avec trop d'humilité. Je me suis tellement rabaissée qu'il a commencé à croire que j'étais destinée à rester à ses côtés pour toujours.J'ai pris une grande inspiration et me suis efforcée de garder mon calme. « Dominic Blackwood, je sais que j'ai été aveugle et insensée auparavant, toujours à désirer ce qui m'était inaccessible. Mais maintenant, j'ai retrouvé la raison. Je veux simplement divorcer et tu rendre votre liberté. »À ses yeux, mes paroles sonnaient comme des plaintes.Ses lèvres fines se pincèrent. « Vivian Carter, ai-je été trop indulgent avec tu ces derniers temps, tu faisant oublier vos devoirs de Mme Blackwood ? »J'étais tellement furieux que j'ai failli rire. « Dominic Blackwood, je suis en train de discuter série