Novels by Velvet

By eight in the morning, Ava’s Beauty Empire was already surrounded by people. Cars lined the street outside the building, while the sound of music drifted through the entrance. Large banners carrying the company’s name hung across the front of the building, and a red carpet stretched from the entrance to the sidewalk.Ava sat quietly in the back seat of the car, staring at the building through the window.For a moment, she could hardly believe it was hers.The two-storey building looked even more beautiful than it had the day she first saw it. The first floor housed the salon, with its elegant mirrors, comfortable chairs, manicure stations, hair-washing areas, and reception desk. Upstairs was the beauty school, where rows of training stations had been prepared for students.People were already gathered around the entrance.Some had come for the salon.Others had come because they were interested in enrolling in the beauty school.And several people were there simply because they ha

Dominic arrived at Hale Group earlier than usual the following morning, the previous night’s call from his lawyer had stayed on his mind. Parker Group had been unusually quiet since Cynthia’s arrest, and Dominic didn’t believe their silence meant they had given up.If anything, he suspected they were planning something bigger.He had barely settled behind his desk when his lawyer entered the office with a folder in his hand.“We have an update on Parker Group.” Dominic looked up.“What did you find?” He asked. “They held the meeting with their major investors this morning.”“And?”“They’re trying to secure additional funding.”Dominic leaned back in his chair.“Why?”“Their recent problems have affected investor confidence. The situation with Hale Group hasn’t helped them either.” Dominic nodded slowly.“So they’re trying to stabilize the company.”“Yes, but that’s not all.” His lawyer opened the folder and placed several documents on the desk.“They’ve also been contacting some of

Dominic arrived home later that afternoon, but the moment he stepped through the door, Ava could tell something was different.He removed his jacket and handed it to one of the maids before loosening his tie. His expression wasn’t exactly troubled, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that hadn’t been there when he left.Ava was sitting in the living room with her laptop open on the coffee table. She looked up when she heard him.“You’re back.”“Yeah.” He walked over and sat beside her.Ava closed the laptop.“Did everything go well?” Dominic leaned back against the sofa and rubbed his jaw.“I went to the police station.” Her expression changed immediately.“For Cynthia and Serena?” He nodded.Ava waited for him to continue.“I dropped the charges.” She stared at him.“You did what?”“I had the charges withdrawn.” Ava remained silent for a moment, clearly trying to process what he had said.“Why?” Dominic looked at her.“Not because of the Parker Group.” Ava’s expression softened s

Dominic had barely had a free moment since Cynthia and Serena were arrested.Between the preparations for Ava’s Beauty Empire, the problems at Hale Group and the countless meetings that seemed to appear every day, he had kept pushing the matter to the back of his mind.But he hadn’t forgotten.Cynthia had worked for him for years, she had been more than an employee. At some point, without him even realizing it, he had started thinking of her as a younger sister.That was what made her betrayal hurt so much. She hadn’t simply leaked confidential information.She had betrayed someone who trusted her.That morning, after finishing an important meeting, Dominic finally decided that it was time to deal with the matter personally.He picked up his phone and called his new assistant.“Clear my schedule for the next two hours.” He ordered. “Is everything all right, sir?” “I need to go to the police station.” There was a brief pause.“Should I arrange security?”“Yes.” Dominic ended the call

By the following morning, Ava’s Beauty Empire was already busy.Ava arrived with Rachel shortly after nine, and the first thing she noticed was the number of employees already waiting inside. The building no longer had the quiet, empty feeling it once had. People were moving between the reception area, the salon and the beauty school upstairs, each person settling into their new responsibilities.Rachel parked the car and accompanied Ava inside, Chloe was waiting at the reception desk with several folders arranged neatly in front of her.“Good morning,” she said.“Good morning.” Ava looked at the folders. “Are those the medical reports?”“Yes. The doctor sent the final results this morning. Everyone who was selected has been cleared to begin work.” Ava picked up the first folder and looked through it.“That was quick.”“They wanted everything completed before the employees officially started.” Ava nodded. “Good. I don’t want to be dealing with unfinished paperwork when we open.” Chl

By the beginning of the new week, Ava’s Beauty Empire had finally started to feel like a real company.The empty building was no longer quiet. There were employees coming in and out, instructors preparing their classrooms, and Chloe constantly moving between Ava’s office and the reception area with a folder in her hands.Ava sat behind her desk while Chloe stood across from her, going through the final list of successful applicants.“We’ve contacted everyone,” Chloe said. “Most of them have confirmed that they’ll be available to start.” Ava looked through the list.“Everyone?”“Almost. Two of the instructors haven’t responded yet, but I’ve sent them another message.”“Good, give them until this afternoon If they don’t respond, we’ll move on to the next candidates.” Chloe nodded and made a note.Ava leaned back in her chair and smiled.“I can’t believe we actually have a team now.”“You have a very large team,” Chloe corrected.Ava laughed.“Don’t remind me, I’m beginning to understand