Eloise scoffed through the nose, “ Seriously? They're brothers? No wonder. Do they mass-produce infuriating men in this family? Honestly —what is this bloodline made of, pure annoyance? Just my luck…one devil wasn't enough, I had to meet the brother too.” She said beneath her breath as she watched Zade walk towards Antonio. “ Looks like I interrupted your workout,” Zade said as he looked at his shirt clinging to his skin like a second skin. With sweat all over his neck and arms. “ So you've finally decided to return home,” Antonio said, stepping into the sitting room. Zade felt an ache in his chest, one he's been suppressing. Desperation gradually washed over him to confront Antonio from the second he laid eyes on him. But he swallowed, clenched his fist to keep it cool. “ Were you wishing I'd never return?” He asked with a victory smirk. Eloise’s brow creased as she heard him say. ‘ WT..’ but her thoughts halted when she saw Antonio's unfazed expression as if that statement wa
“ Can I bring myself to hurt Tamara?” Eloise questioned herself as her legs padded the tiled floor. Her mind dwelled on Dayse, Dayse's feelings, how she'd feel if she hurt her daughter, and seeing that Dayse wasn't going to believe whatever she says makes her feel conflicted on what to do.She's plotted her vengeance against Mason, which is currently in motion.Yet….Eloise groaned frustratedly. Like nothing was working, nothing was going as she'd want it to like everything was against her.But it wasn't the revenge against Tamara. In fact, it feels like thinking about revenge was an excuse. And the excuse doesn't seem to be working, the thoughts of Alisha and revenge don't seem to stop the thought that keeps creeping back in.The thoughts that clung to the back of her head were a miserable clip.It bothers her, it unsettles her. She remembered when she'd started telling Antonio that Leo didn't touch her, she knew that wasn't the normal her.That was the hidden her that didn't like ho
“ Eloise,” Mason muttered under his breath as he sat behind his desk. His fist tightened along with his jaw.Even her name scraped against his skull like a curse. She was his possession, his proof of power, but now she’s with another man, their business rival at that. He didn't care about the deal he lost, but the thought of them together was enough to make his vision bleed red, enough to make his jaw ache from the grind of his teeth.Antonio Brayden. The name burned into his skull like a brand. If Antonio thinks this was business, then he should be ready to learn that this is war. Cause if he can't have her, then no one would…and Antonio would be the first to learn how far he'd go to make that truth absolute.“ Sir, I have a suggestion,” Tedros broke through his thoughts.His eyes slowly glared up at him, and Tedros quickly spoke before he'd piss him off even more.“ A dinner party.”Mason furrowed his brow.“ Think about it, sir, since you became the CEO, you've not had any parties,
Eloise couldn't contain her joy, her face beamed as she watched Nadine’s pen dance over their deal file. She was so elated when Nadine told her that morning that they had won her time, and with the support of her employees who admired their will and determination.And of course, Nadine couldn't turn down their proposal after listening to them. It was so beneficial and was all about their needs without them having to compromise anything or cause discomfort for their workers.She shook hands with Eloise but refused to shake Antonio's.“ I'm signing the deal because of you, not this…,” Nadine eyed Antonio as she shook Eloise's hand.Eloise’s heart skipped. She's been avoiding Antonio since that morning and refusing to look at him, but she couldn't help but be curious about why Nadine had been frowning and glaring at him.“ Why?” She asked.Nadine didn't finish her statement; she just gritted her teeth, as she didn't even know what exactly to call him.“ Ask your sharp-mouthed boss.”Eloi
| BACK HOME—AT ARENA | In long strides, Antonio heads back to the cabin, with his hands tucked into his pockets, and a face full of smiles. He was almost there when he sighted Nadine standing with her hands at her back, gazing into the sky.The sound of his footsteps caused her to turn her head towards his direction and Antonio went to meet her.“ Mrs. Clinton,” he muttered as he got to her side,“ Mr. Brayden,” she called quietly, “ Taking a walk?”“ Something like that,” he nodded and a silence fell between them as he accompanied her in sky gazing until she decided to break the silence.“ Thank you, Mr. Brayden,” she muttered,“ Hm?”“ For looking after the kids. I didn't expect you'll be able to handle them like that.”“ Well,” He shrugged, “Turns out there's nothing I can't handle."Nadine's lip twitched to a side as she gave him a side eye look. “ And I know you did that to test me,” he added, looking at her short frame over his shoulder.Nadine scoffed, “ Was it that obvious?"
| ITALY — LATER THAT NIGHT |The soft click of Laera's heels echoed against the hotel’s quiet corridor, Oliver walking by her side with his hands in his pocket.Neither of them spoke at first, but the heat from the dinner still lingered between them, as tangible as the faint scent of her perfume that kept drifting his way. Every now and then, his gaze flicked to her, and his chest raced each time.Soon, they arrived in front of her door. Laera reached for the key card in her clutch that he was holding but his fingers brushed hers before she could take it.“ Allow me,” he murmured.Her pulse stumbled. She stepped back as he slid the card, the lock giving a soft click. He pushed the door open, but didn’t move to leave.“You should rest,” he said, voice low, eyes fixed on her face.Laera’s throat felt dry. “I will.”She murmured but neither of them moved. They stared at each other till he took half a step forward, still holding her gaze.“ Laera…,” he called, almost like a warning and a