Everyone turned toward the voice, only to see Ollie plastering on a fawning smile, carefully appeasing the man beside him while murmuring apologies.Nicky's gaze instantly locked onto Cynthia. His eyes burned with deep hatred and unfiltered disdain. Turning back to Ollie, he raised a single finger and shrieked, "We have only one hour—just one! If the shoot isn't done by then, we're walking out immediately. Not a second more!"The once smooth-running shoot had come to a grinding halt due to Nicky's abrupt intrusion. The atmosphere in the studio grew tense with irritation.Hogan, however, remained as composed as ever."And one more thing—Jacqueline doesn't like the photographer you assigned her." Nicky's sharp voice rang out again. He raised a hand, drawing an arc in the air before pointing directly at Roy. "You. Get ready. You'll be shooting for us."Pearl trembled with anger, her fists clenched so tightly it seemed she might lunge at Nicky at any second.Sensing this, Cynthia quickly
The moment Jacqueline saw Lucien, the smugness on her face instantly disappeared, replaced by sheer terror. Her eyes widened in horror as if she had just seen the most terrifying thing in the world.Her legs went weak, and she stumbled, barely able to stay on her feet. Nicky quickly reached out to support her, calling out anxiously, "Jacqueline!"Then, as he turned to look at Lucien approaching, an icy chill shot up his spine. His body involuntarily trembled.Lucien walked toward them, his fingers lightly brushing together as his cold, piercing gaze locked onto Jacqueline. His voice was laced with disdain as he said, "So, you've left clothes at my house before? I'll have the housekeeper search the storage room right away. If they find anything, I'll have it sent back to you immediately. In my home, aside from my wife's clothes, I consider anything else filthy and have the maids use them as rags.""Lucien…" Nicky couldn't take it anymore and tried to interject.However, before he could
The afternoon passed peacefully, with no one paying any more attention to Jacqueline. She slunk away, thoroughly humiliated. Hogan remained professional and focused on filming until the very end, which moved Pearl to tears.Cynthia had plans with Gina, so she completely forgot that Lucien had mentioned picking her up after work. The moment she clocked out, she left with Gina, and the two of them headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner.After confronting Cynthia earlier, Gina had already started to regret it. Yes, Cynthia had lied to her, but after cooling down, she questioned herself—what was she doing? She had only ever admired Lucien from afar. It had always been one-sided. What right did she have to hold her friend accountable for that?She trusted that Cynthia had her reasons.But she never expected Cynthia to drop a bombshell on her."Lucien is my ex-husband."Gina was utterly stunned, staring at Cynthia in shock, unable to proce
Shortly after.As Cynthia stood in front of the familiar doorway, she was met with nothing but cold emptiness.This was a place she had once loathed with every fiber of her being, yet it was also the place she had been forced to rely on.She had been gone for six years—who knew how much had changed?She pressed the doorbell, her expression utterly calm.The door swung open, revealing Toby standing shirtless, a large, inky-black tattoo sprawled across one shoulder. It was an indistinguishable mess. The moment he laid eyes on her, a sinister grin spread across his face. "We've been waiting for you."Cynthia stepped inside, her movements unhurried. Toby's gaze raked over her, sizing her up. "Looks like you've been living quite the luxurious life these past few years. Just look at those clothes, shoes, that bag—every single piece screams designer."She continued walking into the living room, her voice indifferent. "That's righ
Lucien stood at the doorway, clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, his posture straight and imposing. His sharp, hawk-like gaze locked onto Cynthia the moment he spotted her.When he noticed she was still wrapped in her male colleague's jacket, his brows furrowed slightly, a flicker of displeasure flashing through his eyes.Cynthia lifted her gaze and met Lucien's eyes.Why did he always seem to appear out of nowhere? Did he secretly install a tracker on her or something?Lucien strode over to her, lowering his head slightly as he gazed at her. His voice was calm but firm. "Are you done here?"Cynthia met his eyes with an unshaken expression. "They want me to borrow money from you—to pay off another million for Georgia. Would you still be willing to lend it to me?""If you want it, I'll give it to you,"Lucien replied without hesitation.Cynthia let out a soft "hmm,"as if contemplating something. Then she turned to
Sitting in the car, Cynthia stared silently out the window. After a long while, as if gathering all her courage, she slowly turned her head and softly asked, "How did you know I was there?""I told you we'd go home together after work. Why didn't you wait for me?"Lucien's tone was noticeably cold.Cynthia froze, suddenly recalling that he had indeed mentioned this. Lowering her eyes slightly, she murmured, "I forgot,"with a hint of barely noticeable guilt in her voice."You remember everything when it's about other people, but when it comes to me, you forget it all completely,"Lucien said, visibly annoyed. His eyes fell on the clothes she was wearing, and his expression darkened even more. "Take it off."Cynthia was still startled by his earlier words, and now, hearing this sudden command, she frowned slightly. Is he seriously thinking about... here, in the car?"What? Do you just love wearing another man's clothes that much?"&nbs
After the call ended, Cynthia sat frozen in her seat, her mind blank. Several seconds passed before she slowly came to her senses and took a deep breath — a breath that seemed to drain all the strength from her body. After hesitating for a moment, she stood up and headed straight to her manager's office to request leave.She knew full well that, no matter how strained her relationship with Georgia had been, she couldn't just turn a blind eye. Blood was thicker than water — no matter how much she tried, she couldn't cut those ties completely.When she arrived at the hospital, she went directly to the Radiology Department. Spotting Edric sitting there, Cynthia stormed over."Where's Georgia?" she demanded."She's inside, getting some scans done," Edric replied calmly, looking up at her."What exactly happened? And why are you here?" Cynthia's tone was sharp.Edric furrowed his brows slightly but still explained patiently, "I accidentally scraped her with my car, so I brought her here ri
Lucien strode over to Cynthia, pulled her into his arms, and firmly clasped her waist. Towering over the disheveled Edric on the ground, his eyes glinted with disdain. "If you want to speak to my wife, you'll have to get my permission first."Cynthia instinctively tried to push him away. "Lucien!" she called softly.At the sound of her voice, Lucien turned his head slightly and glanced at her. That one look sent a sharp jolt through Cynthia's heart. In his eyes, she saw overwhelming possessiveness, fierce protectiveness, and a trace of barely contained rage.Edric scrambled to his feet, looking utterly pathetic. His suit and face were smeared with dirt, and his bloodshot eyes locked onto Lucien and Cynthia with seething anger. His clenched fists trembled slightly, but he dared not make another move.Lucien glanced at him with contempt before lowering his gaze to Cynthia. "Darling, let's go home."His tone was gentle, but chilling to anyone who heard it.Simon helped Georgia from the t
Lucien grabbed her wrist, his grip so tight it nearly crushed the bone. "I told you—I don't need any damn test! Harley is my son!"Cynthia tilted her head up, her amber eyes almost translucent in the sunlight. "Just because I say so? Aren't you afraid I'm lying to you?""Of course I'm fucking sure!" He yanked her closer, his breath scorching her face. "Even if you told me Harley was someone else's kid, I'd still raise him as my own—because he came from your body!"His words landed like a punch to the chest. Cynthia's lashes trembled violently. She hadn't expected his obsession to run so deep."What? Calling me disgusting in your head again?" Lucien gave a hoarse laugh, his voice like sandpaper. "You said Harley would rather have a stranger as his dad than me. That almost made me kill someone. You'd rather claim he's a bastard than admit he's mine…" His fingertip brushed over her pale lips. "Am I really that repulsive to you?"It felt like an invisible hand clenched around her heart. C
Outside the door, Harley and Vicky were pressed up against it like two little mice sneaking oil, but no sound came through."Vicky," Harley whispered anxiously, lowering his soft little voice, "Is Mommy still mad at Daddy?"Vicky quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, Harley. I'm sure sir will make it up to ma'am." She'd sensed a shift in the air—Harley had started calling Lucien "Daddy." It looked like Mr. Lucien was well on his way to becoming the rightful head of the household.A sudden shiver ran down her spine. If sir caught them eavesdropping…"Sigh, I really worry about those two," Harley said with the maturity of an old man. "Vicky, make sure to get Daddy an extra blanket tonight.""Why's that?" Vicky whispered."Because Daddy's so clueless!" Harley threw his hands up, clearly exasperated with his father's lack of tact."What are you doing here?"A cold, sharp voice cracked through the hallway. Vicky nearly screamed in fright. She turned around and saw Simon glaring at them. Pan
"Daddy, you must've made Mommy mad," Harley crossed his arms and sighed like a little adult. "She's ignoring you." He added with a worried look, "Gerald never dares to upset Mommy. The last time he did, she didn't let him through our front door for a whole month. Do you think she'll kick you out too?"Lucien crouched down to meet his son's eyes, catching a key word with razor-sharp precision: "Gerald… Daddy?" His voice sank, and his knuckles unconsciously tightened. That title pierced his chest like a thorn."He's been around since Mommy was pregnant with me!" Harley blinked, then leaned in mysteriously, curling a finger for Lucien to come closer. When Lucien obliged, the little boy's warm breath brushed against his ear. "He really likes Mommy, but she says he always brings around ugly weirdos." Then, tugging seriously on Lucien's tie, he warned, "If you act like him, Mommy won't want you either—and then I won't have a daddy again."Lucien's pupils constricted. He gently cupped the ba
The sound of the door closing finally faded, and Cynthia opened her eyes in the darkness. Her lashes trembled, her gaze full of conflict and struggle piercing through the night.She knew Lucien's history with Jessica came before their reunion—but the sudden appearance of a child, that line about "peaceful coexistence," and his proposal for Jessica to get an abortion all pierced her heart like thorns. In the dark, she clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms.Twenty hours of being confined to the bed had left her legs numb. As she propped herself up against the headboard, she spotted a neatly folded dress nearby—its fabric carrying an unfamiliar warmth. The night outside was ink-dark, and then a child's voice suddenly pierced the silence:"Mommy! Mommy!"Staggering, Cynthia gripped the cold metal doorframe. Harley's voice, thick with sobs, crashed through the quiet. She fumbled the door open—and his small figure flung itself into her arms with such force they both tum
Lucien nearly crushed the steering wheel when he got Vicky's call. By the time he arrived, the scene in front of him made his blood run cold—Erica gripping a kitchen knife, dragging Cynthia behind her, Harley charging ahead with a broom, and Vicky chasing them in a panic. It looked like a total madhouse.Just as he got out of the car, he heard Harley's sharp little voice shout, "You big meanie!"A piercing screech of brakes tore through the air.A scooter came speeding from the side. Harley stood frozen in the bike lane, the broom falling from his hands with a clatter as he squeezed his eyes shut in fear."Harley!" several voices screamed in unison.Lucien moved on pure instinct. He lunged forward and scooped the child into his arms at the last possible second. They both crashed into the roadside bushes, dry branches tearing jagged scratches into his skin.Cynthia rushed over and grabbed Harley, her fingers trembling as she checked him all over. "Tell Mommy—does anything hurt?"Harley
Cynthia raised her hand to hail a taxi to Erica's place, but before she could, a strong hand clamped around her wrist. Lucien was suddenly there behind her, his eyes a storm barely contained."You hate me that much?" he said hoarsely. "You can't even stand to stay one more minute?""Stay?" She let out a cold laugh. "What, to talk about how many mistresses you have? How many illegitimate children? Maybe we should count now, just so your grandfather won't have to bring them home one by one. That way, I'll know how many people I'm supposed to share you with!"Lucien's temple twitched with rage. "I told you, no one but you is worthy of having my child! You're the one who wanted her to keep it!""Oh, so now it's all my fault?" Cynthia's eyes turned red with unshed tears. "Should I thank you for giving me the exclusive privilege of bearing your children?"Her voice trembled. "You think an abortion makes it go away? And when the next one comes along, you'll have her abort it too, all for me?
Back at the apartment, Cynthia walked straight to the bedroom without so much as glancing at Hogan."I'll find you some clean clothes,"she said."Um…"Hogan rubbed his nose, a sheepish smile spreading across his face. "If you've got any... new underwear..."Cynthia paused. "Take a shower first. I'll bring it over when I find some."Throughout the exchange, neither of them acknowledged Lucien, even though his shirtfront was just as soaked.Sensing the tension radiating from Lucien, Hogan raised his voice deliberately. "Lucien, I'm going to shower now~ Where are the slippers?""Let Stephen bring the underwear,"Lucien said coldly. "The only ones I have are ones I've worn."Hogan blinked. "There's a supermarket downstairs. They probably sell them—"Before he could finish, someone grabbed the back of his collar. Lucien was already dragging him toward the door."Go dry off outside.""She's
Lucien's expression shifted subtly as he stepped toward her. "We do have a son. His name is Harley."His gaze never left Cynthia's face, but she wouldn't spare him even a glance."Impossible!"Janet shrieked, springing to her feet. "You've been divorced for six years! That bastard could be anyone's—""Janet."Cynthia's glare was sharper than any knife. "You'll regret saying that."She turned to Lucien, her tone calm as if speaking of someone else's life. "I found out I was pregnant after the divorce. I gave birth to him alone… raised him alone..."Her voice finally trembled. "I never planned to let you know."Lucien recalled the strange sense of closeness he'd felt when he first met Harley. His heart was struck like a gong. She had borne all of this—alone."I know."He pulled her into his arms, his voice hoarse. "Harley is my son."Mandy approached slowly. Cynthia immediately noticed the brui
Cynthia had just stepped out of the kitchen when she nearly collided with Marcus, who stood at the doorway with a frail-looking girl. The girl kept her head down, her steps hesitant."Come in,"Marcus said, stepping aside. But when he looked up and saw Cynthia, his expression shifted dramatically.The girl slowly lifted her head, and the moment their eyes met, both she and Cynthia froze in place.That face—it looked so much like hers. Even more than Jacqueline ever had. Put them side by side, and no one would doubt they were sisters."Dinner's ready..."Lucien's voice came from behind, but at this moment, it sounded sharp and jarring."Lucien..."Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as she stared longingly at the man behind Cynthia, yet she didn't dare take a step closer.Cynthia turned and saw Lucien's face clouded with dark fury. She said softly, "She's here for you."His pupils contracted. He reached out for her,