로그인He looked out the window. His secret pact with Diego was a huge gamble. If it worked, he’d get everything: recognition in the family, the project he craved, and maybe, eventually, full control of the Quinn Estate once Jasper was gone.And Hazel? She’d just be the trophy traded between two men hungry for power. Sure, Diego would think he won because he got the girl. But in the long run, Sebastian was sure he’d be the one pulling the strings.The question now was, how long could Hazel hold out before getting dragged back into Diego’s whirlwind—or before she realized her "kind" uncle was a threat that was much closer and more dangerous than she thought?Sebastian’s eyes flashed with satisfaction. He typed a quick reply.[To: Diego Blake] Ethan Reed isn't a serious threat. Jasper likes him, but Hazel’s heart... that’s your battlefield. Don't blow it. Remember, I can be a bridge, or I can be a wall. Your choice.He tossed his phone onto the passenger seat. The car pulled into downtown Herl
The air on the porch suddenly felt colder after that name was dropped. Hazel’s eyes widened as she looked at Sebastian, then quickly shifted her gaze to her grandfather. She forced a tiny, awkward smile, waving her hand as if to brush off the tension—but inside, alarm bells were screaming.“Stop mentioning that name,” Jasper growled. His voice, usually warm, was suddenly loud and full of old-authority. His face, which had been bright a moment ago, was now wrinkled with deep dislike. “I won’t let my granddaughter be with someone who puts her life in danger. That Blake guy... he’s a storm. And Hazel doesn't need any more storms in her life.”“Uncle…” Sebastian spoke up again, his tone low but smooth. He smiled, playing the role of the wise mediator. “Diego isn’t that bad. In the business world, everyone knows he’s tough, but fair.” His eyes flicked to Hazel, his gaze suggesting they shared a secret. “And personally, from what I’ve seen, Diego has never acted this way with any other woma
The next morning, soft sunlight hit the back porch of the Quinn Estate. Hazel sat in a comfy rattan chair, sipping warm chamomile tea. Across from her, Jasper sat with a blanket over his lap, his face looking peaceful in the morning glow.Everything felt way calmer than the glitz of the night before. But that peace was only skin-deep.After thinking it over all morning, Hazel finally got up the nerve. "Grandpa," she said softly, setting down her teacup. "Can I ask why you rejected my dad back then?"Jasper looked away from the garden, his hazel eyes—so much like hers—turning toward her gently. He gave a small, sad smile. "Don't you know the story already? From your aunt? Or... someone else?" There was a hint of suspicion in his voice.Hazel gave a faint smile, trying to act innocent. "I want to hear your version. All I’ve known is that you didn't approve because my dad wasn't as rich as the Quinns."Jasper chuckled, his voice raspy. "Is that right? Oh, Hazel." He reached out a wrinkle
That night, the Quinn Estate turned into a glowing palace. Crystal chandeliers scattered light across the massive main dining hall, oozing a kind of luxury that felt quietly suffocating.The long mahogany table was decked out with silver utensils, fine china, and fragrant fresh flowers. The air was thick with the smell of gourmet food and the low hum of people gossiping.Hazel stood next to Jasper, wearing a midnight blue silk gown picked out by her personal shopper. It was simple but elegant—the kind of perfect fit that made her look like she actually belonged in this world. But behind her practiced smile, her heart was thumping. Every look she got felt like an inspection, a judgment."Ladies and gentlemen, friends," Jasper’s deep, commanding voice cut through the chatter. He tapped his wine glass with a silver spoon. "Thank you for coming tonight. This is a very special night for me, and for the Quinn family."Every eye in the room landed on him, then shifted to Hazel standing by hi
The luxury car glided through the heavy iron gates of the Quinn Estate. Hazel stared out the window, seeing the place in a totally different light. Last night, this was someone else’s stage. Now, they were calling it "home."Jasper watched her from the seat next to her, his expression soft. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”Home. The word felt weird and warm at the same time.She was taken straight to her mother’s room—the room that was now officially hers. The changes since last night blew her away. The dust was gone. Soft lavender carpet stretched across the floor. The bed canopy had been replaced with cream silk. Fresh flowers sat on the vanity. The room kept Rose Anne’s vintage vibe, but now it felt alive.The walk-in closet was what really floored her. She opened the doors and caught her breath.Inside were dozens—maybe hundreds—of outfits. Everything from cozy loungewear to evening gowns that looked like art. Soft cotton tees, silk blouses, tailored pants, elegant skirts. On the other
“I’m going home with Grandfather.”Hazel’s voice sliced through the tension thick enough to choke on. It wasn't loud, but it was clear, steady, and filled with a newfound peace.After he finally confessed his love, she was leaving him anyway. Was this the beginning of the end for the "Tycoon of Temptation"? He’d been beaten by Hazel Anne Quinn—the woman who’d always shown him her weaknesses, only for those very weaknesses to become her ultimate strength.Her words hit him like a physical blow. Diego flinched. A look of deep disappointment—mixed with pain and pure disbelief—wiped the determination and hope right out of his eyes.“Hazel…” his voice caught, sounding more like a pained groan than a name.Hazel saw it. In her heart, something was pulling, screaming at her to stay in the middle of the beautiful chaos this man offered. But in her head, logic and survival instincts were shouting louder. Instincts backed by a grandfather’s love.“We can still see each other,” Hazel said, tryin







