Detroit~“We did as you instructed, boss,” Elias reported calmly. “Hm,” Detroit responded without lifting his head from the document he was reading. Picking his pen, he ruled over some miscalculations with a slight frown between his brows. Still, he asked, “And the press?”“Impressed. Stunned, even,” Elias replied with the barest hint of a smirk. “The launch’s coverage is all over the place. Coastal Sonata Retreat is trending in every relevant industry sector. The articles are practically worshipping her.”Detroit's pen hovered over the page, lips curled slightly, but not in amusement. He didn’t care for worship. He cared for Results. And Adele? She had delivered spectacularly.When Detroit saw the new look of her resort, he knew she had what it took to make it in the business world. Nothing impressed Detroit anymore but Adele kept surprising him. And as a business genius, he could tell that she was a profitable investment. He had ensured Adele’s success not out of charity or rom
David~ “You fucked my wife!” Roman roared, voice hoarse with betrayal. “I fucking trusted you. You were my brother, Ryan. My family!” Ryan didn’t even blink. He stayed seated, elbows resting on his knees, his expression flat and unreadable. The accusation barely registered. It wasn’t the first time tonight his empire had been thrown in his face. Roman paced like a storm trapped in flesh. “I brought you into my home. You sat at my table, played with my kid, and all the while—you were screwing my wife?” “I didn’t plan it,” Ryan said coolly. “It just happened.” “Bullshit!” Roman’s voice cracked. “Things like that don’t just happen.” A thick silence fell, full of teeth and unspoken violence. “Calm down,” Ryan said smoothly, like this was a quarterly earnings meeting and not a declaration of war. “You’re being dramatic.” Roman's nostrils flared. “Dramatic?! You fucked my wife, and you’re telling me to calm down?” Ryan finally looked up, eyes glinting like a blade. “She cam
David~ “The Grand Opening of Coastal Sonata Retreat,” the anchor announced, voice reverent. “An astonishing achievement in both luxury design and emotional wellness, the retreat has stunned industry veterans worldwide. Designed under the artistic leadership of Adele Ford, this oasis marries architectural serenity with heartfelt storytelling. The surprise guest appearance of fashion oracle Gaya sent waves across the global elite, instantly elevating the retreat to iconic status.” The screen flicked to clips of Adele and her co-staff smiling as they attended to some guests. They were most definitely not aware that they were being filmed and shown on live TV. Elegant guests crying and clapping during the retreat’s emotional “Welcome Ritual,” which included scenes touring the rooms and environment, testing the menu, and spa sections. Then, there was a shot that stilled David's heart. It was a clip of three individuals; two women and one man. “Remy, Leila and Hara…?!” Ryan kn
Ryan~ The temerity! Adele made those people throw him out like some nameless stray dog. Ryan clenched his jaw, storming into his house with his son trailing behind him like some lost puppy. Ryan yanked at his tie, fury vibrating from him like static in a thunderstorm. The door slammed shut behind them with a violent thud that made picture frames rattle. He didn’t speak. Couldn’t. Rage choked every word in his throat. Ethan hovered by the door, unsure if he should speak or go upstairs. The boy had never seen his father this furious before and for some reason, it made him anxious. But most of all, he was confused by what his mother said. Was it true that his father and Aunt Julia were cheating in their marriages? Was it true that if the news got out, nobody would respect Aunt Julia anymore? That Sophia's life would be ruined, which meant, his own life would be ruined too? “Dad... what did Adele mean by—” “Go upstairs!” Ryan snapped. Ethan flinched, “Y– yes, dad.” With
Silver~The car sped through the roads. I didn't ask where we were going. I knew without a doubt that Gaya and Co would deliver me safely to my family.My fingers brushed over the drawing of my father. It was better than the one I made for his birthday. It was less stiff and more alive. His shoulders had the right depth now and it pictures exactly how my father stood in suit. I didn’t need anyone to tell me. This one was him.“You like her, don't you?” Gaya asked from the seat opposite mine.I didn’t lift my head. I didn’t need to ask who she meant.Adele.I didn’t want to admit it. But I liked her.She was a good artist. That was undeniable. There were things I could learn from her. Unlike my West family who knew nothing about art. There was Mia, who squealed at everything I drew, even with glaring errors, my great grandma, who just went along with me but didn't know where the errors were. All she saw was the beauty like every non-artist.Then, there was my grandma who repeatedly to
Adele~“I didn’t mean to lie,” I whispered. “I’ve… met him. Up close. It was unexpected. But I didn’t know he was your father then.”Silver’s jaw tightened slightly.She closed the sketchpad with a soft thud and finally looked at me, not with hostility, but with a terrifying clarity that shouldn't be found on children like her.“You're in a relationship with my father.”I froze.She continued, voice flat. “My father doesn't get close to anyone unless he has a reason.” she paused. “You're not like Gaya and the others.” Her eyes roamed my face and upper body, “You're not his business partner either, so the only reason he'd take you to an auction and allow a photograph of you both on the internet is if you belong to him.”I flinched.There was no cruelty in her tone. No raised voice. Just brutal, unwavering logic delivered with the same cold accuracy as her father's. My mouth parted, but nothing came out.Silver crossed her arms, leaning her back on the sofa, still watching me. “He does