There was a soft knock on the door.Arabella turned just as Harry walked in, holding a folder thick with documents. His expression was grim.“Bella,” he said quietly, “I just got word from my contact. Adam’s not backing down. He’s approaching one of your father’s trusted directors—Mr. Johan.”Arabella’s hands clenched. “He’s using an insider to infiltrate us?”Harry nodded. “I suspect he’s trying to take you down from the inside. Maybe through tampered financial reports or manipulated operational data.”Arabella stepped closer, locking eyes with him. “Are you sure?”“I am. And there’s more.” Harry opened the folder and revealed photos taken from surveillance—Adam was seen meeting someone in the parking lot of the corporate building. The man’s face wasn’t unfamiliar to Arabella.“Mr. Johan…” she whispered. “He helps compile our annual performance report.”“If he falsifies data, it could make the company appear as if it’s in financial trouble. That gives Adam grounds to claim shares, us
Adam stood casually by the side of the table, his body leaning slightly forward as if trying to assert dominance. Arabella sat across from him, arms folded over her chest, her gaze unyielding.“It’s been a while, Mrs. Harry Anderson. Last time we met… if I recall correctly, you nearly threw a glass in my face.”Arabella arched a brow, clearing her throat. “You should be grateful I’m still being professional today.”Adam grinned. “You’ve always been fun when you're angry. But let’s talk business.”He placed a thick-stamped folder onto the table and slid into the seat opposite her. With confident hands, he pushed the folder toward her.“This is the draft proposal I once discussed with your father, back when he was still active. I thought we could continue where he left off—even if he hasn’t fully recovered.”Arabella opened the document and began to read. Her face tightened, her brows drawn together in concentration. Adam watched her intently, eyes sharp, as if waiting for a crack in he
“Are you sure you don’t want to eat first?” Harry’s voice sounded worried as Arabella took off her shoes at the door. She had just returned from her father's house, and her face looked more exhausted than usual.“Not hungry,” Arabella replied briefly, placing her bag on the table. Her eyes were blank. There was a wound that hadn’t healed, and Harry could feel it.In his wheelchair, he followed her to the kitchen and handed her a cup of warm tea. “Lavender. They say it helps you relax.”Arabella accepted the cup but didn’t drink it right away. “I really don’t get it, Harry. They can still sleep peacefully in that house, as if nothing ever happened. When Dad almost died because of someone’s doing.”Harry sat across from her, his eyes observing Arabella as she started rubbing her temples. “Helena is still in denial?”“She even hugged Dad. As if she’s the most devoted daughter in the world. I’m sick of it.” Arabella placed the teacup on the table, her tone rising. “I’m sure she planned so
“We’re here, Dad.”Arabella’s voice was calm but distant as the driver parked the car in the driveway of Edwin’s house.Helena quickly got out of the back seat and opened the door for their father. “Come on, Dad. Take it slow.”Edwin gave a faint nod, his eyes sweeping across the yard he hadn’t seen in a long time since he was hospitalized. His body still looked frail, but a thin smile tugged at his lips.From behind the door, Luna—his second wife—rushed out to greet him. “Edwin… you’re finally home.”She hadn’t come to the hospital because she’d been busy cooking to welcome him back.Arabella pulled the wheelchair out of the trunk and wheeled it toward her father. “Please sit, Dad.” Her voice was flat. She didn’t even glance at Helena.Helena grabbed the small bag of medicine and said, “I’ll bring this inside.”Without responding, Arabella pushed the wheelchair into the house, her gaze fixed ahead. In the living room, silence hung in the air like held breath.“You don’t have to come
In the quiet corner of the mansion’s backyard garden—where lavender bloomed in thick, fragrant clusters and the breeze stirred the leaves with a lazy grace—two figures stood near an old tea table. Mr. Hans sat in silence, eyes trained on the steam rising from his porcelain teacup. Opposite him stood Jimmy, hands behind his back, his expression alert yet amiable.“So, how did she react?” Mr. Hans asked, not looking away from his tea.Jimmy inhaled slowly. “Just as you predicted, Sir. The potion had a strong effect on Lady Arabella. According to Dr. Tania… she kissed Master Harry. Multiple times.”Mr. Hans raised an eyebrow, a brief smirk twitching at the corners of his lips. “Good. Progress, at last.”“But,” Jimmy added cautiously, “Master Harry appeared… unaffected by Lady Arabella. He was too composed. Too aware.”Mr. Hans took a slow sip of his tea.“They’re both stubborn,” he muttered. “Even after all my preparations, they still act like two magnets turned the wrong way—refusing to
Harry’s body broke out in a cold sweat. His mind screamed to resist—but his heart... his heart was locked in a fierce argument with reason.Arabella’s kiss started hesitant, even trembling. But when Harry didn’t pull away—when he stood frozen, eyes half-closed—her confidence surged. Her tongue brushed his lips, seeking an answer.After all, Harry was a grown man with desires. Damn it. He couldn’t resist Arabella.He kissed her back—slowly, then more assuredly. His left hand rose to the back of her head, fingers slipping into the waves of her long, silky hair.What started as a gentle kiss quickly deepened. Their breaths tangled, racing against their pounding hearts.“Arabella...” Harry murmured between rushed breaths. He was losing control.“Hmm?” Arabella’s response was a half-dazed hum, drunk on sensation and emotion. She was truly savoring their intimacy.“I’m a grown man... and if you keep this up...” Harry held his breath, trying to stop the rising tide of emotion threatening his