INICIAR SESIÓNKhloe couldn't understand how Nick could, in his current situation, still have time to worry about anyone else.Nick was slightly unhappy by Khloe's remark and cleared his throat twice.Khloe immediately turned, placing a hand over his chest. "Are you feeling unwell?""No." Nick turned his face away, his voice carrying a faint chill.His mood was easy to read, and Khloe instantly knew he was being sensitive again."You're perfect in almost every way, but you're far too petty," she teased gently, pinching his cheek with a coaxing smile. "I already told you—we'll go for a full checkup once all this is over. You get checked, I get checked. No hiding anything from each other. Deal?"Only then did Nick turn his head fully, his gaze heavy as he looked at her. "Do you promise?""I promise." Khloe held up three fingers. "I swear it in my father's name."Mentioning Niel caused the atmosphere between them to stiffen for a brief moment.Nick held her hand, their fingers interlaced. "Good
"Don't worry, Sir. We're already investigating. As soon as there's a result, I'll come straight to you.""All right."Michael finally felt a measure of relief.Khloe was still in Naraida, and he constantly worried about her. After seeing the housekeeper off, he called her back.By then, night had fallen in Naraida.When Khloe answered, she was in the car with Nick. Michael asked about her situation, and for a moment, he had wanted to tell her about what had happened between him and Winnie—but it quickly became clear that Khloe had no idea.News of Oscar and Michael's conflict had already hit the headlines in Goldmont City, causing an uproar—but Khloe seemed unaware. Her situation was clearly far more complicated.Hearing Michael pause mid-sentence, Khloe's curiosity got the better of her. "Michael, nothing serious happened over there, right?""It's nothing urgent. I'll tell you when you get back." Michael hesitated, not wanting Khloe to be distracted.If she knew about Winnie
Michael was used to lightly seasoned, healthy meals. It wasn't that he was picky—it was just that he truly couldn't get used to the heavy flavors of takeout food."You're going to cook for me?" Hearing Winnie say this, his face lit up. "Isn't that too much trouble for you?""It's fine. I'll cook for you, and you can cook for me too," Winnie said calmly."Okay," Michael nodded, his eyes full of anticipation, as if she had just promised him something incredible.Winnie lowered her head. She had steeled herself mentally, but barely a few steps into reality, the weight of the situation hit her.She hadn't answered the calls from Mr. and Mrs. Olson, who had been messaging her all day, urging her to divorce Michael and come back home. Otherwise, they warned, Michael would suffer, and even if she left the Olson family, she would end up sharing the hardship—both sides losing, and all for nothing.Winnie knew they didn't really want her to leave; they wanted to keep her under control. Tho
"Sir, all the properties under your name are to be returned as agreed…"Oscar had already put every villa owned by Michael up for sale. The only property untouched now was the newly purchased flat—Michael's last remaining asset. But since he had agreed to return everything, this apartment would be handed over as well.Winnie, hearing the commotion, quietly started clearing the breakfast table. It was clear that Oscar intended to drive Michael into a corner."Come in. I'll need a little time to pack my things," Michael said politely, inviting them inside.Everyone waved them off in unison. "No need to hurry, Sir. Take your time. We can come back tomorrow.""No need for that long. I don't have much. Half an hour should do it." Michael's voice was calm and steady.By the time he returned, Winnie had already gone to the bedroom to pack her things. Michael's belongings fit into a single suitcase.The day had unfolded far beyond what either had expected. Originally, he had packed just
"Fine, then you can make the rules. From now on, in our house, everything goes by your word." Michael immediately surrendered."What? I don't understand anything you're saying! Last night… I don't remember any of it…"Winnie's face flamed even redder, and she chose to deny it all outright.But no sooner had the words left her mouth than his hand grabbed her waist from behind.Winnie flinched, almost flinging the spatula in her hand."Michael!""It's fine. You don't remember, but I remember perfectly."Michael leaned close from behind, hands braced on the edge of the counter. His lips brushed her ear as he spoke slowly, deliberately, "You said last night… that from now on… I have to hold you every night while you sleep.""I never said that!" Winnie's hand trembled, and she whirled around.Her eyes locked on his face, smiling faintly, and her heart skipped a beat."You don't remember?" Michael teased lightly."You—""It doesn't matter. I already know your intentions. Even if
Winnie hadn't expected it. She struggled instinctively for a moment, but her strength quickly ebbed away, and she collapsed against him like a loose rag.Michael's kisses grew deeper, more insistent, yet gentler, more tender with each passing second.She was already lightly dressed, and by now her shawl had slipped somewhere out of reach. Without turning on the light, they moved together, entwined, toward the bed.Her hair spilled across the pillow like black silk, and Michael's strong, angular hands traced her with an intensity that had been building for years, now finally unleashed, unstoppable.The emotions of a lifetime erupted all at once, sweeping them both into a world of overwhelming tenderness and desire.Michael still retained a shred of reason; he paused for a heartbeat, as if to say something—but Winnie bit her lip, answering him with action instead. She greedily pressed his firm waist into her palms, savoring every single moment of the night.Clothes fell away, night







