Dear Gentle Readers, did he truly mistake her for Victoria? This author believes we all know better...
Victoria arrived at the top floor and knocked lightly before pushing open the door. The room was dimly lit, casting a soft glow over Alexander, who was seated on the sofa, engaged in a video conference with overseas executives. The faint scent of shower gel lingered in the air, suggesting he had just taken a shower. At the thought, her body grew warm.Beneath her coat, she wore an alluring outfit—something she had carefully chosen just for tonight. A gift for him. She believed that once he unwrapped it, he would be very pleased. A slight blush tinged her cheeks as she stepped inside and changed into indoor slippers.But just as she squatted down, her fingers froze mid-motion. Two long strands of hair lay on the pristine floor.Her heart pounded. The penthouse was Alexander’s private space, professionally cleaned and disinfected daily due to his extreme aversion to germs. No one was allowed to enter without full coverage, ensuring that not even a single strand of hair would be left behi
The moment presented itself perfectly. They were alone and all she needed to do was persuade him to get back together. Yet just as Victoria was about to speak, a hesitant voice came from the entrance."Miss, Mr. Laurent asked you to return first. I’ll wait here and bring the cat back once the treatment is complete."The softness in Victoria’s face vanished, replaced by a cold sharpness that made the servant lower their head in fear. She took a deep breath, suppressing the irritation rising within her. Ever since returning to the country a few days ago, she had been spending all her time with Alexander, neglecting her father’s calls and inquiries. Now, he must have learned about her visit tonight and wanted to check if she had succeeded in getting closer to Alexander.Her fingers clenched slightly at her sides before she forced herself to ease up."You go back first. I'll wait here," she ordered, voice firm. "And don't let this kind of mistake happen again next time. You should know tha
That night, instead of returning to his usual hotel, Alexander went to Le Châteauesque Manor—a place that, until recently, had been occupied by Rex, the dog. The lingering traces of dog hair triggered his allergy, and despite taking medication, he developed a mild fever by morning.When Victoria heard about this from Hugo, she wasted no time. Since she and Alexander had agreed to mend their relationship, she needed to show sincerity.As she stepped into the Vanderbilt Corporation’s sleek marble lobby, the scent of polished wood and freshly brewed coffee filled the air. The reception area was always buzzing with activity, a hub of well-dressed professionals gliding between meetings. Women came to the Vanderbilt family offices daily, each one hoping to catch Alexander’s attention. Celebrities, socialites, and influencers—all eager to get close to the elusive billionaire. The front desk had learned to turn them away effortlessly. But Victoria? She belonged here. Brigitte—Raphael's girlf
(From here, Ava will be referred to as Serena, as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr., Aunt Torres, and the staff recognize her as “Serena” or “Miss Morales,” Alexander’s wife.) ---The moment Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. saw Serena’s name flash across his phone screen, his heart lifted. "Serena, what is it? Did Alexander mess with you again?"His voice, though laced with concern, carried an undertone of disappointment. Ever since Alexander’s so-called affair had come to light, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s anger had not subsided. Just thinking about his grandson’s betrayal to his devoted wife ignited a fresh wave of fury in his chest.Serena had initially called just to vent, but the warmth in Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s voice struck a chord deep within her. He had always been in her corner—more than even her own father. That realization caused a lump to form in her throat, her vision growing misty with unshed tears.Sensing her silence, Mr. Vanderbilt Sr.’s expression darkened. "I knew it. That boy did something again, didn’
The heavy air in Le Châteauesque Manor carried the weight of discontent. The tension was palpable as Mr. Vanderbilt Sr. walked in with slow, measured steps, his cane tapping softly against the marble floor. His presence commanded instant attention. He settled into the high-backed armchair across from the sofa with practiced ease. The room, grand yet intimate, was bathed in the soft glow of antique chandeliers, casting a warm contrast against the tension crackling in the air. His sharp gaze swept across the grand room before settling on Victoria, who sat stiffly on the couch. Aunt Torres, ever the dutiful housekeeper, hurried over with a delicate porcelain teacup, steam curling from its surface. The old man accepted it with a measured nod, lifting the cup just enough to brush away the floating tea leaves with its lid before taking a deliberate sip. His voice, steady and firm carrying the weight of authority. “Miss Laurent,” he began, his tone cutting through the thick silence like a
Dear Gentle Readers, This author was denied promotion & the app actually said that this story does not perform well with only 4 readers and 2 comments thus no ads since last week... This author refuses to believe that especially when he saw at least 7 people liked & gave a thumbsup on the last free chapter. Can you please help this author by giving a thumbsup and commenting on this chapter, please? So this author has proof when consulting and reporting this to his editor tomorrow morning. As a token of gratitude for your generous help, please enjoy this chapter free of charge... Grazie mille. Yours, Ethan. P.S. this is actually 2 chapters combined into 1 therefore it is quite long, apologies for that. ---------That night, Serena slept soundly, the kind of deep, dreamless rest that felt like a rare luxury. By the time morning light filtered through her curtains, her spirits were noticeably brighter.The first thing she did upon waking was reach for her phone. A single missed call
As Ava finished helping Rita with her painting, she glanced over and saw Rita on the phone, her voice light and cheerful. Only then did Ava realize that Rita’s driver had already left.Rita returned with a bright smile. “Ava, do you have any plans for tonight or tomorrow morning?”Ava thought for a moment. Her father was still unconscious, and the construction in Manhattan was progressing smoothly. Aside from picking up Rex tomorrow afternoon, she had nothing pressing. “Not really.”Rita clapped her hands in excitement. “That’s great!”Without warning, she linked her arm with Ava’s and pulled her toward the roadside. “I absolutely must treat you to something amazing today! I guarantee you’ve never tasted anything like it before!”Ava was about to protest when she spotted a sleek black luxury car parked ahead. Her stomach twisted. She knew that car.Alexander’s car.Before she could react, Rita had already opened the door and gently nudged her inside.“Xander, I brought Ava along. You
Rita led Ava through the vast grounds, passing from the lively seafood section to the entertainment areas. The sprawling estate was designed for indulgence, featuring everything from Olympic-sized swimming pools to high-adrenaline bungee jumps and a state-of-the-art shooting range. The event was in full swing, with guests scattered in various spots, enjoying their freedom to partake in whatever entertainment suited them.By the time they reached the grand dessert display—a magnificent ten-meter-long spread of exquisitely crafted pastries—chefs had already begun preparing fresh seafood under glass enclosures, while clusters of socialites chatted over cocktails nearby.“Farah hosts these gatherings every year, though never on a fixed schedule,” Rita explained as they approached the desserts. “It could be spring, summer, or fall. The chefs she brings in have all worked for the Vanderbilt family before. Michelin-starred talents—worth more than some pro athletes. The food is exceptional.”
On the other side of the town, upon being kicked out by Serena a few times, Sergio, consumed with envy over his brother Alfonso’s wealth and frustrated by his own sons’ unemployment, confided in his mother, Martina, that he suspected Serena wasn’t Alfonso’s biological daughter due to her alluring looks. Driven by malice, he secretly conducted a paternity test using Serena’s hair, believing that if she wasn’t truly Alfonso’s child—especially now with Araminta and Valentina disgraced and Josh incapacitated—his own sons could rightfully claim the Morales family fortune. When the results arrived confirming no biological link between Alfonso and Serena, Sergio, Martina, and Ricardo, thrilled by the opportunity, immediately set out to confront the Morales family.---It was midday at the Morales family estate, and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes lingered through the marble-floored hallways. The dining room was elegantly set—linen napkins folded precisely, silverware gleaming, and steam
Ava Alvarez remained stranded on the top floor, her heels aching and her body weary. The elevator wouldn't budge without a keycard, and for privacy and security reasons, the stairwell doors were locked from the inside. Whoever designed this place clearly didn’t want anyone wandering up or down without clearance—and Alexander had clearly forgotten that detail when he left.She was quite literally forgotten there.With a resigned sigh, Ava pulled out her phone and tried calling Alexander. No answer. His phone had likely been on silent since he arrived at the rooftop lounge, drowning in the soft thrum of music, clinking glasses, and idle conversation.Hours passed.It wasn’t until nearly eleven, long after the event had ended, that Alexander finally checked his phone. Three missed calls. A single message.> [I don’t have a card…]There were no emojis, no exclamation marks—just plain text. But something about the simplicity made it worse. It read like quiet frustration. Like she had curle
Colton barely spared a glance at the chaos unraveling behind him. With a cool indifference that only years of elite breeding could cultivate, he stepped around Ava Alvarez, still on the ground, and disappeared into the nearby private room as if she were nothing more than a misplaced handbag.Ava knelt slowly, her trembling hands reaching for the scattered items Rachel had so carelessly stuffed into the gift box. The embarrassment crept up her spine like ice. She hadn’t even unwrapped the gift, let alone imagined its contents tumbling across polished marble for the world to see.Just as she reached for one of the smaller items—a sleek, suggestively shaped accessory—she heard Alexander Vanderbilt’s voice, cold and commanding.“Hugo, go inside.”Hugo’s chuckle was low and teasing as he passed them. “Oh boy, someone’s in for it now.”Now only Ava and Alexander remained in the corridor, the air heavy with unsaid words. One of the items had landed near Alexander's polished leather shoe, and
Meanwhile, Alexander had just touched down on foreign soil. The sleek wheels of the private jet had barely cooled before he was ushered into a waiting car—Victoria trailing a few steps behind.The sun was beginning to dip below the skyline, casting a golden hue over the glass buildings around them. But the warmth of the city didn’t seem to reach Victoria’s mood.The auction had been a disappointment.Those who had flown in from all over the world had come chasing one thing—a rumored masterpiece by the elusive Master Remington. The buzz had been relentless, the anticipation feverish. Collectors, curators, and connoisseurs all gathered under one roof, poised to outbid one another for a chance at owning a piece of immortality.But the pièce de résistance had never arrived.Instead, the organizers had presented a different set of paintings—fine works, certainly, but none carrying the master’s signature. Whispers swirled through the crowd: the Remington piece had already been given away. P
Ava had just stepped out of the shower, the steam still curling around her from the bathroom. Wrapped in soft pajamas and with her damp hair towel-dried and tousled, she was about to unwind for the evening when a message lit up her phone.It was from the property management office:“Dear resident, we’ve prepared a small gift for you. Please collect it in the underground garage.”It wasn’t unusual in this kind of upscale community. Services like this—holiday gifts, complimentary deliveries—were standard perks. She assumed it was another seasonal gesture and didn’t think much of it.She threw on a light cardigan over her pajamas and slipped into house slippers. There was no need to dress up just to walk through her own building. The community was secure, and the garage private—no one would bat an eye.The garage, however, was packed.Dimly lit rows of polished luxury vehicles stretched in every direction. She stepped carefully between them, the click of her slippers echoing softly. As s
Alexander sat at his sleek glass desk, a shaft of afternoon light slanting across the surface. His fingers moved with precision as he reviewed the final pages of a thick document. With a quiet finality, he pushed the folder forward.Jonathan, ever efficient, stepped forward to take it, bowing his head slightly in acknowledgment. As he turned to leave, the door opened and another figure appeared.Victoria.She stopped short, clearly startled to find Alexander at the office today—especially considering he had been at the hotel earlier. And it was Saturday.Recovering quickly, she walked in with her usual grace, her heels tapping softly against the polished floor."Alexander," she began, her tone casual but calculated, "news just came in from Spain. Master Remington’s painting is officially going up for auction. Everyone’s flying in for it this week—even Colton’s confirmed his attendance. When are you planning to leave?"She studied his face as she spoke, carefully watching for a flicker
Ava shot upright in bed, her heart thudding as her eyes scanned the breaking news headlines on her phone.Ryan Kuzmin Detained in International Crime Probe—PW Group Offices Raided.Details unfolded line by line like a script in a legal thriller. Ryan had been arrested on suspicion of overseas criminal activity. That morning, the authorities had swept through PW Group’s towering headquarters, raiding offices and seizing documents. The scandal was larger than anyone had anticipated.Further investigations revealed damning evidence: years of tax evasion, vast embezzlement schemes, and a tightly knit circle of executives siphoning company funds for personal gain.The outcome was swift—and brutal.PW Group had been slammed with devastating penalties. Their bank accounts frozen. Assets forcibly liquidated. Half their senior executives were already behind bars.And Ryan? He now faced the terrifying possibility of a twenty-year prison sentence.All of it—undeniably—was Alexander’s doing.With
Ava was completely drained. Every inch of her body ached as if she’d been taken apart and reassembled—twice.Alexander Vanderbilt, she thought bitterly, was not someone an ordinary woman could keep up with.She was still lying in bed, limbs heavy and muscles sore, when her phone lit up. The name Rachel flashed on the screen.Ava groaned internally but forced herself upright and answered the call."Ava! I brought something up for you—I’m downstairs and on my way up!" Rachel's cheerful voice burst through the speaker.Snapping out of her haze, Ava quickly sprang to her feet and checked her reflection in the bedroom mirror. She smoothed her dress, adjusted her hair, and ensured nothing about her appearance betrayed her disheveled morning. With a small breath of relief, she stepped back just as the doorbell rang.She hurried over and pulled open the door.Rachel stood there glowing in high-waisted designer jeans and a black camisole with delicate lace sleeves hugging her arms. Her outfit
Alexander rose from his chair and made his way toward the bedroom.The room was a blend of understated elegance and quiet opulence—decorated with muted colors, gilded moldings, and a custom-made European-style bed that looked as though it belonged in a palace. A long row of mahogany cabinets lined one wall, their polished surfaces gleaming under the soft light.An air of subtle luxury hung over everything, understated yet unmistakable.Alexander opened one of the cabinet doors. The scent of expensive wood polish and crisp linen filled the space. Neatly arranged inside were rows of impeccably pressed suits—his armor for the world outside.But tucked beneath them, nearly hidden among the shadows, sat a beautiful woman.Ava.She was curled up against the side of the closet, her knees drawn tightly to her chest, wrapped in nothing but his oversized white shirt. Her bare feet were tucked under her, her shoes hastily kicked somewhere under the bed in her rush to hide.For a long moment, nei