The hustle and bustle made Jenna roll her eyes. She didn't like this crowded, stifling atmosphere. What she wanted was her room, a quiet and peaceful room where she could sit and read while listening to soft music.
But this extremely loud music was almost beyond her tolerance. She wanted to leave this place, but she couldn't, because that man, that evil man, according to the sources she had heard, would be coming to this place soon. Jenna tried to pull down her short black skirt, which was beginning to feel uncomfortable. This waitress uniform was extremely uncomfortable, with the cleavage so low and the skirt so short, Jenna felt like she was being forced to pretend to be someone she didn't know. Her eyes narrowed again. "I really do look like a slut," she sighed, then a noise from the direction of the entrance distracted her, her eyes searched and there he was... The man was there, and he was surrounded by so many burly bodyguards. Jenna unconsciously snorted. "Well, since he's a bad guy who likes to hurt people, he must have a lot of enemies who want to kill him." She planted her feet curiously, trying to get a good look at the man. Sean Anderson, a feared figure in the business world. He will not hesitate to destroy anyone who gets in his way. Anyone who dares stand up to him will end up in tragedy. "Like my father, like my entire family." Jenna sighed bitterly. Her family had once been well off, her father had been a successful businessman and they had been very wealthy. To Jenna, her family had been a happy family, even though her mother was a frail, sickly woman, but still a perfect mother. Everything seemed so happy, everything seemed so perfect. Until Sean Anderson came into their lives. He was intrigued by the rapid growth of Jenna's father's business and wanted to become a partner. At first, her father wasn't interested, content with his own business, but Sean wouldn't give up. He tried different ways of approaching her father. And somehow her father finally succumbed to the power of Sean Anderson. The power of a dark demon that, once seized, would not let go. Eventually, everything was taken over and controlled by Sean. Her father had no rights other than the monthly rations for himself and his family. Jenna's family was immediately plunged into poverty. Their luxurious home was confiscated and they were forced to move into a small, modest house and try to make ends meet on their own. Without the servants who worked for them as before. Jenna could bear it all. But her mother couldn't. She got sicker and sicker, thinner and thinner, crying more and more at night, and then one morning her mother was found dead in the kitchen. After her mother's death, her father was devastated. He began to get drunk, sometimes screaming and crying alone on lonely nights, and then one day her father drove the car, their only remaining possession, and crashed it into the parapet until the car rolled over several times then her father died instantly. Jenna is alone. She was determined to get revenge, by any means necessary, and from then on, she investigated everything about Sean Anderson. Where he lived, what his schedule was, and what he liked to do. She collected and organized all this information. When Jenna learned that Sean spent a lot of time with his girlfriends at this upscale club, she quit her job as a kindergarten teacher and applied to be a waitress there. Now she had smeared an undetectable poison on the bottom of the glass that had been specially prepared for Sean Anderson tonight. Sean Anderson would not use the same glasses as everyone else. They were exclusive, reserved for him, and this afternoon, while pretending to clean the bar, Jenna had sneaked into the special storage area and applied the poison to them. All Sean had to do was take a sip from the poisoned glasses and Jenna's revenge would be avenged. * * * Sean Anderson felt dark tonight. He didn't know why, but he felt like beating someone up, or killing someone if necessary. The club owner himself, who welcomed him. Of course, considering how much he owed Sean. The fat man quickly led him to the best VIP seats. "You can choose anyone to accompany you," he murmured in a fawning tone. Sean stared disinterestedly at all the women there, who stared at him with expectant eyes, hoping to be chosen. "Too cheap," he muttered to himself. All people in this world were cheap and sycophantic. He decided not to choose anyone when his eyes fell on a woman. A woman who seemed out of place in this luxurious nightclub. She was wearing an extremely sexy outfit, but she looked uncomfortable. A wicked smile unconsciously appeared on his lips. "I want her," he muttered, pointing at Jenna. It was said in a low, lazy tone, but the echo was heard throughout the room. For some reason, the bustling atmosphere fell silent and Jenna felt all eyes on her as she leaned against the bar, lost in her own thoughts. Nervously, she straightened up, trying to meet everyone's gaze, then her eyes fell on those eyes. The pale blue eyes that were almost translucent, making the pupils appear so black and sharp. "Hurry up and get over there. He wants you." The bartender behind her whispered, as if afraid that if Jenna didn't comply with Sean's wishes quickly, it would be fatal. Jenna frowned at Sean, trying to challenge the man's eyes that still looked at her so intently without expression. "Would... would..." Jenna cleared her throat because her voice was so hoarse, "Would you like a drink?" Sean just stared at her for a few tense moments, then nodded his head. "Bring me one, my usual." The bartender quickly mixed Sean's favorite drink, and Jenna's hands shook as she carried the tray of drinks. 'Just a little more Jenna...' she muttered, trying to encourage herself. 'Just a little bit more and all your grudges will be avenged.' She said the words in her heart like a prayer. With shaky steps she approached Sean who was sitting like a king, waiting for her. "Please," she said as she placed the glass on the table in front of him. 'Hurry up and drink it and then go to hell.'Jenna prayed silently.Inside the office, Ben sat staring at a pile of documents. Sean frowned at the sight of him. Ben looked unwell. A thin beard had grown on his usually clean-shaven face. His hair was messy, as if he'd been running his hands through it repeatedly. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone, and his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows. His clothes were clearly not fresh. "You look like crap," Sean said, taking a seat across from him. He expected Ben to snap back with his usual sarcasm. Instead, Ben let out a small chuckle. "So, what did you want to talk about?" Sean asked, settling into the chair opposite Ben. Ben didn't answer right away. He stared at Sean in silence for a few seconds. Just as Sean was about to lose patience, Ben moved. He opened a drawer, pulled out a manila envelope, placed it on the desk, and slid it toward Sean, then looked back at him. "This," he said, nodding at the envelope. Sean took a deep breath, picked up the envelope, opened it, and read its conten
Sean woke up still wearing the workout clothes Jenna had given him the day before. He changed his shirt and stretched his arms over his head. Then, he followed the smell of coffee and waffles coming from the kitchen. He leaned against the wall. Jenna was dancing to rock music while making breakfast. Sean smiled. That was exactly the kind of morning view he wanted to wake up to every day. "Good morning," he said with a smile. Jenna froze mid-dance, her back still to him. She slowly turned around, her face flushed. "Morning," she mumbled softly. "You dance really well," Sean teased. Jenna blushed even more and let out a small laugh. "Oh. Uh, thanks. I guess," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Sean chuckled, still smiling at her. "Waffles?" Jenna asked, holding up a plate stacked with them. Sean shook his head gently. "The storm’s passed. I should take Olivia and Oliver home," he replied. Jenna glanced at the twins, still asleep on the couch. Their chests rose an
“Are you two dating?” Sean asked, his heart pounding. He was scared of the answer. “Well, if that’s what you think,” Valeria said softly. That hurt more than he expected. “What do you mean by that?” “It’s... complicated,” she replied. “Ben is like a protector to me. He’s always been there. He stayed with me when I cried for reasons I didn’t even understand, listened to me ramble about the smallest things that didn’t make any sense. He made me feel less alone.” Her smile was small, but sincere. Sean looked down and nodded slowly. A part of him felt angry that Ben had become such a big part of Jenna’s life. But another part of him was grateful. Not because Ben had taken his place, but because he had been there for the woman Sean loved when Sean couldn’t. He didn’t really hate Ben. He was just jealous. Jealous that Ben was there when Jenna woke up from nightmares. Jealous that he got to see her smile every morning. Jealous that the kids called him “Papa,” while they called Jenna “
A gentle but clear voice interrupted. “Do you want to come in and wash your face?” Valeria asked. Sean blinked, a bit confused. “Hm?” “You said something got in your eye. Want to rinse it off first?” Sean followed her gaze toward the small kitchen behind them. He nodded slowly. Oliver reached for his hand, and together they walked to the kitchen. Valeria’s house was small, but it felt warm and full of life. Every corner radiated Jenna’s presence, and that made Sean’s heart race. Emily trailed behind them. She might not share blood with Olivia, but the love Valeria gave her was real. Just as strong as the love Jenna had shown Oliver and Olivia. Just as deep. There was no difference between Olivia, Oliver, Ethan, or Emily. She had embraced them all with a mother’s warmth. “Don’t be scared of me, Liv. I’m a friend of Ben and Valeria,” Sean said, leaning down and gently touching Emily’s cheek. Emily nodded. Her eyes were clear, but she still seemed unsure. “Kids! Why don’t you t
Sean was lying on the grass one summer afternoon, wearing a sky-blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and white pants. His hand covered his closed eyes as he rested, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his body. A soft breeze brushed against his skin while birds chirped happily in the trees above. He let the world slow down for a while, trying to forget the weight in his heart. But then, his breath caught as a small weight landed on his stomach. “Daddy, Daddy! Mommy didn’t give me any chocolate,” his little daughter whined, pouting sweetly as she jumped onto him. Sean chuckled softly and pulled her close before sitting up. “You had some this morning, didn’t you?” he asked gently, brushing her hair away from her forehead. “Yes, but I want more,” she said, her brow furrowed and her eyes beginning to water. Sean looked at her tiny face, and something warm and aching stirred deep in his chest. He gently stroked her cheek. “If I could, I’d give you the whole world. But f
A group of teenagers lounged on the neatly trimmed grass, laughing and chatting as they soaked in the warmth of the sun during their break. Their lighthearted laughter floated through the air, a sharp contrast to the dark thoughts of a woman sitting alone on a bench tucked away in the corner of the park. She wore an expensive-looking blue outfit, complete with a hat, mask, and oversized sunglasses that covered nearly half her face. Sitting upright, she adjusted her glasses and let out a long sigh. The afternoon breeze played with her highlighted blonde hair as her mind drifted to the past. “Oh, those days were so beautiful,” she murmured to herself. “The only thing I used to worry about was which dress to wear to my party… and now?” She gazed into the distance. “Now I have to think about the future. My future… and my bloodline.” Her eyes narrowed as she looked back at the teenagers, a mix of longing and bitterness in her expression. “The only real way to secure anyone’s future i
“Stop zoning out on me, Val!” Sean said, noticing Valeria had spaced out. “Are you okay?” he asked, a confused look on his face. There was a hint of concern in his eyes. Valeria frowned. “Yeah,” she said, lifting her chin. Sean gave a small chuckle and shook his head. “Where do you live?” he asked again. “I don’t give my address to strangers,” Valeria shot back quickly. “But you know me,” he said casually. “No, I don’t. I just know your name—and knowing someone’s name doesn’t mean I know them,” she replied sharply. Sean’s smile froze for a second, but then it returned. “Fair enough. So… why don’t we get to know each other?” Valeria raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. “And why would I want that?” she asked, arms crossed over her chest. “You know you want to,” he replied with a smug grin—the kind that made Valeria roll her eyes. Men and their cocky smiles. “I know exactly what I want,” Valeria said firmly. “Exactly. That’s what I’m saying,” Sean replied, still looking enti
“It was my fault,” Ethan said softly. Valeria’s heart cracked hearing his trembling voice, but she knew she had to let him speak before jumping in to comfort him. “Why do you think that?” she asked gently, stroking his head as he sat curled up, knees pulled to his chest. The boy looked up at her, eyes glassy with tears. “I took her favorite doll and ran. She started chasing after me, yelling for me to give it back. I didn’t stop, and then she tripped and fell,” Ethan explained, lips quivering. Valeria cupped his small face and brushed his tears away with her thumb. “Sweetheart, it wasn’t your fault,” she said softly. She didn’t correct his grammar—this wasn’t the time. “You were just playing with your sister, and that’s okay. But now you know, right? You need to be a bit more careful next time.” Ethan gave a small nod. Valeria smiled and kissed his forehead. “You’re her big brother. It’s in your nature to protect and look out for her. But that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to
“Emily! She’s in the hospital!” Valeria gasped, her voice cracking. Her face went pale, and panic clouded her eyes. Ben froze for a second before grabbing her arm. “Let’s go,” he said firmly, pulling her toward the elevator. “Sorry, this is urgent. I’ll make it up to you another time. We have to go,” he told Esther and Carter over his shoulder. “It’s fine, go,” they said in unison, both stepping aside. Valeria’s fingers trembled as she jabbed the elevator button. When the doors slid open, they stepped inside. Just before they closed again, Valeria caught sight of Sean at the end of the hallway. His expression was unreadable—confused, maybe concerned. Only a second passed before the elevator doors sealed shut, cutting her off from him. A few minutes later, Valeria sat in the passenger seat of Ben’s car. Her hands fidgeted in her lap, heart pounding too hard for her to breathe right. It was a cold night. Ben glanced at her, trying to offer a sense of calm. “She’s going to be okay