Natalie slumped against the wall, gasping, one trembling hand reaching for her throat.
Her lips parted in disbelief, but no words came.
Just silence.
The hallway felt colder somehow. Emptier, even.
She stared at the place where he had just stood, where his cold back had disappeared seconds ago—like he hadn’t just snapped. Like he hadn’t just looked at her like she was nothing.
This was the first time she had seen him like that.
Grayson Moore had always been cruel in a quiet way. Distant. Calculated. He wielded silence like a knife.
But this? That flash of rage in his eyes, the raw fury in his voice, the way his hands had gripped her throat without hesitation—
That wasn’t the man she knew.
He had lost control. And not for her.
It was her—Nata
Natalie slumped against the wall, gasping, one trembling hand reaching for her throat.Her lips parted in disbelief, but no words came.Just silence.The hallway felt colder somehow. Emptier, even.She stared at the place where he had just stood, where his cold back had disappeared seconds ago—like he hadn’t just snapped. Like he hadn’t just looked at her like she was nothing.This was the first time she had seen him like that.Grayson Moore had always been cruel in a quiet way. Distant. Calculated. He wielded silence like a knife.But this? That flash of rage in his eyes, the raw fury in his voice, the way his hands had gripped her throat without hesitation—That wasn’t the man she knew.He had lost control. And not for her.It was her—Nata
Grayson lay on his side, one arm tucked beneath his head, the other resting uselessly between them, caught in the empty space that somehow felt too loud. The early morning light crept in through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue that slowly traced its way across Aurora’s face like a quiet intrusion, uninvited yet welcome.She was still fast asleep, her breathing even, her expression peaceful—so completely untouched by the storm that gnawed relentlessly inside him.He told himself not to move. Not to reach out. Not to want.But his hand didn’t listen.Like it had a mind of its own, it moved—hesitant but drawn, and slowly brushed away a loose strand of hair from her cheek. His fingers lingered, betraying him further, tracing the delicate curve of her face as if he were memorizing something he knew he shouldn’t want, but couldn't help needing.Damn it.He hated how easily his body betrayed him around her.His brain—the same one that had been sharpened for strategy, revenge, and
Aurora instinctively raised her hand and pressed it against his chest, trying to push him away. Her heart still racing wildly against her ribs, not just from fear but from the overwhelming tension between them.But Grayson seized her small hands effortlessly, locking her in his grip. His touch was firm, his warmth seeping through her skin like fire.Aurora struggled lightly, gathering enough courage to whisper, “This isn’t right… You have a fiancée...”Her voice was soft but trembling, the weight of the truth pressing heavily between them.For a moment, Grayson didn’t move. His jaw tightened as he stared down at her, the shadowed light illuminating sharp lines across his handsome face. A sharp glint flashed on his eyes— something raw and untamed.It wasn’t just anger. It was deeper than that, something that scared even him.Grayson’s hands tightened around hers as if her words had triggered a storm inside him. He wasn’t angry at her. He was furious at himself — furio
Aurora sat quietly on the edge of the couch, her hands folded on her lap, feeling out of place among the soft fabrics and elegant boxes. The gowns shimmered under the natural light illuminated from the chandeliers above the high ceiling, each of them so delicate and expensive-looking that she didn’t even want to touch them.Natalie was seated comfortably next to her, graceful as always, her legs crossed and her fingers skimming through the flowing fabric of an emerald gown. She smiled every now and then as she held up a dress and turned it slightly to show its details to the assistant standing nearby. Her voice was soft, her tone casual, but Aurora could feel something else beneath it—like thorns hidden under silk.Every now and then, Natalie’s eyes would glance toward her. Quick, subtle. But not warm.There was no kindness there, not really. Only something faint and cold, like a warning wrapped inside a smile.Aurora kept her gaze low. She didn’t belong here. She didn’t b
Edith stood outside Aurora's room. The young lady was standing before her canvas in a melancholic aura, gently stroking paint across the white surface. She didn't know about art, but one thing she observed from her masterpiece—Aurora was pouring all her pain into that painting. Edith couldn't help but feel a faint jolt in her heart.Poor Aurora. She just wished that this young woman would be set free by Grayson. She's innocent to whatever her real father did to the Moore family. She shouldn't be dragged into this cruel situation. Aurora didn’t deserve it.Edith let out a quiet sigh before she opened her mouth. "Aurora, would you like to come down for breakfast? They're waiting for you," she said in a slightly gentle tone.Aurora turned to her and smiled faintly, but it didn’t reach her eyes—unlike before. Her eyes had lost their spark."I will come down when I'm hungry. Let them have their meal first," she responded softly."But you didn’t have dinner last night. Do you
His storming thoughts were interrupted by the sharp ringing of his phone. With an irritated huff, he snatched it from his desk without glancing at the screen. It was a call from Dylan.“What?” His voice was clipped and cold, carrying the weight of his unresolved fury.“Why do you sound so pissed this late at night? Isn’t Natalie in Sunnydale? I thought you two were enjoying your little romantic getaway,” Dylan teased with a chuckle. Grayson could already picture the damn smirk on his face.He still has the audacity to joke around? It only made his irritation flare hotter.“Cut the crap. If you’re not bringing me something useful, I’m hanging up,” Grayson warned, his tone sharp and merciless.“Alright, alright. No need to bite my head off,” Dylan replied, still chuckling. “Back to business. I received invitations from Titanium Crest Corporation. Victor Hensley is hosting his annual banquet tomorrow night. You and Natalie are both on the guest list.”Grayson’s gaze darkened slightly. V