LOGINLeon’s fingers tightened around his phone as Darious finished speaking. “Sir? Are you there?” Darious asked again.“Yes? Yes… I'm with you,” Leon shook his head. “You said there's an emergency board meeting?: “Yes, sir,” Darious affirmed. “By 8 a.m. tomorrow, sir.”“The Royal Syndicate representative called in. They’re threatening to withdraw the partnership due to the scandal. Mr. Douglas asked that you… be present.”“Senator Vale called. I told him I was handling it. Why would he—” Leon paused, rubbing his eyes. “It's fine. I’ll be there.”He hung up slowly, taking a deep breath. He straightened his posture and fixed his expression before entering the room.Amber, who had been sitting on the edge of the bed, watched him carefully as he entered. “Is everything okay?”“Y-yes, absolutely.”“Who was that?” “Amber,” Leon said calmly, walking towards her. He leaned over and pressed a soft kiss on her lips. “You worry too much.”Before she could question him again, kissed her again, s
The silence in the house settled heavily on Amber’s shoulders the moment Rina left. It didn't just fill the room, it filled her heart too. She stood still for a moment after shutting the door, her palms pressing against the wood as she slowly exhaled.She thought about everything she and Rina spoke about. Maybe leaving really is the only solution…She turned and took slow steps back into the living room. She fell on the couch, head leaning back. “I shouldn't have gotten myself involved in the first place,” she muttered to herself. Just as if she was having a conversation with herself, another part of her replied. “But it's not your fault… you had no choice in it. Mother sold you out, you got fired, the debts were choking — it was the only way out.”She nodded slowly, “Right. It's not my fault. But a lot has happened. I don't want to be the reason Leon loses everything. He has a lot at stake.”She exhaled deeply once again and came to a difficult conclusion. “I need to leave. Whether L
BACK AT LEON'S PLACE…While Leon was away, Amber stayed curled on the couch, hugging a pillow, trying to process everything. The house felt too big, too quiet, too overwhelming.A sudden knock at the front door startled her. She stood slowly, wiping her eyes before opening it. It was Rina. As soon as the door came open, Rina threw herself to Amber and hugged her tightly. “I'm so sorry you have to go through all of these,” she whispered in her ears.Amber who has been trying to hold herself finally broke down in tears. “I'm tired, Rina.”“Let it all out, baby,” Rina comforted, tapping her back gently. “I'm here for you.”After a while, they separated as Amber led her into the living room. Rina was completely astonished. Her eyes scanned the interior and she finally spoke her mind.“Uhmm I know this is not the best time but girlllll… this place is hugeeee. Whatttt!!!”Amber gave a faint smile. “Yeah, it is. I had the same reaction when I first came in too.”“They sure live in a differe
The appearance of the headlight sent shivers down the ladies spine. Amber stiffened. Rina grabbed her arm. Zara took a step back.Leon raised a hand gently. “It’s okay,” his voice calm. When the car rolled to a stop, a familiar figure stepped out.“Darious,” Leon exhaled.Darious hurried over to them, bowing his head slightly. “Sir.” Leon nodded, “Perfect timing.”Darious opened the backseat door and Leon gestured for Rina, Zara, and Amber to get in, and once they were settled, he stepped aside with Darious.“So, what’s the situation?” Leon asked, voice low and controlled.Darious sighed. “I cleared the reporters out. Security helped move guests out of the hall, too. But…” he paused, his expression shifting to a sad one.“But what?” Leon pressed, his tone laced with concern.“Isabel… she addressed the press before I got to her. I tried to stop her but she—”Leon frowned. “What did she say?” He asked, cutting him short Darious hesitated for a while before answering him. “She said ev
Isabel had been the one all along. She had hired a journalist to investigate Amber. During her visit to Amber’s home, she had secretly recorded Mrs. Adao confessing to everything. The video that played was that of her mother talking about Amber's encounter with Leon, their debts, the fake engagement, her adoption. Everything was going according to her plan.Amber’s hands trembled. Her throat went dry. Her whole life was displayed in front of everyone. How could her mother do this to her? She felt betrayed. She turned slowly to Leon, tears welling in her eyes. She didn’t even know what to say. Didn’t know where this pain should go.Isabel stood at the corner of the room, twirling the glass of champagne in her hand with a wide and wicked grin on her face watching her crumble. The view of Amber being humiliated satisfied her so much.The screen went blank and the room was filled with confused whispers, gasps, scattered murmurs.Then chaos.Reporters barged in with their cameras as the
“Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Amber, Happy birthday to you!!!"“Hip hip, hurrayyyyy!!!” They all sang joyfully. Her eyes drifted from face to face. Rina was there, grinning wide, holding up her phone to record. A few of her former co-workers were there too, waving excitedly. Even Zara stood shyly at a corner, smiling softly.Amber covered her mouth with her palms. “Oh my God…” she turned to Leon, still in disbelief. “You… did all this?”Leon smiled faintly, his voice low but warm. “I wanted to surprise you.”She chuckled, a little teary-eyed. “Leon, I can’t believe you did this. How did you…”He brushed a strand of hair from her face. “That doesn't matter right now, Amber. What matters is that you're happy.”A warm smile appeared on her lips. “Thank you, Leon.” He nodded in response and smiled back while she joined the crowd, hugging and thanking them before approaching Rina.“Youuuuu!” She gave her a soft punch on her shoulders before hugging h
By the time Leon and Amber got home, it was already late in the evening. After dinner, Amber went to bed while Leon headed to his study. He had told Amber he had some calls to make and would join her later in the bedroom.In his study, Leon paced to and fro, thinking of what to do next. He took out
Miriam took another deep breath before continuing. “You see… Elizabeth was going through a lot. She lost her parents at a very young age and we grew up together in the orphanage. When she was 18, the orphanage had to send her and other people of her age out, including myself, because there was no l
The next morning, Leon had woken up early to get ready for the hospital for his results. While he was preparing, Amber stirred awake.“Hey… where are you going?” She asked with a sleepy voice.“The hospital,” Leon responded quickly.Amber sat up quickly, fully awake now. “Can I come with you?”“The
He stood there for a moment, staring at her. “How may I help you?” The woman's voice called him back to reality.“Oh,” Leon cleared his throat. “Good afternoon, madam. We’re looking for someone, a woman named Elizabeth. We believe she used to live here.”The woman’s eyes widened slightly. “Elizabe







