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20. The Inner Circle
publish date:
2026-06-18 17:22:27
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Don’t Beg for Love 27. The Finish Line
For a moment, a deafening silence descended.The entire hall seemed to have frozen, before whispers erupted from every direction.“What!?”“I thought he wasn't attending!”“The Andrew Hale? No way!”The audience glanced at each other as if the speaker had just pulled a huge prank. Most people began bringing out their phones. Several reporters were already scrambling to communicate with colleagues.The auditorium was thrown into a frenzy, but I barely heard any of the noise.I didn't even realize I’d stopped breathing until the curtains began to part.And he stepped onto the stage.The whispers died almost instantly. He wore a dark tailored suit without a single unnecessary detail. No flashy accessories. And yet, the moment he appeared beneath the lights, the entire room adjusted.His steps were unhurried as he crossed the stage, as though standing before thousands of influential people was no different from entering an empty room.After the silence, applause began, growing louder and
Don’t Beg for Love 26. The Keynote Speaker
She blinked. Then laughed softly. “I suppose I don’t need to introduce myself.”“You really don’t.”Aurelia Voss.One of the most influential designers in the world.The strange thing was how young she looked in person. “I take it you’re one of my admirers.” The amusement remained in her eyes.“Yes.” I straightened up. “Your work on the Celestine Collection remains one of my favorites. The silhouette construction was ahead of its time.”That seemed to genuinely surprise her, and she quirked a brow. “I see you’ve done your homework, Ms. …?”“Sterling.” I shook her hand. “I am Annalise Sterling.”Aurelia froze.Then her brows shot up. “The Annalise Sterling!? The hidden Sterling heiress? The thirty-one husbands scandal? The woman who somehow became Mason Reed’s favorite student!?”“…..”Speechless, I took a sip of the water.“And here I thought I’d simply be attending a business forum.” Aurelia shook her head with visible amusement. “Who would have thought that I’d end up meeting the
Don’t Beg for Love 25. Aurelia Voss
…Lake Geneva appeared in fragments between buildings as the car moved through the city.A flash of blue water.A row of elegant stone facades.Flags fluttering outside embassies.A distant fountain rising high above the lake before disappearing again behind a cluster of trees.The streets were clean, almost unnaturally so. Even the traffic seemed quieter. Cyclists glided past outdoor cafés. Well-dressed pedestrians crossed intersections without rushing. Everything moved with a kind of effortless order.Like a city accustomed to power.The car turned onto a broader avenue lined with luxury boutiques and historic buildings before slowing to a stop.Ahead stood The Montclair Geneva, one of the city’s most prestigious lakeside hotels and the official residence for distinguished guests attending the Global Economic Forum.Its pale stone façade overlooked the water. Tall windows reflected the afternoon sunlight, while a line of national flags stretched across the entrance.The moment the c
Don’t Beg for Love 24. Too Late
Two days later,The helicopter landed on the helipad, on the rooftop of the company.I stepped down, my eyes squinting at the sight of the burning sun, the city’s hustle and bustle echoing far down below.In that moment, my mind drifted back to the serenity of the Island, subtle longing awakening.“Welcome back, Ms. Sterling!”Inside the company, the employees all left their cubicles, greeting in unison as I headed towards my office.But their whispers trailed behind.“Ms. Sterling is finally back.”“Hey, did he come today also?”“Should we tell her?”“Ms. Sterling just returned from a long trip. Is it appropriate to tell her now?”I paused,Then turned around. “What do you want to tell me?”The employees quickly composed themselves, each exchanging fearful glances.Only one was brave enough to step forward. Yet, her voice trembled as she spoke, “Uhm, Ms. Sterling. Ever since you traveled two weeks ago, one of your thirty-one husbands— I mean, one of the thirty-one men who claimed to
Don’t Beg for Love 23. The Island Without Noise
Not long after, the World Designers Council released its’ official announcement.[The screening phase was conducted under full anonymity protocols across multiple evaluation layers, including creative restriction tests, psychological adaptation assessments, and blind jury scoring. Out of over 12,000 global applicants, only 1,532 designers have been accepted into the main challenge.][Notably, the acceptance list includes several high-profile industry figures whose participation was previously unconfirmed. And among the confirmed entrants is the long-rumored legendary designer known as “Designer X”.] I stared at the screen for a moment longer than necessary, my gaze fixed on the name.Designer X. Hesitation flickered for a second. I let it slip away, before setting down the tablet.The sound it made against the wooden surface was soft, almost absorbed by the air itself.Beyond the open terrace, coconut trees shifted slowly with the wind, their shadows stretching across the still surf
Don’t Beg for Love 22. The List Is Out
I glanced at Andrew.Then at Mason.Seemingly completely unaware of my reaction, Mason asked Andrew, “You’re also here?”“Needed some air.” Andrew slipped one hand into his pocket. Then his gaze drifted briefly towards me. “Unfortunately, the air seems rather suffocating tonight.”The underlying meaning behind his statement was obvious.I ignored it.“As it happens, I was about to introduce the two of you.” Mason looked between us. “You’ve already met?”“Several times.” Andrew’s gaze shifted towards me.Mason laughed softly. “There we are, then. That saves me the trouble.”Then Andrew checked his watch. “I should get going.”“Leaving already?” Mason asked.“I only came for a short while.”That seemed to surprise the man.“Uncle.” Andrew Hale inclined his head politely. Then his gaze shifted to me, a faint smile touching his lips. “Ms. Sterling.”Then he turned and walked away. The balcony door closed behind him.For several seconds, Mason stared after him.Then he laughed quietly. “In
Don’t Beg for Love 5. The Place I Swore to Leave
I only glanced at the device once then went about my morning routine.After I was done, I picked up my phone to find several messages piled up.[Annalise, where are you? Why aren't you answering my calls?][Where did you sleep last night, Annalise?][What is going on between you and Alexander Sterl
Don’t Beg for Love 4. Designer X Has Returned
My fingers instinctively tightened around the phone, hearing Tania’s words.I didn't hear her wrong, did I?“I checked your marriage certificate, Anna. It was fake!” Tania groaned. “Don’t tell me the scumbag tricked you!”Tricked me…Aiden himself asked me to marry him.Three years ago, he’d knocke
Don’t Beg for Love 3. Mr. Harrison!
Cassandra pointed at me, her soft voice echoing in the hallway. That was when Aiden peeled his gaze from her, and the tender look on his face was instantly gone.But instead of appearing confused, only fear and frustration flashed in his eyes.He quickly let go of Cassandra, While Cassandra tremb
Don’t Beg for Love 2. Big Sis, Please Come Home
The next day, I discharged myself from the hospital.Standing across the bustling street outside the hospital’s skyscraper, my eyes squinted at the burning sun.For thirty minutes, not a single taxi stopped.Then, suddenly, a convoy of black luxury cars swept onto the street, instantly drawing ever
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