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"You are looking at the wrong woman." Toby's words jolted Xander out of his thoughts. He looked at him and saw him smirking. He shot him a death glare before returning his gaze to the entrance. This time, he noticed Crystal with a pink gown in front of Ariadne. Crystal arrived with Catherine by her side. Ariadne was just behind them, with Tiara. Crystal's face darkened when she noticed Xander was looking at Ariadne. She deliberately arrived late to draw everyone's attention to herself. However, they arrived at the same time at the venue, and Xander looked at Ariadne first instead of her. She should have been the one to capture his attention. She cursed Ariadne internally for ruining her entry. However, she composed her expression quickly. Everyone looked at Crystal as she moved through the crowd. She approached Xander with a smile. Xander smiled back. Ariadne, on the other hand, joined the crowd with Tiara. They met with Crystal and Catherine outside as they arrived at the same
Ariadne turned around and saw Xander standing behind them. "Mr. Blake. Come, join us." Mr. Montecarlo said. Xander took a step forward and stood between Crystal and Ariadne. He looked at Ariadne with a frown. She averted her gaze. "Congratulations, Mr. Blake." Zidane said, saving Ariadne from his intense glare. They shook hands. "Miss Miller, congratulations to you as well. I forgot to greet you earlier" he said to Crystal. "It's ok...Thank you." "I didn't know you have three children." Xander went right to the point. "Yeah, we were talking about it... she managed her work and three children at the same time." Georgia praised Ariadne. "I have help at home to look after my kids. Now that they have grown up, it's not as difficult." "How old are they?" Georgia asked. "Four years." "We hadn't met your other child." Xander interrupted. Ariadne paled, unsure what to say. Zidane gave her a concerned look. "He has some health issues, so he doesn't go out as much as
(At Miller Residence) "Finally. I'm now officially Xander's fiancee. Soon, I'll be the Blake family's lady." Crystal smiled as she leaned against the headboard of her bed, holding a glass. "Cheers!" Catherine yelled from beside her, and they raised their wine glasses in celebration. "I'm happy for you. You deserve it, Crystal. Only one woman can have Xander Blake, and that's you. Not that bitch, Ariadne." she added. Crystal's face turned ugly when she heard the name. She gritted her teeth. "She will never have him. I've worked so hard for this day. What has she done to get him? Nothing. It was I who was always by his side... It was I who always obeyed him like a dog. That bitch has only insulted him, gone against him, and argued with him." she paused. "But still.. The only thing he sees is her. Ariadne, Ariadne and Ariadne...." she gritted her teeth. "But I'm not one to back down. I've always wanted to be the Queen, and he's the king. So Ariadne had to leave the picture.
The next day, news channels aired photos and videos from Xander's engagement party. However, Xander and Ariadne's dance drew the most attention. "What sort of nonsense is this?" Crystal was furious. She immediately called Xander. "Have you seen the news?" she blurted out as soon as he answered the call. "What news?" Xander hadn't seen the news because he rarely saw anything other than business-related news. "From last night. It's all over the news channels and social media." "About our engagement? What's wrong with that?" "Nothing is wrong with our engagement. But instead of our engagement, your and Ariadne's dance has become the hot topic. Everyone is making stories out of it as she was your ex-wife. They're even questioning our relationship. Why did you have to dance with her?" Crystal appeared frustrated as she vented her rage. "You're overreacting, Crystal." Xander said, massaging his temple. His head was aching from drinking last night. He didn't sleep well eit
"After one week, we will begin the therapy." Mr. Wright said looking at Alex's reports. Everyone was overjoyed at the news. "Yeeee. I'll be able to walk." Alex exclaimed with joy. Ariadne hugged him. She couldn't hold back her tears. "Yes, baby. You will walk like your siblings." she kissed his temple. Autumn clapped excitedly while Adrian smiled. They were all in Alex's room at the hospital. The entire family visited the hospital. The children were overjoyed as they had the opportunity to spend the time with the entire family after a long time. After a while, Ariadne and Mr. Wright left the room. "He's doing well. He has already begun to move his legs." Mr. Wright said as they walked out of the room. "Thank you Mr. Wright. It's all because of you and the doctors." Ariadne smiled. Alex was able to move his legs now. He was overjoyed the first time he moved his legs. But he couldn't bend them. Doctors had told him not to move his legs any further because they were stil
At Blake Corporation... "Xander, did you sell your property on the market place to Ariadne?" Crystal asked while sitting in Xander's office. She was furious after hearing the news. She had come to meet him. "How did you find out about it?" Xander asked, his attention fixed on the documents in front of him. "Um...I know your property manager's secretary. She told me." she replied hesitantly. Xander only nodded, saying nothing. "I'd asked you to give me that property. I was even willing to give you a big share. But you declined." Crystal added. A few years ago, Crystal started her own clothing line. She wanted Xander's property for her clothing line. However, Xander denied her because the Miller Group already owned a few properties in the city. "You don't need that property. I've already told you." Xander said casually ignoring her displeasure. "But, Xander..." "I sold the property for the partnership." Xander cut her off. "What? You and Ariadne have become partners!" Cryst
Toby took the lift to the second floor. When he arrived at room 18, he was surprised to see two bodyguards outside. They weren't ordinary guards. They were the Blake family's bodyguards. They worked for William. "What are you doing here?" he asked them. "We're here on duty, Sir." one of the bodyguards stated. "What duty?" "To protect the child inside the room." "Did old Mr. Blake send you?" "Yes, Sir." Toby frowned, unsure why William would want to protect Ariadne's child. "Okay. Is the child inside?" "Yes. But, there's an order that no outsiders be allowed in the room." the guard informed him. Toby became more confused. "I'm not an outsider and this's Mr. Blake's order." he said. As Xander's most trusted men, Toby and Jose had authority over the other employees. Others obeyed their orders. "Okay, Sir." Toby entered the room, closing the door behind him. However, when his gaze landed on the child in the bed, he stiffened. ... Xander arrived at the construction site. H
Xander was deep in thought as he walked out of the room. Toby and Jose trailed behind. Xander had provided his samples for testing. He was still denying that the kids could be his. "We will know the results tomorrow." Toby said. They returned to the room. It was already evening. "You both return to the penthouse. I'll spend the night here." he added. Toby would stay and ensure that the test was conducted correctly. Xander sighed before nodding. . Tiara arrived at the hospital in the evening. "Hello, Alex." she said as she entered the room. "Hello, Tiara." Alex smiled at her. Tiara approached the bed and hugged him. She sat on the couch as they broke their hug. "Have you brought my favourite cookies?" Alex asked. "Yes. Mommy has prepared these for you." Tiara took out a small box full of cookies and gave it to Alex. "Yeeehh... mommy is so sweet!" Tiara smiled at his enthusiasm. "I'm going to Purple City today. So I can't stay. Aunt Bella will stay with you. Okay?" "Ok
"What are you doing here, Mr. Blake?" Ariadne asked sharply.Xander was about to reply when Ace's father spoke up from behind."You're Mr. Blake." he exclaimed in disbelief, looking closely at Xander. He was on his way to congratulate Xander when he overheard Ariadne address him as Mr. Blake."I apologize, Sir. I didn't recognize you. Nice to meet you." he extended his hand. Xander shook his hand with a nod."Congratulations on your victory. I didn't know that you have kids." he added, looking at the kids.Xander frowned at his comment."Hello, Miss Miller." the man also greeted Ariadne.She smiled at him."We should leave now. Good night." the man left with his kids.Xander cleared his throat as they were alone now. Ariadne returned her gaze to him."Daddy, let's have dinner together." Autumn blurted out, drawing their attention. She grabbed his hand. "Dinner?" he asked hesitantly and looked at Ariadne. "Yes. Let's have dinner together. Mommy has prepared our favorite dishes toda
"Boss?" Jose's voice snapped Xander out of his reverie. He lifted his head and looked at the two men at the door to his bedroom. They walked in. "They're leaving, Boss. Aren't you going to stop them?" Jose asked, concerned. "No." Xander replied defeatedly, shaking his head. His gaze was fixed on the floor. He had no idea how long he had sat there like that. "What happened?" Toby asked. Xander looked tired. "I've destroyed everything... Everything." he exhaled. Jose and Toby exchanged confused glances. Silence fell. After a while, he abruptly stood up and headed towards the exit. They followed him downstairs. However, instead of going to Crystal's room he went towards the exit. He turned abruptly. "Give me the car keys." He ordered Jose. "Why? I can drive for you. Where're we going?" "Not we. Just me. Give me the keys right now." Xander's voice was serious. Toby gestured for Jose to do as he was told. A team of guards always followed Xander from a distance to ensure his
Xander appeared calm, but anyone could see the termoil behind his composed demeanor. Crystal lowered her face and looked at her nails. "I was playing with Autumn. Everything was fine." she began to explain in a low voice. "She has exams tomorrow, and you were playing with her!" Xander frowned. She immediately lifted her head to face him. "No... We played for a while, then I told her to go study, but she didn't listen." her voice was louder than before. She sighed and looked away before proceeding. "She wanted to see the file that contained the project documents. I denied because she could tear them." she lowered her voice again. "But she tried to snatch the file from my hands. We were on the steps. She accidentally pushed me during the process, and I lost my balance and fell down the stairs." she paused and looked at him. Xander listened to her quietly, staring at the far wall. "It was an accident. She didn't do it on purpose, I guess. Then she began to cry out of fear. T
"Where have you been these days?" Ariadne asked. "I was out of town." Mark replied. They were sitting on the couch in Alex's hospital room. Alex sat between them, examining the toy car Mark had brought for him. "You're looking depressed. Is everything alright?" Ariadne looked at him with concern. "Everything is fine. It's just the workload." "Oh... I can understand." she nodded, her lips pressed together. Mark took over as CEO of the Steele Group recently. It was difficult for him to deal with everything. She felt sorry for him. "So, with whom are you attending Jennifer's engagement party?" he asked, changing the subject. "Oh.. I forgot you have your whole family." he added, shaking his head and smiling. "I'm going alone." "What? Why?" "Autumn and Adrian can't go because they have exams. Tiara and Mama Mary will stay with the kids. So it's only me." she explained. "Then let's go together." "Um.. that's a good idea." Ariadne's eyes widened. "Which party? I
The maids finished serving, and everyone started eating. There was an awkward silence. Autumn and Adrian ate their food, lowering their heads, not interested in conversing with anyone. Xander watched them silently while eating his meal. "How are you, Margaret? It has been a long time." Mary asked, breaking the silence. "I'm fine, Mary. I've heard you're now the president of Autumn Collection." Margaret replied, looking at her. "Yes. You have heard it correctly." Everyone looked at them as they talked. "Do you know each other?" Crystal asked, surprised. Xander, too, appeared curious. "We were classmates in school." Mary replied. "Wow. I didn't know that." Crystal replied. "You don't know a lot of things." Mary shot her a sharp look. "Do you remember me?" Margaret asked as she looked at the kids, interrupting the conversation. Her expression suggested that she disliked the fact that she knew Mary and she didn't want the subject to continue. The kids looked at eac
"Go on. I'm listening." Tiara said lazily. Crystal shifted in her seat and looked at her nails. "I don't know what your relationship is with Aria. You aren't her friend. How did you become a member of her family? I'm curious." She raised a brow at Tiara. "I think that story is useless to you." Tiara replied in a boring tone. Crystal nodded. "Anyway... I like how you always protect her and her kids." she paused for a moment while Tiara stared at her intently. "I'm sure you're with her for your own benefit... after all she owns the Autumn Collection." "What do you want to say?" Tiara said, irritated. She wanted her to get to the main point. "I'm saying you're a lawyer and you will always see a profit. So why don't you switch to someone who can provide you with more benefits than Aria?" Crystal said, leaning into the desk. "Are you referring to yourself?" Tiara asked. "Of course." Crystal leaned back in her seat again. "I'm the CEO of Miller Group. I'm now engage
Ariadne didn't look at Xander as she entered the car that was waiting at the entrance. She felt ashamed of herself for thinking that ring was cheap. The ring held historical significance. As a jewelry designer, she was able to easily identify the quality of a piece. She was curious if he still had the ring. However, she chose not to talk about it as it was pointless at this time. Thinking about past mistakes would only bring pain. She brushed the subject off her mind. They both sat silently as the car drove away. "Where are we going?" she asked when she saw the car taking a different route. "To the hotel." Xander replied casually, looking outside. "Hotel? Why? Shouldn't we return to your jet?" Ariadne frowned. "We will visit their factory tomorrow. You will complete your first contract." "But.." "When you find a good partner, don't wait to finalize the deal. They will trust you if you demonstrate a willingness to collaborate with them." he said, cutting her off as he looke
"Mr. Hart can you handle things here for a few days?" Ariadne asked, as Mr. Hart entered her office. "I'm going out of town for a few days." she added. "O.. yes... don't worry.. I'll handle everything here." he said, placing a file in front of her. "Thank you." she smiled. "Let me know if you need anything." "Sure." Ariadne signed the documents and handed them back to Mr. Hart. "See you in a few days." she said. Mr. Hart nodded before leaving the office. Ariadne grabbed her belongings and left as well. ..... "How far is it?" Ariadne asked, irritated. "It will take another hour." Xander replied from his seat in the distance, where he was reading some documents. Ariadne sighed and gazed out the window. They had been sitting in Xander's private jet for the past five hours. It was a six-hour journey. What irritated her the most was having to sit with him. Even though she sat away from him, she was still uncomfortable. Xander suggested her to take a nap in the jet's pri
Xander was in a good mood after Alex addressed him as 'Daddy'. He put on a mask and followed them inside the restaurant. As they passed through, Autumn kept looking back at him. When Xander raised his brow at her, she looked away. They entered a private cabin. Xander looked around. It wasn't as cozy as the five-star restaurants, but it was still nice. Everyone took their seats. Tiara sat between the two kids, with Mary next to Adrian and Jose beside Autumn. Xander sat next to Jose. Autumn tugged on Jose's hand, causing him to look at her. "Why is he wearing a mask?" she asked. It was loud enough for everyone to hear. Jose looked back at his boss before smiling at her. "So that no one can recognize him." he replied. "Why? Are the police looking for him?" Tiara burst out laughing while Jose pressed his lips together to hold it in. Xander stiffened, embarrassed. His daughter thought he was a criminal. He removed his mask, without saying anything. "No. Your dad is the most fam