Richard didn’t notice the frosty vibe radiating off Eloise. He was too busy feeling embarrassed about the scene he’d just walked into. His face was turning redder than a tomato in a blender, and he couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Without a second thought, he turned on his heel and scurried out of the room, practically tripping over his own feet.Gloria, however, was in a much better mood.Oh, Eloise. Looks like your reign of “I’m way cooler than everyone” is finally over. I’m going to leave you here to rot. Don't even think about escaping not with your dramatic, aristocratic ways!With an air of superiority, she kicked the box of money at Eloise’s feet. "It’s yours now. Enjoy it," she said with a wicked grin.Eloise didn’t even flinch. Her eyes barely flickered toward the money as she reached down, grabbing the box with a kind of indifference that only people who have had their fair share of drama can pull off."Backup," Eloise said; cool as a cucumber, her voice thick with the
Rachael was worried about Eloise, so she went out to look for her.However, Eloise was nowhere to be found. She bit her lip nervously, staring into the empty space of the street. How could she disappear so quickly?She thought. Maybe she went back to the dorm. After all, Eloise had no friends, maybe she just needed some time alone. That made sense, right?She ran to Eloise’s dorm, her spare key trembling in her hand. Inside, the room was empty. She had to be here, Rachael thought, waiting for what felt like forever. But no one came.Frustrated, she dashed back to the café. She asked everyone, but no one had seen her. What if she went to the Scarlet Heart Club? She dialed Flora’s number, but there was no answer.Time slipped away, an hour and a half had passed since Eloise left.Rachael’s thoughts spiraled. What if she’s hurt? What if she’s... She couldn’t finish the thought. Panic took over. Has she gone to the Scarlet Heart Club? Rachael wondered, her mind jumping to that possibilit
Behind the wheel, Ainsley’s knuckles were white, gripping the steering wheel like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, each one sharp and cutting deeper into his chest. The coldness that gripped him wasn’t from the winter air, it was something more. It was anxiety, panic, and fear that Eloise might be slipping away from him forever.Why does it hurt so much? He wondered. Why is it that when I found out she was missing, it felt like my entire world was falling apart?Rachael’s words echoed in his mind: “She might harm herself, Alpha Williams. You need to find her. Now.” The sheer weight of those words made his heart stop, and yet, here he was, racing against time, unable to make sense of his own emotions. All he knew was that he had to find her.“Adrian, can you sense where Eloise is?” Ainsley’s voice was hoarse, barely a whisper as he spoke aloud, seeking some connection to his wolf.Adrian’s reply was strained. “I can only feel that she’s
As the car moved forward, Eloise let go of the hand covering her lips. She tasted rust, and knew it was blood. She leaned back in her seat and thought, Whatever he wants to do, just let him be. Anyway, no matter how hard I struggled, it would be useless.In the car, Ainsley called out to his guards through the mind connection, "Everyone return to Club Scarlet Heart."When the car stopped outside the club, Ainsley didn't say anything else. He leaned over, picked up Eloise, and walked towards the club."Don't move. If you don't want me to repeat what I did to you in the car in front of everyone, you had better behave yourself. Don't make me angry. It won't do you any good." Ainsley sensed Eloise's struggle and stopped her with an indifferent expression.Eloise was furious. Was Ainsley always ignoring her wishes?However, after taking a look around, she closed her eyes. She had no right to choose.Elijah and the others had arrived at the club. Meanwhile, Ainsley was leading Eloise to the
Lucian had always been known for his kindness. A man who spoke with respect, never raising his voice, never letting anger control him. He was composed, polite, someone who could always be counted on. But now, he stood before Ainsley, shouting as if his entire world was crumbling.He was in agony, but there was a bitter laugh on his lips."Ainsley, that's ridiculous!" Lucian's voice cracked. "What makes you think you can ask me to do something you can't even bring yourself to do?" His gaze was filled with disbelief as he locked eyes with Ainsley. "I will never admit that I could fall for a woman like her!"Ainsley remained calm. "In that case," Ainsley said, his voice low but steady, "stay away from her. Maybe you're right, but I'll find my own way to say those things you can't."Lucian's laugh was hollow, almost maniacal as he eyed Ainsley like he was the greatest fool in the room."Ainsley, you're ridiculous," Lucian scoffed. "I’ll watch you... But as for Eloise? I’m done. I’ve alread
“First, take a shower and go to sleep. Second, I’ll help you wash up and share the bed with you. If you refuse to choose the first option, then I think you’re choosing the second. You stay up so late. I think you must be waiting for me and showing your affection for me. In that case, just tell me directly. It will satisfy you.” Ainsley looked at Eloise and said slowly.At first, Eloise stood motionless, her heart skipping a beat. Ainsley’s words stung like a cold wind, but it was the way he said them that left her breathless. What does he mean?Eloise was stunned. When she heard his words, her cheeks flushed a deep red, and before she knew it she suddenly looked up and shouted hoarsely, "I'm going to take a shower!" Afterward, Eloise entered the bathroom under Ainsley's complacent gaze.The hot water came out of the shower and fell on Eloise's body. She closed her eyes and immersed herself in a whirlwind of thoughts.At that time, she had no idea what her future would hold.Giving up
"Didn't I tell you?" Ainsley asked, his voice casual. "There's a glass wall in the bathroom. You can't see inside from outside, but you can see outside from inside."Eloise blinked, confused. "Why didn’t I see it?" she asked without thinking.Ainsley chuckled lightly. "Why didn’t you see it?" he repeated, as if wondering the same thing. "Maybe because the window blinds are usually down. I just decided to put them up."He stepped back into the bathroom, turning off the faucet, and then held up a key card. "Are you looking for this?"Eloise’s heart skipped a beat when she saw the key card. Oh no, he knows. She suddenly understood what he meant.Ainsley's forehead was wet. Water dripped from the tips of his hair. He walked over to Eloise."Alpha Williams, I'm sorry!" An imperceptible glint flashed in Eloise's eyes. She bent her knees and knelt before Ainsley as she spoke. Ainsley reached out a hand to hold Eloise's arm. Eloise looked up and saw his face close to hers.Ainsley’s gaze soft
Eloise remained firmly in place and did not move. Her body was tense, and though her thoughts raced, she couldn’t bring herself to speak again."Eloise, pick it up for the second time," Ainsley’s voice was deep and unwavering, his gaze sharp and piercing. He didn’t look away, as if daring her to defy him.A small bead of sweat appeared on Eloise's forehead, but she kept her gaze steady. "I’m an employee of the Club. I work in the Public Relations Department of Club Scarlet Heart. I’m not an employee of the Williams Group." Her voice was firm, though a slight tremor betrayed her inner anxiety.Ainsley took a step closer to her. His gaze never wavered, and his presence felt like it could crush her if she didn’t move. "You’re still under my roof now. Pick it up," he said, his tone colder.Eloise took a shaky breath, stepping back slightly, but her feet felt like they were glued to the ground. "I… I’m not working for the Williams company, I’m not picking it"Ainsley stopped right in front
“Ainsley,” Eloise covered her eyes as if hiding her pain. “I’d rather be the one who lost my memories.”She hoped there was a reset button. If she pressed it, her life could restart from the beginning.“Eloise, don’t cry. It’s my fault. I was wrong.” Ainsley panicked.Eloise closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face. “You just don’t get it, do you? I’m tired of this.”She loathed Gary the most; he drained the company's capital and turned the Anthony Group into an empty shell.“Eloise, I was wrong.” Ainsley was bewildered and didn’t know what to do. He could only hug Eloise tightly. She didn’t push him off immediately.Eloise's lips curved into a mocking smile. Ainsley called her as if he were calling the love of his life.“Let me go.” After a long moment, she gently pushed Ainsley away from her warm embrace. “Ainsley, don’t take cold showers again.”Eloise spoke to Ainsley as if nothing had happened. Only she knew she still had unfinished business.That was the reason why she cou
“Ainsley,” she said, firmer this time. “Stop pretending to be asleep.”There was a pause. Then, a shuffle near the bed.“... I didn’t mean to wake you,” Ainsley’s voice finally came, low and unsure.“What are you doing here?” Her voice was cold, flat and irritated.“I couldn’t sleep,” he replied, glancing up at her. “I was cold… and scared,” Ainsley said.“There’s a couch in the living room,” Eloise replied.“I didn’t want to sleep alone.”She narrowed her eyes. “So you chose the floor next to my bed?”He gave a small nod.She exhaled sharply. “You’re unbelievable.”“I can leave if you want……” He moved, but she stopped him.“My feet are cold,” she said instead.Ainsley looked startled. “Y-Yeah? I can fix that!”He quickly knelt beside the bed and took her feet in his hands, rubbing them gently.“Your hands are warm,” she muttered, surprised.“I didn’t want you to feel cold too,” he said. “It’s not right.”A moment passed. Then: Eloise asked “Have you remembered anything lately?” she a
Eloise looked meaningfully at Mavis, a sharp smile playing on her lips, though her eyes remained distantly calm and calculating.“So what now? Are you threatening me with the Anthony Group?” Her voice was smooth, but each word struck like a polished dagger, honed over three years of silence.Mavis folded her arms tightly across her chest, trying to look composed, but her jaw twitched. "Eloise, sue me. Go ahead, I dare you. By the time that happens, everyone will know the Anthony Group is nothing but a polished shell with cracks running deep. You’ll lose everything you’ve ever clung to."She stepped forward, her lips curled into a twisted grin. "So tell me, can you still look me in the eye with that attitude? That high-and-mighty, untouchable tone?”The hate in Mavis's voice wasn’t subtle. It was raw and boiling.'How dare she still act like she’s better than me?' Mavis’s inner voice raged. 'She used to be humble, almost pitiful. Now look at her…cool, powerful. And somehow, after every
Eloise collapsed to the ground, her heart racing. Ainsley knelt beside her, panting.“You’re such a bad girl,” he groaned with a crooked grin.She blinked, then laughed. The sound surprised even her.They leaned on each other as they walked home. Eloise winced with every step.Inside, she locked the door behind them and turned to Ainsley. “Why were you there?” She asked with a frown.He looked sheepish. “From the balcony… I watched you leave for work. And I wait for your return. I always have.”Eloise froze. That… she hadn’t expected.“I’m not stalking you,” he added quickly. “I just… feel safer knowing you made it home.”Her throat closed. She didn’t speak.Later that evening, after cleaning Ainsley’s wounds, Eloise sat in her office, the silence pressing on her.Jacob had just finished a quick check-in. Mandy arrived, knocking gently.“Find the leak yet?” Eloise asked.Mandy sighed. “No. It’s like they vanished.”“Stop the investigation.”Mandy blinked rapidly. “What, why? Shouldn’t
When she arrived at the Anthony Group, Mandy’s jaw dropped and her eyes were wide open.“Miss Anthony? You’re here early.”“Give me the proposal for the Jack Ray partnership. "I need to reconsider several details to make it profitable,” Eloise said.“But… are you sure you want to review that again?” Mandy asked hesitantly."I think they'll be delighted to see a revised proposal, especially one that could bring more profit for both sides. Mandy, in this world, no one walks away from money."Mandy blinked. That wasn’t the Eloise she knew.“O-okay,” she stammered, retreating. She wanted to pull Eloise out of her emotional spiral, but hearing her talk business with such coldness was unnerving.In the office, Eloise sat across from Jack Ray.“I’ve outlined the additional terms for the partnership. These revisions will double our projected profits. Mr. Jack, you should reconsider before dismissing the offer,” she said.Jack frowned, visibly disappointed. Can’t we just talk like two people,
The bedroom door creaked open. Eloise looked up from her book, startled. Ainsley stood there, his face unreadable, a folded blanket in his arms. Without a word, he stepped in, laid the blanket on the floor beside the bed, and began unrolling it with deliberate care.“What are you doing?” Eloise asked, her brow furrowing.Ainsley lay down on the makeshift bed, turning his back to her.“You're not allowed to sleep here,” she said in a cold and dispassionate voice. “Ainsley, go away!” she shouted, frustration bubbling over.However, Ainsley sat up abruptly, glaring at her. “Just send me away tomorrow! I don’t care! But don’t think you can kick me out tonight!”Eloise was taken aback. It was the first time eight-year-old Ainsley had raised his voice at her.“You want to kick me out. You're sick, and no one will take care of you. You're unreasonable!” he shouted again.She stared at him, speechless. The room fell into a tense silence, the only light coming from a dim night lamp.Suddenly,
Time passed slowly.Eloise glanced at her wristwatch again, her brows knitting in frustration. The ticking felt like it echoed louder in the room than it had any right to, like each second was dragging its feet, deliberately mocking her patience. She shifted slightly in her seat, the silence becoming more stifling by the minute. Ainsley sat across from her, completely still, his small eyes trained on her face with an eerie calmness.The shrill ring of her phone startled her.Her body tensed instinctively. She snatched the phone from the table, her thumb sliding across the screen to answer.“Are you here yet?” she asked sharply.From the other end, Eric’s voice came hurried, uneven, and heavy with movement. He was clearly in motion. “I can’t come,” he said, no greeting, just urgency. “I’ll leave Ainsley with you for now.”Eloise shot upright. “Wait a minute,” she snapped. “Leave him with me for now? Isn’t Hank there?”She heard the sigh in Eric’s throat before he spoke. “Hank isn’t fre
Stepping aside, Eloise said in a formal tone, “Let me introduce you. This is Jack Ray, the representative of our partner.”Mandy, blinking in confusion, stepped forward and extended her hand politely. "Hello….."“Mandy, I’ll follow the project this time,” Eloise cut in swiftly, not allowing her to finish.Mandy froze, utterly bewildered.Eloise leaned close and whispered in her ear, “I’ll explain after we get back.”Jack personally walked them all the way to the car, his gaze never leaving Eloise until she disappeared from his sight.Inside the car, Eloise slumped back against the seat.“Have you met Jack before?” Mandy asked curiously as they neared the Moonlight Garden. “I thought I was going to be in charge of the project?”Eloise forced a smile. “Don't misunderstand. There are certain things about this project I need to handle personally. You've been working so hard, Mandy. You deserve a break.”Mandy still looked unsure. “Okay… but rest well after this problem is solved, okay?”A
The secretary suddenly stood up, her voice hurried and apologetic. “I’m sorry, Mandy." Our president said he wanted to meet with Ms. Anthony alone to seek cooperation this time.”Eloise, Mandy, and the other Anthony Group representatives exchanged confused glances, uncertainty flickering between them. What a strange request! Suspicion brewed silently in the air.Mandy parted her lips to protest, but Eloise reached out, stopping her with a firm hand. “Take the others out of the conference room,” she instructed quietly, her voice calm but commanding.“But…” Mandy’s brows furrowed in deep worry. She didn’t want to leave Eloise alone.Eloise looked at her steadily, her gaze unwavering, burning with determination. “Mandy, you know how important this cooperation is to me.”It wasn’t just important to her; it was crucial to the future of the Anthony Group. It was everything.Mandy hesitated a moment longer, then finally nodded. “Let’s go,” she said, her voice reluctant. She signaled the othe