LOGINDissociate Adrian Sterling from the Sterling Law Group? Gasps. Murmurs filled the room as every board member discussed the suggestion within themselves. Removing Adrian Sterling from Sterling Group felt foreign to them. No one had ever thought of it. Because not only is Adrian the largest shareholder, he is also the only member of the Sterling family on the board.Sterling Law Group is family owned and has always been managed by the family. Still, they couldn't deny the impact this will have on the company. This would be the quickest way to end the scandal, but still…Arabella had her eyes locked on Adrian's. She had planned this moment for months.She had imagined it feeling like victory.It did not feel like anything she had a word for.And somehow the calmness on Adrian's face made her feel worse. Because for Adrian, Arabella's suggestion didn't come as a shock. It came as a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Because as much as he tried to stop his mind from wande
“As of 2pm today,” Arabella spoke calmly, ignoring the panicky board members as she signed some paperwork, “I have completed my three months contract with the Sterling Law Group.” She leaned back, fingers intertwined on top of the files.“In the three months period, I have fulfilled my side of the deal, completing the seven points agenda which included maintaining the public image and cashflow of the company.” She scanned the faces around her carefully, adding, “If a company as large as this can't keep from scandal every now and then, I believe there is something strongly wrong with its management.” “And in no way am I obligated to solve these problems too.” “We understand your point totally, and we truly appreciate your professionalism.” Mr. Campbell said, looking stressed. Bribery was a big deal to the image of the Sterling Group. A scandal they’ve always tried to dissociate from. “We’re willing to extend your contract.” He suggested. “Increase the fee.” Arabella looked aroun
Every word. Every confession. Every strike of the bat.All of it playing back in high definition for whoever was watching on the other side of that camera.Serena's face was drained of every last bit of color.For the first time since Arabella had known her, Serena Smith had nothing to say.Blood had been completely drained from her face..“No!” Her voice came in low and hoarse. Then slowly turned erratic. “NO!” “TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF!” She moved around like a crazy woman. But the spotlight on her face only brightened, and the video played in louder volumes. Arabella had intentionally delayed the whole kidnap scene to force Serena to confess, and she had succeeded. Serena pounced at her, attempting to strangle Arabella. Before Adrian could intervene, Arabella quickly shoved her off in one swift move.“KILL THEM ALL!” Serena ordered at the top of her voice, veins bulging in her throat. Now, it didn't matter if they had evidence. She just wanted Arabella gone. The guards were
Adrian slowly turned.The guards were everywhere.He tightened his arms around Arabella instinctively.“Serena, don't be stupid. There's three of us here. You can't kill us all.” Catherine said, her voice slightly panicky. Serena scoffed, slowly walking towards her.“You…you little traitor,” she jabbed the edge of the knife at the side of her shoulder. “I always knew you were not trust worthy.” She leaned closer, “This girl literally ruined your family, how could you soften towards her just like that?” “She didn't ruin my family.” Catherine replied sharply. Arabella looked at her, stunned. This was the first time Catherine was defending her— actually speaking the truth. “I ruined the family. I caused Victor’s death. And I let greed allow me to scheme with you. So stop blaming her.” Catherine’s voice was firm. And for the first time, Arabella actually saw regret in her eyes. Serena placed a palm on her lip, acting surprised, “Oh, you gained a conscience?” “Since when?” Cather
TWO DAYS LATERArabella was just a few blocks away from Sterling Group when a black van came out of nowhere.Metal hit metal.Arabella's head snapped sideways from the impact, her phone flying off the passenger seat before she could grab it.Her door was yanked open before she could process what was happening.Two men in masks moved fast. Arabella didn't fight back, instead she followed them quietly into the van. She had been waiting for this.Something pressed against her neck.Cold. Sharp.Her vision blurred almost instantly.The last thing she saw before her body gave out was one of the guards whispering on his phone; “We’ve got her.” ***Splash.Cold water splashed across Arabella’s face. She choked, coughing frantically as she slowly opened her eyes.. Her eyelids felt heavy, and for a fraction of a second, she didn't know where she was. CLAP!A hand clasped against each other, heels clicking against the cold floor of the empty warehouse.“Long time no see, Arabella Greene…o
Adrian, draped in his signature suit, walked through the hallway of the house, head dropped as he arranged his cufflinks. He had overslept the night before, and intentionally chose to go late to work today.He halted as he reached the bottom of the stairs, startled by the figure he almost bumped into. He raised his head, letting out a dry scoff as he raised his gaze, “You know, I'm still not used to seeing you use your legs.” “I suggest you keep using your wheelchair, or better still, just stay quietly out of my sight until you are convicted.” Catherine felt her heart shattering into tiny pieces as the cruel words pierced into her chest like a blade.Even as a joke, Adrian would never ever talk back to her, but now, his every word was like poison. Adrian suddenly remembered Arabella’s words. “It’s almost school time, Axel needs to come back home soon. If you have any bit of conscience, just revoke your bail and stay behind bars until the verdict.” Adrian shoved past her, walkin
Thirty minutes after dropping Axel at school, Arabella was still driving. Adrian was still giving directions."Left here. No, the next left.” "Why don't you just put the address in the GPS?” "We're almost there. Just a few more turns.”He'd said that fifteen minutes ago.They were still driving.
The room erupted in gasps.Serena's heart stopped.She'd just confessed. On record. In front of the entire board. If Ivan's investment went through, she was finished. Adrian shifted in his chair.Everyone else looked relieved. Excited.He felt sick.Ivan had no business investing in a law firm. H
CRACK.Arabella's palm connected with Adrian's face. "What the hell did you do?"She was breathing hard, face flushed with fury.Adrian touched his stinging cheek. "What did I—” "Don't." Arabella shoved her hair back from her face. "Don't play dumb. That article—what were you thinking?” "I told
The weekend crawled by. Arabella spent most of it buried in work reviewing audit files, preparing interview questions, and building her case. She wouldn't let herself rest. Not until Adrian was dethroned as CEO. Not until Serena paid. Only then could she look back at her 25-year-old self and







