LOGINArabella looked at her son.His face was wet. His eyes were waiting.She opened her mouth.Nothing came.“If you just stay with Dad, we can have a complete family, right?” Arabella bit her lower lip. She understood Axel's pain, but still couldn't let him influence her choice. She patted his hair gently, “Think about it until after the memorial tomorrow.” “I promise I will respect your choice.” She stood up and started to walk away. “Mom.” Axel called, his voice shaky. Arabella halted but didn't turn back. Then she continued. He called again.Once. Twice. But Arabella didn't stop again and she didn't turn back. Because she knew if she did, she would not be able to help herself. His voice followed her down the hallway.She kept walking.It was the hardest thing she had done in her life. She ran to her room, pressed her back firmly to the door as she slowly slipped down until her ass hit the floor. Her phone slipped out of her hand. She covered her face with her palm, final
A few seconds passed. No one said anything. Catherine stared at Adrian. She expected his face to widen in surprise, but nothing. He didn't even look back at her. Instead, he cleared his throat, his attention shifting to Gavin, “We won't be taking any visitors or pictures tomorrow. Extended families can visit the grave from next tomorrow.” “Okay, sir.” Gavin nodded. “Arabella is here for revenge, and she's not leaving until she gets it.” Catherine’s voice was shaky despite her attempt to hide her panic. Something about the way Adrian ignored her terrified her, but she didn't want to admit it. “Oh, really?” Adrian finally shot her a glance, brows raised as high as his surprise allowed. “I wonder who made her so vengeful.” Catherine's fear was confirmed. It wasn't that Adrian was clueless enough not to know that Arabella was seeking revenge. He just let her have it. And he was gambling a $20 billion worth legal empire for it. Catherine let out a soft laugh. It wasn't her usua
Arabella stared blankly at him for a while. Her hand flew to cover her face. But despite how hard she tried, she burst into laughter.Adrian’s cheeks slowly burned red despite how hard he was trying to frown. He quickly bent to wear his trousers, but the sharp pain in his ankle and hand only increased. “Argh…” he let out a wince, freezing midway. Arabella was in shambles now, her laughter peaking. She laughed so hard her eyes were red. “Arabella, this is not funny.” Arabella nodded, trying to stop herself, “I know…I know.” After what felt like forever, her laughter slowly subsided and she forced herself to put on a serious front. She turned her back, “Do your business. I will help you wear your pants when you’re done.” Adrian hesitated, scratching the back of his head, “The door.” “Oh, yeah.” Arabella gasped, suppressing her laughter as she stepped out completely and shut the door. She stood just outside the door and after about three minutes, Adrian's voice came.“I’m d
Adrian raised a brow, confused, “A much better idea than life in prison?” “What is it?” Arabella leaned in, whispering into his ear. As Arabella moved her lips, the cold air hit his ear, sending a chill down his spine. Arabella didn't go into details about her plans, but just the end result was enough to cause fear. Adrian moved his head back a little, “Arabella, I know you’ve been terribly hurt by her, but are you sure…”“What?” Arabella interrupted sharply, “It's not illegal if the court gives the sentence.” She stared into his eyes, her breath brushing over his face as her face twisted into a frown. “Or are you worried about her?” “NO!” Adrian’s answer was firm.He held her arm with his only good hand, “Am I crazy to defend her?” “I already have my own plans to make her pay before I send her to prison.” He went on. “I already considered her father could pull some strings which is why I have asked Gavin to look into all Mr. Smith’s connections before her sentencing.” “I di
“Mr. Sterling had prior injuries that were aggravated by yesterday’s events,” the doctor explained. “Fortunately, a good Samaritan brought him in quickly. He’s stable now and out of danger.” Arabella exhaled deeply, the tight knot between her brows finally loosening for the first time that evening. “Thank you so much, doctor. Thank you.”The doctor nodded. “I have to go now. My shift ended hours ago, I only waited to meet you before I left.” “A nurse will be on duty throughout the night. Please don’t hesitate to call if he needs anything. I’ll check on him first thing in the morning.”Arabella nodded, watching as the doctor walked away. She hurried to Adrian's ward, her heart in her mouth. Even though the doctor had already reassured him he was out of danger, she still couldn't help feeling worried. Inside the room, Adrian lay on his stomach, his back heavily bandaged. One ankle was wrapped and slightly swollen. A bruise shadowed his cheekbone.The injuries were ridiculous and
When Arabella got home, Catherine had returned from the hospital, pacing worriedly around the living room after hearing about the scandal involving her son.As soon as Arabella walked through the door, she ran up to her. “Arabella!” Catherine rushed toward her. “Where’s Adrian? Is he alright? How on earth did that evidence get out?”Arabella let out a heavy sigh. “Don’t you remember? My contract ends today.”Catherine’s eyes widened, “What? No.” She screamed. “You’re still leaving?” Catherine’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I thought the two of you would come back together. Why are you abandoning him now?”Arabella’s face twisted with disgust. “Come back together?” She let out a bitter laugh. “How dare you? You were the one who helped ruin this family. You turned Adrian into a hollow shell of himself.”Her voice cracked with rising fury. “You destroyed me. You forced me to spend years chasing nothing but vengeance. And now you expect me to simply forgive and forget?” Arabella was so
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
The room reacted instantly.Chairs scraped. Papers rustled. Whispers started immediately.Mr. Jonathan leaned back and crossed his arms."An internal audit?" someone repeated. "Is that really necessary?”"Yes," Arabella said calmly. "In fact, my team is downstairs right now, waiting for my instruct
Arabella let out a sharp laugh and leaned back against her dressing table, arms crossed."And why would I help you? Why would I do anything for you?”"Help me?" Serena sat on the edge of the bed and crossed her legs. "Not necessarily."Her smile was cold. "I'm just trying to help your little career







