FAZER LOGINA day and a half passed. Isabella was finally starting to accept her reality. Arabella was still struggling to juggle between properly caring for Axel and visiting Adrian and Catherine in the hospital. Gavin was handling the majority of the company work, but it wasn't easy. “Ms. Greene, you need to come to the company at least, to complete the formalities.” Gavin explained as he sat on the stool by the kitchen island across from Arabella. Arabella was making lunch for when Axel returned. “What formalities? Everything is going smoothly and fortunately Adrian's condition is not even making them panic, so it's supposed to be a good thing.” Arabella insisted.She held out a spoonful of soup to Gavin, “Come on, test this.” Gavin blew on it then took it. “Umm, perfect.” he said, blowing his mouth with his hand. “The executives aren't panicking because you are now the largest shareholder and also the CEO of Sterling Law Group. Adrian is more or less a lawyer in the company.” Arabel
Arabella arrived at Vertex Energy with Axel by noon shortly after his discharge.When she reached Richard’s floor, Richard had already prepared a temporary playground with several toys to keep Axel occupied while they had their conversation.“Wow, you really do go extra for your grandson.” Arabella said as she walked into Richard's office. Sebastian was already there. “Hi, sis.” He greeted as soon as she walked in.Arabella forced a smile, “how are you doing?” They haven't spoken since the accident so the tension between them was a little awkward. She sat across from him on the sofa as Richard also joined them in the sitting area. Despite the tension between the siblings, Richard didn't notice it because he was too nervous himself. He had assumed none of them knew what one's mother did to the other. This was a hard topic and he hated that he even had to say it.“You know, both of you are my children and I love you both dearly.” He started, beating around the bush. “Adrian brou
THE NEXT DAY Arabella sat by Axel’s bedside, arranging his blanket over him. It was only when she called Renata to bring some clothes over for them yesterday did she remember that she had given Renata a month break when they left for Denver. And for a whole hour after the call, she sat down, wondering how Axel had been coping since their return from New York with no one taking care of him.She pressed her face to his palm, crying and mumbling, “I’m so sorry, I’ve really failed you.” Her mind went back to her mother's last words “I missed spending the best years of my life with you. Don't make the same mistake with Axel.”But she had done the opposite. Ever since she returned to New York, she had channeled her energy into revenge despite claiming she had come back for her son.A hand gently patted her back. She looked up. Richard. She had been stuck in her thoughts she didn't know when he walked in. “Dad,” Richard patted her head gently, “What is it, child?” “I’m such a terri
Because of the distance, Sebastian suggested Catherine be flown out with the helicopter his guard brought. Arabella wanted Axel to go with them too for check up, but he clung to his mom, refusing to be parted from her.She didn't force him. Because after today, she had realized how much of a horrible person she had been to her child. Sebastian's Ferrari was wrecked. The only available car was the van belonging to Serena's crew. They took it anyway. Four guards occupied one. Arabella, Axel and Sebastian stayed in the back seat of the other while the last guard drove them.The car ride started off in silence. Axel had his head resting in his mom's lap, still quite shaken from the horror he just witnessed and after a while he slept off. Sebastian noticed it and then took a deep breath, ready to confess. He started with an apology. “I’m sorry for everything that my mom has done to you, Arabella. I'm sorry. And I’m going to make it right by you.” Arabella didn't even know what to s
“What do you mean? What's going on? Didn't Mrs. Gallagher sent you?” Serena questioned, watching helplessly as the men cuff her guards and dragged them out. Sebastian slowly walked towards her, “Weren't you listening just now?” Serena raised a brow even more confused. “I said I love my mom. I can't let her live a life of crime.” He explained, “That's why I have decided to stop her now before it's too late.” Serena’s legs gave out on her and she quickly grabbed the chair for support. Sebastian’s men grabbed her before she could think of causing harm, twisting her hand back. “Wait outside.” He instructed and the man dragged Serena with him out. When Sebastian turned to face Arabella again, the mother and son instinctively moved back even though they were already at the wall. Sebastian sighed, squatting before her, “Come in sis. I came to save you.” Arabella slowly relaxed seeing the familiar cheerful boy she had known. “Y—you’re sure you’re not with her?” Arabella said, gestur
When Arabella opened her eyes again, she found herself lying limply on an old rusty sofa, Axel resting his head on her lap. She jerked up, quickly grabbing Axel's arms and inspecting him. His cheeks were red from being slapped by Serena. His uniform was messy, his shoes dirty. Arabella didn't even remember seeing him this morning. Ever since they returned from Denver, she’d never even gone to check on him or prepared him for school. She had just remained in her room, wallowing in her grief and neglecting her son. “Mom, are you alright?” Axel's first words were that of concern despite his own condition. Hot tears streamed down from her cheek, the guilt of her neglect dawning on her. She pulled him to her lap, whispering, “Don't be scared, baby. I am here now. I will protect you.” CLAP! CLAP?! CLAP!The sound of clapping echoed in the dimly lit room as a figure walked inside. “What a wonderful mother and child reunion.” Serena's voice came as she turned on the lights. Arabell
FIVE YEARS LATER “...your new leadership structure is already in place,” Arabella said , eyes sweeping the boardroom. “Revenue projections are stable, staff turnover is down, and the brand has regained credibility.”No one interrupted her.She stood at the head of the table in a navy-blue blazer a
Adrian’s fist came down again, a dull, sickening sound filling the room.The guard collapsed against the tiled wall, sliding to the floor, blood already soaking into his uniform. His face was swollen, one eye nearly shut, breath coming out in broken wheezes. Adrian didn’t stop. He barely even looke
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
BACHELORETTE NIGHTThe party was booming—masks glittering under disco lights, music pulsing through the floor. Vera and her bridesmaids danced while her favorite musician performed a private mini-concert. A few people sat back and just enjoyed the music and their drinks. On the other side of the







