LOGINWhen they returned home the next morning, Catherine was waiting for them at the door. “My baby, come here.” She spread her arms urging Axel for a hug.Axel walked closer. She pulled her into a hug and then started to check his body. “Are you feeling better now? Feeling any discomfort? What did that bitch do to you…” Arabella pulled Axel away from her grasp.“He needs to rest.” She signalled a maid to take him to his room. They left.“I know you’ve never really cared about how you speak, but from now on, mind your language around him.” Arabella warned her. Catherine didn't talk back or get angry. Even she was finally beginning to realise what a toxic environment she’d made her grandchild grow in. “I will keep that in mind,” Arabella walked off, heading towards the kitchen. When Adrian walked past, Catherine spoke. “You've changed.”Adrian halted but didn't turn back. “You’ve become so devoted to her and don't even care how she talks to me.” “You're right. I’ve changed.” A
Cold.That was the first thing Serena felt.Cold concrete beneath her. Cold air against her skin.Her eyes opened.Everything hurt.She tried to sit up—couldn't.Her hands were tied. Wrists bound tight behind her back. Ankles lashed to a chair."What…"She blinked hard, trying to clear her vision.Dim light. Gray walls. The smell of old metal and decay.Her pulse spiked.She knew this place.The warehouse.The one Logan had used.The one where they'd kept Axel.Horror crawled up her spine."Hello?" Her voice came out small. Weak.Silence.Then—a sound.Footsteps.Slow. Rhythmic.Coming closer.Serena's breathing quickened.A shadow moved in the corner of her vision.Someone was there."Who—who are you?" She tried to sound commanding. Failed.The figure stepped into the light.A man. Face covered. Black mask.And in his right hand—A golf club.Serena's mouth went dry."No…"The man stopped a few feet away.Didn't speak. Didn't move.Just stood there.Watching.The club rested against
Arabella took Axel to the hospital. While he was being examined by the doctor, Arabella and Adrian waited outside his room. Arabella sat forward, fidgeting with her nails, while tapping her leg gently on the floor. Adrian stood across from her for a while. Then walked closer, squatting before her. He reached for her hand, but Arabella sat back, looking into his eyes. “You know everything happening to him is your fault, right?” Adrian nodded. “I know. I'm sorry.” Arabella blinked back the tears in her eyes. “Do you think she hit my child?” She swallowed. “Do you think they tortured him those four days he was stuck with them?” Arabella couldn't control her tears now. Adrian swallowed. He didn't know the answer either. But he had to be the strong parent. He caused this whole problem in the first place. “Don't worry, Arabella. I will make them pay.” He sat beside her, pulling her into a hug as she cried. A little while later, the doctor invited them to their office. “Ye
“I’m so sorry, Ma’am. I wasn't in school.” Ms. West explained to the panicked parents, “The authorized pickup list hasn't been updated hence the mistake.” Arabella and Adrian exchanged a glance. How could they blame the school when they forgot such an important thing? All the while, they blew up Serena's phone with calls. No response. They had already gone to Serena’s house on their way to the school, but she wasn't home. Arabella paced about, her fingers trembled nervously over the phone. Serena caused Axel’s mutism to get out of the charges Adrian had piled against her. Now she had another case that could greatly affect her cash flow and public image. In the worst case— put her behind bars. Serena was desperate. She could do worse. Worsen Axel’s condition and take away the smile that had slowly returned to his place. Adrian walked closer, gently holding her hand. “Don't worry, Arabella. Axel is going to be fine. I already sent people tracking her car.” Arabella’s eyes we
CHAPTER SIXTY - EIGHTArabella dropped the other files in her hand, quickly skimming through the case file. Kidnapping. False imprisonment. “This…this is the case Adrian filed against Serena?” It was clearly stated he was a representative. He was representing Arabella. But for the sexual assault, Adrian was the direct victim. How? Why? What did it mean?“Arabella?” Adrian's voice came from behind. Arabella froze. She can't let him see these files now. She needed to make her own investigations. She hid the files behind her as she turned to face the door. “Y— what are you doing here?” Arabella forced a smile, “Oh, I’m just…” She looked around."What do you think about this office?" She gestured around. "I think it would suit me so well."Quick diversion. Smooth.Adrian was saddened by her words. He dropped his head. Arabella quickly hid the file within a textbook sitting on the desk. “I thought you were already enjoying your current one.” Arabella crossed her arms, “Is
Arabella finally composed herself after several minutes of trying. She stepped out of the stall, washing her face in the sink. She stared at her reflection. Eyes red, water dripping slowly. She finally stopped thinking about her past and more about her plans. She hadn't heard the rest of their conversation. Did Serena succeed in convincing Adrian to drop these charges again?Arabella scoffed, drying her face with a handkerchief. “Fine, then I will just have to deal with him first to avoid messing up my plans.” She mumbled to herself. She dabbed her face up with a little make up on her face. As she walked out of the washroom, she pulled out her phone and dialed Chadwick's number. He answered on the second ring. “Leave everything let's brainstorm on Adrian Sterling.” By the time she reached the office, Gavin was sitting across from Adrian. Their eyes locked in the distance. Arabella noticed the crease in his brow in an instant, like he was worried about something. Gavin tu
Arabella glanced over Adrian's shoulder at the man behind him and a sense of relief washed over her. Adrian saw it. The way her jaw unclenched and the tightness around his eyes faded at the sight of that person. Slowly, he turned his head.A man stood at the top of the stairs—tall, broad-shoulder
The conference room in the Sterling Law Group Headquarters was rowdy as the senior Executives from the various branches gathered, complaining bitterly.Today was the day The Reformer officially join the company and the CEO wasn't available. Even Gavin didn't know where he had disappeared to. And h
"I thought she was someone I knew, okay?" Adrian explained. "Apologize to her on my behalf. I'm going back to the hotel." He patted Derek's shoulder before walking away. “Man’s been acting weird lately.” He heard Aiden say, the rest of the conversation fading into distant noise as he stepped outsi
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







