เข้าสู่ระบบTwo months later.The sharp, sudden cramp hit Mara like a physical blow, stealing the breath straight from her lungs and forcing her hands to grip the edge of the kitchen counter until her knuckles turned stark white."Cassian," Mara gasped, her voice tight and breathless as the first rolling wave of pain gripped her lower back.Cassian dropped the stack of hospital paperwork he had been organizing on the small dining table, the crisp sheets scattering across the floor. In two long strides, he was across the room, his face draining of all color as he caught her by the shoulders."What is it? Is it time?" Cassian asked, his voice shaking with a sudden, raw panic that completely stripped away his usual guarded composure."Yes," Mara panted, closing her eyes as another contraction crested, hot and heavy. "The water broke. Cassian, get the bag. Now!""Right. The bag. I've got it," Cassian said, his hands scrambling across the entryway table for his keys before grabbing the pre-packed leat
The morning sun cut through the tall glass of Serena’s office, warming the dark wood of her desk where Veyronne’s updated terms sat waiting.Serena traced her finger down the revised clauses, her dark eyes narrowing. Nadine had dropped the supply chain veto, but the retail location clause remained untouched. Veyronne still wanted final approval over every overseas store opening. It was a backdoor control mechanism disguised as a partnership requirement.The door clicked open, and Chloe walked in carrying a tray with a steaming ceramic cup of herbal tea."Nadine Orsini’s team just sent over their final concessions before the Monday call," Chloe said, setting the tray down gently. "She wants to know if you're willing to sign on these terms.""Tell her I don't sign leash clauses, Chloe," Serena said, her voice smooth and unyielding. "We aren't doing a broad operational partnership. Draft a counter-proposal for a limited distribution agreement."Chloe paused, blinking in surprise. "A dist
The glass doors of Vale Maison’s executive suite clicked open right at ten o'clock, letting in the sharp, rich scent of expensive leather, wet wool, and heavy French perfume.Serena sat at the head of the polished mahogany conference table, her hand resting over the soft, warm curve of her six-month bump beneath her dark gray coat-dress. Outside, the cold autumn rain was tapping hard against the floor-to-ceiling glass, casting a cool silver light across the room.Nadine Orsini walked in first, followed by two young men carrying heavy leather cases. She wore a tailored cream suit, her dark hair pulled back tight and smooth into a low knot. She moved with the quiet, practiced power of someone who was used to owning every room she walked into."Mrs. Blackwood," Nadine said, stepping forward with a cool, controlled smile and extending a hand. "Thank you for making time for us today. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person."Serena stood up smoothly, taking Nadine's hand in a firm,
The email arrived on a Tuesday morning, just as Serena was reviewing Vale Maison’s production schedule.Her assistant, Chloe, appeared at the office door with a tablet.“Serena, there’s a meeting request I think you’ll want to see.”Serena glanced up. “Another charity invitation?”“No. It’s from Veyronne Collective.”That caught her attention.Serena took the tablet. Veyronne Collective was a major international luxury group with an impressive distribution network and partnerships across several fashion markets.She opened the email.Subject: Strategic International Partnership Proposal — Vale MaisonThe message was brief. Veyronne had followed Vale Maison’s recent collections and was interested in discussing a potential international partnership.Serena read it twice.“What kind of partnership?”“They haven’t specified. They’ve requested a preliminary meeting and attached their company profile.”“Have you checked them?”“I’m working on it. They’re legitimate, and their recent expansi
The quiet late-afternoon sun warmed the high windows of the study, casting long, gold ribbons across the dark floorboards. Outside, Manhattan moved at its usual frantic pace, but inside the penthouse, the air felt slow and calm.Zora was still months away from arriving. Serena sat on the comfortable sofa with her feet tucked beneath her, wearing a soft cream knit dress that hugged her round, six-month bump.Across the coffee table, Asher set down a blue leather folder. He didn't open it like a corporate presentation this time. He simply laid it flat and looked at her, his dark eyes warm and relaxed."I revised the schedule for the next three months," Asher said, his low voice filling the quiet room. "Doctor visits, Vale Maison’s final spring checks, Blackthorne’s travel limits, and our home preparations."Serena reached over, pulling the folder toward her. She flipped through the pages with a raised eyebrow. "Asher... this is only three pages long. Where are the colo
Evelyn poured silver-filtered tea into a bone china cup, the sharp, floral aroma of bergamot rising into the quiet air of her townhouse drawing room. Rain tapped a steady, rhythmic pattern against the tall street-facing glass.Across the mahogany table sat Mara Forbes. She had not removed her dark coat, and her hands rested flat on her lap, her eyes cool and unreadable as she looked around the velvet-draped room."I appreciate you coming on short notice, Mara," Evelyn said smoothly, setting the silver teapot back on its saucer with a delicate clink. "I know my son can be difficult to manage, especially when his pride is wounded."Mara didn't touch her cup. "Cassian told me you wanted to set up a trust for the baby. He also said you had specific terms."Evelyn smiled softly, leaning back against her armchair. She smoothed the front of her silk blouse, keeping her tone warm and reasonable. "I am a grandmother thinking about the future, Mara. Nothing more. Cassian’s cur







