LOGINAs I climbed onto the terrace, I saw his back facing me. One hand was tucked into his pocket while the other rested against the railing as he gazed out across the estate.I walked closer, wondering what had captured his attention so completely that he had left me behind downstairs. But the moment I reached the railing, the view below stole my breath away.From the top of the building, you could see everything beneath us. The estate stretched endlessly, glowing beneath the night sky like a masterpiece carefully painted by hand.I stood beside Alex, resting my hands on the railing as I took it all in.“It’s one of my father’s designs.”I turned to look at him. “Your father built this house?”“Not exactly. He was the architect. That was the job he truly wanted to do, but instead, he had to treat it like a hobby and inherit the company.” He spoke without looking at me, but I could hear the sadness buried in his voice.“How much I wished he had just… become an ordinary architect. I never w
I felt his hand over mine, and I turned to look at him, letting myself drown in his blue eyes.“Are you scared?” he asked softly, as if he could see right through me.And honestly, right now, I wasn’t scared. Just nervous, with too many questions running through my head.Would they like me?Would they accept me?Would they judge me?Would they…“Hey,” he called gently, pulling me out of my thoughts. “I’m right here. This is just a formality, and it’ll be over soon. Then it’s just us.”His thumb rubbed warmly over my hand, and I smiled back at him with a small nod.“Are you ready?” he asked.I nodded again.“Good.”Then he let go of my hand and stepped out of the car before walking around to my side. Opening the door for me, he stretched his hand toward me. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, then placed my hand in his and stepped out of the car.With my arm wrapped around his, we walked together into the Vaughn family estate, where the entire family was waiting for us.Actu
“Charlotte, it’s…”“Because you are afraid? That I will come after you since my identity and position have changed?”They all looked at each one of them and then shifted nervously.I let out a laugh, just a small one. “You know what? It’s fine. I don’t need any of these. Your apology. Your help. Or whatever. Because if you truly meant all what you said, you would not be here.” I said.“Then what do you want us…”I didn’t even let her finish before I turned and walked away. Straight toward Alex. “Hey, sister,” Ciara’s voice rang out, dripping with sweetness. “You know, you really have an amazing man here. He’s actually very funny.” I watched her hand slide onto Alexander’s suit, brushing at it as if dusting something invisible.“I can’t believe he could be so sweet to me.”“Is he?” I asked, reaching out and catching her finger as if picking out dirt on Alex.Before she could react, I twisted it just enough to make my point and didn’t release it until she let out a sharp cry.“What do
My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Ciara, only to see that triumphant smile on her face, and that was when I realized that she was the one behind this.So, this was her so-called gift.How childish. For her to think I would flop was laughable. Because why wouldn’t I deliver a perfect speech without assistance when every public address Clyde had ever given was written by me?She really underestimated me.I also returned her smile and then her own started fading, confusion flickering across her face. Filled with satisfaction, I turned to the front again, and began.“Distinguished guests, respected partners, and everyone present here tonight…” I paused briefly, letting my gaze sweep across the room. “Today is not just a milestone for me, but for the Sinclair Group as a whole. This company was built on vision, resilience, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence and I stand here, deeply aware of the legacy I am stepping into.But legacy is not something we simply inherit. It
The car door opened, and my heels touched the ground.“Miss Sinclair, this way.”“Miss Sinclair! Please, a comment!”The camera flashes in every direction, while I took a small pause beside the car, lifting my chin slightly as I offered them a light smile and a small wave. Almost immediately, security moved in, forming a barrier as my secretary guided me forward onto the red carpet stretching ahead.I walked with practiced grace, pausing briefly for photographs before finally stepping into the grand hall.“Today marks a beautiful beginning for the Sinclair Group as we celebrate the inauguration of its new CEO,” the announcer’s voice resonated across the room while I just went around and greeting the guest.One by one.With my secretary right beside me, quietly introducing each person just before I approached them.“That’s Mr. Halvorsen, head of Kellenton Energy.”With a faint smile, I extended my hand to him. “Mr. Halvorsen, it’s a pleasure meeting you. Thanks for honoring my invite.”
***FLORA’S POV***I had been living like a ghost for the past two weeks, and it had been nothing short of hell.I barely went out. And when I did, I had to cover my face—burns still visible from what Clyde had done to me. Even then, when someone managed to recognize me and follow, I always found a way to lose them.My phone had become a graveyard of missed calls and unread messages. I stopped opening them because nothing ever came from them that was good.My agency dropped me within forty-eight hours of the story breaking. My endorsements vanished—cancelled, terminated, contracts pulled so quickly it felt like they had been waiting for an excuse. Three brands I had worked with for years released public statements distancing themselves from me.Even my own family held a press conference.And I was forced to watch my mother stand in front of cameras, saying they were deeply ashamed of me, that my actions did not reflect their values, and offering their “sincerest apologies” to the publi
The room stirred again, louder this time.“Is this real?”“That can’t be! Kate Harden told us she is dead!”“She looks exactly like Paul Sinclair's daughter!”But just as if mother and daughter already knew the content of the pictures, they didn’t even bother to look at it. Kate lifted her chin,
For a second, I considered letting it ring out. I didn’t have the patience for him this morning. But I answered. “Hi.” “For fuck’s sake, Charlotte, where have you been?” His voice was tight with anger. “I’ve been calling you since yesterday. Your phone was off. I was twenty-four hours away fro
“Ah.” Lynn said the single syllable as though it explained and forgave a great many sins. Dianna just rolled her eyes. While Flora’s expression tightened—just for second, before she masked it with a brittle smile. I had no doubt she would confront Clyde later, demanding to know why I deserved a
Charlotte.” Clyde’s voice came sharp. “You said we were putting the past behind us. So why are you bringing it back up? Are you trying to make her feel guilty?”“I’m only asking a question,” I said.“Genevieve didn’t mean anything by it,” Flora added, her expression doing that wounded, patient thin







