LOGINAt the mention of Christopher, Samantha's expression softened. "You're right, Dad. Once Chris and I are married, everything will fall into place. Then I'll be Mrs. Zephyr, and no one will be able to look down on me again."She hadn't cared about the title before.But the Bloom family had lost much of its influence, and marrying Christopher would restore their position.Just then, the doorbell rang.A housekeeper answered it, and Christopher walked in.His expression was cold, and the tension surrounding him made everyone in the room go still.The moment Samantha saw him, her face lit up. She hurried over. "Chris, what are you doing here? Did you come to see me?"Christopher walked past her without answering and stopped in the middle of the living room."Did you go to Amelia's house?"Samantha's smile faltered. Guilt flashed across her face, but she quickly recovered. "Yes. I just told her to stop hanging around you. We're about to get engaged. She needs to respect that.""T
Samantha's eyes narrowed. "You're ancient history. Stop pretending you still have a chance with him."Amelia nearly laughed. "I know exactly where I stand, Ms. Bloom. I don't need you to explain it to me. You should be more concerned about whether Christopher actually wants you instead of wasting your time threatening me. You can't force someone to love you."Samantha's face twisted with anger. "How dare you talk to me like that!" Her voice rose. "Don't push me. Stay away from Chris, or you'll regret it. I'll make sure you and your daughter pay for this!"That was the final straw for Amelia.She stepped closer, her expression turning cold. "Do not threaten my daughter. You have no say over my life or hers."The look on Amelia's face made Samantha take an instinctive step back.But then she remembered she was about to get engaged to Christopher and forced herself to stand her ground. "Who do you think you are? He left you. Once I marry into the Zephyr family, I'll have more
Shane rested a hand on Jessica's shoulder, signaling for her to ease up, then looked at Christopher."We know this is hard, but ignoring it isn't going to make it disappear."Getting treatment isn't about anyone else. It's about giving yourself a chance to get better."And if you want to protect the people you care about, you have to take care of yourself first."Christopher said nothing. He turned toward the study and dismissed them without looking back. "I'm tired. I need some rest. You should go."Jessica opened her mouth to argue, but Shane stopped her. They exchanged a look, both equally frustrated and helpless.Shane nodded toward the container on the table. "We'll leave the soup here. Try to eat some later. Call us if you need anything."After they left, the house fell silent again.Christopher sat behind his desk and stared out into the darkness, feeling completely empty.He knew Jessica and Shane were only trying to help, but he was exhausted. He no longer felt like h
Christopher's car pulled up outside Harbor Villa.He got out and made his way unsteadily into the living room.As soon as he took off his overcoat, exhaustion hit him all at once. His limbs felt impossibly heavy, and even lifting an arm took effort.A tight pressure settled in his chest, making every breath feel slow and painful.He loosened his tie, sank onto the couch, and closed his eyes, hoping he could rest for a few minutes.But his mind refused to shut down. It replayed the birthday dinner over and over: Amelia's guarded expression, Claire's hostility, and the cautious way Evelyn had looked at him.No matter how hard he tried to push the memories away, they kept coming back.His depression always seemed worse at night. In the silence, the loneliness and hopelessness became almost unbearable, swallowing everything else.He reached into his pocket for a cigarette, only to find it empty.He had smoked the last one in the car.Frustrated, he dragged a hand through his hair
It wasn't that Amelia didn't want to try. She was afraid.What had happened between her and Christopher had hurt too much. Being misunderstood and shut out had left scars that still warned her not to risk going through it all again.Christopher's depression only made everything feel heavier.She didn't know whether she was strong enough to handle it or whether a relationship carrying that much pain could ever truly work.For a long time, she said nothing.Then, she finally spoke. "Not every story gets a happy ending. Most people are left with regrets, and some things never really get resolved."Claire studied Amelia's profile but held back whatever she was about to say.-Amelia drove into the neighborhood and pulled up outside their house.She turned off the engine. The car fell quiet except for Evelyn's soft, steady breathing in the back seat.Amelia took a deep breath and turned to Claire. "Mom, I know you're trying to help, but some relationships can't be fixed just by
Nathan didn't think much of it. "Then we should study together sometime. Let's exchange numbers."The two children traded contact information before reluctantly saying goodbye.Lincoln left first with Nathan, followed by Jasper and Winona. Before he left, Jasper reminded Amelia, "Drive safe. Call me if you need anything."Soon, only Amelia, Evelyn, and Claire were left.Amelia drove them home while Evelyn sat in the back seat. Worn out from the long day, she soon fell asleep with her head resting against the seat, her breathing slow and steady.The car moved quietly through the night, streetlights sliding across the windows.Claire glanced back at Evelyn. Once she was sure the girl was asleep, she turned to Amelia."What's really going on between you and Christopher?" Her voice had turned serious. "Why did he show up at my birthday dinner? What does he want?"Amelia tightened her grip on the steering wheel."Have you forgotten what he put you through?" Claire asked, frustratio
"Nova Nine might be doing well right now, with so many companies fighting to work with you, but that might not last long."Jasper looked straight into Luke's eyes and smirked. "Given your experience in this field, you should know what it means when we eventually complete this project."It was boun
Winona felt suffocated with anger.Christopher was vicious and ruthless. Every act of revenge he took was coldly calculated and viciously precise, attacking them where it hurt.Just then, Nicole walked out in her heels.She looked at Jasper and said, "This is the consequence of being unable to ke
News of Nova Nine signing an agreement with a major company in central Northon spread like wildfire throughout the industry.Many people started extending olive branches in Nova Nine's way.They had received dozens of companies this morning, and their office was bustling with people.They barely
Christopher protected Amelia in his arms and turned to his side, effectively blocking her from the water."Chris!" Nicole yelled.Jasper, Luke, and all the engineers were stunned.Christopher released Amelia and took off his jacket. He turned around and glared at Mr. Lewis, his eyes cold and inti







