In the sleek, monochrome office, Layson Norman sat in his chair, his brows furrowed. The Norman Group had been swamped with work lately, especially with new international collaborations that required his direct involvement. To keep his mind occupied, he buried himself in his tasks. Just then, Barnes walked in, carrying a stack of documents.“Boss, here’s the latest schedule for the company’s upcoming projects,” Barnes said, placing the files on the desk.Layson took them without looking up, but then something occurred to him. He raised his dark eyes, his expression sharp. “How’s the jewelry exhibition coming along?”“Everything’s ready. The pieces you requested for display have been prepared,” Barnes reported promptly. The Norman Group’s jewelry exhibition was more than just a showcase of exquisite designs—it was a high-society networking event. Attendees weren’t just there to admire the jewelry; they were there to make business deals, forge connections, and even scout potential match
As Barnes walked into the design department, he immediately drew the attention of everyone in the room. Whispers broke out, and curious glances followed his every move. Even though Layson Norman wasn’t present, Barnes’s appearance alone was enough to spark intrigue. People wondered what business he had at Starry Jewelry.Marah, however, kept her eyes fixed on the elevator doors. She had hoped that if Barnes was here, Layson might be nearby as well. But as the minutes passed, there was no sign of him. Marah had recently overheard at the Norman family home that Layson had been hospitalized after fainting. The news had left her anxious, but she hadn’t mustered the courage to check on him.Lately, Marah had been avoiding the Norman household. Not only was Layson rarely there, but Dexter’s presence also made her uncomfortable. She had used work as an excuse to stay at a hotel, distancing herself from the family. Yet, she couldn’t stop herself from caring about Layson, even if she couldn’t
Adela had suddenly become the center of attention at Starry Jewelry. Wherever she went, people would glance her way, their curiosity palpable. Adela hated being in the spotlight, but there was no escaping it. She tried her best to ignore the whispers and stares, pretending they didn’t exist. Finally, the workday ended, and Adela breathed a sigh of relief. She grabbed her bag and stood up, only to find someone standing in front of her.“Do you have a moment? Let’s talk.”Marah stood with her arms crossed, her eyes dark and filled with disdain. Adela was taken aback. She and Marah had never spoken before—they weren’t even on nodding terms. Why would Marah suddenly want to talk to her? Adela could sense the hostility radiating from her.“Us?” Adela asked, unsure.“Yes,” Marah replied firmly before turning and walking away, as if she already knew Adela would follow.Adela hesitated. She wanted to refuse, but before she could say anything, Marah was already gone. Feeling confused, Adela fr
After returning to her room, Marah took a moment to collect herself. She hadn’t been home in days, and the room felt unfamiliar, almost as if it had been neglected. A faint, unpleasant smell lingered in the air, making her wonder if someone had deliberately skipped cleaning her room. She quickly changed into a fresh outfit before stepping out.Richard Norman was usually in his study, and today was no exception. Marah had confirmed this with the housekeeper before heading upstairs. She paused outside the door, took a deep breath, and knocked.“Mr. Norman, it’s me, Marah.”“Oh, Marah! Come in,” Richard’s voice called out.Marah entered with a gentle smile, though her heart was racing. Richard looked up from his desk, momentarily surprised. He had almost forgotten Marah was still part of the household. She hadn’t been around much lately, and no one had really noticed her absence except for the housekeeper, who had mentioned it in passing.“It’s been a while since you were home. Are you d
The grand chandelier above illuminated the entire venue, casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests. They moved through the exhibition, glasses of wine in hand, admiring the meticulously arranged jewelry. Each piece drew a crowd, with people discussing the designs and exchanging opinions, all while subtly networking.Adela stood frozen in front of a necklace, her eyes fixed on the dazzling diamonds. She recognized it instantly. It was a design she had created during her second year in the UK—a piece she had been particularly proud of. At the time, she had lost the sketch and, with it, the chance to bring the design to life. Yet here it was, displayed at the Norman Group’s jewelry exhibition, bearing her initials as the designer.Lost in thought, Adela suddenly felt a small pair of arms wrap around her legs. She looked down to see Ralph grinning up at her. He had been thrilled to come today, knowing he would get to see her.“Mom!” Ralph called out, his voice filled with exci
“Mr. Norman, you’re quite the charmer. Beautiful women are always coming to find you,” someone joked, clearly unaware of Layson’s reputation for not tolerating such remarks. The man immediately fell silent under Layson’s icy glare. Layson didn’t bother to explain or respond. He simply walked away, leaving the group behind.Marah, who had been standing with her head bowed, couldn’t help but smile as Layson walked off. She took it as a sign that he was willing to listen to her and quickly followed him. Layson, however, had no intention of engaging with her. His attention was still focused on Adela, who was now standing a short distance away with Ralph trailing behind her, clearly upset but unwilling to leave her side.“Layson, I heard you fainted and were hospitalized recently. Are you feeling better now?” Marah asked, her voice soft and hesitant. She kept her eyes downcast, too nervous to meet his gaze. But Layson’s attention wasn’t on her. His eyes were still fixed on Adela and Ralph.
Layson carried the sleeping Ralph into the presidential suite of the Hotel. The boy had dozed off on his shoulder, his face still marked with faint tear tracks. Barnes was already waiting at the door and stepped forward as Layson approached.“Mr. Norman, the room is ready,” Barnes said respectfully.“Hmm,” Layson acknowledged with a nod.As he adjusted Ralph in his arms, the boy stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open. The soft lighting in the suite was gentle on his eyes, and he blinked drowsily.“Awake now?” Layson asked, his voice low and calm.“Dad, Mom doesn’t like me at all,” Ralph mumbled, his voice thick with sleep and lingering sadness.Layson’s expression softened as he carried Ralph to the bed. He carefully removed the boy’s shoes and jacket, tucking him under the covers. “She doesn’t dislike you,” Layson reassured him.“But she doesn’t want anyone to know I’m her child,” Ralph said, his voice trembling.Layson crouched beside the bed, brushing a hand through Ralph’s hai
Layson removed his suit jacket and draped it over Adela’s shoulders. The storage room had been damp and cold, and he could feel the chill lingering on her skin. His expression was stern, his jaw tight with barely concealed anger. Adela glanced at him, sensing his frustration, though his voice remained calm and measured.“What were you doing out here?” Layson asked, his tone cool but laced with concern.As he spoke, he guided Adela out of the dark room, his arm wrapped protectively around her. Adela, surprisingly, didn’t resist. The fear and panic she had felt earlier seemed to melt away the moment Layson appeared. She couldn’t quite explain it, but his presence gave her a sense of security she hadn’t expected.“Adela, are you okay? How did you end up locked in there?” Cici rushed over, her face filled with worry. She was both shocked and relieved to see Adela wrapped in Layson’s jacket. The sight of Layson being so protective of Adela was something she never thought she’d witness.“I
Adela thought about it and decided to take Cici’s advice—she needed to get the truth from Lily. She still didn’t really know what happened that night. Layson didn’t talk much, and Barnes had brushed her off, saying he didn’t know.She didn’t tell Layson she was going to see Lily. But she’d overheard Barnes mention she was still being held at the precinct. So, right after work, she and Cici drove over together.A police officer led them toward the holding cells and casually mentioned something strange along the way.“That Lily girl—she left an impression. She admitted to everything and since the victim wasn’t really hurt, the sentence was light, only eight months. But get this—she begged for three years. Isn’t that weird?”Adela and Cici exchanged glances. “Did she lose her mind or something?”Cici clutched Adela’s arm like she expected to find a lunatic behind bars.But when they saw Lily, she actually looked surprisingly normal—none of that wild-eyed mess they’d been imagining. In fa
Several teachers rushed in to calm things down. The program director and staff tried to smooth over the tension with the parents. This was the Royal Prep Academy—more upscale than most preschools—where kids were trained in special skill sets.One young teacher nervously explained the whole incident.Apparently, three kids had gotten into a scuffle over something someone said about moms. One little girl had overheard an adult say that Ralph didn’t have a known mother, and she blurted it out today.Ralph insisted he had a mom, but the girl didn’t believe him. That led to arguing. The girl got angry and scratched Ralph first. Ralph instinctively tried to scratch back. Then two of her little friends jumped in to defend her, and suddenly the four kids were all rolling on the floor. By the time teachers stepped in, Ralph already had a big scratch across his cheek.Now, this wasn’t a huge deal—none of the kids were seriously hurt. But it wasn’t a small thing either. Ralph had clear marks on
Adela frowned at Mr. Norman, realizing just how alike he and Layson were—both stubborn and unwilling to listen.After a brief pause, she said, “Mr. Norman, I really don't see any reason for me to move into your family estate.”Mr. Norman's face turned red with anger. “You're carrying Layson's child. That means you must live at the estate. I make the decisions here.”Adela countered, “When I was pregnant with Ralph, no one mentioned moving in.”The two went back and forth, neither willing to back down.Layson, rubbing his temples, sat down on the hospital bed, watching them silently. His presence seemed to dampen their argument, and their voices gradually lowered.“Are you two done?”He smirked, though the smile didn't reach his eyes, as if watching a farce.Once the room quieted, he said, “Let's go to your room, Father.”The caregiver, relieved, quickly wheeled Mr. Norman out.Left alone, Layson pulled Adela close, one hand gripping her chin, the other around her waist. He kissed her
Adela’s first instinct was honestly to get rid of the baby.For one, she and Layson weren’t married yet—she was just his publicly acknowledged girlfriend. And having a child out of wedlock was still something she hadn’t fully come to terms with.She wasn’t ready to go through that kind of thing again.What she feared even more was if Layson decided to propose just because she was pregnant. They were still working through their relationship. Getting married for the baby wasn’t the future she wanted.Layson’s grip on her arm tightened. She looked up at him, her voice barely hiding a trace of sorrow. “Can you just give me a couple of days to think about it?”That one line cut through Layson like a knife.He didn’t understand. Their relationship had been solid. Why was Adela so unwilling to have a child with him? Did it mean she never intended to, even after marriage?That thought hit him like a chain around his neck, tightening with every second.He held her close but didn’t say a word.
Lily’s mind was all over the place. She stared at the man in front of her, someone who seemed almost god-like, then finally dropped her gaze and whispered, “It wasn’t her who told me to do it.”Even Barnes was shocked.“Lily, seriously? You’re telling me you came up with all that on your own? That’s wild.”He looked at her with exasperation. Honestly, he couldn’t understand what kind of dark magic Marah had over people. First Richard, now Lily—they both let themselves be used like pawns.But Lily spoke again, this time even firmer. “I did everything. It was me alone.”Layson, holding Adela in his arms, didn’t move. He just stared coldly at the woman kneeling on the floor. “Why?”Lily bit back her pain, slowly raised her head, and looked at him with a bitter, broken smile. “Because I was jealous. Why does she get to be by your side? Why won’t you even look at me? I miss you so much, it’s driven me insane. The only way I could see you... was through Adela.”The room fell into heavy sile
Cici was buzzing with excitement as she got home from work on Friday. The weekend was finally here! She fired up her computer and dove into a game, but something felt off—like she was missing something important.From the kitchen, her mom hollered, “Are you just gonna sit there playing all day? Come help out!”Cici grumbled and stepped out of her room. Her little brother darted out of his own room, hand outstretched.“Gimme your phone! Your game account's way better—I need to crush my classmates this time.”She rummaged through her bag and realized her phone was missing. Panic set in—so many accounts were linked to that phone.Ignoring her mom’s yelling, she dashed out to check the car. Still no sign of it. Desperate, she drove back to the office. The place was empty, but there it was—her phone, lying quietly on her desk.“Thank goodness,” she sighed in relief. She unlocked it with a quick Z-pattern swipe and checked for missed calls. Nothing. She pocketed the phone, turned off the li
Juliet walked over with a glass of red wine and smiled sweetly at Layson. “Mr. Norman, since you’re already here, why not stay a bit longer?”Adela glanced at Juliet, speechless. What was this woman, some kind of wine-serving hostess?Carl was staring straight at her, making her feel uncomfortable all over. Adela had no clue what was going through his mind, but she didn’t want to stir up any drama and was ready to decline whatever he had in mind.Then Mia suddenly spoke up. “Your grandma gets a bunch of jewelry every year for her birthday. You sure you wanna give her another piece?”She was asking Carl, but her eyes were locked on Adela.Adela tightened her grip on Layson’s hand. His warm, dry touch grounded her instantly.She looked up at Carl. He took a sip from his glass, lazy and casual, then tilted his head toward Mia and said, “My grandma dotes on me. Doesn’t matter what I give her, she’ll love it. Don’t you think?”Mia bit her lip, clearly caught off guard. She looked flustered
For a moment, a flicker of awkwardness flashed across Gina’s face, but she quickly returned to her usual flirtatious charm.She let go of the man’s arm with a lazy smile and said, “You're a guest, Adela. No need to be shy. I heard from Gina you two are good friends.”Adela frowned. She really couldn’t understand all the scheming behind these people’s fake smiles.Gina pulled her aside and handed her a glass of juice. “There’s still time before you have to head back to work. You came here to deliver the design draft for me, so I’m sure you’ve already told your company. Don’t worry.”The guy with the punk outfit also came over. He seemed to enjoy sticking close to Adela, and no one even batted an eye at it.He raised a cocktail glass and clinked it against her juice. “I’m Zach. Nice to meet you.”Adela figured she wouldn’t be getting out of here easily, so she just nodded politely. “Adela. Nice to meet you.”“I already know who you are,” Zach grinned as he set his drink down and rested
Gina drove like she had something to prove. A few sharp brakes later, Adela was already feeling a bit nauseous. She’d gotten used to Layson’s steady, smooth driving—anyone else behind the wheel just didn’t feel right anymore.“That girl back there—your friend?” Gina glanced over at Adela in the passenger seat, a little too casually.Adela really wished she’d focus on the road instead of looking around like that. It was dangerous.“She’s not a friend. Just someone I know,” Adela replied coolly after a beat.Gina didn’t seem to mind her tone and just kept talking.It was mostly Gina chatting the whole way, and Adela occasionally tossing in a single-word reply. But Gina’s enthusiasm didn’t waver a bit.In less than twenty minutes, they pulled up to a lavish-looking villa. Adela followed Gina in, watching her ring the bell. A housekeeper answered and led them upstairs.They stepped into a massive rooftop lounge—easily over 5,000 square feet—with everything from arcade machines to karaoke.