—SAMANTHA POV— Every eye in the restaurant was on us. My skin prickled. God knows how much I hated attention. I hated being the center of stares, especially like this. “Ophelia, get out of my way!" I said through gritted my teeth, ignoring Zeke’s eyes boring into me.I tried to walk past them, pretending they weren’t even there. But Ophelia’s fingers suddenly clamped around my wrist like a vice. I tried to yank free, but her nails dug deeper into my skin, sharp enough to draw blood. "Let me go!" I hissed, pain flaring up my arm. "Why should I?" Ophelia shouted back at me with a scoff, yanking my arm roughly like I was a criminal. "So you can steal food and run off? I’m a good citizen of this country, its my duty to stop thieves like you!" She tugged harder, making me stumble a little.A cold laugh burst out if my lips even though my arm was throbbing in pain.Good citizen?That was rich coming from a disgusting serpent like her! That was the funniest joke of the year.“Let
—SAMANTHA POV— How could people be so blind?Without even asking me, he had already judged me based on my clothes, my appearance… my status. That's insane! The manager turned to Zeke and Ophelia, almost bowing. "Mr Frost, thank you for protecting our establishment. I had no idea thieves could be so bold these days!" I stood there, frozen.Thief?I didn’t even touch anything!Zeke puffed out his chest, looking smug.His hand was wrapped tightly around Ophelia’s waist, and she stood beside him acting like a goddess.“It’s nothing,” Zeke said proudly, lifting his chin. “It’s my duty to make Skyline a better place. We can’t let ugly trash like her dirty it!"Everyone started clapping and praising Zeke like he was some kind of hero.My stomach turned. It made me feel sick.Ophelia smiled elegantly and gloated with pride. "Thank you, manager. Just get rid of this wannabe woman before she infects this glorious restaurant." The manager laughed and nodded fast."Yes, yes, yes! You're righ
—SAMANTHA POV— As fast as lightning, I turned to see him standing in the doorway, his golden eyes burning with barely contained rage. The way his sharp suit hugged his broad shoulders made him look like an angry god stepping into a mortal fight. Mary stopped struggling, her mouth falling open. "Holy..." she whispered when she saw him. "Mr. Montclair!" The manager shouted happily as he rushed past me, almost tripping over himself. Throwing me a nasty look before hurrying toward Dalton. The whole restaurant fell silent.A heavy tension filled the air.No one even dared to breathe loudly.This was the Montclair mysterious scion. The most influential man in Skyline City! Dalton stood there, looking so handsome and powerful.The strong, cold aura around him made everyone seem nervous and small.But Dalton’s cold eyes weren’t looking at anyone else.They were centered on me.On the guards squeezing my arms and wrists.And only I could tell... he was really, really angry."Mr. Montc
—SAMANTHA—The security guards immediately released us, stepping back like they'd been burned. Dalton's dark gaze swept over the scene -Zeke's pale face, Ophelia shrinking behind him, the manager sweating bullets. Then those piercing eyes landed on me again. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice low but carrying across the silent restaurant. I shook my head, suddenly unable to speak. Dalton took three slow steps forward. The crowd actually parted for him. When he got to me, he grabbed my wrist to check for any injuries. "Mr Hamilton, the manager started stammering. "M-Mr. Montclair, we just had a small misunderstanding—" "A misunderstanding?" Dalton's eyebrow arched. "You were assaulting my guest over a misunderstanding?" Every face in the restaurant went white. Mary elbowed me hard. "His guest?!" she whizzed. I couldn't respond. My entire world had narrowed to Dalton's commanding presence, the way he dominated over everyone without even raising his voice. Zeke hissed
—SAMANTHA POV— The car ride back to Crystal Palace was quiet. After dropping Maryjane off at her apartment, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. My eyelids felt like lead, but I fought to keep them open, not wanting to appear weak in front of Dalton. "Sleep," his deep voice cut through the silence. "I'll wake you when we get home." That was all it took. The moment he gave me permission, my body surrendered, and my eyes closed. The soft hum of the car lulled me into comforting darkness.———"Samantha." A gentle tap on my shoulder pulled me back to consciousness. I blinked groggily, my vision blurry before focusing on Dalton's face. The dim interior light of the car cast shadows across his sharp features, making him look even more striking. "We're home," he said with his face, calm and serious as always.I nodded, still half-asleep, and unbuckled my seatbelt before stumbling out of the car, yawning, and then instivetly moved to the back seat to pick up Amore.But before I could
Chapter 53 —DALTON’S POV— The city lights blurred past the tinted windows as the BMW sped toward the Brown Estate. My fingers drummed against the leather seat, restless. "What's going on in the Browns’ home?" I asked without moving my gaze from the window.James stiffened slightly, clearing his throat as he tightened his grip on the steering wheel."It’s said that Miss Jessica has been crying all day. She locked herself in her room and refused to see anyone. Not even her mother could get in. When Mr. Brown heard the rumors that you had a child with another woman, he tried reaching out to you. But since he couldn’t get you on the phone…" He hesitated. "...he threatened to cut off the engagement."‘As if he could.’I gave a low, humorless huff and tugged my tie loose, leaning back into the leather seat.Typical. Cowards always tried to make the first move when they felt powerless.Cutting off the engagement?Laughable.The rest of the drive passed in silence. ——— The Brown Estate
—SAMANTHA POV— Sunlight spilled through the curtains, painting golden rays across the bed. I stirred, yawning lazily, stretching my arms above my head… only to freeze.Something heavy… something warm… definitely male was draped across my waist.My heart jumped to my throat.Someone was beside me?A man?!Panic jolted through my veins, and I twisted vigorously, ready to fight. But the moment I turned and my eyes landed on him, I went completely still.Dalton.My mouth fell open in shock, and I forgot how to breathe.His face was few inches away from mine, his messy, curly black hair tousled against the pillow, his thick brows resting beautifully on his cheeks, and his lips—God, those full lips slightly parted as he slept. He looked… he looked like a Greek God lying there.Strong. Beautiful. Untouchable.Seconds bled into minutes, and I just kept staring, utterly enthralled."Are you done undressing me with your eyes?" Dalton’s deep voice rumbled low, still lazy with sleep.I jumped,
—SAMANTHA POV— Dalton and I sat at the back seat of the Maybach while James drove us to God knows where.I rested my head against the window, watching the city roll by. Tall buildings, busy streets, people rushing about their lives. It all felt like a different world compared to the quiet bubble I was trapped in with Dalton.Before I knew it, the sleek car slowed to a stop. My brows pulled up at the massive skyscraper in front of us.Wait. What?Dalton’s company?The building was huge, towering proudly into the sky.Its glass walls glittered under the sunlight like a mountain made of diamonds. Through the transparent sides, I could even catch glimpses of workers moving professionally inside.People in suits were walking in and out of the entrance, carrying briefcases, while some were standing talking into earpieces looking important.Dalton got out and opened my door without a word."Let's go in," he said simply.I quickly obeyed, and before I could adjust my skirt properly, he had
—SAMANTHA— The morning light crept through the curtains, but it didn’t feel warm or comforting. I woke up feeling tired… and completely drained. My whole body felt heavy, like I had not rested at all. Probably because I hadn’t.Truly, I had spent the entire night thinking. Thinking about what happened between me and Dalton.I lay there, staring at the ceiling, my heart aching, my head racing.My mind had been restless, replaying every word, every look, every breath from the moment with Dalton.Every time I close my eyes, I saw him. His hands on me. His mouth claiming mine. Then they way he'd whispered about that night—that damned night that wasn't even mine to remember. “Shit,” a shaky breath escaped me as I pressed my palms to my eyes. Jesus.How was I supposed to face him after that?Frustrated, I rolled out of my bed and dragged myself to the shower. Inside, I turned the water as hot as I could stand. It didn't help. Nothing could scrub away the memory of Dalton's touch,
—SAMANTHA— Suddenly the sound of Amore’s laughter outside the car shattered the moment like fragile glass. “Jesus Christ! Amore is here!” I panicked and jerked back, my pulse roaring in my ears as Dalton finally let me go. He muttered a curse under his breath. His expression was unreadable, but his fingers flexed slightly, as if already missing the contact. I scrambled to fix my hair, my cheeks burning. What the hell was that?! When the car door swung open, Amore’s bright voice filled the silence. "Mom! Dad! Grandma let me bake cookies—" She froze, her big eyes darting between us. "Why are you guys just sitting here?" Dalton cleared his throat, shifting effortlessly into the role of the easygoing father. "Just talking, kiddo. Cookies, huh? Save any for us?" Amore giggled, oblivious to the tension still crackling in the air. "Maybe if you’re lucky!" I forced a smile, but my hands trembled and unbuckled my seatbelt. Dalton’s touch still burned against my skin, his words echoing
—SAMANTHA— I forced myself to breathe. "Why are you doing this, Veronica?” Veronica stepped closer, her lips curling with a menacing grim. “I am only asking for money as your mother, what's wrong with that?" "You were never my mother!" I spat, my fingers tightening around the fabric of my gown. "A mother doesn't beat her child and throw her out in the rain for not doing the laundry. A mother doesn't—" "Oh spare me the dramatics," Veronica cut me off with a wave of her hand. "We both know I saved you from far worse." Her cold eyes raked over my dress. "Though I never imagined you'd repay me by whoring yourself to a billionaire." The slap came before I could stop myself. The sound echoed through the boutique like a gunshot. Veronica's head snapped to the side, her perfectly coiffed hair coming undone. For a heartbeat, no one moved. Then Penelope shrieked. "You bitch! How dare you slap my mother?!" She lunged at me, her manicured nails aimed at my face. I caught her wrists
—SAMANTHA— Jessica's voice was like poison in my ears. She stepped closer, wearing a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. It was evil. Cold. And it sent chills down my spine. I didn’t move. I stood my ground, refusing to let her see how uneasy I felt.She leaned close, her perfume stinging my nose. “I’m warning you. Stay away from Dalton, Samantha. You’re not in his league. You’re just… temporary. A toy. Something new and shiny he’ll soon throw away!" Her words were ruthless, like ice crawling down my back. But I didn’t move. I didn’t step away. I kept my eyes on her, even though I wanted to stagger. My hands were tight fists at my sides. My nails dug into my palms, but I didn’t care. I just needed to stay strong in front of her. I knew what she was trying to do: break me down, scare me. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.She studied me for a long, suffocating moment before her lips twisted. "Enjoy your borrowed time because it wont last," she finally murmured, so low only I co
—SAMANTHA— I left Shirley’s office with the jewelry box held tightly in my hand. My heart wouldn’t stop pounding. I couldn’t even think straight. That necklace—it was too much. Too beautiful. Too expensive. Too… personal.Why would Dalton give something like that to me?My fingers tightened around the velvet case as I marched down the sleek hallway of Apex Corporation, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Employees whispered as I passed, their eyes darting between my face and the box I carried like it was a ticking bomb. I ignored them. Right now, only one person had the answers I needed. "Dalton," I muttered under my breath, picking up my pace. But just as I reached his office door, Adam appeared in front of me, stepping smoothly into my path. I frowned. “Excuse me. I need to talk to Dalton.”Adam gave a polite smile, but his tone was firm. “Mr. Montclair is currently in a meeting. He left instructions for me to take you to the dress store. Your appointment is a
—SAMANTHA— The moment after Adam walked out and the door clicked shut, her demeanor completely changed. She circled me like an artist studying a muse, her gaze lingering on my still-red cheek. The same spot Jessica had slapped."So…" she mused, "you’re the woman who made Dalton Montclair kick his fianceé out." My breath caught. "That’s not—""Relax, my darling," she chuckled, waving one hand airily as she walked back to her desk. "I’ve been waiting years for someone to put Jessica in her place."I blinked. "H-huh?"Was this a trick?Her stiletto heels clicked softly against the glossy floor as she moved behind her desk. Her hands, delicate and elegant, moved over a row of small velvet boxes laid out like treasure. She touched each one lightly, like she was deciding on picking the best treasure among them. She picked up a black velvet box and walked back over to me, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips."Dalton’s instructions were very specific," she said, handing me the
—SAMANTHA POV— My heart stuttered when Dalton's command sliced through the silence. "Come here." Two simple words that sent my pulse skittering. I hadn't realized I'd been frozen in place. Maybe for two minutes... maybe longer. I didn’t know until his voice snapped me out of it, my feet suddenly heavy as lead. "I won't repeat myself, Samantha." he said, his voice lower this time... almost dangerous.Swallowing the knot in my throat, the warning in his tone had me moving before I could think better of it. Each step felt stiff, awkward, like I was walking straight into the lion’s den. My fingers twisted together as I crossed the office, each step measured, too aware of his gaze tracking my every movement like a predator watching prey. Did he want to scold me? Did he want to hit me after all I slapped his fianceé? Finally, when I reached Dalton’s Massive desk, my toes curled in my shoes. I lifted my eyes slowly, feeling painfully aware of the silence in the office.Dalton’s han
—SAMANTHA— Jessica slammed the office door shut with enough force to make the glass walls tremble. The Valentino heels stabbed into the marble floor like talons as she advanced towards me. The diamond bracelet on her wrist caught the light as she pointed at me. "You." Her voice could have flash-frozen the Hudson River. "Get out of my fiancé's chair!" My fingers tightened around the armrests of the sofa. Every instinct screamed to stand my ground, but I didn’t want any trouble either. So without saying anything, I quietly stood up and moved aside.Jessica Jessica's crimson lips curled in triumph as she swept past me, her heavily perfumed presence filled my lungs, making me nauseous. Flipping her hair, she walked to the sofa like she owned the place. Then she sat down with so much arrogance, crossing her legs elegantly over each the other, acting like a queen.I felt uncomfortable standing there with her, so I turned to leave.But before I could take a step, her annoying voice sto
—SAMANTHA POV— Dalton and I sat at the back seat of the Maybach while James drove us to God knows where.I rested my head against the window, watching the city roll by. Tall buildings, busy streets, people rushing about their lives. It all felt like a different world compared to the quiet bubble I was trapped in with Dalton.Before I knew it, the sleek car slowed to a stop. My brows pulled up at the massive skyscraper in front of us.Wait. What?Dalton’s company?The building was huge, towering proudly into the sky.Its glass walls glittered under the sunlight like a mountain made of diamonds. Through the transparent sides, I could even catch glimpses of workers moving professionally inside.People in suits were walking in and out of the entrance, carrying briefcases, while some were standing talking into earpieces looking important.Dalton got out and opened my door without a word."Let's go in," he said simply.I quickly obeyed, and before I could adjust my skirt properly, he had