"No."Even with Theo present, Sharon's answer was curt.Carter tried to explain."Sharon, nothing ever happened between me and Kelly. I never cheated on you, never betrayed you. The only reason I treated her well was because I thought she was terminally ill. For Theo's sake, can't you give me just one more chance?"Sharon studied Carter's striking, austere features. "Carter, when you abandoned me for Kelly, I forgave you. When you defended her and forced me to apologize, I forgave you. When I was sick with a fever—when I was kidnapped—and you chose to be with her instead, I forgave you."Even when you gave our wedding to her, I still forgave you. I gave you so many chances, and you squandered them all."No one waits forever. My love for you was drained away, bit by bit, every time you chose Kelly and demanded that I yield. Carter, there is no future for us."His fists clenched unconsciously."Then what about Theo? If you won't consider me, won't you at least think of him?"Sha
John explained, "The original shares date back to before you were born. When your mom left the Kalen family, that ten percent was placed under a thirty-year seal.She told me that when she helped your father protect the company back then, she chose to lock those shares away to prevent conflict.At the end of this year, the restriction will finally lift. At that time, the lawyer will contact you to discuss the transfer of ownership."In recent months, John had begun studying business. What once baffled him was now starting to make sense. Originally, he had planned to wait until Sharon's concert was over before telling her. But the more he learned, the more convinced he became that she needed to know sooner rather than later.What if the Kalen father and sons tricked her into signing away her inheritance?Noticing her silence, he asked, "Sharon, what do you think of all this?"Sharon didn't hesitate."Since my mother left it for me alone, of course, I have no reason to give it u
On Kelly's side, there was still no response to the damning revelations Sharon had exposed.Many assumed her silence was a guilty admission.Yet a handful of die-hard fans refused to give up hope. They clung to the idea that Kelly might have her reasons, or that some dramatic twist would eventually vindicate her.But the public's eyes are sharp.With evidence this ironclad, not even the best PR team could spin it.After several days of relentless condemnation, Kelly's refusal to speak only fueled public fury. The anger soon shifted toward Maestro Warner.After all, many had only discovered Kelly because of Maestro Warner. To see her fall from grace like this—it was worse than a cheating celebrity scandal. She wasn't just immoral. She was branded a killer.The outrage swelled."Isn't Maestro Warner a lifetime achievement award–winning musician? How could he have taken someone like Kelly as his final student?""With her character? She's worthy of being called a musician?""Maes
After knowing Nate for so long, how could Kelly not see through his thoughts?Her voice softened, coaxing, "Nate, I understand. You don't want to lose your brotherhood with Carter, and your family still needs the Biggs family's support. But after what happened with Sharon, Carter is drowning in guilt."You've been making things difficult for her all this time. Do you really think he won't hold that against you? If you're counting on him to back you up, I'm afraid that hope is gone."Nate tugged at his hair, recalling the icy tone in Carter's voice when he had called him yesterday."Then… then what should I do?"Kelly's gaze sharpened."If our child makes Carter believe he's the father, then one day that child won't just inherit the Biggs family, he'll also secure the Biggs Group's full support for your family."You and Carter are sworn brothers. His son would be your son, your son would be his son. Tied by blood and family… what could be better than that?"A flicker of hesitati
Nate hurriedly pushed Kelly away, flustered."Kelly, you're drunk! I'm not Carter. I'm Nate."But Kelly clung to him, kissing him wildly."Carter, how could you be so heartless? Do you not want me anymore? I didn't mean it. I just love you too much… Please, don't ignore me…"Sweat beaded on Nate's forehead in his desperation."Kelly, I'm really not Carter. Look carefully!"Yes, he liked Kelly—but some lines could not be crossed. He understood the rule: a friend's lover is untouchable.Even though Carter had explicitly asked him to look after her, Nate had never once dared step over that boundary. What if, one day, Carter regretted his choices? If that happened, not only would they stop being friends, but Nate would be left utterly disgraced.His repeated refusals only deepened Kelly's grief. She slumped to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.He tried comforting her, but no words seemed to reach her.Watching the woman he loved weep so miserably left Nate wretched inside. At la
"Why should you shoulder all the blame while Carter hides comfortably in the shadows?"Kelly's grip on the phone tightened.Thomas was right. The divorce had been Carter's choice. The villa and the studio had been gifts he offered willingly. If he hadn't wanted to give them, no one could have forced him. And yet, now every ounce of scorn, every vicious curse, fell squarely on her shoulders.Thomas's voice slid back into her ear."Kelly, don't you want to strike back at him before you leave Zachemaine? You're leaving anyway. What's left to fear?"Revenge?A cold chill coursed through her veins.Carter had power, influence, and status far beyond her reach. What hope did she have of touching him?She hesitated, then whispered, "Getting back at Sharon would be easier than going after Carter… Maybe I should take revenge on her instead?"Thomas chuckled darkly."Sharon is heavily guarded. Even I would struggle to get close. Kelly, if you fail, you'll end up in prison, and I may not