LOGINSebastian ended the call with his elder brother, Charles Sterling.For several seconds, he remained leaning against the wall, drawing in a deep breath before slowly exhaling into the cold night air.From the penthouse balcony, London stretched before him in a glittering expanse of lights. He stared out over the city, his thoughts racing as he considered what he needed to do next to protect everything he had—and, more importantly, the woman he loved.Good thing I called him as soon as possible, Sebastian thought. Charles might have investigated the matter himself if I'd forgotten to report it.There was no way Sebastian could afford to hide anything from his elder brother.Especially with that old hag around.Secretary Maria was far too perceptive for his liking. She was capable of setting traps and following the smallest inconsistencies, which meant she had probably already sensed that something about Sebastian was suspicious.The stage had been set.He could no longer afford to play
Dear Gentle Readers , Grazie per il tuo sostegno. Thank you so much for your continuous support. Please enjoy this chapter as a token of this author’s deep appreciationYours, E.C. ********Secretary Maria thought she had done her best to provoke Charles. Now, however, he looked less like a human being and more like a crazed beast."Then, Sir, would you like me to do something to catch her as soon as possible? I can arrange it," Maria offered.Charles gradually calmed himself.Truthfully, he wanted to find Rosie and force her to crawl at his feet, to watch her cry and beg for mercy after spending so long trying to escape him.But ever since he had discovered that seeing Rosie fight back aroused something dark and unexpected within him, another idea had taken root."Not now, Secretary Maria," Charles replied firmly. "I'll let her roam free for the time being. I want her to become healthy again and return to her younger days, when she was a glamorous beauty."He paused, his gaze dropp
Charles returned after dusk, having spent the rest of the day moving from one meeting to another before finally returning to his office and, eventually, his mansion.He had already instructed Maria to meet him in his home office. He was curious about the recording she had mentioned.Well, if it isn't worth my time, I might as well sack that old hag. She did something outside my instructions. A disobedient old mutt needs to be put down sooner or later.Charles followed his usual routine. He took a warm bath after work, changed into his pyjamas and went downstairs for dinner, only to end up throwing the food in the direction of the maid and cook.None of them could seem to make a decent dinner, no matter how many times Charles berated them and ordered them to improve."Bloody hell, how many times do I have to tell all of you incompetent dogs to make something that tastes like my wife's cooking? What’s so difficult about it?! Why can’t it taste the same?!" Charles shouted as he sent anoth
Sebastian continued driving through the city until they were stopped at a set of traffic lights.Izzie looked around idly, then her eyes lit up when she spotted an ice-cream parlour across the road. She slapped her uncle’s arm excitedly."Uncle! Uncle!""What?""There! Let’s buy ice cream before we go home!" Izzie said."Huh? It’s not safe to buy ice cream from some random shop. I can order you something made by a professional."Izzie pouted at his response."I want that one! Mummy and I usually have ice cream there. It’s good, I promise!"Sebastian stared at her for a moment.He had a feeling Izzie would throw a proper tantrum if he refused.So, when the traffic light turned green, he reluctantly turned left and drove towards the parlour.He parked in front of the shop. From what he could see, they appeared to be the only customers."Uncle, give me some money! I’ll buy it for you!""You can do that?""Of course!""Don’t forget to tell them you’re taking it home. Mummy is waiting.""O
The bell rang, and Izzie hurriedly packed her books into her schoolbag, ready to leave."Isabella..."Izzie lifted her head when she heard her name. Mr Wallace, the teacher overseeing the autumn festival drama, was crouching beside her."Yes, Mr Wallace?" Izzie replied, gazing up at him with her doe-like eyes.Mr Wallace handed her a sheet of paper."This is your parent attendance form. Don't forget to give it to your parents, and then return it to me tomorrow, all right?""Okay! I'll give it to Mummy!"Izzie snatched the paper and nodded enthusiastically. It was a form distributed for practically every school event, so she didn't think there was anything particularly important about it.But Mr Wallace had another question."Isabella, will your mother be coming this year?""Mm-hm!" Izzie nodded. "Mummy will come, but Daddy won't. He's always busy!""I-I see..."Mr Wallace's expression stiffened slightly, as though there were something else on his mind."What's wrong, Mr Wallace?""N-N
Discard any stupid idea of yours, and trust me.The words echoed through Rosie's mind.His confidence had radiated like sunlight breaking through the darkest path, and somehow, it had made her feel as though she could finally breathe.Rosie bit her lower lip beneath the blanket. There was a strange excitement blooming inside her, one she had never experienced before.Somehow, Sebastian's certainty made her want to throw caution to the wind—to forget every sensible thought in her head and simply say yes to him.And she did."Um..." Rosie nodded weakly, staring at Sebastian on her phone. "I won't do anything stupid. I promise.""Great!" Sebastian sounded completely reassured. "Go home and get some rest. You don't need to cook. I'll buy something for dinner.""And don't worry about Izzie. Just tell me what time she finishes, and I'll go there and pick her up," Sebastian added."Um... thank you, Sebastian.""Okay. Take care, and wait for me and Izzie at home."Beep.The call ended.Rosie'
Rosie reacted at once, catching hold of her daughter’s arm and gently but firmly pulling her aside.“I’m so sorry, Sebastian,” she said quickly. “P–Please don’t be upset with Izzie. She’s only a child, I—”“Tch. It’s fine,” he cut in, dismissive. “Just make me the same smoothie. And from now on, yo
Rosie scarcely realised she had begun to run until the corridor stretched before her like something endless, her heels striking sharply against the marble as though urging her forward. Tears blurred her vision, spilling freely now, unchecked and unwelcome.This family… they’re all monsters.The tho
Her fingers trembled as she dialled his number.He picked up almost immediately.“Yes?”“Where is my daughter?” Rosie demanded.A soft chuckle. “You mean our daughter?”Her jaw tightened. “Don’t play games with me, Charles.”“She’s fine,” he said casually. “We’re at the toy store. She’s picking wha
Rosie sat at the dining table, the candlelight flickering softly against untouched plates. The roasted chicken—Isabella’s favourite—had long since gone cold.She glanced at the clock.Nine o’clock.Charles Sterling was not home.He had promised. He had promised their daughter he would return before







