LOGINIan raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t drunk last night. I was completely sober.“Sweetheart, I knew exactly what I was doing. I have been aware of my feelings for you for a long time. I just kept holding them back. But last night, when you hired those male escorts and leaned into that man’s arms, I could
Mia’s expression hardened. “Ian, what kind of thing is that to say? Who I date is none of your business.”“Fine.” Ian gave a short, cold laugh. “None of my business.”His face remained dark as he walked out. From that day on, he never returned to the Quinton estate.Mia did not see him for more than
Mia’s relationship with Ian had changed completely. Somewhere along the way, she had become the one doing the bullying.If she was upset, she would pinch or swat him without hesitation, and Ian would only grin and call her “Little Princess” or “Miss Trouble,” never once fighting back.Later, Mia was
By the time Ian was eighteen and in his senior year, his life was too busy with schoolwork to waste time picking on his stepsister. It had been a long time since he had teased Mia.The high school and middle school buildings were close to each other. That afternoon, he and a few classmates walked to
Lester was often away from home.In the beginning, whenever Mia was bullied by Ian, she would run to her mother, Sharon, in tears. But as a stepmother, Sharon felt she had no authority to discipline Ian. For the sake of keeping the household peaceful, she chose to turn a blind eye and never told Le
The first time Mia met Ian, she was only nine years old.Her mother, Sharon, held her hand and smiled brightly. “Say hello to your new brother.”The little girl tilted her head up at the tall boy in front of her, pressed her lips together, and obediently said, “Hi, brother.”The boy didn’t look the
After closing the TH Corporation deal, Tim drank a bit more than usual at lunch. As soon as they got back to the hotel, he collapsed into bed and fell fast asleep.With nothing scheduled for the afternoon, Charlotte had the rest of the day to herself.South City was a coastal destination. It was one
On New Year’s Day, Charlotte made a quick trip back to the Riley estate.Both Xena and Desmond were home.As soon as Charlotte walked through the door, Xena greeted her with a warm smile.“Lottie, you’re back! Lunch is almost ready. Go wash your hands first.”She had woken up late that morning, stil
Charlotte walked past them with a cold expression, not even sparing them a glance.After she was gone, Lucinda nudged Sean’s arm. “Hey, talk about coincidence. Your ex just happens to be on the same flight as us.”Sean lowered his eyes and didn’t respond.“Tsk tsk, look at your face. So dark and bro
“A sweet-looking girl?” John thought for a moment before asking cautiously, “Do you mean Miss Suzie?”Joseph took a drag from his cigarette, then exhaled slowly, smoke curling around his face.“I don’t think that’s her name. I’m talking about the one Chester brought over the night we landed in Jerse







