INICIAR SESIÓNNoah Cole's POVI'm not really a fan of crowded places.But this café is pretty quiet.There aren't too many people, but it's not exactly empty either. The sound of the coffee machine and soft conversations provide a gentle, unobtrusive background.I'm sitting by the window, still wearing my school uniform.My sketchbook is open on the table.My pencil moves slowly, forming line after line without much thought. I'm almost done when I hear the door open.I don't turn around right away. Not until someone sits across from me without asking."I knew it was you."I stop drawing.I reflexively close my sketchbook.Lily sighed softly."You're always like that," she said, leaning back. "Every time I come in, you always close it right away.""You're interrupting," I replied curtly."Who are you drawing, anyway? It can't be your boyfriend, can it?""More like… my first love?"Lily snorted dismissively as if she didn't believe me, then took a quick swig of my drink.I just glanced at her.Ten ye
After all the crimes were exposed, after all the wounds were documented, after all the lies were laid bare, Blackwood still stood—but this time, cleaner, fairer, and full of hope.Lucian still stood at the helm of Blackwood. All the companies were now under his full control, but with the corrupt system eradicated at its roots. Jasper was in prison, and Edward was behind bars as well. Gregory still managed the core of Blackwood Finance, but full trust was now placed in Lucian; he was no longer as hesitant as before.Arthur Blackwood has recovered from his previous heart attack, though he suffered a minor stroke due to Edward's confession. Gideon chose to step down from his position as Arthur's secretary, but continues to care for him alongside Wynne. Their relationship has improved, becoming mature, respectful, and filled with gratitude. There are no explicit words of love, but there is a new beginning—a fresh chapter unfolding between them.Wynne herself took a break from work, decidi
Night had fallen as the car pulled into the main driveway of the Blackwood estate.The large lights shone brightly, yet the atmosphere… no longer felt grand.More accurately—tense. Silent.As if the house itself knew… something was about to collapse tonight.Selene had been allowed to go home, while Ethan had returned earlier that afternoon with Brielle, who had managed to coax Lily—who had previously become withdrawn again—with Noah's help.That night, Ethan had intentionally brought Lily and Noah to stay at his apartment. Even though Brielle wasn't invited, she tagged along anyway.Lucian had deliberately arranged it that way, because he thought children shouldn't be involved in the Blackwood family's problems anymore.At first, Ethan insisted on joining the discussion about the case, which had finally seen some light, but in the end, he agreed to stay with the children, assisted by Brielle.Lucian got out first when the car stopped.He walked to the other side and opened the door f
The wind on the rooftop was still blowing fiercely, as if it didn't care that someone had just nearly ended their life there.Damian sat on the concrete floor, his back slumped against it weakly.Lucian stood a few steps away from him.There was no anger.No blows. Only the heavy breathing slowly returning to normal."Don't die yet," Lucian finally said, cold but no longer cruel. "You're not done yet."Damian didn't answer; he slowly studied Lucian's face.The disappointment was there. However, perhaps because Lucian had often been hurt by his family, he still managed to look stoic.Damian gave a faint smile. "Guess I worried about you for nothing," he said softly.Lucian raised an eyebrow. "Worry about yourself; you'll get your punishment.""You… really liked my father," Damian said lightly, as if what had happened moments ago was nothing.He did.Damian caught a fleeting crack in Lucian's expression, though it lasted only a fraction of a second.Silence hung in the air for a few sec
Wynne Blackwood's POVI knew this was going to happen.It's just… I pretended not to see it coming.The wine glass in my hand trembled."I must be going crazy," I muttered, half-drunk.I might actually go crazy if I don't drown it in alcohol.The world around me felt like it was spinning, but I just chuckled as if everything in this room was laughing at me.Funny.Pathetic.Stupid."Arghh…" I took another deep breath, half-screaming as I exhaled."Haha… I'm truly crazy," I muttered, covering my eyes with one hand."Why do I have to do this? So stupid," I mumbled as my hand grew hot from my tears.I felt like I wanted to go back in time and fix everything.Back then... when we were still teenagers.I remember the parties the Xander family held every month.They weren't ordinary parties. Those gatherings were merely symbolic—meetings among important people, built on connections, power, and alliances. We gathered for things like that.The Blackwood family was always among those invited.
It snapped!For the first time... I raised my voice at Dad.Usually… I'd just obey. Usually, I'd just smile like a good child, even when he blamed me... even when he hit me... because I thought it was all my fault. I was guilty for being born into this world and taking the life of the woman he loved.But now?He said he did this so they would pay for everything that happened to my mother.They?He's blaming them for my mother's death?From the very beginning… he's always blamed me. Instilled guilt in me. And now… is he just admitting that my mother's death wasn't entirely my fault?"Stop acting strange and do what Dominic wants. Destroy the evidence and—""You know? I think... Dominic Lee really did save me when I was lost abroad. He said... he'd help me as long as I cooperated. Six years ago... I framed Selene with his help. I did everything to make you happy, but behind your back, I acted on my own—""You're just a child. There's no way you'd be out of my sight, even if you weren't







