เข้าสู่ระบบVictoria said each word with enough venom to poison an entire army. Serena’s smirk collapsed and she glared at Victoria, walking even closer. “You should be careful with that mouth of yours.”“I’ve been told several times. And it never works out for the people who say it.” She reached into her clutch for her lipstick, uncapped it, and turned to the mirror. “Was there something you wanted? Or did you just come in here to introduce yourself, because we could have done that outside.”Serena stepped closer. “I came in here to give you advice. Woman to woman.”“I generally take advice from people I respect.” Victoria said, pressing her lips together in the mirror. “But go on.”Serena’s mouth pulled into a sneer. “You think you’re clever.”“Yes I do. I know you can’t relate.”Serena looked at her reflection in the mirror for a long moment, before she said.“Whatever you think you have with Ryder, it isn’t real. You know that. He knows that. And when he’s done using you for whatever
“Who is she?”“Oh my, what a beauty!”“Isn’t that Miss Bannerman?”“Wait, now that I remember, there was once a rumour that...”All around the hall, people whispered to their neighbour and exclaimed at Serena’s interruption. On stage, Ryder remained unmoving for a few seconds. Everyone waited for him to respond to her mark.But then, as if she hadn’t spoken, he continued. “And I believe this partnership, is going to change both the tech and business space as we know it. Thank you.”With that, he walked off the stage. And just as they practiced, the rest of the staff came forward to address the crowd.Ryder didn’t look back into the crowd. He swiftly walked backstage, and only slowed down when he got to the back room. “Sir!” Sam, followed him, and caught up. “How did she get in?” Ryder asked between gritted teeth.Even guest that attended was carefully selected. And security was tight enough that no one could get in without an invitation.“I’m currently running an invest
And so, two months passed.For Victoria, it felt like it had all gone in the blink of an eye. Perhaps it was because of how peaceful life had become. After Miranda got discharged from the hospital, she moved into Ryder’s penthouse. And it was on his insistence. “You want to stay close to your grandmother. I’m not going to let our arrangement deprive you of that.”Victoria had felt warmed by his care, but the mention of their ‘arrangement’ made her falter. She had noticed him constantly using the word. Like it was some reminder that the situation they were in was entirely fake. And honestly, she needed those reminders. Because, there had been several moments where she forgot and found herself enamoured by his presence. “O.M.G girl! I’ve always wanted to go to one of these!” Julie gushed, by her side, as they walked into the venue. “That’s what I thought too. Until I’ve had attend so many of these with Ryder.” Victoria said. She smiled at the attendants who greeted her, an
“It’s good. You didn’t disappoint this time, son.” Rocco nodded at Ryder with satisfaction.If it were years ago, Ryder would have grasped unto the sliver of a compliment. Take it, and spin it, until he could convince himself that if he did better, perhaps his father would finally express raw pride for him. But now, all he felt, standing in Rocco’s office, was chilling indifference. “I just secured a partnership Tecna has needed for years. It’s better than good.” Ryder said confidently.Rocco sighed, at his snappy tone, but decided to ignore it. He had another matter he wanted to being up.“Son, I know we haven’t always seen eye to eye.” He started.Ryder raised an eyebrow, not buying into whatever monologue he was about to give. “That’s quite an understatement.”Rocco folded his hands on the desk and pushed on. "Be that as it may. There are things I've been wanting to discuss with you. Things I've let sit for too long.""If this is about the expansion timeline—""It's ab
The four days in Mexico had been relaxing. It was just the break she needed. Away from all the chaos, and her work on EVANGELINE. But at night, was were the real stress began. On the fourth night, to be precise. Victoria stood in front of the bathroom mirror, slowly brushing through the ends of her damp hair.She had changed into a loose lavender satin nightdress that reached just below her knees. It was quire revealing. She had packed it without a second thought because she had assumed she would have a room to herself.Now she stared at her reflection with mild regret.“This suddenly feels very inappropriate.”She sighed, tied her hair into a loose braid, then walked towards the bedroom.The room was dimly lit.Only the bedside lamps remained on.Ryder was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window with his back to her, one hand tucked into his pocket while the other loosened the knot of his tie.He had already changed out of his suit jacket, leaving him in a crisp white
The first dinner with Mr. Blaze was an overall success.Well, an overall success for everyone that wasn’t Rita.Rita walked out, fuming. Steam was practically coming out of her ears. She returned to the hotel where she lodged, and angrily yanked off her jewellery.“That sly bitch!” Sitting on a couch in the corner, was Arthur. He hunched up his shoulders, as if he was trying to make himself smaller. “D-did the dinner go well?” He asked carefully.Rita whipped around and pinned her husband in place with a hard glare.“What do you think?” She screamed, reaching for the nearest object, which was a vase sitting on the side table.Before Arthur could react, she hurled it across the room.The vase shattered against the wall, pieces of porcelain scattering across the expensive carpet.Arthur flinched.He had learned a long time ago that when Rita was angry, there was no point trying to calm her down. Any attempt to reason with her would only make her anger worse.So he remain







