Chapter 3: David Morgan

"Of course, your rooms will be designed exactly how you want them," Bethany assured them, patting both boys on the cheeks.

"How about some noodles and rice?" Soraye asked as she came out of the kitchen.

"That sounds wonderful," Bethany replied. "I'm sure the kids are starving. I'll help you in the kitchen."

Soon, they were all gathered around the dining table, enjoying their meal.

"Mommy's cooking has really improved today," Alex commented.

"Mommy is usually terrible at cooking," Derrick added.

Bethany put on a serious expression and glared at her sons.

"You boys really know how to make fun of your mother, don't you?"

However, she wasn't truly annoyed.

After everything she had endured, seeing her children happy was enough to make her heart feel full.

"I made the food; your mom just helped out a little," Soraye said with a laugh as they sat at the dinner table.

Alex had a knowing expression on his face.

Soraye looked at the triplets and teased, "Don't you kids know your mom used to be a wealthy heiress who was served by servants? How could she possibly enter a kitchen to cook?"

Bethany immediately shot a warning glare at Soraye, signalling her to stop spouting nonsense to the children.

"Really, Mom? You were really a wealthy heiress?" Sofia asked, her eyes lighting up with curiosity. "But why aren't you a heiress now?"

"It's just nonsense. Don't mind your Aunty Soraye," Bethany tried to wave it off quickly.

She managed to change the subject, but the triplets secretly kept it in mind.

They were highly intelligent, and they made a silent vow to find out the truth about their mom's past—and exactly who their father was.

The next day, Bethany and Soraye drove the children to register at Stallion Kindergarten, the most exclusive preschool in Maybach City.

"Why do we even have to go to kindergarten?" Sofia complained from the backseat, crossing her little arms. She didn't want to go at all.

"Why don't you want to go?" Bethany turned around and asked her gently.

"Because the kids there are entirely childish!" Sofia huffed, turning her nose up. "The boys are all just whiny crybabies, and the girls are completely snotty."

Sitting on either side of her, Alex and Derrick simply smiled. Neither of them said a word, but their silent, genius expressions made it clear they completely agreed with their sister.

And Alex and Derrick didn't see anything wrong with going to kindergarten. They didn't care about the school itself; they just wanted to do what their mommy asked of them and protect their little sister.

"But darling, you have to interact with other children," Bethany explained gently. "Staying at home all day won't help you make friends."

"But Mommy, I already have friends online," Sofia pouted her lips stubbornly. "My online friends are way better than those crybabies and snotty kids."

"Come on, Sofia. You have to go to kindergarten so you won't stress Mommy. Do you really want her to worry about you?" Alex chimed in, using his mature, big-brother tone.

Sofia lowered her head, defeating her own argument. "Alright, fine. I will go."

Once Bethany finished registering the triplets, she turned to Soraye. "I have to start my first day of work today. I'll just hail a taxi from here."

"Come on, get in. I will drop you off," Soraye offered immediately.

Bethany tried to refuse. "I really don't want to stress you out."

"It's nothing. My company is very close to yours," Soraye insisted. With no other option, Bethany smiled and stepped back into the passenger seat.

"You really need to get a car for yourself, Bethany," Soraye noted as she pulled back into traffic.

Bethany just sighed, a trace of distress crossing her beautiful face. "Driving is such a hassle for me. I prefer just being a passenger."

"Then you can hire a driver. I can easily recommend a reliable one for you," Soraye proposed.

"Don't bother yourself; I'll manage," Bethany smiled. She knew Soraye cared deeply about her, but Bethany simply loved sitting back and enjoying the wind. More importantly, when it came to a private driver, she didn't trust outsiders.

"The kids asked me who their father is yesterday," Soraye said suddenly, her voice dropping.

Bethany snapped her head toward her friend, instantly alarmed.

"But I told them I didn't know," Soraye explained quickly, trying to calm her down.

"Bethany, they really need a father. Are you not even going to make an effort to find that man?"

Soraye knew that mentioning the children's father was an absolute taboo for Bethany. But she also knew that without a father figure, the children might grow up feeling insecure.

"That man is a beast. He is not worthy of being my children's father," Bethany retorted coldly, her gaze hardening.

Soraye sighed softly. "Then find a new man and get married. I know some incredibly handsome guys I can introduce you to."

"Why don't you introduce them to yourself instead? If I remember correctly, you are also single," Bethany teased, successfully breaking the heavy tension.

Soraye closed her mouth tightly, shaking her head. Her friend was a hopeless case.

A short while later, Soraye dropped Bethany off at Morgan Enterprises. Bethany looked up at the massive, glittering skyscraper and let out a quiet sigh.

She was entirely ready for a fierce corporate battle. She knew that as the newly appointed Managing Director of the design department, the current staff wouldn't welcome an outsider with open arms.

Inside the lobby, the atmosphere was buzzing.

"Have you guys heard? The new Managing Director of the design department is arriving today!"

"Wow, really? I accidentally saw her resume on the Director's office desk. She is a total beauty!"

Every employee was discussing the mysterious international designer the company had invited from abroad. As the gossip spread, the entire lobby burst with activity.

Suddenly, the glass doors slid open.

A young woman walked into the building, the sharp clicks of her high heels echoing across the polished floor.

The entire lobby froze. It wasn't just because a new person had entered, but because of how beautiful Bethany was.

Her pitch-black hair was sleekly packed away, cascading elegantly all the way down to her waist. Her skin was incredibly fresh and radiant, smooth like a pure, unblemished egg. She had a perfect oval-shaped face and striking, almond-shaped eyes that sparkled with absolute confidence.

She wore a tailored Chanel suit that tightly hugged her narrow waist, flawlessly showing off her hourglass figure and long, slender legs.

Every man and woman in the room couldn't take their eyes off her.

"Are you Bethany Cullen?,”

"Yes, I am Bethany," she replied calmly.

"Follow me," the executive said, turning and leading her directly toward the private VIP elevator.

The surrounding employees watched them leave with their mouths wide open in surprise.

Who on earth could she be that a top corporate executive had come down to the lobby to personally escort her upstairs?

"This will be your office, Miss Cullen," the young man said, gesturing as he led Bethany into a massive, luxurious space.

Bethany observed the modern decor and smiled, looking thoroughly satisfied.

"Miss Cullen, when you are done checking out your office, our boss would like to see you immediately," the young man added politely before bowing and turning to leave.

Hearing his words, the smile on Bethany's lips grew wider. David Morgan... It really has been a long time.

Upstairs in the president's office, David Morgan sat in his leather chair, his intense gaze fixed entirely on the door as if waiting impatiently for someone's arrival.

Right on cue, the door handle turned from the outside, and a stunning figure walked in.

"Bethany! You should have informed me of your exact arrival time. I would have sent a private car to personally pick you up from your villa," David said.

He stood up from his chair and buttoned his sleek suit jacket, effortlessly showing off his athletic frame and handsome face.

"That wasn't necessary. I don't want to attract too much attention," Bethany explained, her tone sounding very professional and polite.

"So many people were already staring at me in the lobby downstairs. It would just be a hassle if I caused any more of a scene."

"I know I am technically your boss now, but don't forget, we go a long way back," David said, feeling genuinely displeased by her distant tone.

"We met at the international design competition in Milan, and now you're acting like you barely know me."

"Mr. Morgan, it's nice seeing you again," Bethany said, smiling politely and bowing her head, clearly annoying David on purpose.

David frowned and walked around his desk, closing the distance between them. Bethany instinctively took a step backward, trying to maintain her space.

"Bethany, you haven't changed a bit. You look absolutely beautiful," David complimented her warmly.

Bethany forced out a polite smile.

"Why are you backing away from me like I'm the plague?" David teased, stepping even closer.

This time, Bethany stopped retreating. A playful glint flashed in her eyes. She took a slow step toward David, reached out, and lightly gripped his silk tie, pulling him down slightly.

"Mr. Morgan, why do you want to be so close to me? Have you forgotten our dynamic? Here, we are strictly boss and employee."

David suddenly felt his throat go completely dry. Her proximity was intoxicating. He leaned in close, his gaze dropping to her lips.

Just as their lips were about to touch, the heavy office doors were violently pushed open.