Sydney sat in the back seat of the car, looking at a building. She removed her glasses and folded them before turning to the investigator, who was sitting in the front seat. “Are you sure this is where she lives?”“Yes, I’m very sure of that.”Sydney nodded and got down from the car. She walked up to the house and knocked on the door. She heard someone walking towards the door before it was opened. The woman who had opened the door looked surprised to see Sydney. The neighborhood was lined up with cracked curbsides and houses covered in molds, showing years of neglect. Judging by her expensive outfit and pleasant cologne, it was obvious Sydney wasn't from the neighborhood. The woman smiled stiffly at Sydney. “Can I help you?”“I’m here to talk to you about something important,” Sydney said. “Can I come in?”The woman looked around her living room before nodding reluctantly. “Sure, I’m sorry to keep you standing.”She opened the door broadly. Sydney and the investigator walked into t
Aleric sat in the dining room. He picked up the cup of coffee on the table and took a sip. Checking his phone, the first thing he noticed was the article that was about his engagement with Sydney. He smirked as he read the article. Seeing how Sydney had gotten people to publish the article, she must be so desperate to get back at Julian. He laughed as he read the headline of one of the articles. “From business rival to love rival?” He questioned, finding the headline ridiculous. “What kind of cheesy writer wrote this?” He took another sip of his coffee and started reading the article. He was getting into the made up story the article was narrating when he heard footsteps coming towards his direction.He looked up and saw Ashley walking into the dining room.He frowned. “Why are you here this early?”Ashley was his sister. They were both raised in an orphanage, but got separated as kids when a rich couple adopted Aleric and flew him to the states. After Aleric became rich and succe
While they were walking out of the event hall, Aleric asked. “It seems your husband has no idea you are from the Steinfeld family.” “Yes,” Sydney replied. “Can I ask why?” “I just…” she sighed. “Back then when I met him, he was financially unstable. I didn’t want him to feel insecure around me so I hid my identity from him.” “Wow,” Aleric said, looking impressed. “You seem to care about him a lot.” “It is all in the past.” Aleric borrowed his eyes, studying Sydney. “Is it?” “What do you mean?” They stepped outside and walked towards the parking lot. Aleric shrugged. “I mean, if it is all in the past then why are you still hiding your identity from him? Why are you allowing his mistress to treat you like that? I’m just trying to understand why you are being so calm about it.” “I have my reasons.” Aleric smirked. “It seems you like being mysterious. You do know that will prevent people from understanding you, right?” Sydney stopped walking and met Aleric’s gaze. “I don't car
After the auction was over, Sydney went to the restroom. She met Ashley in the restroom, standing proudly before a mirror. She was retouching her mascara along her eyelashes when she noticed Sydney’s presence. She lowered the mascara brush from her face and scoffed. “What are you doing here?” Sydney fought the urge to roll her eyes as she walked past Ashley. “This is a restroom.” Ashley caressed the heart of the sea necklace around her neck and said, “You must be embarrassed that you lost something like this to me.” She straightened up and looked at Sydney. “You got yourself another rich man yet you can’t afford to bid one million dollars. Why? Did your new man find out that you are worthless?” Sydney ignored Ashley and looked at her reflection in the mirror, adjusting her curly chestnut brown hair to the side of her face. “Let me give you a little advice just for old times. You aren't married to Julian anymore. No man will spend so much on you as he did. Keep that in mind before
Sydney and Aleric were engaged in their conversation when Julian and Ashley walked into the auction room. Julian stopped by his seat, looking at Sydney before Ashley called for his attention to have his seat. They had sat at the other side of the room. Soon, the room was filled with many people and the auction started. The auctioneer stepped onto the stage, speaking about the various items the Steinfeld family will be auctioning for charity. The first item on the menu was a diamond necklace called the heart of the sea which was owned by the only daughter of the Steinfeld family. It was believed to be worn by Rose during the Titanic which made it very peculiar and invaluable. Many of the guests were in awe at the beauty of the necklace and wanted to have it themselves. “This necklace will start bidding at ten thousand dollars,” the auctioneer announced, standing before the necklace which was displayed on a distinctive glass stand. Ashley studied the necklace, her heart clenched t
Sdyney walked into the auction room and spotted Aleric sitting alone. He was Julian’s business rival as they both owned construction companies and usually competed for projects. She walked towards him and sat down, crossing her legs as she got herself comfortable. She turned to his side and said, “You must be the famous Aleric.” The man turned and focused his attention on Sydney, his brow raising slightly as he studied her face. “I’m sorry, do I know who you are?” Aleric asked politely. “I’m Sydney, Julian's ex-wife,” Sydney replied with a dry smile. Aleric looked surprised. “I didn’t know you guys had divorced. I’m sorry to hear about that,” he said calmly. Sydney shook her head. She picked up a drink from the tray of a passing waiter before saying, “Please don't be. The divorce was for the best.” She studied Aleric. He was handsome and had a muscular build, but he wasn't as hot as Julian. Wait, why was she even comparing him to Julian? “You must be wondering why I'm talkin