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18. After Hours
publish date:
2026-01-12 21:31:08
Latest chapter
The Heiress's Choice 84. Family
ELENA'S POV “And you couldn't talk to me first?"Damien’s voice echoed in my head for the hundredth time as I drove through the quiet Sunday streets.My grip tightened around the steering wheel, my jaw clenching.That one line.Hypocritical. Ridiculous.He decided to move halfway across the world without telling me first. But now he was angry that I made a decision without consulting him?The contradiction made something hot and sharp twist in my chest.I was furious. Furious at his audacity.He called a few times after but I didn't pick up. I couldn't.The more I thought about it, the angrier I got.His voice echoed again before I shoved it out of my head as I pulled into Adrian’s driveway.I turned off the engine and sat there for a second, pushing down my frustration. Maya had called earlier, insisting I come over for one of their usual Sunday lunches.Today was about family, not Damien.The second I walked through their front door, everything shifted."Aunt Elena!"Ethan came run
The Heiress's Choice 83. Singapore
Damien’s POV"Mr. Blackwell, the files you requested just arrived."I looked up from my laptop as my assistant dropped another stack of files on my desk."Thanks," I said, but I wasn't city lights glowing through my apartment windows, and I was still at work, staring at the same spreadsheet for the last hour without actually reading it.My tie was loosened, sleeves rolled up, jacket thrown somewhere I couldn't remember.One month in Singapore, and I still felt like I was barely keeping my head above water.The job was demanding, fast-paced, nothing like what I'd expected, and since I renegotiated from two years to three months, they packed what should have been years of work into a few weeks.I was exhausted.And I missed Elena.We'd been giving each other space since I left, neither of us really knowing what to say, both of us too stubborn to reach out first.My phone buzzed on the desk and I grabbed it without thinking.A notification from some news app I barely used.I almost dismi
The Heiress's Choice 82. The summit
Elena's POV"Stop moving, or I'll poke your eye out."My stylist held the mascara wand dangerously close to my face as I shifted in my chair."Sorry," I muttered, forcing myself to sit still.Friday had arrived faster than I’d expected.One minute I was sitting with Caleb in his car preparing, and the next, I was here getting ready for the night that suddenly felt a lot bigger than just another business event.My dress hung on the back of the bathroom door, deep emerald green, floor-length, elegant without trying too hard.Diamond earrings sat on the vanity beside me, understated but expensive, and my heels were waiting by the door like a threat."Done," my stylist said, stepping back. "As usual, you look incredible."I stood up and turned toward the mirror.My hair was swept up, makeup subtle and perfect, highlighting my features.I looked confident. Prepared.Inside, though, my stomach was twisting itself into knots.Tonight, Sterling Global would be mentioned in the partnership ann
The Heiress's Choice 81. Drive-in
Elena's POV By the time I finally shut down my laptop, the office was almost empty, the low hum of the building settling into evening quiet.I tried calling Damien again during lunch.He still hadn’t called back.I told myself it didn’t bother me, but that was a lie.Around six, I texted Caleb.Me: Are you busy tonight?Caleb: Depends. Should I be worried?Me: I need to talk to you.Caleb: That sounds serious. Do I need backup?Me: Caleb…Caleb: Okay okay. I’ll pick you up at 7.By the time I got downstairs, the lobby was almost empty, my heels echoing in the empty elevator.When the doors opened, I saw him immediately, leaning against his car in the parking garage, scrolling through his phone.His blond hair was slightly messy, falling into his face as his head tilted down. He had on a plain white tee and grey sweatpants, looking effortlessly casual.He looked up the moment he heard me approaching, straightening as his eyes found mine, then walked around to open the passenger door b
The Heiress's Choice 80. Going public
Elena's POV Monday morning felt like the calm before a storm I had personally created and now had absolutely no idea how to stop.After spending the weekend having a mild panic attack about the whole fake dating situation, I was now at work, trying to pretend everything was normal.I was sitting in my chair, halfway through an email when Adrian appeared at my office door, leaning against the frame."So," he said, arms crossed, looking way too pleased with himself. "Anything you want to tell me?"I slowly closed my laptop and dropped my face into my hands, groaning."Please don’t start."Adrian laughed and walked into my office like he’d been waiting his whole life for this moment."Too late," he said, sitting down across from me. "I already know."I looked up at him."Know what?""About you and Caleb dating," he said, making air quotes around the word dating.My stomach dropped."How do you already know?""I'm still the CEO, Elena," he said, leaning back in the chair, "Partnership co
The Heiress's Choice 79. Telling the truth
Caleb's pov I should have said no.That was the first thought that crossed my mind the moment I stepped off the field, sweat still clinging to my skin, my chest rising and falling from the last drill.Any smart man would have said no.But I’d never really been that smart when it came to Elena.My phone buzzed in my hand.“Office. Now.”Rebecca's text came through as I was walking off the field, still sweaty from our friendly practice.With the international tournament over, we had a little free time to ourselves before the next season.I stared at my phone, already knowing this wasn't going to be fun.I sent her a message last night, keeping it short and simple, just wanting to get it over with.Me: So Elena and I are in a fake relationship now. Long story, but yeah, I thought you should know.Probably not the best way to break that kind of news to my PR manager.I grabbed my bag, walked off the field and headed to the main building, taking the stairs two at a time.When I walked int
The Heiress's Choice 42. Finally
Elena's pov The two weeks passed faster than I expected. It was full of meetings, calls, and final year approvals.And now, the day of the launch event was here already.I adjusted my posture as I stepped out of my ride and into the event hall, already wearing my professional smile.“You look stun
Last Updated : 2026-03-28The Heiress's Choice 38. The Snap
Elena's POV Claire's words echoed in my head as I stood in front of the cabin mirror, my hands gripping the edge of the sink.I splashed cold water on my face, watching it drip down my chin.My makeup was already ruined, black streaks under my eyes that I'd scrubbed away with a towel.I pulled off
Last Updated : 2026-03-27The Heiress's Choice 39. No Regrets
Elena's POV As sunlight streamed through the cabin window straight into my face, the first thought that hit me the second I opened my eyes was the kiss.I groaned and rolled over, burying my face in the pillow.But the memory from last night was already there, impossible to ignore.I remembered hi
Last Updated : 2026-03-27The Heiress's Choice 37. Pressure & breaking Point
Elena's POV "Another round?"Maya held up the wine bottle, waving it toward my glass. Her smile was easy and relaxed as she looked around at everyone gathered on the deck.I nodded and held out my glass, watched her pour, the red liquid catching the light from the deck lamps, even though I knew I
Last Updated : 2026-03-27
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