Crystal swallowed, waiting expecting him to say something. Anything.But he didn’t.He broke the stare first, walking past her as if she were invisible.Her fingers curled into fists, her heart sinking.She turned slightly, watching as he moved to the dining area. The dim light overhead cast sharp lines across his features—his strong jaw, the slight shadows under his eyes, the cool indifference in his expression.He grabbed a glass from the table, poured himself some water, and took a slow sip.No words. No questions. No acknowledgment of the storm inside her.Her throat tightened.She didn’t know why she had expected anything different.Maybe she had hoped, just for a second, that he would offer some kind words. That he would tell her she wasn’t alone.But Adrian wasn’t that kind of man.She looked away, swallowing the lump in her throat, ready to retreat back into her own pain.Then—A movement.Subtle. Almost absentminded.Crystal glanced up, and her breath caught as she watched Ad
The grand double doors of the Blake mansion swung open as Christian and Ilda stepped inside. The air was thick with an unspoken tension, the echoes of flashing cameras and relentless questions still lingering in their minds. The staff stood silently, bowing slightly as Christian walked past them without a glance, his grip on Ilda’s hand loosening the moment they were inside.The flashing cameras, the gasps, the way the media clung onto Christian’s every word—it was everything she had wanted. And when he declared her as someone special, his future wife, the mother of his heir, she felt an intoxicating rush of victory.But she couldn’t let it show.Not yet.She turned to Christian, schooling her expression into one of concern. She let her fingers trail lightly over her wrist, a subtle touch, hesitant. “Christian…” she murmured, her voice just soft enough to seem sincere.Christian walked to the bar without sparing her a glance. The crystal glass clinked against the counter as he po
The morning sunlight seeped through the mansion’s grand windows, casting a warm glow over the polished floors. Outside, the faint chirping of birds signaled the start of a new day, but inside Christian Blake’s private study, the air was thick with concentration.Christian sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, his sharp eyes glued to the screen as his fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard. The faint sound of typing filled the otherwise silent room, the only other movement being the slight furrow of his brow as he worked.The door creaked open.“Working already?”Olivia’s smooth voice cut through the quiet, carrying that usual tone of motherly observation mixed with something else—something subtle, unreadable.Christian didn’t look up immediately. “Morning, Mother,” he greeted, his voice even.Olivia stepped inside, her silk robe flowing elegantly around her as she made her way toward him. Her gaze swept across the room before landing on the pile of documents beside him.She til
The kitchen was quiet, except for the soft clinking of utensils as Crystal wiped down the counter. The faint aroma of butter and freshly brewed tea lingered in the air, but she barely noticed. Her hands moved mechanically, scrubbing away at a stubborn stain on the wooden surface.She wasn’t just cleaning; she was keeping herself occupied—trying to push away the endless thoughts clawing at her mind.Just then, the sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor made her pause.Evelyn entered, elegant as always, her sharp eyes sweeping over Crystal before she spoke. “You’ll need to go out for grocery shopping today.”Crystal turned, wiping her damp hands on the rag she held. Evelyn reached into her purse, pulling out a neatly folded list and a sleek black card.“Here,” she said, placing them on the counter. “Make sure you get everything on that list. And don’t take all day.”Crystal nodded silently, taking the list and card without question.Evelyn barely spared her another glance bef
Adrian stepped into the supermarket, the cold air-conditioning brushing against his skin. His sharp eyes immediately scanned the aisles, and it didn’t take him long to spot her.Crystal was a few rows ahead, her small frame pushing a cart as she carefully checked the list Evelyn had given her. She moved slowly, her attention focused, oblivious to everything around her—including him.The supermarket was crowded, making it easy for him to stay unnoticed. He moved to the opposite side, pretending to browse the shelves, but his eyes kept flickering back to her.She looked… out of place.The oversized sweater she wore, the way she clutched the list like it was her lifeline, it was obvious she wasn’t used to simple things like this. It made something in him tighten.Adrian took his time, walking through the aisles and picking up random items—things he didn’t even need. He wasn’t in a hurry to leave, though he didn’t understand why he was lingering.Crystal, on the other hand, had already fi
Evelyn’s cold gaze flickered between Betty and Crystal. Her silence was heavier than words, but when she finally spoke, her tone was sharp and laced with authority."Betty, if you have nothing better to do than act like a spoiled child, find yourself something useful." She didn’t wait for a response. “Don’t embarrass yourself further.”Betty’s mouth opened slightly, but Evelyn had already turned away, walking off as if the matter wasn’t worth another second of her time.The moment she was gone, Betty’s lips curled into a bitter smirk as she stepped closer to Crystal, lowering her voice to a threatening whisper.“You think you’ve won something?” She scoffed. “Let me make one thing clear—you’ll regret ever stepping foot in this house. I’m going to make your life miserable.”Crystal didn’t flinch, but her fingers tightened around the fabric of her dress. She knew Betty meant every word.********** The hospital air was cold, carrying the sterile scent of antiseptics and fresh linen. Ild
The aroma of rich spices filled the mansion as Crystal stood over the stove, stirring a dish she had perfected long ago—a recipe she used to cook for Christian’s family. Her hands moved swiftly, multitasking between the simmering pot and the bread she was kneading. The house had fewer workers now, as most had resigned, unable to cope with the Blake family’s unpredictable temperaments.Crystal, however, had no choice.She had already finished the laundry, scrubbing the sheets and pressing clothes with aching hands. Now, the heat from the kitchen mixed with her exhaustion, making her head feel unbearably heavy. Her legs trembled beneath her, but she clenched her teeth and pushed through it. She couldn't afford to collapse.When the meal was ready, the caterers served it with precision. The family ate in silence, enjoying every bite—yet, not a single word of appreciation was uttered. Crystal wasn’t surprised. She simply took a step back, watching as plates emptied, her own stomach twisti
The air in the room was thick with tension, suffocating and heavy. His sharp gaze flickered between Evelyn, Betty, and the open jewelry box clutched in Betty’s smug grip.Evelyn’s face hardened. “Adrian, this is not your concern.”Adrian’s expression remained unreadable, but his eyes lingered on Crystal—her tear-streaked face, the way she trembled, her small hands clenched into fists at her sides.“Who found the jewelry?” His voice was calm, yet laced with something sharp.Betty lifted her chin. “I did. In her clothes.”Crystal swallowed hard, her body rigid with panic. “I didn’t put it there,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.Adrian exhaled sharply through his nose, rubbing his temple as if trying to suppress an impending headache. He turned back to Betty. “And you just happened to find it? In a place she would never hide something so obvious?”Betty’s lips thinned. “Are you implying I planted it?”Adrian arched his brow. “I didn’t say that. But it’s funny how quick y
The grand hall of the Blake mansion was filled with urgent footsteps and low murmurs. Within minutes of Olivia’s collapse, the family’s private doctor, Dr. Halden, arrived, his medical kit in hand and concern etched deeply into his brow. He was led swiftly upstairs to Olivia’s room, where she had been laid gently on the bed by Christian and the house staff.Olivia looked pale, her skin clammy, and her breath came in slow, shallow waves. Though her eyes had opened faintly, she remained still and mute, her lips barely twitching as if she were trying to form words that simply wouldn’t come. Her once fierce gaze was now vacant — distant, trapped in a fog.Dr. Halden moved quickly and with practiced hands, checking her pulse, taking her temperature, and examining her eyes. “She’s stable, but barely,” he said gravely. “She’s regained consciousness, but she’s currently unable to speak or communicate properly. Her nervous system seems to be under a kind of strain — possibly induced by strong
“Any news?” Christian asked without turning.John sighed, walking further in. “I spoke with our guys. All airport security stations have been notified — private hangars, commercial lines, even border patrol. His name, face, and passport numbers have been circulated. They’re all on high alert. If he tries to leave the country, he’ll be stopped.”Christian slowly turned, his eyes blazing.“So you’re telling me he hasn’t left yet.” He stepped closer, each word heavier than the last. “That means that bastard is still walking around… breathing my air… after everything he’s done to my family.”John nodded cautiously. “It’s very likely, yes.”Christian slammed his palm on the table, making a stack of files tremble. “Good! That means I still have time. I’m going to make sure he pays for every damn thing he’s done.”He started pacing, fists clenched at his sides.“He stole from my mother. He used her… betrayed her trust. And the nerve — the nerve — to use her private codes to drain her shares,
The fluorescent lights of the hospital corridor flickered slightly, humming in the sterile silence that blanketed the space. Crystal sat stiffly on the metal bench, her hands clutched tightly together in her lap, her knuckles pale from the pressure. Her eyes, red and swollen from silent crying, remained glued to the double doors of the surgical theater.Each second that passed felt like a dagger to her chest.She kept whispering under her breath, "Please God… please… just let him be okay."The wall clock above ticked mockingly — its sound loud and hollow in the hallway. Crystal had no idea how long she had been sitting there. Time had lost all meaning the moment they wheeled Adrian away on that cold metal stretcher.She had begged to see him, just once, before the surgery…But they had refused.Now all she could do was wait…And hope.Suddenly, the doors burst open. Her heart skipped.A doctor in scrubs emerged — his mask lowered, sweat lining his brow. He pulled off his gloves slowly
Before Ilda could form a response, heavy footsteps echoed down the grand staircase.Olivia descended slowly, dressed in a dark silk gown, her face lined with exhaustion and worry."What’s going on here?" Olivia asked, her voice tight, her eyes narrowing into suspicious slits.Christian didn’t answer directly.Instead, he reached into the inner pocket of his suit with a slow, deliberate motion, his jaw tight and a storm flickering in his eyes.With a sharp flick of his wrist, he threw a thick bundle of papers at Olivia’s feet.They scattered across the floor like fallen leaves, rustling against the marble tiles.Olivia bent down, her hands trembling as she picked up the papers, her perfectly manicured fingers struggling to grasp them. Her face paled, and a deep frown etched itself between her brows as her chest rose and fell in uneven, shallow breaths.Her eyes scanned the top sheet and her face slowly drained of all color.A deafening silence filled the room.Only the faint ticking o
The heavy front door swung open with a deep, resonant groan, and Ilda stepped inside, her arms burdened with shopping bags and a small piece of luggage. A gust of cold, stale air greeted her, stirring a faint shiver down her spine. The workers, clad in crisp uniforms, rushed toward her, their footsteps tapping sharply against the marble floors.They wore polite smiles—too polite, too rehearsed—as they relieved her of her bags, their movements practiced and mechanical.The mansion swallowed her whole.It felt different.Too cold.Too empty.The grand hall stretched out before her, a cavern of gleaming marble and shadow. The once-warm chandeliers that used to bathe the entrance in soft gold light now flickered weakly, casting long, distorted.Ilda hesitated on the threshold, her heels clicking softly as she shifted her weight. She could hear the distant ticking of the grand clock in the main parlor, each second stretching out with painful slowness. The echoes of the workers’ footsteps r
The late afternoon sun dipped lazily behind the hills, casting long shadows over the winding streets. Inside the luxurious midnight-black Rolls Royce, Ilda sat like a queen basking in her triumph.The car's interior smelled of rich leather and the faintest hint of her expensive perfume.Next to her, several luxury shopping bags, bearing logos of high-end brands, rustled softly as the car glided smoothly along the quiet road.Her fingers absentmindedly brushed over a bag of delicate pastries she had picked up, her lips curling into a slow, wicked smile.Victory tastes sweeter than anything money could buy.Today, she felt invincible — like she had the world spinning in the palm of her hand.Christian Blake — the once untouchable, arrogant businessman — was now no better than the dust under her feet.The memory of his shattered face at the boardroom replayed in her mind like a cherished melody, and she let out a small, satisfied laugh, low and dangerous.The driver, a muscular man dres
The morning sun streamed softly through the large windows of Ethan's luxury penthouse, painting golden patterns across the marble floors.It was a new day — a victorious day.The air inside was sweet with the scent of fresh flowers and the richer, almost tangible scent of triumph.Ethan sat on the couch, a glass of wine in one hand, watching the morning news that recapped the disastrous collapse of Christian Blake’s business empire.The headline flashed boldly:"CHRISTIAN BLAKE: FROM BUSINESS KING TO FALLEN TYCOON"Ethan chuckled darkly under his breath.He leaned back, running a hand through his hair in sheer satisfaction.From the hallway, Ilda emerged, her silk robe trailing behind her like a queen making her entrance.Her face wore a victorious smile — a smile of someone who had waited so long for this moment.As she approached, Ethan’s eyes softened, and he set his glass aside, opening his arms wide."Come here, my queen," he said warmly.Ilda laughed — a rich, soft laugh — and s
His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening with rage.Near the door, Ilda stylishly rushed forward, pretending to be horrified.She placed a gentle hand on Christian’s arm, her voice a perfect melody of fake concern."Christian, please... calm down," she whispered softly."You're going to make yourself sick. Please, let’s sit down. It’s not the end. We can fix this..."Christian wrenched his arm free, eyes burning with frustration.He glared at the remaining workers in the room — the ones who had failed to shut off the footage in time."You’re all useless!" Christian roared, his voice tearing through the heavy tension like a blade.It wasn't just anger in his tone — it was betrayal, humiliation, a man desperately trying to claw back his crumbling world.He stood there, fists trembling, chest heaving with rage.The echoes of his shout bounced off the cold boardroom walls, leaving a deadly silence in its wake.The workers shrank back like scolded children, their heads bowed low
70Christian entered the boardroom with his usual commanding presence, his expensive watch glinting under the light, his polished shoes clicking softly against the tiled floor.John followed close behind, carrying the folders for the meeting.Around the long oak table, the Chinese investors were already seated, their faces stoic, professional, their eyes sharp and evaluating.Christian offered a polite smile, inclining his head respectfully as he greeted them."Good morning, gentlemen. It’s an honor to finally have you here at Blake Enterprises," he began, his voice strong, confident."We’ve been preparing for this partnership for months, and I believe today marks the beginning of a mutually profitable relationship."The investors murmured polite greetings in return, nodding slightly.The translator sitting at the side repeated Christian’s words in Mandarin, ensuring everyone was on the same page.Christian felt the usual rhythm of business flowing through him.This was what he was go