The days leading up to the Anderson Empire's anniversary gala were marked with unmatched activity and opulence. Gino personally oversaw the preparation of every detail, taking special care in curating the guest list. No assistant, no secretary—Gino himself handwrote and sealed each invitation with the Anderson crest embossed in gold. The envelopes, crafted from imported Italian parchment, were hand-delivered to each recipient: prominent business tycoons, foreign dignitaries, elite fashion designers, A-list celebrities, and key media figures. Every recipient understood the weight of the invitation—it wasn't just a party, it was a declaration.No brand sponsorships were accepted. This was a statement event, funded entirely by the Andersons themselves. The intent was clear: no one would have leverage over them. They hired the best planners in the world who only worked with royalties and heads of state. With an unlimited budget, they were instructed to create something that would be remem
Jenna sat silently by the window, her eyes lost in the blur of passing clouds outside. The phone call earlier had left her shaken—not because of Rex, but because it brought back everything she had buried deep inside. The years she spent with him resurfaced like a bitter storm.He never treated her like a wife. Never once did she feel the warmth or pride of being his partner. To the Hidalgos, she was nothing more than a vessel—a walking blood bank, valuable only for what she could give, not for who she was.She had no noble background. No powerful family name to rely on. No formal degree to flaunt. And certainly, in their eyes, no class. She was just a lowly peasant that Rex brought home like a stray animal.Even when she rose to power, became Vice President of the Anderson Empire, when she shared business ventures with Alexa and became a celebrated figure in the fashion world—even then—they only saw the worthless housewife they labeled her as from the beginning. A nobody who somehow w
Marcus held the phone to his ear, trying to maintain composure despite the bile rising in his throat. Jenna and Gino watched him closely, gauging his reaction as the call came through from Chairman Hidalgo."Chairman Anderson, since you're back, let me give you a warm welcome. How about a drink?" Chairman Hidalgo offered in a tone that was too casual for Marcus's liking.Marcus inhaled deeply. "No need for that, Chairman Hidalgo. My family is in a bit of a mess right now, so I'm not particularly in the mood for drinks," he replied, keeping his voice calm and even."Just because of a woman? Nothing to be upset about," Chairman Hidalgo scoffed on the other end.Marcus's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond to the jab. He remained polite. "Actually, I'm calling to ask a favor." Chairman Hidalgo added."The Anderson Empire's upcoming anniversary celebration will be in a few days. Let me invite you and your family. Let's talk about that then."There was a brief pause before Hidalgo replied
The airport's VIP arrival lounge shimmered with sleek marble floors and polished glass walls, but Marcus Anderson's fury matched the shine with fire in his eyes."That old bastard Hidalgo has crossed the line," he spat, walking beside Jenna with long, indignant strides. "Using the media to harass my daughter? Launching smear campaigns? Shameless. Absolutely shameless."Jenna held his arm gently. "Dad, I'm used to it. I just didn't expect he'd go this far."Marcus paused mid-step, his voice thundering low, "Used to it? You should never have been put through that in the first place. I won't let this slide."Before they could reach the exit, a familiar figure appeared in the corridor."Gino?" Marcus blinked in surprise. "Why are you here?"Gino gave a worried look. "Some reporters figured out where Jenna was. They're swarming the exit. I thought it'd be best if I escorted her personally."Jenna raised a brow, more amused than alarmed. "Gino, I'm not afraid. I'm not going to cower."Marcu
After Jenna ended the call with Old Master Hidalgo, her eyes immediately narrowed with resolve. With no intention of showing any more leniency, she tapped Gino’s contact and pressed dial. Gino picked up almost instantly, his voice bright. “Little sister, to what do I owe the honor?” Jenna didn’t bother with pleasantries. “When will Dad be back?” Gino chuckled knowingly. “Miss him already?” A soft smile graced Jenna’s lips. “I want to pick him up at the airport myself.” Gino paused for a moment, his tone turning slightly more serious. “That’s sweet, but I’m worried it might be dangerous. Reporters are still swarming your condo building. Dad’s flight lands tomorrow.” Jenna shrugged it off. “I’ll hire a couple of bodyguards and some decoy vehicles. I’m sure we can avoid attention.” Gino sighed. “Alright, I’ll take care of it. I’ll send Luke to coordinate everything. Don’t take any risks, Jenna.” “Thank you, Gino,” she replied sincerely. “So, how are things with you two?”
Kelvin narrowed his eyes as he reached for the phone Jenna used to pay for her massive online shopping spree. He stared at the device, then slowly turned to Jenna, suspicion blooming in his gaze."Wait a minute... this is my phone!"Jenna blinked innocently at him. "Yeah, and?""How did you unlock it?!"Jenna tilted her head and gave him a cheeky grin. "All of you use my birthday as your password. It's your fault for making it that easy."Kelvin was speechless.Jenna giggled and skipped back to her room, leaving her brother patting his chest as if to soothe a rising panic attack."It's okay," he mumbled to himself. "Jenna is your little sister, and she's been away for years. Just think of this as her coping... What's important is that she's happy."Just then, Tiara rubbed her head against his leg affectionately. His eyes softened."At least you're not bleeding me dry," he murmured, reaching down to scratch her behind the ears.Tiara let out a soft purr, her tail swaying with contentme