âHey, Lee, donât worry. Itâs going to be fine,â Alessia reassured him with a warm smile. âYouâll do great. Iâll be doing most of the talking, and you just need to make sure the camera is on Logan Wilde.âLee took a deep breath, trying to ease his nerves. âYeah, Iâll do my best. J-just hoping I wonât mess up like I d-did with the call last time.ââDonât worry about it. Just stay focused, and everything will go smoothly.âTogether, they made their way up to Loganâs office.Logan was already there; the man seemed to live at the office.He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and chiselled jawline.His statement watch exuded power and control, befitting his status as a billionaire CEO.Lee panned the camera around the luxuriously decorated office, capturing the opulence that surrounded them.The room exuded success and sophistication, a testament to Loganâs achievements.As she and Lee set up the equipment, Logan couldnât help but notice the change
As Logan continued to speak, Alessia couldnât help but feel a hint of blush creeping up her cheeks.He was basically describing her as his ideal type.It was both thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time.Swiftly recovering, she let out a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.âIâm sure our readers will be thrilled to know that,â she teased, quickly changing the subject to a more neutral topic.âSo, Logan, youâve achieved remarkable success at such a young age. What do you attribute your accomplishments to, and what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially millennials?âLogan leaned back in his leather chair, his eyes fixed on Alessia. âIt hasnât been an easy journey, thatâs for sure. But I believe passion, perseverance, and the willingness to take risks are crucial in any entrepreneurial endeavour. Itâs about identifying opportunities and seizing them when they come your way. For millennials, Iâd say embrace innovation and donât be afraid to challenge the status q
As the meeting concluded, Wilda smiled at Alessia and said, âKeep up the good work, Alessia. Your dedication to this project is paying off. Oh, and congratulations on the raise. Youâve earned it.âAlessiaâs eyes lit up with delight. âThank you so much, Wilda. I really appreciate it.âWilda chuckled. âYouâve got a bright future ahead of you, Alessia.âAs Alessia left Wildaâs office, she was on cloud nine.The promise of more raises and the possibility of finally being able to afford Nova Heights Academy for Milo filled her with determination.This interview series was not only a career opportunity but a chance to change her sonâs life for the better.Throughout the rest of the afternoon, Alessia worked tirelessly on her article, fine-tuning the details and polishing the prose.She knew she had to make this series a success, not just for her career but for her sonâs future.As the clock struck six thirty, Alessia finally submitted the third draft to Wilda.On the way home, she stopped b
Earlier that morning, Logan had become aroused the moment he saw Alessia enter in that suit and pencil skirt.Throughout the interview, he had remained seated behind his huge desk because he didnât want to risk standing up and letting his âexcitementâ be captured on camera.The moment the cameraman left the room, Logan gave in to his urges and kissed Alessia to quench his thirst.Seeing the look on his friendâs face, Heath whistled and playfully slapped Loganâs back. âWell, well, looks like youâre ready to take the plunge. Congratulations, my man. You finally found your cure.âLogan said nothing, just clinked his glass against Heathâs.***Late in the evening, as Alessia was engrossed in her part-time writing work, her phone rang, and Loganâs name flashed on the screen.She hesitated for a moment before answering.âHey,â she said casually.âHey. Are you coming to Skye Tower tomorrow?âAlessia leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping absentmindedly on the keyboard. âNo, I think Iâ
The last time Alessia attended a cocktail party as a guest was more than seven years ago, before her father passed away, before the disastrous mix-up at Lovestruck Haven turned her entire world upside down.Alessia shook her head to push away the thought; no point dwelling on the past.***At six pm the next day, the BuzzBeat office was abuzz with the usual chaos, but when Logan Wilde walked in, it was as if a sudden hush fell over the entire place.Alessiaâs heart skipped a beat as she watched him make his way through the sea of desks, his confident stride drawing glances from every single person in the office.She quickly shuffled some papers on her desk, hoping he wouldnât notice her, but that hope was in vain.Logan approached Wilda Hicks, the chief editor, and engaged in a brief conversation.Alessia couldnât hear what they were saying, but she could tell by the glances thrown her way that it was probably about her.Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as Logan turned his gaze t
Alessiaâs heart fluttered with excitement as she perused the array of gowns, each one more breathtaking than the last.The dresses ranged from classic and elegant to daring and bold, each one carefully curated to suit her unique style and personality.After some deliberation, they settled on a stunning gown that hugged her curves in all the right places.With her hair, makeup, and dress finalised, Alessia felt like a true vision of beauty.The team of professionals stepped back, marvelling at their creation, and Alessia couldnât help but smile at the reflection staring back at her in the mirror.She felt a surge of confidence and empowerment, as though she had reclaimed a part of herself that had been buried for too long.As Alessia rose from the chair, her movements were filled with a newfound grace and poise.She thanked the team of professionals, who beamed with pride at their work.When she emerged from the dressing room, Logan was left speechless.Her dress was an off-the-shoulde
After the dance, which Logan felt was far too short, he kept his promise and introduced Alessia to Geo Larocque.The rising tech star was a distinguished-looking man, with salt-and-pepper hair that added a touch of maturity to his otherwise youthful appearance.He graciously gave Alessia his business card and agreed to be interviewed at his office.Logan, spotting another opportunity, asked Alessia for another dance before introducing her to Ramon Ruiz, a young mogul in the software industry.Ramon was in his early thirties, with a charismatic charm that drew people towards him.Alessia was excited to have the chance to interview such a promising figure in the tech world.âExcuse me,â Logan said when he spotted a business rival in the crowd. âI need to go talk to a man about something.ââAnother interview subject?â Alessia asked.âNot this one. Elvin Baranovâs not worth your time.âCurious, Alessia watched as Logan walked up to a man, tall, fragile, and bronze-skinned.She would have
MÃģnicaâs eyes darted around. âI donât know what you are talking about. My father has nothing to do withâĶwith that woman.âBut her voice was no longer as confident.âIâm sure Mr Sastreâs not involved with anythingâĶnefarious.â Alessia smiled. âBut letâs not dwell on it. After all, tonight is about celebrating and having a good time. Shall we do just that?âMÃģnica, defeated and now worried, beat a hasty retreat.Logan returned, after having observed Alessia from afar, proud of the way she had handled herself. âWhat was that about?ââOh, nothing much. I asked if Miss Sastre would agree to give an interview to BuzzBeat. Sadly, she declined.ââIs that so?â Logan raised an eyebrow.âUh-huh.ââFine. Letâs go hunt down more of your interview subjects then.âAs the night eventually drew to a close, Alessia felt a mix of exhaustion and excitement, having forgotten all about the incident with Loganâs admirers.She had accumulated a stack of business cards from potential interviewees, and her mind
The city lights shimmered through the window, casting a soft glow over Alessiaâs hotel room.She sank into the plush armchair, exhaling a weariness that settled deep into her bones.The day had been a whirlwind of interviews and deadlines, leaving her both physically and mentally drained.With a flick of her wrist, she loosened the tight bun that held her long hair, letting it cascade down her shoulders in unruly waves.The laptop on the polished mahogany table beckoned, a testament to the professional demands that consumed her day.Alessia leaned forward, fingers dancing across the keys as she organized her interview notes, a meticulous symphony of clicks and clacks.She paused, her gaze shifting to the phone by her side.Two missed calls from an unknown number flashed on the screen, and her heart skipped a beat.For a moment, hope surged through herâperhaps it was Logan.But as she listened to the voicemail, disappointment settled in.It was merely a wrong number, a mundane interrup
With the briefcase in hand, Logan left the office and got in his car.He did not involve Terence; the meeting could be dangerous.Besides, he had backup.Logan raced through the city streets, weaving through traffic with a desperate determination.The clock was ticking, and the warehouse loomed ahead like a dark, ominous secret.As he approached the entrance, the flickering neon lights buzzed overhead, casting eerie shadows on the crumbling walls.Logan stepped into the darkness, the echoes of his footsteps the only sound in the desolate space.A figure emerged from the shadows, wearing a hooded jacket to conceal their identity.Loganâs pulse quickened, his senses on high alert.âI brought the money, now show me Sirena,â he demanded, his voice steady but edged with a simmering rage.The figure chuckled, the sound echoing eerily through the cavernous space. âImpatient, arenât we?âHe pulled out a phone from his pocket.With a swift motion, he tapped the screen, and a small screen on th
The city lights glittered below as Alessia and Vince sat in a trendy rooftop bar in Hamborough, taking in the breathtaking view.The change of scenery had indeed granted Alessia a temporary escape from the complexities of her life back in Veridian.Alessia raised her glass, sipping a colourful cocktail. âHereâs to new beginnings and escaping the chaos,â she said with a half-smile.Vince clinked his glass with hers. âTo new beginnings,â he echoed, a faint smile playing on his lips.As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere became more relaxed.The city buzzed around them, providing a backdrop for a momentary reprieve.Alessia found herself enjoying Vinceâs company, appreciating the unspoken connection they had cultivated over the years.Amidst the clinking of glasses and the distant hum of the city, Alessia sensed an opportunity to share the intricacies of her life.She turned to Vince, her eyes reflecting a mixture of weariness and determination.âYou know, Vince, Loganâs first marriage
Loganâs office at Wilde Enterprises was a haven of order in contrast to the chaos unravelling in his personal life.The sterile hum of fluorescent lights bathed the room as he sifted through paperwork, attempting to find solace in the routine of his professional responsibilities.His phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with Heathâs name.Loganâs heart skipped a beat as he answered the call, the outside world fading away as he focused on the voice at the other end.âHeath,â Logan greeted, his tone carrying the weight of worry.âWe found her,â Heathâs voice crackled through the phone. âShe was at the BuzzBeat office. Got into a bit of a scuffle with Alessia.âLoganâs temples throbbed in response, the news striking him like a physical blow. âAlessia? Is she okay?âThere was a pause on the line, and Logan could almost feel the hesitation in Heathâs response. âAccording to the colleague who filed the police report, sheâs got a couple of scratches, but otherwise, sheâs fine.âRelief washed
The room was cloaked in a muted glow from the bedside lamp, casting a warm light on the framed photographs that adorned the walls.Sirena moved silently, her eyes scanning each corner of her parentsâ room as she began the meticulous search for anything of value.Ralph was still in intensive care, which meant Naomi wouldnât leave his side, giving Sirena the time she needed for a thorough search.Her fingers brushed against the cool surface of a polished wooden dresser, adorned with small trinkets that echoed the laughter of her childhood.A porcelain figurine, a relic from a family vacation, stood alongside a faded picture of her parents and a much younger Sirena.The memories were bittersweet, a reminder of the life she had left behind.As Sirena opened drawers with deliberate care, the soft rustling of papers mixed with the creak of aged furniture.In one drawer, she found a stack of handwritten letters tied together with a ribbon.Memories of birthday wishes, expressions of love, an
The Veridian airport bustled with a kinetic energy that only a major transport hub could exude.Travellers weaved through the expansive terminal, navigating a sea of bustling crowds and rolling luggage.The air hummed with the constant murmur of announcements, the clatter of footsteps, and the intermittent symphony of departure gates chiming to life.Alessia, her eyes scanning the digital departure board, stood amidst the organized chaos.The Veridian airport, a sprawling architectural marvel, boasted high ceilings adorned with sleek modern designs.Concourse shops beckoned with an array of luxury goods, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air from the bustling cafes.It had been a long time since she flewâjuggling a job and raising two kids hadnât left a lot of time for the luxury of flying.âHey, I thought that was you.â Someone tapped her on the shoulder.Alessia, startled, turned around to find Vince, a smile playing on his lips.âVince, what are you doing he
Naomi scoffed, bitterness lacing her tone. âMake things right? Can you bring back the peace we had before you barged in with your promises and complications?âLogan shook his head. âI canât change the past, Naomi, but I can help with the present. Let me take care of Ralphâs medical bills. Itâs the least I can do.âHer expression hardened, and she retorted, âMoney wonât fix the damage youâve caused. Sirena is missing, Ralphâs heart is failing, and our lives are in shambles. Donât pretend you can fix it with a cheque.âHer words were still ringing in his head hours later.Logan stood on the roof, smoking, lost in thought, until his phone rang with an urgency that cut through the air like a serrated blade.He glanced at the caller ID, and a sinking feeling gripped his stomach as he answered.âLogan, what the hell is going on?â Albertâs voice, usually a bastion of calm, resonated with a furious edge. âAlessia called me, all cold and distant, calling me Mr Wilde instead of Grandpa. And she
âRalph! Naomi, call an ambulance!â Loganâs urgency cut through the stunned silence, and Naomi, her face pale with shock, fumbled for her phone.Panic swirled in the room as Ralph clutched his chest, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.He toppled backwards.âRalph!â Logan caught the old man in time.Within moments, the wail of an ambulance echoed through the quiet neighbourhood.Naomi and Logan hurriedly helped Ralph onto a stretcher, his face strained with agony.The ambulance doors slammed shut, trapping the trio in a suffocating bubble of uncertainty.The ambulance tore through the cityâs arteries, its siren piercing.Inside, the confined space thrummed with urgency.Naomi clung to the edge of her seat, her eyes unblinking as she watched the paramedics work on her husband.Ralph lay supine on the stretcherâhis heart just stopped.The heart monitor emitted a relentless warning beep.Naomiâs hands trembled as she tried to steady herself, the medical jargon exchanged by the paramed
Naomi stirred the simmering chicken soup, the aroma filling the kitchen with warmth.She glanced at Ralph, who was grabbing his keys.âReady to head to the hospital?â he asked.âAbsolutely,â Naomi replied, wiping her hands on her apron. âHand me the thermos.âThey were only allowed to visit Sirena once each day, the visit lasting no longer than half an hour.The doctor explained that the restricted visits were important to establish routine in Sirenaâs life.As they prepared to leave, they heard a knock on the door.Surprised, they exchanged a puzzled glance before opening the door.Standing on their doorstep was Logan. âCan we talk?âNaomi and Ralph exchanged a wary look but nodded, allowing him inside.Logan took a deep breath, eyeing them both. âIâm sure you know why Iâm here. I need Sirena to sign those divorce papers.âIt had been almost three days since Sirenaâs hospitalisation, and Logan had waited long enough.Naomiâs lips trembled. âLogan, we canât believe youâve moved on so