19.**Easton's POV**I sat in the office, trying to work on some files but was too distracted with what happened this morning to concentrate. I ruffled my hair as I remembered all the things I said to her. I had no idea why I was feeling weird and a bit regretful. Whatever! I don't care at all.I never asked her to be nice. I hated it when people pretended to care and then at the end of the day, they show you their true colors and just how much of a devil they can be. I couldn't wait for the company to be handed over to me, and then I'd divorce her for good.A knock sounded on the door, disrupting my thoughts. The door opened before I could say 'come in' and Maven entered. The expression on his face was not a good one, leaving me to wonder what was wrong this time.“Sir, I just got a call from your father.”“Yeah?” I waited for the news that he was ready to transfer the company to me, but Maven delayed speaking. “Talk, I'm listening. I haven't got all day.” I narrowed my eyes at him
20.**Easton's POV**Immediately those words left my mouth, Ariana stood up, pushed Carson aside and faced me.“Repeat what you said. Say it to my face!” She snapped and I chuckled.“Ariana.” Father called.“Stay out of this, Evan. I want your son to say it to my face.” She glared daggers at me.“I would love to, but then this confirms what I just said. He's a stay-at-home mummy's boy. I've said it, what are you gonna do about it?” She tried to slap me but I held her hand. “Be careful. You can get sued for laying a hand on this face.” I smiled and dropped her hands.“You!” She snapped.I turned to face Father, who just watched us without saying anything.“Do what is necessary and stop all these shenanigans, dad. You wouldn't have been seeing me if you had kept your part of the deal.”“You're disgusting!” Ariana snapped.“That's the best compliment I've had in years,” I winked at her and walked out of the office. I could hear her screaming in her shrill voice and telling dad how annoy
21.**Nicole's POV**I was getting sick and bored with staying in this house all day doing nothing but sleep, and believe me, it wasn't good for my physique. I didn't want to start adding weight.I would have gone online to check out the latest trends, but how can I do that when everywhere I turn is news about me? I couldn't step out either because reporters flocked around me.With a sigh, I stood to my feet. Why should I even care about what they thought about me anyway? Me, hiding and running away isn't going to solve anything. Hiding might even confirm to some doubting people that everything said about me was true.I took my handbag and stepped out of my room. “Where are you off to?” Joan asked.“To face my fears.” I stepped into the compound and turned my car on.She rushed to me with Butler Steve walking behind her.“Let me come with you.” She offered, but I shook my head.“You don't need to worry about me. I'll be fine.” I smiled at Butler Steve and drove out. The first place I
22.**Nicole's POV**I stared at the invitation and arched my brows. Why was Mr. Stark holding a handover and reinstatement event? Why did he invite me? Was he trying to give me back my job because I caught him making out with a model? I was confused and decided to call Emily, she's the only one who can get to the root of this and tell me what's really going on.“Good evening, Nicole.” She greeted me.“Emily, I'm going to forward something to you right now. Help me go through it and tell me what you find, okay?”“Okay.” She answered and I hung up.After forwarding the message to Emily, I took my phone and headed for the living room. When I got there, I met Easton having a drink at the bar.“You didn't tell me you'd be home early.” I took a seat, facing him.“Is it necessary?” He asked and I shook my head.“It's not since I'm not your wife. I'm sorry for crossing boundaries by asking.” I answered plainly and poured myself a glass.I could feel his eyes on me as I downed the contents. T
23.**Easton's POV**When I got to the office, I couldn't concentrate on what I was doing as what Nicole said yesterday kept ringing in my head. If she was that hurt, does that mean she was different from the rest of the models?I didn't know why the things she talked about yesterday touched me and I felt bad for her. I know it shouldn't be my problem or my business, but I was curious to know if she was innocent or not. I wanted to know if she was different from the rest of the models in that company.“What are you lost thinking about?” Maven asked the minute he stepped into the office.“Maven,” I called and he hummed. “Accompany me to Aura Entertainment Group.”His eyes widened. “That's your wife's agency. What are you going there to do? Are you planning to reconsider their offer?” He asked and I quickly shook my head.“I have no intention of working with them. I need to find out something about these rumors spreading about Nicole.” I answered and he smiled at me.“Didn't you say it
24.**Easton's POV**A day later, I was already being bored to death by presentations from the board of directors. These men would behave like they could do nothing without me being present. I sighed and stood up. “I think that should be all for today.” I attempted to leave, but they stopped me.“You can't leave just yet, Mr. Easton. We haven't discussed the event you're planning for three months to come.” One of them said, and I couldn't help but scoff.“I believe it's still three months to come. Besides, I've already organized a committee that'd be responsible for the planning and believe me when I say, they don't depend on me to get their work done,” I turned to face them, giving them a knowing look. Those that were guilty looked away immediately. “Be good directors and put your creativity to work. I'll fix a date for the next meeting.” I walked away from there and met Maven by the door.“They've annoyed you again, right?” He asked, chuckling a bit.“Gosh, they act like little chil
25.**Nicole's POV**I drove into the compound and took in the surroundings. Outside was decorated beautifully with a red carpet that led to the entrance of the event hall. From the looks of things, it was going to be a grand event.I stepped down from the car with Emily and in minutes, reporters had flooded me. I rolled my eyes and glared at them.“Nicole Brennan—”“Oh please, don't you folks have something better to do with your time? Why are you people always all over me? Give me breathing space for once, please, I beg of you.” I told them. I wasn't ready to answer any of their questions or want to see them. They were part of the people that made all these things go out of hand, and it made me hate all of them.“Easton Ferdinand is here!” One of the female reporters screamed and before I knew it, they had left me and rushed to Easton who was stepping down from his car. Their cameras flashed countlessly as they tried to take a good clip of him.I sighed. Sure, he was popular and had
26.**Nicole's POV**Tears threatened to fall from my eyes as Kayla made her way to the stage, her hands firmly wrapped in Frederick's. I couldn't believe my eyes, even though it was as clear as day.I tightened my fists to hold back my tears. I had promised myself I wasn't going to cry over anything. I had promised myself to be strong. Anger seared through me as I watched her smiling proudly as she shook hands with Mr. Stark.I couldn't believe my best friend would take my position. How did she even do it? Last time I checked, Kayla was a rookie model that worked with smaller companies. Sure, she used to be on the runway and on the news sometimes, but it hasn't gotten to the extent of becoming an international model. This can't work out just like that. She couldn't have done it on her own.“To replace Nicole Brennan, we have Kayla Riggs as the new Aura Star Model,” He announced and cheers erupted from the crowd. He held an executive title plaque with her name and title beautifully s