ログインJoseph Tremont rarely felt nervous. Over the years, he had negotiated billion-dollar contracts, faced hostile competitors, survived economic crashes, and carried the weight of thousands of employees on his shoulders. Pressure had long since become a normal part of his life. Yet as his vehicle rolled smoothly through the grand gates of Emily Rhodes’ residence in Lisbourn, he found himself gripping his walking cane a little tighter than usual. For the first time in many years, he was afraid. Not losing money, or power. But finally facing the consequences of a past he had spent too long trying to bury. The vehicle came to a gentle stop in the circular driveway. Joseph remained seated for several long seconds, staring at the familiar house through the tinted window. Outside, two security men waited quietly at a respectful distance. Eventually, he opened the door and stepped out into the afternoon air. The breeze was calm, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers from the well-ten
The flight back to Southvale was too quiet. Neither Dreston nor Cassienne spoke. First, the information Tina had given them had only created more questions about Garry Richardson being kidnapped. They knew that it was a warning. And now a missing personal assistant who had somehow become important enough for someone to nearly kill him. Nothing about the situation felt normal anymore, and by the time they arrived at Auralink Systems the following morning, Dreston headed straight for his office. Steve was already waiting. Several files sat neatly arranged on the desk. The moment Dreston entered, Steve stood. Cassienne took a seat nearby, but she remained quiet, listening, and watching. The investigation had reached a stage where every detail mattered. "What do we know?" Dreston asked immediately. Steve opened the first file. "The investigators located Garry Richardson's personal assistant yesterday." Dreston nodded. "We already know that part." Steve's expression became seri
The smell of freshly prepared breakfast drifted through the house long before Cassienne opened her eyes. For a few moments, she remained curled against Dreston, enjoying the warmth of his embrace. The previous night had been peaceful. For the first time in what felt like forever, neither of them had been forced to think about enemies, conspiracies, or investigations. They had simply been husband and wife. And Cassienne had missed that more than she realized. A gentle knock sounded on the door. Then one of the maids spoke from outside. "Miss Emily asked me to inform you that breakfast is ready." Cassienne smiled. Only her mother would prepare breakfast personally when she had an entire household staff available. Beside her, Dreston groaned. Cassienne laughed. "Get up." He buried his face deeper into the pillow. "I need to be with you some more." "Dreston." "No." Cassienne rolled her eyes. "You are acting like a child." His voice emerged from the pillow. "Tell your mothe
Cassienne and Dreston arrived at Emily’s place just as sunset painted the sky in soft hues of gold and rose. The moment they stepped out of the car, Emily walked out of the foyer, her face lighting up with a bright, heartfelt smile. “Finally, my children have come to see me.” Emily’s voice carried that familiar warmth Dreston had missed so much, especially coming from her. It wrapped around them like a comforting embrace after weeks of tension and uncertainty. “Mother,” Cassienne said, tears prickling at the corners of her eyes as emotion surged through her. Behind her, Dreston smiled softly. He was genuinely happy to see his mother-in-law, who had long since become his second mother. Emily embraced Cassienne first, pulling her close with gentle, motherly love. “Stop it, tears are not good for your condition. Besides, you don’t need them, my child.” Cassienne chuckled softly, the sound light and relieved. Dreston stood watching the mother and daughter with quiet affection. Emily e
Cassienne or Dreston were quiet almost throughout their journey to Lisbourn. Perhaps it was because both were lost in thought, turning over the same heavy questions again and again. Tina. More specifically, what Tina knew and why she had mentioned Garry. Ever since Ray’s urgent call, a strange, uneasy feeling had settled deep inside Dreston’s chest, the mention of Garry Richardson didn't leave his mind. It made no sense, at least not yet. Garry was his friend, a respected businessman who should have been busy managing the Richardson family vineyard and expanding their renowned wine empire. Yet somehow his name had suddenly surfaced in the middle of an attempted kidnapping, mysterious attacks, and Tina’s near-fatal accident. Something wasn’t adding up, and the unknown pieces gnawed at him relentlessly. Beside him, Cassienne remained quiet, her hand resting comfortably inside his. Occasionally Dreston’s thumb brushed against her knuckles in slow, soothing strokes. Neither of the
The atmosphere in Dreston Tremont’s private office was thick with tension. Late afternoon light filtered through the tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows across the sleek mahogany desk and the scattered documents covering it. Cassienne Rhodes sat comfortably on the soft leather sofa in the corner, slowly sipping from the fresh fruit juice Dreston had personally prepared for her earlier. The cool, sweet taste of mango and orange helped settle her nerves, but it did little to ease the heavy weight pressing on her chest as she watched her husband work. Dreston stood behind his desk, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, eyes sharp and focused as he and Steve reviewed the latest leads. Papers, photographs, and encrypted reports lay spread out before them. The quiet hum of the city far below the high-rise windows only emphasized how isolated and serious this moment felt. “Have you contacted the investigators?” Dreston’s voice broke the silence. “Not yet, but I’m on i







