The sleek black pulled up to the towering building, a man coming quickly to open the backdoor. Adira emerged from the car like a queen, with two men flanking her sides like loyal knights and her secretary following closely behind. Making her way into the building, she could feel all eyes on her, as well as the people whispering her name in awe and admiration. Her designer clothes hugged her clothes in all the right places, and her hair cascaded down her back in glossy waves. Her makeup was perfect, highlighting her features in all the right places, and her jewelries sparkled like stars in the sky. Her steps were measured and graceful, each one seeming to command the attention of everyone around her. She stepped into the elevator with her people and as the doors closed, she took a deep breath. Soon, the elevator doors open and Adira stepped out to the sixth floor, which was noticeably different from the other floors. The air was tinged with a sense of exclusivity and privilege. Th

Adira woke up earlier to make breakfast. She was still in her silk pajamas when she got into the kitchen and found the chef already there."Good morning, ma'am," he said with an inclination of the head."Good morning, Logan. You're done from here; I want to make breakfast myself."The young chef was shocked and tried protesting against it, but Adira stood her ground and sent him away.She decided to make some huevos rancheros.A small smile played on the corners of her lips as she moved around the kitchen with practiced ease. Memories of how she had loved cooking for someone who didn't deserve it came flooding back to her. She pushed the thought aside with another smile.The sizzling of bacon on the pan and the clanking of utensils against the pots filled the kitchen, and soon, the aroma of her meal filled the entire house.After a while, she was done and called on Logan to have a taste. When he did, he closed his eyes and moaned in ecstasy."Oh, my! Oh, my! This is totally amazing,

She studied the man as he approached her, his shoes clacking against the polished floor. He stood tall and imposing, with broad shoulders and chiseled features that would've been handsome if it wasn't for the dark glint in his eyes. He had a Breguet Classique wrist watch on him, which spoke of how rich he was. He wasn't a face Adira had seen before. Turning back to the waitress, Adira asked. "Has someone already paid for this?" Her voice echoed with disapproval. "Uh... not yet, ma'am. But he did ask me to reserve it for him." The waitress replied, a little nervous. At this time, the young man was already standing next to Adira. "So, he hasn't paid yet," Adira rose her brows. "That simply means the sandwich is free to be taken. So, I'm here to pay for it." "I'm afraid it doesn't work that way, Miss," the strange man scoffed. "You haven't paid either. "And since I made the reservation before you, I have every reason to believe it's mine." Adira pivots to face him. "To be frank,

Jardine winced as Adira's words hit her heart like a ton of bricks. She felt her head spin, wishing she hadn't heard correctly.kneel before her? For what reason? What sort of humiliation was that?Her gaze waned as she looked at Adira who had a smug smile on her face. She felt her heart clench in her chest. Kneeling before her was going to be more than an humiliation. How could she even suggest such a thing?"I'm sorry, but..." she stared downward and scoffed. "Why would you even want me to do that?"Adira gave a subdued eye roll. "Why else? You want my forgiveness, right? So, you should be willing to do anything to get it. Now, kneel before me, and I might give it some consideration."Jardine fisted her hands beside her. Never did she expect life to take such a turn on her. Nineteen months ago, who was Adira to even stand in her presence and talk back at her? She was a nobody! How could she have the nerve to sit there and make such a ridiculous request?She was tempted to leave—just

Adira was utterly confused because Nikolai rarely got visitors. Who could it be?The bell rang again. And slowly, Adira stood up to get it.She opened the door, and surprise crept into her face when she noticed it was Vesper, Nikolai's brother.She was amused. Since she started living with Nikolai, Vesper had never paid them a visit. Why was he there all of a sudden?She threw an uncomfortable stare at him, still holding the door open."H...Hi," she forced herself to say.His chiseled frame filled out the sleek, form-fitting black outfit he wore. His steely gaze and tight-lipped expression only added to his intimidating presence, making Adira feel a sense of unease and apprehension."Adira Ravenswood," he called out, ending it with a dark smile.Adira found it offensive that he was addressing her by her old surname. Was he there to goad her?"How're you doing?" He added."I'm, um, I'm fine," she blinked hard, trying to get herself together. She's been trying not to mess with Nikolai's