AS VICTOR and LATTON's divorce was known to everyone. Latton has received several invitations to different events, from a business gala to a charity ball, and even an invitation to a group date at the Royal Ascent. She can’t stop smiling while reading its contents. ‘Come and meet other successful single young adults… upper class… Blah... Blah... Blah...’ “Oh, good god.” She mumbles to herself. Soon Thalia and Angeline entered the living room. “What are you laughing about?” Thalia asked enthusiastically. Latton waved the invitation to her mother. “This. Someone wants me to attend this event. It's probably Lucius or Xavier who did this.” She explains. Thalia exhaled, “It's not them. It's me. I think it's time for you to meet new people. There are a lot of men out there. Way better than…” She paused and did not mention his name. “I am concerned about you, Latton.” Thalia sighed profoundly then patted Latton’s back. “Sometimes we meet people that make us feel amazing, and we want the

LUCIAN leans on the wall. He wanted to march to her, grab her hand, and take her away from the guy she was talking to, but he couldn’t. He doesn’t have the right to do it. He listened to their conversation that felt like forever, but even as time passed the glee in her voice never changed. When he heard the guy invite her to go to a different venue, he instantly felt a pit in his stomach. There was a voice shouting in his head. “Say no!” “Say no!” “Please, say no!” But to his disappointment, she said yes. He couldn’t take it anymore, and with a heavy heart, he left. “Let me call my cousin first. He might get worried.” She commented. Theo grinned, “Sure, I’m texting my client now.” He replied. She frowns as her calls can’t reach Xavier. “I think my cousin turned off his phone or his battery is dead.” She remarks. “Do you want to go back to the mixer?” He suggested. She nods. Shortly, both of them walked to the VVIP room. Theo stood in the bar area while Latton looked for Xavi

XAVIER was sleeping soundly in his room when he felt an ominous aura around him. He opens his eyes only to see Latton sitting on the chair staring back at him with a piercing gaze as if she wants to make a hole in him. He gasped, then fell on the bed in fright, “Holy shit! Latton. What the fuck is wrong with you?” He yelled out as he stood up. She smirked, “Who gave you the right to meddle with my affairs?” She exclaimed. Her face conveys disappointment, anger, and exasperation. He swallowed slowly, “I did it for you. That confused man doesn’t deserve you.” He explains guiltily. She shook her head, “And do you think you deserve my kindness, Xavier!?” She screamed in rage. Her voice was so loud that he felt he was a child being scolded by his mother. He then remembered what Lucius had said before. ~She might banish us from the Ripley estate. Our parents, especially our mother, will be devastated.~ He slowly marched towards her and knelt, his forehead touching the floor, “I’m sorry

SEVERAL years ago... Spring Break... The 16-year-old Henri met the 13-year-old Latton when she entered his tree house located outside their family's estate. For her, he is the only boy she can talk to without triggering her anxiety and, for him, she is the only person that treats him kindly. From one spring break to another, their fondness for each other grew stronger, and they developed emotions for one another. But things were about to change on one normal day. Henri had just turned 18 years old and Latton flew a week early to Ohio to surprise him. She went to the tree house and waited for him patiently. She knew he goes the tree house every day. By six in the evening, he arrived and was surprised to see her there, with a small chocolate cake in hand. She sang him a birthday song and could see how delighted he was. "Come on blow your cake and make a wish," she uttered, smiling from ear to ear. He nodded, then stared into her eyes. The light of the candle was reflected in her da

~YOU should be elated I’m kissing you. You married Victor York. A socialite scum, you’re essentially trash right now.~ A statement the well-known defense lawyer, Theodore Wilson, said to the billionaire heiress Latton Ripley, which he soon regretted saying.Using Latton’s detailed instructions, Igor executed the plan to kick Theo off of his high pedestal.Early in the morning, Theo receives a dozen calls from various reporters who want to interview him, from a top-notch defense attorney to a legal practitioner who is facing disbarment.He is in a deep conundrum. All his secrets are out, from extortion, assault, bribery, and drugs. In just 24 hours, his life was turned 360 degrees. With the number of people he has hurt and used over the last decade, he can’t pinpoint who is destroying him.Meanwhile, Latton woke up from her deep slumber. Feeling refreshed as if the weight of the world is now off her shoulders. She soon notices her clothes are different. From the pants and white shirt sh