Semua Bab Their Domineering Son-in-law: Bab 1 - Bab 10

TristanNumbness washed over me as I turned to gather a few personal possessions into my old canvas shoulder bag - the ratty flannel shirt Vivian used to tease me about but secretly loved, my favorite coffee mug that always made her smile, the Moleskine notebooks filled with story ideas I would sketch out late at night when insomnia kept me up.Just a handful of the everyday items that contained a thousand little memories of our life together. My life, which had imploded in the span of one excruciating hour.“And just where do you think you’re going with those bags?” Linda's sharp voice cut through the haze like a whip crack.I froze, the frayed straps of my bag clutched in one hand. “I...I was just going to take some clothes and my notebooks...” I stammered, shrinking under her piercing glare.“Absolutely not,” she snapped. “You forfeited any claim to possessions in this household when you signed those papers. The only things leaving this house will be the clothes currently on your b

TristanMorning sunlight streamed in through the towering cathedral windows of the opulent Sterling family mansion master suite, rousing me reluctantly from sleep. For a blissful moment I forgot where I was, the plush king mattress and silk bedding feeling foreign and disorienting.Then everything came crashing back in a gut punch of recollection. The humiliatingly public divorce from Vivian. Being cast out and losing everything I had worked for, with only the clothes on my back to my name. And my estranged, domineering grandfather swooping in at my lowest point to reclaim his “wayward heir” like a piece of property.I swallowed hard against the lump forming in my throat. So much for waking to peace and optimism this morning.A brisk, no-nonsense rap at the carved mahogany door heralded the arrival of Viola, one of the many crisply uniformed housekeepers employed by the estate.“Good morning Mr. Sterling,” she pronounced crisply, wheeling in a polished silver serving cart laden with d

VivianThe rhythmic click of my designer heels echoed through the glossy corridors of the Hayes Cosmetics corporate headquarters. Employees jumped to plaster themselves against the walls, averting their eyes as I strode past. One of the perks of being the boss.I rounded the corner and came to a stop outside the sleek frosted glass door bearing my name. Stepping inside my corner office overlooking downtown Avalon City, I paused to take in the view. My kingdom.Rolling my neck to relieve the tension coiled there, I sank into the plush leather executive chair behind my desk. Time to tackle the mountain of paperwork and prepare for this afternoon's critical meeting. Securing a partnership with Hamilton could be the breakthrough Hayes Cosmetics desperately needed to reach the next level.I flipped through the proposal one last time, memorizing key details. A knock at my door drew my attention. My assistant Jess poked her bubbly face in, chirping, "Vivian, your 10 o'clock is here!"I glanc

Tristan's palms grew clammy as he lingered anxiously alone near the bar, mentally rehearsing potential opening lines for when the moment arrived. One thing was certain - he refused to let Vivian's presence rattle him tonight. She had made her priorities abundantly clear when she cut ties with him without warning. Now it was his turn to move forward and accomplish his own goals, regardless of her scorn.Starting with securing the allegiance of the man currently accompanying his ex-wife on the dance floor. The gauntlet had been publicly thrown down by her showing up with Russell Pine. And Tristan intended to rise to the challenge.Across the ballroom, the financier Russell Pine grew increasingly puzzled by the beautiful young CEO chatting animatedly at his side as they swayed together. He had agreed to escort Vivian Hayes tonight as a strategic networking opportunity - her cosmetics company was quickly becoming a major player in Avalon, after all.But her not-so-subtle hints about a pot

The sun sank below the Avalon skyline, casting the Levine family yacht in a golden glow. Strings of lights twinkled to life along the gleaming white rails as the vessel glided across the harbor. On the upper deck, caterers scrambled to arrange trays of hors d'oeuvres and champagne flutes just so, ensuring every detail was perfect for the celebration about to unfold.Right on schedule, the city's elite began arriving in staggered fashion, the gangplank fluttering under the weight of their footsteps. They represented the top titans of industry - real estate moguls, tech tycoons, politicians and bankers - all flocking aboard the lavish yacht to pay their respects to the guest of honor.The man in question stood gazing out at the water, hands folded behind his back. Tristan cut a striking figure in his dark tuxedo, tall and lanky with chiseled features any ancient warrior god would envy. But his blue eyes glinted with a cunning that heralded danger to friend and foe alike."Quite the reve