As Mom and Dad made their way to the stage, the crowd's attention shifted towards them. They briefly exchanged more stories and conversations with Aurora and me amidst the bustling crowd.But when Mom and Dad reached the stage, everyone's gaze was immediately drawn to them. The room fell into a hushed silence, waiting for them to speak or make an announcement.I could feel a mixture of anticipation and pride welling up within me as I watched my parents take center stage. They were the epitome of grace and power, commanding attention with their mere presence.I knew that whatever they were about to say or do would have a significant impact on the evening's proceedings.The sound of a microphone being tapped draws everyone's attention to the stage."Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please." The crowd turns towards the stage, their curiosity piqued with what Dad said.Beaming, Mom took the other microphone and looks at me.

"Don't worry. I won't do anything. I didn't come back for revenge because I'm not that kind of person. You can have everything to yourself, Isabella. After all, all of that is just scraps to me. Swallow it whole if you want." I said dismissively to her and quickly left the place when I noticed Arik getting closer to our direction.I went straight to the private suite in the tower instead of going home to visit Ariah. I felt exhausted when I arrived on that floor, even though I only stayed briefly at the event because of what happened.It felt like I released a lot of emotions today, but I didn't let anyone see that. Consequently, my fatigue seemed to double.But right after I saw her, running towards me while holding her unicorn stuffed toy, all the pain and weariness in my heart disappeared, replaced immediately by joy and contentment."Mommy!" Ariah cheered and hugged me. I quickly knelt down and welcomed her embrace. "You're quick. Uncle Benj said you'

There, I found Arik sitting on the visitor's couch. His secretary and his cousin Spiker were no longer with him."Our meeting finished a while ago, Mr. Rioflorida. Why are you still here?" I asked as I took a seat across from him.He adjusted himself subtly, his expression lighting up upon seeing me. I couldn't help but stare at him.His haircut was neatly done. It was still somewhat long, but not as long as when I first saw him at the restaurant. He tied it in a clean man-bun. He no longer had his mustache, and his attire was also well put together.It was like a different Arik sitting in front of me now. Just last week, he looked miserable and weighed down by problems, but now his face seemed refreshed.He's indeed handsome. I couldn't help but notice how much he resembled Ariah. Damn it."Celeste," he muttered, as if rehearsing my name, which made me slightly uncomfortable under his gaze. "I'm sorry for taking your time. I just wanted to

Oliver looked at me with malice. "Do you have a meeting with Florida INC. or just a personal meeting with the owner?" "Knock it off, Ol. Let's talk later." "Wait," he interrupted and turned to my secretary. "Please, let him in, Paula." "What? Wait—" I didn't continue what I was about to say because Oliver quickly walked out of his office. I noticed Isabella standing up and approaching me. "So, you're hooking up with him again?" She commented with disgust. I looked at her. "What?" "You're hooking up with Arik again? After I told you that you have no place in his life before? Is that how desperate you are to get everything you want? The Fuentebellas, and now the Riofloridas." She accused me confidently, almost making me laugh. I sighed, "If you only knew, Isabella, you can't say that to me now." I whispered as Oliver and Arik arrived. I gasped when Arik's radiant and handsome face greeted me. That tattoo on his ne

I suddenly noticed Liam's arrival as he planted a direct kiss on my cheek. He looked serious and seemed to have something important to say. "What happened to you?" I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, as we both sat down in the visitor's area of my office. Liam's jaw was clenched. He appeared furious. What the hell? "Liam," I called him out when it seemed like he didn't notice me. "You know your father--uh, no, The Yuchengco is our partner, right?" he began, muttering a curse under his breath. I was taken aback upon hearing that name. "And?" I asked. "Dad made a deal with him. I swear, Celeste, I didn't want to agree to it, but you know Dad. Fuck it!" he blurted out, clearly frustrated. "Just tell me, Liam. What is going on?" He muttered some more curses before looking at me, as if seeking forgiveness. "Dad might call you for dinner tonight. The Yuchengco will be there. I'm not sure what it's about, b