Aidan's mind raced as he weighed his options, knowing the gravity of the decision before him. "Can't we manage there…?" he began, but Cruzita cut him off with a firm shake of her head."No," she asserted in a strong whisper. "It's been over 20 years. The building might even collapse soon. Talk to her. Please."Aidan's gaze flickered to Karina, uncertainty clouding his features. He knew he needed to talk to her, to find a way out of this mess. But as he met her eyes, he couldn't shake the feeling of shame that washed over him. How could he face her after everything that had happened between them?He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew would be a difficult conversation."Karina, please," he began, his voice pleading. "Give us time to sort this out. We can't just pack up and leave in such a manner...""Such a manner?” Karina interjected. Her expression hardened, and she took a step closer to Aidan, her eyes flashing with anger. "What about when you kicked me out six yea

Karina's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Oh, Amira is so lucky to have you defending her," she purred, her words laden with sarcasm. Aidan, however, was focused on the task at hand. "You can file a case against Amira for attempted murder," he continued, his tone resolute. "But first, I need you to give us time. You took our house under my nose and took us unaware. My family can't leave in the next 24 hours,” he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation as he stared at her, willing her to understand. Karina locked eyes with him, her expression unreadable as she considered his request. “So, Mr. Algernon, what do you seek?" Karina's voice dripped with smug satisfaction as she observed Aidan's discomfort. She enjoyed seeing him so hopeless and helpless. “I came to ask for more time to get the money and return it to you," Aidan responded, his tone laced with desperation. “Hmm, I guess I can consider it if you show some signs of seriousness." Karina's smirk widened as she gestured t

Despite what was going on, Grandma Lila still couldn't accept anything detrimental to Karina. "Cole, do not say such things," She reprimanded her. "Aidan did what was right and humane...""But what about her, Mother?! She is demanding that we be her servants. Is that humane?!" Cole seethed."Oh, my ex-father-in-law, you have no right to speak about what is humane or inhumane," Karina stated nonchalantly, further fueling his disdain for her."That is enough, Karina," Aidan exclaimed, raising his voice. "Do not disrespect my father."Karina swiftly turned and fixed him with a gaze. "If you all cannot adhere to my terms, then you should leave my house to avoid further embarrassment and disrespect. Depart before noon tomorrow or I will make your lives unbearable...""You can't possibly do that!" Amira interjected, her voice cutting through the tension. Karina chuckled and turned to face her, a sly smile on her lips. They both started approaching each other. Amira and Karina stood face to

Not accepting Amira's prolonged silence, Rie leaned in closer, her voice soft but insistent. "I know it's hard to believe, but it's the truth," she urged, her eyes boring into Amira's.Amira shook her head in disbelief. "Aidan couldn't have possibly slept with Karina after he ended their marriage," she protested, her voice tinged with desperation.Rie let out a low chuckle, shaking her head in amusement. "You're so naive, Amira. Karina was already pregnant before their divorce," she revealed, her tone dripping with smugness.Amira's eyes widened in shock, a mixture of anger and regret flooding her senses. "If I had known, I would have put an end to Karina six years ago," she muttered bitterly, her fists clenched in frustration. But then, curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Rie. "How do you know all this?" she demanded, her voice edged with suspicion.Rie's smile remained enigmatic as she shrugged casually. "I have my sources," she replied cryptically, refusing to divulg

Amira's expression turned deadly serious as she spoke, her eyes steeling with determination. "We need to meet and talk. This is serious."Rie's response was swift and confident. "I'm always available if it's business."With a nod of acknowledgment, Amira ended the call. As she stood there, alone in her apartment, she felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. She spoke aloud to herself while gazing at her reflection in the mirror, her words echoing in the empty room. "Aidan belongs to me. He's my mission and forever goal. Nothing is going to make him slip from my grasp. Not Karina or some forsaken daughter of theirs on this planet."Her resolve solidified, and she began making plans, her mind already strategizing how to use this newfound information to her advantage. She knew she had to act fast before Karina could use Aidan's daughter as a tool against her.*******In the quiet corner near the staircase of the Everhardt mansion, Riley twirled around with a wide smile,