Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 231 - Chapitre 240

Caroline’s Point of View The soft clinking of champagne glasses and low murmurs of conversation buzz around me as we step into the grand ballroom. Everything sparkles—from the chandeliers to the polished marble floors, to the sequence of glittering gowns that sweep across the space. I try to stand tall. Calm. Composed. But I can feel my heart hammering beneath the sleek fabric of my dress. Adrian walks beside me in a sharp, tailored black suit, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. We’ve only taken a few steps into the crowd when I feel it—his grip stiffens. Not forceful, just tense. I follow his gaze before he even says anything. Knoxx. He’s standing by the bar in a black tux, holding a glass of whiskey, casually speaking with a few men in similar dark suits. But his eyes are already on me. He do

Caroline’s Point of View I stare at him in disbelief. My hand is still frozen on the edge of the sink, the marble cool beneath my palm. The heavy silence of the ladies’ bathroom is broken only by the distant thump of the music outside the gala doors and my shallow breathing. “Why did you hide it from me?” Knoxx repeats, his voice firmer this time. I blink, unsure if I actually heard him right the first time. “What are you talking about?” His eyes lock onto mine. He takes a step forward. I instinctively step back, my heels clicking against the tiles. “Knoxx,” I warn, my voice trembling. “This is the women’s bathroom.” He doesn’t respond. His jaw clenches, and I catch a whiff of alcohol the closer he gets. It isn’t overpowering, but it’s enough. 

Caroline’s Point of ViewI drag my suitcase behind me as I step out of the car, the sound of wheels scraping gently against the concrete breaking the quiet early evening. Penelope walks just a step behind, her phone tucked into her tote bag now that we’ve finally reached my building. The trip was relaxing—at least on the surface. But now, back in the city, everything I set aside is already pressing on me again.My front door is just ahead, and I’m about to dig into my purse for the key when I see him.Adrian.Standing near the doorway, in his neatly pressed shirt and slacks, a blazer draped over his arm. His hair is slightly tousled, like he’s been out here for a while. For a second, I’m confused. Then surprised. Then something else—something warmer.“Hey,” I say softly, blinking.Adrian smiles. It’s not the one he flashes in public. It’s the quieter one he saves for me when no one else is watching. “You’re back.”Before I can say anything else, he closes the distance between us and p

Caroline’s Point of View The networking lunch is held at one of those glass-walled rooftop lounges that looks good in photos but somehow always feels too exposed in real life. The clinking of silverware and the low hum of business chatter swirl around us as I sit beside Adrian at a table filled with CEOs, investors, and a handful of government partners. Everyone’s dressed sharp—tailored suits, curated smiles, careful handshakes. I’m in a navy silk blouse and a pale cream skirt. Clean. Professional. Fitting, but not too much. I came prepared. I rehearsed my points. I reviewed the agenda. I even practiced the introductions in my head last night. But none of that matters when Adrian starts talking. “Caroline’s been leading the design te

Caroline's Point of View It’s supposed to be a calm day. Just me and Liam. No work. No calls. No meetings. No Adrian. I wake up early, careful not to disturb anything in the house. Adrian left before sunrise for some meeting he said couldn’t wait. That left me with a window. A rare moment to breathe. He was here last night because he spent time with Liam since he wants to play with him. I glance over at Liam’s bed. He’s still curled up, messy-haired and hugging his stuffed lion like it’s the most important thing in the world. I smile and brush a hand through his hair. “Liam,” I whisper, leaning closer. “You still wanna go on that date with Mama today?” His eyes flutter open slowly, and the second the words sink in, he bolts upright.&nbs