Chapter 361

Rhea's Pov My fingers twitched, and I almost threw the entire contract folder back across the desk in shock."Is this... a joke?" I choked out.Carmen didn't even flinch. She leaned back in her chair, looking completely unfazed by my reaction.“Hardly.” She replied, her voice smooth and even, “I don’t joke about money, Rhea. Not when it comes to business. That amount is your starting bonus. A signal of my good faith and a down payment for the work I know you are capable of.”I stared at the number, my mind doing dizzying flips. Ten million dollars. It was a lot, especially because of my situation right now. To have this kind of money as merely a ‘down payment’ was something that I didn't really expect. Not at all. “But… Why so much?” I whispered, trying to wrap my head around the sheer scale of the offer, “It’s… it’s huge.”“Because you are valuable.” Carmen stated simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, “I did my homework on you, Rhea. You are the best at what you

Last Updated : 2025-10-22

Chapter 362

Rhea's Pov The first thing I heard was knocking, it was soft at first. Then louder, and louder again.I buried my face deeper into the pillow and groaned. For a few seconds, I tried to ignore it. The bed was warm, soft, and it actually smelled clean, faintly of lavender and something expensive. The kind of smell that made me want to stay wrapped up in it forever.Knock. Knock. Knock.“Ugh…” I muttered into the pillow.I turned over and sat up, rubbing at my eyes. My whole body felt heavy, but not the bad kind of heavy, just the kind that comes from finally resting after too many nights of sleeplessness.“Who is it?” I called out, voice still half-asleep.There was no answer. I swung my legs off the bed and walked slowly towards the door where the knocking continued. Sighing, I opened the door and the next thing I knew, the door swung open and at least five people burst in at once.I blinked hard because for a second, I honestly thought I was dreaming.There were hangers everywhere. D

Last Updated : 2025-10-22

Chapter 363

Rhea's Pov The red-haired woman, the stylist, apparently, was smiling brightly, completely unbothered by how much she’d just scared me.“Sorry, darling.” She said, though her grin said otherwise, “I just had to see for myself. Such a lovely frame! Slender build, graceful neck, perfect posture, oh, we can work with this!”“Uh… thank you?” I managed, still a bit startled.She clapped her hands, eyes sparkling, “Oh, I can already tell! You’re going to be my favorite client this week. Now, let’s get started before the light changes. Sit, sit!”She practically pushed me into the vanity chair.The mirror in front of me was so large I could see the whole room reflected in it, the flurry of motion, the steaming cups of tea Isla had left behind, the bed now empty without the children.The stylist leaned over my shoulder, examining my reflection like a scientist studying something rare, “Your skin is beautiful.” She said, tilting her head, “A bit tan, yes, but smooth. Natural glow. We’ll keep

Last Updated : 2025-10-23

Chapter 364

Rhea's Pov I stared at the mirror, at my reflection. I had smoky eyes, faint shimmer, lips tinted a deep, wine red. The woman staring back at me looked nothing like the one who was walking barefooted a few hours ago. “Alright, darling.” The stylist said, dusting off her hands, “Now that we've found THE make-up look, go take a bath. Let your skin breathe for a moment. Then we begin the real magic, the wardrobe.”I stood, smiling at Neveah, “Be good while I’m gone, okay?”“Yes, Mommy!” She said cheerfully, still admiring her sparkly reflection.I went to the bathroom and turned on the shower. The warm water cascaded down, washing away the faint traces of powder and foundation. The scent of sandalwood lingered faintly on my skin, subtle, but powerful. When I stepped out, I felt lighter, more awake, more me.I wrapped a soft bathrobe around myself and returned to the main room, steam still curling around my hair. The stylist was waiting, and so were the dresses.They were laid out like

Last Updated : 2025-10-23

Chapter 365

Rhea's Pov “Things?” I asked, my curiosity deepening at the subtle shift in her voice. She shook her head with a wistful sigh, “It’s a long story. And in this world, long stories are better buried than told.” Something in her tone sent a ripple of intrigue through me, but I didn’t push. We've only stayed together for a few hours but I noticed that Carmen wasn’t the kind of woman you pried secrets from, she was the kind who revealed them only when she wanted to. Instead, I studied her expression. There was something almost nostalgic in the way she looked at me, as though the sight of me wearing this mask reminded her of something she’d lost. But just as quickly as it appeared, the moment was gone. Carmen straightened, her commanding aura slipping effortlessly back into place. “Anyway.” She said briskly, clasping her hands together, “We don’t have the luxury of reminiscing today, maybe when we have the chance we can talk properly. You’ll need to show yourself in public this eveni

Last Updated : 2025-10-24

Chapter 366

Isabelle's POV “Isabelle.” My father said, his tone clipped as always, “I’ve received word that the Valtieri family and the Valerius family will be attending tonight’s event.”I straightened unconsciously, the mention of those names sending a chill down my spine. The Valtieris were not just influential, they were the kind of family that made presidents tremble. Old money, old power, and the kind of reputation that was both feared and revered. The Valerius family wasn’t far behind. “Yes, Mr. Montaigne.” I replied softly.He continued without pause, “You must ensure we rise in their eyes tonight. Impress them. Make them see you as more than Alaric’s companion, make them see you as his equal. His wife. The Vale Family is also in the upper echelons of society, even more than the Montaignes. If you manage to catch their attention, our family’s influence will expand beyond the city. This is not just a party, Isabelle. It’s a test.”I swallowed hard, pressing the phone closer to my ear, “I