Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 201 - Chapitre 210

Isabella pushed open the door to their modest home, letting the familiar scent of simmering stew and garlic wash over her. Her shoulders sagged with relief…it had been a long day at the company, balancing schedules, arranging files, and, of course, trying not to notice whenever her boss, Colton Denovan, glanced her way.Almost as soon as she stepped in, the clatter of utensils came from the kitchen. Their mother was setting the table, carefully spooning rice into bowls. At that same moment, the front door banged behind her, and Lily bounded in, her school bag barely hanging onto one arm.“Food! Finally!” Lily cried, dropping her bag in the hallway and running to the dining table.“Not so fast, young lady,” their mother scolded. “You’ve been running about all day in that uniform. Go and bathe before you sit here.”Lily groaned dramatically, already pulling a chair out. “Just one bite, Mama. I swear I’ll go after that.”“Not even one grain of rice,” her mother said firmly, shooing her a

The estate was alive with movement that afternoon. Maids scurried through the hallways carrying trays of flowers, bolts of fabric, and polished silverware. Laughter and chatter mingled with the crisp sound of footsteps across the marble floors. The Denovan home had become a beehive of activity in preparation for Maya’s announcement party, and the energy filled every corner.Elias arrived quietly, his car rolling into the driveway like a shadow against the grand house. He stepped out with his usual poise, the faint breeze ruffling his dark hair as the butler hurried forward to greet him. Inside, he first sought out Maya’s parents.“Good afternoon,” he said warmly, bowing his head slightly in respect.Mrs. Denovan smiled, putting aside the fabric she had been reviewing with a maid. “Elias, what a surprise! You should have told us you were coming.”“I couldn’t resist,” he admitted. “I wanted to see how everything was going.”Before Mr. Denovan could respond, a shriek of delight broke acr

After Elias left, Maya lingered in her room for a while, replaying the softness of his kiss and the way he looked at her as if nothing else in the world mattered. A smile still curved her lips as she finally rose, deciding to help prepare dinner.Downstairs, the kitchen was alive with quiet movement. The maids worked in practiced rhythm slicing, stirring, carrying dishes back and forth. Maya tied on an apron, insisting on helping despite their protests. “I want to do this,” she said with a grin, taking the bowl of vegetables and working side by side with them.It felt different being here not just as a guest, but as a daughter. Every sound, every detail of the house wrapped around her with warmth she had longed for all her life.By the time the food was ready, Maya carried the tray herself to the dining room. Her parents were already waiting. Mrs. Denovan’s smile was bright as she saw her daughter step in, followed by maids with steaming bowls.“You’ve worked hard,” her mother said, s

Maya’s workroom was golden beams bouncing off the scattered fabrics, scissors, and threads spread across her wide wooden table. She had been here since morning, hunched over her latest creation. The velvet dress lay stretched before her, and her fingers carefully pressed the last bead into place. Each bead shimmered like a tiny star, catching the sunlight.Her workers had begged to take over, offering to handle the tedious stitching, but Maya refused. This particular gown was too close to her heart….her first official presentation as the Denovans’ daughter. She wanted to breathe life into it herself, to know that when she walked into that party, she was wearing not just silk and beads, but every ounce of her effort and determination.Still, as the hours dragged on, the weight pressed against her chest. The party loomed nearer each day, and with it, the pressure of stepping into a world that had only just opened its doors to her. The whisper, sideways glance she had overheard since new

The evening air hung thick with the smell of roasted peppers and fried onions drifting from the kitchen. Isabella closed the front door behind her and slipped off her heels with a sigh of relief. Work had been long, and all she wanted was a warm shower and some quiet. But laughter drifted from the living room, pulling her curiosity toward the source.She rounded the corner and found Lily and their mother, Clara, bent over a large glossy box sitting on the coffee table. The box was pristine white with silver letters shimmering across the top M&D FASHION HOUSE. Isabella froze. She knew that name. Everyone in the city did. Dresses from M&D weren’t simply clothes; they were statements, often worn by the rich, powerful, or impossibly famous.“What’s going on here?” Isabella asked, tilting her head as she dropped her handbag onto the nearest chair.Lily gasped, her eyes bright with mischief. “Oh, perfect timing! Come see what just arrived!” She lifted the lid carefully, like unveiling treas