Semua Bab My Step-Uncle's Plaything: Bab 31 - Bab 40

Mature ContentAliceI wasn’t part of the meeting.Sir Rene had given me a task—several reports that needed to be organized and submitted before the end of the day. So while people in the office began packing up and heading home one by one, I stayed behind at my desk, already used to this kind of setup. I was only a part-timer after all, so working late had become normal for me. It had been the same in my previous jobs—night always seemed to catch up with me.When I noticed that the entire floor had grown quiet and neither Lance nor Sir Rene had returned, I decided it was time to leave. There were no instructions to wait. No one had told me otherwise.But just as I was about to stand up, someone approached me.“I'm Mori,” he introduced himself, saying he was from the customer service department. He had something to hand over to Sir Rene.I accepted the folder without hesitation and introduced myself when he asked who I was. He said the CS Head might ask him later. To me, there was not

Alice“How are you doing in your new apartment, sweetheart?” Mom asked carefully as she walked closer to me. I was at the condo she shares with my stepfather. Whenever I don’t have classes or work at Lance’s company, they ask me to stay here, especially on weekends like this. It’s quiet, comfortable, and it smells like home.“Just tell me if you’re having a hard time, okay? You can always stay here,” she added, her voice gentle, laced with concern.I laughed before I could stop myself. “Then how am I supposed to get a sibling if I live here?” I joked—though there was a bit of truth in it.“Alice,” she said, her cheeks slightly flushed, “what are you even saying?” She smiled shyly, but the look in her eyes gave her away. It was obvious she didn’t entirely mind hearing the word child used in a way that didn’t refer to me.She set the snacks down on the center table. I couldn’t help smiling when I saw the pancakes—golden brown, still steaming slightly—paired with a glass of cold mango ju

Alice“The issue has escalated, which is why we now need a concrete and aggressive marketing plan to completely stop the negative comments and feedback surrounding the product,” Stella, MobTech’s Marketing Head, said seriously. The weight of the pressure was evident in her tone—the kind that told you this was no longer just a simple PR problem.The entire conference room fell silent. The LED screen in front of us was filled with screenshots of negative comments—bashers, fake reviews, and all kinds of accusations. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, and I knew this was the real reason Lance had been so busy lately.I raised my hand, my fingers trembling slightly, and Stella immediately acknowledged me.“Could it be that someone is behind all of this?” I asked, forcing my voice to stay steady. “I mean… It started with just one person, but somehow they managed to gain massive support. It feels too calculated. Too organized to be random hate. Especially since the company already provide

LanceThis wasn’t supposed to be like this.From the very beginning, the contract was clear—no feelings, no attachment. One year. Sex only. Physical release. No emotions involved, no complications.But that time when the Marketing Department was working on a new plan. As I stood by the glass wall on the marketing floor, watching Alice interact with the team—laughing, relaxed, yet completely alert—I knew something had already gone wrong.She’s glowing.Not the forced confidence I often see around here. Not the polished charm people use to climb the corporate ladder. With Alice, it’s quiet but genuine. Every word she says carries meaning. Every point has weight, even when she doesn’t push it.She’s looking at Stella as she explains something—tablet in hand, brows slightly furrowed, but her direction is clear. Stella nods. The team listens.And that’s when I feel it.A tightness in my chest I don’t recognize.Damn it.I keep noticing things I shouldn’t be paying attention to. The way she

Lance“What the hell, Lance!”My father’s furious shout was the first thing that greeted me the moment I stepped into the house. I knew it—coming here was a bad idea. I would’ve rather slept at the office or in my condo than face the lecture he’d clearly been saving ever since the blind date fiasco.I left Jeraldine at the restaurant. No goodbye. No explanation. And yes, I know that wasn’t exactly gentlemanly. But truth be told, I never pretended to be one, especially when I’m certain I have no interest in someone.“I’m no longer a kid, Dad… You can't dictate to me what to do or not to do.”My voice was low but heavy as I walked straight to the minibar. I grabbed a bottle and a glass before heading into the living room, where he stood waiting.I sat on the couch, uncorked the bottle, and poured myself a drink. After setting the bottle down on the side table, I leaned back, acting as if his presence didn’t matter at all, while his eyes followed my every move, the anger on his face impo