An Offer Hard to Refuse

At nine in the morning, William Montgomery entered the luxurious restaurant in downtown Chicago with an aura that commanded the room.Daniel was already waiting at a corner table with a smile that was warm but full of calculation."Mr. Montgomery," Daniel greeted while standing and extending his hand. "Thank you for taking the time."William shook with a firm grip—his eyes sharp and wary."Mr. Blackwood. Your proposal was intriguing enough to make me curious."They sat facing each other like two chess players studying each other's opening moves.Daniel knew exactly why he was here.Not to discuss technology or market projections.But to buy influence over the man who could pressure Adrian Lawson—the lawyer who was targeting Alina.A waiter came. They ordered—William ordered an egg white omelet with asparagus, Daniel the same.Then the meeting began."Let's get straight to the point," William said while placing a napkin in his lap. "You're proposing a strategic partnership for a joint

The Awaited Return

Mrs. Helen stood in front of Alina's bedroom mirror with trembling hands holding a comb.Alina sat in a chair with a posture as stiff as a doll. Her eyes stared blankly at the mirror but not really seeing her own reflection."Madam," Mrs. Helen whispered in a soft voice full of worry. "Mr. Daniel will be home this afternoon. Let me help you tidy up, okay?"No response. No reaction.Mrs. Helen took a trembling breath and began combing Alina's hair with very gentle movements—as if touching something very fragile that could break at any moment.Alina's hair, which used to be thick and shiny, now looked dull and fell out on the comb. Mrs. Helen felt her chest tighten seeing how many strands fell every time she combed."Madam is beautiful," Mrs. Helen whispered while braiding Alina's hair in a simple way. "Mr. Daniel will surely be happy to see Madam looking neat."Still no response.Mrs. Helen took some moisturizer and applied it gently to Alina's pale face. Her skin felt cold and dry und

The Panic

Anger crept up Daniel's spine."Alina tried what?" His voice dropped, low and dangerous. "Say it."Mrs. Helen bowed her head. Her hands trembled. "Mrs. Alina... yesterday, she tried to hurt herself, Sir. With a small knife from the food tray. But I arrived in time. Just a shallow cut. I cleaned and bandaged it. Not deep—"BANG!Daniel slammed the table until the lamp on it wobbled.Mrs. Helen flinched. She covered her mouth with trembling hands."YOU!"Daniel turned. His movement was quick. His eyes sharply locked on Mr. Harris with anger no longer restrained."Why didn't I know about this? Why DIDN'T YOU REPORT IT?!"Mr. Harris stood upright. His back straight as usual, but his jaw hardened and his face lost color."I thought... it wasn't necessary to make you worried, Sir. Madam had been handled. The wound was small and already treated. Mrs. Helen also watched twenty-four hours without break. I thought the situation was under control, Sir.""YOU THOUGHT?!" Daniel stepped forward. Th

Alina is Pregnant

Dr. Ross arrived twenty minutes later with a medical bag in hand and a face that looked panicked.The middle-aged woman stepped into Alina's room with tense posture—shoulders slightly hunched as if carrying an invisible burden.Daniel stood beside the bed where Alina lay with eyes closed. Her breathing was short and irregular after the exhausting vomiting episode."Dr. Ross," Daniel greeted in a voice still full of urgency but more controlled. "Thank you for coming."Dr. Ross nodded while placing the medical bag on the bedside table."Mr. Blackwood," she answered in a professional tone but with tension in her voice. "What happened?"Daniel explained quickly—Alina hadn't eaten for almost twenty-four hours, vomited heavily when smelling food, drastically declining physical condition, and the suicide attempt a few days ago.Dr. Ross listened while taking out a stethoscope and blood pressure monitor from her bag.Her eyes occasionally glanced at Alina with an expression that was hard to r

Dark Revenge

In her luxurious penthouse, Margaret sat in front of her laptop with eyes fixed on the screen.A few minutes ago, the hidden CCTV in Alina's room displayed very clear images. Daniel hugging Alina tightly, happy because his wife was truly pregnant.Margaret had been watching since Linda—her paid servant—sent a message that Dr. Ross had arrived in a hurry.Something must have happened.And Margaret didn't want to miss anything.She heard everything.Every word Daniel said. Every diagnosis from Dr. Ross. Every detail of the examination.And when Dr. Ross announced the test results—Alina was pregnant.Margaret froze.The wine glass in her hand almost fell."No," Margaret whispered in a voice trembling between shock and rage. "THAT WOMAN CAN'T BE PREGNANT!"The image of Daniel laughing with a voice of victory full of euphoria filled her head. A sense of panic immediately filled her chest."This should never have happened!"Margaret closed the laptop hard while clenching her fists."That wo

Forced Apology

Daniel and Dr. Ross came out of the study with serious expressions—both had just finished a long discussion about the care protocol for Alina who was pregnant in critical condition."Remember what I said, Dr. Ross," Daniel said in a tone that left no room for error. "Full dose prenatal vitamins. Daily IV nutrition until she can eat properly. And close monitoring for signs of fetal distress."Dr. Ross nodded with a pale face."I understand, Mr. Blackwood. I will—""PAPA!"A cheerful voice cut off their conversation.Daniel turned and saw Junior running across the corridor with a wide smile—an expression very different from the fear he showed a few days ago when Daniel slapped him."Junior," Daniel greeted while opening his arms.Junior immediately hugged Daniel's waist tightly—an embrace full of the joy of a small child who missed his father."Papa's home!" Junior said in an excited voice. "I missed Papa! Where has Papa been?"Daniel smiled—the first genuine smile since coming home. He