جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 70

The Zurich project had exceeded expectations, giving Vega Corporation and Marquez Group reason to celebrate their successful collaboration. To mark the occasion, they organized a private golf invitational at one of Vesper City’s most exclusive country clubs, followed by a reception for business partners and invited guests.Less formal than a corporate gala, the event offered opportunities to discuss future ventures and strengthen business connections.Delacroix Holdings had been invited as a potential sponsor and international partner. CEO Graham Riggs and senior executive Mr. Callow would attend, and Hazel was encouraged to accompany them to gain experience in such settings.For Hazel, it was another chance to establish herself among Vesper City’s influential circles.For Sasha Marquez, the afternoon had a more personal purpose.Cassian Vega would be there.She arrived with her mother, dressed in tailored ivory trousers, a fitted blouse, and a light jacket. After greeting the hosts a

Blackwater Pier was quiet when Cassian arrived. He stopped by the railing, watching distant lights shimmer on the dark water. He had returned here countless times since Isla disappeared, still unable to accept her loss.Tonight, he needed to think.“You know, most people find less depressing places to spend their evenings.”Cassian glanced back. Brody approached with his hands in his pockets, masking his concern with humor.“I didn't ask you to follow me.”“You left work without a word. I had a pretty good idea where you'd be.”Brody stopped beside him and glanced at the water. “So, your grandfather is serious about Sasha.”“More serious than ever.”“And she wants the engagement, too?”“She offered six months. No promises about love, just an honest attempt to see if we can make it work.”Brody turned to him. “And what do you think?”“It's still an engagement I don't want.”“Then what's changed?”“Everything around it.”Cassian told him about Franklin's warning, the upcoming review of

The conversations quieted as Franklin stepped forward. He surveyed the guests, then turned toward Sasha.“Sasha, would you join us, please?”She approached with a composed smile, though anticipation shone in her eyes. The Marquezes’ presence, the formal reception, and the select group of journalists had already stirred speculation.“Is this what I think it is?” someone whispered.“About time, if you ask me,” another guest murmured.Sasha took her place beside Cassian. Franklin waited for the room to settle.“Our families share a long history, both personally and professionally,” he began. “It gives me great pleasure to announce the engagement of my grandson, Cassian and Sasha Marquez.”Applause filled the room.At that moment, Linus entered through the main doors with Nina Finch beside him. He had invited her to what he described as a family dinner, intending to introduce her to his relatives without making their relationship the focus of the evening. He hadn't known Franklin planned

Isla was finishing some paperwork in her office when Austin appeared at the door.“You’re still here?” he asked.“I’m almost done.”“The rest can wait until tomorrow. There’s no deadline tonight, and you won’t be much use to anyone if you’re exhausted.”Isla smiled faintly. “I’m not exhausted.”“Of course not. You’re just determined to finish everything in one sitting.”“I prefer not to leave loose ends.”“And I prefer my colleagues to remember they have homes to go to.” His expression softened. “Go home. The work will still be here tomorrow.”“I will.”“See that you do. Good night, Isla.”“Good night.”Austin had barely turned away when her phone lit up with a message from Nina.You won’t believe what happened tonight.Before Isla could reply, another message appeared.Cassian and Sasha are officially engaged.She read the messages twice.Austin glanced back. “Everything all right?”“Yes.” Isla locked her phone, though her expression had changed. “Just unexpected news.”He studied he

Mrs. Brooks had served the Marquez family for decades, witnessing its many changes and learning when to speak and when to remain silent. But one secret had weighed on her for years.She had seen the reports announcing Hazel as the missing Delacroix heiress, along with photographs of her at the Delacroix estate. At first, Mrs. Brooks had told herself the matter was none of her concern. She had kept silent for years and feared that speaking now would only stir up the past.Yet watching Hazel being accepted as the rightful heir had made that silence harder to bear.Hazel was not the little girl Fabian had brought into his care after the Delacroix accident more than two decades ago. Mrs. Brooks was certain of it.She remembered the child clearly. Barely two years old, she had been unconscious when Mrs. Brooks first saw her, her clothes stained with blood and her small arms and face covered in scratches.Fabian had said he rescued the girl, but he never explained where he had found her or