100 Greatest Novels & Stories

I slammed the door behind me, and through it, I heard Donna trying to soothe Alec. "You can probably tell—he's got a crush on me. He just couldn't handle me giving you something. I've spoiled him too much. I'll fire him tomorrow, promise." Fuming, I headed back to the office. Then my phone buzzed. Donna. "Hector, you're so petty. It was just a WATCH. Did you really have to upset my client over that? Do you even KNOW he works at Leandro Corp? "You're just some broke, low-class rich guy. The people there are elite.

I'd gone to his study to surprise him, only to find him bent over the design schematics for our rings. The original "Amor Aeternus" was crossed out. Replaced by that new line of Latin: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. My sin, my greatest sin. Five years. The guilt had never left him. Her shadow still loomed over everything between us. "Isabella?" the priest prompted gently. I lifted my head and looked out at the crowd. My father, Don Rossi, his eyes filled with expectation. The Moretti council, sitting ramrod straight, waiting for the answer that would end a decades-long war between our two families.

He said it calmly, but I cannot retain my cool composure. “The Huron couple are the biggest alumni donators to the University. OMG!” I suffocate a scream in my throat. “I really want to thank them in person. “ “Why?” My reaction confuses him. “I thought you despised all of us as spoiled brats. ”

I finally returned to the Oskar estate, and Austin was as happy as a child. "Stella, you're finally back home!" he said, his excitement barely contained. I was speechless. "Is my divorce from Edward really something to celebrate this much?" "Of course! Now, I don't have to worry about an heir. You're going to be the next president of Oskar Group." "What? Don't you plan on finding a partner?" Austin was ten years older than me, yet he had never pursued a relationship. I always thought he was just too picky.

Jc - "Skipping class." Pat - "...." Jc - "Be there at 20mins." he hung up. Waiting for the bus to arrive, he plugged in his earphones as he listened to the news of e-sports. 'We are sorry to announce that the legend of the e-sports world ( Shaker of the XK Gaming) has retired after losing to their old rival ( GoD HanD ) last year in the semi-finals.' "Shaker? First time hearing it since i played a year now, maybe that's why i only know their rival team ( GoD HanD ). I saw their plays many times. They really lived up to their club's name." Talking to himself.

The grand ballroom of the St. Regis was a sea of shimmering silk, expensive champagne, and whispered secrets. It was Day 15. For the first time in over a year, Arthur Garrison was attending a public event with his wife on his arm, rather than a rotating cast of business associates or "close friends."

My heart pounded as I waited for my number to appear. Princess Celestine — 9.7 Commander Cyran Ardent — 10.4 Cheers instantly erupted across the grandstand. Lord Vaeldric Ashbourne — 10.6 The applause grew even louder as the scores climbed higher. I watched the screen without much reaction. I'd already lowered my expectations. Just as I thought, my name appeared last. Of course. I'd taken far too long before pulling the trigger. Lady Seraphina Vermont — 10.3

Day Twenty-Nine. The memory of Silas kneeling on the bedroom carpet was a ghost that refused to be exorcised. All morning, as I sat in my glass-walled office at Orion Strategies, my mind replayed the image of his bowed head. The "detox" was supposed to be a flawless, impenetrable armor. It was designed to withstand his arrogance, his wealth, and his anger. But it wasn't built to withstand his absolute, devastating humility. The cold, protective logic I relied on was beginning to crack, flooded by a profound, undeniable sorrow.

POV: Vivienne Ashford "Professor Hartley wants to formally include the quiet propulsion research direction Grace suggested," Leo announced at dinner, several weeks into his continued summer collaboration with his younger sister, genuine excitement evident in his voice. "He's calling it a promising interdisciplinary application, and he wants to credit Grace as a contributing consultant on the research paper." Grace's eyes widened with disbelieving delight. "Me? A real scientist wants to credit me on an actual research paper?" "You provided the actual insight that shaped this particular research direction," Leo confirmed. "That deserves proper credit, regardless of your age."

Fiona trembled as she said, "No... No way... Timothy is just an ordinary clerk..." Lewis sneered, "An ordinary clerk? Our captain once single-handedly took down seven enemy strongholds!" "Another time, he single-handedly held off an entire enemy battalion to cover his comrades' retreat!" Quentin added. "He once ventured deep behind enemy lines and single-handedly rescued 37 hostages!" Max said passionately. With each claim, Fiona's face paled further. She stared at me in disbelief. It was as if she were seeing me for the first time. "Timothy... Are... Are you really..." Her voice trembled.