Novels by SHSA

Chapter 438: The Carl Family’s ReturnThe tension at EMC was thick as news of the Carl family’s return spread like wildfire. Employees whispered in hushed tones as they watched the once-untouchable family members shuffle through the hallways, no longer carrying the air of arrogance they once did.“I can’t believe they’re back and not jailed,” one employee muttered near the breakroom.“And not just back—actually working,” another added with a smirk.For months, the Carls had been ghost employees, collecting salaries and perks without lifting a finger. Many had expected EMC to throw the book at them, maybe even see them behind bars. But instead, Liam did something far better—he used his power to pardon them of their misuse of power, their privileges, and their status.Now, they had to actually work for what they once took for granted.At Human Resources, Janet Moore, Liam’s former secretary, sat behind her desk, skimming through the Carl family’s files with a sour expression.She had br

Chapter 437: A Dangerous PlanWilliams Jesse sat in the plush leather chair across from Mr. Sterling, his fingers drumming against the armrest. The dim lighting of the study cast deep shadows across the mahogany walls, giving the room an air of quiet menace.Mr. Sterling, as always, was composed, dressed impeccably in a dark gray suit, his silver hair neatly combed back. His sharp blue eyes were locked onto Williams, unwavering.Finally, he leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk, fingers interlaced. His voice was calm, measured.“So, what exactly happened to you on the day of your hospitalization?”Williams exhaled sharply, shaking his head before meeting Sterling’s gaze.“Kai Nakamura happened,” he said.Sterling arched a brow but remained silent, waiting for him to continue.Williams shifted in his seat. He told him everything about Kai's true identity, and how he has been disguising as Nathaniel Grey the whole time “He’s back, and he wants revenge. He ambushed me in the restroo

Chapter 436: A Reckoning ApproachesWilliams groaned as he blinked awake, the morning light filtering through his blinds, casting soft, golden streaks across his ceiling. His muscles still ached from the injuries he had sustained, but the pain was manageable now. He stretched his arm out, reaching for his phone on the nightstand.The screen lit up with a notification. New Email: Alisha Carl, secretary of the co-president of EMC – Meeting Invitation by Liam Carter, co-president of EMC.Williams frowned, sitting up properly in bed. Alisha now Liam's secretary? When and how? She used to be a junior staff manager, someone barely noticeable in EMC’s hierarchy. But now, she had somehow climbed to Liam Carter’s secretary? Interesting.Curiosity piqued, he unlocked his phone, scrolling through the email.Subject: Invitation – Thursday Morning 10 AMFrom: Alisha Carl, Secretary to the Co-President of EMCTo: Williams JesseMr. Jesse,You are invited to a meeting with Mr. Liam Carter on Thur

Chapter 435: Alisha’s LoyaltyThe entire office buzzed with hushed whispers, murmurs slithering through the corridors like a well-fed serpent. “Did you hear? Liam Carter demoted his secretary.” “Just like that? Without reason?” “And guess who got the job? Alisha Carl.”The name lingered in the air like an unanswered question, followed by raised eyebrows and exchanged glances.Alisha Carl had always been a subject of gossip—once, because of her failed marriage to James Wane, and her relationship with Jaxon; now, because of her sudden rise to power under Liam Carter. But if the whispers bothered her, she gave no indication.Dressed in a sleek black pencil skirt and a white silk blouse that accentuated her sharp, poised elegance, Alisha walked into EMC that morning with her head high, her heels clicking against the polished floors. Every glance, every side-eye she received, was met with indifference.Let them talk.She had been through worse.Liam’s former secretary, Janet Moore, had lef

Chapter 434: Back homeWilliams Jesse sat on the edge of his hospital bed, flexing his fingers, testing his strength. The sterile smell of antiseptic clung to the air, mixing with the faint scent of fresh linen. His body ached, but not as much as his mind. Every moment in the hospital had been torture—not just from the pain, but from the vulnerability of being out of control. He was a man who thrived in the shadows, orchestrating moves in silence, yet here he was, weak and exposed.The sound of soft footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Lana Wane stood at the door, her brown eyes filled with quiet concern. Dressed in a simple beige blouse and black trousers, she looked effortlessly elegant, her long hair cascading over one shoulder. She offered a small smile as she stepped inside.“Finally, they let you out,” she said, placing a small bag on the bedside table. “You had me worried.”Williams forced a chuckle, though it came out rough. “I didn’t know you cared that much,” he teased, a

Chapter 433: The Shadows of RecoveryThe bright white light of the hospital room hummed softly overhead as Dr. Avery flipped through the last few pages of William Jesse’s medical chart. Williams sat on the edge of the hospital bed, arms crossed, face set in a mask of mild annoyance. The only thing keeping him from walking out the door himself was the fact that he still felt the dull ache in his ribs every time he moved too fast.“Alright, Jesse,” Dr. Avery finally said, snapping the folder shut, “your scans are clear, and your vitals are stable. You’re free to go.”Williams feigned a scowl, shaking his head. “I told you, Doc, I need not stay a little longer. There’s something I need to—”“Finish a project?” Dr. Avery arched an eyebrow, folding his arms over his chest. “Yes, you’ve told me. And I don’t buy it.”Williams chuckled under his breath. Of course, the doctor wasn’t fooled. That didn’t mean he’d admit that there was no project, only the tangled mess he had left unfinished outs

Chapter 426: Kate’s Visit to SkyCareKate Carl decided to visit skycare and see if Williams could help even in his hospital bed. He has always helped them in the past, and she thought he would this time around too.She arrived at SkyCare Medical Center, stepping out of her black luxury sedan with a deep breath. The hospital’s glass facade gleamed under the afternoon sun, giving it an air of sterility and wealth. Inside, the lobby was spacious, the scent of antiseptic hanging in the air as nurses moved briskly from one station to another. The soft hum of conversations between patients, doctors, and visitors created a low, almost soothing background noise.Kate, dressed elegantly in a beige coat over a fitted dress, approached the reception desk with her usual poised demeanor. The receptionist, a young woman in a crisp uniform, looked up with a professional smile.“Good afternoon. How may I help you?”“I’m here to see Williams Jesse,” Kate said smoothly.The receptionist glanced at her

Chapter 34In the dark hallway, Valentina pressed her back against the cold stone wall, her heart pounding in her chest. The deep silence of the mansion surrounded her, broken only by the muffled sounds of the conversation coming from Diego’s study. She had been in the bedroom when the men entered, and unable to resist, she had tiptoed silently to the door to listen in.Though she hadn’t heard much of the conversation—her position had been precarious and the voices low—the part that had caught her off guard made her blood run cold. Javier had suggested hiring the best hackers in the world to break into Alejandro’s casino since the fire attack wasn’t successful, and Valentina’s mind had skipped at the thought.She didn’t know Alejandro personally, but from the little she’d gathered, he seemed like a young, innocent man who luckily won her husband’s scam lottery.Yet here was Diego, her husband, plotting to destroy him piece by piece. She couldn’t stand the thought of Diego manipulating

Chapter 33The night was cloaked in a veil of restless clouds, the soft hum of distant crickets the only sound outside Diego’s sprawling mansion. Inside, the warm glow of chandeliers illuminated a room thick with tension. The mahogany table in Diego’s private study bore marks of age and power, much like the man who sat at its head.The thick smell of cigars mingled with the faint tang of spilled whiskey, curling through the opulent study like a specter of power. A half-empty wine bottle stood forgotten on the table, next to a silver tray dusted with the remnants of cocaine. The grand chandelier above cast flickering light, illuminating the tension etched into every corner of the room.Diego lounged in his leather armchair, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. His dark eyes, sharp as a hawk’s, bore into the men seated before him. On the table, a glass of Malbec swirled lazily in his other hand, the deep red liquid glinting in the light. He didn’t need to speak; the silence was s

Chapter 32Later That AfternoonThe golden rays of the afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of Alejandro’s mansion as the doorbell echoed throughout the luxurious halls. James, the butler, shuffled to the entrance, opening the door to reveal two women—Amy Johnson and Judy Miller.Amy wore a simple floral dress that flattered her petite frame, while Judy was dressed in bold designer clothing, her oversized sunglasses perched arrogantly on her head.“Welcome, ladies,” Mr. James said with a polite nod, stepping aside to let them in.Amy gasped, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the mansion's new interior that Sophia had had made. “Oh my gosh, Judy, look at this place! It’s like something out of a movie!” she whispered excitedly.Judy rolled her eyes, stepping inside with a smirk. “Calm down, Amy. It’s not like you’re moving in. You’ll embarrass yourself, as usual.”Amy flushed but ignored the jab, too enamored by the sparkling chandeliers and marble floors to c

Chapter 31He left the gym and headed straight for Theo’s office. Pushing open the door, he found Theo reviewing the updated security plans.“Got a minute?” Miguel asked, shutting the door behind him.“Sure,” Theo said, leaning back in his chair. “What’s up?”Miguel crossed his arms, pacing slightly. “It’s about Sophia and that so-called gym instructor of hers, Oscar.”Theo raised an eyebrow. “What about them?”“I just saw them in the gym. The way they were interacting—too close, too familiar. He told her he missed her after the ‘kidnapping.’ It’s odd, Theo. He’s supposed to be her trainer, not her confidant.”Theo frowned. “You think there’s something going on between them?”Miguel stopped pacing, his expression serious. “I don’t just think it—I know it. And we need to keep a closer eye on them. There’s something about Oscar that doesn’t add up. He’s disrespectful to staff, acts entitled, and now he’s cozying up to Sophia.”Theo nodded thoughtfully. “Do you want me to escalate this?

Chapter 30The next day was a Sunday. It was a bright morning, and the mansion grounds were bustling with activity. The new gardener was trimming hedges, while a few maids hurried about their chores. At the gate, Martin, the elderly gateman, was performing his usual duties, meticulously inspecting everyone entering and leaving.A sleek, black car pulled up at the gate, and Oscar stepped out. Dressed in an expensive tracksuit and sunglasses, he looked around with a smug expression. He gestured impatiently at Martin, his tone sharp.“Hurry up, old man! Do you want me to stand here all day?” Oscar snapped, leaning against the car. “Open the gate already!”Martin, used to dealing with difficult people, remained calm but couldn’t hide the slight frown forming on his face. “I’m just doing my job, sir. Could you please confirm your identity?”Oscar scoffed, pulling off his sunglasses. “I’m Sophia’s gym instructor. She’s expecting me. Now stop wasting my time and open the gate!”Martin nodded