Ryan got on the plane after he had breakfast with Violet. There was some small change in the ceremony. Or whatever people call it, this handling of the company he didn't want. He only needed less than three three-hour drive if Ashford Group's headquarters was still in Lancaster. But, through all of his disappearance in the last ten years, he didn't think that Howard would move the company's headquarters halfway through all the States. Located in Seattle, it was basically on the other side of America. Then, after a few hours of flight, the plane was ready to land. Ryan watched for a moment as other people around him were getting ready to board off the plane. Looking back out the window, Ryan wondered if he should ask Violet to accompany him. She might say yes, and they might explore Seattle for some time. Although, he would leave the next day, so he'd prefer to get some rest any other way. Exiting the small loading bridge from the plane, he was relieved when he stepped on solid fl

Ryan followed Thomas to the conference room that was at the very end of the hallway.The double doors were opened for him as he stepped inside, finding a large table that was seated with at least eleven men who all suddenly fell quiet. Seated against the wall were a few more people. No matter where he looked, everyone seemed a little tense.“Have a seat, Rayven Ashford,” an even voice said.Looking up at who had said his name, Ryan’s eyes fell on a dark-haired man who looked fairly old. Wearing a slim-fitted black vest with dark red tie, his suit jacket was neatly perched behind him against the back of his chair.The old man studied Ryan for a moment, glancing back down a thick packet of documents before him on the table. After seeing Edric seated next to the man, without another thought, he knew it had to be someone he should know because his voice sounded familiar in his ears.Everyone else around the table stared with a mix of

Sitting opposite each other in the dining room, they locked their gaze. The dark sea and its chill night breeze called for them, but they had the most important discussion in the whole universe happening now.Ryan smiled a little. "Do you know why Edric did all of this?"Violet frowned, thinking for a minute about what he was asking. Kind of ridiculous, really. They both knew why Edric fucking did all of this. Because he was a psychopath.But, just to humor Ryan as he had worked so hard today. "He wants the company for himself.""Yes, but he's the only child Howard have. He will get it no matter what.""You're right," Violet nodded, "But, then, your father found out that you're alive.""That doesn't mean anything. As far as I'm concern, Howard hated my gut since I was born. Even if I'm still there, he will treat me as usual, like a dog he can take his stress out on.""What are you trying to say, exactly?"Ryan prepared himself

The clock showed 09.34, but nobody cared about that.Moon bright, hanging high above the skyscrapers of New York, lighting the rooftop restaurant in a soft glow. The night air sent a chill down their spine, reminding them that fall was near. Colorful disco lights here and there, clashing softly against blue and pink drinks on their hands. Music blared, sending a slow rhythm of oldies jazz.However, nobody also paid attention to any of that.Particularly, for Marissa.Tonight, this rooftop restaurant was fully reserved to host a party for her friend’s 35th marriage anniversary. Ferry and Rosanda clearly spent money for it, and she would enjoy every penny, like all guests should do.Besides, she could ignore all of the fuss in favor of giving the handsome man in front of her the attention he deserved. “It must be exciting, flying all over the world to sing in big theaters like you, Rhome.”The man in a black and soft purple t

The rooftop restaurant was in a static hectic if that was even a word. All the guests’ eyes were on both of the Crowne couples, much to the host’s annoyance. However, no one could resist this juicy piece of gossip that surely will rock the world tonight. Or at least the social circle they were in. “Look, my pretty lady,” Rhome said, then cursed himself when he realized what he had just said, “I mean, Marissa,” he cleared his throat, “I know that you have adult children already, I just don’t know that you are still in a marriage with your husband.” “Well, not for long.” “Oh, that’s a relief,” Rhome let out the breath he held back. But unlike him, the reaction from Marissa’s daughter was far worse. Slamming her hand on the dining table, Violet exclaimed, “You what?!” Sighing, Ryan focused on the heated conversation played before his eyes again. “Say that again, Mom!” Marissa didn’t back down. She held Viol