Chapter Fifty oneMrs. Thompson's hand connected with a resounding slap against Charlie's cheek, the sound echoing through the room with a sharp intensity. The suddenness of the gesture left Alexa momentarily stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.Charlie recoiled slightly from the impact, his hand moving instinctively to his stinging cheek. The tension in the room seemed to thicken, the weight of Mrs. Thompson's action hanging heavily in the air."I haven't raised my hand to you in a long time, but I am done listening to you," Mrs. Thompson declared, her voice firm and unwavering. The seriousness of her tone conveyed a sense of finality, a shift in the dynamic between mother and son.Alexa watched in silence, her gaze shifting between the two of them as the gravity of the situation settled in. The familial bond that had once been a source of comfort now seemed strained and fragile, tensions simmering beneath the surface.Charlie's expression betraye

Chapter fifty threeMr. Thompson's son spoke with a mix of defiance and hurt in his voice, pushing back against his mother's expectations. "I appreciate your concerns, but I don't think it's needed. Why are you so concerned that I must be the heir just because Fiona is a girl? Regardless, she's your daughter too, and she's very smart. So why don't you leave us to compete and get things done on our own," he shouted, his eyes filled with disappointment and a hint of frustration.The room crackled with tension as the family dynamic reached a boiling point. The air was charged with conflicting emotions: pride, stubbornness, and a sense of duty all vying for dominance in the heated exchange. Each word spoken carried the weight of unspoken expectations and the complexities of familial relationships laid bare. The unresolved conflict lingered in the room, a silent reminder of the deep-rooted differences that threatened to strain their bond.As emotions reached their peak, Mr. Thompson's son'

Chapter 55Fiona maintained a firm stance as she gently halted her brother's intention to purchase the artwork featuring him."Don't think of buying it. I believe you can see the write-up clearly. It's not for sale. I am not selling it, regardless of the price placed on it," she clarified, her dedication to preserving this particular piece unwavering."I see, but I can still place an order. I need something like this. I will pay you any amount," her brother persisted, his tone exuding a sense of determination and admiration for her talent. Fiona took in his words with a mix of gratitude and reservation, contemplating the possibility of creating a similar piece for him while maintaining the integrity of the original artwork.As Charlie caught sight of his mother approaching, a fleeting sense of unease prompted him to consider a strategic retreat to avoid any potential confrontation."Charlie, wait up," his mother's command rang out with an authoritative tone, halting his attempt to vee

Chapter fifty SevenAs the moment unfolded, the air was charged with anticipation and excitement as the speaker transitioned to the next stage, preparing to unveil the portrait that lay concealed beneath a silk cloth.With a flourish, the cover was removed, revealing the artwork in all its glory. However, amidst the collective gasps and murmurs of admiration from the audience, one dissenter, Fiona, let out a scoff, her expression betraying a hint of skepticism.Undeterred by the reaction, the speaker gracefully stepped forward, her voice calm yet resolute. "Before we discuss the price," she began, "I would like to share with you the inspiration behind this painting. It's not merely a figment of imagination; it is steeped in reality."Drawing closer to the frame, she gestured towards the intricate details that adorned the canvas. Each element held a story, a memory, a piece of the artist's soul woven into the fabric of the portrait. "These pictures you see here," she continued, her to

Chapter fifty NineAs they lay on the bed, Michael observed Fiona closely, noting the silence that enveloped them after about 15 minutes. Her sudden stillness caught his attention, and when she finally spoke, her words carried a weight of confession and vulnerability.Fiona's admission left Michael stunned, his eyes reflecting a mixture of surprise and understanding. She revealed that she was a victim of Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder, explaining the complexities of her condition and how it affected her intimate relationships. Despite his initial disbelief, Michael chose to listen with empathy, recognizing the courage it took for Fiona to open up to him in such a raw and honest way."I am sorry. I don't get tired quickly, and I can hardly control myself when I am aroused. That's why I haven't been able to open up to any guy. I love you, and that's why I was able to do this with you," Fiona confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and fear of judgment. Michael's heart soften