Phoenix forced a stiff smile as he scrutinized Lucian. "Hey, Mr. President, I didn't expect to see you here,"Lucian ignored him as his eyes steadied on Rose on the floor. With quick strides, he walked towards her and helped her to her feet. "Are you okay?"Rose swallowed painfully. "I think I am, just a few bruises,"With his left hand, Lucian felt the warm blood on her temple. There were more than just bruises on her skin. He paused and passed a darkened look at Phoenix who stood with a smug grin, like he did nothing wrong.The bastard!"What happened?" Lucian asked slowly.At the question, Rose passed a frightened look at Phoenix and she flinched. "I…I…I'm…I…we…" she snapped her mouth shut when all she could do was stutter.Lucian passed for a moment before he questioned again. "What happened?""He…he tried to rob me and assault me, but when I resisted, his men threw me out of my car and drove away with it. He…" Rose broke down as her hand reached for her head."Why don't you stay

"Mr. Lucian, we are aware of an official announcement declaring you as the new president of All Gold, but you asked your sister to reign in your stead. I'm confused, why was this done without a proper introduction?" A shareholder of All Gold, Mr Ryan asked with a straight face."Unless an official introduction is done, we don't think we would recognize her as the president of this company. Besides, she didn't even honor our request for a meeting," A middle-aged woman, Mrs. Pam, said.One by one, the shareholders voiced their displeasure, but Lucian didn't say a word, instead, he studied their faces from the head of the table where he sat."Recently, Howards was involved in a huge scandal, one that almost cost the reputation of the company. Even though we believe it isn't true, we are concerned about the dark enemies desperate to see you fall, Mr. Lucian,' Another spoke."Why aren't you saying anything, sir? The silence is unappreciative,"All eyes went to him, yet Lucian maintained a

The blaring sound of American music and the sharp smell of sweat mixed with alcohol was what Betty craved as she walked into her favorite club. Clasping her hands tightly together, her eyes roamed across the stuffy room as she made her way to the bartender and lowered her butt to the cushioned stool at the counter, forcing a stiff smile. "Hey, a glass of whiskey,"The bartender scrutinized her at first before he smiled affectionately. "Hey, been a while,"Betty wriggled her fingers in response, not in the mood to initiate a conversation. As the bartender poured her a glass, she wasted no time and brought the glass to her lips.The whiskey burned in her throat and she groaned in satisfaction, in relief. This was an escape from the painful realization of the power Lucian wielded over her. Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she remembered their marriage.The way she had treated him like something common, cheap. She remembered how she attended parties and clubs alone because she was to

As soon as the thought came, Josephine banished it, flipped her hair across her shoulders, and adopted a stern look. "I might be the enemy's daughter, but that wouldn't change the fact that you slammed divorce papers at his face. Tell me, did you come here to get on your knees and beg for forgiveness like the shameless brat that you are?"It took a lot of self-control for Betty to suppress the urge to smack this lady across the face. "Careful of what you say!"Josephine shrugged. "I didn't start this verbal attack, you did,"Betty was quiet for a while before she licked her lips in a smile. The smile wasn't friendly at all. It was mocking. Daring. "Lucian doesn't need another woman in his life when I'm available, so don't get your hopes too high. He would come back to me and when he does, you'll be long forgotten. I can't wait for that to happen,"Josephine felt her back straighten in anger and instinctively, she reached into her purse to grab a stack of candies she had brought for L

Josephine woke, squinting slowly at the bright light overhead. Pain slithered between her temples, fogging her thoughts. She winced and turned to observe the environment. It was a hospital.Her eyes widened as she saw Lucian sitting by her bedside, his head hunged a little bit low. He had survived. Gosh, his survival meant a lot to her and one was that the plan had failed.She hadn't betrayed Lucian as Althea had planned. She had saved his life.Despite the pain in her forehead, she released a sob that awakened Lucian."You're awake?" Lucian smiled softly. "I shall go call the doctor,""No," Josephine stopped his hands before he could stand up. "No, please don't leave me…""I'm not leaving you, Josephine,""Promise me…" her voice trailed off. "Promise me, Lucian,"Lucian sighed softly. "I promise,"Josephine smiled, a stiff smile, then she nodded and relaxed into the bed. Soon, her eyes closed in sleep.********Two days later."How is her treatment going, doctor?" Lucian asked the do