Chapter twelve.The Tycoon's coughing fit intensified, despite being given water. His body began to swell, prompting a frantic rush to the hospital. Doctors scrambled to diagnose the issue, but their tests yielded no explanation for the mysterious swelling.Panic gripped the Sawyer family as they scoured the city for specialist doctors. Meanwhile, Victoria was still with Ethan. "We should get the Sawyer family a wedding gift. You don't have to worry I will deliver it myself," Ethan suggested. Victoria's eyes widened in incredulity. "You can't be serious?" she asked, her tone laced with skepticism. Ethan shook his head. "Why would I joke about that?" Victoria stood up, her expression stern. "That's your ex-family we're talking about – the same people who lied about you breaking their precious ancestral jug.”Ethan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's in the past. I've forgiven them. I think it's best if we get them a gift." Victoria's eyes widened in surprise. E

Chapter fourteen.Caleb pulled out his phone and dialed a number. It rang once before a voice picked up. "Kill Ethan," Caleb ordered. “Bring his head for me!” "Yes, boss," the voice replied. Caleb ended the call, a sly smile spreading across his face. "Let's see him appear out of thin air and take what's mine," he muttered.Caleb grabbed his coat and headed for the door. He slipped out into the night, driving towards the old mansion. He'd wait there for his men to bring Ethan to him.Ethan drove home alone, the darkness illuminated only by his headlights. Suddenly, he hit a roadblock. He swerved to turn around, but a car slammed into him, sending it spinning out of control. Ethan's car tumbled, the sound of crunching metal and shattering glass filling the air. He struggled to grip the steering wheel, but it was too late.Ethan leapt from the wreckage, landing hard on the cold asphalt. He hissed in pain as he stood, his hands throbbing. The car erupted into flames, casting flic

Chapter sixteen.The investors exchanged bewildered glances. "What do you mean?" one of them asked, their voices laced with confusion.Ethan's chuckle was low and smooth as he stood up, his eyes glinting with amusement. Caleb's gaze locked onto his, trying to decipher the thoughts racing through his mind, but Ethan's expression remained inscrutable.He walked towards where Victoria was sitting down. And then he placed his hands on her chairs. "The new CEO is Victoria Edwards," Ethan announced, his voice firm and authoritative.Caleb's eyes went wide, his face pale with shock. "What?!" he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper. His mouth hung open, his eyes fixed on Ethan as if he'd just been punched in the gut.Ethan's smirk was merciless. "Caleb, close your mouth before a fly makes itself at home."Caleb's face flushed with embarrassment as he snapped his jaw shut. His hands clenched into fists, turning white with tension, as he seethed with rage. He glared at Ethan, his eye

Chapter Eighteen.Caleb stood before the guests, one hand casually tucked into his pocket. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Swayer family party!" he announced with a charming smile. "Now, let's see what Swayer Group of Companies has in store for the New Year!" The guests applauded, but Caleb's true intentions simmered beneath the surface. This wasn't just a business event; it was his chance to take down Ethan, and he had been waiting for this moment for far too long.Meanwhile, Maria swayed her hips over to the bartender, ordered a cocktail, and settled into a seat, flipping her hair over her shoulder and crossing her legs. She was poised and ready to witness Ethan's downfall.As Maria sipped her cocktail, the lights dimmed and everyone's attention turned to the projector. A picture of Caleb flashed on the screen, and his eyes darted to Maria, confusion etched on his face. But Maria was equally perplexed.The projector showed a video of Caleb and Maria kissing intimately as h

Chapter twenty.Caleb approached Maria, who was still sobbing. He let out a low hiss and knelt before her, taking her hands in his. "Hit me, hit me, hit me," he urged, using her hands to slap his face.Maria shook her head, shocked, and pulled her hands away, but Caleb held them firm, continuing to hit his face with them."Stop, please, Maria," she begged, her voice trembling.Caleb refused, his eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "No, I won't stop. How could I have even thought of hitting you? How did I let my emotions get the best of me? I don't deserve to be human. Please, hit me."Maria flinched, pulling away, but Caleb's words were laced with manipulation. He smiled to himself, relieved that his tactics were working."I hold nothing against you, please don't do this," Maria said, her voice cracking.Caleb's smile widened, hidden from Maria's view. "I'm sorry, baby. I will never think of hitting you again," he said, pulling her into a hug.Maria sniffled, hugging him back, unaw