After greeting grandfather, Claire went ahead to greet other members of the family, ignoring Ansel and Thora who she barely noticed.‘Of course she's still the same,’Thora thought to herself, unsurprised by Claire's coldness.In spite of the rumors of Claire's mother's affair, resulting in Claire's illegitimate birth, Thora always tried to be civil with Claire. But Claire's disdain for her remained the same and Thora was used to it by now.Years back, the Castillo's agreed to have a DNA test done, and the results confirmed what people suspected. Claire wasn't actually related to them. This truth was now undeniable.Even with that knowledge, the Castillo family accepted her into the family but never treated Claire and her mother like a true Castillo.Grandfather Kian had ordered that she and her mother be thrown out of the house years later but Thora had secretly begged grandfather Kian to let them stay.But what did she get in return?Claire had accused her of trying to get rid of he
The dark clouds caught Grandpa Kian's attention. He cleared his throat, drawing everyone's eyes to him. "We should head inside. Looks like it might pour any minute.”Everyone nodded in agreement, but suddenly, Claire let out a dramatic wail. All heads turned towards her, their eyebrows raised in question."Grandpa," she whined, putting on her best puppy-dog eyes, "There are some super expensive presents here. I should take them inside with me. It'd be such a shame if the rain ruined them." She finished with an exaggerated pout, as if she was auditioning for a soap opera.Thora couldn't help but roll her eyes at Claire's over-the-top performance.She couldn't believe the nerve of this girl, claiming gifts from the L Company CEO as her own. The CEO didn't even know who Claire was!For a split second, Thora wondered if maybe, just maybe, the CEO did have a thing for Claire. After all, Thora was married to Ansel, and surely the CEO wouldn't go after a married woman.But she quickly shook
It was the morning after the disastrous gift-giving incident at the Castillo mansion. Claire plopped down on the edge of her bed, still feeling the sting of humiliation. The L Company butler had returned the elaborate gifts, claiming the Castillo family was unworthy. She could hardly believe it. It was obvious that the CEO of L group had a thing for her, so why did he change his mind all of a sudden?As she sat there brooding, her mother, Sophia, walked into the room with a huge smile on her face. "Claire, what are you doing moping around? You need to get up and get ready." Claire looked up, puzzled. "Ready for what?" She said dryly.Ms Sophia gave a sly smile, amused by her daughter's ignorance."You're going to the L Company today, of course. I have a feeling the CEO has taken quite a liking to you.". She announced proudly, eyeing her daughter up from head to toe.Ms Sophia wasn't going to let all that happened yesterday slide by so easily.She was going to prove to everyone in
Ansel and Grandpa Luther walked into the L Company building, heading straight for the elevator."Sorry I am late, I had to deal with some issues back home, it's nice to see you again, grandson." Grandfather Luther said, patting Ansel's back. "I will definitely make sure that the new general manager and all those clueless newbies get fired."Ansel sighed. "I should have paid more attention to the company…but I have been busy at the Castillo's"At the mention of the Castillo's, Grandfather Luther felt the need to challenge Ansel about his hidden status.He was still surprised that he hadn't told Castillo's about who he really was.Grandfather didn't know why Ansel was doing it but he also didn't want to be the one to tell grandfather Kian about Ansel.If Ansel was ready to handle all the affairs of the companies home and abroad then it would make him extremely happy.At least, he could get to see his grandson do great things before he died.Grandfather Luther cleared his throat."How is
“Divorce?” Thora’s voice dripped with disbelief. “Who do you think you are, telling me what to do?”Claire’s nostrils flared as anger surged through her, and in a swift motion, she grabbed the glass cup sitting on the table and slammed it down. The glass shattered against the floor with a loud crash, shards scattering everywhere. It wasn’t until she heard the satisfying sound of the glass breaking that her anger felt even remotely manageable. She turned back toward Ansel, a sneer on her face, and then shifted her glare toward Thora.“I’m not blind. I can see clearly that he’s nothing but a stain on our family!” Claire spat out."Our family?" Thora corrected calmly.The sight of the broken shards of glass scattered on the floor infuriated her but she managed to maintain her cool."You can leave my office now, Claire. I have important matters to attend to."Claire felt like she had just heard the most insulting words of her life.She stammered as she tried to come up with a reply."Are
Ansel checked the time on his watch. Two hours until the office closed, and the medical department was peaceful. No patients needed attention.At the end of the street, Anthony waited in the car. Ansel's expression was tight, and Anthony noticed that the young master didn't seem to be in a good mood today.He climbed into the car, shutting the door a bit harder than necessary."Is everything alright, Young master Ansel?" Anthony asked, glancing at Ansel in the rearview mirror.Ansel shook his head. The message from his assistant was still flashing before his eyes. His father, who had abandoned him and his mother years ago, was planning to sell her company. The same company he had taken from her before she passed away.Ansel could hardly believe that his father would dare to do that.But what was he expecting from a man who resulted in dirty tricks to get what he wanted?Anger boiled in Ansel's chest. He suddenly remembered his mother's tears, her desperation as his father's underhande
Ansel’s father’s mocking words echoed in his mind, pulling him into old wounds, but the sharp sound of heels hitting the cold marble floor snapped him out of it. He didn’t need to look up to know who was approaching—his stepmother’s presence was always announced by the clinking of her flashy jewelry.She strode into the room with her head held high, diamonds glinting at her neck, wrists, and ears. Ansel didn’t move. His face hardened as she came closer.“Well, well,” she said with a voice laced with false sweetness. “Look who’s back. Here to ask for money again, Ansel?”Ansel slowly looked her over, a cold sneer twisting his lips. His eyes locked on the woman who had torn his family apart so many years ago, the woman who had driven a wedge between his parents, ultimately destroying the family. He felt that familiar surge of anger rising, but he kept his voice level.“Keep. My. Name. Out. Of. Your. Mouth,” he said sharply, his words cutting through the air.His stepmother didn’t flinch
★★★On their way back, they passed by the MPK building, its towering structure silhouetted against the darkening sky.The government rewards were secured in his bag. Most notably, the key to the advanced medical equipment he had been given. Ansel leaned back in the car seat, his eyes distant as he recalled his stepmother’s chilling words about his sister.He clenched his fists. But now wasn’t the time to dwell on it. There were more pressing matters at hand.“Anthony,” Ansel said, his voice breaking the silence, “Take me to Grove Street. I need to check on something at the warehouse.”Anthony glanced at him through the rearview mirror. “Are you sure? It’s pretty late.”Ansel nodded, his gaze still fixed out the window. “I won’t be long. Just need to make sure everything’s in place.”It was already late at night, and the streets were quiet. The city’s usual noise had died down, and the dim street lights cast long shadows on the empty roads. They made their way through the dark streets