Brenda’s eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with disdain. “I’m not wrong. Even if Mr. Wilfred’s not angry anymore, you still caused us to lose that bid we almost secured with Darkclaw Corporation.”Tessa's jaw tightened, feeling a familiar weight settle in her chest.Brenda continued, “So not only did you fail to contribute to this family, but you actually harmed our interests. You need to find a way to fix this, Tessa.”Henry chimed in, eager to echo his mother. “Mom’s right. Darkclaw’s project is crucial to our company. You’re the one who messed it up, so you have to get it back.”Their parents, seated at the head of the table, nodded in agreement. Tessa’s heart sank, but she kept her voice steady. “I don’t have a plan.”Brenda scoffed, folding her arms. “Didn’t Mr. Wilfred seem fond of you? Sleep with him a few more times. Make him happy, and the project will be ours.”Tessa’s stomach churned as her uncle, David, leaned forward, nodding in approval. “She’s right. You’ve already cros
The room erupted as a figure stormed in, his voice cutting through the tension. "Let her go!"With a swift movement, he sent the two guards who had restrained Tessa sprawling across the floor. Gasps filled the room as the Armand family recognized him."It’s you!" Brenda's eyes widened, fury blazing. "Adam! How dare you come back here!"Tessa’s voice was filled with worry and disbelief. "Adam! Didn’t I tell you to stay far from Storm City? Why would you come back?"Adam’s eyes softened as he took in her bruised face. "If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have known they’d treated you like this."Richard stepped forward, his expression cold and calculating. "You injured Mr. Wilfred’s son, Adam. He’s got men scouring the city to find you. Do you realize the trouble you’ve brought us?"Brenda sneered, arms crossed over her chest. "Maybe this is a blessing in disguise. If we hand you over to Wilfred, he might just give us the project in return."Adam’s eyes narrowed, his tone sharp. "So you’re willing
"Don't come any closer!" Tessa called out, placing herself firmly between Adam and the advancing bodyguards. She glanced back at him, worry etched across her face. "They’re all highly trained. Adam, you can’t take them on. Just go, I'll try to hold them off."Adam’s eyes softened, but before he could respond, Henry sneered. "He's not going anywhere. Move in, and if she tries to interfere, feel free to rough her up as well."The guards exchanged a look before moving forward, their reluctance gone. Tessa paled but held her ground, blocking their path.Adam felt a surge of determination as he watched her standing up for him. He leaned in and whispered, "Tessa, I’m not leaving you here with them. Trust me."One of the bodyguards sneered, reaching out to shove Tessa aside. "Step out of the way, lady—"Before he could finish, Adam’s hand shot out, grabbing the guard’s wrist in a vice grip. A dangerous glint flickered in his eyes as he twisted the man's wrist until a sickening crack echoed t
Tessa stared at Adam, recalling how he’d known about Wilfred’s injury. It had happened so recently—how could he have known?She finally asked, "Adam, how did you hear about Wilfred being in the hospital?"He met her gaze calmly. "I got the news when I was working at Bulgart Industries. Word travels fast in those circles.""What did you just say? Mr. Wilfred’s in the hospital?" Richard cut in, eyes wide with alarm. "What happened to him?""Apparently, he lost control and ended up cutting off his own hand," Tessa replied quietly."What?" Richard’s face turned pale, mirroring the shock spreading through the Armand family. Even the most reckless person wouldn’t go so far as to sever their own hand.Adam smirked, glancing from one stunned face to the next. "So, don’t expect Mr. Wilfred to show up and ‘teach me a lesson’ anytime soon."Henry clenched his jaw, frustrated but unable to retort. They had brought in every backup they could, but none had managed to stand up to Adam. He looked lik
"Grandpa, please don’t cut ties with me," Tessa pleaded, tears streaming down her face as she knelt on the floor. The sight of her, vulnerable and desperate, tugged at the corners of her grandfather's heart, but he remained resolute.Gerald’s expression hardened. "You made your choice, Tessa. You wanted to defy this family, and now you must face the consequences.""That’s right, Dad. Tessa just got a bit confused. She didn’t mean any of this," Eleanor interjected, her voice trembling with desperation as she stepped forward. "Give me some time to talk to her. I can help her see reason."Richard, who had been quietly observing, finally piped up, anxiety written all over his face. "Tessa, think about what you’re doing! You’re our only daughter! If you’re cut off from the family, you’ll lose everything. We can’t let that happen."Gerald shook his head, his voice cold and unwavering. "It’s useless for you to beg. She chose this path herself, so don’t blame me for it. If you don’t want her
Adam was stunned. "Do you regret doing it?"Tessa smiled bitterly. "I don't regret anything as I didn't do anything wrong. Even if I were to get a divorce with you, I wouldn't go back and admit I was wrong.""Since you didn't regret it, why do you still want to get a divorce with me?" Adam asked in confusion."I'm no longer the Armand family's daughter or a CEO. I'm just a normal woman, so you won't benefit from getting together with me. Thus, we should just get a divorce.""Do you think I married you just to benefit myself?""What else? I can't think of any reason other than that," Tessa replied."Have you considered the possibility that I don't like you for your status or money, but for you?" Adam answered with a grin."No way!" Tessa shook her head in disbelief."Why not?"Tessa replied with a smile, "You had a chance to sleep with me, but you didn't. That's why I think you're not interested in me.""Why would you think that? You're the most beautiful woman in Storm City. If I'm no
The Armand residence was filled with laughter, but the source of the family’s joy was a bitter one. Tessa was gone. She had been officially expelled by Gerald, and now, David’s son, Henry, had assumed her role as CEO. David and his family looked triumphant, their eyes shining with satisfaction as they reveled in their victory.Richard and Eleanor, however, sat at the edge of the room, expressions clouded with worry and frustration. For them, this was no celebration. It felt like a final blow to the family they’d known, as Tessa, despite her mistakes, was still their only daughter.Adding to their joy, Wendy, David and Brenda's daughter, had just returned from studying abroad. She’d even brought back her boyfriend, Mark Woods, the heir to one of Storm City’s elite families.Though Mark had a bit of a notorious reputation, his standing as the sole heir of the Woods family made him a valuable connection. Gerald was elated.Richard and Eleanor, on the other hand, were completely ignored b
Wilfred's words left the Armand family stunned. They’d expected a confrontation, but his tone was almost… polite.Mark took the chance to step forward, trying to mask his unease. "Mr. Wilfred, you remember me, don’t you? Mark Woods." He forced a confident smile, but inside, he felt a flicker of doubt.Wilfred gave him a nod, though his expression remained unreadable. "Ah, yes. Mr. Woods. I heard you went abroad for your studies. Just returned?"Mark's face lit up, relieved at the warm response. "Yes, I arrived today."Wilfred’s gaze sharpened as he glanced between Mark and the others. "So, are you close to the Armand family now?"Before Mark could answer, Brenda interjected eagerly, “Oh, yes! Mark is my daughter’s boyfriend, and we’re planning an engagement soon.”Brenda could barely contain her excitement, certain now that Wilfred’s polite behavior was due to Mark’s presence. After all, having the heir of one of Storm City's elite families as a son-in-law was something she’d dreamed