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BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 20
The morning after the stolen watch incident felt unbearably heavy. Melissa hadn’t slept well, her mind consumed with the humiliation and injustice that had unfolded. Jack tried to reassure her, but even he could see the frustration boiling beneath her calm exterior. She wasn’t the type to let things go without a fight.“I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” Melissa said, pacing their small living room.Jack, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watched her with quiet concern. “What do you plan to do?”Melissa stopped and looked at him. “I want to confront Master Decastro. I deserve to know why he’s shutting me out like this. And if he’s summoning the rest of the family today, then I should be there too.”Jack hesitated. He admired her resolve, but he knew this wouldn’t be easy. “Are you sure about this? You know how they are. They’ll twist everything to make it look worse for you.”“I don’t care,” Melissa snapped. “I’ve done too much for that company and this family to be treated
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 21
Jack leaned against the balcony home, deep in thought. Melissa’s court date was a month away, and she had no idea of the lengths he was willing to go to ensure she got justice. Though she remained hopeful and determined, Jack could see the worry in her eyes every time her family’s betrayal came up. She was putting on a brave face, but he knew the weight she carried.Determined to act, Jack set out for the CoreCloud Company early the next morning, his bicycle rattling along the uneven roads. His simple attire—a worn-out shirt and trousers—made him blend with the workers rushing to their jobs. No one would guess he was the president of the company. Only a few were aware and he prefered no one was aware. As Jack parked his bicycle in the lot, Marcel greeted him with a puzzled expression.“Mr Thompson, what brought you here so early? You usually only stop by when something serious is going on,” Marcel said, sipping his coffee.Jack scratched the back of his neck, hesitating. “I need your
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 22
The sun had barely risen when Suzzy, the maid, quietly stepped out of her small quarters at the Decastro estate. Her heart thumped in her chest as she held the envelope containing the note she had written for Melissa. She knew the risks of going against Jeremy and Sonia, but the guilt of keeping silent weighed heavily on her.Her mission was simple: deliver the note to Melissa’s apartment without being seen. Clutching the envelope tightly, she hurried through the corridors to prepare Master Decastro’s bath. After finishing her morning duties, she made her way to the staff entrance and slipped out of the estate, heading toward Melissa’s building.Just as Suzzy slid the envelope under the door of Melissa’s apartment, she heard a voice behind her.“Suzzy, what are you doing here?”Her body stiffened. She turned slowly to see Jeremy standing a few steps away, his sharp eyes narrowing in suspicion.“I-I was just out for some air,” she stammered, clutching her hands behind her back.Jeremy’
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 23
Sonia wasted no time heading to Master Decastro’s study that morning. Wearing a bandage she had no real need for, she approached him with an air of wounded fragility. Master Decastro, engrossed in reading a business report, barely glanced up as she entered.“Grand father,” Sonia began, her voice trembling, “I came to let you know what Melissa did to me.”“What is it this time, Sonia?” Master Decastro asked, his tone weary.“She attacked me,” Sonia declared, touching her supposed injury dramatically. “All because I brought her things from the office. I was only trying to help, and she—she hit me.”Master Decastro sighed heavily, setting his papers aside. “You mean to tell me that Melissa, suspended from work and facing a court trial, had the time to assault you?”“Yes!” Sonia insisted. “She’s becoming violent and unstable, Master. I fear she’s losing control.”Master Decastro’s face betrayed little emotion. After a pause, he rang the bell to summon one of the household staff.“Fetch Me
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 24
Jack returned home after his long day at the Thompson estate, only to find Melissa hunched over her laptop, her fingers trembling as she scrolled through job postings. Her eyes were puffy and red, a telltale sign she had been crying again. He closed the door softly and walked toward her.“What are you doing, Melissa?” he asked gently.Melissa turned to face him, her expression a mix of exhaustion and determination. “I’m applying for jobs,” she said, her voice cracking slightly. “We only have until the end of the week before Master Decastro kicks us out. I need to find something, anything, to make sure we have a roof over our heads.”Jack froze, his chest tightening. “He said what?”Melissa sighed and lowered her gaze. “He’s evicting us, Jack. After everything I’ve done for him, for this family, this is how I’m repaid.”Jack clenched his fists, anger bubbling within him. “I’m going to talk to him,” he said firmly, moving toward the door.Melissa grabbed his arm, shaking her head. “No,
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 25
Melissa sat at the dining table, her laptop open in front of her, fingers flying over the keyboard. Her eyes darted across the screen as she scoured job postings, her determination unyielding. Every rejection email stung, but she refused to give up. This was no time to wallow in despair; she had to find a solution, for herself and Jack.The room was eerily quiet, save for the soft clicks of her typing. Across from her lay a few packed boxes, the beginnings of their reluctant departure. Master Decastro’s deadline loomed large, but Melissa was determined to face it with dignity. She glanced at the clock—it was nearing evening, and Jack still wasn’t home.As if on cue, the front door creaked open, and Jack stepped in, his face a mix of exhaustion and something else she couldn’t quite place.“Hey,” she greeted him, forcing a smile. “You’re back.”Jack nodded, closing the door behind him. He noticed the boxes and frowned. “What’s all this?”Melissa gestured toward the piles. “I started pac
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 26
Cindy sat by the large bay window in Master Decastro’s mansion, staring out at the garden that stretched endlessly. The roses were in full bloom, but the sight did little to brighten her spirits. Her thoughts were miles away, with her daughter Melissa. Living under her father’s roof again was stifling, but she felt she had no choice. Staying meant keeping her position at Decastro Enterprises—a necessity now that her husband, Dimitri, needed her financial support.She sighed, guilt twisting in her chest. Cindy had left Melissa behind in the department, knowing the eviction was imminent. She told herself it was for Melissa’s good, but the truth was harder to face—she didn’t want to be caught in the crossfire and risk being sacked like her daughter. It felt cowardly, and it gnawed at her constantly.Lost in thought, Cindy’s phone buzzed on the table, pulling her from her reverie. The screen lit up with Melissa’s name.Her heart leapt. “Melissa?” she said, her voice trembling as she answe
BOUND BY TRADITION Chapter 27
Jack woke early, the sun barely peeking over the horizon. He stretched, his confidence unwavering as he prepared a rich, aromatic coffee for Melissa. He knew the day would be difficult, especially for her, but he wanted to start it on a positive note.In the bedroom, Melissa sat on the edge of the bed, her hands trembling slightly as she looked over some notes her lawyer had given her the previous evening. The anxiety was clear on her face, and she barely noticed when Jack entered the room with two steaming mugs of coffee.“Here,” Jack said, placing a mug in front of her and sitting beside her.Melissa glanced at him, her brow furrowed. “Why are you so calm?” she asked, her voice heavy with frustration. “You’re acting like this is some kind of casual outing. Do you understand what’s at stake here?”Jack smiled reassuringly and took a sip of his coffee. “I’m calm because I know you’re innocent, Melissa. And deep down, so does everyone else, even if they won’t admit it.”Melissa shook h
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- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 53
As they neared the ranch, the sight of cowboys working in the fields caught their attention. The vast property was even more impressive in person. Cindy’s eyes widened in disbelief, and for the first time that evening, she was rendered speechless.“This…this is incredible,” Cindy muttered. “I didn’t realize Logan Smith was this wealthy.”Melissa was equally impressed, though she tried to hide it. Jack, however, remained unfazed. He glanced out the window, taking in the view with mild interest. To him, wealth and grandeur weren’t foreign concepts. What he didn’t know was that his own family’s wealth far surpassed anything the Smiths possessed. But that was a story for another day.When they finally arrived, the Decastros were gathered near the entrance, chatting and laughing. Master Lemaire was the first to approach, his face lighting up as he saw Melissa step out of the car.“Melissa, my most hardworking granddaughter,” he said proudly, pulling her into a hug. “I’ve told Felipe all ab
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 52
It was already 6 p.m. when the Decastros arrived at the Smiths’ luxurious ranch. The first car to pull into the expansive driveway belonged to Sonia, her mother Diana, Jeremy, and Master Lemaire Decastro himself. The Smith ranch was breathtaking—sprawling acres of land bordered with manicured gardens, white picket fences, and distant stables that added to the air of wealth and status. The golden glow of the evening sun bathed the estate, creating an almost cinematic backdrop as the Decastro family stepped out of their sleek black car.Master Lemaire, despite his age, moved with an air of authority. As soon as they reached the grand entrance, he gave a hearty laugh and stepped forward to embrace his long-time friend Felipe Smith. Felipe, seated in his electric wheelchair, beamed as he raised his arms to meet Lemaire’s embrace. The two men, though physically different—one standing tall and the other confined to his chair—shared a camaraderie that was evident even in their gestures. Lema
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 51
The sun hung low in the sky, signaling the end of another day. Melissa walked into her home earlier than usual, brushing her hair back as she made her way through the wide corridors. The faint aroma of fresh pastries wafted from the kitchen, and a soft hum of activity filled the air. She was surprised to see Cindy sitting casually in the living room, her legs crossed, sipping on a glass of lemonade.“Good evening,” Melissa greeted politely, setting her bag down on the table.Cindy’s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing as a sly smirk curved her lips. “Oh, you’re home early,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “You might want to freshen up quickly—we have dinner at the Smiths’ ranch tonight.”Melissa froze mid-step, her brow furrowing. “Dinner at the Smiths’? I didn’t hear about this.”Cindy leaned back in her chair, her smirk widening. “Of course, you didn’t. Important things are rarely discussed with you, Melissa. But don’t worry, I’m telling you now. Just make sure you don’t e
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 50
The afternoon sun filtered through the grand windows of the Decastro estate, casting warm, golden light across the polished marble floors. Master Lemaire Decastro, the patriarch of the family, sat in his favorite leather chair in the living room, a faint smile on his face. His composure exuded authority, yet there was a rare twinkle in his eyes that hinted at excitement.“Suzzy,” Master Lemaire called, his deep voice reverberating through the spacious mansion.A moment later, Suzzy, the household manager, appeared at the doorway. “Yes, sir?”“Summon everyone who is still home,” he instructed. “I want them in the living room immediately.”Suzzy nodded and hurried off to carry out his orders. Soon enough, Sonia, her mother Diana, and Louis, Jeremy’s father, made their way into the living room. They were the only ones present at home, as Jeremy had gone to the Decastro enterprise for the day.“Where’s Jeremy?” Master Lemaire asked, glancing around the room.“He’s at the office,” Diana re
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 49
The sun streamed through the large windows of the Smith ranch’s grand sitting room, casting warm golden hues over the polished wood floors. Felipe Smith maneuvered his electric wheelchair to a more comfortable spot by the fireplace. Though age and injury had confined him to the chair, his commanding presence had not diminished. He looked up as Logan, his eldest son, strode into the room, carrying an air of quiet confidence.“You’re late,” Felipe teased, the corners of his lips twitching into a smile.“Blame the horses,” Logan replied, setting his hat down on a nearby table. “They’re more demanding than usual.”Felipe chuckled. “That’s the way of life on a ranch. Always something to tend to.”Logan settled into an armchair opposite his father, his expression relaxed. It had been a week since his last visit to the Decastro estate, but the memories of that day still lingered. Felipe studied his son, noticing the contemplative look in his eyes.“Logan,” Felipe began, breaking the silence.
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 48
As Eve and Valentina walked into the house, the cool air-conditioning provided a stark contrast to the blazing sun outside. The Thompson estate was as grand inside as it was outside, filled with luxurious furnishings, chandeliers dripping with crystals, and gleaming marble floors. The walls were adorned with exquisite artwork and framed family photographs, each one seemingly more elegant than the last.Eve’s heels clicked sharply against the floor as she led Valentina down the grand hallway, pointing out various details of the home. “This is the main living room,” she said casually, gesturing toward a vast space with plush couches and towering bookshelves. “And over there is the dining hall. We’ve hosted some of River City’s most influential people here.”Valentina nodded politely, her eyes scanning the room. “It’s as beautiful as I remember,” she said with a small smile. “I used to play hide-and-seek with Jack in this very hallway. I remember once he hid behind that curtain and scare
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 47
The sprawling Thompson estate was nothing short of breathtaking. The sun shone brightly over the pristine mansion, its white walls reflecting the light in a dazzling display. Behind the house lay an expansive backyard with a shimmering pool bordered by perfectly trimmed hedges and luxurious lounge chairs.Inside, Gilbert stood by the large living room window, his gaze fixed on the figure outside. Eve Thompson, the mistress of the house, stepped gracefully onto the pool deck. Her black one-piece bodysuit clung to her figure, highlighting her toned physique. For a woman of her age, Eve had the kind of beauty that seemed almost timeless. Her caramel skin gleamed under the sunlight, her dark hair cascading down her back as if it were untouched by the years.“She looks incredible, doesn’t she?” Gilbert muttered, a hint of admiration in his voice. He turned to Agnes, the older maid, who was dusting a nearby vase with meticulous care.Agnes didn’t look up. “She might be the most beautiful wo
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 46
Melissa stepped out of the cab in front of the Decastro building, her heels striking the pavement with a sharp click. The morning sunlight warmed her face, but Melissa wasn’t in the mood to enjoy the brightness of the day. Her mind was preoccupied with the events of the night before—the argument with Sonia, the bitter words exchanged with her aunt, and worst of all, the way Sonia’s mother had demeaned Jack.Her fists clenched involuntarily as she thought about it. Good-for-nothing husband. Those words echoed in her mind, stoking the simmering frustration she’d carried with her all morning. Jack didn’t deserve that. He worked harder than any man she knew, even if no one else saw it.As she entered the Decastro lobby, Melissa inhaled deeply, trying to compose herself. She couldn’t afford to let her personal life interfere with her work, not when she was trying so hard to prove herself.But then, as her eyes scanned the bustling lobby, her attention was drawn to a man standing near the r
- BOUND BY TRADITION
Chapter 45
Master Decastro’s expansive living room buzzed with quiet murmurs. The long mahogany table in the center of the room had nearly every seat filled, with family members and associates waiting impatiently. Cindy glanced at her watch for the fifth time, then turned to Master Decastro, her voice sharp and frustrated.“Master, it’s already five minutes past the meeting time,” she said, her tone teetering on disrespectful. “If Jeremy and Sonia can’t respect your time, I don’t see why we’re all still here. Can’t we leave?”Master Decastro’s gaze darkened, and the room fell silent. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, the double doors at the far end of the room creaked open. Jeremy and Sonia stepped in hurriedly, their faces a mix of apology and determination. All eyes turned to them, the tension palpable.Sonia was the first to move. She walked quickly to Master Decastro, her heels clicking against the polished floor. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees in front of him, her hands cl
