Meanwhile, Ethan and Sophia arrived at the hotel and stepped out of the car, both immediately struck by the sight that greeted them. The exterior was an architectural marvel, with towering Corinthian columns and intricate bas-reliefs that seemed to tell stories in stone. As they entered, they were welcomed by a marble lobby so expansive it could have been a palace hall. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, diffusing a warm, inviting glow over the plush Persian rugs that covered the floors. A grand staircase spiraled upwards, its banister a work of art in wrought iron and gold leaf. High-end shops lined the perimeter, offering everything from couture fashion to rare books."Wow," Ethan breathed, visibly amazed. Sophia looked at him, her eyes sparkling. "When I was arranging this, they said the hotel was 'nice,' but that term feels like an understatement now," she mused.Ethan nodded, still taking it all in. "This place could easily qualify as 8-star, if that's even a thing
Sophia smiled, her gaze shifting from the lady at the front desk to Ethan. "They're giving us the suite because it was their mistake," she explained."Really? That's great," Ethan responded, looking at the lady and offering his thanks. "Thank you."The front desk clerk forced a smile. Just moments before, she had received an urgent call instructing her to ensure that Sophia and Ethan had an exceptional stay. "Ms. Nightingale and Mr. Ethan, this gentleman will guide you to the Platinum Suite," she said, gesturing to a staff member. "May I also ask what you'd like to eat?""That special treatment, huh?" Sophia was stunned. "You want to know our meal preferences in advance?""Yes," the clerk said, managing a faint smile. "Management is pleased you've booked the Platinum Suite. You'll receive special treatment."Sophia looked at Ethan. "Lucky us. What should we order?"Ethan shook his head. "You choose. I'll have whatever you're having.""All right," Sophia said, scrolling through her p
Sophia nodded and hit the answer button, switching it to speakerphone before placing it on the table. "Hello, Dad, how are you?" she asked, expecting to hear her father's familiar voice. To her surprise, it was her mom who responded. "My daughter, it's Mom. How are you doing?"A puzzled glance was exchanged between Sophia and Ethan. "Mom, you? I'm fine, but why are you calling from Dad's phone?" Sophia asked, still bewildered."Why? Can't I call my daughter with my husband's phone anymore?" her mom retorted playfully."Of course you can, Mom, it was just unexpected. Where is Dad and my sister Elora?""They're right here beside me, listening. We all missed you and decided to call," her mom explained.Sophia smiled, "Oh, thank you, Mom, Dad, and Elora. Are you being a good girl, Elora?""Best as always," Elora's voice chimed in happily. "Anyway, how's my son-in-law?" her mom suddenly asked. Sophia looked at Ethan, silently urging him to speak. He gestured back for her to answer inste
A private jet descended onto the same runway where Ethan and Sophia's plane had landed earlier. The jet was nothing short of beautiful, emblazoned with the words "Diamond Sky," the signature aircraft of billionaire William Blackwood, Ethan's father. Airport staff and officials seemed to halt their activities to ensure the jet's safe landing."Hey mate, isn't that the jet belonging to the billionaire William Blackwood?" one security officer asked another, eyes widening in awe."Yeah, that's the one. Diamond Sky, said to be worth billions," the other confirmed, equally captivated. "I'm not surprised. I've heard Blackwood owns a stake in this airport.""Do you think he's the one on board?" the first security officer inquired, barely able to contain his excitement."I couldn't say, but meeting someone of his stature is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," the second officer replied as they both stared intently at the jet, eager to see who would emerge.Seconds later, the jet's door opened, a
"You were just following orders, and I'm also following what my mind is telling me," Boss Lady said, her blade continuing its deliberate journey across the man's flesh. His screams filled the room again as blood continued to flow. After a few excruciating minutes, she finally stopped and set the dagger aside. What was stunning was that the cuts weren't random; they formed an intricate design that spelled out "Boss Lady" from his chest down to his stomach.She cast a chilling smile at the man. "This isn't the punishment I have in mind for you; I have something far better planned. You wanted to harm the Lord's son?"Panting and crying, the man shook his head. "Forgive me, please, forgive me."Boss Lady burst into harsh laughter and took off her sunglasses. "Look into my eyes. Do you see forgiveness?" Her eyes were as beautiful as they were frigid.The man stared, his body trembling from both fear and pain. "Where is your base in London?" she asked coldly.Met with silence, one of Boss
The next day, Sophia awoke to find herself alone in the bed, clad in her cozy pajamas. Checking her phone, she noted it was 6:15 a.m. Stretching her arms, she got out of bed and ventured out of the bedroom in search of Ethan. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw him asleep on the sofa, his shirt absent and no blanket for cover.Sighing softly, she realized he had probably chosen the sofa to give her more space. She had fallen asleep before him and hadn't expected him to retire to the couch. Padding back into the bedroom, she picked up a warm blanket and returned to drape it gently over his exposed frame. Sitting beside him, she couldn't help but admire the contours of his muscular body, a light smile playing on her lips. Her hand found its way to his thick, curly hair, fingers delicately caressing each strand as if touching something fragile. For a moment, she lost herself in the intricate details of his handsome face— the slight furrow of his brows even in sleep, the way his li
In a room, a guy around the age of 27 looked angry; he smashed the phone on the floor. He was the one who had made the call to Dera; he was the son of the Minister of Defense.At the other end was the Minister of Defense, seated in a T-shirt. "What happened, son? What did that Esquire say?" he asked."Dad, can you believe she challenged me and even said she's going to throw me into the cells? She sounded serious," the son responded.The Minister of Defense laughed, "Why are you worrying about these issues? Do you think anyone has the ability to throw my son into cells? Don't worry, I'll solve it.""Dad, how do you intend to solve it?" the son asked."Don't worry; we are already arranging a meeting tomorrow with the manager of Aureus. We are planning to stop the project they are doing. I'm going to smartly let them exchange them letting Esquire drop the charge in order for them to continue," the Minister of Defense said.His son's eyes lit up. "That's a good idea, Dad, but I don't wish
Meanwhile, Ethan and Sophia arrived at the iconic London Eye, a towering Ferris wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames. The atmosphere was bustling with tourists eager to take in the incredible panoramic views of London. As they drove up, the sight of the colossal wheel rotating slowly against the London skyline took their breath away.Parking the BMW M8 in a nearby lot, they joined the crowd moving towards the attraction. The air was filled with the murmur of excited conversations in multiple languages, all underpinned by the distant hum of city life. Vendors lined the walkways, selling everything from souvenirs to local snacks.Ethan looked at Sophia, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, and he felt a warm sense of satisfaction. This was exactly the kind of experience he wanted to share with her. "You know," he said softly, leaning closer to her, "this place is beautiful, but it pales in comparison to you."Sophia looked up at him and smiled, "You always know just wha