Rachel couldn't believe her ears after hearing whatever Noah had just said. Although she had pretended to leave the store, she and Julia had been lurking around the storefront, trying to hear what was going on.It was Rachel's idea to leave and walk out from their sight, so that she could find out what was really going on. There had to be something fishy, she could smell it already!There was no way, in her mind, that the roadster had somehow gotten a job, and also enough money to buy expensive jewelry, and that too from a high end jewelry shop. Even the cheapest piece from this shop was out of his budget, and would be for the next seven lifetimes. She was completely sure that he was pulling an act just to tease them, and make them believe that he was doing well even after being kicked out. But she was way smarter than him and knew him, in and out!!But now, after what she had heard, she was sure that the matter was much more complicated. It wasn't just something fishy that she was
Noah returned home a little later than lunch time. Because of all the drama, the task which was supposed to take an hour or two at most, had taken up three hours of his time.He found Eliana waiting for him on the couch, but the magazine she had been reading had already fallen off to one side. Her cheek was resting on the palm of her hand, and her eyes were half closed because of drowsiness. Seeing that she was already half- asleep, he quickly rushed towards her. “Ellie! Why are you resting here, that too so uncomfortably-”Eliana quickly opened her eyes wide on hearing his voice, and spoke, without letting him complete his sentence.“I was waiting for you-”Embarrassment started to crawl under Noah's skin and he quickly spoke up in the middle of Eliana's sentence. “I am sorry, I got a little late, actually–”But before he could have mentioned the reason for his delay, Eliana interrupted him once again. “It's okay, Noah. Have you had lunch?”“No, but–”“Let's eat first.”Eliana go
Eliana's hands acted faster than her mind could process this conflict, and her thumb hurriedly moved towards the screen, disconnecting the call. Her eyes then halted on Noah's face, looking at him in complete surprise. Noah realized that unknowingly, his mother in law had helped him out by initiating the topic of him being at the mall; although she would die a thousand deaths if she knew that her accusations had the opposite effect. He would not get a better chance than this, to tell her the truth. He could see everything fall into place– even though it wasn't like he planned, but it was all that he needed.He shifted closer to Eliana and started to speak in a measured tone. “She was telling the truth, I was in a jewelry shop. To be precise, I was in Lotus Jewels–”“Noah, you don't have to explain anything because of my mom. I know you might have your own reasons or some work for going there. So you don't have to say anything in your defense, I trust you.”But when Noah had finall
Noah's POV: Although I had decided to tell Eliana everything, the moment I notice the horror on her face after hearing that they are my step uncle and aunt and didn't like me, I make another split second decision: it would be a good thing to keep the rest of the information to myself.Knowing the kind of sheltered atmosphere she has grown up in, where she was always taught that family comes first– no matter how toxic her family members actually might be– such openly hostile relationships are still fairly new for her.If I go into any more detail, it would only cause fear in her mind…And there is no way I would let it happen.I was so sure about this, but now that it is almost the time for departure, I don't know why I too am feeling a little worried.Probably, it is because I know my uncle and aunt too well, and I don't know if I have done a good thing after trusting my grandfather or not.It was never like if I didn't trust him, that he doesn't love me; because I know he loves and
“You… you have brought gifts for us? How… how did you get money for this?”Otis whispered in disbelief, when Viola screamed out at the top of her lungs.“Oh, Noah! You are getting me all wrong, I didn't mean to offend you. It was just that, your aunty was trying to make this serious situation a little humorous with the in- laws' joke. You didn't need to buy anything, my poor nephew!”Viola continued, laughing along forcibly.“I mean, seriously! You must have spent your months of salaries to buy some cheap souvenirs for us… Noah, I know you have left the house at a very young age, but I haven't expected you to forget all the luxuries you have been born with. And the fact that these cheap souvenirs wouldn't even be used by our staff–”“So dear aunty… are you trying to say that you aren't interested in seeing what I have bought for her?”Noah interrupted, knowing how his aunty's words, narration and expressions were going to change the moment she would see the gift boxes and things that
Noah knew what was coming for him, but this soon! He was not expecting that it was going to be so easy to see his aunt flipping so quickly.He smiled and spoke again;“Okay, aunty! If you insist, then I won't be throwing these out… otherwise aunt Charissa has really opened my eyes to the truth.”“No, no! Noah, I was just saying that… you don't have to follow all my words by heart, my sweet child.”“Really? But I can! I mean, you all are my uncle and aunts, who hold the position of my guardians and parents in my eyes. Then, following your words is something I should do, isn't it uncle Otis! Weren't you saying this the last time I was here?”Noah looked at Otis, noticing that his face was still pale, while he was trying to calculate the price and chances of him managing to save such a huge amount– fit enough to buy all those expensive gifts.This was when Viola spoke up, trying to clear up the damage that had already occurred.“Everyone, I guess we have had enough to talk here. Now I be
As soon as she heard Noah's question, Viola’s face showed some hints of panic, followed by disappointment… but all the unpleasant emotions were replaced by a formal smile, just as quickly. "Of course, dear. I have already gotten a room cleaned up and ready for you, and I will happily give you the tour, in a bit. But won't you finish your dinner first?"Noah gave her a curt smile, shaking his head. "No, thank you. I’m quite tired, and my wife and I would like to rest in our room now."Viola’s gaze flicked to Otis, and the two of them exchanged a quick glance before they both rose from their seats. She turned to Agatha, her voice sharp– not completely hiding her annoyance. “Agatha, clear the table, please."Meanwhile, Eliana looked like a poor deer caught in headlights. Not only was she feeling completely out of place here, but on top of that, Viola’s overly sweet tone and Otis’s silence were also putting her on edge and making her uneasy.Mentally thanking Noah for this, she got up
Otis entered his room with a smile of victory, after settling Noah and his wife in the guest room.It was a clear message for them, not to forget the fact that they were guests here– and not the permanent residents. So, they better behave… or else it wouldn't be a good sign for them.Viola followed shortly after and glanced at the pleased smile on his face. “Why are you smiling, honey? Do you also think that the idiots have bought the gifts that must have cost them a fortune–”“Now that you mentioned this darling, I don't think that anyone on a regular salary– or even someone who has the total shares of the Frosts, combined– can't afford all the jewels he has brought. Especially the one his wife was wearing.”He paused to study the expression on his wife's face, which told him all he needed to continue. “If you haven't noticed it, darling, then she was wearing the limited edition bracelet– or should I say, the only one in the world, of its kind. Lotus Jewels had famously been saving
Noah was sitting in the garden, trying desperately to calm himself as he had been feeling a little uneasy because of the way things had unfolded.He had spent most of his life away from home, this is why, he knew the value of family. He had also met several people who were dark to the very core, but for some reason, he thought that Liam was different…Noah had a feeling that everything he had been doing so far, was just because something that he thought would always remain his, had been snatched from him in the middle of all the succession drama… and especially because of Noah himself.So it was a logical thing that he hated him from the core of his heart… but he had also seen his affection towards their grandpa. He was lost in his thoughts, staring off into the distance… when he noticed some disturbance near the ivy vines, lurking by the southernmost boundary of the garden.He rose from his seat and started walking towards the boundary; and Ben snapped to attention.He had been stan
“Killed him? Dad!! You are saying you killed him… wasn't his death an accident? Then how is it possible that you are the reason behind–”Liam didn't even realize that he had started to interrogate his father under the effect of his anxiety on hearing the last words spoken by him.Till now, he had been thinking that they were standing on the right side of the situation as well as the history that was yet to be written. He really believed that they were the oppressed ones who had always been discriminated against, trying to fight for their rights which had unjustly been snatched from them.But after hearing his father's nonchalant response, he wasn't able to think straight anymore. He was ready to go to any extent to get what really belonged to him, but killing someone was something he could never imagine doing… nor was he able to digest the fact that his father was a murderer.But before he could have completed his statement, Otis interrupted his rambling. “Yes! It was an accident, a
Sabreena hesitated in the doorway, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she clutched a large bouquet of white lilies. She took a deep breath before stepping into the living room, her eyes darting around nervously and scanning the faces: her brother was looking at her with confusion, while Olivia’s gaze was sharp, Eliana’s gently curious, and Noah was stoic and calm; although his calm demeanor wasn't exactly helpful in taming her anxiety.Finally, with a forced smile, she spoke up. “Oh, come on, Olivia…” She started awkwardly, the bouquet trembling slightly in her hands. “How long are you going to hold on to some… some small incident from ages ago? Why would I insult him? I… actually, I have come to thank No- I mean, Mr. Kingsley.”Eliana shot her mother an amused glance, while Noah remained silent, his face unreadable as Sabreena took a few steps forward, extending the bouquet of lilies towards him. Olivia crossed her arms and cut in sharply, “Well, I can’t exactly let it go
Liam threw down the glass vase which was placed on the side table in his room, sending it crashing to the floor, as soon as he noticed his parents trying to enter his room once again.It had been four days since his return- or to be honest, the rather rude way in which he had been thrown out, not just from the party but from the city itself. The security had unceremoniously dumped them on the first flight back to Edinburgh, without caring which class tickets were available. And apart from declaring in front of his parents that he had failed miserably, he hadn't given any specific details to his parents. Instead, he had locked himself in his room, boycotting everything: from eating properly to speaking to his parents.In fact, since last night, he had not even touched the food, even for once… and this was making both Otis and Viola more and more tense with every passing second.Even though they were aware that the deal had slipped out of Liam's hands, they were still trying to keep th
“What? Richard Jensen was there too?!” Eliana’s voice burst out in surprise from Noah's phone speaker, her lovely face filling the screen of their video call as she heard the entire story from his mouth. She leaned closer, her eyes wide with disbelief, while Noah glanced into the screen as he replied while preparing to go to bed. “Oh yeah! And he had plenty to say against me at first, calling me a scammer and whatnot. But as soon as Grandpa Omar and Norm showed up, he went quiet and practically disappeared into the crowd, fearing for his own safety.”Eliana burst into laughter, covering her mouth. “After what happened last time, I can’t believe he had the nerve to show up and then also splash mud on you! I mean, did he get the guts?”Noah chuckled. “Apparently, he bribed the event organizers for an invitation. And I guess he was really feeling frustrated after our last meeting, and thinking that he had nothing more to lose now, just vented out all his anger. His little scam was
“I understand, Grandpa Omar, that you’re not much of a drinker.”Noah continued with a steady voice, meeting some raised eyebrows from the people gathered around there. He continued, knowing that his words were surely having some effect, since Norm and Omar were looking at him with curiosity now, instead of suspicion. “I am also aware that you, Grandfather Norm and my grandfather have planned to visit Edencrest Estate together after the signing of the deal, and finally share the bottle of wine purchased so long ago. That is why I have ensured that the other bottle has safely been delivered at your residence, as the homage to that promise.”He glanced at the broken necklace on the floor, and everyone else's eyes followed; to the place where Sienna had thrown it after snapping the string and causing the pearls to scatter in all directions. “And I apologize for the condition of the necklace. It was a vintage heirloom, and though it was meant to be my gift to Eleanor, I shall make sure
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Noah blinked before responding. “Of course,” he said smoothly. “I am happy to answer any questions you might have to help you see that I’m speaking the truth.”Blaine folded his arms, looking Noah up and down, an expression of irritation on his face. Clearly, he thought it was nothing more than a waste of his time to entertain him, but he had no other choice. “Fine! Then show me what you have brought as a gift for my niece. If you are truly the heir of the Kingsleys, you would know better than to show up empty handed, wouldn’t you?”Noah inclined his head, unbothered by Blaine’s mocking tone. “Certainly, uncle. I’ll show you the gifts I have brought.” Turning slightly, he motioned to one of his guards, who stepped forward, handing him a wine bottle wrapped in elegant packaging. Noah held it, his fingers lightly wrapping around the bottle— the vintage wine he had personally unearthed that morning.He extended the bottle toward Blaine. “This
Sienna’s eyes narrowed with suspicion as she looked at the scene in front of her. Just this morning, this idiot Noah had been roaming around the city, trying to get access into a high- end bank.And now, he was supposedly surrounded by an army of guards? Something was really fishy…Just then, her eyes landed on the man at the front of the group, and recognition flashed in her eyes. She clenched her fists, it was him! The same gullible bodyguard from the bank earlier that morning; the one whom she had already fed lots of half- truths and mostly lies about Noah, painting him as a dangerous criminal.She had tried to make sure that he wouldn't slip away by any means, but he had. And now she knows how! Feeling a pang of betrayal and anger, she couldn't hold herself back from commenting;“Oh! I see, he has managed to fool you all too! And now you’re siding with him?” Her laugh was bitter, remembering the way this guard had promised her that he would call the police on Noah and that the
At the time when Noah had entered the venue, hardly anyone had noticed him in the middle of VIP guests, each more prestigious than the last.As long as he had an invite and the security had allowed him in, only a fool would waste their time questioning a nobody instead of making the most of this opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most important people in the world. However, as Liam and Sienna started to mock and humiliate Noah out loud in the open, a crowd slowly started to form around them.The guests started to point him out specifically, murmuring about the possibility of him being a con man and still dodging the security arrangements at this venue.Meanwhile, Noah was standing at his place, completely unfazed by their speculations and instead maintained his calm with a smile that didn't even budge for a single moment.“And do you mind telling me, when will she become your wife? Because as far as I know, my sister in law was already married to someone else. So I'm assum