Eliana was expecting anything in this world from Noah, but not this! She was thinking that Noah's company had already given him more than enough favors that anyone could possibly give to an employee: a loan of eight million dollars, a car… and now, a house too? It was a completely separate fact that it was just supposed to be his first day at work that morning… Was Mr. Langdon really that generous, or was he really feeling indebted because Noah had supposedly saved his life? She trusted her husband, and yet, there was something that wasn't exactly adding up… that's why, there was a nagging voice in her head that didn't want to shut up at all. In fact, now that she thought about it, Noah had never said it with his own mouth, that this car had been given to him by the company. Eliana was the one to say that, while trying to cover for him in front of her parents, because they would definitely have criticized him for it. So then, where did he get the car from? It was already a real
Keeping all her considerations aside, Eliana finally managed to find the words buried under the pile of her thoughts. She gulped, gathering her courage to ask Noah about where they were heading, as they had already crossed all the areas where they could have found any suitable places to live– either hotels, or one of his friends’ place to crash. Because now, they had basically left the most densely populated areas of Edinburgh behind. “Noah! Where are we heading, I don't think we can afford anything, beyond this point—”“What do you mean, Ellie?”Noah asked without taking his eyes off the road. “I mean, where are we heading? The route you have chosen will take us to quite a high- end area… I think you might need to confirm the address from your friends–”“Friends? What do you mean, Ellie? Which friends?”Noah asked, finally slowing the speed of the car, as they were about to enter the society.“Oh, so you haven't asked your friends for accommodation? Have you consulted with a real
Noah turned to Eliana, pressing the brakes of his car suddenly, causing the other cars to halt without warning as well.“Ellie, you never have to seek permission from me to ask anything! You can ask me or tell me anything, at any time. So tell me what happened?”“Did you… did you, by any chance, join some mafia or something like that… um, from the underworld?”She asked, her eyes big and curious, painting her entire face in the shades of confusion.“What!? Never… I mean no, why would you think so?”Noah replied looking directly in her eyes.Eliana gulped nervously, as she had started to get a little scared by Noah's confident mannerisms too… he had never said anything to her with this confidence and a strange feeling… almost like an ownership of sorts.He had always maintained a distance, just as she had, and she has always thought that it was because he respected her. But the way he was talking to her now, the respect was still there, just a feeling of intimacy has been added.But sh
“Don't you also have to go to work this morning?” Eliana asked; wondering how he was so relaxed, especially on a weekday. While on the other hand, Noah was hundred ten percent sure that after all the interrogation Eliana was up to last night, she wouldn't completely believe everything so easily. This was why he was kinda prepared for this type of question from her. Still, the moment when she finally asked the question, he didn't really find any words to answer her quickly enough. Indeed, he was ready for her questions… but not right in the morning, and not randomly like this! He paused, setting the spatula down on the counter, and turned the gas knob to slow heat before turning around to face her. Instead of answering right away, he walked towards her, his footsteps soft against the wooden floor. As he reached her, he gently placed his hands on her shoulders, his thumbs pressing lightly into the tense muscles there. “I do, but not just yet. Every morning from now on, I
Noah finally dropped Eliana to the Red Swan Entertainment office, and was on his way to return to their new home.All of a sudden, the silence and solitude of the luxury that was present during the car ride started to haunt him… since the day he had been kicked out of his home, he has never gotten the same level of luxury back in his life.Luxury which solely belonged to him, and had not been offered to him as alms.Everything he had received, after he was suddenly exposed to the raging dumpster fire also unfortunately known as the world, it was only to remind him of one thing and one thing alone. That everything he would ever get in this world was a charity, that had been given to him as a favor, and now he had to stay indebted to them and remain as their slave entirely for his lifetime.Indeed, those people had done many great things for him too, but they had always made it known to him that he needed to be grateful to them because of this greatness and the favor they had done to h
Eliana was finally seated at her desk at the Director's office at the Red Swan Entertainment. She had been planning her next move on the way here, and she finally had the time and space to put it into action. She double checked that the doors to her cabin were locked; she had already told her secretary to not let anyone into her cabin for any reason for the next ten minutes unless she herself said so. She was about to dial the number of the manager at the Unity One Building, wanting to inquire if they had hired someone new named Noah Turner or not.Eliana had almost clicked the ‘call’ button as well, when something suddenly clicked in her mind and she froze in motion.How was she going to explain it to Noah, if he had really joined the company and gotten to know about this act of hers? Surely, such kind of a gossip might travel through the grapevine and it was very likely to reach Noah's ears, if he was actually there. With this thought, she quickly aborted her first mission and di
“You–”Only a single word left Noah's mouth after spending at least three minutes, frozen at the door. But before he could have said anything further, Warner stepped up and pulled him into his embrace.“My Noah… my Dear Noah, how can I explain how much I missed you! There wasn't a single day that I haven't tried to search for you, or haven't missed you… I can't explain the relief I am feeling right now, otherwise, I was so worried that if I die without finding you and giving you everything that you deserve since your birth, how would I face your parents on the other side of the rainbow?”“Grandpa!”Noah managed to say only one word again, as he felt his voice getting choked because of the overwhelming emotions overtaking his heart and mind. Meanwhile, tears were already starting to shine in his eyes.And before he could have said anything further, Warner spoke again. “Yes, my love! I can't explain to you, how long I have waited to hear this word from your mouth. Please call me grand
Bailey expertly backed her cherry red car into the small parking space outside the Bellagio Diner, the engine purring softly as it came to a stop. She pushed her shiny new sunglasses up into her hair, sighing with satisfaction. Beside her, Eliana was sitting quietly in the seat, clutching her bag in her lap. From the moment Eliana had stepped into the car, the ride had been completely silent except for a single declaration from Bailey: "Hi, but I can't talk now, I absolutely need to down a shot or two before hearing anything. So just get in and let's go!" Now, Eliana was waiting patiently as Bailey cut the engine. She slipped out of the seat at the same time as Bailey got out of the car, slinging her bag over her shoulder. She walked around to Eliana’s side and took her hand, practically dragging her and marching towards the entrance of the diner. The clatter of dishes and the hum of conversation surrounded the best friends as they stepped inside.Bailey didn't stop walking until
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