Mark found it odd that James, who had once been so eager to protect Briana, was now buying into Christopher's baseless accusation."Do you really think it matters if I tell you I had nothing to do with what I'm being accused of?" Mark asked, his voice fueled with frustration.Sandro sighed. "Mark, we don't get along, but after hearing everyone at the mansion harp on this, I'm leaning more toward believing you."Mark reclined in the back of his seat, smirking. "Believe me, I don't want Katrina or James dead. How would I savor my victory if they're not alive to witness it?""That... makes sense," Sandro admitted.Mark raised his index finger. "Besides, being married to Briana, I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize her career or reputation with the LCN Group.""That's what I was thinking too," Sandro nodded. "How could Briana think she'd stay unscathed if the LCN found out she was accused of trying to kill her cousin, the same cousin who also signed a contract with them?""I'm pretty sure
Anthony, Adrian, and James were buzzing with excitement at the prospect of humiliating Mark.James, unable to contain his enthusiasm, exclaimed, "Yes! A huge party with the press covering it! We can expose how Mark and Briana really 'met.'"Adrian grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "I knew you guys would get pumped. So, what's the plan?"Anthony, always the pragmatic one, cut in. "Son, how exactly are you planning to show that parking lot footage to thousands of people?"Without missing a beat, Adrian replied confidently, "Obviously, I'll be involved in throwing the party. If they don't invite me, I'll find a way to sneak in."Anthony raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "It won't be an easy task. Briana and Mark aren't stupid."Adrian, leaning back in his chair, smirked ironically. "I've been on my best behavior these last few weeks. They won't suspect me. Celia, on the other hand…"Anthony's patience was already wearing thin. "What did Celia do now?"Adrian rolled his eyes in
Mark leaned comfortably against the headboard of the bed, his phone in hand.A message from Linda appeared on the screen: "Lord Ferro, we managed to contact a suitable actor and actress for Katrina Ross's series. Sandro Vasconcelos will handle the hiring."Mark's lips curled into a smile."What a pleasant way to start the day," he thought.He quickly typed a reply: "Great. Make sure this information leaks to the press, especially online."Beside him, Briana stirred, turning in her sleep to face him.Her eyes fluttered open to the sight of Mark, still engrossed in his phone, his strong fingers dancing across the screen with precision.Her gaze drifted from his hands to his sculpted chest, then lower, noticing how the blanket had slipped just enough to reveal a hint of his nudity.A mischievous smile crept across her face."Don't you have to work today?" Mark asked, breaking the silence.Briana jumped slightly, startled by how he seemed to know she had been undressing him with her eyes.
Luana moved to close the door in Christopher's face, but he was faster, blocking the movement with such force that it caused her to stumble."Ouch! Be careful! Don't break my door!" Luana exclaimed, regaining her balance."I'd rather break the face of that creep who hasn't stopped banging you since the day I tried to visit you at the hotel!" Christopher shot back, his voice full of anger.Luana frowned, confused. "What day?"Christopher's eyes widened in disbelief.Inside the kitchen, Karl, hearing the familiar voice, furrowed his brow.Realizing it was Christopher, he quickly got up and headed to the bedroom to get dressed, knowing things were escalating in the living room."So, he didn't even tell you that?" Christopher continued, his voice filled with bitterness. "Too busy wearing you out, huh?"Unable to contain herself, Luana slapped Christopher across the face. "Damn you, Chris! What else do I need to do to show you that I'm not interested in you? I'm with Karl!"Christopher rub
James couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with Christopher. The normally composed man was excessively aggressive today."You're definitely not yourself today, Christopher. What happened?" James asked with concern in his voice."Don't try to analyze me!" Christopher snapped back."Something happened, and you're taking it out on me. I don't know if I'll allow myself to be your punching bag, buddy!" James retorted.Christopher stepped aside, pacing in circles, clearly agitated. "OK, enough small talk! What did you decide? Should I play the recording for my dad? For Katrina?""I already told you, Katrina is not going to divorce me!" James replied, trying to keep his ground."Then tell me, what did you decide?"There was a long pause as James stared at Christopher, suspicion brewing as he tried to decipher his brother-in-law's thoughts."I... Something happened yesterday," James finally confessed."What?" Christopher stopped pacing, his curiosity piqued."I found out that the
Mark, now dressed in a crisp gray suit, stood by the bed where Briana lay, still curled up under the covers, looking worn out and clearly embarrassed after seeking her husband's attention so directly. She sighed, covering her eyes."What a terrible manager I am…" Briana muttered.Mark leaned over and kissed her on the cheek with a comforting smile. "Don't worry, darling. If it were up to me, you wouldn't even work."Her voice was hoarse due to moaning too much as she replied, "I didn't want to be the spoiled wife who just burns through her husband's money.""You're so much more than that," Mark reassured her gently. "Even if you didn't work." He straightened up, ready to leave. "Now, I need to go. Goodbye."Briana, attempting humor through her exhaustion, mumbled, "Make sure Luana hasn't lost the ability to walk either."Chuckling at her remark, Mark left the suite, knowing that Karl had a mischievous streak similar to his own.As Mark descended the stairs, he pulled out his phone, wa
Mary Ellen was taken aback as she processed Celia's casual mention of Anthony Curtis.She looked at her friend in surprise."Are you saying that Anthony Curtis works at Red Light?" Mary Ellen asked, her voice edged with disbelief.Celia shrugged as if it were no big deal. "Kinda of. Why does that bother you so much?"Mary Ellen leaned in closer, her tone a mix of concern and urgency. "Shouldn't you consider yourself lucky to have avoided a mess? Red Light is infamous. They hire women as waitresses and then fire them if they get pregnant or... catch an STD."Celia shivered, her expression shifting from indifference to alarm. "Do they get pregnant by their husbands or by the customers?"Mary Ellen sighed, shaking her head. "I think you're catching on now, dear friend."Celia stared into her coffee cup, too stunned to take another sip. "Wow! How could Mr. Curtis stoop so low?""Desperation," Mary Ellen replied, her voice heavy with disappointment.Celia scoffed. "Well, he doesn't conside
Sandro slammed the door shut behind him, leaving only Gilson and James in the office with him. His face was twisted in anger, clearly aware of what Gilson had intended with the interruption."Pathetic, both of you," he sneered."Sandro, let's keep this civil," Gilson tried, but his voice lacked conviction."Civil?" Sandro scoffed. "You knew that if I hired top talent for the series, I'd be in the spotlight, and our mother would praise me for it. You're eaten alive by jealousy. It's sad, really."Gilson clenched his jaw, unwilling to admit anything. "Sandro… you have to understand how things work. You're just trying to make a name for yourself, but—""Shut up, idiot!" Sandro cut him off. "You talk so big, yet in front of our mother, you're all respectful and obedient, huh?"James, uncomfortable with the quarrel, attempted to interject, "Mr. Vasconcelos—""No need for such formality, James," Sandro said with a dark smile. "If I remember correctly, you had your eyes on my daughter."Jame