2025-04-26 21:08:17Faye's expression shifted from surprise to genuine concern as she listened to Katherine's tearful voice on the phone. The guilt she'd been carrying about winning the contract that had originally been Katherine's intensified with each sob that came through the line.
"Katherine, please don't cry. We can talk about this," Faye said softly, glancing apologetically at Yemin who sat across from her at the café table.
"You stole everything from me!" Katherine's voice cracked convincingly. "And now you're with my ex-husband? How could you, Faye? I thought we were friends!"
"It's not like that at all," Faye insisted. "Let me explain—"
"If you still have any shred of decency left," Katherine interrupted, "meet me at Café Lumière in thirty minutes. Just you. We need to talk."
The call ended abruptly. Faye stared at her phone, conflicted emotions washing over her face.
Yemin observed her carefully, noting the shift in her demeanor. "Is everything alright?"
"That was Katherine," Faye explained, tucking her phone away. "She's upset about the contract, and... well, she saw us together. I should go meet her and clear things up."
A shadow of concern crossed Yemin's face. "Are you sure that's wise?"
"Katherine and I have been friends for years. This is just a misunderstanding," Faye said, gathering her purse. "We've had our differences, but nothing we couldn't work through."
She doesn't know the real Katherine, Yemin thought grimly. The woman I was married to would step over anyone to get what she wants. But he kept his thoughts to himself, not wanting to influence Faye's opinion with his bitter experience.
"Would you like me to come with you?" he offered instead, his voice carefully neutral.
Faye shook her head, a gentle smile touching her lips. "Actually, I came here to thank you properly for all your help with the Group A contract. I never got the chance to express my gratitude."
She paused, fidgeting with the handle of her purse. "And I think it's better if you don't come along. You being Katherine's ex-husband might just make things worse. She's already upset enough."
The sunlight streaming through the café window illuminated her face, highlighting the genuine concern in her eyes. Yemin felt a pang in his chest, remembering how different she was from Katherine—so honest, so caring.
"Alright," he conceded, though every instinct told him to protect her from whatever Katherine was planning. "Just be careful."
"I will," Faye promised, standing up. "Katherine and I go way back. We'll sort this out."
As she walked away, Yemin's thoughts returned to the ring—his mother's ring that Katherine had somehow taken from Faye.
The confirmation that Faye was indeed the girl who had saved him years ago filled him with a sense of rightness he hadn't felt in years.
I need to get that ring back to her, he thought determinedly. Where it truly belongs.
Meanwhile, in her luxury apartment, Katherine tossed her phone onto the plush sofa and turned to James with a triumphant smirk.
"The pathetic fool actually fell for it," she said, reaching for the champagne glass James offered her. "She's coming to meet me."
James lounged against the marble counter, his eyes cold and calculating. "And Morgan won't be joining this little reunion?"
"No," Katherine confirmed, satisfaction evident in her tone. "She made sure to mention that she didn't want to 'inflame the situation' by bringing my ex-husband along. As if I care about that worthless man."
She took a sip of champagne, savoring both the taste and her impending revenge. "She actually believes we're still friends after she stole my contract. What kind of idiot thinks business and friendship mix?"
James circled behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "So what's the plan? Lure her in with fake tears and then what?"
"First, I'll make her feel guilty about the contract," Katherine explained, leaning back against him. "Then I'll invite her to my birthday celebration tomorrow night. That's when we'll teach her what happens to people who cross me."
"My boys will be ready," James assured her, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Morgan too, if he decides to play hero."
Katherine's laugh was sharp and cruel. "That sentimental fool Faye probably thinks I want to reconcile. She always was too trusting for her own good."
"The perfect victim," James agreed, refilling their glasses.
Katherine stared out at the city skyline through her floor-to-ceiling windows. "By this time tomorrow, she'll wish she never took what was mine. And as for Morgan..." Her eyes narrowed. "He'll learn that discarding me was the biggest mistake of his life."
Back at the café, Yemin remained seated long after Faye had left, a troubled expression on his face. Something about this sudden reconciliation attempt from Katherine felt wrong—very wrong.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number.
"Chairman Hargrove," he said when the call connected. "I need you to keep an eye on Katherine Shaw and James Franx. Report any unusual activities immediately."
"Yes, sir," came the immediate response. "Anything specific I should be looking for?"
Yemin's jaw tightened. "Any gatherings with Franx's gang members. Any mentions of either Faye Langford or myself."
"Understood, sir. I'll have my team on it right away."
After ending the call, Yemin signaled for the check. His mind raced through possibilities and contingency plans.
Katherine wasn't one to forgive and forget.
If she was reaching out to Faye now, after losing the contract, it wasn't to mend fences—it was to burn them down completely.
He couldn't shake the feeling that Faye was walking into a trap.
But he also knew that interfering now might only push her away. She needed to see Katherine's true colors for herself.
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Yemin's phone vibrated in his pocket as he was about to enter his apartment. The screen displayed an unknown number. He hesitated briefly before answering."Hello?""Mr. Ravollor," a familiar voice spoke urgently. "This is Marcus Chen."Yemin's posture straightened immediately. Marcus was Chairman Hargrove's right-hand man and one of the few people who knew his true identity."Marcus? Is everything alright?" Yemin asked, his mind already calculating possibilities."Sir, I apologize for calling from an unknown number, but it's urgent. Are you still in the city?" Marcus's voice was strained with worry."I am. What's happened?""It's Chairman Hargrove, sir. The illness—it's returned. The doctors are baffled, just like before. He's asking for you."Yemin closed his eyes momentarily. Three years ago, he had helped save the Chairman's life using an experimental treatment his research team had developed. It seemed history was repeating itself."Text me the address. I'll be there as soon as p
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Faye arrived at Café Lumière fifteen minutes early, her stomach knotted with guilt and anticipation. The upscale establishment buzzed with afternoon patrons, soft jazz playing in the background.She chose a corner table that offered some privacy for what would undoubtedly be a difficult conversation.When Katherine walked in, Faye almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the polished businesswoman with perfect makeup and imperious posture. Instead, Katherine appeared tired, her eyes slightly puffy as though she'd been crying, her usual designer outfit replaced by a more casual ensemble.Is she really that upset about the contract? Faye wondered, guilt gnawing at her conscience. I never meant to hurt her like this.Katherine spotted Faye and approached, her expression a careful mixture of hurt and resignation."Thank you for meeting me," Katherine said, sliding into the chair opposite Faye. "I wasn't sure you would come.""Of course I came," Faye replied, reaching across the table to touc
LAPDOG HUSBAND IS A TRILLIONAIRE HEIR Chapter 23
Yemin followed Marcus through the mansion's ornate corridors, noting how the staff stepped aside respectfully for the right-hand man of Chairman Hargrove. Marcus's strides were purposeful, his shoulders rigid with tension and lingering anger."I cannot apologize enough for the guards' behavior, Mr. Ravollor," Marcus said, breaking the silence. "Such disrespect is unacceptable."Yemin studied the man beside him. Marcus Chen had no idea who he truly was—that Yemin actually owned the company Marcus and Chairman Hargrove managed. All Marcus knew was that Yemin had saved his boss's life years ago using unorthodox methods, and that the Chairman trusted him implicitly."It's not important," Yemin replied calmly. "What matters is Chairman Hargrove's condition."They reached an elevator, and Marcus pressed his thumb against a biometric scanner. "The Chairman's private quarters are on the top floor."As they ascended, Yemin asked, "What exactly happened? When I treated him previously, the condi
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The tension in Chairman Hargrove's private suite was palpable. Medical equipment beeped steadily in the background, nurses exchanged worried glances, and the collection of prestigious doctors watched with barely concealed disdain as Marcus Chen positioned himself between Yemin and Alexander Hargrove."Alexander, please," Marcus implored, his voice low but urgent. "I know Mr. Ravollor doesn't look the part, but he saved your father's life three years ago when everyone else had given up."Alexander's jaw clenched, his expensive suit barely concealing the tension in his shoulders. "Are you out of your mind, Marcus? Look at him!" He gestured dismissively toward Yemin. "My father needs the country's top medical experts, not some street vagrant you've dragged in here."The son's resistance is unusual, Yemin thought, studying Alexander's body language. This goes beyond mere skepticism or concern.Marcus pressed on, desperation edging into his voice. "Your father specifically asked for him, A
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The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the city as Faye ended her call with Katherine. Her mind was buzzing with conflicting thoughts about the birthday invitation and the seemingly sincere reconciliation attempt. While relief washed over her about mending their friendship, something about Katherine's eagerness to include Yemin in the party invitation struck her as odd.Faye's fingers hovered over Yemin's contact information. She needed to hear his voice, to thank him properly for the Morgan Group contract, and perhaps to understand more about who he truly was."Hello?" Yemin's voice came through after two rings."Yemin, it's Faye. I was wondering if we could meet? I never properly thanked you for your help with Morgan Group."There was a brief pause on the line. "I'm actually tied up at the moment," Yemin replied, his voice measured but with a hint of strain. "I'm at Chairman Hargrove's residence."Faye nearly dropped her phone. "Chairman Hargrove? As in the head of the second-la
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The lavish bedroom of Chairman Hargrove fell into a stunned silence at Yemin's bizarre request. The medical equipment's steady beeping was the only sound for a brief moment before outrage erupted among the medical professionals."A cobra? Are you completely out of your mind?" Chairman Hargrove's son shouted, his face flushing crimson with anger. "This confirms it—you're nothing but a quack!"The assembled doctors nodded in unified agreement, their expressions ranging from disdain to outright mockery."What could you possibly need a venomous snake for?" the head doctor demanded, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "We've employed every cutting-edge treatment protocol available in modern medicine. MRIs, specialized blood work, experimental treatments—all the latest medical technology!"Another doctor stepped forward, a thin woman with her hair pulled back in a severe bun. "I've practiced medicine for thirty years, and I've never heard of using snake venom to treat any condition resemblin
LAPDOG HUSBAND IS A TRILLIONAIRE HEIR Chapter 27
Faye stepped into Chairman Hargrove's bedroom, carefully carrying the specialized container with the striped V hood cobra inside.She paused momentarily at the threshold, taking in the scene before her—a dozen medical professionals in white coats standing in a semicircle, their faces etched with varying degrees of skepticism and disdain.At the center of attention stood Yemin, calm and collected beside Chairman Hargrove's bed, seemingly unaffected by the hostility directed at him."I brought what you asked for," Faye announced, her voice cutting through the tense silence.All eyes turned to her, then to the container in her hands. The gathered doctors murmured among themselves, their disapproval evident.Yemin's face softened with genuine gratitude as he approached her. "Thank you, Faye. You've done exactly what was needed."He speaks to me with such warmth, Faye thought, even amidst all this tension. It's nothing like Katherine described him."You actually went and fetched a deadly s
LAPDOG HUSBAND IS A TRILLIONAIRE HEIR Chapter 28
"Yemin, no!" Faye screamed, her voice piercing through the tense silence of the room. "What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?"The cobra remained poised to strike, its hood fully expanded, black eyes fixed on Yemin who continued his careful approach."That's a striped V hood cobra—the most venomous snake in existence!" Faye continued, her hands trembling with fear. "One bite and you'll end up just like that foolish doctor! His pride cost him his life—don't make the same mistake!"Dr. Pierce lay by the door, his colleagues frantically working to stabilize him as his face turned an alarming shade of blue. His labored breathing created a grim soundtrack to the unfolding drama.Yemin turned slightly toward Faye, his expression serene despite the deadly predator before him. "Don't worry," he said with a warm smile that seemed entirely out of place given the circumstances. "Everything will be fine.""Fine?" Chairman Hargrove's son sputtered from his position pressed against the far w
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"Yemin, no!" Faye screamed, her voice piercing through the tense silence of the room. "What are you doing? Do you have a death wish?"The cobra remained poised to strike, its hood fully expanded, black eyes fixed on Yemin who continued his careful approach."That's a striped V hood cobra—the most venomous snake in existence!" Faye continued, her hands trembling with fear. "One bite and you'll end up just like that foolish doctor! His pride cost him his life—don't make the same mistake!"Dr. Pierce lay by the door, his colleagues frantically working to stabilize him as his face turned an alarming shade of blue. His labored breathing created a grim soundtrack to the unfolding drama.Yemin turned slightly toward Faye, his expression serene despite the deadly predator before him. "Don't worry," he said with a warm smile that seemed entirely out of place given the circumstances. "Everything will be fine.""Fine?" Chairman Hargrove's son sputtered from his position pressed against the far w
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Faye stepped into Chairman Hargrove's bedroom, carefully carrying the specialized container with the striped V hood cobra inside.She paused momentarily at the threshold, taking in the scene before her—a dozen medical professionals in white coats standing in a semicircle, their faces etched with varying degrees of skepticism and disdain.At the center of attention stood Yemin, calm and collected beside Chairman Hargrove's bed, seemingly unaffected by the hostility directed at him."I brought what you asked for," Faye announced, her voice cutting through the tense silence.All eyes turned to her, then to the container in her hands. The gathered doctors murmured among themselves, their disapproval evident.Yemin's face softened with genuine gratitude as he approached her. "Thank you, Faye. You've done exactly what was needed."He speaks to me with such warmth, Faye thought, even amidst all this tension. It's nothing like Katherine described him."You actually went and fetched a deadly s
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The lavish bedroom of Chairman Hargrove fell into a stunned silence at Yemin's bizarre request. The medical equipment's steady beeping was the only sound for a brief moment before outrage erupted among the medical professionals."A cobra? Are you completely out of your mind?" Chairman Hargrove's son shouted, his face flushing crimson with anger. "This confirms it—you're nothing but a quack!"The assembled doctors nodded in unified agreement, their expressions ranging from disdain to outright mockery."What could you possibly need a venomous snake for?" the head doctor demanded, adjusting his gold-rimmed glasses. "We've employed every cutting-edge treatment protocol available in modern medicine. MRIs, specialized blood work, experimental treatments—all the latest medical technology!"Another doctor stepped forward, a thin woman with her hair pulled back in a severe bun. "I've practiced medicine for thirty years, and I've never heard of using snake venom to treat any condition resemblin
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The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the city as Faye ended her call with Katherine. Her mind was buzzing with conflicting thoughts about the birthday invitation and the seemingly sincere reconciliation attempt. While relief washed over her about mending their friendship, something about Katherine's eagerness to include Yemin in the party invitation struck her as odd.Faye's fingers hovered over Yemin's contact information. She needed to hear his voice, to thank him properly for the Morgan Group contract, and perhaps to understand more about who he truly was."Hello?" Yemin's voice came through after two rings."Yemin, it's Faye. I was wondering if we could meet? I never properly thanked you for your help with Morgan Group."There was a brief pause on the line. "I'm actually tied up at the moment," Yemin replied, his voice measured but with a hint of strain. "I'm at Chairman Hargrove's residence."Faye nearly dropped her phone. "Chairman Hargrove? As in the head of the second-la
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The tension in Chairman Hargrove's private suite was palpable. Medical equipment beeped steadily in the background, nurses exchanged worried glances, and the collection of prestigious doctors watched with barely concealed disdain as Marcus Chen positioned himself between Yemin and Alexander Hargrove."Alexander, please," Marcus implored, his voice low but urgent. "I know Mr. Ravollor doesn't look the part, but he saved your father's life three years ago when everyone else had given up."Alexander's jaw clenched, his expensive suit barely concealing the tension in his shoulders. "Are you out of your mind, Marcus? Look at him!" He gestured dismissively toward Yemin. "My father needs the country's top medical experts, not some street vagrant you've dragged in here."The son's resistance is unusual, Yemin thought, studying Alexander's body language. This goes beyond mere skepticism or concern.Marcus pressed on, desperation edging into his voice. "Your father specifically asked for him, A
Chapter 23
Yemin followed Marcus through the mansion's ornate corridors, noting how the staff stepped aside respectfully for the right-hand man of Chairman Hargrove. Marcus's strides were purposeful, his shoulders rigid with tension and lingering anger."I cannot apologize enough for the guards' behavior, Mr. Ravollor," Marcus said, breaking the silence. "Such disrespect is unacceptable."Yemin studied the man beside him. Marcus Chen had no idea who he truly was—that Yemin actually owned the company Marcus and Chairman Hargrove managed. All Marcus knew was that Yemin had saved his boss's life years ago using unorthodox methods, and that the Chairman trusted him implicitly."It's not important," Yemin replied calmly. "What matters is Chairman Hargrove's condition."They reached an elevator, and Marcus pressed his thumb against a biometric scanner. "The Chairman's private quarters are on the top floor."As they ascended, Yemin asked, "What exactly happened? When I treated him previously, the condi
Chapter 22
Faye arrived at Café Lumière fifteen minutes early, her stomach knotted with guilt and anticipation. The upscale establishment buzzed with afternoon patrons, soft jazz playing in the background.She chose a corner table that offered some privacy for what would undoubtedly be a difficult conversation.When Katherine walked in, Faye almost didn't recognize her. Gone was the polished businesswoman with perfect makeup and imperious posture. Instead, Katherine appeared tired, her eyes slightly puffy as though she'd been crying, her usual designer outfit replaced by a more casual ensemble.Is she really that upset about the contract? Faye wondered, guilt gnawing at her conscience. I never meant to hurt her like this.Katherine spotted Faye and approached, her expression a careful mixture of hurt and resignation."Thank you for meeting me," Katherine said, sliding into the chair opposite Faye. "I wasn't sure you would come.""Of course I came," Faye replied, reaching across the table to touc
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Yemin's phone vibrated in his pocket as he was about to enter his apartment. The screen displayed an unknown number. He hesitated briefly before answering."Hello?""Mr. Ravollor," a familiar voice spoke urgently. "This is Marcus Chen."Yemin's posture straightened immediately. Marcus was Chairman Hargrove's right-hand man and one of the few people who knew his true identity."Marcus? Is everything alright?" Yemin asked, his mind already calculating possibilities."Sir, I apologize for calling from an unknown number, but it's urgent. Are you still in the city?" Marcus's voice was strained with worry."I am. What's happened?""It's Chairman Hargrove, sir. The illness—it's returned. The doctors are baffled, just like before. He's asking for you."Yemin closed his eyes momentarily. Three years ago, he had helped save the Chairman's life using an experimental treatment his research team had developed. It seemed history was repeating itself."Text me the address. I'll be there as soon as p
Chapter 20
Faye's expression shifted from surprise to genuine concern as she listened to Katherine's tearful voice on the phone. The guilt she'd been carrying about winning the contract that had originally been Katherine's intensified with each sob that came through the line."Katherine, please don't cry. We can talk about this," Faye said softly, glancing apologetically at Yemin who sat across from her at the café table."You stole everything from me!" Katherine's voice cracked convincingly. "And now you're with my ex-husband? How could you, Faye? I thought we were friends!""It's not like that at all," Faye insisted. "Let me explain—""If you still have any shred of decency left," Katherine interrupted, "meet me at Café Lumière in thirty minutes. Just you. We need to talk."The call ended abruptly. Faye stared at her phone, conflicted emotions washing over her face.Yemin observed her carefully, noting the shift in her demeanor. "Is everything alright?""That was Katherine," Faye explained, tu
