Ethan stared at Loretta, smiling, “Is that jealousy I sense?” Loretta's cheeks instantly turned pink as she fought hard to avoid Ethan's coquettish gaze. “I meant after everything those people put you through, do you think going to their wedding is necessary?” She rephrased her question whilst still avoiding his gaze. “Well, I was invited, was I not? Besides, I'm more entitled than anyone else to be there and I won't pass up the chance to bid them farewell one last time,” Ethan’s smile was laced with so much mischief. Loretta furrowed her brows, “I see your point, but….” Ethan suddenly held her hands, causing her to instantly break off, “No buts, just trust me, okay?” His reaction was soft yet so reassuring. She placed her head gently on his chest, taking in the pleasant aroma of his cologne. He smelt good, too good for her to resist the burning desire that burnt within her. She lifted her face to his, swallowing hard as she peered into his eyes, and in another moment, her lip
“Calm down bro, I think you should just focus on your wedding plans for now,” Trevor sighed, observing his brother's countenance. Jay remained silent for a few minutes as he considered his brother's words. “And DredgeTek? What happens to it?” Jay asked, shaking his head. After investing so much into acquiring a dredging license and setting up the new company, the business was hardly making any money. “DredgeTek would have to wait too! Just take care of yourself and your wedding to Ariella, okay?” Trevor responded, patting his brother on the shoulder. Jay nodded, glaring at his phone as it rang out. “Okay bro, that's my cue, I'm out. Talk to you later okay?” Trevor shook him before leaving. “Hey baby, miss me already?” Ariella's voice sounded from the other end of the line. “What's wrong?” Ariella asked when she didn't get any response from Jay. “Business hasn't been good!” Jay's voice sounded unusually hoarse. Ariella frowned, “That's terrible, baby. And our wedding is only d
The Lopez family must really be in mourning though, not to have released any official statements since Ian's demise. Emiliano’s sources had told him that Ian had indeed passed away, so he had initially wondered why they were yet to release anything official about it. “All right, we are all set then!” Emiliano finally responded, smiling at his wife. *** Finally, it was the day before Jay and Ariella’s wedding. Several guests who had already flown in from outside Cedarwood to grace the grand occasion were already lodged in their hotel rooms. The Grays' family home was also a beehive of activities as Martha yelled out commands to several maids ahead of her only daughter's big day. Several members of the extended Gray family came in to help in whatever way that they could. “Jake! Where is Jake!” A member of Gray's extended family yelled from the door. “Auntie!” Ariella yelled excitedly as soon as she saw her auntie. Auntie Phina as Phina Gray was popularly called smiled softly as
“We are as good as a family now,” Emiliano added, laughing. Marcus smiled softly, acknowledging their greetings. Auntie Phina came at that instant to get Emiliano as it was time for him to usher in Ariella. Emiliano beamed with pride as he stood in front of Ariella's porch. “Hey, beautiful!” He called out, kissing her on both cheeks as he took her hand in his and walked into the hall. Jay's Ferrari zoomed in almost immediately, as he stepped out smiling. A few minutes after the bride and groom were seated in the hall, Martha looked around, frowning, “What is it dear,” Emiliano asked, noticing the puzzled look on Martha's face. “I was expecting to have seen him!” Martha responded, still frowning. Emiliano was about to ask who she was referring to when they heard some commotion outside the hall. The sound of roaring engines was suddenly heard outside the hall, instantly drawing the attention of everyone as they all rushed outside. A motorcade had just rode into the parking area
Ethan turned to Ariella and Jay, "I see you fancy my new hotel, how would you feel if I kicked you both out?” Jay and Ariella exchanged glances, “Your new hotel? You own Le Meridien hotel?” They both asked Ethan, almost echoing each other's words. Martha gawked at Ethan, ‘Is he really the owner of this hotel?’ Jay, in a bid to save face, suddenly yelled, “You can't kick us out! I can easily buy this hotel, so don't think it is such a big achievement!” Ethan took some steps toward Ariella and Jay, shooting them a mischievous smile, “How about I give you your wedding gift then!” Jay and Ariella glared in shock, unable to summon any more courage to speak after what Ethan had done to Trevor and Marcus. Ariella also caught sight of Olivia at that instant, “Olivia! You knew about this?” But Olivia ignored Ariella’s remark. She has vowed to do everything possible to make amends for all the time she had spent mocking Ethan. Olivia had even pleaded with Ethan to have her father sent out
Her two children were now locked up for different crimes, all thanks to Ethan! They were yet to get over Andrew's incarceration and now Ariella too was in jail? What were they going to do now? Auntie Phina joined Martha on the sofa, trying to console her, a sorrowful expression on her face. “Emiliano you have to do something about this! Now that your brother is no more, everything depends on you!” Auntie Phina announced, staring at her brother-in-law. *** As news of Jay Walter’s arrest continued to trend, speculators became apprehensive about the future of Walter Capital, causing the share prices of Walter Capital to plummet. “Dad, we are in deep shit! Our stocks are in free fall, I think we should pull out while we still can! Trevor yelled while pacing in Marcus’ office. “Dad, are you listening? Did you even hear a word that I just said?” Trevor asked his father when he didn't get any response. But Marcus didn't respond, he just sat down, rubbing his cheeks vigorously with his
“Hello, Mr. Banks, I accept your offer. I'll tell you everything you want to know,” Marcus' voice could be heard speaking to Ethan over the phone. Trevor shook his head in resignation, he still couldn't believe all that had suddenly befallen them. “Don't look at me that way! If only your stupid brother had used his brains, none of these would have happened. Go pack your things, our time in Cedarwood has come to an end, we are leaving!” Marcus roared, throwing his glass cup against the wall. *** Emiliano’s phone kept buzzing for days as various news reporters called him non-stop, requesting for an interview with him. Martha had become a shadow of herself, whispering to herself day in, and day out like one who had gone nuts. “I'm afraid your wife has lost her sanity,” one of Emiliano's doctors broke the news to him at Green Health Hospital the following day. Auntie Phina had left Cedarwood to return home, leaving Emiliano to take care of Martha. But Martha on the other hand didn't
“And what's it to you? Aren't you supposed to be in your cell room, cooling off or something?” Ariella asked, scowling at him. “Spicy, I like this one. Must be why Mr. Gray wants her!” The husky fellow responded as several other men suddenly surrounded Loretta. “Shut up, fool! You weren't supposed to mention his name! She's just bait to get that fellow that's caused Mr. Gray so much trouble,” another man responded. “Oh, for heaven's sake, quit yapping and get her already!” The husky fellow in the red Mustang yelled impatiently. Suddenly a deafening sound was heard as all the men surrounding Loretta fell to the ground, gritting their teeth from the pain ringing in their ears. “What? What's happening here?” The husky fellow in the red Mustang yelled, preparing to flee. “And where do you think you are going to?” Ethan suddenly appeared in front of the Mustang. “What took you so long?” Loretta asked, rolling her eyes. Ethan smiled, “I'm sorry, I had to board a taxi. Are you all rig