As Anastasia stepped into the office and settled into her chair, she felt a wave of nervous anticipation wash over her. The interviewer, still focused on his computer screen, hadn’t even acknowledged her presence yet. His silence was unnerving. Without a glance, he stretched out his hand across the desk and said coldly,
“Your CV, ma’am?”
She quickly handed it over, her heart pounding as his fingers brushed the paper. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, as his eyes landed on her name, something shifted. His indifferent expression faltered, replaced by a spark of recognition.
He had received explicit instructions from the vice president herself: reject any applicant from the Stewart Empire, except for one—Anastasia Stewart.
Realizing who was
Arriving at the Stewart Mansion, Anastasia felt a strange hollowness in the air. It was unsettling—too quiet for a place that was usually buzzing with life. She realized, with a sinking feeling, that it was just her and Nancy. No one else from the family was around, only the housekeepers and the ever-watchful secretary. Not even her cousin, Daniel, was in sight. She sighed softly, her fingers brushing the cool surface of the dining table as she sat down to wait for Nancy to appear.The announcement of her arrival must have reached Nancy by now. Anastasia imagined her grandmother getting ready upstairs, mentally preparing for what was sure to be another heated conversation about Alex. With a heavy heart, she gazed at the rich surroundings and the elegance that had shaped her childhood. But today, it all felt distant.Upstairs, Nancy was indeed prepared, both physically and mentally. Her wrinkled hands moved methodically as she put on her jewelry, each piece symbolizing years of hard-ea
Nancy arrived in a sleek convoy of black cars in Greentree, a smaller but lively city just south of Southlake. Despite its size, Greentree buzzed with energy, its streets filled with companies eager to make strategic partnerships.After the abrupt end of her partnership with the Sebastian Southlake Corporation, Nancy saw potential in Nexera Industries. Nexera wasn’t as big as the Stewart Empire, but Nancy hoped a deal with them could keep her business afloat until Anastasia would do her bidding.“Welcome, Mrs. Stewart,” Mrs. Coker Nexera greeted warmly, bowing slightly at the entrance of her elegant villa.Mrs. Nexera’s genuine smile radiated warmth and respect. “Please, come in,” she said, guiding Nancy into the opulent sitting room.Once seated, Nancy crossed her legs with the poise of a seasoned matriarch. She accepted a cup of coffee, savoring its rich aroma. Mrs. Nexera, still smiling, took a deep breath, clearly eager to impress.“I’m interested in forming a partnership with Nexe
“How can you hate me so much when you’ve never even met me?” Jackson’s voice rose, a mix of frustration and desperation in his tone. “I told you I love you, and even your grandmother wants us to be together, to eventually get married.”His words were forceful, more like a command than a confession. It was as if he believed he could make Anastasia bend to his will with sheer determination.Nancy, who was watching from nearby, frowned deeply. She knew this wasn’t the right way to approach a woman, but she felt powerless to stop Jackson. She desperately wanted Anastasia to date Jackson, even if it meant pushing her into it.“Leave me alone!” Anastasia shouted, her voice shaking with anger and fear. But Jackson didn’t back down. Instead, he grabbe
Upon reaching Greentree City and stepping into his home, Jackson was still reeling from the humiliation he had suffered in Southlake City.“She dared to ask me to leave her home.” He fumed, the thought of it still lingering like a ghost. He sank into the leather chair in his home office, his hands cradling his face as he brooded over how to elevate his status.“If I can just improve my status, she’ll have no choice but to notice me and leave that bastard behind.” A fleeting smirk crossed his face but vanished just as quickly.In a fit of determination, he flipped open his laptop and began researching Echelon Enterprises.Much like Sebastian Southlake Corporation’s dominance in Southlake City, Echelon Enterprises was a key player in Greentree City. However, Sebastian Southlake Corporation still held a larger market share. Jackson reasoned that landing a role at Echelon Enterprises, independent of his family’s influence, could pave the way for his entry into Sebastian Southlake Corporat
Arriving home, Jackson’s mind was a storm. The interviewer’s cryptic words replayed in his head, like a song stuck on a broken loop. He hadn’t done anything wrong—or at least, he couldn’t think of anything. But the unsettling feeling wouldn’t leave him.“Could Anastasia be behind this?” The thought hit him out of nowhere, sending a sharp pang through his chest.“No,” he shook his head, as if to push the idea away. “That’s impossible. Her grandmother wanted us married. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—do something like this.”Yet, his chest tightened as doubt gnawed at him. He began pacing the room, each step quicker than the last.His mind spiraled. He replayed every interaction fr
“Oh, there he is,” a man in a sharp suit approached the table, and Emmanuella stood up, smiling as she gave him a warm hug.The way Emmanuella spoke, smiled, and embraced him made it obvious—no words were needed. This man was clearly her boyfriend.As he reached the table, he greeted everyone with a casual “hello,” and settled into the seat right beside her.There were ten people gathered around the table, each sitting next to their significant other, enjoying the food, drinks, and the atmosphere—until Juliet spoke up. “Why don’t we all introduce our partners and share what they do for a living?”That’s when Anastasia saw right through Juliet’s intentions. Ever since they were kids, Juliet had always flaunted her status like a crown.Anyone beneath her was treated like dirt, and she made sure they knew their place. “A Lannister never mingles with the riff-raff,” she used to say, referencing her favorite show.The moment she asked for introductions, Anastasia could already tell what sh
Hearing Anastasia’s words, Juliet shot up from her seat. There was no way she was going to stand by while Anastasia disrespected her man. If Anastasia wanted to play dirty, she was ready to take it a step further.“Oh, so you think your family’s all pure and perfect? Why don’t you tell everyone how Grandma and Grandpa built the Stewart Empire? They didn’t do it by hard work; they did it by stealing—siphoning funds, to be exact!” Juliet’s voice was sharp, echoing through the room as the bombshell hit.Everyone froze, their shock evident. Emmanuella’s eyes widened, and even Anastasia, who was rarely caught off guard, stood still as if she had been slapped in the face. Her heart raced as she processed what she had just heard. Her entire life, she had believed in the integrity of the Stewart family. Her grandparents, especially, were always seen as hardworking, respected figures. The idea that they stole money?“Liar!” Anastasia’s voice cracked with anger, her fists clenched. “You’ll say
Anastasia took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she tried to calm herself. After a moment, she finally returned to the table.But as soon as she sat down, she could tell things had gone from bad to worse. Alex was standing now, and everyone, except Emmanuella, was throwing cruel comments at him.Even though Emmanuella wasn’t joining in, the sadness in her eyes as she watched Alex made Anastasia's heart twist. Something was terribly wrong."Alex, what’s happening?" she asked, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.Before Alex could respond, Juliet, always the loudest in the room, jumped in with her mocking tone."Your little boyfriend here’s been showing off since you left," Juliet sneered. "He said he’d throw you the most lavish wedding after graduation. You guys are graduating next week, right? So, what’s his plan? Sell his father’s apartment?"Juliet’s laughter rang through the air, cold and cutting. Michael, ever her partner in cruelty, laughed right along with her.
The day before, Daniel had meticulously planned every detail. He had ordered a specific set of glassware, ensuring they were delivered directly to his chemist contact. "If anything goes wrong, the hooker can take the fall for it," he had concluded smugly, sharing his plan with Nancy.Nancy, as calculating as ever, nodded in agreement. “Let’s make sure this is foolproof. The less we leave to chance, the better.”Now, as the commotion unfolded in the house, Nancy’s smirk betrayed her satisfaction. Everything was falling into place. She pulled out her phone and dialed 911, her tone dripping with urgency.“Hello? Yes, there’s been an attempted murder. I think I know who did it,” she said, casting a sharp glance toward Veronica, who was nervously pacing in a far corner of the house.Before hanging up, Nancy made sure to add, “Please hurry. The suspect might try to flee.” She snapped her phone shut and turned to her other grandchildren, her voice sharp and commanding.“Make sure she doesn’t
Daniel stood by the upstairs window, a glass of wine in hand, his gaze fixed on Alex, Anastasia, and Antony outside. His posture was casual, but his smirk betrayed the calculated mind of a man waiting for chaos to unfold.He swirled the wine before taking a deep gulp. “I should have known he couldn’t pull it off,” he muttered under his breath.A sudden shout from below caught his attention. “Fuck!” The voice carried up through the house.Daniel smirked again, his amusement turning to irritation as he overheard their heated exchange. “That idiot just keeps running his mouth,” he said aloud, his voice laced with disdain.Moments later, he saw Alex leave the group and head toward the house. Daniel stepped back from the window, his smirk deepening.The house was eerily silent. The partygoers were all outside, basking in the perfect night, oblivious to the brewing storm.“Daniel!” Alex’s voice echoed through the empty halls as he entered.Daniel didn’t respond. The house was vast, a maze o
Inside the boutique, she stepped out of the changing room, her reflection in the mirror catching her eye. The dress hugged her body in all the right places, the rich fabric gleaming under the soft lights. She took a deep breath, adjusting the neckline before stepping out.Daniel, lounging on a stool, barely glanced up at first. His fingers tapped rhythmically on his phone, scrolling through his feed. But as the click of her heels echoed across the tiled floor, his attention snapped to her. His eyes widened, and he slowly set his phone down on the counter.“Wow,” he murmured, rising to his feet. His gaze traveled from her head to toe, lingering appreciatively. “That dress—it’s perfect. You look incredible.”She twirled lightly, letting the hem of the dress flare out. “You think so?” she asked coyly, her lips curling into a small, teasing smile.“Think so?” Daniel took a step closer, his voice lowering. “You look like you just stepped out of a fashion magazine.”His words made her cheek
Daniel cleared his throat, the weight of his words pressing down on him. “I have a confession.” His face shifted into a sombre expression, the gravity of what he was about to say consuming him. He wanted them to believe him, to take him seriously.“Now that our family has united once more,” he continued, pausing for a brief moment as he scanned the faces in the room, “I believe it’s time I come clean to us all.”He bowed slightly, as though remorse for a long-hidden truth overwhelmed him. A silence filled the room. No one spoke. The family members exchanged confused, questioning looks, and for a long beat, no one moved.Then, finally, Daniel spoke again, his voice filled with finality. “I am married.” The words hung in the air like a bomb, detonating a sharp, collective gasp that reverberated throughout the room.“What?” Everyone exclaimed at once, their voices full of disbelief.Daniel was old enough to be married, but everyone knew him as the man who never took relationships serious
Discussing the plan with Nancy, her eyes widened with excitement. “Let’s do it!” she said firmly to Daniel. They exchanged cunning smirks, their resolve evident. Without wasting any time, Nancy picked up her phone and dialled Juliet’s number. “My child,” Nancy began, her voice soft and deliberate, “I need to apologise to everyone—please come to the family villa this evening. Bring your daughter and her husband. I must apologise to them in person.” Her voice trembled, a masterful performance of guilt and sincerity. “Mother, are you serious?” Juliet asked, her tone cautious. “Yes, Juliet. I’ve wronged too many people, and it’s time I made amends,” Nancy replied, her voice almost cracking with emotion. “Alright, Mother. We’ll be there,” Juliet agreed, though scepticism lingered in her voice. Nancy ended the call and turned to Daniel. “Everything is set. Make sure the house is ready. By the end of tonight, the pieces will be where we need them.” Daniel nodded, a sly grin spreading
The first light of morning came like an unwelcome friend. Daniel had not slept throughout the night. He sat in his home bar, thinking about what to say to Antony to convince him to return to Anastasia’s life.He knew that, back in the day, Anastasia was the first to like Antony. Antony, on the other hand, genuinely loved Anastasia. But due to reasons far beyond their control, they could not have a relationship. So convincing him to do something ill-minded against Anastasia might be hard.“What if I told him Anastasia confessed to me again? Though she is married, she wanted out of her marriage?” he thought to himself, then shook his head.“That won’t work!” he muttered, knowing full well that Antony, though unmarried, respected the sanctity of marriage and wouldn’t want to be the devil that destroyed one.Daniel gulped down his glass of wine suddenly. He slowly paced to the glassy wall and stared at the view of the city.“This is harder than I thought,” he said to himself.Suddenly, hi
The atmosphere in the car was suffocating, thick with tension and unspoken grievances.Daniel stared out the window, his face stony, while Nancy kept her gaze fixed ahead, her lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line. Beside her, Juliet shifted uncomfortably, casting furtive glances between her mother and Daniel. Anastasia’s hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles pale against the dark leather.It was silence that screamed. The hum of the engine felt louder than it should, each second stretching unbearably.Finally, Nancy broke the stillness, her voice sharp and laced with disdain. “Are you sure that... poor thing is the president of Sebastian Southlake Corporation?”Anastasia’s grip tightened further, her nails pressing into her palms. The disrespect in Nancy’s tone was a match dangerously close to a powder keg. Anastasia inhaled sharply, her voice bristling with suppressed anger. “You won’t—”“Yes, Mother. He is.” Juliet’s voice sliced through the growing tension,
The urgency in the redhead’s voice stopped Alex in his tracks. Behind him, Anastasia, Johnson, and Juliet halted as well, exchanging cautious glances but staying silent.“Do you promise to get me out of the country?” the redhead pressed, her voice trembling. “Do you promise to keep me alive?”Alex turned slowly, his expression unreadable. Instead of answering, he approached her cell with deliberate steps, the faint echo of his shoes against the cement filling the tense silence. The cold, dimly lit corridor smelled of damp stone and metal, oppressive in its weight.He knelt before the iron bars, gripping one tightly. His knuckles whitened, but his voice was calm. “I’m Alexander Sebastian, president of the Sebastian Southlake Corporation. I have money, influence, and power that extend far beyond this country. If you cooperate and tell me what I need to know, I can ensure your safety.”The redhead hesitated. Her fingers hovered over the bars, then curled around them as if seeking stabilit
Anastasia, Alex, Johnson, and Juliet walked through the cold, sterile hallways of the police station, their faces a mix of determination and unease. They demanded to speak with Nancy and Daniel.The officer on duty hesitated before leading them to the holding cells. The clang of keys echoed, the doors groaning open to reveal Nancy and Daniel sitting on separate benches, eyes full of disdain. Neither rose to greet their visitors.Juliet was the first to speak, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and heartbreak. She gripped the bars of Nancy's cell tightly. "Mum?" she called softly, her voice cracking. "Why’d you do it?" Her eyes, brimming with unshed tears, locked with Nancy’s, pleading for an answer.Nancy turned her head away, her response nothing more than a groan of indifference.“Mum, please!" Juliet pressed, her voice cracking. "We’re here to help you. Just... tell us why."Nancy said nothing, her stubborn silence sharper than any words.Johnson, stepped forward, resting a cal