Everything that had just happened still felt like a dream. Even after Anastasia and Alex had left the celebration, they still couldn’t contain their joy.First, they imagined how they would start living their lives from now on. Nancy, who once controlled every move of the company, would now be scrambling to contact them. She would call repeatedly, begging them to save the company from its impending downfall.They shared a smirk. “Please, Juliet,” they both began, imitating Nancy’s frantic voice, “you know you’re my daughter. I raised you with my own hands; come through for your family now, or else you’re doomed!” They burst out laughing, the tension melting away in shared humor.Next, they imagined the oncoming flood of requests from other companies, desperate to partner with them now that they had sealed a deal with Sebastian Southlake. After years of struggling for recognition, they could finally envision a future filled with growth and success. Their minds raced with possibilities,
Anastasia stepped closer to him, gently placing her hand on his shoulder. She tilted him slightly toward the window, wanting to get more light on his back so she could see the injury clearly. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the jagged wound."It looks deep, almost like something clawed at you. And it’s fresh. Did Jackson hurt you yesterday, Alex?"Her voice held a quiet worry that tugged at Alex’s heart. But he wasn’t ready to tell her about the dream—not yet. The nightmares had shaken him, blurring the line between dream and reality. The horror of it had somehow spilled over into the real world, leaving him with this wound. He couldn’t tell Anastasia until he understood it himself.Instead, he glanced down at the ring on his finger, studying it in silence. After a few moments, he looked back at her, offering a reassuring smile to ease her concern.“I’ll go see a doctor this morning. But let’s have breakfast first,” he said softly, trying to calm her with his tone.Anastasia held his
"Anastasia, my dear, I think you should consider shifting your wedding date to before or after the 8th," Juliet suggested over the phone, her voice laced with urgency.But she stopped there, offering no further explanation.Anastasia’s brows knitted in confusion. Why was her mother suggesting a date change? She motioned for Alex to come closer, putting the call on speaker.“What did you say, Mother?” Anastasia asked, as if she hadn’t heard correctly the first time.Juliet took a deep breath. “Anastasia, you understand how important public image is to our family, don’t you? A billionaire from overseas is coming to Southlake to hold his wedding on the 8th—the same date as yours. If that happens, no one will be talking about your wedding. All the attention and the lavish display we’d planned will be overshadowed. It’ll be a missed opportunity for us, for the business.”Anastasia heard the worry in her mother’s voice, a tone she knew too well. Yet, she couldn’t bring herself to feel the s
Everywhere Nancy turned, Warren Buffett’s name filled the air like an unavoidable whisper. Whether she was out on the road, sipping coffee in a lounge, or sitting in her own living room with the news murmuring in the background, Warren Buffett was the main topic. It was like he was haunting her, a shadow of success that loomed over her every waking moment.He was a wealthy man with deep roots in Southlake, having moved to the United States as a child. His father had once been a well-respected figure in town, and Warren’s legacy was carved in the hearts of the people. Rumor had it he’d offered scholarships to struggling Southlake students, supported families who’d nearly lost everything, and even helped rebuild local businesses. The townspeople adored him, saw him as a hero—while Nancy sat quietly, feeling the weight of her family’s diminishing fortunes.Nancy’s mouth tightened as she watched the news, Warren’s face beaming on the screen, his wedding soon to be broadcast as if it were
Warren Buffett was a well-known figure in Southlake, even though he didn’t live there. His reputation had preceded him. Everyone knew his face, and that certainly included Alex and Anastasia.When Warren walked toward them, he did so with an air of arrogance, his sunglasses perched coolly on his nose, and a smirk playing on his lips. His posture, the way he carried himself, said more than words ever could. Alex felt a shift in the air as soon as he laid eyes on him, and Anastasia, too, sensed it—this was no ordinary encounter. They didn’t jump to conclusions, but they needed to confirm their suspicions.“Hello, Mr. Warren.” Alex extended his hand, trying to be civil, though something in his gut told him this would not go smoothly.Warren scanned Alex from head to toe without saying a word, his gaze dismissive. He smirked again, brushing past him as if Alex was nothing more than an obstacle in his path. He reached the front desk without even a glance back.“I trust this hall is still r
At first glance, Alex didn’t look like someone who could afford such an extravagant booking. But knowing that no one in Southlake, not even Warren Buffett, had ever reserved this event hall for two years shocked the front officer to her core.She stood there, dazed, as if the world around her had suddenly shifted. It felt like a dream—a dream too good to be true. Two years? Could that really be happening right in front of her?“I’m sorry… pardon?” she asked, needing to confirm that she had indeed heard Alex correctly. Was this real, or was she just trapped in a fantasy that she needed to wake up from?This time, she focused intently, her gaze glued to Alex's lips, determined to read them as he spoke, ensuring she wasn’t just hearing things, but truly understanding what he meant.“I am booking for two years,” Alex repeated, his voice calm but firm.Her heart skipped a beat. This was beyond shocking. Was Alex serious? Did he really just say that? Two years? This couldn’t be real.She had
Warren’s mind was in turmoil. He began to sweat immediately. He couldn’t understand what had just happened. “Did they actually cancel my order and process my refund?” he asked himself again.He had always been at the top of his game, year after year, second after second. Never had there been a time when his transaction was refunded. In fact, whenever he made a transaction, the receiver always sent him a thank-you email.“How the heck did this happen?” He muttered again.His confusion was palpable on his face as he immediately turned the wheel 360 degrees and accelerated back in the direction of the event hall.In less than five minutes, he arrived at the event hall, his car tires screeching on the ground and smoke from his exhaust marking his arrival.As soon as he stepped out of the car and walked quickly to the reception, he saw Alex and Anastasia, who were just about to leave the building.Seeing them and noting that no one else was at the front desk except the receptionist, he won
Alex and Anastasia stepped into Alex’s apartment, the weight of the past few hours lingering in the air. Without a word, Alex reached for the remote on the center table and pressed the power button. The TV flickered to life, illuminating the room in a cool blue glow.The headline on the screen read, “Billionaire Warren Buffet’s Wedding Canceled.”Alex allowed himself a slight smirk as the newscaster’s voice filled the room. He’d anticipated this outcome, though seeing it broadcast on national television made the moment more real. Anastasia’s lips curled into a smile she couldn’t suppress, her eyes glistening with a mix of relief and vindication.“Proud fool,” she muttered, almost to herself.***“Earlier today, renowned billionaire Warren Buffet was seen at the exclusive Five-Star Event Hall, attempting to secure a booking. To his visible frustration, his payment could not be processed,” the newscaster reported. “Our sources confirm that Mr. Buffet, who has used a VIP Mastercard with
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