“Are you sure about this?” Stephen asked Vanessa as he held her hand and looked her in the eyes.They stood outside one of the courts where they could register their marriage. It glistened in the morning sun, making it look more imposing than it actually wasVanessa smiled at Stephen and nodded.“Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet?” She teased as she pulled Stephen ahead towards the court.Stephen knew that once they headed in this direction, his grandfather would know that he had married Vanessa.He didn’t mind his grandfather finding out, he just didn’t want the old man bothering his wife too
Stephen couldn’t focus on work the entire day, he kept thinking about what would happen after Friday.Every time he looked at this team, he couldn't help but wonder what they would think when they learned the truth.Would they hate him for the lies?Or would they welcome him with open arms, more than happy to accept the positions he had prepared for them."Stephen?" Michael called out as he knocked on Stephen's door.Stephen took a deep breath and leaned back."Come in!" He told Micahel as he moved away the documents on his desk.
“I was quite confused when my brother-in-law asked me if one of my cousins was trying to establish himself as a Mafia boss in Marina City.” Cedric Reyes told the younger man as he handed Stephen a drink.“I hope it didn’t cause you any trouble.” Stephen told Cedric as he accepted the drink.Cedric laughed and shook his head.“The identity of the head of the Essen Mafia is as difficult to find.” Cedric told Stephen as he stood next to him.Cedric Reyes was the CEO of a very rich and old family in another country, he influenced almost every part of their country’s economy.He stood a head talle
“Who are you?” Cedric Reyes asked as he pushed Cookie Ye away from Stephen.Liam was quick to catch his mom, who was exaggerating and acted as if she was about to fall over.“You asshole! How dare you hurt a woman!” Liam shouted at Cedric, but the man seemed unbothered as he looked down at Liam.“You didn’t have to come help me.” Stephen crossed his arms on his chest as he looked Cedric in the eyes.Everyone was shocked when Stephen spoke in such a familiar tone with Cedric Reyes. Many of those in attendance actually knew who Cedric Reyes was, so seeing him defend a nobody confused them.“I d
As the charity event wound down the most important items were brought out for auction. Stephen never planned on placing a bid on anything, he knew that if people saw him fighting for an item, they would figure out that his identity was not as simple as he let on. Unfortunately, one of the items caught his eye.A diamond and ruby necklace that made all the women in the room swoon. He couldn’t help but imagine Vanessa wearing the item on one of the many events they would have to attend on behalf of the Cho family in the future.Noticing his odd behavior, Andrew leaned forward to speak to his boss.“You’re interested in the necklace?” He asked Stephen. Stephen nodded as he handed Andrew the card his grandfather had given him.“Bid on it in my grandfather’s name. I’m sure he won’t mind.” Stephen said.Andrew nodded and took the card.He quickly stood up and vanished, heading over to the VIP section. A card with Eldrich Cho’s name on it was more than enough to gain him entry into that a
Stephen pushed Alona away from him as he scrambled to get to the other end of the room. He needed to get as far away from her as possible. He knew exactly what this drug did to people, and he had no plans on spending his wedding night with his wife’s cousin. He could feel as his body began to burn, it begged for release in the most intimate way, but Stephen would never let that happen. “Alona, who brought you here? Who did this?” Stephen asked as he managed to crawl around the room, avoiding Alona. He knew who could potentially be behind it, but he needed to hear it from Alona. He needed that confirmation that it was who he suspected. “I don’t know.” Alona cried out. She was clearly in much more pain having been there much longer than Stephen had. “Stephen, please help me, I need you.” Stephen continued to keep his distance despite his own pain and the screams coming from Alona. He knew that he had to stay in control, he couldn’t allow the drug to compromise him. Eventually he
Stephen hadn’t fully yet recovered when John arrived with Andrew.Both men were concerned about their boss and wanted to make sure that they could be of service to him.When Stephen saw the two men arriving, he frowned.“Don’t worry, all your commands have been set in motion.” John said, raising his hands. “I’ve delegated a division of the Essen Mafia to be under Andrew’s command. He will need it for when you come back as the heir to the Cho family.”Stephen frowned, but nodded.He didn’t want to complicate things by mixing the two aspects of his identity. He had always wanted the Essen Mafia to re
When Stephen regained consciousness, he felt more rested than ever. He was so energized that it shocked him. He tried to sit up, but for some reason he still felt weak. It was as if he hadn’t moved in days. “Stephen!” He heard Vanessa shout as he tried to sit up again.He looked at his wife and wanted to call out to her, but for some reason he couldn’t. His throat hurt, probably dried up from the lack of use.“Here, drink some water.” Vanessa told him as she lifted a glass to his lips. After a few sips, he did feel better.“We were worried about you.” Vanessa cried out as she wrapped her arms around Stephen’s neck and sobbed.“How long was I out?” He asked in a hoarse voice as Vanessa released him from her hold.“A day. It’s Thursday night.” Vanessa answered. She seemed unhappy to tell him, probably because she knew he would insist on attending the presentation the next day, something that would definitely do.“Alona?” Stephen asked, concerned about his wife’s cousin.“She’s doing