2024-12-25 13:49:11"Stop here. Stop right here." Dylan stepped out of the luxurious limousine that had brought him.
"Why, Sir? It's still about 500 meters to the Haroldson residence," the driver and Bill asked, puzzled. "Uh, I just... I feel uncomfortable, Bill. No bodyguards, please. Don’t follow me. I can handle my business. Could you open the door for me?" Dylan asked. The driver pressed the automatic lock, and Bill quickly opened the door. "Please contact me if you need anything. Anytime, sir," Bill said politely. "Just call me Dylan, not 'sir.' I... I’m not used to it yet," Dylan awkwardly requested. "Alright, Dylan," Bill replied with a slight bow. Dylan tilted his head and walked away. He disliked being treated like that—too much respect, he thought. Dylan waved his hand dismissively. "What are you doing?" he muttered under his breath, picking up his pace to leave Bill behind. Bill continued to observe his master. He touched the headset in one ear and spoke firmly, "[For now, cease the surveillance on Young Master Ethan. We'll observe from a distance.]" "[Understood]," came the synchronized responses from several bodyguards covertly watching over Dylan. As Dylan approached the door, his chest tightened at the thought of Valerie's birthday party. Is this really where it all ends? If I reveal my status, will Valerie and her family change their attitudes toward me? He wrestled with these questions as he moved toward the main room. Hanry, Patricia, and Valerie were all gathered there. "Tramp, you're back? Where have you been? You're completely useless and unfit to work. You missed a day of work!" Hanry greeted him harshly. It was common, and Dylan was used to receiving such insults. "Dad, I will not divorce Valerie!" Dylan replied indifferently, raising his chin as he stated his opinion. "Have you no shame? Valerie doesn't want you!" Patricia snapped in anger this time. "Mom, Dad, let me talk to Dylan. Please, just stay quiet," Valerie interjected, grabbing Dylan’s arm and pulling him toward her car. Hanry and Patricia glared in anger. "Val, are you crazy? That tramp has probably put a voodoo spell on you!" Hanry shouted as Valerie ignored her parents’ protests. "We're eating out, Dylan." Valerie tugged on her husband's strong arm. "Val, why eat out?" Dylan was touched that Valerie stood up for him against Hanry and Patricia. It was strange, but perhaps Valerie pitied him after Max had hurt him the other day. Could that be it? Dylan speculated on Valerie’s motives, feeling a glimmer of happiness at her kindness. Could she finally realize that I am her rightful husband? "Don't worry, I'll pay," Valerie said plainly while driving. Dylan was used to giving three-quarters of his salary to Valerie as spousal support, with the rest going toward his mother’s hospital bills. He barely had any money for himself, only loose change, as he ate at home and rarely shopped. Now that he wasn’t allowed to work, he was truly penniless. "I-I can pay if we eat at Atlantis or, um, maybe Blue Sky, Val?" Dylan suggested hesitantly. This could be the right moment to be honest with his wife. Atlantis was the Haroldson family’s favorite upscale restaurant, while Blue Sky was another luxurious eatery that required exclusive membership. Ordinary patrons weren’t allowed unless they had a Black Card, though Platinum Cardholders could enter the ground floor. VIP and VVIP areas were strictly off-limits to non-members. The Haroldsons, who only had Platinum Cards, occasionally dined there to maintain their social standing in the business world. "Hahaha... as if! If you’re scared of losing me, please don’t joke like that. I might vomit from your delusions. Atlantis? Blue Sky? You’re dreaming too high!" Valerie shook her head repeatedly. She doesn’t believe me, Dylan thought, scratching his head. And why would she? Even he couldn’t fully grasp his own fate. "About Max… I’m sorry. It was my birthday, and I couldn’t go against Dad’s orders," Valerie said as she parked the car. They headed into The Vargas Café. Dylan smiled. He felt certain that Valerie was genuinely a good person. Dylan pulled out a chair for her, and Valerie deftly ordered coffee and snacks since it wasn’t mealtime yet. "So, we’re staying married, right?" Dylan asked gently, savoring his coffee. Valerie looked stunning as she smiled warmly across from him. Valerie smiled back. "No. I’ll pay for your mother’s hospital bills, but please sign our divorce papers. I’m not happy with the meager support you provide as a lowly accountant. And now that you’re unemployed? I’m a CEO of Harold Group. How dare you humiliate me with your small allowance? Your shabby suit and single pair of shoes are embarrassing for me. I’ll pay whatever it takes—just sign this paper!" Valerie slid the divorce papers toward him. "Val, I married you because of Grandpa Larry’s wishes. Wasn’t that his dying request? Besides, why did you agree to marry me in front of him?" Dylan was stunned. It seemed Valerie wanted a divorce in the most polite way possible—manipulating him as if he were a fool. Divorcing Dylan was difficult. He provided financial support, wasn’t unfaithful, and came straight home after work to serve the Haroldsons as both a cook and housekeeper. Whenever disputes arose, Dylan always yielded. Valerie’s divorce petition could easily be delayed or dismissed due to insufficient grounds. "Didn’t you realize? I only acted nice to you in front of Grandpa. Behind his back, I’ve always ridiculed you. Isn’t that enough?" Valerie raised an eyebrow, her earlier friendly demeanor vanishing to reveal her true colors. "Val, I know. I’ve endured your ridicule, but for Grandpa Larry’s sake, please don’t go through with this divorce. I promise you’ll never be ashamed again. I’ll provide the wealth and status you want so we can be equals. Isn’t that what you want?" Dylan pleaded, though his voice carried a hint of firmness. His heart ached at how deeply Valerie had been demeaning him. "Hahaha... your nonsense today only reinforces my decision. A stressed and depressed man like you isn’t fit to be my husband. Whether you sign or not, we’ll get divorced!" "Val, what do you mean?" Dylan tried to lift his head, but it felt unusually heavy. He rubbed his face, struggling to keep his eyes open. The drowsiness was overpowering, and he yawned once more. Valerie’s smiling face was the last thing he saw before the sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears. "Take him!" barked a man’s voice, followed by Valerie’s sly smile as several men approached Dylan’s limp body slumped over the table. His eyes finally closed.
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Dylan opened his heavy eyes. The sound of a woman crying was so close. He trembled, wondering if it was the sound of a ghost. Dylan forced his eyes open."You've done this to me!" the woman's voice sobbed."What? Done what?" Dylan lifted his body, his eyes wide with disbelief. His hands lifted the brown blanket that covered him."Hah! What did you do to me?" His body tensed, demanding answers from the girl in front of him."You defiled me, Sir! You took my honor!" The woman's sobs echoed again."No, no." Dylan shifted his body and fell off the bed. He quickly covered his lower body when he saw his pants scattered on the floor.The bedroom door swung open. Several reporters, along with a beautiful woman, were in tears."Dylan? What are you doing with her?" the voice screamed, followed by flashes from the reporters' cameras blinding him. The reporters snapped photos of Dylan, topless, and the woman in the bed, naked and crying.Valerie's hand shot up, quickly aiming for Dylan's cheek. "
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Today, in the crowded courtroom, Dylan, dressed in a luxurious suit, walked in calmly. Valerie stood not far from him, stunned. Dylan looked so... handsome.“Renting a suit to boost his image? Who does he think he is? Are you so dazzled by him that you’ve forgotten he’s just a tramp your grandfather took in, Val?” Max sneered, watching Valerie.Max’s hand gripping Valerie’s brought her back to reality. She continued walking with her chin raised, her sharp gaze still fixed on Dylan. Standing beside her, Max grinned smugly, intentionally holding Valerie’s delicate hand as if to declare ownership. Dylan stood tall, his gaze calm yet piercing.Valerie looked at Dylan with disdain, whispering a sharp remark when they were close enough. “Dylan, you think you can just walk away from all of this? This is only the beginning. I’ll throw you out on the street and erase every trace of you from the Haroldson family.”Dylan met her gaze fearlessly and replied in a low, steady voice, “If this is the
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The crystal chandeliers sparkled, illuminating the luxurious Blue Sky restaurant—a place reserved for the privileged few, usually those wielding the most exclusive credit cards. The black card, limitless in its usage. Tables were meticulously arranged, adorned with silk napkins, porcelain plates, and first-class service that attended to every prestigious detail.Max entered the restaurant with Valerie by his side, his eyes gleaming with pride and his smile radiating arrogance. “This is where the big players dine, the crème de la crème. Our kind of place,” he whispered to Valerie, his tone suggesting the entire world had paused to take notice of him.Valerie smiled, gazing at Max, who looked immensely proud. “You really know how to make me feel special.”A waiter approached, presenting them with an exclusive menu. Max confidently placed his black card on the table, showcasing it as though the entire restaurant needed to see. “Make sure we get the finest dishes,” he said smugly, his eye
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The night grew later as Hanry and Patricia Haroldson sat in their study, their faces grim. They had just received a notice that the major project they had almost signed had been abruptly canceled. Patricia gripped the letter with trembling hands, her eyes filled with confusion."This ... doesn't make sense, Hanry," Patricia muttered. "We had already agreed on this project, it was almost signed. Why is it suddenly canceled?"Hanry sighed deeply, trying to calm himself. "We've tried to maintain good relations with everyone involved. There's no reason for the project to be withdrawn like this."Patricia looked at her husband, confusion still evident on her face. "Then who could have done this to us? What really happened?"Hanry fell silent, his mind trying to piece together fragments of information that seemed to form a puzzle. He reached for the letter from Patricia's hands, looked at it once more, and in the bottom corner of the letter, he found barely visible initials.The initials—E.
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Max walked into the living room, which was filled with tense silence. His father stood in the center of the room, face red, eyes full of anger. Several of their relatives were standing around, all looking at Max with disappointment and dissatisfaction that was impossible to hide."What happened?" Max tried to remain calm, but his gaze couldn’t hide the nervousness creeping up inside him.His father, Andrew Miller, stepped forward with clenched fists. "You want to know what happened?" His voice trembled with emotion. "Our company's stock has plummeted, Max. Investors have lost trust, and you... you're just out there enjoying yourself at fancy restaurants, flaunting your credit card!"Max was shocked, not expecting things to be this bad. "This must be a misunderstanding. Maybe the investors are overreacting or... or...""Stop making excuses!" Andrew cut him off, his voice loud and filled with rage. "With all this, we could go bankrupt in the blink of an eye, Max! And it's all because of
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The party grew livelier as soft music played and laughter echoed among the guests. Valerie, who had tried to appear confident earlier, began to feel uneasy. The murmurs around her became louder, especially after Ethan and Alicia made their entrance.As Valerie made her way to the dining table, a waiter suddenly stopped her. "Apologies, Miss Valerie, but this table is reserved for the guests of honor," he said politely but loud enough to draw the attention of nearby guests.Annoyance flashed across Valerie's face as she scowled. Before she could respond, Ethan and Alicia approached gracefully. Alicia smiled sweetly, but a sharp glint in her eyes betrayed her intentions. "Oh, Valerie... I remember you once dined at Blue Sky, only to be kicked out before the appetizers arrived. Such a pity. By the way, that restaurant now belongs to Ethan. So, make sure to book ahead next time."Valerie froze. How did Alicia know about that embarrassing incident? Did she... No. She steadied her breathing
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The party music thumped lightly, creating a warm, glamorous atmosphere. Valerie clutched Max’s arm tightly, their steps in sync as they entered the hall. Everything seemed perfect until Alicia appeared in the middle of the room. Her bright red gown fit her perfectly, drawing every eye, including Max’s.Valerie felt Max’s hand loosen from hers, his gaze fixed on Alicia.“Max?” Valerie called softly, but the man didn’t react.Alicia approached with a thin smile, her eyes sparkling with confidence. “Max Miller. It’s like seeing a ghost from the past.”Max smiled faintly, the smile he hadn’t given Valerie in months. “Alicia. I didn’t expect you to be here.”Valerie quickly inserted herself between them, trying to sever the connection that was beginning to form. “Max, I hope you stay away from her,” she said with an angry tone.“Val, act like an adult,” Max replied briefly, while Valerie shot an annoyed look, dismissing Alicia’s presence.“Adult? She’s in love with Dylan now, Max,” Valerie
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Chapter 21: The Returning ShadowThe Los Angeles night sky hung quietly over the exclusive five-star restaurant. Inside the classic-modern designed dining room, the Harrison family dinner unfolded with a warmth laced with caution.Andreas Harrison sat in his usual seat, occasionally sipping red wine from a crystal glass. Alicia sat beside him, listening attentively. Ethan, clad in his elegant black suit, appeared relaxed but remained ever vigilant.Beside the table, a bespectacled man stood upright. Smith. Ethan’s trusted assistant."There’s someone I’d like to introduce," Smith said in his professional tone before gesturing toward the restaurant entrance.A woman stepped inside.Vanessa.She wore a sleek black suit that accentuated her tall, athletic figure. Her sharp eyes scanned the room as if reading the situation in a single glance. Her long hair was neatly tied back, adding to her enigmatic aura."Vanessa will be your personal bodyguard, Ethan," Smith announced. "She’s the best
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Chapter 20The crystal chandelier’s glow reflected off the polished marble floor, casting shimmering shadows that danced along the ballroom walls. Silk gowns rustled as guests murmured among the gentle clinks of champagne in crystal flutes. The scent of expensive wine mingled with luxurious perfumes, thickening the air with exclusivity.Yet beneath all the opulence, something unseen lingered—a tension, coiled and waiting to snap.On the stage, Andreas Harrison stood tall behind the podium. His aged fingers gripped the wooden edge tightly, as if anchoring himself amid a storm of emotions. His gaze swept across the ballroom, waiting for silence to take hold.When he spoke, his voice was deep, carrying a faint tremor—not from weakness, but from the weight of the moment. The man looked overwhelmed."Tonight, I have an important announcement to make for the Harrison family. After so many years … my lost grandson has finally been found."A quiet gasp rippled through the room. Andreas exhale
Chapter 19
Lisa Caldwell crossed her legs gracefully at the edge of the five-star hotel pool, enjoying the soft evening breeze caressing her skin. The setting sun danced on the water’s surface, creating shimmering golden ripples. Sunglasses perched on her nose as her slender fingers idly played with the cocktail glass in her hand, the ice inside slowly melting.Beside her, a bag stuffed with thick stacks of cash lay carelessly, as if it meant nothing. But that money was the price of the information she had sold to Ethan Harrison. She had left the city in a hurry, abandoning the dirty traces of her past, and now she was basking in the rewards of her betrayal, far from media scrutiny and the threat of retaliation.A sheer burgundy silk dress draped over her figure, almost transparent under the sunlight. A pair of expensive designer heels rested on the chair beside her, while soft jazz music flowed from the poolside bar’s speakers.Lisa smirked. The world could call her a traitor—but who cared? In
Chapter 18
Max sat in his office, his shoulders slumped, his face disheveled, as if someone had just run him over with the harshest reality. The computer screen in front of him displayed plummeting stock charts, red numbers flashing like warning alarms signaling an impending disaster. His phone kept vibrating, notifications piling up like a mountain ready to collapse at any moment.Outside, the sound of reporters on the news was faint."Max Miller's affair scandal shakes the business world! Will Macora Company survive?"His fists clenched on the desk. He knew the business world was ruthless, but this time, he was the one sinking into the mud.On the screen, the headline blared:"Max Miller and Lisa Caldwell: Forbidden Love Behind a Billion-Dollar Project!"The footage had leaked. His face was clearly visible in the video, sitting closely with Lisa Caldwell—his personal secretary. His voice could be heard offering a huge project with an unnervingly intimate tone, full of promises that should neve
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The atmosphere in the upscale restaurant Max had chosen felt incredibly intimate. Dim lighting cast a soft glow over the table adorned with small candles, while gourmet dishes were neatly arranged before them. Max Miller sat across from Alicia Harrison, trying to control the excitement surging within him. Tonight felt different. From the moment she arrived, Max sensed that something had shifted between them. Alicia, usually so guarded, seemed a little more at ease. She even offered a small smile when their eyes met. Max began to think that maybe—just maybe—there was a glimmer of hope for him to fix the mess at the company, and of course, that meant having Alicia. "Ah, what about Valerie? Just forget her. She’s been quite annoying lately," Max thought. The image of Valerie’s beauty slowly faded. Alicia was much fresher, younger—and undoubtedly more beautiful. Max was a true admirer of beauty, and to him, Alicia now seemed like a new prize waiting to be won. "Thank you for taking the
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Valerie stared at the large projector screen displaying the tender evaluation chart. Her company’s name, Haroldson Corporation, kept climbing with near-perfect scores. Everyone in the conference room was murmuring, some even smirking slightly."It seems Haroldson is unbeatable this time," one participant remarked, half envious.Valerie lifted her chin confidently. She felt the victory was already within her grasp. All the preparations, hard work, and strategies she had carefully planned seemed to have paid off. There was no way Ethan or Dylan could have enough influence to sabotage this tender.As the names of the other participants were announced one by one, Valerie's confidence grew stronger. "Haroldson must be the winner," she thought.However, when the host finally announced the name of the winning company, Valerie felt her world crumble around her."The winner of this tender is... Valtrex Dynamics."Applause echoed through the room, but Valerie remained frozen. It felt like she h
