Living alone in the house felt weird, and since Adele had transferred to a college in Duport, I couldn't help but realize how empty my life had become without her. Ever since we were thrust into this situation, with me, an eighteen-year-old, suddenly responsible for my ten-year-old sister, my daily existence revolved around keeping her safe and ensuring she had everything she needed. Thoughts of my own future or going to university never crossed my mind, even though Adele often brought up the subject. I couldn't help but smile at the memory of her offer: she was determined to finish college, secure a job, and then insisted I could go to university too. She continuously pestered me about it, and to appease her, I agreed, although I had no real intention of pursuing higher education. What would be the point? We had enough money to lead a comfortable life, thanks to my cautious financial planning. However, I never let Adele know the extent of my efforts to ensure our comfort and her s
"Why do you say that? He sleeps with anything that has a pulse," I retorted."He used to sleep with anything that has a pulse," Chad corrected me. His words piqued my curiosity, and I narrowed my gaze at him, but he only chuckled and looked away.Chad had been part of the Donovans' inner circle for a longer time than me, earning him the position of one of Archer's most trusted associates. Archer had once revealed that Jessica, known for her ability to extract information by seducing Archer's guards and friends, had never succeeded in winning over Chad. As another one of Archer's guards and friends, I also managed to resist Jessica's charms, though I kept that fact to myself.Just as I thought of her, Jessica walked past Chad and me, heading straight to the front to join Archer. Chad groaned in apprehension."I'm not paid to break up catfights. That's on you," I teased him, chuckling."Come on!" he protested, clearly not thrilled with the situation.Two imposing figures entered the roo
"This isn't over, not by a long shot. You will pay," Adolf replied."Get out!" Archer growled, his voice low and threatening. The two men stepped back, their gazes locked on us for a moment, before finally leaving. However, before their departure, they made the payment for the artifact, which was immediately carried out of the room."Archer, are you alright, darling?" Barbara's voice broke the chilling silence that had settled. Jessica rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed."I'm fine. Let me get you that gift I promised," Archer replied."No, I really don't think—" Barbara started, clearly uncertain about being the center of attention again."I insist," Archer said firmly, reaching out to grab her forearm, urging her toward the auction corner. Barbara threw me a helpless look, but I knew better than to get involved in their dynamic."Good evening, Enforcer," Jessica said, stepping in front of me and using her hand to trace the hem of my collar."Don't call me that," I muttered."But isn't
"Where the hell is Mark?" I snapped, consumed by a wave of irrational anger that had plagued me for months. "He was supposed to ensure Barbara's safe return and meet me here!""I will call him now, boss," Chad replied, attempting to calm the tension.Glaring at him, I snapped, "Don't you think I've already tried that? Both his and Barbara's phones are off." As the words escaped my lips, a sudden unease gripped my heart. I witnessed the realization dawning in Chad's eyes before I urgently added, "Find him!"Nodding, Chad hurried towards the door. "Gather as many men as you can and find him!" I roared, fear coursing through my veins. I followed him to the front of the house, where more of my guards were present despite the late hour of 2 a.m."Each and every one of you, go and find Mark now!" I yelled, my voice echoing through the chilly night. "Don't return until you've found him!"The sound of running feet filled the air as my guards swiftly dispersed into the darkness. Retrieving my
I visited the doctor after experiencing morning nausea. The news that followed left my heart skipping a beat. "Congratulations, Madam. You are four weeks pregnant," the doctor revealed. Finally, I was carrying Victor Donovan's child. Now I just have to wait for the perfect time to do this right. I cannot afford to mess up.I decided to stop drugging my mother. I already got what I wanted, and there was no reason to continue. But still, as the night fell and I nestled in my warm bed, gently stroking my stomach, I couldn't help but daydream about telling Victor and seeing his reaction. I had no idea why my mother didn't try to give him another child. Perhaps she was barren. I mean, she is old. In her mid-forties now. Ugh! Their wombs probably shriveled up at that age. Rolling my eyes, I turned to the side where Victor always lay and reached for his pillow to press it against my nose."I don't know, I'm beginning to think I have some deep emotions for my dear daddy dearest, which would b
I did as my mother asked, containing my emotions and pretending as if nothing had happened. When I was finally allowed out of my room, I discovered that Victor wasn't around, so I decided to wait. I felt depressed and withdrawn, so I chose to stay indoors. The night Victor returned, it was clear that he intended to visit my room again. Everything seemed familiar, but it wasn't the same anymore.As he slipped under the covers with me, attempting to draw me into his arms, I couldn't go along with it. I couldn't keep this from him any longer. "Hey," he whispered, pressing kisses on the back of my shoulders, igniting my body with desire for him. Tears welled up in my eyes, overwhelmed by the intensity of his urgent kisses. It was almost as if he had missed me. Turning in his arms, I cupped his jaw, unable to stop the tears streaming down my face. He looked down at me with a grin. "You miss me this much?" he rasped. I forced a smile, pressing my lips together."I miss you," I said. His gri
A contingent of around ten guards trailed behind me as I navigated the intricate hallways of the hospital, following the nurse who was leading me to Barbara's ward. As I entered the room, her father rose from his seat, his expression a mix of anger and concern. Chad was the only one who ventured inside with me."How could you be so careless with my daughter?" the older man began, his tone seething with anger and accusation."Sir, please try to calm down," Chad intervened, attempting to assuage the distraught father."Sit down, Isaac," I commanded, my voice firm and authoritative. Taking purposeful steps toward him, I exuded an intimidating presence. Startled, he quickly complied, his eyes widening with a mix of fear and disbelief."You can't speak to me like that!" he protested, incredulous. He glanced at Chad, seeking confirmation. "Can he talk to me like that?" He directed the question back at me, his voice filled with indignation. "I am a Senator of the United States of America! Ho
"Get the doctor, quickly!" My mother yelled as I cried, wracked with pain. Victor stood off to the side, watching me as tears streamed down my face."Everybody out!" Victor bellowed."What?! She needs a doctor!" My mother protested."I know. Leave," he replied coldly, giving her a piercing stare."Damn it, Victor, she's my daughter!""And that's precisely why she's still alive, in case you haven't grasped that," Victor retorted in a low, chilling tone reminiscent of Archer. The realization hit me—did he suspect my involvement in this?"Victor, I swear I don't know anything!" I sobbed, as the room emptied, leaving only the three of us at the dining table.Victor took a few steps towards me, joining me by my side. I could feel the sting from the broken glass and shattered plates embedded in my back. Trembling with tears, I knew these wounds would leave scars."Get out, Patricia," Victor ordered my mother, his gaze locked with mine. There was a darkness in his eyes that filled me with fe