Andrew cut off Old Ms. Harrington with a smirk.
“Haha! Drunk? Emily, don’t take this the wrong way, but you share some of the blame. You never let Tyler get close to you in the four years you were married. Even if you’re beautiful, it doesn’t matter if he can’t be with you. No wonder Tyler spent the night with Agnes!” Emily’s mother couldn’t stay silent any longer. “Andrew, that’s unfair. Emily’s status is far above Tyler’s. If she had been intimate with that disgraced son-in-law, it would have been an insult to her. It would have tainted her.” Andrew scoffed. “You’re just trying to keep her pure so she can marry a wealthy man after you find a way to get rid of Tyler, aren’t you?” Ms. Jenner said, "You..." "Any word from you again, and you're going out!" Old Ms. Harrington hollered. "Even if Emily is like that, he has no reason to have an affair! What does he take our family for? I can't wait for that beast to arrive here!" After saying old Ms Harrington reach to her stroked poodles while sitting on are mahogany chair. After that, Old Ms Harrington said, "Today, an unexpected yet intriguing figure was appointed as the new chairman of Hope Bridge Corporation. While his name remains a mystery, what we do know is that he has just returned from an extensive trip." "As you know, Hope Bridge Corporation is the largest organization in town and they are the one hosting the nomination. I’ve heard that they are negotiating a $70 million prize for the lucky winner who comes first in the nomination. The deal is still being finalized with the new chairman and the organization. The most important thing we can do now is to build a strong relationship with the newly appointed chairman of Hope Bridge Corporation. This way, we can ensure that the funds are allocated to our family. We have bills to settle and businesses to run, so let’s focus on making a positive connection with him!" Golden Heights Estate, owned by the Harrington family, was renowned for developing the new city residential area where Emily resided. Golden Height Estate recently encountered financial difficulties, prompting an urgent need for the new Hope Bridge Corporation chairman to invest $10 million into their family account. Following Old Ms. Harrington’s declaration, it became evident that the person who could successfully secure the $70 million Emily nomination deal with the newly appointed chairman of Hope Bridge Corporation would be handsomely rewarded. The rewards might be a promotion in the family business or something related to the final authority over the family inheritance or business! Carolina was the first to speak up, “Grandma, leave this matter to me. I will do everything I can to build good relations with the new chairman of Hope Bridge Corporation!” Richard scoffed, “What right do you have to be in charge? I’ve always handled the financing. My brother and I will take care of this.” Seeing that both of them were eager to contribute, Old Ms. Harrington smiled warmly. “Let’s return to the villa; the guests must be waiting for us. While we’re there, I want you all to gather information about the new chairman while entertaining our guests. I’ll leave the matter to the first person who finds out.” ........... As Nicholson's car stopped, the tinted back window slowly rolled down, revealing Nicholson's stern but encouraging face. He leaned slightly toward the window, giving Tyler a reassuring nod, his eyes conveying a mixture of concern and determination. "Come inside and let's have our conversation in the car," Nicholson called out, his voice calm and authoritative. The air between them seemed charged with unspoken tension, a crossroads of decisions waiting to be made. Tyler, however, stood his ground, his expression hardening. "Let's talk here. I have no time to waste!" he replied firmly, crossing his arms as he looked directly at Nicholson. There was a fire in Tyler's eyes, a stubborn resolve that made it clear he wouldn't be swayed easily. Nicholson paused, taking in Tyler's defiance. He respected Tyler's determination, even admired it in a way. With a slight sigh, he pushed open the car door and stepped out, the gravel crunching under his polished shoes. As he did, he gave a subtle nod to the driver, a burly man in a tailored suit—clearly part of Nicholson's security detail, possibly with ties to the mafia. The driver understood the unspoken command and remained in the car, keeping a vigilant eye on Tyler moves. The air was warm and thick with the scents of summer—freshly cut grass and the faint aroma of the restaurant's cooking. Nicholson approached Tyler, the difference in their stature noticeable. Nicholson's presence was commanding, while Tyler, though tense, stood tall with a quiet strength. "Alright, we'll talk here," Nicholson agreed, his voice steady, but Tyler wasn't in the mood for small talk. "And where are the documents?" Tyler asked, his tone sharp and eager. He was clearly in a hurry to collect them and leave. The tension between them was palpable, as the memories of Nicholson's past betrayal flashed through Tyler's mind. The old wounds were far from healed, and the mere sight of Nicholson stirred up feelings of anger and resentment. Nicholson hesitated for a moment, reading the impatience and pain in Tyler's eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I know you're still annoyed with me about what I did to you in the past," Nicholson began, his voice tinged with regret. "I know I betrayed you, and I'm sorry about that. This is why I had to come see you in person and apologize. I needed to set things right." Tyler's expression softened slightly, but there was a bitter edge to his smile. "I see you're now the general agent of Zuckerberg General Hospital," he said with a touch of sarcasm in his voice. "That's what you've been waiting for all along, isn't it? You know I was the first person to contest for that position. But you used my issues with my family to sabotage me in the office. You got what you wanted, Nicholson." Tyler continued, his voice filled with frustration and anger. "I came to you as a friend to seek advice. But instead, you gave me bad advice and went behind my back to set me up with the organization so that they can fire me, all because you wanted this position! Just give me what I'm here for and let me leave!" Nicholson's expression remained unreadable as he listened. "Not that easy," he finally said, his tone cold and calculated. Tyler's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?" he questioned, a sense of unease creeping into his voice. "I'm not with the documents right now," Nicholson replied, a hint of smugness in his tone. "If you want them, come get them in the car." Tyler smiled warmly, masking his rising irritation. "So, you called me here just to waste my time?" he said, exasperation seeping through his calm facade. As Tyler turned to leave, Nicholson subtly nodded to his driver. The burly man stepped out of the car, along with a couple of others who had been waiting nearby. They approached Tyler, surrounding him. Tyler quickly assessed the situation, recognizing the familiar faces and realizing that this was more than just a simple meeting—it was a setup orchestrated by the Harrington family.As Tyler and Nicholson arrived back at the villa, the atmosphere grew tense. The grand estate loomed ahead, its elegant facade belying the turmoil within. The car came to a halt, and before Tyler could gather his thoughts, two mafia members swiftly moved in. They grabbed him roughly by the arms, holding him tightly as they yanked him out of the car. The forceful grip sent a jolt of pain through Tyler's shoulders, but he bit back any signs of discomfort.The men dragged Tyler across the gravel driveway, his feet barely touching the ground. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging as he struggled against their iron grip. His mind raced, searching for a way to escape, but the mafia members' firm hold left him little room to maneuver.At that moment, the door to the villa opened, and Old Ms. Harrington emerged, followed closely by the rest of the family, coming from the private room. Their expressions ranged from curiosity to contempt as they took in the sight before them. Old
"You insolent fool! Kneel before me this instant!" commanded Old Ms. Harrington, her voice dripping with authority."Do you think you can break the family's laws and walk away without consequence? You fool!""Family rules! What rules!" Tyler exclaimed, defiant.Old Ms. Harrington's eyes narrowed, but there was a glimmer of understanding in her gaze. "Have you forgotten the agreement you signed with our family? Three years ago, when you became a son-in-law of the Harrington family, you vowed to accept our family's rules and face the consequences if you ever betrayed us. Does that vow still bind you?"Tyler stood tall, his voice steady. "It absolutely does."A nod of acknowledgment came from Ms. Harrington. "Very well, then you understand your offense," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Bring me the 'Judgment Rod." At her command, Richard produced a long, intricately carved rod, a symbol of the family's history and tradition.The Judgment Rod, passed down through generations, was mo
"Sir, you're under arrest for the murder you committed," a police officer's voice echoed through the night air. The wail of ambulance sirens and the flashing red and blue lights of the police cars bathed the surroundings in an eerie glow."You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court," the officer recited, his hand hovering over his holstered gun, finger poised on the trigger."Turn around, hands in the air!" he barked, his voice firm and commanding.Tyler complied reluctantly, raising his hands to rest atop his head in a gesture of surrender. Despite his cooperation, the officer advanced aggressively, thrusting Tyler's head forcefully against the unyielding surface of the police car's bonnet. Bound by handcuffs, his arms contorted behind his back, Tyler's eyes met those of his brother-in-law Andrew, whose once immaculate clothes now bore crimson stains, betraying his involvement as the mastermind behind this unfolding chaos.The offi
The loud clang of the gate slamming shut jolted Tyler back to reality. He watched Diego return to his post, then shifted his gaze to the mansion entrance, where red and blue lights flickered through the downstairs windows, casting an ominous glow.Fueled by hope, Tyler tried to force his way through the gate. He imagined his wife's family throwing a welcome-back party, explaining why no one had picked him up at the prison entrance they were too busy preparing a surprise celebration. He clung to the belief that his wife, Emily, still loved him and that their bond was unbroken. However, his efforts were futile; the gate was securely locked by Diego, leaving Tyler frustrated and defeated.After a few minutes in the scorching sun on Haight Street, Tyler slumped against a waste bin, feeling hopeless. Suddenly, the click of the gate unlocking made him lift his head, wondering who was on the other side.That's when he saw her—a maid in a black top and Nike trousers, holding a black trash can
"Could he have escaped from Alcatraz?" the one in the middle speculated, glancing around at the group."Maybe. The commander of Alcatraz Island held a press conference yesterday, announcing that three prisoners had escaped," the person on the left added, leaning forward with interest."He’s probably one of them, and that's why he's here today," Keisha, the light-skinned girl on the right, chimed in, her eyes wide with excitement."How do you know?" Sophie asked, her tone playful but curious."It's obvious - it was all over the news yesterday, and now he's suddenly appeared!" Rachel exclaimed, clearly impressed by the unfolding mystery."Rachel’s absolutely right!" Sophie agreed, nodding at her friend's keen observation.As the group erupted into laughter again, drawing the attention of the crowd, Tyler felt his patience snap."I don't have time for your jokes!" he exclaimed, pushing his way past them.Tyler knew Emily's three friends had never liked him, and the feeling was mutual. Th
Diego understood that without proof of how Tyler gained access to the mansion, his job as the gatekeeper would be in jeopardy. He knew that Old Ms. Harrington was not one to forgive those who crossed her easily.A guest's sharp voice broke through the tension. "How did he get that gate card?" She pointed her wine glass at Tyler, her finger accusingly aimed at him, while Tyler's gaze remained locked on Diego with unsettling intensity.Tyler's eyes narrowed in disbelief. He never expected Diego to act this way after everything he had done for him over the past few years."After all I've done for you, this is how you repay me?" he thought, his voice barely a whisper.Memories of his last humiliation at work still lingered, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He had revealed the cost of Diego's son's treatment, thinking he was helping, only to face backlash. His boss had punished him by deducting a portion of his salary, but Tyler never disclosed this to Diego or anyone else. He brushed
"I'll take this," Tyler said, his hand delving deeper into his pocket to bring out his phone. Glancing at the caller ID, he noticed it was a familiar number he used to call back then. "It's urgent!" he added, pointing at his phone as he walked away from the guests into a quiet corridor to pick up the call."Father, let me go check the security footage to confirm all this," Andrew said, walking alongside Tyler.In the quiet, cold corridor, the light casting a growing glow all around, Tyler was about to pick up the call when Andrew suddenly pushed him against the wall. "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to stay away from this mansion and the Harringtons?" Andrew's finger pointed at Tyler's face. "Let me make this clear: if you expose what happened in the past, I'll make sure to bury you alive," he threatened. Releasing Tyler against the wall, Andrew walked away, disappearing into the distance.Tyler watched him go before redialing the number he had missed due to Andrew's bul
Old Ms. Harrington's frustration was evident in her voice. "This doesn't prove anything! What are we achieving here?" she asked, her tone soft yet firm.Andrew shrugged, his expression uncertain. "Some aspects remain unclear, Grandma."Her eyes narrowed as she replied sharply, "If we can't even establish how he gained entry, then all of this is a waste of time. But that man owes me an explanation!" Her anger simmered just beneath the surface, palpable in her words.Andrew paused, gathering his thoughts before speaking again. "Grandmother, why doesn't Emily just divorce Tyler? He's brought nothing but disgrace to our family. I'm embarrassed to be associated with him in public."Old Ms. Harrington's expression hardened. "Divorce is not an option, Andrew. It goes against your grandfather's wishes, and I won't allow it. Your grandfather and Tyler's grandfather had an agreement - our families only marry within our social circle. We cannot betray that trust."Tyler's and Emily's grandfa