The silence in the ELLINGTON villa was deafening, broken only by the ticking of an ornate clock. Anderson Denfield stood in the middle of the lavish living room, his heart pounding against his ribs. A tall, beautiful woman stood before him, dressed in expensive attire—his wife, Ashley Ellington.His face was drawn in a frown, and his eyes held so much pain.His voice trembled slightly as he asked the question he had rehearsed all night."Do you still love me, Ashley?" Ashley Ellington didn’t answer right away. She stood poised in her designer heels, a faint smile showing her confusion lined her lips. "Ashley! I need to know! Do you really love me?" He repeated himself, his voice gentle but firm, his eyes searching hers for an answer he feared but needed to hear.Ashley was taken aback by his question, the shock on her face evident as she met his gaze.It was still early in the morning, and she wondered where he was going with his strange questions.She dropped her luxurious bag on
“I don’t know what you’re implying, Alex,” Raymond said slowly. “But I can’t contradict decisions made at the highest level. If the detectives have evidence against you, it’s not my place to intervene.”Alex smiled, a slow, deliberate grin that crept across his face as he rolled his fingers over the small round clock on Raymond’s desk. The ticking filled the silence, an odd contrast to the tension that thickened the air. The room felt still, all eyes on him—Jenna, the detectives, even Raymond—all waiting for the next move.Raymond didn’t flinch. He remained seated, his gaze steady on Alex, but his irritation was growing. He didn’t quite understand what Alex was doing, but he knew it wasn’t good.The seconds ticked by. The air grew heavier. Alex wasn’t in any rush, as though he knew something the rest didn’t. He was letting the silence stretch, turning it into a kind of pressure that only he seemed to control.Raymond sighed, shifting in his seat. His patience was starting to wear thin
Anderson turned reluctantly, plastering a polite smile on his face. His grandmother, Eleanor Denfield, swept into the room with the energy of someone half her age, her floral dress swishing around her. Despite her petite frame, her presence filled the room. “Grandma,” Anderson said, stepping forward to meet her halfway. “I wasn’t expecting you here.”“Clearly,” Eleanor said with a knowing smirk, pulling him into a tight embrace. “You’ve been avoiding my calls, haven’t you? Naughty boy. ”Anderson chuckled nervously, his eyes darting to his father, who was still seated with an amused expression. “I’ve been busy, Grandma. You know how it is.”“Busy, my foot,” Eleanor scoffed, releasing him and holding him at arm’s length to inspect him. “You look thin. Are you eating properly? And why haven’t you called your grandmother to say hello?”“Grandma, I’m fine,” Anderson assured her, shifting uncomfortably around her “I’ve just had a lot on my plate lately.”Eleanor’s sharp eyes narrowed. “
The plump maid carefully set the first bottle on the table and uncapped it. The old man glanced at the bottle for a moment before taking it from the maid’s hand. He gave it a brief shake, then placed it on the table in front of him. The drugs seemed a bit too excessive for consumption to Anderson but he chose to keep quiet. “I don’t know what you’re thinking, son,” Mr. Denfield said quietly, “but these are just part of my life. One must adapt, just as one adapts to running a company" Anderson smiled back, waiting for him to finish. The maid poured the water into the glass and passed it to Mr. Denfield, who took it without a word. Anderson watched, trying to hide his concern. “Dad…” Anderson began. " I'm sure Eduardo filled you in on the reason why I'm here. I came for the approval. I’ve got investors waiting, and this project can’t move forward without your word.” " Hmm, " Mr. Denfield paused for a moment. “You don’t think I know that, son?” he murmured, pouring the pill int
The next morning was a Tuesday and Anderson smiled as he dressed himself up in a white shirt and designer jeans. He had spent the night at his father's mansion for easy convenience for their meeting.He checked his wrist watch and knew his father would be up by now.He had decided to use the project to keep himself busy while in town. It has been an easy cake convincing the investors to approve the expansion and acquisition projects and now the only thing left is his father approval. He knew his father too well — a man who doesn't like to do things without clear reason.His phone beeped and he picked it.It was from Eduardo.*** Good morning lad. hope you had a fun time with the ladies.Your old man is up.Tell me how it goes when you are done.See you soon. ****Anderson smiled at the thought of the 'ladies' Eduardo mentioned—ones he had promptly sent away the night before.He suddenly remembered Eduardo's words" All work no play makes Jack a dull boy... Don't be like Jack, An
She realized that they were business proposals, love letters and appreciation letters from prestigious individuals in the country.She looked at names on the letters carefullyPrincess Maria of Massachusetts.Avalora Hearthway, the current president of Newark Industries.Flora James.Zara Madonna.Kelly Sutton Johnny DeepHer anger grew with each letter.These were names she knew too well.They were all important figures and find it hard to believe they could write to Anderson.Her anger got the best of her and she ripped the crest off one of the envelopes. She unfolded the thick, cream-colored paper inside and froze as her eyes scanned the elegant handwriting.The words were short, precise, and devastating.To Mr. Anderson Denfield,This is a reminder of your upcoming transfer of $10 million to the orphanage project in Bedford City, as per your monthly commitment. Your generosity continues to inspire.Her fingers trembled as she moved to the next envelope, unable to stop herself. T
" You must be Raymond Baker, the acting general manager,” Anderson started to smile as he talkedRaymond smiled nervously, his hands clasped together. “You honor me, sir. I’m just a loyal servant of the Denfield family,” he said humbly, bowing slightly.Anderson’s reputation preceded him—a man known for wielding power with an iron fist. One word from him could elevate or obliterate a career. Raymond knew this too well and he planned to impress him well on their first meeting. What if I say the wrong thing? What if the numbers I presented aren’t enough? The thought sent a cold shiver down his spine." You are actually doing well, Ray. I'm impressed with the statistics and reports I have received so far. " Anderson smiledHe had heard rumors of Anderson to be heartless and ruthless but he was seeing the total opposite.“Thank you, Mr. Denfield,” Raymond was flustered. He had braced himself for a rich , arrogant tyrant, but Anderson’s humble attitude caught him off guard. The rumo
Ashley and Alex walked hand in hand through the magnificent halls of Megafield Corporation. " So you mean this deal is worth millions? Wow" Ashley asked in awe and Alex nodded with a smile. " We don't have to worry. The director in charge, Raymond Baker is an old friend. I'm rest assured the contract is mine " he said and chuckled. " That's great news, and there's something I need you to know" " What is it, bae " Alex turned to look at her with loving eyes. "Our wedding plans. You still haven’t met my dad. He wants to go over everything with you." Her voice turned pleading. Alex chuckled. " Tell him I'll be visiting soon. I'll create time in a couple of days to meet him. Is that fine by you? " His smile made her smile sheepishly. " Thank dar— " her voice was cut short when she saw him. ANDERSON!! Her shout echoed through the hall, drawing curious stares. Anderson turned to them. They had gotten to where he stood and gave him a look of disgust. " What are you doing here?" S
That night, Anderson had just arrived in Bedford City for a secret meeting with one of his associates when he was attacked. He managed to escape and was running in the empty street with his white shirt soaked with blood. When he couldn't walk anymore, he collapsed to the floor and was slowly losing consciousness when a girl walked up to him, looking him in the eye. His vision was blurry and her voice echoed softly in his ear. He thought he was caught and smiled painfully and his world went dark shortly after. By the time he opened his eyes, he met a pair of black hazel eyes staring at him. He thought it was a dream. He was meant to be dead by now. He rubbed this eyes gently to see it was the same girl, staring at her with the same loving eyes as she did the night before.that girl was Ashley. During his healing process, they fell in love. He decided to give up his life for her and placed Eduardo in charge of all his business, living a simple poor life. He went undercover a
"Seems he's around." The excitement in her voice stung Anderson, a sharp reminder of how quickly she had moved on.She looked at Anderson one last time, without a symptom of regret. "Bye," she said, almost casually, as if they were parting after a trivial argument. Without another word, she opened the door and exited the room, Anderson stood there, watching. His heart ached, not just from the betrayal but from the realization that this was truly the end. The woman he had loved, the life they had built together, had all been swept away in a matter of moments. As he lowered his gaze to the divorce papers on the table, a flood of memories rushed back—the little happy times, the shared dreams, the forever wishes that now felt like a lifetime ago. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as if to cleanse himself of the last few painful moments. He opened his eyes and walked out of the room without taking another glance back.As he stepped outside, the warm rays of the morning sun gr