Hope you enjoyed it, dear reader. Do well to check out the following chapters and drop a comment to encourage me. Thank you☺️.
Karla's breath caught in her throat as Duncan winked at her, dispelling the tension that had gripped the room. "Duncan…you're awake?" she stammered, surprised by his sudden shift. "Yeah," he replied, sitting up on his elbow and casually removing the oxygen mask, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You like my acting?" Karla's initial shock turned into frustration. She straightened up, clenching her fists in front of his face. "Are you serious, Duncan? You are kidding at this moment?" Duncan furrowed his eyebrows, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Karla, I was just…" "Shut up! You probably don't know how worried I was earlier. I was about to die of worry, you know. Now you are thinking it's funny?" "I'm not kidding. I know I got you fretting, but it was never my intention. I had this worked out, you know?" He smiled, attempting to lighten the mood, but it only fueled Karla's anger. "You are going to die now!" she threatened, attempting to hit him. However, he quickly grab
Karla sighed, a blend of irritation and amusement in her expression. "You're unbelievable, Duncan. One of these days, your prank will be the end of me."Duncan, still holding her close, grinned mischievously. "But admit it, it was a good one."Karla, torn between annoyance and affection, finally managed a smile. "Fine, it was a good one. But promise me, no more acting like you're unconscious. Ever." Duncan nodded, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "Promise. Now, can we get back to a less dramatic evening?" Karla rolled her eyes, but a small laugh escaped her. Letting go of her previous worry, Karla took a deep breath, attempting to compose herself. "You're always worried about me, Karla. I don't appreciate that," Duncan said, releasing his grip on her. "Quit doing that, okay?""No. I won't," she replied firmly, her gaze unwavering as she looked directly into his eyes."Why…?""It's because I love you so much, and you know it.""Karla, I know, but…""It's fine." She held up her ha
After hearing the exit footsteps of Zinnia grow distant, Duncan finally opened his eyes. He sat up on the bed, a sense of triumph in his expression, and stretched out his arms. Pulling the IV pole along with him, he walked to the window and opened it. As the morning sun lit up his face, he chuckled, reveling in the unfolding drama."A perfect day to make a new achievement, it seems." The door opened, and he glanced over his shoulder to see Karla walking in."You're awake?" she asked as she approached him."Yeah. Good morning.""Good morning. Uh, I saw Zinnia leaving."Duncan smirked and turned to face her. "Guess what.""What?""She was reassigned the task just like I had anticipated.""Oh, really?""Yep. It wasn't Marcus.""Woah. But… Marcus was in the right position to get it.""Ma'am Luna seems to value Zinnia more than Marcus. Though I've not confirmed that or know why, but that seems true.""Strange.""That, I will figure out later. Now, guess what Zinnia told me?""What? I c
Returning her gaze to the bed, Abigail pointed at the person who unfortunately turned out not to be Duncan. "Who's this?" Avoiding Abigail's gaze, Karla took a step forward. "He's my…" she paused and cleared her throat. "My driver." "What the heck is going on?" Abigail was confused. "You got your driver to pretend to be on this bed as Duncan?" "Obviously." Karla shrugged. "And where is Duncan?!" "He left." "What the heck do you mean? Where did he go?" "To handle the presentation." "For the Lennart family? How's he going to do that?" Karla quietly stared at her as her driver excused them. "Tell me everything…!" "Yes, just bring your voice down. Relax. Okay?" Abigail exhaled and nodded, folding her arms. "Go on, I'm all ears now." Karla sighed and looked away as she thought of where to start explaining. However, back in the personalized meeting room, Lady Zelda and Babette dropped their gaze to the foot of the person, who sported a nice pair of Italian shoes. Lifting thei
Nicholas, frustrated and feeling the pressure of the situation, mumbled to himself, "If only she'd see reason." He paced outside the room, contemplating the potential consequences of Duncan's unpreparedness for the presentation. Inside the room, Duncan was focused on crafting his own presentation. He knew the importance of delivering a compelling pitch to secure the deal for the Walton Group of companies. As he worked diligently, Babette entered the room to check on his progress. "Sir Duncan, how's it going? Do you need any assistance?" Babette inquired. Duncan looked up, appreciating her concern. "I'm working on it. It's a bit challenging, but I'll manage. I appreciate your trust in me, Babette." As Duncan continued his preparations, Babette couldn't shake off her own concerns. She stepped closer and whispered, "Sir, are you sure about this? Nicholas offered to represent us, and he seems confident in making a successful presentation." Duncan paused, considering her words.
Duncan tried to keep his composure as Zinnia walked up to him. He faked a smile, turning to face her. "What do you mean?" he asked, attempting to sound casual.Zinnia took off her glasses, her gaze fixed on Duncan. "I remember you," she stated. Duncan's heart skipped a beat as he asked, "From where?"Zinnia smiled knowingly, "You were the other guy I saw in the hallway when I was leaving after my presentation the other time." Duncan chuckled, glancing away. "Oh, that was you," he said with a feigned surprise. Inwardly, he let out a silent sigh of relief, grateful that she didn't notice the tension he had been hiding. Duncan made a short prayer of thanksgiving in silence, grateful that Zinnia had recognized him without revealing his undercover identity. Returning his gaze to Zinnia, he noted the hardened expression on her face."Good to see you again, Miss," Duncan greeted, trying to maintain a composed demeanor."Miss? Don't you know me?" Zinnia questioned, her tone challenging.
Zinnia's accusatory words cut through the air. "You're just a two-faced impostor, pretending to be the mysterious heir of the Walton Group when, in reality, you're nothing more than a lowlife representative!" Her tone dripped with scorn as she glared at Duncan. Internally relieved that Zinnia hadn't fully unraveled his true identity, Duncan maintained his composed exterior. "Ms. Lennart, I assure you, I am who I claim to be; just a simple guy. Now, if you will excuse me," he responded with a hint of indifference. As Duncan turned to leave, Zinnia, unwilling to let him go without another jab, grabbed his arm. "Hold on a moment!" she demanded, her grip firm. Duncan raised an eyebrow, unimpressed but curious."What is it, Ms. Lennart?" he replied bluntly, his patience wearing thin. Zinnia hesitated for a moment, her gaze scrutinizing Duncan's face. "I won't let you deceive everyone with your charades. I'll find out who you really are," she declared, her eyes flashing with deter
Zinnia stared determinedly at the road ahead through the windscreen, her grip tight on the steering wheel. The weariness of her hands couldn't deter her determination as she drove with all her might, navigating through traffic with a fierce sense of purpose. "Duncan, what are you now? It can't be you trying to fool me as Dunstan Ark. No!" She slammed the car horn impatiently, provoking angry shouts from other drivers as she sped past them. "No. If you're supporting the Walton Group in one way or another, then you're going to pay dearly for it, Duncan. I can't be fooled!" Zinnia took a sharp turn, opting for a faster route to the hospital, her mind consumed by the urgency of discovering Duncan's supposed deceit. "I just need to get to the hospital soon and discover your plans and everything, then I will make sure my grandmother kicks you to the pit of hell," she sneered, determination fueling her relentless pursuit. Just then, her phone rang, and she tapped the connected wireless air