Chapter Fifty oneMrs. Thompson's hand connected with a resounding slap against Charlie's cheek, the sound echoing through the room with a sharp intensity. The suddenness of the gesture left Alexa momentarily stunned, her eyes widening in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.Charlie recoiled slightly from the impact, his hand moving instinctively to his stinging cheek. The tension in the room seemed to thicken, the weight of Mrs. Thompson's action hanging heavily in the air."I haven't raised my hand to you in a long time, but I am done listening to you," Mrs. Thompson declared, her voice firm and unwavering. The seriousness of her tone conveyed a sense of finality, a shift in the dynamic between mother and son.Alexa watched in silence, her gaze shifting between the two of them as the gravity of the situation settled in. The familial bond that had once been a source of comfort now seemed strained and fragile, tensions simmering beneath the surface.Charlie's expression betraye
Chapter fifty twoAlexa turned back, her expression now attentive as Mrs. Thompson outlined the first task. "The initial challenge," Mrs. Thompson began, her voice steady, "is to convince him that you can assist him in moving past his divorce.""So, he's a divorcee," Alexa inquired, seeking clarification, to which Mrs. Thompson simply nodded in confirmation."His wife has recently divorced him, leaving him hesitant to embrace the next chapter of his life," Mrs. Thompson elaborated, a hint of disdain evident in her tone. Alexa absorbed this information, contemplating the delicate situation that lay ahead.Mrs. Thompson's offer caught Alexa off guard, her eyes widening with disbelief as she processed the grand proposition laid before her."That seems rather straightforward. Pray, what will be the reward for achieving this task?" Alexa inquired, her curiosity piqued as she chuckled softly."I will present you with a sum of $30,000, and furthermore, I am in possession of a company that is
Chapter fifty threeMr. Thompson's son spoke with a mix of defiance and hurt in his voice, pushing back against his mother's expectations. "I appreciate your concerns, but I don't think it's needed. Why are you so concerned that I must be the heir just because Fiona is a girl? Regardless, she's your daughter too, and she's very smart. So why don't you leave us to compete and get things done on our own," he shouted, his eyes filled with disappointment and a hint of frustration.The room crackled with tension as the family dynamic reached a boiling point. The air was charged with conflicting emotions: pride, stubbornness, and a sense of duty all vying for dominance in the heated exchange. Each word spoken carried the weight of unspoken expectations and the complexities of familial relationships laid bare. The unresolved conflict lingered in the room, a silent reminder of the deep-rooted differences that threatened to strain their bond.As emotions reached their peak, Mr. Thompson's son'
Chapter 54Alice's voice wavered with a mix of frustration and sadness as she addressed her mother. "Mum, can you just stop? I don't want to hear it. Are you here to help me or to taunt me?" Her heartbreak was palpable, realizing that her mother seemed more concerned about her own interests than offering genuine support.Feeling a deep sense of disappointment in her mother, Alice thought of her as the epitome of a selfish parent, someone who only cared about her own needs. "You need to figure something out. What will happen to my monthly allowances?" she questioned, clutching her chest, the weight of her financial uncertainty adding to her emotional turmoil.Alice's eyes narrowed in disdain as she pressed her lips together in a show of displeasure. Regret seeped into her thoughts as she reflected on her mother's words, realizing that she would have chosen differently if she had known how things would unfold."Why don't you call your beloved son-in-law and ask him that? I need to get s
Chapter 55Fiona maintained a firm stance as she gently halted her brother's intention to purchase the artwork featuring him."Don't think of buying it. I believe you can see the write-up clearly. It's not for sale. I am not selling it, regardless of the price placed on it," she clarified, her dedication to preserving this particular piece unwavering."I see, but I can still place an order. I need something like this. I will pay you any amount," her brother persisted, his tone exuding a sense of determination and admiration for her talent. Fiona took in his words with a mix of gratitude and reservation, contemplating the possibility of creating a similar piece for him while maintaining the integrity of the original artwork.As Charlie caught sight of his mother approaching, a fleeting sense of unease prompted him to consider a strategic retreat to avoid any potential confrontation."Charlie, wait up," his mother's command rang out with an authoritative tone, halting his attempt to vee
Chapter fifty sixCharlie stood frozen in disbelief, his eyes narrowing at the sight before him. He couldn't wrap his mind around how someone could be so utterly pathetic. The urge to lash out and deliver a punch to the man's face simmered within him, but he resisted. This wasn't his battle to fight; he should mind his own business.As Michael walked away, leaving her standing there in tears, Charlie couldn't help but feel a mix of conflicting emotions. A smirk crept across his face, though he wasn't sure if it was out of satisfaction or pity for her.In that moment, he grappled with the turmoil stirring inside him - a blend of anger, indifference, and a hint of empathy. The scene unfolding before him left a bitter taste in his mouth, as the sound of her quiet sobs echoed in the distance. Charlie's mind raced with questions, unsure of how to react to the heartbreaking display of vulnerability before him.As he made his exit, slipping away undetected, Michael left without a trace. Mean
Chapter fifty SevenAs the moment unfolded, the air was charged with anticipation and excitement as the speaker transitioned to the next stage, preparing to unveil the portrait that lay concealed beneath a silk cloth.With a flourish, the cover was removed, revealing the artwork in all its glory. However, amidst the collective gasps and murmurs of admiration from the audience, one dissenter, Fiona, let out a scoff, her expression betraying a hint of skepticism.Undeterred by the reaction, the speaker gracefully stepped forward, her voice calm yet resolute. "Before we discuss the price," she began, "I would like to share with you the inspiration behind this painting. It's not merely a figment of imagination; it is steeped in reality."Drawing closer to the frame, she gestured towards the intricate details that adorned the canvas. Each element held a story, a memory, a piece of the artist's soul woven into the fabric of the portrait. "These pictures you see here," she continued, her to
Chapter fifty eightAlice stood there, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions as she processed the exchange with Leo. The butler's firm stance and words echoed in her mind as she considered the implications of returning the portrait. Despite her reluctance, she knew that once a decision had been made, there was no turning back."I am sorry, but as much as I already brought it here, you aren't permitted to return it. And if you do, I am sure the boss will be very angry, so just take it," the butler stated, his voice carrying a sense of finality as he took a deep breath, signaling the end of their conversation.As Leo turned to depart without any further words, Alice was left alone with her thoughts and the portrait in hand. Making her way to her truck, she carefully inspected the artwork, her fingers tracing the delicate lines and colors that adorned its surface. A soft smile graced her features, a mix of gratitude and contemplation lingering in her expression as she reflected on th