25
Author: Jessica Sage
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-01 19:35:09

Hope's mind raced as the weight of Vivian's words settled in. Her parents teaming up? It didn’t make sense—not in the way it usually did. Sure, her dad had always been a calculated man, but he rarely collaborated with anyone, let alone Vivian, who was more like a force of nature than a partner.

“Believe?” Jeremy snapped, stopping in his tracks. “Vivian, I just walked out of a holding cell, and you’re asking me to have faith in some plan I don’t even know about?”

“It’s not just a plan,” Vivian countered smoothly, her eyes narrowing. “It’s a solution. One that ensures Ethan doesn’t get to use his influence to destroy you.”

Jeremy scoffed, crossing his arms. “Great. And what exactly does this ‘solution’ entail? A lecture? A slap on the wrist?”

Vivian’s lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn’t answer. Instead, her gaze turned to Hope, who was watching the exchange in stunned silence.

“Hope,” Vivian said quietly, “you’ll understand more tonight when your father explains ever
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  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   26

    Hope hurried to catch up with Jeremy as he stormed down the hallway, he was feeling extremely palpable.“Jeremy, wait,” she called softer than she intended.He stopped abruptly, turning to face her. His jaw was tight with his eyes flashed with anger. “What do you want me to say, Hope? That I’m fine with this? That I’m okay with your father and my mother playing chess with our lives?”Hope stepped closer, lowering her voice as she glanced back to ensure no one was within earshot. “I’m not okay with it either. This wasn’t my idea.”Jeremy let out a bitter laugh, raking a hand through his hair. “Then do something about it. You’re the one they’re trying to marry me off to. Tell them no.”“Will you calm dwon Jeremy?” she shot back, her tone sharper now. “TlDo you think you are the only victim here? The way i see it theye are trying to strengthen both families, especially yours, mainly for your sake because you are the heir. Heir to the Sinclair's group of companies without any experience

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   27

    Jeremy exhaled loudly as he walked around, his hands were deeply rooted in his pockets. His mind raced and if felt , tangled with frustration and doubt. He didn’t know where he was going, nor did he particularly care. He just needed to move—to escape the suffocating weight pressing down on him.When he finally drove home, the halls of the Sinclair estate loomed larger than his life, their grandeur cold and unwelcoming. Every detail—the gold-framed paintings, the towering pillars, and the elaborate chandeliers—mocked him, as if silently reminding him of the legacy he was bound to uphold. A legacy he hadn’t asked for.The echoes of his footsteps felt utterly deafening as he moved through the vast space, his chest tightened with every passing second. Eventually, his restless wandering led him outside to the garden o the soft glow of the morning.But it wasn’t enough.Jeremy raked his hands through his hair and sighed heavily. He needed to talk to someone. He needed to talk to his mother,

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   28

    Jeremy had gone to his room to rest, the last night after he spoke to his mother. He had decided to sleep it through; he wasn't a baby that his mother could decide for, and when it came to Ethan and the likes, he knew what was best for him and how to handle them. The Next morning, The morning sunlight shone into Jeremy’s room, warming the cold, oppressive space he had been pacing in all night. He sat on the edge of his bed; he was going to accept the marriage. He had barely known Hope, but she seemed to him that she was someone who could be trusted, and since this was more like a business marriage, he was ready to go for it. He took his phone and stared at it. Hope’s name glowed on the screen, taunting him with the conversation he knew he needed to have. His chest felt tight, and his mind was a storm of conflicting emotions. It was acceptance, it was a decision to stop running and start facing the life being carved out for him. His thumb hovered over the call button. Just press

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   29

    Jeremy took a deep breath, his hand lingered on the doorknob as he contemplated his next move. The house seemed quieter than usual despite the bustling preparations for the wedding downstairs. The faint hum of conversations and the occasional sound of laughter floated up, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his chest. He couldn’t do this. Not without talking to Hope. Sliding on a pair of soft loafers, Jeremy made his way down the grand staircase, dodging staff and family members along the way. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice him—or maybe they were just giving him space, sensing the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Hope was still standing in the corner of the ballroom when he found her. She looked radiant in a custom-made gown, the delicate lace sleeves and beaded bodice catching the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. But it wasn’t her beauty that stopped him in his tracks—it was the look in her eyes. She was nervous “Hope,” he called softly. S

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   30

    Jeremy furrowed his brow, his curiosity piqued but wary of what Hope could mean. “A surprise for Hailey?” he asked cautiously. “What are you talking about?” Hope's mischievous smile widened as she leaned against the edge of the desk with her fingers tapping idly on the wood. “Let’s just say... I’m good at handling loose ends. Hailey’s one of them.” Jeremy stiffened with a mix of apprehension and disbelief flickering across his face. “Hope, whatever you’re planning….” She raised a hand to stop him, her expression softening. “Relax, Jer. It’s nothing dramatic. I’m not sending her a box of snakes or anything.” She chuckled lightly, but her gaze held a sharp edge. “I just wanted her to understand that you’ve moved on. That you’re building something better—something real—with someone else. Even though this might be a business for now.” Jeremy stared at her, momentarily clearly at a loss for words. He hadn’t expected Hope to be so... bold. “Hope, I appreciate the sentiment, but Hail

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   31

    Hailey sat in the corner of the cafe shop, she held the invitation letter as she keot looking at the spot where Hope had left, the weight and event felt overwhelming to her.She stared at the envelope, Her mind raced, she had just being invited by the famous and rich Hope?Tyler, sensing her discomfort, glanced over at her, his voice soft. “You alright? You’ve been quiet for a while.”Hailey exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself. “I don’t know... it just feels like too much, you know? Like a world I left behind is suddenly right in front of me again.”Tyler reached over, his hand warm and reassuring on hers. “I get it. But hey, think about it—this could be an opportunity. I mean, there’s going to be a ton of influential people there. It could help with the business. We could meet some people who might make a difference.”Hailey looked at him, his optimism both comforting and distant. She knew the world they were stepping into, the world where wealth and power made all the rules. Bu

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   32

    The D- Day was finally here. Today Jeremy and Hope was going to get married. Vivian paced the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. As Jeremy’s mother, today was one of the most significant days of her life, and though she was happy for her son, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the day was about to change everything, regardless of the fact that it was a business marriage.She glanced at the clock again. The ceremony was about to start, and everything had been meticulously planned. Guests had arrived, the garden was perfectly set up, and Hope was about to become part of their family. Yet, Vivian found herself lost in her thoughts, her emotions battling between pride, her only son, she had been absent away from his life most of his life and now….he was getting married. He was no longer the little boy who had come running to her for comfort. He was now a man, ready to start his own life with Hope. Taking a deep breath, she turned to look at herself in the mir

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   33

    As the program was about to begin, Vivian, along with the other guests, took her seat in the open garden. The gentle hum of conversation filled the air as everyone settled in, the soft rustle of leaves providing a serene backdrop. At the far corner of the garden, Tyler and Hailey quietly slipped into their seats. Their movements were subtle, calculated to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Yet, a few heads turned their way, ...curiosity evident in their glances. Tyler's reputation often preceded him, and Hailey's striking presence added to the intrigue. Vivian noticed the stir but chose not to look directly, focusing instead on the stage where the program host was now stepping up. The host, a middle-aged man with an easy smile and a resonant voice, welcomed everyone warmly, his words flowing effortlessly. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate not just the art of storytelling but also the power it holds to bring us together." Jeremy immediately sighte

Latest Chapter

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    40

    Jeremy exited the boardroom, the tension still crackling in the air behind him. The murmurs of investors and staff followed him, but he kept his composure as he walked briskly down the polished corridor. He turned a corner, lost in his thoughts, when he collided with someone.“Jeremy!” Vivian, his wife, exclaimed, steadying herself. She looked up at him, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. “How did the meeting go?”Jeremy smirked, straightening his suit jacket. “Let’s just say Ethan won’t be ruining any more of our plans.”Vivian raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “How did you take him down?”“I told you I had a plan,” Jeremy replied, his tone calm but firm. “There was no way I could let Ethan sit around and spoil the company. He underestimated how much evidence I’d collected.”Vivian’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she crossed her arms. “You’ve always been ten steps ahead. So, what happened?”Jeremy leaned against the wall, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I la

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    39

    Everywhere felt silent, Vivan’s gaze pressed down like a powerful stare as confusion filled the room. Ethan stood frozen, his mouth agape as the realization of his predicament finally began to sink in. Vivian stpos up and took a step forward, with her heels echoing on the polished floor. "Ethan, as CEO of this company, my loyalty lies with the truth and the integrity of our organization. And right now, the truth paints a very clear picture." Her gaze hardened. "Security will escort you out. You’ll be hearing from our legal team shortly." Ethan’s face turned crimson, his fists clenching as two security guards moved towards him. “You’ll regret this, Vivian! This is far from over!” he spat, his voice trembling with rage. Jeremy watched impassively as Ethan was escorted out, the room buzzing with whispers. Once the door shut behind him, Vivian turned to face the board and the investors. Her expression softened, but her authority remained unyielding. "I apologize for the disruption," s

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    38

    Jeremy remained composed, leaning back in his chair as the tense energy in the room thickened. His piercing gaze shifted to Vivian, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners of his lips."I said," Jeremy began, his voice calm but commanding, "that Ethan’s numbers don’t add up. And I have the evidence to prove it."Ethan's face turned pale, his confident demeanor cracking like fragile glass. "That's a bold accusation, Jeremy," he shot back, his voice shaky but attempting to sound firm. "You better have something substantial to back it up.""Oh, I do," Jeremy said, pulling a sleek tablet from his briefcase. With a few swipes, he cast a detailed projection onto the room's central screen. "Here’s the financial report you submitted last quarter, Ethan. Notice the inconsistencies in your revenue streams? Or should I point out the conveniently inflated figures?"The audience, a mix of high-profile investors and industry leaders, leaned forward in their seats, murmurs rippling through the crowd.

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    37

    Jeremy took a deep breath, his hand lingered on the doorknob as he contemplated his next move. The house seemed quieter than usual despite the bustling preparations for the wedding downstairs. The faint hum of conversations and the occasional sound of laughter floated up, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his chest. He couldn’t do this. Not without talking to Hope. Sliding on a pair of soft loafers, Jeremy made his way down the grand staircase, dodging staff and family members along the way. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice him—or maybe they were just giving him space, sensing the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Hope was still standing in the corner of the ballroom when he found her. She looked radiant in a custom-made gown, the delicate lace sleeves and beaded bodice catching the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. But it wasn’t her beauty that stopped him in his tracks—it was the look in her eyes. She was nervous “Hope,” he called softly. S

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    36

    Jeremy took a deep breath, his hand lingered on the doorknob as he contemplated his next move. The house seemed quieter than usual despite the bustling preparations for the wedding downstairs. The faint hum of conversations and the occasional sound of laughter floated up, a stark contrast to the turmoil in his chest. He couldn’t do this. Not without talking to Hope. Sliding on a pair of soft loafers, Jeremy made his way down the grand staircase, dodging staff and family members along the way. Everyone seemed too preoccupied to notice him—or maybe they were just giving him space, sensing the storm brewing beneath his calm exterior. Hope was still standing in the corner of the ballroom when he found her. She looked radiant in a custom-made gown, the delicate lace sleeves and beaded bodice catching the light in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. But it wasn’t her beauty that stopped him in his tracks—it was the look in her eyes. She was nervous “Hope,” he called softly. S

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    35

    Jeremy's words hung in the air, cryptic and heavy, leaving everyone in stunned silence. Hope's eyes narrowed, trying to decipher the meaning behind his declaration. Tyler and Hailey exchanged a tense glance, their shared unease palpable. "Someone else?" Hope's voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of her confusion. "What do you mean, Jeremy?" Jeremy let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. "You think this is all about you three? About some tangled love triangle from years ago?" His gaze swept over the group, his expression both accusing and deeply pained. "It’s bigger than that. There’s someone else who’s been caught in this mess, someone who’s been just as affected as I have." "Who, Jeremy?" Tyler's voice was sharp now, his patience clearly wearing thin. "If you’ve got something to say, say it." Jeremy hesitated, his jaw tightening as if wrestling with the decision to speak. Finally, he exhaled and said a name that hit the group like a thunderclap. "Vivan”

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    34

    The tension in the garden was palpable. Every eye was on Jeremy, Tyler, and Hailey. The program's calm, almost celebratory ambiance had transformed into something electric, charged with unresolved emotions and unspoken truths. Hope's gaze shifted between the three, her expression a mix of determination and vulnerability. She had orchestrated this moment, knowing it could either shatter what remained of their connection or begin to piece it back together. Jeremy’s presence was the catalyst, but her words would be the glue—or the final wedge. "Jeremy," Tyler finally said, his voice low but steady, "what is this really about? Is it about us, or is it about you proving a point?" Jeremy’s lips curved into a wry smile. "Maybe a little of both," he admitted, his tone cutting. "But mostly, it’s about closure. For all of us." Hailey, her hand still gripping Tyler’s, shook her head. "Closure? After all these years, you think a public spectacle is the way to go?" "It’s not just about yo

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    33

    As the program was about to begin, Vivian, along with the other guests, took her seat in the open garden. The gentle hum of conversation filled the air as everyone settled in, the soft rustle of leaves providing a serene backdrop. At the far corner of the garden, Tyler and Hailey quietly slipped into their seats. Their movements were subtle, calculated to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. Yet, a few heads turned their way, ...curiosity evident in their glances. Tyler's reputation often preceded him, and Hailey's striking presence added to the intrigue. Vivian noticed the stir but chose not to look directly, focusing instead on the stage where the program host was now stepping up. The host, a middle-aged man with an easy smile and a resonant voice, welcomed everyone warmly, his words flowing effortlessly. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here tonight to celebrate not just the art of storytelling but also the power it holds to bring us together." Jeremy immediately sighte

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   

    32

    The D- Day was finally here. Today Jeremy and Hope was going to get married. Vivian paced the room, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. As Jeremy’s mother, today was one of the most significant days of her life, and though she was happy for her son, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the day was about to change everything, regardless of the fact that it was a business marriage.She glanced at the clock again. The ceremony was about to start, and everything had been meticulously planned. Guests had arrived, the garden was perfectly set up, and Hope was about to become part of their family. Yet, Vivian found herself lost in her thoughts, her emotions battling between pride, her only son, she had been absent away from his life most of his life and now….he was getting married. He was no longer the little boy who had come running to her for comfort. He was now a man, ready to start his own life with Hope. Taking a deep breath, she turned to look at herself in the mir