7
Author: Jessica Sage
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-12 18:17:56
As soon as they entered the suite, Stefan turned to Jeremy with a thoughtful gaze. “Young Master, you should freshen up first. I’m sure you’d want to look your best when you meet her.”

Jeremy glanced down at his rumpled, dirt-streaked clothes, his cheeks warmed up with embarrassment. “You’re right,” he admitted. “I don’t exactly look the part right now.”

Stefan gave him a reassuring nod. “I’ll make sure everything you need is sent to your room. In the meantime, I’ll go speak with Miss Zella and let her know you’ll meet with her soon.”

Jeremy felt a strange sense of relief at the delay. He wasn’t ready to face Miss Zella just yet—whoever she was—and the idea of cleaning up sounded like a small gift. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally, and a hot shower and some food might give him the strength he needed to process everything.

“Thank you,” he said softly, feeling oddly grateful for Stefan’s attention to detail.

Stefan gave him a final nod and left the suite, leaving
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  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   8

    "Young Master, this is Lady Vivan," Stefan introduced, forcing Jeremy to blink uncontrollably in awe. He couldn't believe he was standing in front of the reputable and wealthy Lady Vivan. He had heard some things about her but never believed he would see her in person. Actually, it was the first time he was seeing Lady Vivan, and the most shocking thing was that she addressed him as her son. Was she drunk? How could that be possible? Jeremy thought, but upon taking a close look at her, he looked away as her face became familiar. "Jeremy…my boy ..." "Er, sorry, ma'am, but I think there's a mistake here. I am not your boy. In fact, I don’t have parents. I guess there must be some mix-up. Pardon me, I thought Stefan was… I'll take my leave now." "You have to listen to me, Jeremy." Lady Vivan caught him by his arm, stopping him from leaving, tears dancing freely from her eyes. “No, my boy…you are my son, I know you are. You might not be able to recognize me, but I do remember you

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   9

    Lady Vivan took a step back with her hands clasped together as she watched him. “I understand, Jeremy. Take all the time you need,” she nodded, understanding the turmoil he was facing. Jeremy backed away slowly, not daring to look back at her. The weight of the revelation crushed him with an intensity he had never felt before. Without another word, he turned and hurried out of the room. He closed his eyes, taking deep breaths, trying to anchor himself to reality. But every time he opened them, the words from the report flashed in his mind: *99.9% match.* “What do I do with this?” he muttered to himself, his hands trembled as he gripped the paper. He wasn’t feeling happy despite discovering he was the son of a wealthy family. His mind was clouded with the betrayal of his wife, the shocking confession of his real mother, and the struggle to accept the truth because he thought his real mother was dead. He stumbled down the street, He needed something to numb the chaos inside hi

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   10

    Jeremy woke up, squinting against the bright lights. His whole body ached, and a steady beep sounded nearby. As he tried to sit up, a nurse gently pushed him back down. She smiled warmly and adjusted his IV line. “Take it easy,” she said. “You had a rough night.” Jeremy rubbed his forehead, struggling to remember. “What... happened?” “You got into a fight,” she explained, her eyes sympathetic. “A woman stepped in and stopped it from getting worse. She’s the one who brought you here.” “A woman?” Jeremy repeated, confused. The nurse nodded. “She seemed really worried about you.” As she spoke, memories came flooding back. Just yesterday, his world had fallen apart: he had caught his wife, Hailey, cheating. To make it worse, she was pregnant—and not by him. He’d lost his job and his dignity, and his long-lost mother had suddenly shown up, claiming him as her son. It was too much for one day. Then he remembered the woman who had helped him last night. He wished he could at least than

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   11

    “That’s enough,” Lady Vivan’s voice was cool and sharpas it filled the hall. Her gaze was fierce as she focused on Hailey, and each of her steps felt deliberate. Watching this woman sneer at Jeremy—her son, whether he acknowledged it or not—filled her with a sense of duty. This girl has gone too far; she needs to understand what it means to respect another human being and be taught a lesson.Hailey looked at her, frowning in irritation. “And who are you supposed to be?” she sneered.Lady Vivan didn’t flinch. “Someone who has no tolerance for spoiled, mannerless women,” she replied coldly, “I’ve been watching you, and I must say, I’ve never seen such blatant disrespect.”Hailey scoffed, rolling her eyes. “Do you even know who you’re talking to?”“Oh, I know exactly who I’m speaking to,” Vivan replied smoothly. “A woman who not only betrayed her husband but is shameless enough to mock him afterward. It’s a wonder you weren’t taught any better.”Charles put a hand on Hailey’s arm, mutte

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   12

    The room fell into a tense silence. Everyone present could feel the shift in power, and neither Hailey nor Charles could ignore it. Hailey’s pride felt hurt. She looked at Jeremy from head to toe with anger and disgust. “Kneel? You want us to kneel for him?” she spat with indignation. “I would rather…” “Enough!” Charles barked, cutting her off. “Do you want to ruin both our lives? If Miss Vivan says kneel, we both kneel!” Hailey looked at him in aghast. “You can’t be serious! Charles, I…” “I’ve had enough of your tantrums, Hailey!” Charles snapped. “For once, just swallow your pride and do as you are told.” “But…” The look Charles gave her was killing which made her to swallow whatever word she was about to spill out. Defeated, Hailey hesitated before grudgingly lowering herself to the ground in humiliation. Charles slowly followed and bowed his head in submission. The sight was almost surreal; these two who felt like they were on top of the world couldn't help but

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   13

    Vivan couldn’t help but steal glances at Jeremy, who was sitting straight in the back seat of the car. Her son, her only son.She smiled as she remembered how he used to giggle innocently. She was going to make sure those who trampled upon him got what they deserved.She slowly moved her hand and placed it on his affectionately.Jeremy, who was lost in thought, couldn’t help but move his gaze to Vivan’s side. Her gaze was filled with love and affection as she smiled at him.“I have someone to show you, Jeremy. He has been waiting for you for so long,” she said, her tone softening with affection.Jeremy didn’t say it, but the look on his face clearly screamed, *Who the heck is that?*Vivan smiled, knowing quite well that he would be as curious as anyone could ever be. “It’s a secret. I’ll show him to you once we get to the estate,” she said with a playful smirk, hoping to lighten his mood.Jeremy raised a brow but chose not to press further. His mind was already preoccupied with the ch

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   14

    “Jeremy, the lady standing before you is Hope. Hope Lancaster,” Vivan said with a faint smile. Jeremy’s gaze hardened as his eyes locked onto Hope immediately. *Hope Lancaster?*—the daughter of Senator Klaus Lancaster, known for her unrelenting activism and high-profile influence. Everyone knows her. Her name carried a well-known reputation, and now she stood before him, calm and deliberate, like she owned the room. “Hope,” Jeremy repeated slowly in a low voice. He didn’t step back or avert his gaze. Instead, he tilted his head as he measured her from head to toe. “I’ve heard of you. You have quite the reputation.” Hope smirked, folding her arms across her chest as she met his gaze without flinching. “And here I was hoping for a fresh start. Tell me, Jeremy, what does my reputation say to you?” Jeremy’s lips quirked into a faint smile that immediately faded. “That you’re someone who likes to make waves. Someone who doesn’t back down easily. But I don’t impress easily either.”

  • The payback of Jeremy Xavier   15

    Jeremy froze, his face a mix of disbelief and frustration. His thoughts were a mess as he tried to process Vivan’s shocking revelation.Bonnie, equally stunned, turned to Vivan, her usually professional demeanor faltering. “Miss Vivan, are you sure about this? With all due respect, Jeremy isn’t experienced. He doesn’t know the first thing about running a conglomerate this big.”“That,” Vivan interrupted firmly, her voice sharp, “is exactly why Hope”—she turned to Hope—“will be helping him. Bonnie, you’re one of my best, and I trust you’ll guide him well. This will be a shared responsibility.”Jeremy laughed incredulously, running a hand through his hair. “You’ve got the wrong guy. This... this is a mistake! I can’t do this. I’m not cut out for it, Vivan. You know that.”Vivan frowned slightly at him using her name formally. She had hoped he’d start calling her "Mum" soon, but it didn’t seem likely anymore.Her calm, resolute gaze met his. “There’s no mistake, Jeremy. You’ve spent your

Latest Chapter

  • 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

  • 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   

    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   

    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   

    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   

    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   

    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   

    25

    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