As the car parked near the entrance, Sean’s laughter echoed through the luxurious vehicle, mingling with his companion’s flirtatious giggles.Meanwhile, inside the mansion, Eva heard the sound of an engine outside, and her heart leaped. She thought Chris might have returned from his trip to handle the Carter family’s issues.She made her way to the entrance along with her parents and Amanda , ready to ask Chris about how things had gone. But as they all stepped outside, she stopped abruptly, her smile fading as she took in the sight before her. A chubby, middle-aged man with a sleazy grin was standing by the car and several large, intimidating bodyguards flanked them.Eva’s instinct was immediately to be on guard. This property, including the private road leading up to it and the lake surrounding the island, belonged to Chris. How had these strangers gotten onto the grounds?“Who are you?” she asked, her tone wary as she took a few steps forward.She sensed the men’s gaze swept over
Sean’s smile disappeared, replaced by a flash of irritation. He was used to getting what he wanted, and he didn’t appreciate being told “no,” especially by someone he considered beneath him. “You’re making a big mistake here, sweetheart. I suggest you rethink your tone.”Amanda, fed up with Sean’s arrogance, took a step forward, her face set with resolve. “She asked you to leave,” she said. “I suggest you listen.”Sean glanced at Amanda, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Well, aren’t you both a pair of fiery ones,” he sneered. “But that’s fine. I like a challenge.”Just then, Kate appeared from inside the mansion, curious about the raised voices outside. She was about to greet the new arrivals, but the sight of the exchange made her pause. Taking in Sean’s smirk and Eva’s clenched jaw, she quickly pieced together the situation.Without hesitation, Kate stepped forward. “Is there a problem here?”Sean’s gaze moved to Kate, and he immediately dismissed her, turning back to Eva and Amanda wi
Eva quickly pulled Amanda back, stepping protectively in front of her. She raised her chin, refusing to be intimidated by Sean or his bodyguards. “What exactly do you think you’re doing?” she asked coldly. “You’re on private property. Are you planning to assault us?”Sean’s leer deepened, and he took a deliberate step closer. His gaze roamed over Eva’s face, and a twisted smile crept onto his lips. “Assault you?” he mocked, pretending to be shocked. “No, no, you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t want to hurt you ladies. I only think that you two owe me an apology.” His eyes glinted maliciously as he added, “For insulting me, of course. And I’ll be expecting you to make it up to me.”Eva’s stomach churned with disgust. The way he looked at her, the tone of his voice—it was obvious what he was implying. She took a step back, her mind racing for a way out of this situation.Amanda, however, was not one to back down so easily. She poked her head out from behind Eva and shot Sean a defiant glar
Chris stepped out, his expression unreadable but his eyes dark and focused as he took in the scene before him. The sight of his imposing figure had an immediate effect—both Sean and his bodyguards stiffened, sensing a shift in the air.Eva felt an overwhelming sense of relief wash over her, though she maintained her calm composure. Chris’s presence brought a new level of intensity, and she knew he wouldn’t tolerate Sean’s insolence.Chris was surprised to meet such a large crowd in his compound and after accessing the scenerio quickly he was able to deduce that they weren't invited.“Chris!” Eva called out, her voice carrying a note of relief as Chris walked over to her. She hurried to his side, glancing back at Sean with a steely gaze.Chris gave her a reassuring nod before turning his full attention to Sean. His voice was calm but carried a steely undertone that left no room for argument. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing here, Sean, but I’ll give you one warning—leave. Now
“Even if someone else wants this mansion, that’s not my concern,” Chris replied, his tone dismissive. “I purchased this property legally, and I don’t plan on selling it. You’re wasting your time.”Sean’s face turned purple with anger, but he forced himself to maintain a thin veneer of civility. “Look, I’m authorized to offer you a million dollars above what you paid. You’d make a nice profit, and you wouldn’t have to deal with any more… complications. Just think about it.”Chris raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “A million dollars? Do you think I care about a few extra dollars when I spent over a hundred million on this mansion? I told you—I’m not interested.”The moment the words left Chris’s mouth, Sean’s eyes darkened, and his lips thinned into a grim line. His usual smug confidence was slipping, and his frustration was evident. For a moment, he just glared at Chris, his chest rising and falling as he struggled to contain his rage.Chris’s expression didn’t change, but his presence s
Chris considered her question for a moment before replying. “I’ll increase the security around the mansion, and I’ll make sure everyone knows this place is off-limits. The Hudsons have influence, but they’re not invincible. If they try anything, we’ll be ready.”The resolve in Chris’s voice was enough to reassure Eva, Amanda, and Kate. The sense of safety that had been momentarily shaken by Sean’s arrival began to return, and the mansion once again felt like the haven it was meant to be.They all turned to look at the mansion, the grand estate that was now undeniably theirs, free from any interference. The Hudsons had been defeated, and the house was secure once more.With a final glance toward the now-empty driveway, Chris took Eva’s hand, leading her back inside. Together, they returned to the opulent interior of the mansion, knowing thatAs the afternoon sun began to dip lower, casting a warm golden glow over the mansion, Chris led Eva and Amanda back inside, with Kate trailing clo
Chris watched the scenerio with a heavy heart. He couldn’t help but feel sympathy for them. After a few moments, Eva wiped her tears and turned to Chris. “I’m so sorry for what she said, Chris. I’m embarrassed that she’s acting like this in your home. Maybe... maybe she should leave. I don’t want to keep putting you in uncomfortable situations.” Amanda’s eyes widened with surprise, though she quickly nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Eva. Maybe it’s time we help her find her own place.” Chris, however, simply shook his head and smiled reassuringly. “There’s no need for that. I’ve told you before, Eva. You’re my family, and that means your mother is part of my family, too. As long as she doesn’t harm you or Amelia, I can handle her attitude.” Eva’s brows furrowed with concern. “But... you shouldn’t have to put up with her behavior. It’s not fair to you.” Chris placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, giving her a comforting smile. “Eva, your mother is a different person from y
The incident at the Carter residence had left a trail of rumors and whispers that had quickly spread through the high society of Brooklyn. Every elite family, once rivals or allies of the Carters, now speculated about the cause of the downfall. But no one dared to point fingers at the one responsible, especially not at Chris, the lowly son-in-law. After all, who would ever suspect a man living under another family’s roof? Yet, beneath the surface, Chris was the mastermind behind the fall of two once-proud families—the Ambroses and the Carters.Days had passed since the fall of the Carter family, and their reputation, once untouchable, was now a shadow of its former self. Their vast wealth had been seized by the banks, leaving them with nothing more than a dilapidated Victorian house to call home. Benjamin, the patriarch of the Carter family, sat in the small living room of their new residence, surrounded by his relatives. The room was filled with heavy silence, as each person seemed l
As Chris drove toward the Carter family’s new residence, the tension in the car was palpable. Chris’s jaw was set, his thoughts churning. He knew where they lived—it wasn’t hard to find—but confronting them so directly was a calculated risk.When he arrived, the mansion loomed in quiet grandeur, its façade belying the chaos within. Benjamin Carter himself opened the door, his expression shifting from surprise to unease as he recognized Chris.“You…,” Benjamin began cautiously, surprised to see Chris alone at their house. The last time Chris paid a visit to the Carter ended up becoming a tragic incident for the Carters. “What brings you here?”Chris didn’t respond, brushing past him into the house. Benjamin, caught off guard, quickly closed the door and followed him into the living room.Elliot lingered near the entrance, his posture relaxed but vigilant. Benjamin was surprised to see Elliot as well. “Mr…Mr Brown….” He stuttered, casting him a wary glance, noticing the subtle differen
Chris knew that his peaceful life with Eva would surely be disrupted. He could put Eva and her loved ones in a lot of danger. Moreover, leaving now, with Eva dealing with the Carter situation, felt equally impossible as he didn't want to leave her unprotected.“Sir?” Ethan’s voice broke through his thoughts. “What are your orders?”Chris hesitated, his voice betraying the conflict he felt. “Stay on this and keep me updated. I need to think.”“Understood, sir,” Ethan said, his tone respectful. “And for what it’s worth, I know how much sir, James means to you. We’ll do everything we can to bring him back.”Chris ended the call and sat in silence for a long moment. The thought of James—strong, unyielding James—being captured felt like a punch to the gut. But the thought of leaving Eva behind, especially now, felt just as wrong. He was at a crossroads, and no matter which path he chose, the stakes were unbearably high.---Eva, meanwhile, sat at her desk, trying to focus on the tasks in
Chris kept his focus on the road, but his thoughts repeatedly drifted to Eva seated beside him. Her gaze was distant, her fingers nervously fiddling with the strap of her handbag. He could tell the morning's encounter with the Carters was weighing heavily on her.After a few moments of silence, Chris spoke, his voice calm and steady. “Eva, I know it’s a lot to process, but you don’t have to keep it all bottled up. Talk to me.”Eva sighed and shifted in her seat. “It’s just… they showed up out of nowhere. Again. It’s exhausting, Chris. I keep wondering why now, why after all these years?”Chris glanced at her briefly before returning his eyes to the road. “People like the Carters often realize the value of what they’ve lost only when it’s too late. But you don’t owe them anything, Eva. Not an explanation, not a second chance—nothing.”Eva shook her head, frustration creeping into her tone. “It’s not that simple. They’re still my family, even if they’ve hurt me. And now with them grovel
Benjamin quickly intervened, his tone desperate. “Please, Eva, don’t let his foolish words ruin this. I’m truly sorry for everything. I know I failed you, and I failed Bruce. We should have stood by you instead of casting you out. Please, give us a chance to make things right.”“I don't think everyone agrees with the motive of apologizing for your wrongdoings so I can't believe that your apologies are sincere.” Bruce remarked.Benjamin turned to Eric, his expression hardening. “Eric,” he said, his voice stern. “You owe them an apology.”Eric's usually confident demeanor was gone, replaced by a nervous energy that made him look small and uncertain. Benjamin turned to him, his expression hardening.Eric’s eyes darted between Eva, Kate, and Bruce. “I—”“Now,” Benjamin commanded.Eric swallowed hard, his gaze finally landing on Eva. “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Eva’s eyes narrowed. “Sorry? For what, exactly?”“For everything,” Eric said, his voice shaking. “For
Benjamin hesitated, taking in the luxurious yet understated decor that surrounded them. This was Chris’s doing—he could see it in every detail. The man had built a fortress, a sanctuary for Eva and her family.They were foolish to not have recognized his talent and worth all these years that had him living amongst them.“I came to apologize,” Benjamin said, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. “To you, to your family. And... to make things right.”Kate let out a bitter laugh. “Make things right? That’s rich, coming from you. Do you think showing up here with an apology is enough to undo everything you’ve done?”“I don’t,” Benjamin admitted, his gaze dropping to the floor. “But I had to try. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to hear me out.”Eva folded her arms, studying him with a cold, calculating gaze. “Then speak.”Benjamin could see that it was impossible to get through Eva judging by the cold stare in her eyes. He stepped forward. “Bruc
As the night deepened, Eric and the two representatives sat in their car, the weight of their desperation growing heavier with each passing moment. They had hoped that Eva would still come out of the building as they didn't want to admit that she could be living in such an expensive mansion.However, it finally dawned upon them that Eva wasn't coming out after waiting for several hours. Eric felt bitter as it pained him to see that Eva was living the life of luxury….. the kind he always dreamed about.The Carter's drove back home in subtle silence and even though nothing was said the other representative could feel Eric burning rage but the main problem was thinking about how Benjamin would react when he heard the news of their discovery.****The Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of the luxurious mansion, casting a golden glow over the spacious interiors. Eva had just finished her breakfast and was preparing to leave for work when she noticed something unusual. From the l
Eva returned home that evening, her mind clouded with thoughts of the Carters' audacious behavior earlier that day. The memory of Eric's arrogant tone and his entitlement grated on her nerves, but she was determined not to let it ruin her evening. She stepped into the warm, inviting ambiance of the mansion, finding Chris seated in the living room, a glass of wine in hand and an air of calm about him.“Welcome back,” Chris greeted, his voice soft as he looked up at her. His sharp eyes immediately noted the tension in her posture. “Rough day?”Eva exhaled and sat down beside him, kicking off her heels. “You could say that,” she replied, leaning back against the plush cushions. “The Carters were at Cross Corporation again today.”Chris’s hand tightened slightly around his glass, though he kept his expression neutral. “What did they want this time?”“They were begging for a meeting,” Eva said, shaking her head. “I refused to see them, but they didn’t leave. They waited in the reception ar
As the Carters waited in the reception area of Cross Corporation, the tension in the air was palpable. Time seemed to crawl as they sat in near silence, the occasional murmur of distant phone calls and the soft hum of the building’s air conditioning system providing little comfort. Eric, his hands clenched into tight fists, could hardly sit still. The humiliation of being here—forced to beg for forgiveness from Eva, a woman who had once been part of their family, yet now was their greatest obstacle—was eating away at him. Every minute that ticked by felt like an eternity. The receptionist, efficient and unfazed by their presence, had told them that Eva was unavailable. That alone was enough to set Eric’s nerves on edge. Alan, the other representative accompanying him, tried to keep the peace, suggesting they wait patiently. “This is our only shot, Eric,” he said quietly. “We can't afford to make things worse.” But Eric was past the point of patience. The weight of their family's ru
The incident at the Carter residence had left a trail of rumors and whispers that had quickly spread through the high society of Brooklyn. Every elite family, once rivals or allies of the Carters, now speculated about the cause of the downfall. But no one dared to point fingers at the one responsible, especially not at Chris, the lowly son-in-law. After all, who would ever suspect a man living under another family’s roof? Yet, beneath the surface, Chris was the mastermind behind the fall of two once-proud families—the Ambroses and the Carters.Days had passed since the fall of the Carter family, and their reputation, once untouchable, was now a shadow of its former self. Their vast wealth had been seized by the banks, leaving them with nothing more than a dilapidated Victorian house to call home. Benjamin, the patriarch of the Carter family, sat in the small living room of their new residence, surrounded by his relatives. The room was filled with heavy silence, as each person seemed l