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With trembling lips, Amira stated again, “I don't have the money, Linda. I can't give you a dime." Linda's lips curled into a wistful smile. “Really? Let's see if you wouldn't be able to raise money to save yourself from rotting in jail after I reveal to Karina that you attempted to end her life.” Amira's eyes narrowed as she listened to Linda's threat, her heart pounding with fear and anger. "You wouldn't dare," she shot back, her voice trembling slightly despite her attempt to sound confident. Linda smirked, a malicious glint in her eyes. "Oh, I would, and you know it," she retorted, her tone dripping with menace. "You think you can stop me, but you're just as trapped as I am. Maybe even more." Amira's jaw clenched as she fought to keep her composure. "You won't dare do such a thing because you'd go down too," she insisted, though doubt gnawed at her mind. “You're bluffing.” Linda's smirk widened, her grip on the gun tightening. "Am I?" she taunted cryptically before turning on
In the uncomfortable silence of the dining room, Karina attempted to maintain her composed smile, silently wishing to divert the conversation away from her and Aidan. Anita's question caught her off guard, and she hesitated before responding. "Um, I believe Lucas must have mentioned a few things about me," Karina replied evasively, hoping to avoid delving into personal details. Lucas shot Anita a subtle warning glance, silently urging her to change the subject. However, Anita seemed undeterred as she continued to inquire about Karina's relationship with Lucas. "He did mention a few things, especially about how you're an exceptional woman," Juliana interjected smoothly, coming to Karina's rescue with a warm smile. Anita's next comment about future babies caused Karina to nearly choke on her food, and Lucas quickly offered her water, giving his sister a pointed look. "I apologize for Anita's enthusiasm," Lucas said with a light chuckle, attempting to diffuse the tension. "She tends
Karina studied Anita's expression, detecting a hint of strain behind her facade of composure. "That's a relief," she replied, offering a warm smile. "I'm glad to hear she's doing well." Anita nodded, grateful for Karina's understanding. "Thank you for watching over her," she said sincerely. "We appreciate your support." Karina nodded in return, her heart heavy with concern for Lilly's well-being. As her phone buzzed, she glanced down to read the message, then looked up at Lucas with a regretful expression. "I should head home now," she announced, her tone apologetic. Anita's response was brisk. "Yes, you should," she agreed tersely. Despite the tension, Karina managed a polite smile. "Goodnight, Anita," she said, trying to soften the atmosphere. Amira nodded silently and retreated to the room, leaving the hallway quiet. Karina turned to bid Lucas goodnight, but he intercepted her. "Let me take you home," he offered, his concern evident. Karina shook her head, declining his offer
Grandma Lila and Kayla joined the rest of the Algernon family in the living room, their eyes fixed on Aidan who remained lost in thought."Okay, that's enough!" Cruzita yelled, breaking the tense silence. "I demand to know what's going on now!" She commanded, turning to Xander. "Xander?"Xander shook, feeling a bit panicked under the weight of her voice. He straightened up and took a few steps forward, saying, "I think we should start preparing to leave this place."Wally's brows furrowed and Cruzita's face formed a grimace before she hurled an angry question. "Are you crazy or something?" She spun to face Kayla. "What's wrong with your son, Kayla?" She fumed. "Can't he just keep quiet for once and let the poor boy speak? Could you please stop being so hot-headed, Cruzita? You're intolerable," Grandma Lila voiced her complaints before sitting down. "Let Xander speak.""What do you mean, mother-in-law?" Cruzita turned to glare at Xander. "He's saying we should start preparing to leave
Karina's smirk widened as she observed the shock still evident on Cruzita's face, as well as the others'. Aidan's disbelief turned to anger as he accused Karina of orchestrating the entire situation. "This is all a setup, isn't it? You're just trying to mess with my head!" Karina's smirk remained firmly in place as she responded calmly. "I anticipated you would say that, Aidan. That's why I came prepared." With a snap of her fingers, she signaled for someone to enter the room. Aidan's eyes widened in recognition as a bald man strode into the room. He remembered him as the individual who had given him the money. His heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. With a single look from Karina, the man didn't waste any time, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Ma'am here was the one who generously provided you with financial assistance, Aidan. But if you can't repay what you owe right now, it's best you and your family vacate this house immediately." Aidan's mi
Aidan's mind raced as he weighed his options, knowing the gravity of the decision before him. "Can't we manage there…?" he began, but Cruzita cut him off with a firm shake of her head."No," she asserted in a strong whisper. "It's been over 20 years. The building might even collapse soon. Talk to her. Please."Aidan's gaze flickered to Karina, uncertainty clouding his features. He knew he needed to talk to her, to find a way out of this mess. But as he met her eyes, he couldn't shake the feeling of shame that washed over him. How could he face her after everything that had happened between them?He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he knew would be a difficult conversation."Karina, please," he began, his voice pleading. "Give us time to sort this out. We can't just pack up and leave in such a manner...""Such a manner?” Karina interjected. Her expression hardened, and she took a step closer to Aidan, her eyes flashing with anger. "What about when you kicked me out six yea
Aidan arrived at the Everhardt Corporation, his heart pounding with anticipation as he made his way to the CEO’s office in the sprawling company building. Almost reaching Karina's office, he was met by her secretary, who greeted him with a polite smile."I need to see Karina," Aidan stated, a sense of urgency in his voice.The secretary's expression remained courteous as she asked for an appointment. Aidan's frustration mounted as he explained that he hadn't made one but had spoken to Karina recently."I'm sorry, sir," the secretary replied sympathetically, "but I haven't received any message from her regarding your visit."Aidan's attempts to reach Karina by phone proved futile, each unanswered call fueling his growing agitation. He sent messages, hoping for a response, but the silence from Karina's end only added to his frustration.After waiting for what felt like an eternity, Aidan approached the secretary once more, his tone more insistent this time. "I need to see Karina urgentl
Karina's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Oh, Amira is so lucky to have you defending her," she purred, her words laden with sarcasm. Aidan, however, was focused on the task at hand. "You can file a case against Amira for attempted murder," he continued, his tone resolute. "But first, I need you to give us time. You took our house under my nose and took us unaware. My family can't leave in the next 24 hours,” he pleaded, his voice tinged with desperation as he stared at her, willing her to understand. Karina locked eyes with him, her expression unreadable as she considered his request. “So, Mr. Algernon, what do you seek?" Karina's voice dripped with smug satisfaction as she observed Aidan's discomfort. She enjoyed seeing him so hopeless and helpless. “I came to ask for more time to get the money and return it to you," Aidan responded, his tone laced with desperation. “Hmm, I guess I can consider it if you show some signs of seriousness." Karina's smirk widened as she gestured t