A half-smile tugged at the corners of Amira's lips as she gazed at the tangible evidence in her hands. As if on cue, there came a knock on Amira's door. She hurriedly left the package and opened the door to find a delivery person standing there, holding yet another package. With a sigh, she signed for it and brought it inside. As she began to open it, her phone rang, and she saw Rie's name flashing on the screen. She had done well to save the number from last night. The moment the call connected, Rie spoke before Amira could. "Hey, I just wanted to let you know that the package you received contains a strand of hair," Rie said, her tone casual. "Do use it well.”As Amira examined the strands of hair in the sample bag, her frustration mounted at Rie's words.“Yeah, I can see that. But it doesn't look enough,” Amira complained with agitation. “Oh, really?" "What's the meaning of this, Rie?" Amira demanded, her tone laced with annoyance.Rie's response was dripping with sarcasm. "Uh-
Amira's expression turned deadly serious as she spoke, her eyes steeling with determination. "We need to meet and talk. This is serious."Rie's response was swift and confident. "I'm always available if it's business."With a nod of acknowledgment, Amira ended the call. As she stood there, alone in her apartment, she felt a surge of determination coursing through her veins. She spoke aloud to herself while gazing at her reflection in the mirror, her words echoing in the empty room. "Aidan belongs to me. He's my mission and forever goal. Nothing is going to make him slip from my grasp. Not Karina or some forsaken daughter of theirs on this planet."Her resolve solidified, and she began making plans, her mind already strategizing how to use this newfound information to her advantage. She knew she had to act fast before Karina could use Aidan's daughter as a tool against her.*******In the quiet corner near the staircase of the Everhardt mansion, Riley twirled around with a wide smile,
Sophie's words left Karina astonished and wordless as they locked gaze, the weight of their conversation hanging heavy in the air. She was speechless, her heart torn between her desire to protect her daughter and her overwhelming love for her.Regaining her voice and composure one more time, she cupped her daughter's face, offering a gentle smile. “Who told you that is why I want you to go back to London?"Sophie shook her head innocently. “No one. I just know that since I asked about Daddy the other day, you've been uncomfortable with me being around. You got angry then. Maybe you want to keep me away."Karina's lips parted in surprise before she managed to chuckle. “It's not because of that, honey.""Then grant my wish and let me stay here. I promise I won't bother you about Daddy's whereabouts.”At that moment, Karina realized that no matter how much she wanted to keep Sophie by her side but still wanted her to leave, she had to respect her daughter's wishes.Perceiving her mother'
Raising her chin defiantly, Martha stepped forward with a composed smile. “What exactly are you implying, Zora?” she inquired, her tone light but tinged with an underlying tension.Zora's gaze sharpened as she fixed Martha with a suspicious look. “What were you and the kids discussing?” she asked, her tone betraying her skepticism.Martha met her gaze squarely. “What do you think we were discussing?” she shot back, her expression unwavering. “Why is it that you always assume the worst of me and my children…”"It's because you're always leading them astray with your bitterness,” Zora retorted, her voice laced with accusation.Martha couldn't resist a sarcastic comeback. "Ah, yes, because everyone else is just so peaceful and sweet all the time,” she quipped, her words dripping with sarcasm.Zora arched a brow, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement, which made Martha's bravado falter slightly.“Look, Zora, please stop insinuating that I'm causing trouble, especially in front o
Anita's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she explained, "Lilly likes her and she's been asking to see her again, along with her daughter. Lilly wants to play with her. She needs a friend."Juliana's expression softened with understanding. "Of course, my dear. I will make the arrangements." She placed a reassuring hand on Anita's cheek before turning to leave, a comforting smile gracing her lips.Alone with Lilly, Anita wiped away her tears and took a deep breath, steeling herself with determination. Sitting beside her daughter on the bed, she planted a gentle kiss on her forehead, her eyes shining with unwavering love and devotion."I will do anything for you, Lilly," she whispered fiercely, her voice tinged with determination. "I'll move mountains and cross oceans to ensure your happiness and well-being. You are my precious one, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect you." She gazed at Lilly, her heart swelling with a fierce motherly love that knew no bounds. “I'm even willing…
Feeling Karina's penetrating gaze, her suspicion evident as she searched his eyes for any hint of insincerity, Lucas adjusted in his seat, maintaining his calm demeanor while concealing his inner excitement, aware of her scrutiny.With a reassuring smile, he responded, "Karina, I've always been upfront with you,” his tone firm yet tinged with a hint of hurt. “I wouldn't agree to be your fake boyfriend if I had ulterior motives."Karina’s expression softened as she sensed sincerity in his words, realizing she had momentarily doubted him. "I'm sorry, Lucas. I honestly didn't mean to sound like I doubted you," she admitted, offering a brief apology.Lucas accepted her apology graciously, relieved that she seemed to trust him again. "No worries. Let's focus on our plan to acquire the Algernon group company," he suggested, eager to move forward.Karina nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's do it. I believe it will be worth it," she affirmed, a sense of determination in her voice.They shared a
Rie sighed in a strange manner as if avoiding someone before returning her attention to Amira. “So, what do you say? I need to get over Karina's daughter," Amira insisted, noticing Rie's attention was back to her. Amira's words hung heavy in the air, sending a chill down Rie's spine. "You want to... kill her daughter?" Rie repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, unable to comprehend the gravity of Amira's plan.Amira's expression remained cold and resolute. "Yes. It's the only way to truly break Karina," she stated firmly.Rie's mind raced, grappling with the implications of Amira's intentions. "But... that's... extreme," she managed to stammer out, her shock evident in her tone.Amira's resolve remained unyielding as she reiterated the necessity of eliminating Karina's daughter. "It's not extreme," she insisted coldly, her determination palpable. "Will you help me with this, Rie?"Feeling increasingly uneasy under the weight of Amira's plan, Rie nodded hesitantly, her eyes fli
Back at the brothel, after regaining her voice following the slap, Rie stared at the woman before her and offered a sincere apology. "I'm sorry, mother." Martha, who turned out to be the woman, glared at her, her disappointment evident. "How dare you, Riley? Or should I say ‘Rie’?" Riley looked around, feeling at a loss for words. Martha seized her daughter's arm, pulling her closer. "Since when did you start acting as Rie, who appears to be a prostitute?" "No, Mother, it's not like that," Riley protested. "I only faked my identity and appearance to deceive the woman who left. She's Amira Vanderbilt." Martha's grip on her daughter's arm loosened slightly, her curiosity piqued. "Amira Vanderbilt?" "Yes," Riley confirmed. "She's Karina's ex-husband's girlfriend, and possibly his soon-to-be wife." Martha's expression softened, though skepticism remained. "Why are you working with her?" "Because she hates Karina as much as we do, probably even more," Riley explained urgently. "Ever