The sky was a dark, brooding gray, and the rain fell in sheets, lashing against the windows with relentless force. The howling wind rattled the panes of glass and shook the trees outside. Inside her study, Cathleen sat at her desk, surrounded by books and papers scattered haphazardly around her. She had just finished putting away some notes when she heard her phone begin to ring. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she reached for it, glancing at the caller ID before answering. Cathleen: Hello, father. A warm smile spread across the person's face as they heard Cathleen's voice on the other end of the line. The man's heart swelled at being addressed as "Father," a title the man had long longed for since the moment he laid eyes on the precious gem on the other side of the line. It was hard to believe that the usually distant and cold Cathleen was now speaking to him with such affection and familiarity. But the joy could not be contained, and he felt tears prick at the cor
The early morning sunlight streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a warm glow over Cathleen as she bustled about preparing old Mr. Knight's favorite breakfast. The tantalizing scents of sizzling bacon, buttery pancakes, and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, creating a mouth-watering aroma that filled the room.The maids watched in awe and admiration as Cathleen expertly flipped the pancakes and arranged them on a platter with precision. Some even dared to ask for her secret recipes, amazed by the delicious smells and flavors that filled their senses. Memories of cooking for Finn flooded back to Cathleen, but she pushed them aside and focused on creating the perfect breakfast for Mr. Knight. She wanted to make this meal special for him, just like she used to before Finn betrayed her.Drawn to the enticing aroma wafting from the kitchen, Xavier left the warmth of his room and descended the stairs. As he turned the corner, his eyes widened in amazement at the sight bef
The pair of grandfather and grandson gracefully made their way through the ornate halls of the mansion. Finn, with a twinkle in his eye, confidently chose a seat next to Olivia, his heart racing at the thought of her company. Cathleen, trying her best to blend in as the supposed wife, sat beside her pretend husband. She eagerly began to serve food to the plate of the elderly Mr. Knight, placing a bowl of his favorite soup in front of him.Xavier, ever the gentleman, did not serve himself but instead patiently waited for Cathleen to do so for him as well. Confusion flickered across Cathleen's features as she glanced at Xavier, but he remained composed and simply gestured for her to serve him as well. She couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation, looking between the two men with amusement and disbelief."Oh, Father, you know Xavi can be such a sweet little boy sometimes." She deftly grabbed a china plate from the table, her fingers grazing the edges as she balanced it i
"As a matter of fact, Xavier and I went to Bali for our honeymoon, Father." Cathleen shocked Xavier even more."Did you?" Cathleen's head bobbed up and down in agreement, her long jet-black hair catching the sunlight as she leaned forward. The old man's face lit up with a toothy grin, his wrinkled hand grasping hers tightly in excitement. "Should I be expecting grandchildren any time soon?" Xavier's hand flew to his throat, and he gasped for air as tightness squeezed his windpipe. He struggled to form words, but only strangled sounds came out."Father..." Cathleen cut him off."Of course. We are still trying." Cathleen exclaimed, her voice filled with bubbling excitement. Her gaze involuntarily flicked to Xavier's mistress, a slight smile tugging at her lips. She had assumed that Xavier had informed Olivia about their pretend marriage, so she didn't hold back. With every fiber of her being, she was determined to keep the old man happy. Leaning in closer to him, she whispered, "Maybe l
The last bites of food disappeared from their plates, leaving only crumbs and smears of sauce. Olivia couldn't help but continue to stare at Cathleen, her gaze drawn to every little detail. She compared Cathleen's eyes to her own, noticing the subtle differences in color and shape. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't understand what it was about Cathleen that had captivated Xavier so completely. And even more confusing was what had caused him to marry her. As she studied Cathleen's features, Olivia couldn't deny the other woman's beauty. Her lips were full and perfectly shaped, with a natural rosy hue. Her skin was flawless like a porcelain doll brought to life. She could have easily graced the pages of a fashion magazine or walked down any runway with confidence. It was no wonder Xavier had fallen for her charm and elegance.For Olivia to look like that, the studio would have to put on so much makeup for her to get that face that Cathleen had on. Gazing upon Cathleen, her perfect
"Yes, but I screwed up, and now I have the feeling that she married my uncle just to get back at me." Olivia, who had been fidgeting uncomfortably at the table, was now like a hyena, her eyes narrowing as she hungrily scanned the conversation around her. She savored every moment spent at the table, feeling her tense muscles relax with each passing minute. But her engaging conversation with Finn was abruptly cut short when Old Mr. Knight stood to his feet and announced that they were leaving. The room suddenly grew quiet as everyone scrambled to finish their drinks and gather their belongings, a sense of finality hanging in the air. Olivia's excitement and enjoyment quickly turned into disappointment and longing for more time at the table with Finn.As soon as the old man and Finn had left, Olivia couldn't contain her excitement, and a grin spread across her face. With a newfound power over Cathleen, she savored the moment and took a sip of the delicious mimosa cocktail that Cathleen h
In the bustling city of New York, the winter days were unbearably dreary and desolate. The trees, stripped bare of their vibrant leaves, were whipped mercilessly by the biting, cold wind. Cathleen bundled up in a thick coat and scarf, stood by the window of her room. She cradled her phone in her ear as she spoke with someone, her voice muffled by the loud roar of traffic outside. As she turned to glance at her travel bag, already packed and ready for her impending trip, a sneer played on her lips. Oblivious to the creaking of the door behind her, she was fully engrossed in her conversation."What do you mean the auction is going to take place in New York?" Xavier stood rigidly at the doorway, his hand tucked into the pocket of his trousers as he leaned on the doorframe. Cathleen's voice drifted through the air, her words flowing effortlessly in conversation with the person on the other end of the line. She seemed completely engrossed, unaware of Xavier's presence just a few feet away.
Everyone was eager to find out what was going to be auctioned off today. But there was one piece in particular that a lot of people had their eyes set on. The Eye of the Ocean. It was a piece that was known to so many collectors.Meanwhile, at the grand auction house, Avery and her mother glided into the opulent hall, their elegant gowns rustling with each graceful step. Behind them, Avery's father, William Jackson, stood tall and regal, his presence commanding respect from all in attendance. Avery herself was adorned in a stunning ensemble, meticulously chosen to impress the owner of the prestigious Knight Group. As she made her way through the crowd, she couldn't help but notice the whispers and admiring glances directed her way. It wasn't long before Finn arrived, accompanied by his grandfather, a distinguished man with a twinkle in his eye. Soon, all of the noble families from the town had gathered, along with other members of high society. The air buzzed with anticipation and exc