LOGINLiora's POV"Who is he?" I asked, my voice laced with worry."He's working for a man named Lorenzo," Derek explained. "The same man who sponsored him throughout school and paid for everything."I nodded slowly.No wonder Mum had always said he was on a scholarship."But I still don't know what Lorenzo is involved in or what exactly Elian is doing for him." He sighed. "I have a feeling Mr. Gab might know."The engine roared to life, and the car sped out. A sudden thought struck me and I quickly turned to Derek."What if Mr. Gab gets attacked at the hospital now that we're leaving?" I asked anxiously.A reassuring smile crossed his face. "That's already under control."I frowned. "What do you mean?""I left Rafe there to watch over him."Relief instantly washed over me.Just then, Derek's phone lit up again.It had been ringing repeatedly, but he merely glanced at the screen before locking it without answering.Soon, we arrived home but the moment we stepped into the living room, I foun
Liora's POVMy fingers tightened around the steering wheel as I sped down the road. Just then, a towering hospital building came into view.Without a second thought, I swerved into the emergency entrance.The moment the car came to a halt, I threw the door open."Nurse! Somebody help!" I cried, rushing to the passenger side.Within seconds, several nurses and paramedics hurried toward me, pushing a stretcher. They carefully lifted Mr. Gab from the passenger seat before wheeling him through the emergency doors.I stood frozen in the lobby, my heartbeat pounding against my ribs."Who could have done this to him?" I whispered, my voice barely audible.Several minutes later, the hospital's glass doors slid open as Derek strode inside, his eyes sweeping frantically across the lobby until they found me.Relief flickered across his face as he hurried over."What happened?" he asked, gently taking my trembling hands into his."My assistant called me," I replied, struggling to steady my voice.
Derek's POV"I'll go see Elian myself," I said.Liora slowly raised a brow. "Are you sure?"I couldn't let her go again and give him another opportunity to fill her head with more lies."Yes." I rose to my feet. "I'll make him agree.""Derek," she called softly, and I turned to meet her gaze. "Please... keep it peaceful."A faint smile tugged at my lips. "I'll try my best."With that, I headed outside and slipped into the car. Pulling out my phone, I scrolled through my contacts before dialing Rafe, my assistant."Good morning, Boss," Rafe answered."I'll be away for a while. Handle everything at the company until I get back.""Boss... if you don't mind me saying this...""What is it?""The executives have started asking about you, Boss. Your absence is beginning to attract attention.”My expression hardened. "Rafe.""Yes, Boss?""I didn't ask for your opinion. Just do as I instructed.""...Understood, Boss."The call ended, and I turned to Cole. "Take me to the hospital.""Right away
Liora's POV"That's not true... is it?" I asked, staring at him in disbelief.If he really did it... why would he admit it so proudly?"You should see the look on your face." He burst into a low chuckle. "I was only joking."A shaky breath escaped my lips. "You shouldn't joke about something like that."The amusement vanished from his face."The truth is... that bastard lied to you. My father died of cancer." He paused, drawing in a slow breath. "I still hate remembering those days."My stomach tightened."I'm sorry," I whispered. "I didn't mean to reopen old wounds.""No, it's alright." He gave me a faint smile. "You didn't know. Besides..." His gaze softened. "I'm just happy you trusted me enough to ask."He continued, "And about Aurora's mother... I've told you before. She never wanted the marriage."He's telling the truth."I shouldn't have gone to see him," I murmured. "I never meant to...""Shh."Derek gently placed a finger against my lips."Liora, I know this isn't easy... but
Liora's POV"Whose phone is this?" Derek asked as he rose to his feet.My stomach lurched.What do I say now?"It's... it's..." I stammered, but the lie refused to come.His eyes searched mine. "Liora... is this your phone?"You can do this."The day I gave a stranger a ride... she accidentally left it in my car," I finally managed to say."A stranger?""Yes," I replied quietly, taking a tentative step closer.Without another word, he slipped the phone back into the bag and held it out to me.Really? He believed that?I hesitated before accepting it."Why did you go back to him?" he asked, his eyes fixed on mine.My fingers trembled around the bag.I sat down on the bed and placed it beside me."I wanted to find out if he truly had evidence... and whether I could pay him enough to let this whole thing die.""And you thought he would?" Derek asked, rising to his feet."There was no harm in trying," I murmured.But Elian's words continued echoing in my head. Derek turned to leave as pan
Liora's POV"How could you even think that?" Derek demanded, already rising to his feet."How could I not?" I murmured, more to myself than to him, avoiding his gaze."It's barely been a few hours since he threatened us with this." His voice faltered slightly. "And you've already made your decision? We don't even know whether he has proof or not.""Of course he has proof." I finally looked up at him. "Someone like Elian wouldn't make threats he couldn't back up."The moment our eyes met, my chest tightened.His jaw was clenched so hard I thought it might crack, and for the first time since I'd met him, his eyes were red as if he were fighting a battle against tears."I'm sorry," I whispered. "I truly am, but this is for the best."Before I could continue, Derek raised a hand, silencing me as a bitter laugh escaped him."I know you never wanted this marriage." His words struck harder.He shook his head. "But somewhere along the way, I started believing things were changing." His gaze m
Author’s POVDylan stood in the ward, his gaze fixed on Elara, who was still unconscious. Behind him, Anderson, James, and Stephanie observed him in tense silence. Stephanie gently held Bianca in her arms, fast asleep.“So he’s the one who did that to Elara and Lucien?” James muttered under his bre
Author’s POVDylan sat sprawled in the living room, a cigarette burning between his fingers as smoke curled into the air. The door suddenly swung open.“Boss…” Speed rushed in, Dylan’s phone clutched tightly in his hand. “There’s a problem.”Dylan didn’t look at him, he took a slow drag instead. “
Liora’s POVI eased the door open and slipped out, my steps quick and quiet as I headed straight for Derek’s room.The moment I got inside, I rushed to the wardrobe. His suits were neatly arranged, I grabbed all in haste, then reached for his shoes nearby, his cologne, anything that looked essentia
Liora’s POV*The next day*I woke early, slipping out of bed and heading straight for a shower. Afterward, I changed into a simple casual gown.Derek had pleaded that I stay home with Aurora today. I entered the kitchen and began preparing pancakes. By the time I was done, I plated the pancakes ca







