Masuk“I’m still against it.”The objection cut through the boardroom, drawing every pair of eyes toward the speaker.The lights had been dimmed so the large projector at the front of the room could take center stage. Across the screen were a series of professionally edited campaign photographs — elegant, effortless, and captivating.Every image featured the same woman.Genevieve Vaughn.Or rather… Genevieve.Her last name had quietly been removed from every presentation draft.At the head of the long conference table, Alain sat with one hand resting lightly on the arm of his chair. His expression was unreadable as the executives around him debated the company’s newest decision.“Our brand represents sophistication,” the Director of Public Relations began. “Luxury customers are extremely particular about image. Genevieve’s divorce has been on every major news outlet for weeks. Whether we like it or not, people associate her with scandal.”Several heads nodded in agreement.Another executiv
The study door closed softly behind them.Olive remained standing near the entrance as Isabella turned to meet her eyes.“Do you know why I asked you to come here?”Olive shook her head.“No.”“Hm.”Isabella’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before she made her way back to the desk and sat down.“Come. Sit.”Olive obeyed without a word. Isabella opened one of the drawers and withdrew a familiar brown envelope. Without saying anything, she slid it across the polished surface of the desk.“Open it.”Olive picked it up, wondering what it contained. She carefully pulled out the documents inside. Confusion crossed her face. Divorce papers. Then she saw Genevieve’s name… along with her signature.“You disappoint me.”The words were spoken so calmly they carried far more weight than if Isabella had shouted.“My son was supposed to sign those papers. You were brought into this family to make him forget Genevieve.” She glanced at the envelope resting in Olive’s hands. “Instead… nothing has c
The interview panel immediately rose to their feet.“Mrs. Sterling.”She acknowledged them with a small nod before her eyes briefly settled on Genevieve. Recognition flickered between them. Victoria smiled politely.“If you don’t mind, I’d like to continue the interview from here.”“Of course,” Thomas replied as he slid Genevieve’s résumé toward her.Victoria took her seat and quietly read through the file for several moments before looking up.“Mrs. Vaughn…” She folded her hands neatly together. “Why Sterling Group?”Genevieve met her gaze without hesitation. She needed to stay composed.“Because Sterling Group has built something people trust. It isn’t just known for fashion. It’s known for consistency, quality, and the people who represent it.” A faint smile touched her lips. “I’d like to contribute to that.”Victoria nodded once.“A fair answer.”She turned another page before asking her next question.“Sterling Group has a strict policy against favoritism.” She let the words sett
Isabella sat alone in her office, but the stack of documents spread neatly across her desk remained untouched. She couldn’t focus. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Olive — more specifically, to the threat Olive had made.If you tell Desmond the truth about Clara… I’ll tell him yours.The words echoed relentlessly inside her head. She slowly leaned back in her chair, her fingers tapping against the polished wood of her desk. For decades, she had protected that secret while carefully preserving the flawless image of the Vaughn family. Every sacrifice she had made, every lie she had told, and every decision she had taken had been for one purpose—to protect both of her sons from the kind of miserable life she had endured. She wanted them admired, respected, and untouchable in the eyes of the world. She wasn't about to let a cheap girl like Olive destroy everything she had spent a lifetime building.Her thoughts drifted back to the day she had first met Olive at the hospital, moments bef
Genevieve stood in front of the towering residential building, her gaze drifting over its glass exterior as her phone vibrated in her hand. The number flashing across the screen belonged to her lawyer. She answered almost immediately.“Good morning.”“Good morning, Mrs. Genevieve” His calm, professional voice came through the speaker. “I wanted to update you personally. The revised divorce papers were delivered last night.”Genevieve closed her eyes briefly.“…Has he signed them?”A short silence followed.“Not yet.”For reasons she couldn’t explain, the answer didn’t surprise her. She had known Desmond long enough to understand he wasn’t a man who surrendered easily. It was almost ironic. He had spent months making her feel as though their marriage had become a burden, yet now that she was finally walking away, he refused to let go.“We’ve also included a formal notice. If he continues refusing to cooperate, we’ll proceed with the legal process.”Genevieve remained quiet for a moment
The bedroom remained shrouded in silence as it was already night. Desmond lay flat on his back, one arm tucked beneath his head, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. Sleep refused to come. Every time he closed his eyes, the image of the divorce papers resurfaced, followed by Genevieve’s face… and then the look in her eyes the night everything fell apart. Beside him, Olive shifted beneath the covers. She had been watching him for several minutes. “You haven’t slept.” Desmond didn’t answer. She turned onto her side to face him. “Is something bothering you?” Still, no response. The silence between them stretched until it became almost unbearable. Olive slowly sat up. “Desmond…” Without a word, he threw the blanket aside and climbed out of bed. She frowned. “Where are you going?” “I’m okay.” His voice was flat. He picked up a hoodie from the chair, slipped it over his shoulders, and walked toward the bedroom door. “Desmond.” He paused for only a second. “I just need some air. Yo







