All Chapters of ONE NIGHT STAND WITH MY STEPFATHER : Chapter 11 - Chapter 17

Suddenly, a bright flash came from the far end of the hallway. Like the click of a camera or a phone flashlight going off. We both froze. Someone was there. Watching. Taking pictures. I pushed Mark back hard, my palms pressing firmly against his chest. My heart was hammering so loud I could hear it in my ears. I quickly adjusted my dress, pulling the fabric down and smoothing out any wrinkles with trembling hands. I fixed my hair too, making sure nothing looked out of place. Mark’s face changed from surprise to pure anger in a second. He didn’t waste time talking to me. He turned sharply and ran after the person, his shoes echoing loudly down the hallway. I stood there alone for a moment, trying to steady my breathing. My mind was spinning. Who could it be? A guest who wandered off? One of the waiters? Someone who knew too much about me and Mark? Or was that the blackmailer? The questions kept coming, but I had no answers. I took one last deep breath, forced my legs to move, and wal

When I got back to the office, the excitement from the senator’s contract was still bubbling inside me. I called all the available staff into the main conference room. Sarah, James, Lisa, and about twelve other team members gathered around the long table, looking at me with curious eyes. “Everyone, listen up,” I said, standing at the head of the table. “We just secured a million-dollar contract for the senator’s daughter’s birthday. This is one of the biggest we’ve ever landed. It means we have a very big week ahead of us. Planning, vendor meetings, site visits, design approvals, and full-scale preparations. I need all of you focused and ready. No delays, no excuses. This event has to be perfect.” Sarah leaned forward. “When do we start the initial proposals?” “Today,” I replied. “James, I want lighting and stage concepts by tomorrow afternoon. Lisa, start researching high-end catering options and imported flowers. The rest of you, review the brief I’ll send in the next hour. We’ll

When Mom saw Alex coming in, she lit up right away. Then hurried over, arms open. “Alex! Oh, welcome,” she said, pulling him inside with a warm hug. She patted his back like he was her son. “It’s so good to see your face this evening. We were just sitting here talking about spending more time together as a family. Perfect timing.” Mark’s face tightened beside me on the couch. His jaw went hard, eyes narrowing just a fraction. I didn’t turn around. I kept staring at the tea in my cup, fingers gripping it tighter. The last person I wanted to deal with right now was Alex. Not after everything. Alex finished greeting Mom, thanking her softly for the welcome, his voice polite and smooth. Then he walked straight toward me. His footsteps sounded too loud in the room. “Hey Evie,” he said, stopping close. Mark moved fast, stepping right between us like it was nothing. He blocked the path smoothly, flashing that easy smile of his. “Good to see you drop by, Alex.” He stuck his hand out firm.