Chapter: Designs He'd Never ForgetThe security guards approached Merrick from either side, one reaching for his arm while the other motioned for him to turn around.Merrick stepped back before either could touch him, his expression hardening as the employees gathered along the corridor watched with undisguised interest."Nobody is taking me anywhere until you explain exactly what you think I've done," he said, holding up a hand to stop the guard approaching him.Clara scoffed, folding her arms across her chest. "The missing USB contains confidential designs for the Springfield Showcase, and you happen to be here when it disappears. What other explanation do you need?""Evidence," Merrick answered, looking directly at her. "You need evidence."Avery emerged from her office, her expression betraying more irritation than concern. "Merrick, don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. If you have nothing to hide, cooperate with security and let them finish their work."He turned toward her, momentarily struck by ho
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
Chapter: Divorce PapersMorning sunlight spilled across the dashboard as Nadia pulled up outside Sterling Fashion. Employees were already streaming through the glass entrance, hurrying into another working day, while Merrick remained in the passenger seat, staring at the building.He had barely slept. The previous night had brought Avery’s public humiliation, his walk across the bridge, and the elderly stranger he had rescued. Learning that the man was Donald Vermillion—and that Donald’s will might entitle him to a share of the family estate—still felt unreal. Yet this morning, he had a simpler task: sign the divorce papers and leave.Nadia switched off the engine, turning toward him with concern. She had found him waiting at her apartment at dawn, exhausted and unwilling to explain where he had been.“Are you sure you’re all right?” she asked, studying his face. “You’ve barely spoken since we left.”“I’m fine,” Merrick replied, forcing himself to meet her eyes. “I just need to take care of something inside.
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
Chapter: An Unexpected TurnMerrick couldn't process what he was hearing.A share of Donald Vermillion's estate was already more than he'd expected from their chance encounter, but the lawyer's matter-of-fact explanation made the situation feel far more complicated than Merrick could handle. He'd gone to the hospital to save a stranger, not to become entangled in the affairs of one of the wealthiest families in the country.He glanced at Julian, whose furious expression made it clear that the revelation hadn't gone down well. Only minutes ago, the man had wanted Merrick arrested. Now, with the possibility of his father's estate being shared with a stranger, his anger had taken on a different edge."I need a moment," Merrick muttered, rubbing his forehead as he turned away from the lawyer."Merrick, come back here!" Julian shouted behind him, but Merrick kept walking, unwilling to entertain another accusation when his own thoughts were already a mess.He pushed through the bathroom door and shut it behind him, fi
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
Chapter: The Price Of Neglect“Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”One of the police officers stepped toward Merrick, reaching for his wrist while his colleague blocked the corridor entrance.Merrick stared at them in disbelief. “You're actually going to arrest me because this man accused me of something without a single shred of evidence?”“Watch your tone,” Julian snapped. “You're in no position to question anything when my father is lying unconscious in a hospital because of you.”“Because of me?” Merrick repeated, anger creeping into his voice. “I found your father attempting to jump off a bridge. I stopped him, and when he collapsed, I brought him here. If I'd left him alone, he might be dead right now!”“That's a convenient story. Perhaps you thought saving him would make it easier to get your hands on the Vermillion family's money.”Merrick clenched his jaw. He had spent years being looked down upon by people who considered wealth a measure of worth, but Julian's arrogance was beyond anything
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
Chapter: The Vermillions“Sir, can you hear me? Please, you have to stay with me!”Merrick gripped Donald's hand as the taxi sped through traffic, watching the old man's shallow breathing with growing concern. The driver swerved around a slow-moving vehicle, earning another desperate plea from Merrick to hurry.Donald Vermillion.The name kept returning to his thoughts. Vermillion Global stood at the top of the fashion industry, its influence eclipsing even Avery's company. Merrick had spent years studying the industry's biggest players, yet he had never imagined meeting the man behind that legendary name on a bridge, preparing to end his life.But Donald's wealth meant nothing to him right now. The old man had been so convinced that nobody cared whether he lived or died that Merrick couldn't bear the thought of losing him.“Please, sir, stay with me,” Merrick whispered, squeezing his hand. “You told me your family doesn't care about you, but that doesn't mean your life is worthless.”Donald remained unrespon
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
Chapter: The Man On The BridgeMerrick had been walking for nearly an hour when he reached the bridge, his damp shirt clinging to his back as the evening breeze brushed against his skin.He hadn't bothered wiping away the champagne until he was several streets away from the Sterling estate. Even then, the humiliation followed him, replaying in his mind every time he remembered Avery's expression as she poured the drink over his head.That was a mistake.Her words hurt more than he wanted to admit.For four years, he'd convinced himself that his sacrifices meant something, that Avery would eventually recognize how much he'd done for her. Instead, she'd built her success on his designs, replaced him with another man, and discarded him as though their marriage had been an inconvenience.Merrick shoved his hands into his pockets, continuing along the pavement.He couldn't even afford a place of his own. He was still living with Nadia, relying on his sister's generosity while Avery enjoyed the luxurious life he'd helped
Last Updated: 2026-10-14
