THE warm breeze surrounding the cabin gave off a calming vibe as the paintbrush with aquamarine pigment touched the canvas.Max’s lips twitched up to a satisfied smile as he viewed his painting of the sea. It was hyper-realistic, a different theme compared to his usual abstract and bloody subject.“She must be at home now.” Max put the easel on the table beside him and gazed at his wristwatch.He removed his painting apron and hurriedly got out of his mini-art studio. His wife had probably arrived from work, and he planned to surprise her because it was their second wedding anniversary.Max picked fresh roses from his garden and strolled happily home while holding a canvas wrapped in paper in his other hand.Their house was only a hundred meters away from his work cabin. And he was living his dream of a peaceful life with the woman he loved.“There you are, darling. Happy anniversary!” Max’s face beamed as he saw his wife sitting on the couch. She seemed agitated as he handed her the

GEORGINA assisted Theodore in putting on his dark gray suit and gave him a quick peck.“Thank you for letting me come with you, my love.” Georgina was overjoyed because, finally, Theodore would subtly launch their relationship when he agreed to let her visit the wake of the chairman of the Griffin Conglomerate.“Just behave. The family is grieving now. Expect some power struggles now that the Griffin Patriarch is gone. I heard he left a will for his long-lost grandson.”“Interesting. I can’t wait to work for your company.” She planted small kisses on his neck before putting on a nude lipstick. “This type of family drama intrigues me.”“I’ve already arranged it for you. Starting next week, you’ll work in the accounting department. Let’s remain neutral because things will get messy for sure.”Georgina’s face beamed with joy. “Really? Oh, Theodore. I love you so much.” She embraced him tightly.Georgina could not express how thankful she was for meeting Theodore. And she was right in her

MAX returned to his cabin, riding his motorcycle at full speed. It was his way of clearing his mind. He’d never expected this sudden turn of events, perhaps he was not meant to live in peace in this life.He quickly refreshed himself and held back from consuming another bottle of his favorite brandy. He had to carefully think about his plans now that he couldn’t escape his current predicament with the Griffins.“Damn that old man for giving me such a weight on my shoulders,” he muttered. Max went to the balcony and lit a cigarette.He came up with a lot of strategies to avoid the old man’s burden. Maybe he’d just give everything to Amanda. She looked capable.“Geez, I think I need some sleep,” Max decided since he had not arrived at a proper conclusion to his problem.He was in a deep slumber in his room, and around three o’clock in the morning, Max suddenly opened his eyes because he sensed a sudden motion around him.Max heightened his sense of hearing to locate the movement near hi

GEORGINA was so excited when Theodore announced that the new heir of the Griffins had requested a meeting at his estate. She had been living with Theodore since the other week, giving her many perks.“Please, let me come with you. I can wait outside.” Georgina pouted her lips as she asked him. She knew that with her innocent face, he wouldn’t let her down.Georgina fluttered her fresh set of eyelash extension that perfectly complemented her amber-colored eyes.“Okay, you should come. Since you’ll work for the same company, it’s better if you could take a glimpse of the executives.” Theodore put on his black tie and added, “Although I’m quite hesitant because one of them might steal you away from me.”“Oh, Theo.” Georgina helped her man fix his tie and gave him a quick peck on his lips. “I’m all yours.”Theodore smiled. “I’m just kidding, sweetheart. Anyway, I heard the new heir is still young. Every board of directors seemed disappointed that the Griffin Patriarch died and passed on t

“YOU deliberately disobeyed me, Isla! If I hadn’t hinted it out, you would’ve flown out of the country with my private jet.” Scott Turner was fuming as he scolded his only daughter.“How could you let me marry off so easily, Dad? And to that trash!” Isla’s face was red. She was indeed trying to fly out of the country and run away.“I spoiled you rotten, Isla. I gave every luxury in the world to you. And you know your obligation to be born into this family!” The veins in Scott’s temple became visible. His wife, Liliane Turner, tried to calm him down.“Control your temper, Scott. It’s not good for your health.” Liliane stroked her husband’s back, yet it did not help to cool him. “Let me talk to our daughter, okay?”“You better talk to her, Liliane. Or I will disown her!” Scott turned and left.“Oh, God! You can’t do that, Dad!” Isla clenched her fist.“Isla, darling, come with me. Let’s talk about it. You know your dad; nothing can change his decision, especially when it comes to busine