“Where have you been all day, Chris?” Kate’s voice rang through the house. “Do you even know what time it is? You think that you can. Just come and go as you please” Chris’s voice was calm, composed. “I had things to take care of, Mother.” “Oh, so you disappear for days, come back whenever you please, and don’t even think to explain?” “I’m sorry, Mother. I didn’t mean to worry you.” Kate scoffed. “Do you even care about this family? About Eva?” Eva clenched her fists. Why did Mom always have to bring me into everything? Chris remained patient. “I do care, Mother. But I had no choice. I had something important to handle.” Kate exhaled sharply. “You better not bring trouble to this house, Christopher.” Chris didn’t respond. He quietly climbed the stairs. Then came the sound of footsteps. Eva barely had time to react before she noticed Chris making his way up the stairs. Her heart pounded. Would he come to her room? Would he apologize? But instead, he walked straight past her

A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. Eva’s gaze sharpened, already sensing Eric’s intention to undermine her. She exhaled slowly, keeping her voice calm yet firm. "I find it amusing that you’re concerned about punctuality when this very meeting was only possible because of the business deals I secured for this family. Or would you prefer to discuss the countless contracts I’ve personally overseen that have elevated the Carter name?" Eric’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered. "Of course, we acknowledge your contributions. But it isn’t enough. You still have many other responsibilities to the family and as head you need to set an example." Eva folded her arms. "Oh? Do enlighten me." Eric leaned forward, his gaze gleaming with false sincerity. " You know this would have been much easier if you didn't have to drive all the way here.Why don’t you relocate the Carter family to your current mansion? It’s extravagant and more than spacious

Ethan, who had been waiting by the car, caught sight of her vehicle disappearing into the distance. “Let's head to Cross Corporation.” Chris said As soon as he stepped into the car. Ethan turned to him. "Sir, I just saw the madam's car." Chris’s gaze snapped toward him. "Where?" "She just drove past the hotel. She saw you with Emma." Chris’s brows furrowed. "Follow her." Ethan immediately started the car and pulled out into traffic, but the city’s congestion worked against them. Within minutes, they lost her. Chris clenched his jaw, irritation flickering in his sharp eyes. "Head straight to the mansion," he ordered, hoping she had gone home. But when they arrived, Eva was nowhere to be found but Kate and Bruce were in the house. “You are back home early today?” Kate said with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. Chris ignored her nagging. “Isn't Eva home yet?” “No, she is probably still at work. Do you think everyone is as jobless and irresponsible as you? Kate retorted. For

Without hesitation, Amanda stormed forward, shoving one of the men away from Eva. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?!” she demanded. Eddie raised an eyebrow at the sudden interruption. “Well, well… if it isn’t Amanda.” He smirked. “I should’ve known you’d be a thorn in my side again.” Amanda turned to Eva, who was barely conscious. Rage burned in Amanda’s chest as she turned back to Eddie. “Let her go, you piece of trash.” Eddie let out a low chuckle. “Or what? Elliot Brown will chase me out of the bar again?... Anyways, I think that you are misunderstanding the situation here. Eva and I were getting properly acquainted but as you can see she need to get some rest” “Liar….she would never do that. You must have done something to her and you are not taking her anywhere.” Amanda retorted, her demeanor unyielding. “Well, how would you know?” Eddie remarked and moved closer. “Why don't you just admit that you are jealous of her?” “What?” Amanda was astounded by the words Ed

Chris didn’t head back to the mansion. Instead, he drove straight to an exclusive luxury hotel, one of the finest in the city. The penthouse had already been reserved—Elliot had taken care of it after Ethan briefed him on the situation. Amanda, who had insisted on coming along, was left speechless by the place. “This—this is the Platinum Sky Resort,” she whispered in disbelief, staring at the magnificent glass exterior as they pulled into a private underground garage. “You can’t even book a penthouse here unless you make a reservation a month in advance, and it costs five million dollars a night!” Chris said nothing as he parked, got out of the car, and walked over to lift Eva gently into his arms. She was still unconscious, her breathing soft. Amanda followed, still in awe, as they stepped into a private elevator. No crowds, no staff. Everything was designed for absolute discretion and privacy. By the time they arrived at the penthouse suite, Amanda had already concluded one thi