Irene stood in front of Xavier’s desk, her arms folded across her chest, her voice sharp with irritation. “So this is it, Xavier. Once again, you disappear without a single word. Do you know how humiliating that feels?”Xavier let out a slow breath, clearly tired of the confrontation. “I told you already, Irene, I was away on business.” “Business,” she repeated with a bitter laugh. “Always business. Do you think I don’t notice the pattern? Every time it’s her, Amber. Please don’t insult my intelligence, I know what's going on.” “You’re blowing this out of proportion…” “Am I?” Irene stepped closer, her tone rising. “Tell me something, Xavier. This business you talk about, does it include her? Because from where I’m standing, it looks like she’s at the center of every damn decision you make. What about me? Do you even see me?”Xavier pinched the bridge of his nose. “Irene, I care about you as a person, but you’re making this something it’s not. You’re acting like I abandoned you

Irene sat near the window, her crimson lips pressed into a thin line as she stirred her wine without drinking it. She hated waiting. But tonight, the wait was part of the game.Antonio finally walked in, trailed by the faint smell of his cologne and the weight of his arrogance. He wore a perfectly cut navy suit, his hair slicked back, the picture of a man who still believed the world owed him respect. When his eyes landed on her, they lit with curiosity and hunger. “I have to admit,” Antonio said as he slid into the chair across from her, “it’s not every day I get a letter from the daughter of New York’s Prime Minister. You had my attention the moment I saw your name.”Irene tilted her head, lips curving into the faintest smirk. “And here I thought you wouldn't know who I was. I'm not that popular, after all.” “Not popular?” Antonio chuckled, signaling the waiter for a drink. “Darlinng, the last time I saw you, you were all over the news, with Xavier, wasn’t it? Everyone assumed t

Xavier spotted her before she noticed him. The bar she chose was quiet for a Thursday evening, the clink of glass and hushed laughter carrying between tables. Amber sat in the corner, half-hidden behind a glass she hadn’t touched, her hair pulled into a loose bun that did nothing to disguise the fatigue on her face.When he finally walked over, her eyes flickered up, hesitant and guarded. “You don’t look well,” Xavier said, sliding into the chair opposite her. His gaze lingered on the bruised shadows beneath her eyes. “The circles are getting too obvious.”Amber gave a dry laugh, curling her fingers around the mug. “When did you start caring whether I sleep or not?” “I’ve always cared,” he said without hesitation. His tone was firm, almost clipped, but his eyes softened. “And you know that.”She tilted her head, studying him. “So… what does this mean? We’re back to being buddies now? You’ve forgiven me?”Xavier leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly. “Forgiveness isn’t somethin

Xavier’s study was dim, the heavy curtains drawn tight. He stood beside his desk, adjusting the small black lens at the corner of a shelf. Clifford crouched near the fireplace, tightening a wire, while Jeffery checked the feed on a tablet. “Make it fast,” Xavier muttered. “She’ll be here any minute.”Jeffery nodded. “Everything’s set. The cameras are live, the audio too. She won’t know.” “Good,” Xavier said. His jaw tightened. “Tonight I'll get my clarity and give her as taste of her medicine.”There was a knock at the door. A servant stepped in quietly. “Mr Lancelot… Mrs Deluca is here.”Xavier motioned to Jeffery and Clifford. “Inner room. Now.”They slipped through the adjoining door. Xavier straightened, his expression hard.Moments later, Lisa strolled in. Her heels clicked against the polished floor. Her chin was high, her eyes scanning the shelves, the leather chairs, the rich décor. “Impressive,” she said, smirking as if she owned the place. “I always knew you had good t

Amber rushed into the house before the securities could even announce her. Her chest was heaving, she has been unable to keep calm since she got the news. “Xavier,” she called out, her voice sharp, almost breaking.He came out of the study, his tie loose, his expression tired. “You heard already?” he asked quietly.Amber’s eyes widened. “Heard? Everyone is talking. Lisa threatened to stab herself right in your living room. How could that happen? How did a knife get past your security?”Xavier rubbed his forehead. “Amber, I was just as shocked. I didn’t even see it coming. She had it wrapped in her bag. She hid it so well, they probably missed it.” “They missed it?” Amber’s voice rose. “Do you know what could have happened? What if she…” She stopped herself, clenching her fists. “Xavier, she could have killed herself in your house. In front of you.”He gave a bitter laugh. “That was the plan. To trap me. To make me feel guilty about whatever she was going through, like I was the