The sun rose gently over the Richardson’s Estate, casting a golden hue across the manicured lawns and stone terraces. Birds stirred in the trees as if summoned to witness history. The grounds had been transformed into a vision — a ceremony fit for royalty, cloaked in elegance, class, and breathtaking control. This was not just a wedding. This was a moment in empire. Security swarmed discreetly. Helicopters buzzed above the hills. Reporters lined the outer gates. The names in attendance carried weight — presidents of banks, heirs to fortunes, dignitaries from across oceans. At the center of it all: Ethan Richardson. And Laura Albert. Laura’s bridal suite was a flurry of silk and scent — white roses, jasmine, and the faintest trace of expensive nerves. Her gown — hand-stitched French lace, dipped in ivory pearls — trailed behind her like a river of light. As stylists adjusted her train, Laura sat before the mirror, her expression still. “Ready?” Faye whispered, her voice gentl

The morning sun filtered gently through the glass walls of Ethan’s office. He stood by the window, sipping black coffee, suit jacket draped casually over one shoulder. The city buzzed below, but inside, the room was calm—almost too calm. Iva stepped in, punctual as always. Her sleek bun was still slightly damp from her morning shower, and her tablet was clutched tight against her chest like a soldier’s weapon. “You look… well-rested,” she said, raising an eyebrow as she took in his rare serenity. Ethan glanced over his shoulder and gave a tired half-smile. “I slept. Like really slept. First time in a while.” “That’s good,” she said, setting her tablet down and perching on the edge of the conference table. “So...?” He shrugged, eyes flickering to his coffee. “Laura and I talked. We’re working it out now.” There was a beat of silence before Iva spoke again—this time softer. “I’m happy for you.” Ethan met her gaze, slightly surprised at how genuine she sounded. “I mean it

Ethan stood by the window, scanning his tablet as the skyline stretched beyond the glass. The door creaked open, and Liam walked in, impeccably dressed as always, a coffee in one hand and that ever-polite smile that never quite reached his eyes. “Morning,” Ethan said, without looking up. “Board feedback came in. I forwarded it to your assistant.” “Got it,” Liam replied smoothly. He lingered by the desk instead of heading to his office. “Productive week so far?” Ethan nodded. “Trying to keep ahead of next quarter.” Liam sipped his coffee, then casually added, “You know, I ran into Laura’s cousin at the fundraiser last night.” That made Ethan pause — just a second — but he recovered quickly. “Oh yeah?” “Lovely girl. She mentioned something interesting. Said Laura’s been, let’s say, laying low lately.” Liam tilted his head, watching Ethan carefully. “I didn’t know she was in town again.” Ethan kept his face neutral. “She’s handling some personal things. Nothing work-related.” “Of

As the weeks passed, the firestorm of rumors that once clouded the Richardson name began to dim like a once-raging bonfire reduced to gentle embers. It was as if the world, fueled by its insatiable hunger for scandal, had finally moved on to another headline. And yet, amid the fading chaos, Ethan quietly became the storm’s calm eye — a man who, even while working from home, was closing high-profile deals with the same finesse and clarity he was known for. He didn’t need a flashy office or a daily presence at the firm to prove his worth. In fact, working remotely only added to his mystique — the man who fell from grace and rose even higher. Clients trusted him more than ever. Investors leaned in when he spoke. Partners deferred to his judgment. In conference calls and digital meetings, Ethan’s voice carried the weight of experience, the calm of wisdom, and the renewed energy of someone who had rediscovered his “why.” But while Ethan rebuilt his professional life quietly, iva — ever

At first, it was glances—soft, lingering, full of meaning. Then it was Ethan lingering a few seconds longer by Iva’s desk, or Iva walking just a bit closer beside him during meetings. The office began to notice, but no one said a word. They didn’t need to. It was in the way Ethan smiled more. The ease in his step. The quiet joy that had returned to his eyes after such a long period of storm. And Iva—her glow was undeniable. Surprisingly, the staff weren’t skeptical or gossipy. Instead, there was this quiet, shared understanding that somehow, this was right. As if heaven had finally smiled on Ethan Richardson. It was the company’s worst-kept secret. But no one dared ruin it. Back at the Richardson estate, Ethan knew the news would reach the media soon, and worse—he didn’t want his parents to find out through a viral headline. So he decided to tell them first. He arrived home late afternoon, stepping into the drawing room where his parents sat having tea. Steph was flippin