The faint hum of the vacuum cleaner filled the silent residence as Mark moved methodically across the polished marble floor.He wiped an invisible bead of sweat and glanced at the sparkling floor, nodding in satisfaction. He was done. Just then, the phone in his pocket buzzed, breaking his concentration. He frowned and wiped his hands with a rag before pulling it out.When he saw the caller ID, his eyes darted around to make sure no one was nearby. After confirming, he answered, his entire demeanor and aura shifting instantly."Yeah?""Boss," a calm and collected voice came from the other end, "it’s done. Madam’s company has just been approved for listing. Tomorrow, during the prime slot, she’ll be ringing the Nasdaq bell. The press conference is currently being broadcast live on TV," the caller reported.Mark’s face lit up. As expected, his subordinates were very efficient. He felt deeply satisfied as he imagined her expression at that moment. All those nights she had worked while ot

The sound of heels could be heard as Charlotte walked into the living room. She was wearing different clothes from last night—an elegant beige blouse and a slim black skirt. Her look was flawless and unmatched. Her gaze swept across the living room, looking a bit tiredMark looked up from the sofa. He was sitting with his arms resting on the armrest. He appeared to be focused on the series playing on the huge-screen television, but he wasn’t. Instead, he was lost in his thoughts before the sound of her heels interrupted him.He only took a glance at her and turned back to the television. This subtle action of his didn’t go unnoticed by her.“What’s it? You don’t look happy to see me, honey. Can’t you see how tirelessly I’ve been working throughout yesterday? Right now, I’m very tired and really need a massage. Can you help massage me, honey?”She spoke with a small voice, trying her best to sound pitiful. She sat on the sofa beside him, giving him a look like she wanted to be spoiled

Anna woke up with a groggy headache. She glanced around the unfamiliar room. "Where is this?" she muttered, trying to sit up slowly.Her eyes widened when she saw red marks on her body. Her clothes seemed to have been moved as well. "What happened?" She remembered being drugged."Those bastards… they actually violated me." Tears welled up as grief overwhelmed her.Just then, the door opened and a man walked in. Without seeing his face, she grabbed a vase from the bedside and hurled it at him."Rapist! You animal! How dare you violate me? I’ll make sure you rot in prison!" she screamed.Mark had just finished an important call and came to check on the woman he had saved when she attacked him. Luckily, his reflexes were sharp, and he dodged the vase.With a sigh, he stepped closer to the bed."Calm down. I’m not your enemy. I didn’t do anything to you. I’m just helping. Now, try to remember what happened last night," he said, trying to prevent her from grabbing another vase."Last night

Beatrice's laughter froze the moment her eyes landed on Mark. She had a look of disbelief etched on her face."You—how did you get here?" Her words drew the attention of her friends, who stopped talking immediately to see what was the matter. It was then that they saw Mark standing before the elevator. Their eyes immediately shifted from curiosity to ridicule.Mark didn't bother explaining. He didn't want to entangle himself with his mother-in-law and her gossipy friends. He gave a small nod of acknowledgement and replied with calm indifference. "I'm here to take care of something. Since I'm done, I'll be leaving now."He moved toward the elevator to leave, but his former mother-in-law, Beatrice, extended an arm, blocking his path."Stop right there. Did I say you could go?" she spat coldly.Mark frowned; he was annoyed by her tone. His eyes narrowed. He had always endured this woman's arrogance and her constant sneers and feeling of superiority all because of her daughter. He had no

After seeing him downstairs, Anna lingered for a moment. The cool morning breeze brushed against her face. Should I go back home? she wondered, still undecided.She was yet to make up her mind when Mark’s phone rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. He stopped a few feet ahead, glanced at the screen, and answered with a faint smile. His tone was low, and his expression unreadable.When he ended the call, he turned to her and gestured toward his car. “Get in.”Anna blinked. “Where are we going?”“You’ll see,” he replied curtly.With a small nod, she followed him into the car. The ride was quiet—only the soft hum of the engine could be heard. Mark’s gaze stayed fixed on the road, his fingers occasionally tapping the steering wheel.Anna glanced at him. His handsome face was devoid of any expression.“Mark, um… where are we really going?” she asked.He only smiled faintly but didn’t answer.Her curiousity deepened, but she trusted him. She had a feeling that Mark wouldn't misled her, so