Everyone in the hall was still filled with disbelief when the video finished playing, and for a brief moment, it felt as though the entire world had paused just to absorb what had just happened. The murmurs that followed were louder than before, no longer filled with mockery or suspicion, but with awe, shock, and a growing sense of fear for the man who stood calmly beside Michelle Donovan.Phones began to vibrate all around the hall, not just Michelle’s this time, but those of investors, reporters, influencers, board members, and guests all around. Screens lit up one after the other as notifications flooded in at a pace that felt unreal. News outlets were updating their headlines in real time. Social media feeds refreshed endlessly. The same name that had been dragged through the mud minutes ago was now being defended with ferocity.Michelle’s phone buzzed nonstop in her hand. She barely had time to read one message before another popped up, and then another, and another. Her heart w

After the whole drama of the evening, the party was set to get started.But then, Richard had an important unfinished business to attend to. Michelle had wanted him to stay until the end but it was not possible as he had to attend to his business immediately.“I’ll be home soon,” he promised.Marty waved enthusiastically, still riding the high of the night’s events, and Richard smiled faintly at him, lifting a hand in return. He got into his car and shut the door with a soft but final click. For a brief second, he rested his hands on the steering wheel, his eyes fixed ahead, breathing slow and measured. He thought of Michelle’s trusting gaze, of Marty’s proud smile, and then his thoughts shifted, sliding into darker territory.Richard started the engine and pulled onto the road, the city lights rushing past him as he drove farther away from the gala venue. The streets grew less crowded the deeper he went, the noise of celebration replaced by the hum of tires against asphalt and the d

Richard and Rico were still at the dark corner of the warehouse and deep in the midst of their conversation when Arianne walked up to them."We'll give you two some privacy," She smiled. Then turning to face Nicole, she added. "Let's go get some ice cream, love." The little girl clapped her hands in excitement and jumped off the chair. Rico watched them with a proud look on his face. He bent slightly and whispered something to Arianne, and she nodded in understanding. She took Nicole’s hand and walked out of the place without looking back. She knew this conversation was not meant for her and she wanted to respect that boundary.The moment the door closed behind them, the mood changed.Richard and Rico were finally alone.They sat facing each other, two men who had shared years of loyalty. For a few seconds, neither of them spoke. It was not awkward. They had never needed many words between them.Rico broke the silence first.“I saw the news,” he said quietly. “About Michelle Donovan

CHAPTER 16Richard arrived home that evening with a steady pace. The long drive had given him time to think. The city lights faded behind him as the gates opened. The house stood quiet and warm, like it had been waiting for him. As soon as he stepped inside, soft voices greeted him.Michelle came first. She wiped her hands on a kitchen towel as she walked toward him. Her eyes lit up when she saw him. Marty followed right after her, running as fast as his little legs could carry him. He wrapped his arms around Richard’s legs without hesitation.“You’re home,” Michelle said. Her voice was gentle. There was relief in it.Richard nodded and placed a hand on Marty’s head. “I am,” he said.Marty looked up at him with wide eyes and a bright grin. “Daddy,” he said with excitement.Richard froze for half a second. The word still felt strange. It felt heavy and light at the same time. He looked at Michelle, unsure how she would react. Michelle’s lips parted slightly, but she said nothing. She o

A few minutes after Daniel had stormed away the first time, when Michelle had finally managed to steady her breathing and convince herself that the ugly interruption was over and that the rest of the day could still be saved for the sake of her son who was laughing loudly while trying to beat a racing game on Richard’s phone, the same man appeared again as if he had been waiting for the right moment to strike.Richard noticed him first.Daniel was walking toward them with slow and confident steps, his chin lifted high as though he owned the entire park, and this time there was no attempt to hide the sneer on his face.Richard was angry instantly.The earlier restraint he had shown began to fade, and a cold anger rose in his chest like a dark wave. In that moment, he felt an intense urge to put an end to the disturbance once and for all.Michelle saw the change in Richard’s posture and quickly touched his arm.“Please,” she whispered, her voice soft. “Let me handle this.”Richard looke