Lee stormed off to his old car, his feet dragging like lead. His legs felt like they were betraying him. He'd had to promise himself he'd shield Cathrine from pain – wasn't that what he was good at? He spent hours agonizing over his closet, picking an outfit he thought did him justice. He made a great effort trying to look presentable not just for Cathrine's sake, but to win the Wales family favor. And this was the thanks he got... This! The more he replayed it, the more his heart shattered. He had skipped an appointment with Mrs Adams' doctor, and still ditched her... all for this humiliation. He'd pegged Lady Wales as selfish and an attention-seeker, so he'd played to that, asking for five hundred dollars – thinking she'd swallow her pride, write a cheque, and bask in the drama of it all, if only to feed her unsatisfiable need for the spotlight. But he'd thought wrong big time, spectacularly wrong. He knows she's got way more than that – one gift she had gotten today could've

The sun is up, and its golden light kisses the earth. Lee had already woken up before the sun rose. He did his chore in the house, cooking breakfast for the Wales family. After he had set up the dining table, he hurried off to get dressed for his interview. Cathrine was still asleep, her hair slightly rough. Lee smiled as her lips were partly opened. Her pretty face was all he needed to start his day. He lurch his eyes to the mirror at the left, falling his brown hair backwards. He wore the best suit in his closet, adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. He sprayed cologne and smiled at his reflection. “You look good.” Cathrine said, rising from the bed. “Thanks. Good morning.” “Good morning.” She chuckled, hugging him from behind. Her small face rested on his broad back, holding him tightly around her arms.Cathrine freshened up before leaving the room with Lee. When they got to the living room, everyone was at the dining table, about to have breakfast. They all turned to see

*******At the Wales mansion, Cathrine was busy handling company matters when her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and noticed it's an unknown number. For a second, she hesitated before answering it. When the call ended, Catherine's finger loosened around the phone. It slipped from her grasp and hit the floor with a soft thud. Her vision blurred, and her stance wavered. Before she could steady herself, her knees gave out, and she collapsed. In the living room, Dev and Bianca were absorbed in their phones, scrolling endlessly that none of them noticed.When Susan returned from the gym, she dropped her bag on the couch and stretched loudly. “Where's Catherine?” She asked.“She's in the study.” Dev replied without looking up.“You should talk some sense into her.” Bianca scoffed. “She's been locked in that study for hours, probably thinking of ways to save that loser's ass again.” She blurted. “I don't care if she breaks down, but I think you will.” Susan didn't respond, she

Him?” Lee's eyes widened in confusion. His mind was still struggling to process everything Tyler had told him so far, yet more secrets kept coming nonstop. He wasn't ready for any of it. “Yes, Master.” Tyler lowered her head, though her composed expression didn't escape Lee's notice. “Cole Smith.” “Cole Smith?” Lee was startled at the mention of his name, it crushed him harder than anything else. Lee's thought spiralled. What did Cole Smith have to do with this? Or was there another person with the same name? That wasn't possible, there was only one Cole Smith he knew. He was the same person who always looked down on him with disdain. “Yes, Master. Cole Smith.” She repeated. “He's the only son of Williams Smith, the third richest man in Avendel Heights.”It's him, there was no doubt. How could it be? Lee ran his finger through his hair anxiously. “What am I supposed to do with that information?” “He's a dangerous man hidden behind a flawless face.” Tyler said, her lips curving in