2025-04-30 05:55:14The next morning, as Lena prepared to leave…
Wayne handed her a wrapped envelope. “Don’t worry about anything. Just give this to him—he’ll understand,” Wayne murmured. Making her think it contains a important asset of Mr Rafael Romanos, who’s her late grandfather Lena paused, staring at the thick envelope with a puzzled look on her face. “Wayne… So you even know how much the contract is worth? And you expect Mr. Arnold to accept this just like that, and because of grandfather he would just offer the contract?” Before she could finish her thought, Wayne gently interrupted her. “Dear, you have to trust me. I believe we can make this work,” he said, stepping closer and patting her back. A strange comfort washed over her. After nearly three years of marriage, Wayne had never shown her this level of closeness. For the first time, it felt like their connection was beginning to spark into something more. “Are you sure about this?” she asked softly. Wayne nodded. “Yes. I believe in you. And I know that with this, Mr. Arnold will definitely give you the opportunity.” His words sank deep into her heart. She didn’t overthink it—something about the way he spoke made her believe him. It was as if her senses were overcome by emotion. Wayne drove her to Arnold Corporation himself. As soon as the car parked in front of the grand building, her nerves kicked in. Her gaze shifted to the envelope inside her bag. Her voice trembled. “Wayne… Are you sure this makes any sense?” Unbeknownst to Lena, Wayne had made preparations behind the scenes. He had already ensured Mr. Arnold would be expecting her. The envelope was just a formality—a cover story, making it appear as though she was simply delivering something from her grandfather’s estate. “You know the Arnolds have always had mutual respect with the Romanos, even if they haven’t worked together before. That respect alone will open the door. Trust me, dearest.” Before he could finish, Lena cut in. “This still doesn’t make sense. Mr. Arnold is a powerful man. He doesn’t even know me. What makes you think I’ll get close enough to give him anything? I don’t even know what’s inside this envelope…” Wayne sighed and reached for her arm. “Dear,” he said with warmth. There was something disarming about him. His hands were warm and gentle, almost like a spell that pulled her in. She had thought she was only trying to earn her place in the family, to prove she could make decisions for herself. But now, it was becoming something more… more complicated. “I need you to believe in yourself,” Wayne said. “I know you can do this. You deserve more than just a contract. And that envelope? It’ll help—but your presence will do the real work.” His voice felt like a cool breeze after a day under the burning sun. Lena took a breath. “Okay then… wait here for me. I’ll be back once it’s over.” As she opened the car door, Wayne called out: “Hey, I love you.” She froze. Did he just say that? Maybe she heard him wrong. But his steady gaze told her otherwise. “Right… um… I’ll just go,” she mumbled, flustered. The words caught her off guard. She couldn’t stop the smile tugging at her lips as she stepped out. Wayne had always wanted to say those words. Despite being married, they had lived more like strangers—roommates who shared a room, but not a connection. Seeing that small, unsure smile on her face gave him hope. She was touched, even if she didn’t say it aloud. Inside the building, Lena took a deep breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. As she walked, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Wayne might be watching her from the car. “Where exactly am I supposed to go?” she whispered to herself, eyes scanning the impressive interior. The cool air and the soft hum of multiple air conditioners gave the place a scent of luxury—almost like walking into a cold, elegant fortress. She approached the front desk. “Hi, I’m here—” “Deliveries wait over there,” the receptionist cut her off with a forced smile, eyes glued to her computer screen. Lena blinked in confusion. “Sorry…” The receptionist looked up and gave her a sharp glare. “How may I help you?” “I… I’m here to see Mr. Arnold,” she said, trying to sound confident despite the nervous flutter in her chest. A loud sigh escaped the woman behind the desk. “Do I have to deal with this every day?” she muttered. Lena stood awkwardly. Her modest dress covered almost her entire figure—not exactly fashionable by modern standards. It made her seem out of place in a building filled with sharp suits and high heels. “Do you have an appointment with Mr. Arnold?” the receptionist asked, visibly annoyed. “No—not really,” Lena admitted. “But I need to hand something to him personally.” “Go wait in the visitor center,” the receptionist replied, gesturing dismissively toward a small waiting area. Lena moved toward the room and sat down, anxiety creeping in. This is stupid. Why did I even follow Wayne’s advice? Now I’ll just sit here all day, never even getting to see Mr. Arnold… Her thoughts spiraled. “Hey, Lena!” She turned. That voice was familiar. “Sarah?” she blinked in surprise. Her old friend from school stood there, smiling. “Hey! You work here?” Lena asked. “Of course,” Sarah replied. Even the building’s security guard gave Sarah a respectful bow. “Wow, you’re a boss now,” Lena said playfully. “Haha—don’t be silly. I’m just a secretary,” Sarah said with a proud grin. “That’s still great!” “So what brings you here?” “I came to see Mr. Arnold,” Lena said, hopeful she might get help from her friend. “Oh really? You know my boss?” Sarah raised a brow. “I mean… I have something important to discuss with him.” Sarah’s tone shifted slightly. “So not only do you know Mr. Arnold, but you want to discuss something with him?” she asked, her smile fading. “I just need to deliver something personally…” Lena said softly. “You haven’t changed,” Sarah muttered, giving Lena a cold glare. Lena blinked, confused. “Do you really think someone like you can just walk in and speak to a man like Mr. Arnold? This isn’t some school fantasy, Lena. You don’t belong here. It’s pathetic.” What? Lena was stunned. Why was she acting like this? Sarah’s voice grew louder, enough to draw attention. “You think you stand a chance with a man like him? Do you even realize where you are?” “Sarah…” Lena whispered, trying to calm her. “Don’t touch me, you filthy thing. Still the same poor girl from school. And you married a beggar, didn’t you? A nobody. How pitiful.” People nearby chuckled. Lena stood frozen. Humiliated. Her eyes burned. Then, a shift in the room. Everyone turned toward the elevators. Sarah turned too, her expression shifting when she saw Mr. Arnold stepping out. She rushed toward him. Lena took the opportunity to slip toward the exit, her heart pounding. Just get out— “Excuse me,” Mr. Arnold’s voice boomed. “Who here is Mrs. Lena?” Lena froze.
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It felt as if Lena were floating in a dream when she heard the voice echo across the room.Then Sarah—who had just moments ago rushed forward with a proud smile—suddenly stiffened, her face faltering.“Huh? D–Did Lena… have a connection with Mr. Arnold?” she whispered under her breath, confusion flickering in her eyes.Lena, caught off guard, turned uncertainly. She didn’t understand what was going on either.Everyone in the waiting room grew silent, glancing around curiously.“Excuse me… is Mrs. Lena here? Or hasn’t she arrived yet?” Mr. Arnold’s voice rang out again as he looked across the room, brows furrowed in search.He didn’t recognize her.Lena hesitated, her heart fluttering. Then, barely above a whisper, she spoke. “Sir…”She raised her hand gently from the back.Mr. Arnold’s sharp gaze immediately landed on her. He smiled.“Oh… are you Mrs. Lena?” he called, his tone instantly warm.Lena gave a slight nod.Everyone turned to look at her.“Could she be in trouble?”“Did she
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“Mom, I promise you—I’m going to earn us respect in this family. From now on, no one will dare look down on us.”Lena’s voice trembled as tears welled in her eyes.Her mother sat frozen, staring at the contract in her hands, rereading the figure as though it were a hallucination.“Eighty million dollars?” she whispered in disbelief. “Not fifty… but eighty?”She glanced up, dazed. “Did Peter do this? Is he the one who convinced his father to offer such a massive deal?” A slow, hopeful smile tugged at her lips.“I knew that he’s capable, not only handsome as a man,” she continued with a joyful laugh.Lena let out a short scoff, but before she could respond, Wayne remained silent, standing and watching them, his presence unnoticed but ever-watchful.“It was Wayne’s idea,” Lena admitted. “He told me to go to Mr. Arnold and give him a gift—to try at least.” She paused mid-sentence, her brows knitting as realization dawned.So it was Peter who told his father beforehand… that’s why Mr. Arno
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Lena’s confidence surged, fueled by the excitement pulsing through her veins. She seemed bolder than ever—standing tall despite the weight of the room’s piercing stares. Every eye was on her, their expressions mixed with curiosity and contempt.Mrs. Romanos’ fury only deepened as she prepared to speak, her lips parting—“Grandma,” Lena called again, interrupting the silence.“I secured the contract you asked me to get. Not only that, I also—”She couldn’t finish.Jane scoffed and abruptly stood from his front-row seat, turning to face her.“You pathetic liar,” he snapped. “You already secured the contract? Huh?”His laughter dripped with sarcasm.“How dare you lie in front of everyone here? You must be insane.”Elena joined in from her seat. “You? A $50 million contract with Arnold Group? Stop humiliating yourself. Do you think anyone would believe you?”Her husband let out a mocking chuckle, and others followed suit. Even Lena’s own mother looked worried, her eyes silently pleading f
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Just then, the door swung open. And there he was—Peter! Everyone in the room turned to look at him. Peter walked in majestically, like a king, flaunting his luxurious wristwatch and a suit that screamed wealth and power. James quickly stood up and rushed toward him halfway. “Oh, Peter! Thank goodness you’re here on time. Some pauper—good-for-nothing—claims they got a contract from your family business.” Peter smirked, stealing a glance at Lena. He’d always liked her, but no matter how hard he tried, she never gave him a chance. I’ll make you regret rejecting me today, he thought. Lena’s mother, seeing the situation, rushed forward. “Um… Peter, thank you for the contract you helped my daughter get. I wonder how we’d have ended up if not for you. You’re such a great man,” she began praising him, hoping he’d side with them—even if Lena was lying—and save them from shame. But deep down, Gift (Lena’s mother) already had doubts. She knew it couldn’t be possible. Peter had already
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Wayne walked hopelessly toward the home that Lena had received as a gift from her family’s business. To the world, he was Lena’s husband. But in their two-plus years of marriage, Wayne had never once stood in front of her like a man and spoken to her directly. They were more like strangers, merely sharing a room. She took the bed. Wayne slept on the floor. His steps were slow, head bowed in frustration. As if the sky shared his pain, the clouds darkened and it began to rain. Still, Wayne didn’t flinch. He just kept moving, soaked and weary, a whisper escaping his lips. “Will I lose the only friend I’ve got left?” David was a foreigner—Wayne met him four years ago, just after arriving in the country. They used to play piano and violin at the airport to earn change. David was a quiet soul, never revealing much about where he came from. Wayne never pushed him. He only listened to what David felt safe to share. But now David was in an accident—and Wayne couldn’t even afford the depo
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After a while, Wayne finally stood up from David’s bedside. He’d been staring at him the whole time, not realizing that his phone—set to silent—had been ringing nonstop. There were several missed calls from Lena. She was worried after he left the house in such a hurry, but Wayne had been too preoccupied to notice. He walked toward the doctor’s office, a nervous smile playing on his lips. “Sir, please… how much do I have to pay back for the surgery?” he asked, anxiety crawling in his chest. He didn’t understand why or how they had gone ahead with such a costly surgery—or why David had been moved to the VIP section. It didn’t make sense. “Oh, you don’t have to worry,” the doctor replied as he stepped out, heading to attend another patient. “The bill has been fully settled.” Wayne stood there, speechless. The unease in his heart only grew stronger. He needed answers. He walked over to the beautiful nurse he’d spoken to earlier. “Hi… please, can you tell me who the man w
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Wayne stood before the towering structure, eyes wide with disbelief, as if trying to breathe in the sheer elegance of the place. The building exuded prestige—no, power. Even the air smelled like wealth, like the scent of ancient money and secrets only the elite were born to know. He felt like he was standing at the edge of a dream. This wasn’t just architecture—it was another world, a realm he had only seen on luxury lifestyle TV shows and glossy magazines. And now… he was here. Not as a guest. Not as a beggar peering through a glass wall. But as the man this empire now bowed to. Could this be real? Is this… really mine? Just weeks ago, he couldn’t afford lunch. Now he own the kind of world they made movies about. His heart pounded. His thoughts scattered. It felt too absurd, too perfect to be anything but fantasy. “Master, this way. Shall we?” Zack’s voice grounded him, laced with respectful urgency. Wayne blinked, almost forgetting he was still standing at the entrance
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Just then, the door swung open. And there he was—Peter! Everyone in the room turned to look at him. Peter walked in majestically, like a king, flaunting his luxurious wristwatch and a suit that screamed wealth and power. James quickly stood up and rushed toward him halfway. “Oh, Peter! Thank goodness you’re here on time. Some pauper—good-for-nothing—claims they got a contract from your family business.” Peter smirked, stealing a glance at Lena. He’d always liked her, but no matter how hard he tried, she never gave him a chance. I’ll make you regret rejecting me today, he thought. Lena’s mother, seeing the situation, rushed forward. “Um… Peter, thank you for the contract you helped my daughter get. I wonder how we’d have ended up if not for you. You’re such a great man,” she began praising him, hoping he’d side with them—even if Lena was lying—and save them from shame. But deep down, Gift (Lena’s mother) already had doubts. She knew it couldn’t be possible. Peter had already
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Lena’s confidence surged, fueled by the excitement pulsing through her veins. She seemed bolder than ever—standing tall despite the weight of the room’s piercing stares. Every eye was on her, their expressions mixed with curiosity and contempt.Mrs. Romanos’ fury only deepened as she prepared to speak, her lips parting—“Grandma,” Lena called again, interrupting the silence.“I secured the contract you asked me to get. Not only that, I also—”She couldn’t finish.Jane scoffed and abruptly stood from his front-row seat, turning to face her.“You pathetic liar,” he snapped. “You already secured the contract? Huh?”His laughter dripped with sarcasm.“How dare you lie in front of everyone here? You must be insane.”Elena joined in from her seat. “You? A $50 million contract with Arnold Group? Stop humiliating yourself. Do you think anyone would believe you?”Her husband let out a mocking chuckle, and others followed suit. Even Lena’s own mother looked worried, her eyes silently pleading f
Chapter Nine
“Mom, I promise you—I’m going to earn us respect in this family. From now on, no one will dare look down on us.”Lena’s voice trembled as tears welled in her eyes.Her mother sat frozen, staring at the contract in her hands, rereading the figure as though it were a hallucination.“Eighty million dollars?” she whispered in disbelief. “Not fifty… but eighty?”She glanced up, dazed. “Did Peter do this? Is he the one who convinced his father to offer such a massive deal?” A slow, hopeful smile tugged at her lips.“I knew that he’s capable, not only handsome as a man,” she continued with a joyful laugh.Lena let out a short scoff, but before she could respond, Wayne remained silent, standing and watching them, his presence unnoticed but ever-watchful.“It was Wayne’s idea,” Lena admitted. “He told me to go to Mr. Arnold and give him a gift—to try at least.” She paused mid-sentence, her brows knitting as realization dawned.So it was Peter who told his father beforehand… that’s why Mr. Arno
Chapter Eight
It felt as if Lena were floating in a dream when she heard the voice echo across the room.Then Sarah—who had just moments ago rushed forward with a proud smile—suddenly stiffened, her face faltering.“Huh? D–Did Lena… have a connection with Mr. Arnold?” she whispered under her breath, confusion flickering in her eyes.Lena, caught off guard, turned uncertainly. She didn’t understand what was going on either.Everyone in the waiting room grew silent, glancing around curiously.“Excuse me… is Mrs. Lena here? Or hasn’t she arrived yet?” Mr. Arnold’s voice rang out again as he looked across the room, brows furrowed in search.He didn’t recognize her.Lena hesitated, her heart fluttering. Then, barely above a whisper, she spoke. “Sir…”She raised her hand gently from the back.Mr. Arnold’s sharp gaze immediately landed on her. He smiled.“Oh… are you Mrs. Lena?” he called, his tone instantly warm.Lena gave a slight nod.Everyone turned to look at her.“Could she be in trouble?”“Did she
Chapter Seven
The next morning, as Lena prepared to leave…Wayne handed her a wrapped envelope.“Don’t worry about anything. Just give this to him—he’ll understand,” Wayne murmured.Making her think it contains a important asset of Mr Rafael Romanos, who’s her late grandfatherLena paused, staring at the thick envelope with a puzzled look on her face.“Wayne… So you even know how much the contract is worth? And you expect Mr. Arnold to accept this just like that, and because of grandfather he would just offer the contract?”Before she could finish her thought, Wayne gently interrupted her.“Dear, you have to trust me. I believe we can make this work,” he said, stepping closer and patting her back.A strange comfort washed over her. After nearly three years of marriage, Wayne had never shown her this level of closeness. For the first time, it felt like their connection was beginning to spark into something more.“Are you sure about this?” she asked softly.Wayne nodded. “Yes. I believe in you. And I
Chapter Six
Earlier, Wayne had received a message from Zack, prompting him to go meet him.To keep his identity hidden until the right moment, Wayne had instructed Zack never to come to his house under any circumstances—even in urgent matters. Zack was to text him and act accordingly until Wayne arrived.“Master, welcome,” Zack greeted with a bow, and the suited men behind him followed in unison.“What’s the urgent matter, Zack?” Wayne asked, his voice adopting the authoritative tone of a true boss.Zack smiled politely.“The official announcement will be made today. As instructed, only your last name will be revealed—not your full identity. Once it’s done, the entire Solemere estate will undergo some refinement. It’s time to start on a clean slate, don’t you think, Master?”Zack spoke as Wayne scrolled through his tablet in the luxurious, latest model Rolls-Royce Zack had arrived in.“Well, about that… I need you to prepare a contract offer for the Arnold family. Include a condition—they must co
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The mischievous little grin on Wayne’s face didn’t go unnoticed—James, Lena’s cousin, caught it from across the room.“What’s this idiot smiling about in a situation like this? Does he really think it won’t affect him if Lena and her mother get kicked out? Useless man,” he muttered under his breath, clearly irritated.He stepped forward, his voice cutting through the tense air.“Grandma,” he began smoothly, “I think it’s time Lena learned how to manage things herself. Of course, she’s close with Peter—Mr. Arnold’s son—so she might as well ask for his help. Since her so-called husband is clearly useless, maybe this will finally show her who truly deserves her.”James’s courage wasn’t his own—it came from his friendship with Jacob. Both had always shared one thing: a quiet resentment for Wayne and Lena, especially since Lena refused to divorce Wayne.But Mrs. Romanos, experienced and tactical, wouldn’t let things sound too pointed.“James, shut up,” she snapped, frowning.“This task isn
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Wayne stood before the towering structure, eyes wide with disbelief, as if trying to breathe in the sheer elegance of the place. The building exuded prestige—no, power. Even the air smelled like wealth, like the scent of ancient money and secrets only the elite were born to know. He felt like he was standing at the edge of a dream. This wasn’t just architecture—it was another world, a realm he had only seen on luxury lifestyle TV shows and glossy magazines. And now… he was here. Not as a guest. Not as a beggar peering through a glass wall. But as the man this empire now bowed to. Could this be real? Is this… really mine? Just weeks ago, he couldn’t afford lunch. Now he own the kind of world they made movies about. His heart pounded. His thoughts scattered. It felt too absurd, too perfect to be anything but fantasy. “Master, this way. Shall we?” Zack’s voice grounded him, laced with respectful urgency. Wayne blinked, almost forgetting he was still standing at the entrance
Chapter Three
After a while, Wayne finally stood up from David’s bedside. He’d been staring at him the whole time, not realizing that his phone—set to silent—had been ringing nonstop. There were several missed calls from Lena. She was worried after he left the house in such a hurry, but Wayne had been too preoccupied to notice. He walked toward the doctor’s office, a nervous smile playing on his lips. “Sir, please… how much do I have to pay back for the surgery?” he asked, anxiety crawling in his chest. He didn’t understand why or how they had gone ahead with such a costly surgery—or why David had been moved to the VIP section. It didn’t make sense. “Oh, you don’t have to worry,” the doctor replied as he stepped out, heading to attend another patient. “The bill has been fully settled.” Wayne stood there, speechless. The unease in his heart only grew stronger. He needed answers. He walked over to the beautiful nurse he’d spoken to earlier. “Hi… please, can you tell me who the man w
