adminj Chapter 9 Adrienne’s steps paused for a few seconds before she slowly walked out. The elevator doors closed behind her. Jared felt so relieved. He swallowed hard. “I’ll look into it right away!” To find out why Adrienne was here, and she was with Willard. That man had once nearly kissed her by force. Garrett … Read more
Chapter 8 Standing in the office in simple jeans and a white blouse, she looked like a delicate lotus in clear water. “Mr. Gibson.” She called out softly. If Willard dared to try anything else, she would quit on the spot. But Willard only snorted and gave her a once–over. “3,000 dollars a month. You’ll … Read more
Chapter 7 She took out her phone and called him. As usual, he didn’t answer. So she called Jared. “Mr. Hinton, where is Garrett?” “Mrs. Melendez, Mr. Melendez is on a business trip. He won’t be back for three days.” For the past three years, she had only been able to know Garrett’s schedule through … Read more
Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Her lashes drooped. She looked unwell. Terrence nudged some food toward her. “Your sister got up at five to cook. Adri, did you know I work at the Melendez Group? My supervisor is always sucking up to the boss. Yesterday, he even yelled at a young woman in our department. I … Read more
Chapter 5 “Mrs. Melendez…” Adrienne had already stepped into the rain. When she gave Garrett her first time at eighteen, she had imagined their future. She never thought that at twenty–six, everything would be in ruins. Letting him go felt like tearing out half of herself. But she really didn’t want him anymore. When she … Read more
Chapter 4 Garrett’s gaze dropped from the computer to her suitcase. His throat burned, scorching all the way from his throat to his stomach. He let out a cold laugh. His mocking voice was sharp and cruel. “Bringing so little? What, planning to come back every so often to get the rest? Adrienne, did you … Read more
Chapter 3 Everyone else had already left in their cars. Adrienne had taken a cab to get here, and now she was the last one remaining. A black Rolls–Royce cut through the rain and stopped in front of her. The window rolled down, revealing Jared Hinton’s face. He was Garrett’s assistant. “Mrs. Melendez, please get … Read more
Chapter 2 He had picked Bethany’s. Adrienne stared, frozen, as the scarf she spent two months knitting drowned in wine. The color drained from her face, and her heart felt like it had been dipped in ice. Bethany sighed and took Adrienne’s arm as if she were trying to comfort her. “Don’t be upset, Adrienne. … Read more
Chapter 1 Adrienne Norton arrived at her husband’s birthday banquet, panting, only to be told that it was over. “Ms. Norton, what are you doing here? The birthday party is already over.” The person at the door clearly hadn’t expected her to show up, their tone full of surprise. It was her husband’s birthday dinner, … Read more
Chapter 25 Solana stepped aside, gesturing to the mirror. “Take a look.” Averie, initially fuming, glanced at her reflection, draped in luxury brands, and smirked. Compared to Solana’s plain waitress uniform, she felt invincible. “You’re the one who needs a mirror,” Averie sneered. “Look at you–what part of you still deserves him?” Her eyes landed on Solana’s Jager–LeCoultre watch. “So ‘noble,‘ yet clinging to a watch my dad bought you?” Solana glanced at the timepiece. “It holds special meaning for me.” “What, your vanity can’t let go?” Averie sneered. “But fine–Dad said you could keep it. Consider it charity.” Solana smiled. Robert had said the same in her previous life, watching her wear it to prison. Now, the words meant nothing. Averie has no idea that this watch contributed to the Webbs‘ downfall. Averie hated Solana’s calm. “Stop pretending! You’ve cried over that shack of a home, haven’t you? It must be so hard coming downtown.” “It looks good to me,” Solana said lightly. “Stop pretending!” Averie snapped, tapping her phone. Solana’s phone pinged with a 700 bucks transfer. “A temp job pays less in a month. Take it and disappear. Stay away from Mateo.” “$1,000?” Solana clicked her tongue. “Miss Webb, haven’t you adjusted to reality? For Webbs, 700 bucks is pocket change. Stingy even for a meal–embarrassing.” Averie’s face flushed. She transferred 7,000 in rage. Solana accepted it instantly. “Thought you were better than this–just another gold–digger!” Averie scoffed. “This isn’t for me. It’s repayment for 18 years my parents spent raising you,” Solana said indifferently. “They deserve far more. And your lies about them? Unforgettable.” Averie trembled. “You–you’re just greedy! I’ll tell Mateo you begged for money!” Too ashamed to argue, she fled. Solana rolled her eyes. ‘As if I care what Mateo thinks. Come on,‘ she thought. Back in the private dining room, Averie tearfully claimed Solana had “extorted” her. Vivian exploded, “Damn, she’s insane! Why’d you give her anything? I’ll get the money back!” Averie held her back. “It’s okay. Her parents did raise me. I don’t mind the money.” 5 Sophia scoffed. “But Mr. Webb already paid them. They’re leeches.” Turning to Mateo, Averie said, “Don’t blame her, Mateo. She’s desperate. Let it go.” Just then, a waiter knocked. Vivian yanked the door open, expecting Solana–but found a stranger. “Where’s Solana? We want her to serve us!” Vivian demanded. “She’s off–duty,” the waiter said. Vivian froze momentarily, at a loss for words. Sophia, however, suddenly remembered something. “Are all our orders served?” “Yes,” the waiter replied. “Solana specifically asked me to present this to Miss Webb as a token of gratitude for her generosity.” As he spoke, a cup of the Snakebite Latte was placed in front of Averie. Averie’s facial expressions shifted rapidly, her eyes welled up. “W–what does she mean by this?” she asked weakly. 2/2