Renee’s face popped up in a headline: [Slutz Group Crashes–Emerson Slutz Auctions Off Daughter to Save Company!] Poppy clicked her tongue. “That man’s ruthless. Ever since Fenwick Corp dropped them, everyone else bailed too. Now the company’s basically dead. Dude’s useless and still nasty. To keep the business alive, he literally tried 1/2 Chapter 15 … Read more
Lyra stared at Joel, his face twisted like he was the victim here, and let out a dry laugh. “Why would I want anything from you? I said I never wanted to see you again–did you think I was kidding? Wasn’t it your dream to marry Renee and pop out kids with her? Congrats, the … Read more
Weston didn’t leave Lyra’s side the rest of the day. After work, Joel trailed her car like a ghost, but Lyra acted like he didn’t exist. 1/2 Chooter 14 +25 BONUS That night, the butler came over with a tablet, clearly uncomfortable. “Mr. Windsor, Mrs. Windsor… there’s a man kneeling at the gate. He’s holding … Read more
Chapter 14 Joel stood there, stunned, ready to blurt out some excuse about mixing up Renee with Vesper–but Lyra cut in, her voice flat. “Hold up, Weston. Let me clear the room first.” This was still her turf–Lebeau Corp. No way she was airing her personal drama in front of the staff. She turned to … Read more
Being with Weston was easy. No games, no guessing. He wore his heart on his sleeve, and honestly? It felt like breathing after years of drowning with Joel. Joel hit the city where Lyra was staying and instantly put his team on recon mode. Chapter 13 +25 BONUS By evening, he was hunched over a … Read more
Chapter 13 Evelyn’s voice was tight. “The woman Weston Windsor’s marrying? It’s Lyra—your ex.” Joel’s eyes went sharp. “No way.” She pulled out a photo. “Paparazzi shot.” In it, Weston was wiping oil off Lyra’s cheek, all soft and boyfriend–coded. “She’s there, isn’t she? I’m flying out.” Evelyn grabbed his arm. “You’ve been so wrapped … Read more
“I messed up! I’ll apologize to Lyra in public–I’ll beg for her forgiveness! Please, Joel, I just lost the baby–have mercy!” 1/2 Chapter 12 +25 BONUS He stared down at her, icy and unmoved. “Let you go? Apologies don’t cut it. You’re gonna feel every ounce of what you put Lyra through. Only then can … Read more
Chapter 12 Renee stood there, dripping wet and looking like a total wreck. “I’m carrying your child. This cold water could hurt the baby. I’ve known each other since childhood–don’t you feel anything for me anymore?” Joel almost laughed, voice cold as ice. “Feel anything? If you hadn’t faked being Vesper back then, you really … Read more
5 BONUS ‘Joel is still pissed.‘ They yanked her up, and she gasped for air, coughing and sputtering. “Joel!” she whimpered, putting on her best helpless look. “Didn’t you call me over because you forgave me? “I was gonna tell you I wasn’t Vesper as soon as I got back! But Lyra kept bullying me—I … Read more
Chapter 11 Meanwhile, in Lindale. Renee was stuck back at her family’s place, blowing up Joel’s phone with desperate texts–begging for forgiveness. Not a single reply. Refusing to quit, she tracked down his favorite bar and showed up in a skimpy outfit, throwing herself at him the second she spotted him. “Joel, I missed you.” … Read more